That's Cate, when she was six months and six days in 2007.
And, yep, that's Ben, this weekend, making him six months and a day shy of two weeks.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
a popular chew toy, apparently
Apparently, Diet Dr Pepper bottles make popular chew toys for my kids ...
That's Cate, when she was six months and six days in 2007.
And, yep, that's Ben, this weekend, making him six months and a day shy of two weeks.
That's Cate, when she was six months and six days in 2007.And, yep, that's Ben, this weekend, making him six months and a day shy of two weeks.
catching up ... with a hibachi grill, a day at the water park and some fishing
How about a catch-up post? We've been busy. Want to see?
First, on Thursday night, I went to a hibachi grill restaurant (Yes, we have one of those in Murray!) for the first time. It was a delightful time with some good friends and new friends.
Yes, I will be going back to Shogun again. The food was delicious!
_______
I spent six hours in the sun at Venture River water park on Friday. Yes, I took both kids. I went with two other moms and their combined four kids. We had a smooth day and even Ben enjoyed the water. He especially loved the ride in the lazy river (I mean, seriously, who doesn't?) with Cate and I sharing a double tube and him on my lap. He giggled and babbled the whole time. All three of us went down the family tube ride a few times. My arms got a work out when I hauled that tube up the hill while holding Ben, but it was worth it. We spent most of our time in the kiddie play area.
_______
Saturday afternoon/evening was spent at a fellow attorney's house, fishing and eating fish. Greg was especially excited, and it paid off with him reeling in the big catch of the day.
Cate and her Dora rod caught many, many fish.
At first, Ben wasn't so sure of the grass.
That is my favorite picture from the day. Seriously. I love the reflection, the flag and my daughter.
She went swimming. In her clothes. And someone gave her bubble gum. Which is swallowed soon after.
That's the big catch of the day. It didn't make it into the fryer because all of this smaller friends were already cooking.
Yep, that's my daughter at the end of the night. I didn't have an extra shirt for her after her swim.
_______
In other news, we've been test driving a mini van this weekend. I'm sold on the idea of having one (although that only took about 6 minutes of driving it and one loading/unloading of the two children), but I think we're going to look for something with less miles than what is currently temporarily sitting in our driveway.
_______
And, believe it or not, there are more photos in my Facebook album. Yes, I have been camera happy, as usual.
First, on Thursday night, I went to a hibachi grill restaurant (Yes, we have one of those in Murray!) for the first time. It was a delightful time with some good friends and new friends.
Yes, I will be going back to Shogun again. The food was delicious!I spent six hours in the sun at Venture River water park on Friday. Yes, I took both kids. I went with two other moms and their combined four kids. We had a smooth day and even Ben enjoyed the water. He especially loved the ride in the lazy river (I mean, seriously, who doesn't?) with Cate and I sharing a double tube and him on my lap. He giggled and babbled the whole time. All three of us went down the family tube ride a few times. My arms got a work out when I hauled that tube up the hill while holding Ben, but it was worth it. We spent most of our time in the kiddie play area.
Saturday afternoon/evening was spent at a fellow attorney's house, fishing and eating fish. Greg was especially excited, and it paid off with him reeling in the big catch of the day.
Cate and her Dora rod caught many, many fish.
At first, Ben wasn't so sure of the grass.
That is my favorite picture from the day. Seriously. I love the reflection, the flag and my daughter.
She went swimming. In her clothes. And someone gave her bubble gum. Which is swallowed soon after.
That's the big catch of the day. It didn't make it into the fryer because all of this smaller friends were already cooking.
Yep, that's my daughter at the end of the night. I didn't have an extra shirt for her after her swim.In other news, we've been test driving a mini van this weekend. I'm sold on the idea of having one (although that only took about 6 minutes of driving it and one loading/unloading of the two children), but I think we're going to look for something with less miles than what is currently temporarily sitting in our driveway.
And, believe it or not, there are more photos in my Facebook album. Yes, I have been camera happy, as usual.
Spinning ...
For obvious reasons, Cate calls skirts, especially ones that spin out when she twirls around, "spinners." This is the ultimate spinner, thanks to Aunt Jennifer!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
on the lake
I was dreaming of having a lake house again this weekend. Of course, playing in and around the lake always makes me think like that. One day, maybe. For now, we'll enjoy the fact Greg's uncle and aunt own a house on Kentucky Lake. In fact, they have a pontoon boat and two jet skis too.
Turns out my sister and brother-in-law are in the States for a two-month visit from their temporary home in New Zealand. We were so glad to have them with us this weekend.
So, yes, on the lake with family ... it was a fun holiday weekend indeed.
There were s'mores, of course! And the girls really liked roasting marshmallows, mostly because they liked catching them on fire.
Pontoon boat rides are fun. Even Ben found it relaxing ...
There also was much swimming in the lake ...
Did I mention I was glad Cassie and Zac are in town? Really, all being together at Kentucky Lake was a preview to our family vacation in Hilton Head at the end of June.
Ben showed off ... and rolled from his back to his belly for the first time. I guess he was saving his moves for an audience!
We like the jet skis. And tubing.
Cate liked driving the boat. Many of the Taylors joined us at the lake on Monday.
Turns out my sister and brother-in-law are in the States for a two-month visit from their temporary home in New Zealand. We were so glad to have them with us this weekend.
So, yes, on the lake with family ... it was a fun holiday weekend indeed.
There were s'mores, of course! And the girls really liked roasting marshmallows, mostly because they liked catching them on fire.
Pontoon boat rides are fun. Even Ben found it relaxing ...
There also was much swimming in the lake ...
Did I mention I was glad Cassie and Zac are in town? Really, all being together at Kentucky Lake was a preview to our family vacation in Hilton Head at the end of June.
Ben showed off ... and rolled from his back to his belly for the first time. I guess he was saving his moves for an audience!
We like the jet skis. And tubing.
Cate liked driving the boat. Many of the Taylors joined us at the lake on Monday.
Ben's first swim
I love summer days at the pool. Thankfully, my kids do too. Ben had his first pool experience last week ...
... and he wanted to eat the float and drink the pool water.
That's my best attempt at getting Cate and Ben in the same picture. She is tolerating my request to pose with Ben and he's completely distracted.
He was really into investigating the water.
... and he wanted to eat the float and drink the pool water.
That's my best attempt at getting Cate and Ben in the same picture. She is tolerating my request to pose with Ben and he's completely distracted.
He was really into investigating the water.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Freezer Cooking II
Want to see my grocery list for this round of freezer cooking?
4 cups minced celery
Green onions
5 onions
12 oz. fresh mushrooms
46 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 lbs mahi mahi
8 lbs. ground beef
3 lbs. flank steak
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
3 cans cream of celery soup
3 large cans petite diced tomatoes
2 large cans tomato sauce
2 8 oz. can tomato sauce
24 corn tortillas
16 oz. can green chiles
4 cups evaporated milk
4 teaspoons minced onion
Minced garlic
Ginger
Jar of roasted red peppers
2 cups blanched and slivered almonds
4 cups crunchy Chinese chow mein noodles
Sesame oil
Worcestershire
Soy sauce
Balsamic vinegar
Sherry cooking wine
Seasoned croutons
Honey
1 can pineapple slices
2 boxes manicotti noodles
2 6 oz. cans orange juice concentrate
2 1 lb. loaf frozen white bread dough
1 bag frozen spinach
2 bags southern style hashbrowns
2 cups grated Parmesan
1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar
2 8oz. bags shredded cheddar
2 cups shredded Parmesan
2 16 oz. bags shredded mozzarella
8 cups Monterey jack cheese
6 oz. bleu cheese
6 oz. low fat cream cheese
2 large cartons small curd cottage cheese
5 cups sour cream
4 8 oz. cans crescent rolls
Margarine
Eggs
All that, plus some things from our cabinets, plus some ingredients left over from our last freezer cooking session, were combined and divided to make ...
Chicken Lelani
Ginger Glazed Mahi-Mahi
Savory Chicken Bundles
Manicotti
Cheesy Breadsticks
Orange Teriyaki Chicken
Maui Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Parmesan Garlic Chicken
Asian Flank Steak
Hashbrown Casserole
Elliot’s Gourmet Burgers
Beef Enchiladas
We cooked and prepared food from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., minus some breaks, of course, to tend to our four combined children (who are 5 years old, 3 years old, almost 3 years old and 6 months old). Despite the few toy wars that come with preschooler territory, the three older kids played so well together.
And I love my new freezer, for the record.
4 cups minced celery
Green onions
5 onions
12 oz. fresh mushrooms
46 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 lbs mahi mahi
8 lbs. ground beef
3 lbs. flank steak
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
3 cans cream of celery soup
3 large cans petite diced tomatoes
2 large cans tomato sauce
2 8 oz. can tomato sauce
24 corn tortillas
16 oz. can green chiles
4 cups evaporated milk
4 teaspoons minced onion
Minced garlic
Ginger
Jar of roasted red peppers
2 cups blanched and slivered almonds
4 cups crunchy Chinese chow mein noodles
Sesame oil
Worcestershire
Soy sauce
Balsamic vinegar
Sherry cooking wine
Seasoned croutons
Honey
1 can pineapple slices
2 boxes manicotti noodles
2 6 oz. cans orange juice concentrate
2 1 lb. loaf frozen white bread dough
1 bag frozen spinach
2 bags southern style hashbrowns
2 cups grated Parmesan
1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar
2 8oz. bags shredded cheddar
2 cups shredded Parmesan
2 16 oz. bags shredded mozzarella
8 cups Monterey jack cheese
6 oz. bleu cheese
6 oz. low fat cream cheese
2 large cartons small curd cottage cheese
5 cups sour cream
4 8 oz. cans crescent rolls
Margarine
Eggs
All that, plus some things from our cabinets, plus some ingredients left over from our last freezer cooking session, were combined and divided to make ...
Chicken Lelani
Ginger Glazed Mahi-Mahi
Savory Chicken Bundles
Manicotti
Cheesy Breadsticks
Orange Teriyaki Chicken
Maui Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Parmesan Garlic Chicken
Asian Flank Steak
Hashbrown Casserole
Elliot’s Gourmet Burgers
Beef Enchiladas
We cooked and prepared food from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., minus some breaks, of course, to tend to our four combined children (who are 5 years old, 3 years old, almost 3 years old and 6 months old). Despite the few toy wars that come with preschooler territory, the three older kids played so well together.
And I love my new freezer, for the record.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
always watching, always thinking
Those little eyes are always watching and those little minds always thinking.When we were at the grocery store earlier this week stocking up on items for our everyday life, Cate saw a girl about her age pushing one of those small grocery carts. "I want to push one." Of course. I really was surprised she didn't know they existed until now.
"Maybe next time we come."
She was fine with that.
This morning I told Cate we were going to the grocery to get lots of food for mommy to cook with Courtney and for us to eat at the lake this weekend. "I can push a cart."
Not a question. A statement.
Because she remembered my "maybe next time we come" response earlier in the week.
In thinking about my really long grocery list, I thought maybe her pushing a little cart beside/behind me would help me keep my groceries sorted. I could put what was for our family in her cart and what Courtney and I would share in my big cart, which also included Ben, of course.
"Sure. We'll try to find a cart for you."
So we did. And off we were.
Cate hit my heels with her cart almost immediately and I remembered the look my mom would give me when I walked too closely behind her and stepped on her feet, literally. She didn't want to be mad but being tripped up is never fun. I think I gave Cate the same look. And then I told her to stay close but to watch where she was going.
She wanted to put everything in her cart. And she wanted to touch lots of things on shelves. None of this is surprising, especially because this was the first time she's walked in Kroger. Ah, freedom. And with a cart.
But we didn't need the pourable Bisquick mix. So I explained that momma had a list and that wasn't on it. She seemed to get it, especially when I let her pick the items we did need off the shelves. The only non-list item that made it into her cart was a package of mini marshmallows. And, hey, she asked nicely.
At one point, I stopped in the canned vegetable aisle to evaluate my list. I caught a glimpse of Cate pretending she had a list in one hand and a pen in the other. Apparently, she was marking off "marshmallows."
Once both our carts were filled, she wanted to help unload hers. She waited patiently while I unloaded mine, and then "I do mine myself." Of course. The near breakdown came when the bagger -- who I'm sure was wondering what the heck I was going to do with 36 chicken breasts, 3 pounds of fish, 3 pounds of steak and 11 pounds of ground beef -- wasn't putting anything back in Cate's cart. I ended up bagging a couple of bags and putting them in her cart. She wanted everything that had been in there back in there. And I'm certain she remembered just how many hot dogs, apples, strawberries and marshmallows belonged. I explained to her that it was all going to the same place -- first the trunk of the car, then to our home.
All was well, until she wanted to put the watermelon on top of everything in her cart.
"Well, that watermelon is heavy. I don't want it to smash the cookies."
"OK, I push this."
Yes, sweet girl, you push yours, I'll push mine, and that bagger guy will push the overflow that somehow didn't manage to fit back into the two carts we brought to the check-out line.
She would have helped me load them groceries into the trunk, but she couldn't reach in very far and the watermelon would have landed on top of the bread and eggs. So I used the marshmallows to my advantage. "How about you get in the car, start cooling off and I'll find the marshmallows for you?"
"Sure, Mom. I turn on the air."
"Well, I'll turn it on, since I have the key."
"OK. Ben cool off too."
Sounds like a plan, my sweet girl who really is like me. Always thinking. Always watching. I better be on my best behavior, always. And then I handed Cate an entire bag of marshmallows.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Freezer Cooking
[I started this post more than a month ago, but I'm finally finishing it now, a few days before we freezer cook again!]
I like to eat. But cooking is another story. It's not that I mind the actual cooking. I just get discouraged when it takes some time to prepare a meal, usually during the time of the day when Ben wants to eat and Cate is eager for Daddy to get home. Then we eat it and I'm left with dishes and a counter top to clean.
So the idea of cooking a bunch of stuff at once, with a friend, is completely appealing. Then I have lots of meal choices with little effort required from 4 to 5 p.m. We cooked so much this last time [our third time together ...] that I had to rearrange the freezer twice to make it all fit.
As of last week, we have a freezer! It's an upright freezer with lots of room for lots of food. I am looking forward to filling it ... or at least coming close!
But for now I thought I'd share some of our freezer cooking day last month, which involved ...
10 recipes [which we doubled and still managed to produce more than one meal each]
4 whole chickens
11 lbs. of ground beef
36 chicken breasts
16 porkchops
We cooked from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although that time involved feeding my baby twice, changing a few diapers, feeding three other kids lunch, and a trip to Dollar General Store for the cream of mushroom soup we forgot.
Our recipes usually come from "Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer" and more recently "Don't Panic - More Dinner's in the Freezer." We also use other recipes we like that freeze well, such as lasagna, manicotti, broccoli casserole, hashbrown casserole and taco soup.
It's best to come into the cooking day with a plan. And plenty of pans. Although the more you can freeze in gallon-sized Zip-loc bags the better, at least in terms of space.
Here are some recipes we've enjoyed, but I highly recommend "Don't Panic - More Dinner's in the Freezer ...
Parmesan Garlic Chicken
From "Don't Panic - More Dinner's in the Freezer"
6 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 envelope Italian dressing mix
2 gloves garlic (I just used minced garlic)
1/2 cup olive oil
Cooking day instructions
Mix together cheese, garlic and Italian mix. Dip chicken breasts in olive oil, then coat with cheese mixture. Store in freezer bag.
Serving day instructions
Thaw completely before cooking. Place in greased baking dish and bake at 400 degrees for 45-60 minutes.
Hawaiian Chicken
From "Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer"
6 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
2 16 oz. cans pineapple slices, drained
2 15 oz. cans mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup cornstartch
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 t. salt
1 t. ginger
1/2 t. red pepper (or less …)
Green pepper
Cooking day instructions
Place chicken in freezer bag. Mix together remaining ingredients except green pepper and pour over chicken in bag. Freeze.
Serving day instructions
Thaw chicken mixture. Place in Crock Pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add green pepper to Crock Pot one hour before serving. Serve over rice.
Colorado Beef Enchiladas
From "Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer"
1 1/4 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3-4 T. taco seasoning
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 small can mild green chiles, chopped
1 6-8 oz. green chile salsa
1/4 cup water
Vegetable oil, for quick frying
12 corn tortillas
1 lb. cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Sauce:
1 15 oz. can red chile enchilada sauce
1 15 oz. can green chile enchilada sauce
1/3 cup sour cream
3 T. milk
Cooking day instructions
Brown meat and diced onion in skillet on medium heat. While meat is browning, prepare sauce (see below). Drain meat and return to pan; add dry taco seasoning, salt, pepper, green chiles, green salsa and water. Mix well, cover and simmer on very low heat for 15 minutes. Check meat mixture to see if most of the water has been absorbed. The meat should remain moist. Adjust seasonings at this point, if desired. Cover and keep warm.
Sauce: In medium bowl, combine red and green enchilada sauces, sour cream and milk. Whisk together until well blended and smooth. (Add more milk or sour cream if you want a less intense sauce.)
In a smaller pan, add 3 T. oil and heat over medium heat. Dip each corn tortilla in oil for a couple seconds and promptly place on plate lined with paper towels to drain excess. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Assemble: In 9x13 baking dish, pour 3/4 cup of sauce on bottom to cover dish. Place a single layer of tortillas in sauce. Top with layer of half of the meat mixture, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat tortilla, meat, cheese layers. Pour remaining sauce over layers and top with cheese. Cool. Freeze.
Serving day instructions
Thaw completely. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Taco Soup
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 package ranch-style dressing mix
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 cup water
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans
1 can (15 ounces) black beans
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
Cooking day instructions
Brown beef with onions. Then combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook a few hours on low. Freeze in Zip-loc.
Serving day instructions
Reheat in slow cooker. Top with sour cream and corn chips.
I like to eat. But cooking is another story. It's not that I mind the actual cooking. I just get discouraged when it takes some time to prepare a meal, usually during the time of the day when Ben wants to eat and Cate is eager for Daddy to get home. Then we eat it and I'm left with dishes and a counter top to clean.
So the idea of cooking a bunch of stuff at once, with a friend, is completely appealing. Then I have lots of meal choices with little effort required from 4 to 5 p.m. We cooked so much this last time [our third time together ...] that I had to rearrange the freezer twice to make it all fit.
As of last week, we have a freezer! It's an upright freezer with lots of room for lots of food. I am looking forward to filling it ... or at least coming close!
But for now I thought I'd share some of our freezer cooking day last month, which involved ...
10 recipes [which we doubled and still managed to produce more than one meal each]
4 whole chickens
11 lbs. of ground beef
36 chicken breasts
16 porkchops
We cooked from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although that time involved feeding my baby twice, changing a few diapers, feeding three other kids lunch, and a trip to Dollar General Store for the cream of mushroom soup we forgot.
Our recipes usually come from "Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer" and more recently "Don't Panic - More Dinner's in the Freezer." We also use other recipes we like that freeze well, such as lasagna, manicotti, broccoli casserole, hashbrown casserole and taco soup.
It's best to come into the cooking day with a plan. And plenty of pans. Although the more you can freeze in gallon-sized Zip-loc bags the better, at least in terms of space.
Here are some recipes we've enjoyed, but I highly recommend "Don't Panic - More Dinner's in the Freezer ...
Parmesan Garlic Chicken
From "Don't Panic - More Dinner's in the Freezer"
6 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 envelope Italian dressing mix
2 gloves garlic (I just used minced garlic)
1/2 cup olive oil
Cooking day instructions
Mix together cheese, garlic and Italian mix. Dip chicken breasts in olive oil, then coat with cheese mixture. Store in freezer bag.
Serving day instructions
Thaw completely before cooking. Place in greased baking dish and bake at 400 degrees for 45-60 minutes.
Hawaiian Chicken
From "Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer"
6 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
2 16 oz. cans pineapple slices, drained
2 15 oz. cans mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup cornstartch
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 t. salt
1 t. ginger
1/2 t. red pepper (or less …)
Green pepper
Cooking day instructions
Place chicken in freezer bag. Mix together remaining ingredients except green pepper and pour over chicken in bag. Freeze.
Serving day instructions
Thaw chicken mixture. Place in Crock Pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add green pepper to Crock Pot one hour before serving. Serve over rice.
Colorado Beef Enchiladas
From "Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer"
1 1/4 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3-4 T. taco seasoning
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 small can mild green chiles, chopped
1 6-8 oz. green chile salsa
1/4 cup water
Vegetable oil, for quick frying
12 corn tortillas
1 lb. cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Sauce:
1 15 oz. can red chile enchilada sauce
1 15 oz. can green chile enchilada sauce
1/3 cup sour cream
3 T. milk
Cooking day instructions
Brown meat and diced onion in skillet on medium heat. While meat is browning, prepare sauce (see below). Drain meat and return to pan; add dry taco seasoning, salt, pepper, green chiles, green salsa and water. Mix well, cover and simmer on very low heat for 15 minutes. Check meat mixture to see if most of the water has been absorbed. The meat should remain moist. Adjust seasonings at this point, if desired. Cover and keep warm.
Sauce: In medium bowl, combine red and green enchilada sauces, sour cream and milk. Whisk together until well blended and smooth. (Add more milk or sour cream if you want a less intense sauce.)
In a smaller pan, add 3 T. oil and heat over medium heat. Dip each corn tortilla in oil for a couple seconds and promptly place on plate lined with paper towels to drain excess. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Assemble: In 9x13 baking dish, pour 3/4 cup of sauce on bottom to cover dish. Place a single layer of tortillas in sauce. Top with layer of half of the meat mixture, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat tortilla, meat, cheese layers. Pour remaining sauce over layers and top with cheese. Cool. Freeze.
Serving day instructions
Thaw completely. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
Taco Soup
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 package ranch-style dressing mix
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 cup water
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans
1 can (15 ounces) black beans
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
Cooking day instructions
Brown beef with onions. Then combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook a few hours on low. Freeze in Zip-loc.
Serving day instructions
Reheat in slow cooker. Top with sour cream and corn chips.
sprinkles of summer
Cate wasn't sure what to think about the crazy flower sprinkler this morning ...
Ben @ 6 months
One-half of a year. Seriously. Already. [Officially, yesterday.]And I'm happy to be here, honestly. I love watching Ben's personality develop as he learns to express himself. At six months, my sweet boy ...
* Likes to be on his belly.
* Still hasn't rolled from his back to his belly.
* Continues to sleep well at night and catnap during the day.
* Giggles. Often.
* Chews. Drools. Still trying to cut his first teeth.
* Started eating baby food a few days ago.
Speaking of baby food. Here is Ben eating some green beans ...
[For those of you into details, we go to the doctor tomorrow, so I can let you in on the details of his height and weight after the appointment.]
Day-long Date
We like St. Louis.So when I wasn't sure what else to get Greg for his birthday, I decided to plan a date to watch the Cardinals play baseball. Unfortunately, they lost of the Angels, but Saturday was a beautiful day for baseball ... and a great chance for us to get away. We also enjoyed dinner with John and Christine, who are expecting their first child (and our niece!) in the next couple of weeks. We rarely go away all day without our kids, but it was time. And the kids had a fabulous day with Gran-Gran, Charles and Angela, and their cousins.
In fact, my sister-in-law Angela even took some photos ...
LOST: The End
If you haven't watched the "Lost" finale, which aired last night, you may want to stop reading ...
But, wait, I still have questions ...
Why didn't Mr. Eko join the reunion party in the church? [And there were others missing, too.]
And why can't we learn more about Eloise?
What was the leadership combination of Hurley and Ben like on the island?
How/when does Hurley die? And Kate?
I was happy to see Rose and Bernard -- and Vincent! -- during the episode. They were happily living their live in who knows when. And then there was Shannon's reunion with Sayid and Juliet's with Sawyer. Both were sweet, and worth waiting for.
The irony of Jack trying to save Locke in the flash-sideways and trying to kill Fake Locke on the island was good tension.
The best line of the night: "I don't believe in a lot of things, but I believe in duct tape." Nice, Miles.
Shannon and Sayid. Kate and Claire. Kate and Jack. Juliet and Sawyer. Clarie and Charlie. Charlotte and Daniel. When they are with the people they are supposed to be with in the flash-sideways their souls find peace. Meanwhile, what happened on the island happened.
And they don't get it until they're ready. Ready to move on. Like the flash-sideways were purgatory moments of waiting ... and deciding. [I did like learning Juliet was David's mom in the flash-sideways, as I suspected. And I loved the parallels between the realities with the candy bar at the vending machine and Clarie giving birth to Aaron with Kate by her side.]
"There is no now here. ... This is the place you all made together so you could find one another. ... Nobody does it alone, Jack." Thanks, Christian Shepherd for that explanation. Sort of.
Were you satisfied? What did you like learning? What do you still want to know?
But, wait, I still have questions ...
Why didn't Mr. Eko join the reunion party in the church? [And there were others missing, too.]
And why can't we learn more about Eloise?
What was the leadership combination of Hurley and Ben like on the island?
How/when does Hurley die? And Kate?
I was happy to see Rose and Bernard -- and Vincent! -- during the episode. They were happily living their live in who knows when. And then there was Shannon's reunion with Sayid and Juliet's with Sawyer. Both were sweet, and worth waiting for.
The irony of Jack trying to save Locke in the flash-sideways and trying to kill Fake Locke on the island was good tension.
The best line of the night: "I don't believe in a lot of things, but I believe in duct tape." Nice, Miles.
Shannon and Sayid. Kate and Claire. Kate and Jack. Juliet and Sawyer. Clarie and Charlie. Charlotte and Daniel. When they are with the people they are supposed to be with in the flash-sideways their souls find peace. Meanwhile, what happened on the island happened.
And they don't get it until they're ready. Ready to move on. Like the flash-sideways were purgatory moments of waiting ... and deciding. [I did like learning Juliet was David's mom in the flash-sideways, as I suspected. And I loved the parallels between the realities with the candy bar at the vending machine and Clarie giving birth to Aaron with Kate by her side.]
"There is no now here. ... This is the place you all made together so you could find one another. ... Nobody does it alone, Jack." Thanks, Christian Shepherd for that explanation. Sort of.
Were you satisfied? What did you like learning? What do you still want to know?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
pick up sticks
Cate is into collecting sticks and rocks. In fact, there is a bowl of rocks sitting on our back step. Yesterday I had to tell her to leave these sticks at the park because she wasn't going to be hold them and ride the scooter home. I reminded her that our yard has sticks too.
jump, jump ... sleep
This morning while I was working on the computer, Ben was jumping. And jumping. And giggling. And then I didn't hear him anymore ...
Obviously, Ben was tired of jumping.
Gran-Gran kept the kids while I worked at the office this morning. When she was telling me about what Cate and Ben did while I was gone, she started to say, "And Ben was jumping, then all the sudden ..."
"He fell asleep." I finished her sentence.
As I was telling her he did it earlier, she was already reaching for her iPhone to show me the picture. This time -- making it twice before lunch -- he was leaned back, which seems even more uncomfortable. Then I showed her my photo [similar to the one above] from my iPhone. Ah, technology, thanks for helping us capture our kids' funny moments.
Obviously, Ben was tired of jumping.Gran-Gran kept the kids while I worked at the office this morning. When she was telling me about what Cate and Ben did while I was gone, she started to say, "And Ben was jumping, then all the sudden ..."
"He fell asleep." I finished her sentence.
As I was telling her he did it earlier, she was already reaching for her iPhone to show me the picture. This time -- making it twice before lunch -- he was leaned back, which seems even more uncomfortable. Then I showed her my photo [similar to the one above] from my iPhone. Ah, technology, thanks for helping us capture our kids' funny moments.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Worth Repeating Wednesday
Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.
--Leo Tolstoy, quoted in "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard J. Foster
--Leo Tolstoy, quoted in "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard J. Foster
Primary Election: SUCCESS!
Greg's first political campaign went well. He finished sixth among the 26 candidates for Murray City Council. Two were eliminated and the remaining 24 move on to November, when the top 12 secure two-year terms on the council. The five people ahead of him in vote totals yesterday are currently on the council and have been for several terms.
Here is the vote breakdown ...
Danny Hudspeth - 1,825
Dan Miller - 1,372
Jeremy Bell - 1,334
Jason Pittman - 1,291
Robert Billington Jr. - 1,258
Greg Taylor - 1,256
Linda Cherry - 1,122
Pete Lancaster - 1,114
Pat Scott - 1,058
Jay Morgan - 992
Martin Milkman - 918
Don Elias - 918
Jane Shoemaker - 910
Jane Brandon - 897
Amos McCarty - 878
Debbie Nance Griffin - 643
Brad Darnell - 602
John Mark Roberts - 594
Jeremy Boyd - 580
Richard Reed - 547
Mark Randall - 485
Billy Gene Pritchard - 468
Ron Gladden - 431
Thanks, friends, for your support and encouragement. We're looking forward to resuming the campaign in the fall.
Here is the vote breakdown ...
Danny Hudspeth - 1,825
Dan Miller - 1,372
Jeremy Bell - 1,334
Jason Pittman - 1,291
Robert Billington Jr. - 1,258
Greg Taylor - 1,256
Linda Cherry - 1,122
Pete Lancaster - 1,114
Pat Scott - 1,058
Jay Morgan - 992
Martin Milkman - 918
Don Elias - 918
Jane Shoemaker - 910
Jane Brandon - 897
Amos McCarty - 878
Debbie Nance Griffin - 643
Brad Darnell - 602
John Mark Roberts - 594
Jeremy Boyd - 580
Richard Reed - 547
Mark Randall - 485
Billy Gene Pritchard - 468
Ron Gladden - 431
Thanks, friends, for your support and encouragement. We're looking forward to resuming the campaign in the fall.
LOST: Almost The End
Only one night of "Lost" left. Seriously. We got some answers last night in "What They Died For," but we have plenty of questions left.
But before we jump right in, if you haven't watched the latest episode, you may want to stop reading. Until then, if you need us, we'll be running through the jungle. Right, Miles?
Meanwhile, Desmond in flash-sideways is intense. And Ben seems to remember something from the island. But supposedly Desmond just wanted to help Locke to let go.
And then there was the Widmore/Linus reunion, which was intense in its own right, especially since Ben ends up ending Widmore. But are we really done with him? Seems like there is a little more of that story to be told ...
Jacob! And Kate, Sawyer and Jack can see him too. Hurley, buddy, you're not alone this time. Jacob even answers some questions! He wanted them to have a choice [free will, if you will ...] about deciding to protect the island. He assumed Kate didn't want the job since she became a mom. Yet, Sun wasn't eliminated in Jacob's mind, maybe because she was partnered with Jin.
Sawyer asks Jacob what gives him right to mess with their lives. Jacob has an answer! "You were all flawed. I chose you because you were like me. ... You needed this place as much as it needed you."
Jack wasted no time assuming responsibility of protecting the light. "This is why I am here. This is what I am supposed to do." The responsibility was passed like a torch ... er, a cup. [The communion symbolize continues for me!] Jacob tells Jack, "Drink this. ... Now you are like me."
The great lines abounded this week, maybe even more than usual. I guess those writers just wanted to show off before the show ended:
"I lived in these houses 30 years before you. Otherwise known as last week." [Miles to Ben]
"We are very close to the end, Hugo." Really? Thanks, Jacob.
"If you need us, we'll be running through the jungle." [Miles]
"We insist, even if we have to kidnap you." Danielle Rousseau to Dr. Linus. Then Alex's mom tells him: "You are the closest thing to a father she has ever had." Oh, the irony.
"I think you are mistaking coincidence for fate." Nice one, Jack.
And speaking of fate. Fake Locke wants to destroy the island. Not just leave it. We'll see, there are only 2 1/2 hours left. I have no doubt we'll be oohed and ahhed and surprised. And I'm still waiting to see if Juliet is David's mom in the flash-sideways. Oh, and these flash-sideways, surely they're going to make sense ... soon.
What do you think? What do you want to know in these final 2 1/2 hours? What do you expect?
But before we jump right in, if you haven't watched the latest episode, you may want to stop reading. Until then, if you need us, we'll be running through the jungle. Right, Miles?
Meanwhile, Desmond in flash-sideways is intense. And Ben seems to remember something from the island. But supposedly Desmond just wanted to help Locke to let go.
And then there was the Widmore/Linus reunion, which was intense in its own right, especially since Ben ends up ending Widmore. But are we really done with him? Seems like there is a little more of that story to be told ...
Jacob! And Kate, Sawyer and Jack can see him too. Hurley, buddy, you're not alone this time. Jacob even answers some questions! He wanted them to have a choice [free will, if you will ...] about deciding to protect the island. He assumed Kate didn't want the job since she became a mom. Yet, Sun wasn't eliminated in Jacob's mind, maybe because she was partnered with Jin.
Sawyer asks Jacob what gives him right to mess with their lives. Jacob has an answer! "You were all flawed. I chose you because you were like me. ... You needed this place as much as it needed you."
Jack wasted no time assuming responsibility of protecting the light. "This is why I am here. This is what I am supposed to do." The responsibility was passed like a torch ... er, a cup. [The communion symbolize continues for me!] Jacob tells Jack, "Drink this. ... Now you are like me."
The great lines abounded this week, maybe even more than usual. I guess those writers just wanted to show off before the show ended:
"I lived in these houses 30 years before you. Otherwise known as last week." [Miles to Ben]
"We are very close to the end, Hugo." Really? Thanks, Jacob.
"If you need us, we'll be running through the jungle." [Miles]
"We insist, even if we have to kidnap you." Danielle Rousseau to Dr. Linus. Then Alex's mom tells him: "You are the closest thing to a father she has ever had." Oh, the irony.
"I think you are mistaking coincidence for fate." Nice one, Jack.
And speaking of fate. Fake Locke wants to destroy the island. Not just leave it. We'll see, there are only 2 1/2 hours left. I have no doubt we'll be oohed and ahhed and surprised. And I'm still waiting to see if Juliet is David's mom in the flash-sideways. Oh, and these flash-sideways, surely they're going to make sense ... soon.
What do you think? What do you want to know in these final 2 1/2 hours? What do you expect?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Ben and his friend, again
Ben and Davey had another matching outfit yesterday, so, of course, Sarah and I documented our cute boys. And my pretty girl wanted in on the photo shoot.
Ben kept scooting away. And once we finished snapping photos, Davey was ready to crawl.
And the giveaway goes to ...
Jonnie (aka edmonton jb) who blogs at MoM of BoYs with ToYs!She wins a $60 gift certificate from CSN Stores. Jonnie, I copied your e-mail address from your Blogger profile and will send it to the CSN Stores representative, who will send you the gift certificate via e-mail.
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