Personality

Our little one is full of personality these days! This is the super-fun developmental phase where there is something new going on every week! Last week, she started giving us this face that she knows is adorable! Here it is. She scrunches up her face with a bit toothy grin!!And the little stinker has a new favorite past time - unlocking the baby gate! My mom can't even figure that one out!

CSA, Week 22

4 More Weeks of the CSA! This week we'll be eating: Green Beans, Radishes, Pumpkin, Spaghetti Squash, Apples, Zucchini, Pattypan Squash, Green Bell Pepper, Acorn Squash and Tomatoes! This looks like a tasty acorn squash recipe.

Last week I was highly dissapointed in this recipe, Spaghetti Squash with Cherry Tomatoes and Ricotta. It was a ton of work and wasn't very good. I still have 3 spaghetti squash, so this time I'm gonna try this Baked Spaghetti Squash with Beef and Veggies recipe. I cooked Kale for the last time in this Spinach & Kale Turnover recipe, which was pretty good.

Apples are in season, so I'll be making this recipe again soon!

I see many more falls in her future

Our baby has a new activity - climbing up everything! I leave for seconds and she will climb up nearly everything in the house. (I walk back this morning to my breakfast to see her sitting in front of my coffee, computer & hot oatmeal! That's an accident waiting to happen.) Ethan never attempted to climb up anything, so it's a whole new experience around here. This little one has bumps & bruises at all times, because she is fearless! Anyone have ideas on how to curb this zest for life???

CSA, Week 21

This week: Raw Peanuts, Spaghetti Squash, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Bell Pepper, Pumpkin, Radishes, Cukes & Green Beans

Sunflower Seeds

Did you know that sunflower seeds came from actual sunflowers? Advanced concept, I know, but I was completely oblivious to this. So it was such fun to harvest the seeds from our sunflower that we grew in our garden! Next step is roasting them.You can see the little seeds peeking out of the flower as it dries out...

CSA, Week 20

The CSA has maybe a month and a half left, so we're drawing to a close. As always, I'm looking forward to the break! This week, we had tomatoes, banana peppers, watermelon, potatoes, spaghetti squash, purple hull peas & yellow squash. (Not pictured, but was in the box: even more tomatoes, bell peppers, and raw peanuts. Boiled peanuts are so tasty, but I can't bring all those peanuts into our house!)

Birthdays

Birthdays just keep getting better & better! Thanks to my friends & family! Please excuse the awkward pretend candle-blowing face here. This post is really to show off my Grandmother's *awesome* necklace that we found in a little box at my Granddad's!! I love it, and I will think of her every time I wear it.

13 Months?

Is it just me, or does she look...like...22 in this picture?

CSA, Week 19

CSA This Week: Watermelon, Tomato, Potato, Eggplant, Squash, Green Pepper, Green Beans, and Sweet Rolls!

Baja Burrito

I hope y'all got out & got yourself some free Baja Burrito yesterday! The line was L-O-N-G and wrapped around the restaurant all day long! This picture was taken yesterday at 11:15 (and they open at 11!) How nice is my brother?

Sibling Fun

I'm glad that KB is finally able to keep up with E these days. They are developing a normal, fun, drive-each-other-crazy kind of relationship, which is fun to watch!

Curtains - How To

Sarah gave me the idea for these easy curtains in Ethan's room, inspired by this magazine article. I really wanted to make Roman Shades, but was out of money and energy. If you have a basic knowledge of sewing, this is a manageable project.

First, you pick two contrasting fabrics. Sew them on 3 sides, facing sides together. Then you turn it right side out, keeping a small space open to insert an inexpensive curtain rod. Finally, sew on some grosgrain ribbon, or sew thin ties to keep your curtain up! Ribbon would be an easier option, but I wanted a thicker strap, so I sewed mine. {Annika: I fully realize that this is very unclear directions, but hopefully you have some basic sewing knowledge and can follow it! Does it make sense?}

The only down side to these curtains is that they are not very convenient to open & close on a daily basis.

I've seen a couple of other budget shades projects online too. Here's one, and here's another.

CSA, Week 18

Week 18: Corn, (Gretel?) Eggplant, Tomatoes, Onions, Green Beans, Green Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Butternut Squash, and the biggest cantaloupe ever.

Growing Potatoes

A few months ago, i planted some potatoes. I had no idea what they would look like as they grew. But tonight we pulled some out - what fun little new potatoes! I picked them a bit early, so I'll leave the rest in the ground a few more weeks. But isn't that fun? Also, I highly suggest that if any of you are considering gardening & have kids, you should grow tomatoes. My kids love picking them and eating them right off the vine.

Yeah for gardening!

Spaghetti Squash

Katie Belle has a new favorite - spaghetti squash! I never tried this with Ethan, but it is a GREAT baby food! Very easy to eat, sprinkled with tomato sauce, or a little butter & cheese. And these spaghetti squash came from the church garden. She's been gobbling it up lately!Eating with Mimi.

CSA, Week 17

Winter Squash!!! Do you know what this means? Fall is COMING! This is the CSA share we received last Sunday. I guess we've skipped right past the okra this year. The past 2 years, we've gotten a lot of okra with the CSA. This year - none!

This week we received: pumpkin, butternut squash, tomato, potato, corn, eggplant, cucumber, white eggplant, yellow tomatoes, onion, and green beans.

This week I'll be making Roasted Pumpkin & Winter Squash Soup. Sounds delicious to me! Some potato soup is probably in order too. And more Eggplant Sandwiches (with goat cheese), which I've eaten every day for the last 2 weeks!!!

My Grandfather, A Beautiful Life

Tonight my Grandfather went to be with his Father in Heaven. I'm so glad that the kids got to meet him, just last month. He was a wonderful man who loved Jesus, his wife & kids, traveling, stationary bikes, photography, gardening, and Larry King. He called Jeanie, my sister-in-law, "Tina" for the last 13 years. He married Lance & I, calling us "Larry." I loved this man. But I'm so excited for him to be free of his his human shell & now living in his final resting place. I love you Granddad.

Floating Baby!

Ethan went to swim lessons a few weeks ago. He can jump in the water (or be thrown in) and he knows to roll onto his back & float! I'm a proud mama!!! They had him jumping into the water & floating on DAY 2 of his lessons!

Magnetic Chalkboard

Recently I found a nice little $8 mirror at a yard sale. So I joined the legions online who have made magnetic chalkoards! Added Note: For how to's, check out thse blogs: she paints directly onto a mirror, while these guys paint onto a magnetic surface.First, we painted the border, then added 3 coats of magnetic paint and finally, a coat of chalkboard paint.Voila! Not the most magnetic thing in the world, but we're loving it!

Bringing Food to Someone with Allergies

I’m convinced that bringing food to someone who needs it is possibly the greatest gift ever. But if that person has dietary restrictions, you might have a challenge on your hands. I am quite well versed in food allergies. However, a recent experience cooking for a family with a different set of allergies reminded me what an overwhelming experience it can be to cook outside your comfort zone. Allergy families understand what a big deal it is for you to bring food. If you have a friend with a new baby, illness, or just in need of a TLC, here are a few tips that would be helpful if you are willing to go the extra mile, as you generously consider bringing to someone with an allergy in the family:

1. Do it Anyway – The thought might enter your mind “This is too difficult. Forget it.” Trust me: Whatever you do will be appreciated. Even if it’s not a glamorous meal, you can come up with something that will work for your friend. One friend brought us a simple basket of fresh fruits/veggies from the farmer’s market, which saved me a grocery trip!
2. Ask Questions – If you cannot conceive of how to cook a meal within your friend’s restrictions, just ask! I sent a list of “safe” recipes & easy substitutions to some friends who requested it. Your friend will be happy to answer questions about how to accommodate their needs.
3. Label – Put the list of ingredients on the box, container, or include the recipe. Although your friend understands that you have gone to extra effort to create their meal, people with allergies are instinctually double-checkers.
4. Bring The Box – If you used anything prepackaged, bring the empty box with you! Even those who are accustomed to cooking this way make mistakes, so it’s comforting for us to read labels for ourselves.
5. Don’t Be Insulted – If you are asked questions about an ingredient or food, please don’t be insulted. We are so grateful for your kindness, but must be sure that the foods we eat are safe.
6. Know that we are Beyond Grateful – Many people are frightened by the thought of bringing us food. So we are so grateful that you’ve done it anyway. We know the extra effort required by your generosity, and it means more than we can explain.