Coolest Dad EVER!!

Since our Dad is so awesome, we borrowed some Chuck Norris quotes to make sure he knew it this father's day.  The kids had a blast  making up a few of their own and even some toys got in on the

 action.  Happy Father's Day Aaron.  We love you.

And while we are on the topic....

Happy Fathers day Dad.  I love you lots.

Happy Father's Day Paul.  I love you lots.

Happy Father's Day to my brothers, brothers-in-law and all you awesome dad's out there.

Success at Last

 I've always wanted to have a garden.  The idea of walking outside and picking some fresh vegetables to add to dinner seems so quaint and charming and well... inexpensive.  I have tried several times over the last years.  But TRIED is the key word because each time... I have failed.  Or very nearly failed.  When we moved to Texas, I set out (without a lot of confidence) to build my little garden box and plant away.  Texas has nearly a year-round planting season.  I had a few crops come in last fall, but nothing much.  But then this spring... SUCCESS AT LAST. 

Well... as successful as a little 4X4 box can be.  But I must say it is thrilling to check each morning and see little buds popped up over night and, now, to see new fruit has emerged or ripened.  It is a miracle to observe. 

For dinner last night we had taco salad's.  From our garden.... onions, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers.  Delish.

Now I just need help knowing what to do with my excess cucumbers and tomatoes.  It isn't enough to can.  Any ideas?  So far.. most of the cucumbers that we didn't use in salads went into these yummy shakes.  My sister told me to try these a few weeks  ago and we have now had one almost everyday.

 

The basic recipe is 60% fruit, 40% veggies.  Then cover it with juice (or milk) and blend it up. 

Fruits we have tried:  apples, oranges, bananas, kiwis, strawberries, pineapple and peaches.

Veggies we have tried:  Spinach, cucumbers, carrots (didn't like this so much), zucchini and squash.

Liquids we have tried: milk, orange juice, apple juice.

Andrew and Sam guzzle these drinks.... and we have fun naming them depending on the color they turn out to be.  So far we have lucky drink (green ones) and sunshine drink (orange ones). 

And here is my other latest discovery.  Homemade mayonnaise.  I didn't even know you could do that.    Kind of a cool chemical reaction when you blend the eggs and oil in the right way.  Awesome.  Since we like homemade ranch dressing, and my family tends to go through ranch dressing  incredibly quickly... this is a great find for when I run out of mayonnaise.  I haven't decided yet if it is cheaper than buying mayo, but I am still excited about it.

So what's next?  Does anyone have some fun cooking suggestions that I should try?  Especially involving veggies.  Please share.

Parenting Dillemas

Dear parents,

These may or may not be my current parenting dilemma's.  Please advise.
#1  Mom and Dad think it would be great for child "A" to be involved in sports.  Child "A" is not so interested.  Do they
a) Insist they he/she participate
b) Bribe or otherwise convince child
c) Let it go and assume the kid can choose for himself/herself

#2  Child "L" is taking piano lessons and through a variety of excuses manages to spend 15 minutes out of his/her 20 minute practice time doing things other than practice the piano.  Should mom
a) start the timer over every time
b) endlessly hound her child to "get back to that piano bench"
c) Figure that I'm lucky to get 5 minutes and let it go.

#3 Child "S" screams his/her head off when he/she doesn't get what he/she wants.  It is painful and sometimes embarrassing.  Should mom
a) stick something in mouth to make him/her be quiet
b) refuse to give the desired object and listen to the child wail
c) other (you fill in the blank).

Thanks for your help.

Rachelle

Questions from Andrew

#1 Do fish ever get sea sick?

#2 Do they just get really old people who are about to die... to go catch the tigers and bears and stuff?

#3 Well then how do they catch animals?
#4  Can fish see outside of water?

#5  Do I look like a probiscus monkey?

#6  What is that thing called?

#7 What is  a current? 

#8 What is a current in the artic ocean?

Simple Dinnertime

sim·plic·i·ty   

[sim-plis-i-tee]

–noun, plural -ties.

1. the state, quality, or an instance of being simple.

2. freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts: an organism of great simplicity.

3. absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness: a life of simplicity.


Back in April... we went strawberry picking at a local farm and then played in the park.  For dinner I grabbed a loaf of  homemade artisan bread and a block of cheese and of course our bucket full of fresh strawberries.  Wallah... it couldn't have been easier and it was honestly delicious and filling.
I think fancy meals and elaborate surprises are wonderful.  Who doesn't?  But sometimes there is a sweeter pleasure in just having a few basics and enjoying them fully.  Besides... eating bread and cheese for dinner made me feel European or something - which is kind of cool... right?