tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29029935718627488472024-03-05T13:25:57.704-06:00Four Hours from AnywhereWhere exactly is Swisher, IA? Well, it is about 4 hours from Chicago and 4 hours from Kansas City and 4 hours from Minneapolis and 4 hours from St. Louis and Omaha and Madison ....Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-48227768674959566362015-01-05T16:49:00.001-06:002015-01-05T16:50:32.998-06:00Snow Rituals<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Woo hoo –
the snow has already started to fall here!!
We are expected to have 4-8 inches fall between now and tomorrow
morning. I know that today was the first
day back to work and school after the holidays, but I would not be disappointed if
there was a snow day tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Growing
up, whenever we heard it there was a chance of snow, we’d sleep with our
pajamas on inside out. Why? To increase the chance of a snow day, of
course! Later on when I was teaching, it
was expanded to sleeping with your pajamas on inside out AND putting a spoon
under your pillow. Hey, if it works, it
works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Today I
discovered <shockingly> that not everyone performed this ritual growing
up when there was a chance of snow. What? How did you do your part to ensure that
school would be called off? Could this ritual
possibly be considered … weird?<o:p></o:p></shockingly></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So I turned
to Google for the answer. I am happy to
report that I <nor anyone="" coast="" east="" else="" on="" the=""> am not weird. There are many, many snow rituals out there
but I’ll just list the top 5:<o:p></o:p></nor></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wear your
pajamas inside out. If it is iffy as to
whether you’ll get any measurable snow at all, wear them inside out AND
backwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Stick a
spoon under your pillow. Google informed
me this ritual dates back to the Pilgrims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Flush a
single ice cube down the toilet (you’ll need the rest of the ice cubes later)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">4)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Stick
something white inside your freezer (white crayon, cotton ball, Q-tip)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">5)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Stick ice
cubes on your front porch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have many more thoughts on the subject in my head, but I
need to run. I need to make sure the ice
cube maker has made enough ice!! And I
know there has to be a white crayon around here somewhere …<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-54697473295005211762014-08-28T17:56:00.003-05:002014-08-28T17:56:32.966-05:00Summer has arrived!Our garden has been pretty pathetic this summer. A tomato here and there. One giant zucchini that grew overnight. Today was the first day I actually had to take a couple of bags with me to carry everything.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB5_XhbJxTiEhk7-Bwat6_tpCwca9xS2ED4VI8XInqOrFCriOqBh6CHv2YhoBio8Bwd8B5970PZ5Jqe_L9bt0_3ELqFTx4NllqcR8xGvdscpB6GpEZ6M1vcWt5MGaaNQENxkWH8K8HCE/s1600/IMG_4544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB5_XhbJxTiEhk7-Bwat6_tpCwca9xS2ED4VI8XInqOrFCriOqBh6CHv2YhoBio8Bwd8B5970PZ5Jqe_L9bt0_3ELqFTx4NllqcR8xGvdscpB6GpEZ6M1vcWt5MGaaNQENxkWH8K8HCE/s1600/IMG_4544.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not quite enough cucumbers to make a batch of pickles, but I bet I can get a batch or two (or four) of zucchini bread from those monsters.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-31975334291467110812014-08-27T18:00:00.000-05:002014-08-27T18:00:01.109-05:00Boston Cream PieDavid's birthday was last weekend and in keeping with tradition, the kids and I made him a cake. As usual, David never got around to telling us what kind of cake he wanted, so the kids decided on a Boston Cream Pie since 'daddy loves the donuts'.<br />
<br />
A Boston Cream Pie is really a sponge cake, with pastry cream in the middle (think chocolate eclair) with a chocolate glaze on the top. I haven't made on in a long time and had to start searching through my cookbooks to find the recipe I used (yep, it's been that long). Since I knew slicing one cake in half would be dicey, I wanted to find a recipe that was for 2 round cake pans.<br />
<br />
Since the original glaze I used was not very sweet, I searched online to find a different on to use since I knew the kids wouldn't like it. We also had a bit of trouble getting our cake out of the pans, so it isn't all that pretty to look at. Turns out you can't glue a cake together with glaze like you can with frosting! Regardless, it was declared delicious and Christopher decided 'we are the best bakers EVER!'<br />
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<br />
<br />
<section class="serves"><b><span style="color: orange;">Boston Cream Pie</span></b></section><section class="serves">Source: Cook's Illustrated and Kraft</section><section class="serves"> </section><section class="serves">The cake is easier to cut if it has been chilled for a couple of hours</section><section class="serves"> </section><section class="serves"><b>Pastry Cream</b></section>
<section class="ingredients"><span>2
</span>
<span>
cups half-and-half
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>6
</span>
<span>
large egg yolks
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>1/2
</span>
<span>
cup sugar
</span>
<span></span><span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>pinch table salt
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>1/4
</span>
<span>
cup unbleached all-purpose flour
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>4
</span>
<span>
tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into four pieces
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>1 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise OR 1 1/2
</span>
<span>
teaspoons vanilla extract </span><span></span></section><section class="ingredients"><span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><b><span>Cake</span></b></section><section class="ingredients"><span>1 1/2
</span>
<span>
cups unbleached all-purpose flour
</span>
<br /><span><span style="color: black;"></span></span><span>1 1/2
</span>
<span>
teaspoons baking powder
</span>
<br /><span></span><span>3/4
</span>
<span>
teaspoon table salt
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>3/4
</span>
<span>
cup milk
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>6
</span>
<span>
tablespoons unsalted butter
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>1 1/2
</span>
<span>
teaspoons vanilla extract
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>3
</span>
<span>
large eggs
</span>
<span> </span></section><section class="ingredients"><span>1 1/2
</span>
<span>
cups sugar
</span> </section><section class="ingredients"> </section><section class="ingredients"><b>Glaze </b></section><section class="ingredients">1 ounce unsweetened chocolate</section><section class="ingredients">1 tablespoon butter</section><section class="ingredients">3/4 cup powdered sugar</section><section class="ingredients">2 tablespoons milk </section><section class="ingredients"><br /></section>
<div>
<b>Pastry Cream:</b> Heat half-and-half in
medium saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Meanwhile, whisk
yolks, sugar, and salt in medium bowl until smooth. Add flour to yolk
mixture and whisk until incorporated. Remove half-and-half from heat
and, whisking constantly, slowly add ½ cup to yolk mixture to temper.
Whisking constantly, return tempered yolk mixture to half-and-half in
saucepan.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
Return saucepan to medium heat and cook, whisking
constantly, until mixture thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Reduce
heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, whisking constantly, 8
minutes. Increase heat to medium and cook, whisking
vigorously, until bubbles burst on surface, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove
saucepan from heat and whisk in butter. <a href="http://bakingbites.com/2012/08/how-to-scrape-a-vanilla-bean/" target="_blank">Scrape</a> vanilla bean seeds and whisk in or add vanilla extract until incorporated. Press lightly greased parchment paper directly on
surface and refrigerate at least 2 hours.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
<b>Cake: </b>Adjust oven rack to middle position
and heat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans
with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment. Whisk flour,
baking powder, and salt together in medium bowl. Heat milk and butter in
small saucepan over low heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat,
add vanilla, and cover to keep warm.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
<strong></strong>In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, whip
eggs and sugar at high speed until light and airy, about 5 minutes.
Remove mixer bowl from stand. Add hot milk mixture and whisk by hand
until incorporated. Add dry ingredients and whisk until incorporated. Divide the batter evenly between
prepared pans. Bake until tops are light brown and toothpick inserted in
center of cakes comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes.<br />
<br />
Transfer cakes to wire rack and cool completely
in pan. Run small plastic knife around edge of pans, then
invert cakes onto wire rack. Carefully remove parchment and flip cakes back over.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
Place one cake round on large plate.
Whisk pastry cream briefly, then spoon onto center of cake. Using
offset spatula, spread evenly to cake edge. Place second layer on pastry
cream, bottom side up, making sure layers line up properly. Press
lightly on top of cake to level. <br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
<strong>Glaze: </strong>Heat butter and chocolate over low heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat and continue to stir until chocolate is fully melted.<strong> </strong>Mix in powdered sugar and add slowly add milk until desired consistency. Spread over top of cake. Keep refrigerated.<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-73290007893374989132014-08-23T11:21:00.000-05:002014-08-23T11:21:13.212-05:00FIrst Day of SchoolFirst day of school for the kids was last Wednesday. Madeleine is in third grade and Christopher started Kindergarten. They settled long enough to take a few pictures and then they were off and running for the bus. I didn't even get a hug or a wave good-bye!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It seems that they did learn anything in third grade on the first day of school. They were busier in Kindergarten though! Some of the highlights:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>They made me write my name over and over and over!</li>
<li>They showed us how to check for feet in the bathroom, so you respect people's privacy</li>
<li>You go out for recess all day long!</li>
<li>The bus driver can drive as fast as he wants and he doesn't get arrested</li>
</ul>
It seemed he also learned how to catch a stomach bug. Madeleine didn't miss a day of school until she was in second grade. He missed his second day of Kindergarten! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-52398369562045223472014-07-19T07:16:00.000-05:002014-07-19T07:16:05.547-05:00Whale WatchThe kids and I went on a whale watch yesterday. I've been on several and this one, by far, was the best ever. We went out of Gloucester (Gloss-ta) with <a href="http://gloucester.7seaswhalewatch.com/" target="_blank">7 Seas Whale Watch</a> and saw at least 25 Humpback whales as well as a couple of Minke. Some of what we saw:<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-91599342895646345802014-06-15T07:54:00.000-05:002014-06-15T07:54:20.593-05:00How fast they grow!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KNeQIzx6vWLArphOUbTxSnj2UTemTUH4WaoCamYcW-5SUGUEz6c-w-e_hGSRN6XNJ4unESdR1p5t31lwyfuty96OvuzpWrUH7UiV2fnfHOFYVpNVNuAVmoocEwARfVmzSZ80_8FiXVc/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KNeQIzx6vWLArphOUbTxSnj2UTemTUH4WaoCamYcW-5SUGUEz6c-w-e_hGSRN6XNJ4unESdR1p5t31lwyfuty96OvuzpWrUH7UiV2fnfHOFYVpNVNuAVmoocEwARfVmzSZ80_8FiXVc/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHUEeI3JoVQNfvsXCCcUiC10-F9pLIis5poP2b6nwUhXzMziAgzkp2fIviuSFj57QdeiltTQfZ5FaZjvYPgRLGwBe5nMlUoEGzAbqR4fVl787JJK3T3b2GfA1owrNmDuVYxwfc-Z95Ws/s1600/img_5065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHUEeI3JoVQNfvsXCCcUiC10-F9pLIis5poP2b6nwUhXzMziAgzkp2fIviuSFj57QdeiltTQfZ5FaZjvYPgRLGwBe5nMlUoEGzAbqR4fVl787JJK3T3b2GfA1owrNmDuVYxwfc-Z95Ws/s1600/img_5065.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-86722865972095726772014-06-12T21:47:00.002-05:002014-06-12T21:47:58.933-05:00Minion, anyone?Christopher's one request for his birthday this year was a minion cake. "It has to be a good minion and not a purple minion because purple minions are bad and I don't want a bad cake at my party!"<br />
<br />
He informed me today for his sixth birthday he wanted a race car cake. I'm sure he'll change his mind numerous time in the next 51 weeks.<br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-82516108371954496192014-04-13T09:25:00.000-05:002014-04-13T09:25:25.557-05:00Hot Cross BunsOne of the things I really miss, living so far from home, is being
able to participate in some of our family traditions, especially around
the holidays. <br />
<br />
Being half Italian and half Polish
means I participated in a plethora of traditions growing up, most of
them food related. While I would love to follow the same traditions
here, we are only a family of 4 and would most likely turn into a family
of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weeble" target="_blank">Weebles</a> if, for example, a pan of lasagna showed up on the table for every holiday in addition to the main course.<br />
<br />
So while I don't have pans and pans and pans of rising <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/polish-babka-recipe" target="_blank">Babka</a>
dough locked away in my bedroom on Good Friday, we do always make these
Hot Cross Buns. They really are easy to do and both kids love them.
Madeleine has already asked if it was almost time to make those buns she
loves so much. Looks like one family tradition has been carried
forward.<br />
<br />
Who knows, maybe I'll also drag out my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizzelle" target="_blank">pizzelle</a> iron that is gathering dust downstairs. Wouldn't be an Italian celebration without a giant tray full of them!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/easy-hot-cross-buns-recipe" target="_blank">Hot Cross Buns</a><br />
King Arthur Flour<br />
Yield: 1 dozen <br />
<br />
<b>Buns</b><br />
1/4 cup apple juice or rum<br />
1/2 cup mixed dried fruit<br />
1/2 cup raisins or dried currants<br />
1 1/4 cups milk -- room temperature<br />
3 large eggs -- 1 separated<br />
6 tablespoons butter -- room temperature<br />
2 teaspoons instant yeast<br />
1/4 cup light brown sugar -- firmly packed<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />
1 3/4 teaspoons salt<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br /> <b> </b><br />
<b>Topping</b><br />
1 large egg white -- reserved from above<br />
1 tablespoon milk<br />
<br />
<b>Icing</b><br />
1 cup + 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar <br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1 pinch salt<br />
4 teaspoons milk -- or enough to make a thick, pipeable icing<br /><br />Lightly grease a 10" square pan or 9" x 13" pan. <br /><br />Mix
the rum or apple juice with the dried fruit and raisins, cover with
plastic wrap, and microwave briefly, just till the fruit and liquid are
very warm. Set aside to cool to room temperature.<br /><br />When the fruit
is cool, mix together all of the dough ingredients except the fruit, and
knead, using an electric mixer or bread machine, till the dough is soft
and elastic. Mix in the fruit and any liquid not absorbed. <br /><br />Let the dough rise for 1 hour, covered. It should become puffy, though may not double in bulk. <br /><br />
Divide
the dough into billiard ball-sized pieces, about 3 3/4 ounces each. A
heaped muffin scoop (about 1/3 cup) makes about the right portion. Use
your greased hands to round them into balls. Arrange them in the
prepared pan. <br /><br />Cover the pan, and let the buns rise for 1 hour,
or until they've puffed up and are touching one another. While the dough
is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F. <br /><br />
Whisk together the reserved egg white and milk, and brush it over the buns. <br /><br />Bake the buns for 20 minutes, until they're golden brown. Remove from the oven, and transfer to a rack to cool. <br /><br />Mix together the icing ingredients, and when the buns are completely cool, pipe it in a cross shape atop each bun. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-58047495614103498742014-02-10T17:40:00.000-06:002014-02-10T17:40:47.551-06:00Mean MomYep, that's me. Mean mom. I earned the title and I'll wear the badge proudly (there IS a badge that goes with it - right?).<br />
<br />
The act that earned me the title?<br />
<br />
I wouldn't let someone take 'thirds' of broccoli because he wasn't eating the rest of the food on his plate.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-51517078901299749462013-09-25T18:10:00.001-05:002013-09-25T18:10:41.456-05:00Somewhat CreepySo I know that all of our information is out there floating around in space and such, but it really did freak me out a little bit when I logged onto Google tonight.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOTTrAQoNCtp-mTjq3BnxifJiEiQmsd8f-Ubx3rBS4gYXPzwIz-56V0_Ec6ihQbV-HnRTbpbRtZUAluuJo3LT6wmPKqyY3jT4pDpp7eaxlG778ywn9lMEQZTAJzBbZWBWbnVJT5g9v3A/s1600/Google.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOTTrAQoNCtp-mTjq3BnxifJiEiQmsd8f-Ubx3rBS4gYXPzwIz-56V0_Ec6ihQbV-HnRTbpbRtZUAluuJo3LT6wmPKqyY3jT4pDpp7eaxlG778ywn9lMEQZTAJzBbZWBWbnVJT5g9v3A/s640/Google.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-71751189672241819452013-09-21T08:51:00.003-05:002013-09-21T08:51:19.842-05:00Got Apples?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pO7urwWaQBV5XT6Nk881h4BD_j8H-UQ6BxwVMFC1ywlJOfusYErud7mTHfQeiSRbM7SXRz2hWZbm6YTLPzL1Y2VjwvKQpZZ7ttATXn3iHZcy44E_88d44d-pnPhsyQmiCGzlzsAL7DE/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pO7urwWaQBV5XT6Nk881h4BD_j8H-UQ6BxwVMFC1ywlJOfusYErud7mTHfQeiSRbM7SXRz2hWZbm6YTLPzL1Y2VjwvKQpZZ7ttATXn3iHZcy44E_88d44d-pnPhsyQmiCGzlzsAL7DE/s320/IMG_3716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We do, thanks to a friend at work! Christopher has been nosing around the box since I brought them home, asking to make 'his favorite applesauce'. I think we have enough in there for applesauce and a few other things.<br />
<br />
This morning we are on a quest for apple cider. The recipe I use calls for apple cider and I struck out at two different HyVee stores. I was informed you can only find apple cider 'at a <a href="http://honeycreekacres.com/" target="_blank">real apple orchard</a> Mommy,' so I think I know where we are headed this morning.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-720652668847809912013-09-04T19:00:00.000-05:002013-09-04T19:00:00.092-05:00A schmoozer in trainingFor someone who routinely is up by 6 on the weekends, pulling him out of bed at 6:15 during the week is a true exercise in patience.<br />
<br />
At the age of 4, he is responsible for getting dressed (clothes already put out), brushing his teeth and finding his shoes. Not all that taxing, but man is that kid ever pokey. He'll grow out if it by middle school ... right??<br />
<br />
The other morning I catch him staring into space ... again.<br />
<br />
"Hey bud, you need to get your schools on. What are you doing?"<br />
<br />
"I am admiring your beauty mommy."<br />
<br />
He's good, isn't he?<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-72457363969787684072013-09-03T20:27:00.000-05:002013-09-03T20:27:01.601-05:00Chocolate Zucchini CakeA whole lot of awesome in a 9x13 pan. Very chocolaty and very moist. Christopher claims it is the only way he'll ever eat zucchini again. I'll let him think that ... for a little while.<br />
<br />
Someone at work has a garden that is producing a lot more zucchini then mine ever will this year (I actually dug the dead zucchini plants up this weekend) and my original plan was to make this cake to take to work to share. Well, I threw the chips on top and put it back in the oven and then pulled it out in 5 minutes. Unfortunately, it looks like my chocolate seized and I tore up the whole top of the cake trying to spread them out.<br />
<br />
So ... knowing that an ugly cake would NEVER get eaten at the workplace, we kept it at home. I have enough shredded zucchini left to make another cake. Next time though, I'll use my favorite chocolate frosting recipe from the back of the Hershey cocoa container.<br />
<br />
<div class="medium" id="content">
<span style="color: orange;"><b><a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/chocolate-zucchini-cake-recipe" target="_blank">Chocolate Zucchini Cake</a></b></span></div>
<div class="medium">
www.kingarthurflour.com<br />
<br />
</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
1/2 cup butter</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
1/2 cup vegetable oil</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
1 3/4 cups sugar</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
1 teaspoon vanilla</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
1/2 teaspoon baking powder</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
2 large eggs</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
1/2 cup buttermilk</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
2 1/2 cups flour</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
3/4 cup cocoa</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
2 teaspoons espresso powder (instant coffee makes a good sub)</div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
3 cups shredded zucchini </div>
<div id="IngredientLine">
1/2 cup chocolate chips</div>
<br />
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan.<br />
<br />
<div class="group">
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, oil, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until smooth. <span id="Instructions">Beat in the eggs and s</span><span id="Instructions">tir in the buttermilk alternately with the flour. </span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="group">
Add the cocoa and espresso powder, mixing until smooth. <span id="Instructions">Fold in the zucchini and chocolate chips. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.</span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="group">
Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top springs back lightly when touched, and it seems set. <span id="Instructions">Cool on a rack.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-7708396951427612792013-08-24T20:00:00.000-05:002013-08-24T20:00:02.123-05:00Pink Lemonade CakeIn our house, the Birthday Boy or Birthday Girl gets to choose their cake. This year, someone in our house is celebrating a birthday that ends in an '0' and they aren't all that happy about it. So, when said Birthday Boy didn't choose a cake, I let Madeleine pick. She chose a Pink Lemonade Cake from Cook's Country.<br />
<br />
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<br />
It was pretty easy to make and sugaring the lemon slices was not as messy as I had imagined (she actually did them). Probably not the cake the Birthday Boy was envisioning, but that's what you get when you don't make up your mind!<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span><span class="ingredient_block_header"></span><br />
<br />
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<span class="amount"><b><span style="color: orange;">Pink Lemonade Cake</span></b></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="amount">Cake:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="amount"><span class="amount">5</span> </span><span class="item"><span itemprop="name">large eggs</span></span><span class="specialinstructions">, separated</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="amount">1</span> <span class="unit">teaspoon</span> <span class="item"><span itemprop="name">cream of tartar</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">1 1/2</span></span> <span class="unit">cups</span><span itemprop="name"><span class="item"> sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">1 1/3</span></span> <span class="unit">cups</span> <span itemprop="name"><span class="item">cake flour</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">2</span></span> <span class="unit">teaspoons</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">baking powder</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">1/2</span></span> <span class="unit">teaspoon</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">salt</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">2/3</span></span> <span class="unit">cup</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">water</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">1/2</span></span> <span class="unit">cup</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">vegetable oil</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">4</span></span> <span class="unit">teaspoons</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">grated lemon zest</span></span><span class="specialinstructions"> plus 2 tablespoons juice (2 lemons)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="item">Red food coloring</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Frosting<br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">8</span></span> <span class="unit">tablespoons</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">unsalted butter</span></span><span class="specialinstructions">, softened but still cool</span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">2</span></span> <span class="unit">cups</span>
<span class="preinstructions">(8 ounces)</span> <span itemprop="name"><span class="item">confectioners' sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">8</span></span> <span class="unit">ounces</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">cream cheese</span></span><span class="specialinstructions">, softened, cut into 8 pieces</span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">3</span></span> <span class="unit">tablespoons</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">lemon juice</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">1 1/2</span></span> <span class="unit">teaspoons</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">vanilla extract</span></span><br />
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">Red food coloring</span></span><br />
<span class="ingredientblockheader"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span class="ingredientblockheader">Pink
Sugared Lemon Slices</span>:<br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">1</span></span> <span class="unit">cup</span>
<span class="item"><span itemprop="name">water</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">1</span></span> <span class="unit">cup</span>
<span itemprop="name"><span class="item">granulated sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">1</span></span> <span class="item"><span itemprop="name">large lemon</span></span><span class="specialinstructions">, halved
lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices</span><br />
<span class="amount"><span itemprop="amount">3</span></span> <span class="unit">tablespoons</span>
<span class="preinstructions">pink decorating</span> <span itemprop="name"><span class="item">sugar</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<u>Cake:</u> Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325
degrees. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip egg whites and cream of
tartar on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to
medium-high and whip whites to soft, billowy mounds, about 1 minute. Gradually
add 2 tablespoons sugar and whip until glossy, stiff peaks form, 2 to 3
minutes.<br />
<br />
Combine flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl. Whisk
egg yolks, water, oil, lemon zest and juice, and 5 to 7 drops food coloring
together in medium bowl until smooth. Whisk yolk mixture into flour mixture
until smooth. Whisk one-third of whipped egg whites into batter, then gently
fold in remaining whites in 2 additions until well combined. Pour mixture into
ungreased 16-cup tube pan. Bake until skewer inserted in center comes out clean
and cracks in cake appear dry, 55 to 65 minutes. Invert pan onto wire rack and
let cake cool completely in pan, about 3 hours.<br />
<br />
<u>Frosting:</u> Using stand mixer fitted with paddle, beat butter and confectioners'
sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add cream
cheese one piece at a time until no lumps remain. Add lemon juice, vanilla, and
3 to 4 drops food coloring, and mix until incorporated.<br />
<br />
<u>Lemon Slices:</u> Combine water and granulated sugar in small saucepan
over medium heat. Whisk constantly until sugar dissolves. Add lemon slices and
bring to simmer. Remove from heat and allow syrup and lemon slices to cool
completely, about 1 hour. Transfer lemon slices to wire rack to drain, about 5
minutes. Sprinkle both sides of lemon slices with decorating sugar.<br />
<br />
Unmold cake onto plate and frost top and sides in even layer. Decorate along
bottom edge with sugared lemon slices and serve.<br />
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<![endif]-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-57112268906608421392013-08-21T08:33:00.000-05:002013-08-21T08:33:12.998-05:00First Day of SchoolOh my, second grade. Where does the time go? Next year the little guy gets to ride the bus with his sister. I wonder how many years I can get away with first day of school pictures at the front door ... I am aiming for all 12!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKJMtIXikwiheclc-rlfui4spsb9PBMs5Lk1h3umWJYhtDmax8nu-qktsB1vDz9XGewXy9tkFk_7FOVw1VuI2p-qxqSpJi8iQWalwaAk3sdJlt-e-ILq09WdWi57bYJuX90ep5bGdZ2s/s1600/IMG_3686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKJMtIXikwiheclc-rlfui4spsb9PBMs5Lk1h3umWJYhtDmax8nu-qktsB1vDz9XGewXy9tkFk_7FOVw1VuI2p-qxqSpJi8iQWalwaAk3sdJlt-e-ILq09WdWi57bYJuX90ep5bGdZ2s/s320/IMG_3686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting so big</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTJ6JAdwe9umoBecKwSjl_x9urEFTsqifVOMRrDAMj77v5MutkPVIaNUkP_2m9h6n7iky0xGIb7-nZ2ao0QxwMk0Qwx1FAT6tzjvunxhtz8s4fF9nFEJx_uWwJCCIp-kH52eoIu988w0/s1600/IMG_3683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTJ6JAdwe9umoBecKwSjl_x9urEFTsqifVOMRrDAMj77v5MutkPVIaNUkP_2m9h6n7iky0xGIb7-nZ2ao0QxwMk0Qwx1FAT6tzjvunxhtz8s4fF9nFEJx_uWwJCCIp-kH52eoIu988w0/s320/IMG_3683.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clown</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-44119346878296031642013-08-18T11:15:00.000-05:002013-08-18T11:15:42.824-05:00Blueberry Bran MuffinsI have a kid who loves bran muffin. Weird? Perhaps, but I am not going to judge his food choices, particularly when they lean towards healthy. <br />
<br />
At some point in time, I had picked up a box of All Bran in an effort to eat healthier. When I decided that chomping on a bowl of sticks in the morning really wasn't all that satisfying, I searched the web looking for recipes to use up the rest of the box.<br />
<br />
I found this recipe over on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">allrecipes.com</a>. and modified it slightly. The little guy loves blueberries, so I swapped out the originally called for raisins with blueberries, either fresh or frozen. I added a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter, and at times have subbed in either pumpkin pie or apple pie spice. Instead of 12 muffins, I make 9, filling the cups up to the brim. Everyone knows muffin tops are the best part of the muffin!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Blueberry Bran Muffins</b></span><br />
<br />
1 1/2 cups All-Bran® Cereal<br />
1 cup buttermilk<br />
1/3 cup vegetable oil<br />
1 whole egg<br />
2/3 cup brown sugar<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon <br />
1 cup flour<br />
1 cup blueberries<br /><br />Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.<br /><br />Mix together wheat bran and buttermilk; let stand for 10 minutes.<br /><br />Beat together oil, egg, sugar and vanilla and add to buttermilk/bran mixture. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into buttermilk mixture, until just blended. Fold in blueberries and spoon batter into prepared muffin tins.<br /><br />Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. <br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-77817340366039612972013-08-13T18:02:00.000-05:002013-08-13T18:02:26.159-05:00Taco CasseroleThere are times when a recipe looks good on paper (or on the screen) but turns out to be a huge disappointment (disaster, failure, mistake, fiasco ... which ever you prefer). Sometimes unfortunately, one who goes on a new recipe spree may end up with 2 or even 3 of these mishaps in a row. You know your family is about to rebel when they look like this at the supper table:<br />
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<span id="goog_1933651658"></span><span id="goog_1933651659"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1933651658">So when we have had one too many dinner failures I turn to a surefire hit - Taco Casserole. </span>It has all the elements of a taco dinner in a casserole dish.<br />
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Sometime I get fancy schmancy and mix up my own taco seasoning and make homemade refried beans. Other nights, like last night, opening cans and packages is the way to go. I originally spied this recipe in an old <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/" target="_blank">Taste of Home</a> magazine and then found it again on food.com. I have found that you need to use thicker salsa (and I drain it) or else the dish can get watery. We initially tried the method of placing the chips on the bottom of the casserole dish only to find that we didn't much care for the soggy chips reheated. The kids like to use tortilla chips to scoop it up.<br />
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<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<span><span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/fantastic-taco-casserole-155186" target="_blank">Taco Casserole</a></span></span></div>
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<span><span style="color: orange;"></span>Taste of Home magazine</span></div>
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="section clrfix ingredients">
<span>1 pound ground beef </span>
<br /><span>1 package
taco seasoning </span>
<br /><span>1 (15 ounce) can refried
beans </span>
<br /><span>2 cups shredded cheddar cheese</span><br /><span>1 1/2 cups salsa </span><br /><span>2 green onions, chopped
</span>
<br /><span>1 small can sliced
black olives </span>
<br /><span>1 tomato, chopped </span>
<br /><span>Tortilla chips or corn chips</span></div>
<div class="section clrfix directions">
<br /><span>Preheat oven to 375. Spray a square casserole dish with cooking spray.</span></div>
<div class="section clrfix directions">
<span> </span></div>
<div class="section clrfix directions">
<span>Brown ground beef and
drain.</span>
<span>Add taco seasoning and cook
according to package directions, adding proper amount of water (I use the juice from the salsa I drained).</span>
<br /><br /><span>Warm the refried beans on stove
until hot, pull off the heat and a</span><span>dd 1 cup cheese and the drained salsa
salsa. Stir until combined.</span> Spread beans in a square casserole dish<br /><span> </span></div>
<div class="section clrfix directions">
<span>Sprinkle the beef over the beans. Top with the remaining cheese, green onions and black olives. </span><span>Bake about 15 minutes,
until the cheese is sufficiently melted and the casserole starts to bubble. Add the tomatoes on the top and let sit for 5 minutes to set.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-67529666397332610602013-07-19T12:01:00.000-05:002014-06-12T21:49:15.815-05:00Weighing in at 43 pounds and some change ...What do you get when you mix trouble ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK54AJICwmeLnrsbP6ooSAKXwkBN6Ecp_cPsqqi6bxr5_b6FWCzn_XWFVsvxcNqJ80ENbqZcwCkncMSz1zp_NSrrIQTYwesRqtS8KsUESGCSkjPslDonBK5rL5dD1mU1w3LZO5P0R1ZX0/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK54AJICwmeLnrsbP6ooSAKXwkBN6Ecp_cPsqqi6bxr5_b6FWCzn_XWFVsvxcNqJ80ENbqZcwCkncMSz1zp_NSrrIQTYwesRqtS8KsUESGCSkjPslDonBK5rL5dD1mU1w3LZO5P0R1ZX0/s320/IMG_3392.JPG" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
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with an everyday object, such as this?<br />
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You get a 3 hour visit to the ER and a picture that looks something like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOvdPOP1IUXB6cjO2L9g5OCit1feSpEI-mADIuO1MEGHyN6Wc6uf9Wz6LIlLROXX1SLFdWpYWl0boFNVL2WZE5jQWQ9fsDgFNhI1_9sWLfoVPH23Fa7ZOhESy48oRLx4D_ckeAF_HQbw/s1600/foreign-body-caecum-1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOvdPOP1IUXB6cjO2L9g5OCit1feSpEI-mADIuO1MEGHyN6Wc6uf9Wz6LIlLROXX1SLFdWpYWl0boFNVL2WZE5jQWQ9fsDgFNhI1_9sWLfoVPH23Fa7ZOhESy48oRLx4D_ckeAF_HQbw/s320/foreign-body-caecum-1d.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">**Not his actual x-ray</td></tr>
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Have to say it is a different kind of souvenir to have from a vacation. I should see if his doctor will give me a copy of his actual image so I can stick it in his scrapbook (OK, dresser drawer where I have all his mementos I am planning on putting in a scrapbook one day).<br />
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Why he did this, I have no idea. We were in the car, David and Madeleine went back into the hotel room to get her sunglasses. Trouble was in his car seat and I was in the driver's seat, keying in our destination in the GPS. Madeleine gets back in the car:<br />
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M: Hey, where did my penny go?<br />
C: (giggles)<br />
M: Give it back to me<br />
C: I can't<br />
M: Mommy, he won't give it back!<br />
C: I can't give it back, it's in my BELLY <br />
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Sure enough, it is!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-1099895060197672222013-07-18T06:00:00.000-05:002013-07-18T06:00:12.888-05:00Butterfly ConservatoryOne of our stops in Niagara was the <a href="http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-attractions/butterfly-conservatory.html" target="_blank">Butterfly Conservatory</a>. Considering I have one who hates all bugs (and has been know to let out an ear piercing shriek when one is spotted) I thought this was a pretty adventurous undertaking. There are supposed to be over 45 different types of butterflies flying around, but I swear I kept seeing the same 8 all so. They were quite beautiful though.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcC38yf0pa4yqB4myDcHCBcSIy2bQxAG9B9959IE_0FscHo4X4VyKC_DuE4oT1W1flUQ_JrOi2MekHk9My8UpsyRhqwkV9aTZ2pUD4PgL9YcbMrvzIP15RYV54kPB2aksn9av7Uoi39E/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcC38yf0pa4yqB4myDcHCBcSIy2bQxAG9B9959IE_0FscHo4X4VyKC_DuE4oT1W1flUQ_JrOi2MekHk9My8UpsyRhqwkV9aTZ2pUD4PgL9YcbMrvzIP15RYV54kPB2aksn9av7Uoi39E/s320/IMG_3504.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They liked each other today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoudO-Fp1y7_CNvkIizYRCGjaddnqHdosWm27Du_4Me8hwPodVlyuLfVL217C5aMZEMgpmRDC_Deo7YOU_sFACkP4IMPH3g2kzQ2147Ii-pDHihs6Pg6quuETUgt6UrFodJG3a1k3IBLk/s1600/IMG_3446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoudO-Fp1y7_CNvkIizYRCGjaddnqHdosWm27Du_4Me8hwPodVlyuLfVL217C5aMZEMgpmRDC_Deo7YOU_sFACkP4IMPH3g2kzQ2147Ii-pDHihs6Pg6quuETUgt6UrFodJG3a1k3IBLk/s320/IMG_3446.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not going to even pretend I know what kind this is</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6iHXTyDeWccfR79h5Awx1F2fbnYHUYZzwcctSmfqyzacZUZKwvQTST1eSU4K7FGDw_Ktqtf1vWwnwuw7wwg-t1w-GHE3u4Rs0_nKKCmCESy74bBy2XX5ZQZfAHyhFsfM3zNVoAB8hTE/s1600/IMG_3447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6iHXTyDeWccfR79h5Awx1F2fbnYHUYZzwcctSmfqyzacZUZKwvQTST1eSU4K7FGDw_Ktqtf1vWwnwuw7wwg-t1w-GHE3u4Rs0_nKKCmCESy74bBy2XX5ZQZfAHyhFsfM3zNVoAB8hTE/s320/IMG_3447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rGTbovv_uRdUGpZeCEU_jtn-QPxt8P1RuNfmd_CtGfDndhY3cAwa5fWFoLvmxaKAoP2571Ai2oc1Ao8mXNNbzwfKQso6XNd-5sJ1f8ee9KA2txiOY0paVGFVS0XO5_xCQjxfdc1nHDU/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rGTbovv_uRdUGpZeCEU_jtn-QPxt8P1RuNfmd_CtGfDndhY3cAwa5fWFoLvmxaKAoP2571Ai2oc1Ao8mXNNbzwfKQso6XNd-5sJ1f8ee9KA2txiOY0paVGFVS0XO5_xCQjxfdc1nHDU/s320/IMG_3458.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hungry butterflies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewazwpVxlGuonDSjSMRi4zPVbtn4zuU9vR4Cd8JRqEz4G_B8Ovcw_3s1anWhlw5DYHkYQ61La1iGxVWZ04VhCtN8_KneouU9ssNmWOcKBQC7VrXvgfni3qyEp6HhhfaFYRYsKPO_Izgs/s1600/IMG_3466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewazwpVxlGuonDSjSMRi4zPVbtn4zuU9vR4Cd8JRqEz4G_B8Ovcw_3s1anWhlw5DYHkYQ61La1iGxVWZ04VhCtN8_KneouU9ssNmWOcKBQC7VrXvgfni3qyEp6HhhfaFYRYsKPO_Izgs/s320/IMG_3466.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prettiest one there; finally got a picture with open wings</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2td5uSqoY98svRFHPkxfetGIW50RecxCk3JMujkYy4BPbJczCsjSdA3YxVKGEI0JvJwzh-VpWFcQpPhYP2nkUDckg2OxhVwcvQq1geZvkJO9mInoiZTBRXHpxPi_aOtDEsdtIJp_8yQ/s1600/IMG_3483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2td5uSqoY98svRFHPkxfetGIW50RecxCk3JMujkYy4BPbJczCsjSdA3YxVKGEI0JvJwzh-VpWFcQpPhYP2nkUDckg2OxhVwcvQq1geZvkJO9mInoiZTBRXHpxPi_aOtDEsdtIJp_8yQ/s320/IMG_3483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All she wants is to capture a butterfly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOeXEhCT19WYJkesohv3LXmQ3Zd7X2MJuJbMq9R3BSqTSKv6hFiKEzDUtHGmNLcOH5y0cabjx5neRBAeqPJhB6rLlTgwjsiCR0Yn0PvNrcgPME3z-aQ8vRK1XRc7NiQ2fcDt5oc1yxrc/s1600/IMG_3481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOeXEhCT19WYJkesohv3LXmQ3Zd7X2MJuJbMq9R3BSqTSKv6hFiKEzDUtHGmNLcOH5y0cabjx5neRBAeqPJhB6rLlTgwjsiCR0Yn0PvNrcgPME3z-aQ8vRK1XRc7NiQ2fcDt5oc1yxrc/s320/IMG_3481.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All he wants are for the bugs to go away</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD9eYVGwtylIC5MZnmqp7DL0CD4y39lb3PjXhUc04dYr8EWbXmLUF3sv88te9Oqr4B1oDSRjoMPUkUodPI2P3wM7CE46u7smKJVFCZ5SCivj50MJy-bJUcaMRpfr1NrKE_tHNLH18Pds/s1600/IMG_3494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVD9eYVGwtylIC5MZnmqp7DL0CD4y39lb3PjXhUc04dYr8EWbXmLUF3sv88te9Oqr4B1oDSRjoMPUkUodPI2P3wM7CE46u7smKJVFCZ5SCivj50MJy-bJUcaMRpfr1NrKE_tHNLH18Pds/s320/IMG_3494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">45 minutes later</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSfs2tSUxdctY7S7U6tzLtoVyw68eYaPyPw1aEq4vJIoKStw9DAvNmQjqEwXktKvfZh9n2kkTTyHzsKOPJea3fgll7f41wXCl-53x7eLl1X1qYlM7wdXdKmGqsTdStkm1r-cz6vgnktA/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSfs2tSUxdctY7S7U6tzLtoVyw68eYaPyPw1aEq4vJIoKStw9DAvNmQjqEwXktKvfZh9n2kkTTyHzsKOPJea3fgll7f41wXCl-53x7eLl1X1qYlM7wdXdKmGqsTdStkm1r-cz6vgnktA/s320/IMG_3499.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy face</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-23730533202217349572013-07-17T09:57:00.000-05:002013-07-17T10:04:05.091-05:00Niagara Falls FunOur summer vacation this year included a hop over the border to Niagara Falls. Absolutely beautiful, albeit expensive.<br />
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View from our room:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fed0tUk-RDSrJ3kdknMvhyeuZ00W8hI7fXp4vPCDUGGufio94W_3JuSQ-PuBKrROKIWttpzPLX2FaYapavHiSVZNUgRXz8v-0FRcmpHbs4wDqbZ4u_aAON77XV1Ao6xrktvXPYmeI2Q/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fed0tUk-RDSrJ3kdknMvhyeuZ00W8hI7fXp4vPCDUGGufio94W_3JuSQ-PuBKrROKIWttpzPLX2FaYapavHiSVZNUgRXz8v-0FRcmpHbs4wDqbZ4u_aAON77XV1Ao6xrktvXPYmeI2Q/s320/IMG_3305.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fku1lLQCG1XctWhThqKgsG-BKO9utcACfVGY28S2nZ_XJhA5p03uqq5Sk9U9JDJrjTlevFQ1esa6NQpiZElMACZN4KDUkfqmx48vAYm-bTXPOONUcfV883xRdYO2HhgiNxVsSnU04jI/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fku1lLQCG1XctWhThqKgsG-BKO9utcACfVGY28S2nZ_XJhA5p03uqq5Sk9U9JDJrjTlevFQ1esa6NQpiZElMACZN4KDUkfqmx48vAYm-bTXPOONUcfV883xRdYO2HhgiNxVsSnU04jI/s320/IMG_3307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEsQCLr15TVBXs75HmlgdnEYrx3pYjRnQckx4aKrDcFISEKBf1Xwd_kZxCIFDS0POzxFilTyhMxwMqeajATkVn_j3fv_yGj1ZJ_ZdhTPad0dwyLk3i3zhZKFEQMFbgI0B93tDleSzm7s/s1600/IMG_3322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEsQCLr15TVBXs75HmlgdnEYrx3pYjRnQckx4aKrDcFISEKBf1Xwd_kZxCIFDS0POzxFilTyhMxwMqeajATkVn_j3fv_yGj1ZJ_ZdhTPad0dwyLk3i3zhZKFEQMFbgI0B93tDleSzm7s/s320/IMG_3322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Falls at night</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up close and personal:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCUH27IEVv1DzPVBZXxYuI61NW58eg0nH1D6-PXt1q3Lqz5idLNwZ6-6XHVszSEfmM7c7aJd2aOI-xGZ19pBRIlbrHioIsiTvZ_RaU0FA6KN16w9kKk51DklZ2yinXGDkjOmv8O9s38c/s1600/IMG_3366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCUH27IEVv1DzPVBZXxYuI61NW58eg0nH1D6-PXt1q3Lqz5idLNwZ6-6XHVszSEfmM7c7aJd2aOI-xGZ19pBRIlbrHioIsiTvZ_RaU0FA6KN16w9kKk51DklZ2yinXGDkjOmv8O9s38c/s320/IMG_3366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWgcaqM3kgJV57APrXUwPiIUodxZznvRPuAMJzqSTGvL68tD_PWPDRS-6HYH3ECWVTRPILOVeX3OOYNboF_-r2LOMR0_IMFqvKEqYzZPJD6xonatQEfuFi1LJGDzmDc3z9tJBKx_yAAY/s1600/IMG_3376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWgcaqM3kgJV57APrXUwPiIUodxZznvRPuAMJzqSTGvL68tD_PWPDRS-6HYH3ECWVTRPILOVeX3OOYNboF_-r2LOMR0_IMFqvKEqYzZPJD6xonatQEfuFi1LJGDzmDc3z9tJBKx_yAAY/s320/IMG_3376.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We spent 3 days roaming around Canada and on our way out of town stopped at the falls on the American side (after a stop at the <a href="http://www.niagaradutyfree.com/index.aspx?pid=136" target="_blank">Duty Free</a> shop, of course). There was a noticeable difference in the cleanliness and there was just so much more to do on the Canadian side.<br />
<br />
Also, given our situation, the workers on the Canadian side were much more helpful. We were personally escorted around a lot of sites we choose to go to. The workers ensured that David had a clear path to travel on and the workers at the hotel made sure we had everything we needed, including the wheelchair accessible room I booked (which, believe it or not is often ignored even when you reserve rooms over the phone). All in all we had a great time and would like to get back there someday to explore more of the area.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-65013666930356277542013-07-07T07:30:00.003-05:002013-07-07T07:30:42.798-05:00Fourth of July Fun!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAznY4jmoXL0iQ_rVfPSX6UkKMvIusfK6ZQcCaearIZfD5fIJrpqvfiE4814IUZC8G-yjvtzozV8Oc6LPKOn6ozyguA2qzV-emRG2U2Dx0CdJAXS7hEfuCwK-4X4AVAlJ8vrWNk9Bj58/s1600/IMG_3285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Fun on the Fourth of July in the wading pool ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAX0xFEfHNVf99R5M8hLLpjj7B7ZUrZ9jh3pAlSMQHqUugBmujcfnx0xVnuQMN9Ivt5kUzzHqxCJ5O8440_oElzk9vkcynE8RA7wdmH-b1V242Rvm9qUz5YWfsDWnjwc2BYJ_8jlQBmw/s1600/IMG_3288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAX0xFEfHNVf99R5M8hLLpjj7B7ZUrZ9jh3pAlSMQHqUugBmujcfnx0xVnuQMN9Ivt5kUzzHqxCJ5O8440_oElzk9vkcynE8RA7wdmH-b1V242Rvm9qUz5YWfsDWnjwc2BYJ_8jlQBmw/s320/IMG_3288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and swinging on the swing (note the bling required) ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJla1ftEXivDrJQZzmTzGMNY2f0ZV5rFdtj5epLb7Moi5hjQCxzycW0NM2xDBCfRFUgp2iDEeO-Q-B4ruWmgjyYvfFGWU14CeWxn9gHRWIuuGapUppXM_O-O28U1jbigYrn12_Id4eHw/s1600/IMG_3294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJla1ftEXivDrJQZzmTzGMNY2f0ZV5rFdtj5epLb7Moi5hjQCxzycW0NM2xDBCfRFUgp2iDEeO-Q-B4ruWmgjyYvfFGWU14CeWxn9gHRWIuuGapUppXM_O-O28U1jbigYrn12_Id4eHw/s320/IMG_3294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well maybe it wasn't all fun:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAznY4jmoXL0iQ_rVfPSX6UkKMvIusfK6ZQcCaearIZfD5fIJrpqvfiE4814IUZC8G-yjvtzozV8Oc6LPKOn6ozyguA2qzV-emRG2U2Dx0CdJAXS7hEfuCwK-4X4AVAlJ8vrWNk9Bj58/s1600/IMG_3285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAznY4jmoXL0iQ_rVfPSX6UkKMvIusfK6ZQcCaearIZfD5fIJrpqvfiE4814IUZC8G-yjvtzozV8Oc6LPKOn6ozyguA2qzV-emRG2U2Dx0CdJAXS7hEfuCwK-4X4AVAlJ8vrWNk9Bj58/s320/IMG_3285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-25964753718820787852013-06-25T21:20:00.000-05:002013-06-25T21:20:02.936-05:00Strawberry PickingWell, we tried this year. We lasted about 15 minutes before the skies opened up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZaue8vnZL_1FTOGDiOu1zrDx8FBclBtmAyyRiMWJuyargNzQEj1its3jGxW5IGpnm84E50t3F1GEiIY5mezpGEzm01AtjuOwXMcpcAGfdp48rDnuk8Ajt4fiapI6_XN_eNKPEsf14pc/s1600/Strawberry+picking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZaue8vnZL_1FTOGDiOu1zrDx8FBclBtmAyyRiMWJuyargNzQEj1its3jGxW5IGpnm84E50t3F1GEiIY5mezpGEzm01AtjuOwXMcpcAGfdp48rDnuk8Ajt4fiapI6_XN_eNKPEsf14pc/s320/Strawberry+picking.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_385378897"></span><span id="goog_385378898"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-23273169913147636472013-06-23T16:54:00.001-05:002013-06-23T16:54:38.618-05:00With 4 comes wisdomWe were driving home the other day and we passed Christopher's 'old parents' house.<br />
<br />
"Mommy, remember when I was 3 and I was a baby and I told you I had old parents?"<br />
<br />
"That was 3 weeks ago bud."<br />
<br />
"Yeah ... well ... I am 4 now and a big boy. I wanted to tell you I never had old parents. I made them up. I needed to tell you so you didn't think I was crazy."<br />
<br />
Ah yes, with age comes wisdom. Who wants to be labeled as crazy? Madeleine was about 4 when we learned her imaginary sister Tracy was actually a 50 year old male friend of David's (so not so imaginary).<br />
<br />
Truth be told, I'd rather be rid of the irrational fear of bugs (even ants) or the fear of being in a room by himself, than to be rid of the old parents. At least they provided some entertainment.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-31766727871304168782013-04-06T15:59:00.002-05:002013-04-06T16:00:15.792-05:00Chirp, Chirp, ChirpAnyone else hear the crickets? Almost 5 months since a post - never gone that long without a post! No excuses.<br />
<br />
Christopher is still talking about his old parents. We have discovered, however, that they are not the nice, sweet people we were led to believe they were:<br />
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"My old parents got rid of me because they don't like babies."<br />
<br />
"My old parents sent me to bed without eating supper - can you believe that?!?"<br />
<br />
"My old parents are not as nice as you, Mommy."<br />
<br />
"My old parents would never let me eat candy for breakfast!" (neither will your *new* parents)<br />
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Life has been busy but good. I am a Daisy troop co-leader this year and we are looking forward to being Brownies next year. I also <em>may</em> have just volunteered to help coach my daughter's soccer team. I haven't played soccer since I was 15 ... what was I thinking? Oh yeah, not enough coaches = no teams. Ay yi yi. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2902993571862748847.post-38138053514258189302012-11-17T17:14:00.001-06:002013-04-06T16:01:13.786-05:00My old parentsI discovered recently that we weren't Christopher's first parents. It seems like he had another set of parents before us, that apparently had absolutely no rules at all!! Here are a few things we've learned about Christopher's *old parents* in the last couple of weeks:<br />
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"My old parents never make me eat supper before eating Halloween candy."<br />
<br />
"My old parents have a big swing set at their house I used to play on."<br />
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"My old parents don't let me sit in time out."<br />
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"My old parents let me eat cookies for breakfast."<br />
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"My old parents let me stay up as late as I want."<br />
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They sound like some pretty cool people!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1