We're going to be blacklisted...

It rained a few weeks back. A lot. And, no, we still haven't improved the other part of our driveway. We've trained our friends, trash collectors, and delivery persons to avoid that side unless it's dry or frozen. I guess a summer of nice dry roads evaporated the memories of mud and tow trucks from all of our minds.

The FedEx guy said he looked at the muddy side and figured it wouldn't be too bad. Wrong.


Two hours later, after no help at all from the mama and kiddos, a fellow FedEx man came to save the day. I had no ability to help so, instead, we just watched. The driver was so nice and friendly, it made me feel that much worse.

We have gravel (and a lot of it) being delivered early next week. Perhaps we can return to good graces with the delivery folks in time for my book order's arrival?

Can't have enough weapons with three boys...

(photos by Kjersten)

Rhys "needed" more nunchucku for his karate weapons class. (Seems one was inadvertently broken thanks to a certain four-year old brother.) Mama's getting smart. She ordered 2 sets. Now, there's nunchucku for everyone! Cael loves to demonstrate his abilities. Brennen's apparently getting ready to punish the vacuum cleaner. (These are foam with cord connectors. We keep the wood ones up with the other dangerous weapons!)

Creamy Banana Pudding

Oh, how I hoped they wouldn't like it... They do. This is the same recipe my mom made for us growing up. My dad still makes it for himself. It is the perfect comfort food and makes a great breakfast!



(Yes... that's a toothbrush in his right hand. Don't ask!)

INGREDIENTS:
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened
Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
1 1/2 cups cold water
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups whipping cream, whipped
36 vanilla wafers (I use more...)
3 medium bananas, sliced and dipped in lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
1. In large mixing bowl, combine EAGLE BRAND® and water. Add pudding mix; beat until well blended. Chill 5 minutes.
2. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon 1-cup pudding mixture into 2 1/2-quart glass serving bowl.
3. Top with one-third each of the vanilla wafers, bananas and pudding. Repeat layering twice, ending with pudding mixture. Chill thoroughly. Garnish. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Brennen & Cael

George was waking up by snuggling on the couch. Much to everyone's surprise, Cael joined him. He crawled up and hung out with George for a few minutes (an eternity in toddler time) before demanding his breakfast.

(You may not notice, but the feet of Cael's PJs are filled to capacity. Those pudgy little clodhoppers barely squeeze into their intended spot. He's been outgrowing PJs just because his feet don't fit! Argh!)