The Littles Are Running Amok

Things that make you go hmmmm....

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Fine... here's my list of oddities. Which, by the way, I do not find odd in the least.

I always put my left sock on first, then my right. Then right shoe on. Then my left shoe. There's a reason for this. I hesitate to share, lest you mock me. More than usual, I mean.
As of this morning, I have 543 unread e-mails in my inbox. It is my virtual junk drawer.
When waiting for something (a stoplight, the phone to ring, etc,...) I will count down, over and over if necessary, trying to time my count right to end when the light changes or the water boils.
I wake without an alarm between 5-5:30 every morning. You'd think I'd get more done, being up so early and all...
12:36 is my favorite time. Why? Because 1+2+3=6 or 1x2x3=6 or (this is a bit of a stretch) 12x3=36 (See how I used the 3 twice? That's technically cheating.) I also have an affinity for 10:27.
My head is so big I have to buy man hats, but my ears, mouth and nose are so small they have to use pediatric instruments. That's embarrassing. I should take this off the list.
I don't like breakfast. More specifically, I don't like breakfast food. I'll eat nothing or leftovers or salad... just not cereal, eggs, pancakes, french toast (blech!)... Bacon, however, is the exception to all rules.
Pens. I'm a pen snob. I throw out cheap pens. If you leave your cheap pen here, I will throw it out. Don't come back for it. It's gone. Same with cheap pencils. We only use one kind. The rest, no matter how cute, are gone. Ask the kids. They know, if they want to keep cute, they'd better hide it!
I cry in church. More often than not, anyhow. I'm the leaky sort. I cry a lot. I cry when I'm happy and when I'm sad and when I'm mad. So, I leak a lot. And, I sit in church alone and it's dark-ish. And nobody knows.
Monday is my favorite day of the week. Easter is my favorite celebration. Spring is my favorite season. (see a theme here?)

Okay, there is enough crazy for your Tuesday. What's your weirdness?

Something's going down in the stable...

2011-12-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

Cael says someone's called a meeting in the stable. Everyone's attendance was required- animals included. You can see that even the angel (far right) came down from her perch for this gathering. Must be BIG!

Not everything should be a Jell-O flavor!

2011-12-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

On Wednesdays, all the kiddos hang out at AWANA. This means I get to do fun things with my friends. Sometimes we go get iced tea and chat. Other times, we peruse the aisles at Target. Sometimes, we're desperate (the cupboards are empty) and we're forced to grocery shop! But doing the marketing with friends is always more fun. The company is great and we find all sorts of interesting things!

A few weeks ago, Stacy and I discovered this treasure. Candy Cane Jell-O. I do love peppermint. My kiddos do love "candy cans" and we all enjoy pudding so... I took some time to debate the hot pink box and the $.96 price tag. Obviously, I caved to peer pressure. We both agreed to give it a whirl with the younger set, despite the fact that it goes against all that is good & holy in my food-issue-riddled-mind!

I told you the box is hot pink! You'd think that would serve as a deterrent. Nope.

The pudding mixed up a lovely shade of pale pink. I was worried, given the illustration on the box! It was thick and pretty. Alas, no one liked it but Lou and even she only ate a bit. Should have listened to "mommy radar" on this one...

Boys should be pickier.

2011-12-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

Rhys wasn't keen on the after dinner mints at the Mexican restaurant up the road. Instead, he opted to spend his own quarter on a handful of pistachios from the vending machine. Ummmm.... duh. Well, he was tickled to find a worm in one of the nuts. Well, after finding another worm in the next nut and then the next and then the next... he finally decided he may have wasted his hard earned $.25. Being 14 years old, he did eat several of the pistachios, and no they weren't the first few before he found the worms... They were the ones he cracked and didn't see a noticeable worm. Gee, some things should bother boys.

(For the record: we did go back and tell the restaurant and tell them about their petting zoo in the making. They didn't care. I feel for the poor unsuspecting folks who get a more than they bargained for with their handful of peanut M&Ms next time... Blech!)

Date night...

2011-12-19T06:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it wasn't really a date. And it wasn't really night. I went to a movie yesterday afternoon with Jason & Rhys. Somehow, the three younger ones went home from church with grandma and grandpa (whoo hoo!) and we were left with some unexpected free time! I've had some gift certificates for the local theater waiting for a happenstance such as this...

A quick search with my not-so-smart phone revealed an afternoon showing of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Off we went: the fourteen year old, the mama and the dad.

(Side note: have you been to a movie lately?! I love previews. I make a concerted effort to be there early as not to miss those previews. I should say used to... Yesterday, we were treated to 30 minutes of advertisements with a few previews mixed in. Actual television commercials. Lots of them. Ugh!)

The movie itself was great. All three of us enjoyed it. It was an odd experience to sit, wedged between these two kindred spirits. It's a bit disconcerting to sit between Jason and his younger self. I watched my eldest child laugh at humor that would have so readily gone over his head so recently. He followed the plot with its many twists and turns. In short, sitting there he resembled an (gasp!) adult. It was unnerving, but delightful at the same time. I think we may have to do that again soon!

Almost homemade bread...

2011-12-13T12:39:00.001-08:00

I should have a really good excuse for not blogging for 8 months. I don't. I should "catch up" all the posts. I'm not going to... I'm am just starting where I am. It's all I can handle these days. Frankly, it might be more than I can stand. Stay tuned...

Last night, I made BBQ ribs in trusty crock-pot. As dinner time neared, I realized we needed bread. I'm not a Minnesota native, but having married into a Midwestern family, I have been taught- dinner needs bread. And truly... ribs deserve bread.

A quick survey of the kitchen and a quicker rundown of my baking skills revealed few options for quick bread. However, I did discover two tubes of Simply Pillsbury Rustic French bread in the fridge. I use those for stromboli, which is a favorite throw together meal around here!

Well, I popped those cans, plopped those bad boys on the cookie sheet and hoped that we'd have bread in 23-28 minutes...

o
Success!!! You wouldn't mistake it for homemade. Then again, you wouldn't have the mess to clue you in that someone made homemade bread either... The kids loved it and having warm bread on the table to sop up BBQ sauce from the ribs was awesome. What's sad is that my kiddos thought it was the "best meal ever..." Really?

A mere four days ago...

2011-02-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

Seriously... flip flops and short sleeves. Now we have many inches of snow and is hovering at zero! Wrong direction, weather man!

Sunday afternoons...

2011-02-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

Home from church early on a cold winter day means.... books & breakfast!

Rhys: happily reading a library book instead of finishing his literature homework.

Lou reading to George, although George would claim it's the other way around!

Cael working hard on his umpteenth waffle! (Is it awful that I mix my raw milk with Bisquick to make waffles?!)

Lou & I had to go pick up an Azure delivery. This is at 3pm. Brrrrrr.... It's a good thing we had 60's earlier this week or I'd be hard pressed to believe that spring really is on the way!

Bountiful Baskets

2011-02-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

Finally... a great deal on produce! Don't get me wrong, I love Costco for my fruits & veggies when the farmer's market is on hiatus, but... $15 buys a box of grapes and a tub of spinach. That's all. Not a lot of variety for those few dollars...

Introducing, Bountiful Baskets. For a $15 contribution to this co-op, you get a lovely basket of fruits & veggies. Here, it's every other week, but seeing as we have three locations already, perhaps they'll be enough interest to move to weekly!

Today's basket included: Jerusalem artichokes, strawberries, spinach, carrots, squash, cabbage, cantaloupe, bananas, sweet potatoes, mangoes, apples, and little bitty pears!

I'll be honest: before this morning, I'd never heard of Jerusalem artichokes (also called 'sunchokes'). A quick google search shows me that they are similar to parsnips and can be used in place of potatoes.

The goal for us it to use all of these groceries... the ones we love as well as the "unheard" of variety!

For $6.50 (my half of the 20 lbs. citrus box), this is what we found inside! Pummeloes, oranges, minneolas, lemons & limes. I think this will prove very popular here!

Cael was most entertained with the citrus. A full 1/2 hour was spent playing with his "lunch"!

$10 for 5 loaves of tasty bread! We also ordered tortillas and, man, are they dense! I'll bet those go over well with my boys!

Science is so much fun!

2011-02-18T16:17:00.001-08:00

Our personal planetarium. Isn't that just cool? The kids drew constellations on the underside of a dollar store umbrella.

Measuring craters made by dropping small household objects into a pile of flour. What great fun!

George and his homemade 3D glasses. Stylin....

Fun in the (fake) sun...

2011-01-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

My youngest nephew had the audacity to turn two, despite his mother's insistence that he stay a baby... She caved and threw him a lovely party at the water-park.

Cael spent his time in the wave pool- spinning. I have video but blogger won't cooperate...

George launching out of the big-kid slide!

Lou crossing the floating lily pads.

Lou & cousin, Maddi, having a bribe, er... treat for getting out of the water and dressed!

Welcome to double digits, Lou Lou!

2011-01-29T20:11:00.000-08:00

Emma, Anna, Lou, & Hannelora helped her celebrate with a "girl's night!" Kjersten requested pizza, a movie, Wii playing and, most importantly, NO BOYS!

The girls had to check out the snow- in their pajamas!

With no boys at home, they were free to take over the living room. I went to bed at 10pm and never heard a thing. Of course, the earplugs might have helped!

(Rhys took refuge at Evan's house and Jason took the little boys to grandma & grandpa's where they all had a sleep over of their own!)

I'll just say it... this year sucked!

2010-12-31T20:19:00.000-08:00

(Not my photo. Duh. Grabbed it on-line.)

I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these let you savor a bad mood. ~Calvin (Bill Watterson)

I'm just going to let it all out right here and now. This year was awful. It followed directly on the heels of a pretty bad 2009. But, 2010 was looking promising. I mean, really... how much more could we handle?

I'd say that the elimination of Jason's job was the catalyst of the train-wreck, but I don't know that to be true. It just happens to fall at the beginning of the longest year! When we knew his job was ending, we prayed and planned and prayed some more. Neither of us were worried. We had a plan. He's capable & educated. Time off & a new career? Surely this was a disguised blessing.

If so, we're sick of being blessed. 6 months of unemployment to end up with a less than desirable job dropping new issues on our doorstep. Thousands spent on fixing up the house to sell, just to have it sit in this dormant market. Hundreds of resumes/ applications sent on both of our behalves with so little response, I'm beginning to wonder what pox has been visited upon us! An emergency fund and retirement account depleted just to survive. Here we are... more than 9 months later. It's bad. And, I just am no longer optimistic that my life will return to "normal."

Could it get worse? Oh, sure. I do know what other life-altering events could be just around our corner. How dare I question this year's trials when real sadnesses mark the days of last year for many of our friends. Complaining seems sinful: just one more thing I'm failing at these days.

Will it get better? Of course. It always does. But my conversations with God aren't so sure. I'm scared that the life I never took for granted will not be returned to me. I miss it so.

Is this my fault? This is what I struggle with most. Did I not take care of the gifts I've been given? Have I placed too much faith in my own abilities and my own plans? Have I not planned well enough?

Let me say, all of this stress has sandwiched a year full of joyful things. I could list happiness from each month with pure exuberance! My friends & family have had remarkable joys and we've had many as well. Nevertheless, I have neglected so much to give so much attention to the ongoing crisis at hand...

So, as the new year is arriving, I am not optimistic. Nor, am I pessimistic. I just am. We have 365 days until 2012. I wonder what they hold for us. I pray that this time next year, I'll be able to announce some great lesson learned. Stay tuned...

Christmas treasures...

2010-12-31T19:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is Kirsten (from 1854) in her 2010 clothes! Grandma is gifted in many ways, but we really appreciate her seamstress abilities! This was Lou's most loved shirt from Carol, outgrown long ago... It was one of three that we just couldn't pass on... (and, really... who else has a Kjersten?!) Grandma reconstructed those three favorite shirts into heirloom clothing for Kjersten's American Girl dolls.

Lou's gorgeous bed created by Uncle Josh.

Beautiful bedding for the bed made by grandma!

(above photos courtesy of Kjersten- did you see the purple bed on the red carpet. Ack!)

You wouldn't believe how happy George is with this Real Wood Kit. He's been saving his money- he has $.16 in his jar. It would have been $.21 but I wouldn't let him retrieve the nickel he swallowed!

In any case, Auntie Michelle caught word that he wanted "just this one thing" and his life would be complete and felt compelled to retain coolest gift-giver status. Mission accomplished.

Have you met George? This kit kept him entertained for a full hour upon opening. It has occupied many more hours in the last week. It really is nifty and I've heard the "wood" pieces can be bought in bulk at Hobby Lobby. We're just waiting on one of those 40% off coupons!

Christmas Day

2010-12-31T19:08:00.000-08:00

Following breakfast at home but alas no nap.... This is what we find waiting for us grandma & grandpa's!

Patiently waiting...

Gift in hand and still waiting...

Now, who thought this was a good gift for George?!

Uncle Josh teaching the boys how to arm wrestle. Guess who won?

Without a doubt, the highlight of Christmas day was the hay ride, being towed by Grandpa Paul's tractor! He went all out with lights and Christmas music. I'm really not sure who had more fun, grandpa or the rest of us!

Trying to fit all those kids on one trailer...

Uncle Josh with Thomas.

Christmas Morning

2010-12-31T18:37:00.000-08:00

Our morning began far too early... Rhys & Kjersten set their alarms. In my sleepy, barely conscience state I heard them talking as they headed down the hall to wake the little guys. I couldn't stop them. I wanted to. I just couldn't move fast enough! So, with precious little sleep Christmas morning was upon us!

Cael loves his Legos. Cael loves everything.

Another awesome gift from Auntie Michelle!

Inspecting stocking stuffings...

I missed a picture of Kjersten with her American Girls Doll, Kirsten before she undid the braids. Period hair- gone. Period clothing- gone (immediately after this photo was taken)

Eventually the sun came up to join us!

Happy, silly, sleepy boy.

The following video shows Cael excitement at getting his own Build-a-Bear! I thought he'd enjoy taking it to the mall to get its stuffing and such. Yeah, not so much. As you can see from the picture, he still put "teddy" into his Buzz costume. It's much more fun now that we've been to the mall & teddy has some girth!

Poor frosty

2010-12-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

Cael was trying to build Frosty (think felt board) and apparently it was too much for him! Now, he's sleeping on Frosty!

Christmas at the Zoo!

2010-12-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

We didn't go to the zoo to see Santa. We went to see... penguins and camels and Frosty! After a lovely drive through the light displays, listening to Christmas carols punctuated with Cael's enthusiastic commentary, we were told Santa was inside the gift shop/classroom area. Not being a family to pass up the chance to look at Madagascar hissing cockroaches or snakes while waiting to see Santa, we trekked right in!

The line was long and fraught with issues. Cael. Potty issues and anxiety over that "Santa guy". Think those issues might be related?! In any event, we decided to stick it out and gage his mood when we were "next". Surprisingly, he perked right up and said he wanted to sit "by" Santa on Rhys' lap. Ummmm... okay! So, here's what we got. Rhys had to be encouraged (or is that, threatened?). Kjersten would only go with her brothers. Y'all know Cael's deal.

George, however, was horrified to discover that it was to be a group picture. Seems he wanted some one on one time with that "ho ho ho guy". Request approved.

Side note: There's a reason his coat is ON and zipped up to his chin! He let Cael pick out his clothing for that night's outings (the zoo and a Christmas party). Well... let's just say, he DID have on purple & gold Vikings sweats with the black shirt with a white skeleton (makes him look like an x-ray). I insisted that one or the other had to go. Not knowing we would be having a photo op, I think I lucked out that he chose to keep the shirt and change into (hole in the knees) jeans. The coat wouldn't have helped with purple pants!

A star is... voted down.

2010-12-17T20:40:00.000-08:00

This crew "helped" us set up the tree. They also decided that the big red star behind the tree was sufficient. So, no tree-topper for us this year. It's just not necessary when we put the tree in the middle of the room!

A little bit of this and that...

2010-12-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

What happens when Cael is not closely supervised. Argh!

What happens when the mama reads the kiddos a story before bed.

What happens when you don't knock down big nasty spiderwebs before it freezes outside!

George made a maze for Rhys. As confusing as it was, Rhys "did" the maze and made his little brother's day!

Making our own snow. Flakes, that is...

2010-12-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

Another advent activity that was met with great enthusiasm by all. Who knew how entertaining some coffee filters and scissors would be...

More snow, please!

2010-12-17T19:57:00.001-08:00

Moment of impact!

It's such a long walk when your legs are so short!

Happiness.

I don't know why my child love to lie around in the snow or why Rhys can't be outside without a shovel in his hands! Whatever keeps them busy!

Less gingerbread, more candy!

2010-12-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

I caved. Sort of.

I have never done gingerbread houses. Despite years of being asked, begged, pleaded with... I have never bought one of those kits from Costco. For several reasons, I am not a fan. Cheap candy, mess, constant arguments over who is eating the gumdrops off the roof... Who needs it!?

We do. It seems that this year, it was time. My concessions? With Amy's help, we got each child a prebuilt house (graham crackers + small milk carton + hot glue). This approach allows for artistic freedom. I bought less nasty candy and canned frosting for the mama's convenience.
Finally, I plugged gingerbread houses into the advent calendar on a day that there was little else on the schedule. A certain recipe for success!

And it was.

"Dirty icing" the houses, as George (and Cake Boss) would call it. I call it a crumb coat, but they don't care.

Some building materials...

Hard at work. Believe it or not, precious little candy was consumed during construction.

I didn't help Cael at all! I'm still impressed with what an age-appropriate activity it was for ALL my kiddos!

Somehow, I don't think these are going to last long!

Lou really wanted to show off her 'K'

And the front of her house.

George's house includes a water supply line and a flag.

Done completely by himself...

Born to coach?!

2010-10-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

With our 1st soccer season behind us, we've come to some conclusions:

1. These little fields are not big enough for George.
2. Fall soccer is lovely. A few games warranted coats, but NO snow!
3. George would rather coach his teammates than watch the ball.

Leading the pack down-field!

Ready to send that ball flying...

Chasing after a ball OR skipping toward the sideline for snack?!

I can't believe I didn't get a good picture of George instructing his teammates on how to "make a wall" or who to throw the ball to... He spent significant time doing both! Instead, here's Cael making his presence known!

A small miracle...

2010-10-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

I know... you think that my actually blogging is the miracle.

Alas, it's much more practical than that!

After a miserable day, following a miserable week, I came home from Target with a gallon of cough medicine and a bag of Halloween candy. Anticipating sweet relief, I was less than impressed with this discovery...

Seems Cael was busy while I was gone. Yes, I left him with supervision, I'm just not certain where said supervisors were... Cael was caught with my fabulous green pen. Surprisingly, nobody thought to investigate where exactly he'd been happily illustrating, although everyone seemed to know he had colored "somewhere"... The couch, people! He colored on my couch!

I wish I could say I responded calmly and without any inappropriate words, but y'all would know I was lying. I did dig out the cleaner that came with the couch and read through the warranty. Go ahead, guess whether pen is covered....

Nope. With little faith and even less energy, I took to cleaning the couch.

Would you believe, it wiped right off?! Look at it! I'm sold on Enduro Suede. I used to long for leather... No more.

I think it almost makes up for the rest of the week. Almost.

T-ball 2010

2010-07-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

I might be the only parent on the planet that thinks the t-ball season is far to short! I just don't tire of it... This year, I took on team parent duties (after seven years of kids playing ball, I figured I'm due...). Bad call. There are some rude, lazy, cheap people having kids these days. I don't see me signing up for that job again anytime soon!

George waiting for his teammates to get the show on the road!

Explaining something to Coach John.

Explaining something else to Coach John.

Looks like Coach John is explaining a thing or two to George!

Ready to catch!

A little coach pitch in a t-ball game!

George instructing the third baseman on what he ought to be doing!

Running for home!

We're already counting the days until ball season begins again! Fortunately, George is signed up for fall soccer so he'll have some organized running to keep him busy soon!

Ain't No Wild Waves... But We Love It

2010-07-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

Someday, George isn't going to have that black tooth and I do believe I'm going to miss it!

Auntie Sara & Uncle Josh (Sure is awesome when they come along...)

Waiting for the big bucket dump... notice Josh keeping Cael from breaking free!

(This is the waterpark we went to when I was Rhys' age: Wild Waves)

Cael turns three... finally!

2010-07-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Yes, his birthday is May 21st. However, you will notice only TWO candles on the cake. Cael did not want turn three. He wanted to stay "two half"! So insistent was he, we went along with it.

Turns out that just this week (a full two months later), he's decided that now he'll be three. Fabulous. Just in time to go to the movies tomorrow. He went from being free to $6. Way to go Cael.

Lovin' the Buzz cake with its two candles!

George giving some instruction on the art of t-ball.

Bret sending one down the hall to a waiting Cael.

Now, there's a good end to a great party! Brennen, Maddie & Cael...

Love, love, love summer....

2010-07-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

We got to hang with some friends the other night to celebrate John's 9th birthday. What a glorious summer evening! I want to bottle it up and keep a bit for those February nights when winter won't relax it's grip and summer seems impossibly far away...

Katie patiently refilled water guns 1000 times! Cael thinks she's magic! Bjorn just liked to soak her leg, over and over and over....

Cael comin' after the mama firing with both hands! John is right behind with ammo as well!

Kjersten taking another turn on the zip line. When Rhys arrived at the party (after karate), he spent the whole evening on this thing! Our friends do have the best backyard in the whole world! (Just ask my kiddos!)

George & Zeb shooting at John's grandpa, Bill, who had the BIG water blaster gun. Bill politely obliged their request for a gun fight and the little boys got a much deserved and thoroughly enjoyed soaking!

Nathan & Jason didn't seem to mind the chaos. Of course, they were chatting out the the line of fire, happily ignoring their combined 9 children!

Unfortunately: my modus operandi

2010-03-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Jamie! It's only funny because I know I'm not alone here...

T-ball season begins tonight!

2010-03-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

We finally had some spring rain yesterday, so George's 1st practice was postponed until today. Well, it did quit raining last night... Now we have snow. You can imagine the mud we're going to have! You have to love our springtime here in Montana...

Miss Amy's Field Trip

2010-03-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today, after a morning meeting, I called my dad to see if today was a good day to do lunch. Since I was already in the heights and knew that Amy's husband was home sick, I called to see if she'd like to get out of her germ-infested house and come along.

Cafeteria food for lunch wasn't the draw (although, it is for my kids!). Amy wanted to come look at the helicopter. After a lunch of "girled cheese" for the kiddos & wrap sandwiches for us, we headed for the helipad.

Without Rhys & Brennen there to compete for seats, Kjersten & Cael were able to crawl around freely! Amy chatted with my dad long enough to decide that this would not be the career of choice for her: something about being bothered by blood...

Kjersten parked in grandpa's spot. Note the shorts. It was supposed to be 71 today. (It wasn't but she couldn't pass up the chance to wear shorts before it snows again on Wednesday.)

No pictures of Amy or my dad. I'm sure that doesn't bother either of them!

Cool science!

2010-03-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

"Go on, Evan! Touch that ball... It won't hurt. Honest!"

"So this is how a propeller works!?"

It's harder than it looks to turn that wheel!

75 lbs of gear (if he were to don the oxygen tank).

Practicing with the daVinci Surgical Robot. These kids have so much experience with video games that this little exercise was a breeze! Turns out, video games are a true life skill!

Blasting perfect smoke rings with a garbage can drum. This was one experiment we'll be recreating at home!

Blowing giant bubbles...

AJ loved keeping these balls airborne. He needs one of these at home!

We'll be going again next year... it was fabulous! (Not to mention, my kids have now been assigned a science fair project to enter! I love great inspiration!)

George sits still...

2010-03-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

No. This isn't how he got the cavity that needed filling... This was the prize for drinking the nasty tasting medicine (Versed). I find it funny that the dentist gives out suckers, although she promises that this sugar-free lollipop actually helps prevent cavities. Whatever. I'm sure it's a ploy to get repeat business!

Getting loopy. It took all sorts of bribes to get him to sit with me. He wanted to keep jumping over to the other side of the waiting room. He truly did NOT grasp how quickly his sense of balance was disappearing!

He did just fine with the actual filling. I don't think the pre-med was necessary for the filling. I think it was so George could sit still for the 40 minutes it took!

Then the mama thought a trip to McDonald's for ice cream & to play with AJ would perk him up. The mama was wrong. Instead, he bit his numb tongue and his head lolled terribly to the side.

Isn't that the saddest thing you've ever seen?

Poor George. And, the mama was totally empathetic but amused. I've never seen my little boy sit still for so long!

No worries. By the time we set off for the rest of our errands, he perked up considerably!

My favorite meal...

2010-03-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

Chicken pot pie is the ONLY pie Rhys will eat. It's a very popular meal around here. With the kiddos and their appetites getting bigger, the days of making one pot pie is disappearing! It leaves no leftovers & I'm certain everyone would have seconds if it were an option...

Did you know, chicken pot pie is a fabulous OAMC meal? Double your recipe & freeze one. It's no more work and the result is a spare dinner for another night. Good stuff!

My very complicated Chicken Pot Pie recipe:

Melt 1/3 c. butter in a large sauce pan. Add 1/3 c. flour~ stirring constantly for two minutes. Stir in 2 1/2 cups milk with a tablespoon of chicken base (or equivalent of chicken bullion)mixed in. Allow to simmer while stirring until thickened (few minutes). Add 2 cooked & diced chicken breasts. Stir in vegetables (corn, peas, green beans). If you're adding potatoes or carrots, be sure to cube them into small pieces and partially precook them. Pour into prepared pie crust or 9x13 pan. Top with 2nd crust or biscuits. Bake at 400 degrees until crust is golden brown or until biscuits are done.

Alternative idea: pour prepared filling over prepared biscuits. Yummy!

A boy and his bike...

2010-03-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Last year, George decided he no longer needed training wheels. You see, learning to ride on gravel is hard. Learning to ride with training wheels is harder! He took off the wheels. It was still hard. He went back to riding his scooter.

Now, with the snow melted... the time has come.

He's off to a good start.

Whoops.

"Hey mom! Take a picture of me!"

I think he has it down. Pretty soon, he'll be riding down to the mailbox with the big kids! Poor Cael... He'd better hurry up and figure out this bike riding thing!

Wednesday play date

2010-03-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

AJ & George hanging out at McD's before they run off to play!

This play date is as much for the mamas as it is for the kiddos! It gives us time to chat and wears the kiddos down just a bit. It's a win-win!

Snow forts

2010-03-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

A boy & his 'dinothor'...

2010-03-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Well... first, a boy and his big brother!

Here's Cael and the beloved 'dinothor'. I promise to get some video (had some and a child deleted it!). 'Dinothor' is his most favorite toy...

'Dinothor' is loved even when he's inanimate!

The whole point of Girl Scouts, right?!

2010-03-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Maybe not, but it's a pretty good perk!

Missing winter...

2010-03-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Yes. You read that right. I loved this winter. All 90 days in a row of snow on the ground. It was beautiful and it entertained my little boys like you can't believe... Best of all- NO MUD!

Not exactly a day at the spa...

2010-03-21T02:12:00.000-07:00

Everybody needs an Auntie Sara & an Uncle Josh!

Sara paints...

And embellishes...

While Josh is charge of blowing dry...

The end result is a happy little girl (and a happy 2 year old boy)!

Incongruent...

2010-03-21T02:08:00.000-07:00

Kjersten has a monthly cooking class at a local store. The class is taught by an amazing woman who I've had the privilege of learning from in her own home. The girls just love Miss Bonnie and the mamas love having the girls actually take instruction happily!

They learn, they cook, they eat. It's a good thing!

They even wash their hands!

Then, after we pick her up... we trek to McDonalds for our weekly lunch date with my girls and the kiddos! (Undoubtedly, Miss Bonnie would shake her head if she knew...)

Ruby red war paint?

2010-03-21T01:04:00.000-07:00

Actually, the color is "Apple Brandy" by Clinique. I don't know what they were thinking or why I wasn't supervising well enough to catch this early on...

"I go too?"

2010-03-21T00:26:00.000-07:00

Finally... Cael gets to go to the dentist! He loved it~ especially the junky toy from the treasure shelf when he was done! I love that the kids love to go to the dentist! That's just how it should be. I still remember my favorite childhood dentist: Dr. Kingery. I think these first years of dental care set a life-long attitude towards these necessary visits! So, I'm particularly grateful for our pediatric dental office. They make it so easy on all of us!

Getting x-rays.

Getting his teeth "counted" and then "making them shiny."

All done!

Our very own Girl Scout!

2010-03-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

Every family needs their own supplier of Girl Scout cookies, right?! Kjersten's friend, Christian, asked Lou to join her troop. The fun began with ironing on patches. Ummmm, not my gift! (Don't look to closely at her sash or at the kids' Awana vests. Yikes! That should have been taught in those bringing-home-baby classes!)

The 1st troop meeting for Christian (the fashion plate in the center) and Lou.

Mary Beth leading the girls in her famous "shopping cart dance"! It's a wonder the picture isn't blurry- I was laughing so hard!

Self portraits

2010-03-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Rhys' pictures involve his eyelids flipped inside out. You can thank me later for not posting those! Cael takes pictures of the floor. Neither boys' pictures made this cut. I do have standards...

She's growing up...

2010-03-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

Her favorite birthday gift- a hair straightener! She took some of her birthday money and bought a curling iron (to curl the straightened hair?!). She's already surpassed my hair-fixing abilities...

Birthday party at Grandma & Grandpa's.

Happily licking frosting off the candles. Blech!

Enjoying another birthday gift... a candy ring maker. Thanks Aspen! (I owe your mama one!)

We have a nine year old!

2010-03-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Despite the mama's suggestions for a "girlie" birthday party, my stubborn child insisted on taking her friends to go see Grandpa Tom's helicopter.

It would have been perfect, if the helicopter hadn't been called out. Instead, the girls got to tour the fixed wing and the hanger. Nobody seemed to mind!

As if the party wasn't easy enough, Kjersten decided on DQ for treats. Grandpa was happy to entertain the gaggle of girls. They loved him too!

If only every party were this easy...

He's finally home...

2010-03-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

AJ meeting his grandma, Anne.

Jen's new life- chasing after busy AJ. He was enthralled with the escalator. It was far more interesting than the crowds gathered to meet him!

Meeting Emma Lou, who is happily relinquishing status as the 'youngest.'

AJ meets George.

I have so much to say about witnessing the process of adoption, but this post is 2 months overdue and it's late. You'll have to glean my delight from ongoing posts. For precious insight, see AJ's mama's blog: http://6yous.blogspot.com/

What to feed hungry children?!

2010-01-14T18:51:00.001-08:00

I don't have a large repertoire of kid friendly recipes, primarily because I'm really picky and I don't like a lot of typical family friendly fare... My kids are just used to what this mama makes! So I have already exhausted what I thought Evan & Emma would like: tacos, spaghetti, breakfast, my little cheddar meatloaves... We have a pizza/ movie night planned and my coup de grace is going to be boxed mac & cheese with hot dogs before we head to the airport on Saturday night. Well, that left ONE night...

Cynde suggested chicken drumsticks but I never did pick any up from the market so... what to do?! I reverted to a family favorite, feeling rather emboldened that I've had NO complaints all week long. Even every vegetable has been happily eaten!

I made Cajun Chicken Strips and Cornbread Casserole. And they loved it!!! (Even Emma who says she doesn't like corn...)

Super easy and quick!

Cajun Chicken Strips

1 T. flour

1 t. seasoned salt

3/4 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. paprika

1/4 t. pepper

1/8-1/4 t. cayenne pepper (I skip this with little kids)

1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts (cut into 1/2" strips)

2 T. butter

In a gallon sized Ziploc baggie, combine first 6 ingredients. Add chicken (1/2 at a time) and shake to coat. In skillet, cook coated chicken in butter 8-10 minutes.

(After making this recipe for more than 10 years, I just now figured out that I can mix up extra seasoning to store in the pantry. Seems I'm a bit slow!)

Cornbread Casserole

1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained

1 can (14 oz) cream style corn

1 pkg. (8 1/2 oz) cornbread/ muffin mix

1 egg

2 T. butter, melted

1/4 t. garlic powder (I add more!)

1/4 t. paprika (I add more of this also!)

Mix all ingredients. Pour into greased 11x7x2 baking dish. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees until tops and edges are golden brown (about 25-30 minutes).

School with friends ALL week long?!

2010-01-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

Evan & Emma's sister, Hannah, and their parents are off to Ethiopia to pick up their new brother AJ! You can read about it here: Ulrichs Adoption. What that means for us is that we get a 6 night sleep over! Rhys and Kjersten get friends over for seven days!

Today is our first school day & I did NOT fill work boxes last night... Whoops. So, we'll do math and handwriting... and play games!

Rhys & Evan playing Bananagrams using words like 'lyre' and 'gnu'...

Emma & Kjersten playing Sequence Numbers

Brennen practicing some sequencing...

Cael working on that hand/eye coordination...

It was actually quiet in here for nearly 15 minutes... Ahhhhh...

Tell me I'm not alone...

2010-01-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

This is a "clean" room according to a 12 year old boy.

His ledge that functions as his nightstand. It's now completely empty except for his alarm clock and his trophies.

Contents of his pillowcase. Yes. That's my Flip Video. Where the Halloween candy has been hiding, I don't know. I do laundry, including pillowcases regularly. Hmmmm...

Under his bed. In his "clean" room.

Well, he was gone to a friend's for the weekend. After debating going to get him, I decided that me cleaning for him would be punishment enough. I was right. His room is empty except for the Lego bin and the Erector set. He nearly fainted last night when he got home. Jason and I are hoping next time he's told to clean his room, he actually does it. Of course, it couldn't take too long now- there's nothing left! LOL!

(I really hesitate to post these pictures out of sheer embarrassment. Sheesh... Be kind in your comments... )

Thank God for Minnesota Boys!

2010-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

They just love the cold! Here's grandpa Paul. He comes up to plow for us and proceeds to plow for the neighbors and the unimproved road that no one uses... just in case! Any excuse to play in the snow! e

With the 8" we got, Rhys was very grateful to not have to shovel the driveway. He only has to shovel the concrete parking pad, not our actual driveway. With grandpa and the 4-wheeler, Rhys just has to tidy up the edges. Lucky kid!

Cael woke from his nap while grandpa was here. It was bitter cold (-10F) so he couldn't go out, but, oh.... how he wanted to!!!!

Painting is more fun at someone else's house...

2010-01-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

Especially when you just pile all their stuff in the middle of the room and get to work! Sara and Josh decided that their house needed some new non-beige paint and, with Jason home watching boys, Lou and I headed over on New Year's Day to see if we could help make that happen.

I'd like to think I was a little more help than she... but she sure is cute!

It's a little house. Little house = little corners. We painted the main bedroom and the living room. We'd planned to paint the kitchen as well after a small repair under the kitchen sink...

Sara & Josh were babysitting Meg for his parents. She was a bit underfoot, so into the crib she went. (No, Sara has no "news"! They're certified foster parents so they have a crib/toddler bed combo in the spare bedroom, which works well for Cael too!)

Uncle Josh saying hello.

Here's that little repair behind the sink that turned out to be not so little...

After repair work, a new cabinet and reinstalling the counter top, Sara got the kitchen painted a bright yellow! I'll get some updated pictures so you can see the end result~ beautiful!

Grandma and I working on the living room. From barfy beige to "elephant" made all the difference. It is an impressive transformation!

Here's the photographer... who spent a long day helping, playing, snapping pictures, painting a bit, and being very, very silly!

Afternoon in the country...

2010-01-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

We finally trekked a bit further east last weekend to see some friends in their not-so-new-anymore house. It's absolutely beautiful. They live on 20 acres with lots to keep the kiddos busy. Apparently climbing onto the hay bales was a must-do.

Kjersten loved Jasper. She's trying very hard to overcome her fear of dogs. Unfortunately, she's already taught her younger bothers and they aren't as quick to embrace opportunities to conquer their own terror. But, Kenna's dog is the perfect dog. He's calm, gentle, and happy to be outside. I think we'll be taking the little boys out just to visit Jasper!

Keaton and Rhys had plenty to do, including punching holes through the ice in the creek, but couldn't pass up the hay bale either. Of course, they had to put a poor cat up there too. Looks to me like the boys just climbed up there to have a meeting of sorts. They promptly got down and were off to other things...

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

I've been debating how to catch up on blogging, but I've decided to embrace Jamie's approach: just starting where I'm at...

So, this is where I'm at:

proud owner of a new camera (necessary thanks to somebody's naughty children) so I can actually take pictures for the blog. Helpful, huh?

grateful owner of a a new computer (which shall make these computer-type activities much more enjoyable)

still recovering from the flu & subsequent bronchitis while battling whatever other little bugs we seem to be bringing home still...

surrounded by Christmas decor because I have yet to pack it all up
thoroughly enjoying the 8" of snow we got last night

I love January. I love the holidays, but by the time New Year's rolls around, we're all ready for bedtimes, real meals, and schoolwork! January is like a "spring-clean" without having to clean windows or the garage. All the toys & clothes get sorted, the house looks emptier than ever once the Christmas decor is gone, and I'm always so motivated to tidy every area of my existence. What's not to love?!

And now, a few sledding pictures...

Landing safely at the bottom...

Being hauled back to the launch pad. Note the dragging hand. Just because the girls have to huff & puff to get him back up the hill, doesn't mean Cael shouldn't get to play on the way!

Preparing to take off...

Kenna, Madison, and Kjersten untangling from a collision...

Menu Plan Monday (Labor Day edition...)

2009-09-06T22:18:00.001-07:00

Two weeks off did NOT help my motivation or my dinner offerings... Lesson learned.

This week's offerings (including planned breakfasts, lunches & snacks):

Monday: chicken caesar wraps

Tuesday: BLTs

Wednesday: chicken pot pie

Thursday: grilled brisket, cream biscuits, green salad

Friday: breakfast (pancakes, eggs, bacon, fruit)

Saturday: tacos (with homemade refried beans/ homemade tortillas)

Sunday: turkey breast (if I can find one...), stuffing, green beans

Lunches (in no particular order):

grilled hamburgers/ corn/ fresh veggies

chili dogs/ carrots/ fresh peaches
mini-sub sandwiches/ chips/ mandarin oranges

bean burritos/ carrots/ applesauce

grilled cheese sandwiches/ homemade tomato soup

leftovers...

Breakfasts:

cereal & fruit
pumpkin muffins (from A Life Less Sweet)

egg muffins

oatmeal with fresh peaches (using up a case of them!)

Snacks:

ants on a log (Rhys' new favorite)
chips & homemade salsa
yogurt covered raisins
peaches (of course)
Oreos & milk (I know... full of HFCS, but they were such a good deal and we LOVE them! What a treat!)

There you have it... If you would like more ideas & inspiration, visit this week's Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Playing with his food...

2009-09-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

Kjersten and I had errands to run yesterday after church and she talked me into a candy store stop-over... We've never been to this awesome store & it's been on her list to do forever... The mama relented and we had a great time. We found gummy brains & spiders, crystal rock candy, mint peas (my personal childhood favorite), and these for Rhys...

Sweet Tart-like legos... They actually stack like real legos.

Creation complete.

Until George comes along with his trusty scissors- wreaking havoc along the way...

George: busted! Rhys (in the background): noticing the commotion...

Turned out just fine. Rhys even shared his treats. What a good big brother!

Farmer's Market Finds

2009-09-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Turns out the trick is getting there before the 8:30 bell. Fewer peoples, more selection, and no one in line for the balloon animals! Besides crepes, cookies, and a helicopter balloon creation, this is what we brought home this week:

bean sprouts
pears
green onions
red & white onions
various peppers (for Jason's salsa)
cucumbers (note the "double cucumber" for the kiddos!)
tomatoes (both regular & grape)
choke cherry jelly (never picked our own berries & this is SO much easier!)
egg plant (don't know what to do with that)
a balloon duck for good measure...

A stop for corn from the Optimists completed this shopping trip. Well, that and hundreds of dollars at Costco & Albertsons... but at least this filled the crisper....

Need a baby gift? Here are the essentials!

2009-09-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

I never even made it to Target to check her registry... I hope she loves it anyhow!

A short list of must haves from a self-confessed baby gear junkie:

Bumkins bibs- waterproof, soft, can be hand washed with the dishes or thrown in the laundry, these last forever!
Snack Trap cups with lids (purchased separately)- Tupperware meets toddler; snack cups with handles and a oddly designed lid that keeps the goldfish contained yet easily accessible to those pudgy little fingers
baby safe feeder- silly looking contraption that makes all foods safe for baby. Add ice, bananas, frozen peaches, chicken nuggets, Oreos (just kidding...) and let baby have at it... he'll only work out safe pieces to eat & be delightfully entertained in the process!
take & toss spoons- just the right size for baby's mouth without that hard metal or, worse, rubbery plastic that baby can bite right into effectively ending a pleasant mealtime!
water bottle caps- makes any water bottle a "sippy cup" for baby; easy, portable, and really reasonably priced ($1.75 at Albertson's here...)

Bad habits...

2009-09-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

His father's child... 2 years old and this is what I catch him doing... Who taught him that!? And, yes, he polished it off!

Ready for some (cheesy) football?!

2009-09-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

I promise, it was better looking in person!

Jason needed something for a "tailgate" themed food day. I suggested this ideal appetizer: a football shaped cheese ball. He said it was a hit so, here's the recipe:

2 pkgs. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

8 oz. cheddar cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 green onions, chopped

3 oz. bacon bits

pimento strips (for laces, but I used sour cream)

Mix cheeses and dressing in mixer until blended. Add onions. Mix well and refrigerate several hours. Shape into football on serving plate; coat with bacon bits. Add lacing. Serve with crackers.

Good Morning to you...

2009-09-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

Do you know, I don't like rainbows?! Never have. But, my dear daughter loves them... So, an impressive rainbow appeared over our house quite early one morning. I could see both "ends" well and it made its perfect arc above me. I took this picture for Kjersten. (And, you know what? It's almost pretty...)

Sporting the new belt...

2009-09-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

And quite the mean look as well...

(his belt will remain 1/2 red & 1/2 black until he's 16- black side up, of course!)

Black Belt Testing & Trusting God's Timing

2009-08-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

This last week (or two or three) has been awfully hard on the mama. Silly, huh? I'm not the one who took this incredibly hard test. I'm not the one who had to spend days blind, mute, or in a wheelchair. I didn't have to write essays on the "Art of War" and "The Book of Five Rings."

Nope. I had the pleasure of postponing all planning for our family for the coming fall. September's calendar page remained untouched, quietly begging for a clue or two to what our schedule would hold... I had no clue. And that, my friends, inexplicably stresses me out more than you can imagine.

Yes, I learned a lesson (I'll explain at the bottom of this post) but the real story here is Rhys! He passed! Black belt testing is a long, draining process designed to test physical skill and stamina as well as mental strength. Testing was impressive to watch, although I cried through a good part of it. (We mommies can do that... especially those of us that cry very readily!)

Lining up during the test. Rhys is in the middle.

Blocking strikes from three attackers. Those are all big, bad, black belts picking on my baby...

Sparring with three opponents. I laughed when he ran away, but was quickly reminded that "running away" is indeed a strategy. (I'm guessing, it'd be my ONLY strategy!)

This test is for an adult black belt. He passed the test. Because he and some of the other candidates aren't yet 16 years old, they received a red/black belt. They each confirm in 6 months to be certain they truly know their skills and maintain the physical condition of a black belt. When he turns 16, he'll receive his "black" black belt, but will not need to re-test.

(Hoping Kim has a better picture to put here...)

He did it! 3-4 days/ week for FOUR years. Lots and lots of hard work. Now, he gets to cut back (at the mama's discretion) to 1-2 days/week. I don't know who is happier he passed?!

My lesson learned:

I really struggle with not knowing... particularly scheduling. I know it's a false sense of control. Without a plan, I panic. (I don't have to follow thru on every plan, I just have to have one!) In any event, I am 100% aware that God is in control. My calendar, my MOTH schedules, my to-do lists might reassure me but God's timing is perfect.

This week was very stressful for me while Rhys was preparing for his testing. I knew not what this coming Monday would hold... I realize that karate class or no karate class is not a big deal, but this fall's schedule weighed heavily on my mind.

On Tuesday, some friends of ours got a call saying they had been chosen as the adoptive parents of a baby boy born the day before. They were to pick him up the next day at 11:00am. Can you imagine?! I've only talked to my friend thru e-mail this week, so I'm sure there's all sorts of amazing details... but the few I have give me goosebumps.

I keep thinking of her brushing her teeth on Tuesday morning, planning out her errands for the day, wondering what to make for dinner... She simply had no clue that she was already a mommy; that in a few hours she'd get a phone call that would change her family's life instantly and forever. She didn't know.

It finally occurred to me: I don't need to know how everything will go. I don't need to know all He has planned. I simply need to rest in the knowledge that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28) and that my plans are not nearly as important or necessary as God's.

But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the
purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:11

Chili today... hot tamale...

2009-08-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

I make this chili all the time. It's very easy and freezes well. (Here's my original post with some variations I made then.)

It looks so colorful & smells so good right from the start!

This week, I just followed the recipe x 2. I have just enough left over to do chili dogs or have for lunch. I really need to triple this one if we want 2 meals out of it. I also use 1/2 black beans and 1/2 kidney beans for some variety. On lazy nights, like Friday, I just put the chili on Frito chips, topped with shredded cheese, onions, and sour cream and called that dinner! Good stuff, Maynard!

Chili Con Carne

1 lb. ground beef

1 cup onion, chopped

3/4 cup green pepper, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced (I use more)

1- 16oz. can tomatoes, cut up

1- 16 oz. can dark red kidney beans, drained

1- 8oz can tomato sauce

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4-6 servings.

Cook ground beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic until meat is browned. Drain fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, basil, salt, & pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes longer.

If using for OAMC: cool, place in gallon bags, and freeze. On serving day, thaw completely. Simmer until heated through and serve.

Hints

Serve with tortillas or cornbread. Top with grated cheese, sour cream, onions.If you prefer a slightly thinner consistency, add more tomato sauce, tomato juice or V-8.

Trip to the Zoo...

2009-08-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

Our homeschooling group has an annual kick-off day at the zoo. Despite summer colds & general "don't wanna" attitude, we went.

Amber with her kiddos and mine. Hanging back has its advantages: photo ops and quiet!

Stopping to check out the river otters. Dang! We have a lot of kiddos between us...

Amber and I got smart. We headed back to the big tent where all the sign-ups and visiting were taking place. We let Rhys take the 7 little kiddos around the zoo. (sssshhhhhh... don't tell!) We gave them the camera & sent them on their way.

The kids had a great time and took lots of pictures. Amber and I had a great time catching up with the other mamas! Here are some of Rhys' pictures...

Guess now that we've had the kick-off of the school year, perhaps we should start school again?!

Grandma's birthday

2009-08-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Grandma Barb went and had another birthday... So, we felt the need to celebrate!

Auntie Sara & uncle Josh came early. Sara trimmed all the kids' hair (boy, is she cheap labor!?)

While uncle Josh kept the boys occupied. Brennen ran circles around Josh & Rhys playing catch. Round and round and round he went....

Sara told the boys to "shhhh" and Cael happily oblilged... Such an easy toddler!

I made basic BBQ fare: hamburgers, potato salad (with and without egg), pasta salad watermelon and chips. Dessert, on the other hand, needed to be special. I made a scrumptious Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake (see recipe at bottom of this post). It was fabulous topped with some fresh whipped cream and fresh rasberries.

No birthday cake (even an unfrosted, bundt cake) is complete without a candle!

Following a whole lotta eating, we played a new card game. Yes, we deviated from our standard Rage game and played "Swap" instead.

It's a bit violent, but much fun. Even Rhys & Kjersten were able to play. Obviously, the hand slapping was the most entertaining!

Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake~ America's Test Kitchen

Serves 12 to 14

Ingredients

Cake Release
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon cocoa

¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa (2 1/4 ounces)
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
¾ cup water (boiling)
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1¾ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (8 3/4 ounces)
1 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), room temperature
2 cups light brown sugar (14 ounces)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs, room temperature
Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions

1. FOR THE PAN: Stir together butter and cocoa in small bowl until paste forms; using a pastry brush, coat all interior surfaces of standard 12-cup Bundt pan. (If mixture becomes too thick to brush on, microwave it for 10 to 20 seconds, or until warm and softened.) Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position; heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. FOR THE CAKE: Combine cocoa, chocolate, and espresso powder (if using) in medium heatproof bowl; pour boiling water over and whisk until smooth. Cool to room temperature; then whisk in sour cream. Whisk flour, salt, and baking soda in second bowl to combine.

3. In standing mixer fitted with flat beater, beat butter, sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add eggs one at a time, mixing about 30 seconds after each addition and scraping down bowl with rubber spatula after first 2 additions. Reduce to medium-low speed (batter may appear separated); add about one third of flour mixture and half of chocolate/sour cream mixture and mix until just incorporated, about 20 seconds. Scrape bowl and repeat using half of remaining flour mixture and all of remaining chocolate mixture; add remaining flour mixture and beat until just incorporated, about 10 seconds. Scrape bowl and mix on medium-low until batter is thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds.

4. Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan, being careful not to pour batter on sides of pan. Bake until wooden skewer inserted into center comes out with few crumbs attached, 45 to 50 minutes.

5. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then invert cake onto parchment-lined wire rack; cool to room temperature, about 3 hours.

6. Dust with confectioners' sugar, transfer to serving platter, and cut into wedges; serve with Tangy Whipped Cream and raspberries, if desired.

Deal(s) of the day...

2009-08-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Shopping Costco on a Saturday (which I never do), cruising the outside aisle by the washing machines (which I rarely do), browsing with children in tow (which I don't take time to do)... I happened upon a screaming deal!

A Crock Pot for $20! (Here's a link to it on-line.)

I have this same programmable crock pot in oval/ stainless steel and I payed a lot more for it! Now, I have 2 which means I can quadruple my refried beans recipe and surely have leftovers to freeze!

This little treasure is from my (tree-hugging, crazy, liberal) dear friend, Jamie! In her free time, Jamie and her hubby like to scout out estate & garage sales. Sometimes, they discover a treasure such as this Clark County Women's Republican Club's 1968 cookbook. Other times, they have to settle for fishing gear and the like...

I'd asked her to be on the lookout for an old rotary dial phone like she had in her bedroom when we were in highschool. No, I'm not that old. Her mother's house just is trapped in a perpetual time-warp circa 1975.

I loved that phone. There's something decidedly satisfying about dialing a rotary phone. The clicking, the heavy earpiece, the attention required (lest you forget where you are in dialing and have to hang up and begin again)...

Not only did Jamie come through on the phone, she rounded up the original! She drove home and shanghaied the phone from her former bedroom! It's just as I remembered... Splendid!!!

Engraved in the bottom is "Property of Bell Systems- Not for Sale". Don't worry. The phone was neither sold nor purchased and now the phone has found a loving home!

Why, yes... that's a lefse griddle!

2009-08-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Amber introduced my family to the superiority of homemade tortillas. I didn't even like tortillas before I had her homemade version. Mmmmmmm... She made a believer out of me! They're really easy to make and they freeze well. (Word to the wise: make a double batch if you want leftovers...)

And, yes, I use Jason's mom's lefse griddle. It heats to 500 degrees which makes the tortillas cook quickly without sticking. Easy, I tell you, easy!!!

Amber's Tortillas

6 cups flour (white or white/wheat mix)

1/3 cup vegetable shortening (or lard)

1 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon baking powder

2 cups warm water

Mix the dry ingredients in large bowl. Add shortening and combine using your hands. When properly mixed there will no clumps. Slowly add water until flour is all Incorporated. Place dough on counter and knead briefly. Leave on counter, cover will bowl, and let rise for 20 minutes. Dough should be easily pliable after rising. Roll out very thin. Cook on hot griddle, flipping as necessary, until both sides have light browning.

Coloring with "Dersten"

2009-08-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

One berry, two berry, find me a strawberry!

2009-08-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

My grocery store has stopped carrying jelly/ jams without HFCS. They carry no organic brands. Nothing sweetened with plain old sugar. Grrrrrr... (Yes, I could, and sometimes do, go elsewhere, but that's not necessarily the best use of my time.)

This predicament led me to re-investigate freezer jam. I do not have the ability to grow much at our house. No water has that effect. Therefore, learning to can isn't the most practical skill as I won't ever have bumper crops of beans or berries needing preserving!

On the other hand, frozen fruit can be bought at Costco for very reasonable prices. And, with a bit of pectin, the sugar of my choice, and said fruit, we have jam!

Simple. Mush up fruit. Stir in pectin & sugar. Put into freezer safe jars.

Ta-da! Easy, delicious, HFCS-free, inexpensive jam!

Where to keep all the stuff?!

2009-08-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

School supplies... My friends lament the massive lists provided each August telling them what their children must bring the first day of school. Pens, pencils, crayons, dry erase markers, binders, paper, pencil boxes, etc... A lengthy list of necessities for the coming school year.

We homeschoolers get no such list. Even better, we make our own! However, we don't ship off all the fabulous materials. We get to keep them all at home! And my list is long! With our implementation of workboxes (see this post), I now have more supplies to organize. Pens & pencils had a home. Notebooks & paper sat neatly on the shelf. I stacked tidy little boxes of crayons & markers. But now?! Now, our supplemental activities join the inventory of items needing to be easily accessible. Hmmmm... tucked into bins and boxes, stored in the laundry room and garage, doesn't count as "easily accessible"?! What's a mom to do?

Get rid of clothes, that's what! (Breathe easy. I didn't get rid of all of them!) I'm not much for lots of clothes anyhow. Obviously as I designed my "walk-in" closet as more of a "reach-in" closet. Now, it has a new job. It houses all my essential school supplies in an orderly fashion on the MAIN floor! The bonus: you can walk through my dining room/ living room without fear of bins toppling and burying small children!

The result:

Those bins are organized by subject rather than grade level, thereby making it easier for me to fill our workboxes. I can easily find an activity for both Kjersten and Brennen to do together for handwriting or a game that Rhys can teach Kjersten without having to search through too many bins.

Menu Plan Monday (August 16-22)

2009-08-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

Seeing as I haven't been to Costco (going tomorrow) or the Farmer's Market (Wednesday night), this menu is a guesstimate... I'm assuming that the things I intend to buy will be available and reasonably priced as I finish out this 2 weeks' shopping.

Sunday- Beef Kabobs Dijon/ sliced bell peppers/ white rice

Monday- Indoor BBQ chicken/ cream biscuits/ corn on the cob/ steamed broccoli

Tuesday- Lil' Cheddar Meatloaves (see recipe below)/ roasted red potatoes/ green salad

Wednesday- green salad topped with chicken

Thursday- BLTs/ chips/ cut veggies

Friday- Chili Con Carne/ cornbread muffins/ green salad

Saturday- grilled cheese sandwiches/ homemade tomato soup/ cut veggies

If you would like more ideas & inspiration, visit this week's Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

As promised...

Little Cheddar Meatloaves
1 egg
1 Tbsp. milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1 pound ground beef
2/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard

Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk egg and milk. Stir in the cheese, oats, onion and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into eight loaves; place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard; spoon over loaves. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until no pink remains and a meat thermometer reads 160°.

Lately, I’ve taken to baking the loaves on a cooling rack placed on a rimmed cookie sheet. It allows the fat to drain off easily. For freezer meals to use later, I usually triple (or more) this recipe and freeze the uncooked loaves (large meatball size). Once frozen, I pop them off the cookie sheet into a Ziploc baggie. Then, when needed, I can take out how many I’d like to make, top with sauce, and bake a bit longer.

*** Fabulous care team meal. Just add green salad, bread, and dessert! I have one friend that makes these with ground turkey. ***

I'm trying to get to the Farmer's Market on Wednesday night. Don't hold me to it, though... Jason & Lou have guitar lessons & Rhys has karate. After I do my running kids here & there, my plan is to take the two little boys and go in search of a parking spot anywhere near downtown. We shall see what actually transpires...

My list is rather short:

tomatoes

something new to try...

more tomatoes

I found a great source for corn right on the way to karate so I don't need to squeeze that into the wagon with the boys on Wednesday night!

Say "cheese"...

2009-08-11T07:48:00.000-07:00

(Lou's friend, Madison, is the little face you don't recognize!)

Sleepy boys...

2009-08-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

Now, that the little boys are sharing a room (lucky Rhys!), I've been worried about Cael losing his impressive sleep habits. No worries. He still puts himself to bed.

Even if it is on the floor.

Or with George!

Rocket man...

2009-08-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Probably NOT the best day to go stand in an open field and launch rockets...

Alas, the daddy promised it would be fine. We'd just have to hurry!

Preparing the rocket and it's passenger (an egg) for take-off. The rocket is titled "Eggs-calibur." Get it?! Funny stuff...

Inspecting the launch site...

And, we have lift-off!!!!

Off to find the wreckage...

No. Our poor little egg didn't survive impact.

Surveying the damage.

Seems the ride to our launch site was a rough one!

Preparing for another launch. Unmanned. (See above photo.)

Blast-off #2!

Hmmmm... Big metal pole. Incoming storm. Duh. When do these boys sprout common sense?!

Zeb's Birthday Party...

2009-08-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

George's buddy, Zeb, finally turned FIVE! We've been waiting and waiting and waiting! So, off to the park to celebrate with Cynde's crew and the rest of Zeb's siblings. Amber even made Spiderman cupcakes!

Cozi, Lou, Analise, and Cael...

Zeb shooting his pals with his new Nerf shotgun.

Hannelora, Lou, and Cozi... Aren't they beautiful?!

All the kids in one picture. Whew!

Cynde stuck on baby duty... Alternating shoves between Cael and Analise.

Crocs are awesome until... you walk thru gravel...

Zeb (little guy streaking thru my view... off to shoot more friends).

Visiting with my dear friend, Wendy...

2009-08-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

Wendy came over last week to visit for a bit. She brought just a handful of her children so we had a nice little chat while the kiddos played!

Cael eating ice cream after lunch. This takes him a good 20-30 minutes and he will NOT be distracted! She has a much better picture of him on her blog, Truly Blessed. (If you haven't already, just ask her to add you as a reader... She will!)

Rachel, Cael, and Abby playing.

Abby eating lunch all by herself...

Most of the gang chose to eat outside...

But Rhys & Jake opted to sit apart from all the littles!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-09T13:12:00.001-07:00

Well, it worked! I just needed some accountability and posting my menu did the trick! It also got us company for dinner one night! (Thanks Carol. The tortillas and dessert were awesome!)

This week, I'm continuing to clean out the pantry/ deep freeze.

Sunday- Crockpot beef roast/ potatoes

Monday- leftovers

Tuesday- Homemade mac & cheese/ ham steak/ watermelon

Wednesday- Cajun chicken strips/ cornbread casserole/ green beans

Thursday- Sloppy Joes/ cut veggies/ chips

Friday- Spaghetti & meatballs/ french bread/ green salad

Saturday- Grilled hamburgers/ pasta salad/ corn on the cob (if I can find any...)

If you would like more ideas & inspiration, visit this week's Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

We did not make it to the Farmer's Market this weekend thanks to a torrential downpour and stunning early morning display of lightning and thunder. So, we're using up the few leftover veggies from last week and supplementing with frozen. It's just as well. I desperately need to clean out the refrigerator so fewer obstacles are a good thing!

Cael and his buddy...

2009-08-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Diggin' into ice cream after dinner. This is serious business!

George needing some camera time. The little boys can't be bothered to stop eating and pose with him.

Carol asked Cael and question and he put on his "shy face."

The necessary bath after the bowls of ice cream.

Bret really doesn't like those wind up toys...

...but he sure likes to drink the bathwater just like Cael! Yuk!

Volume? Length? Curl? Whatcha going for, George?!

2009-08-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

George merely wanted to make his lashes "look longer." Why he put mascara on his eyebrow as well, I have no idea. His comment when I took the picture? "Mom, is this permanent?!"

(It's a rather subtle effect and is only on the left eyelashes/ eyebrow)

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been menu planning forever and a day, but I seem to have lost my enthusiasm these last few weeks. To motivate myself, I am posting my menus so the whole wide world will know what I am supposed to be making and will shame me should I be caught at the drive-up window...

Sunday: Grilled, marinated pork roast/ fried green tomatoes/ romaine with homemade Catalina dressing

Monday: Chicken on green salad

Tuesday: Beef tacos on homemade tortillas with homemade refried beans

Wednesday: Stromboli/ raw veggies (peppers/ carrots/ onions/ radishes)

Thursday: Chili/ cornbread muffins

Friday: Grilled burgers/ pasta salad/ fresh veggies

Saturday: Crockpot roast with veggies/ green salad

NOTES about this week's menu: You'll notice lots of beef in this menu. I'm cleaning out the freezer this week in an effort to save money (looming car repair) and use up some older food.

Our farmer's market finds were limited this week. It was far too crowded to browse leisurely... (And, someone please tell me why anyone would bring their dog to market?! It's hot, it's all pavement, and there's nothing for those poor dogs to do... Argh! No water, no food, nowhere to rest in the shade... Okay. Rant over.)

We did find onions, carrots, radishes, green tomatoes (see this post), lots of red tomatoes, a pepper plant (for Jason), cucumbers, some yummy little donuts, a plateful of oriental noodles, and a grape slushy for good measure!

If you would like more ideas & inspiration, visit this week's Menu Plan Monday at The Happy Housewife.

Fried Green Tomatoes

2009-08-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

As long as we're introducing our family taste buds to new veggies, I do not pass any booth at the farmers market. Saturday, I was drawn to the green tomato stall. Hmmmm... The guys assures me that there are many uses for these hard, lime colored orbs. Such as? His examples included fried and relish and then began to repeat himself. I purchased them out of curiosity knowing full well that we would not like them.

At home, my screen free Sunday had to be set aside to allow a recipe search. Turns out, there are 2 million recipes for such a simple food. I decided against cornmeal (didn't want grit) and against egg (really didn't want to chance an "eggy" taste). In the end, I put my own variation on the menu.

Here's the recipe:

That's it. Flour with some garlic and red pepper. Dipped the tomatoes in milk before coating with the flour mixture. Easy. Very easy.

And very, very good! Jason (gasp!) is the only one who didn't really like them, although Rhys would have left out the red pepper...

Stubborn little thing...

2009-08-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Cael was happily singing his "ABC's" with his magnet until I got the camera... He's telling me to "go downstairs!"

The littles sitting still...

2009-08-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

2009-08-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

It says "Obama Apology Tour: We're Sorry" and Lady Liberty is thinking "We're beginning to feel the same way about you."

Oh dear...

2009-07-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

Working on his cheerleading moves, just like his big sister!

He still loves his "sucker(s)"...

2009-07-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

His hands just make me laugh! They are enormous!!!

Talented little boy!

Per George's request...

2009-07-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

A picture of a boy and his beard...

Love, love, love his blue eyes!

Branching out...

2009-07-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

Artichokes. I'm 37 years old and I have never eaten an artichoke. Truthfully, I've never had the slightest desire to... Rhys, however, is rather intrigued by anything with spikes (vegetable or not)! It seems our local Costco carries this odd culinary treat. Couple Rhys' curiosity with my rule of never denying a request for any veggie or fruit (particularly anything new to us) and we brought home four of these things...

I am not adventurous but I am on a mission to feed my family well. Alas, buying the artichoke is not enough. Apparently, one has to actually cook & consume them to reap any health benefits. (Sort of like the treadmill... one has to actually get on it AND turn it on AND run... Grrrrr!)

So, dinner with friends on Saturday became the occasion of choice to debut these green pokey globes . Jason did a little internet research and discovered that they can be microwaved in lieu of steamed (our steamer basket is too shallow). He did that and then grilled them for a bit. Served alongside melted butter, we dared one another to try them. Four adults and six kids trying to figure out how to eat those 2 artichokes. We liked them once we figured out what part is actually edible... but as Jason says, "Anything that hard to eat doesn't really want to be food."

Verdict? We have two more to cook. We will cook & eat those. Nonetheless, I'm guessing, short of a specific request, artichokes probably won't make my grocery list.

However, the rest of dinner was worthy of a repeat. We made Bangkok Chicken Satay (chicken skewers with peanut sauce), fresh cauliflower & broccoli (from the farmer's market) and wild rice (made in the awesome new rice cooker~ our old rice cooker wouldn't adjust for brown/wild rice).

I took no photos so you'll just have to take my word for it... Delicious!!!

Like father... like son...

2009-07-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

Out for a run at 6:30 this morning! Rhys is training for his black belt testing at the end of August so he's kicking the workout schedule into high gear...

Cael laying on the couch, watching Bob the Builder, waiting for daddy & Rhys to get home from their run... (Yes, Cael should still be sleeping! Far too early for babies & mamas to be awake!)

Breakfast courtesy of Lou... again!

2009-07-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

My enthusiastic child and her second attempt at breakfast! Lou made pancake bake and scrambled eggs with peppers & cheese. (Yes, that is George pouting... He didn't want eggs!)

Cael, on the other hand, loved them!!!!

Here he's asking for more!

Rhys has cooking class this week. I hope he's as excited to cook as his sister! (This is working out well for the mama...)

Cael

2009-07-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

Rocking Brennen's trusty companion, Stuffy!

Boy, does this little guy LOVE watermelon!?

She's going to be a great cook!

2009-07-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

We had Gordon & Amy over for dinner last night. I made Korean Ribs (my dad's recipe... yummy!) and Kjersten made dessert! She made Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes and they were fabulous!

I haven't had Korean ribs since childhood. They were my absolute favorites! In looking for another recipe in my mother's enormous collection, I found my dad's recipe. The ribs were as good as I remember and really easy to make!

Korean Ribs

6 beef short ribs
2 green onions, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sesame seed, mashed
1 Tablespoon olive or sesame oil
1 teaspoon MSG
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups soy sauce
pepper to taste

Cut ribs crosswise to bone in 2 or 3 places. Combine remaining ingredients to make marinade. Marinate ribs in sauce at least one hour. Place ribs in single layer in baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

Notes: I use boneless ribs. I also use much more garlic and will use low-sodium soy sauce next time to cut down on the saltiness...

Want a "bahsterry"?

2009-07-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Kjersten made smoothies for breakfast this morning (a first in our house as I don't like fruit mixed together and squished...) She did a great job and the boys loved them!

I had to video Cael and his new pronunciation for his favorite fruit!

The occasion? Kjersten finished her three day cooking class at the local kitchen store. She now has a folder full of recipes she's dying to make for us. I'm sure you'll be seeing many posts of her cooking adventures in the future. (Rhys takes his cooking class next week. After that, I figure those 2 can be in charge a dinner or two each week! Yippee!!!)

Day at the Water Park

2009-07-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

George was happy with the little slides... for a while!

Aspen spent all day playing with baby Cael and he loved it!

Kjersten playing catcher...

On to the big slides, this time with big brother Rhys... Kjersten never did brave the big ones, but I don't think George will ever go back to the tad pool willingly!

George catching some rays and Cael having a little snack!

Messy little boy...

Checking out the resident bugs.

Still working on those Popsicles!

Little girls talking and giggling in the wading pool!

Whatcha lookin' for Cael?

Clearing the deck of more bugs...

... and putting them back into the pool!

And they were going to throw out the box?!

2009-07-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

We had to have our four year old furnace replaced. Seems we got a dud. Hopefully, its replacement is without issues for years and years to come!

The HVAC guys were here last week to tear out the (not so) old furnace and install the new one. Of course, the new one comes in an awesome box. Its potential seemed lost on the install crew as they packed it up and were going to take it to parts unknown.

Glad we rescued it! For days and days, it has been a fort, a house, a hiding place, a coloring board, and now... a sled! Against all the mama fibers in my being, I allowed the girls (Emma & Kjersten) to "ride" this deathtrap down the stairs over and over...

Sensing an end to this adventure, I snapped a picture of Emma, Kjersten & Brennen heading downstairs. Sorry it's blurry. By the time I realized this, the box had lost its bottom and was no longer sled worthy. Not sure what it's new use will be...

Here's the landing buffered by couch cushions from the family room.

Gold medal winner!

2009-07-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

Rhys competed in the Big Sky State Games this weekend. Despite the sweltering heat, we had a great time watching and cheering. He didn't place in Kata, but did a great job. In point sparring, Rhys won every match and took 1st place!

Watching all those kiddos swinging weapons and fighting. Absolutely intriguing, if only for a few minutes. He is only two after all...

Rhys & his buddy, Richard.

Waiting for the awards...

Rhys shaking Master Forleo's hand after receiving his gold medal.