The Weather Allowed the Easter Bunny to Hide Eggs Outside This Year!

Granted, it was in the mid-high 30's, but felt much nicer. And the kids made quick work of finding all their eggs. And in demanding candy. What has the "Easter Bunny" started?

Easter Baskets

The "Easter Bunny" left baskets for each of the kids with a few candies and a few treats. Mr. Easter Bunny was disappointed that Mrs. Easter Bunny went a teeny tiny bit overboard but was swayed by Mrs. Easter Bunny's argument that there isn't another holiday until Halloween, unless he wanted me to start celebrating all the minor ones. I love when he sees my side of things!
Anyhoo, there were color wonder marker kits, magnifying glasses for finding bugs and things outside (Ava is currently using hers to look for clues the Easter Bunny might have left behind!), stickers, matchbox cars, and a tiara, among misc. candies. The "Easter Bunny" also put some m and m's in those little plastic eggs and hid them with the decorated ones outside for all to find. It's currently a lovely day, one where I hear in my head what we proclaimed at church this a.m.- "Alleluia. He is risen. He is risen, indeed." Thank God. (literally!)

Individual Style

Our girl is rapidly developing an individual sense of style. I captured this one on the camera the other day. Today she is wearing a brown turtleneck with a white tunic tshirt over it, hot pink shorts and white tights. I am loving that she is her own girl!

Basement Status

We (and by "we" I do not mean me in any way shape or form) have made a lot of progress on the basement family room. (I have made some progress in the utility/laundry room, but cannot take credit for the other.) PJ got the drywall repairs done that he wanted to finish, and told me to pick out a paint color. I agonized over the paint book for a while, and chose a light tan color. It's pretty dark down there, so I didn't want too much "color", but as you know me, I also could not have white. So PJ got the paint and got right to work. He got a no VOC at Menards that he said covered really well, and as a bonus, with no VOC there's no horrible odor. When we get the kitchen ready to paint we'll get the same stuff in the blue I found.
Ava has a great memory, and had such a great time painting her room in South Bend that she wanted to do it all over again with the basement. And our boy, about the same age Ava was when the room was painted, also was all about the painting. So PJ got the kids each a roller and put them to work. And good for all of us, we found out that the kids are hard workers and good painters! (How long till they can intern for Aunt Kathy?)
Now PJ has a couple of touch up items, and we are almost ready for carpet. I've done the taxes so that return will pay for the finishing of the basement. Next up, indoors=kitchen paint, outdoors=New Fence!!!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Kids are Healthy

So today, in order to escape from the pediatricians practice that I feel is kind of assembly line-ish, we saw a different doctor recommended by a couple of friends. Ironically, this doctor is tentatively merging with the assembly line practice, but I am hopeful that he will keep his small practice style. I tried to get information from him, but he had little to give.
What is important though is that the kids are healthy. This was just their annual well check visit, and so after a few routine probes they were pronounced healthy. James has a little fluid behind his eardrum, usually as a result of a cold or allergy, and it usually takes care of itself. If not, James will tell us, and we can get it taken care of right away.
The only other information I have to give is that they are right in the middle of the scale, both kids, on height and weight both, right around the 50th percentile. Ava weighs 46 pounds and is 45 inches tall, and James weighs 32 pounds and is 38 inches tall.
Of course we are grateful for these healthy chickens, and grateful for a great new doctor as well!

My New Favorite Blog

After Jen's, of course; see for yourself. Imbibe in teh cutefest.
http://sisinmaru.blog17.fc2.com/

James Class Birthday Celebration

Monday, March 7th. The beginning of the school week. The evening before I was up late preparing cupcakes. They were from the box, but James requested orange icing, and as the only icing I had in the house (premixed anyway) was pink, I put a bit of effort into making the pink turn orange. My friend L had lent me her mini cupcake pan, so instead of one big cupcake, the kids would each get two small ones. Much closer to their size. And another pan of regular sized ones came out of the batch too. So we're clear on the set up- up late Sunday, making mini cupcakes and creating orange frosting from pink. Which is more difficult than it sounds. Come Monday, I have James' library books together in his bookbag, along with some other papers in his school bag, and his "Star Student of the Week" decorated posterboard showing some things about our magnificent star boy. We take Ava to school, and as I had spaced the whole plates/napkins/cups scenario, we stopped at the grocery on our way home to get our things and head back for his day at school. We get everything together, and head (almost unsuccessfully as now he wants to stay home) out the door. It takes us several minutes to make the long trek from the house to the garage (what, 30 feet?) and now I am getting stressed as our dear boy is refusing to move into the garage. I place the cupcakes on top of the car, throw the bag of dinnerware and my purse into the car, and go get him and place his sweet limp body into his carseat. (Going limp is his latest form of protest.) I get him buckled in, look at my watch and climb into the car. I get him to calm down, and we agree that we are going to school now and we are going to have a great time. I get out of the garage, turn out of the alley and on to Curdes. Waiting for traffic on Anthony, I finally get an opportunity to turn right. Mere seconds after I get onto Anthony, I hear a terrible sound. I am scared to pieces. I look into my rearview mirror terrified of what I might see there. Do you know what it is? Go back into the story if you don't. I didn't put the cupcakes into the car-the tupperwear is bouncing down the road and there is orange covering the pavement. I immediately burst into tears- maybe from relief I didn't kill anyone/thing, but maybe because all my toiling is now splattered onto Anthony Blvd. I whipped around the block to collect the tupperwear, and threw it into the back of the wagon. I calmed myself down before telling James that we would be having a DIFFERENT snack at school today- did he want donuts or cupcakes? He called cupcakes, so after dropping him off I ran over to Meijer to pick some up. There was no orange frosting, but there was ONE package of a dozen smaller cupcakes (green for St. Patrick's Day so fun!) on the shelf which I grabbed quickly, paid for, and headed back to school. James was none the wiser. We had a great day at school, I got to see what a good job he does, and what a good listener he is. It was a full, busy day that included the first time in the year they got to go outside and play at their playground. He had a blast, and the cupcakes were for me a memory. There wasn't even any orange frosting on Anthony Blvd by the time we picked up Ava and got home!

James Third Birthday

We celebrated twice for James, once at home, and once at school where he was the "Star Student of the Week". We had a lovely cake at home which we shared with our dear friends and newest neighbors. We had presents later, all of which were a hit. Mostly it was Matchbox stuff, but he was so into it, he didn't mind a little lack of variety. Some new clothes were obtained, including his new favorites, a dinosaur tshirt and some Hulk pajamas. And some new rain boots for splashing in spring puddles. Here's the one who is constantly reminding me he is a "Big Boy!", our little three year old.

Ava's Sixth (!!!) Birthday!

We celebrated the sixth anniversary of Miss Ava Pauline's birth on Tuesday evening with presents and cupcakes topped with lavender frosting. She could hardly wait to open all her presents! Her favorites came from Arizona, especially the Barbie and the Diamond Castle dvd which premiered last night when she had her friend Kara come and spend the night. We cannot believe how amazing a little person she is (really, we can, but...) and we could not be more proud of her. She immediately asked to wear her bathing suit and cover up, and although we told her no, she was very patient and opened the rest of her gifts. PJ even noted that this is the first year she is reading her own cards! We got her her first chapter book, about a girl her age. Its a series, and the main charachter I believe is in first grade. We will get that book from the library over the summer, but in the meantime I think Ava likes reading about this little girl. It was a very successful birthday with hula hoops and clothes and a singing Care Bear and entertainment and swimgear. And a good time was had by all.

Early Spring

We have decided that spring has sprung earlier this year than it did last. Never mind that we have snow in the forecast for this evening, and a roaring fire in the fireplace (at James' request, wha??) right now. As March is still happening, I would say that we have gotten a bunch of yard work done and a bunch of outside playtime done already this year, which is an improvement over 2008. One thing we have learned this year is that the boy spends most of his indoor time YEARNING to be outside. When it is cloudy and 50 and windy, he will get in my face, point out the window, and declare, "But MOM, it's NICE outside!" when I balk at going anywhere besides my comfy chair.
With the retention pond (soon to be rain garden) posing such a big temptation (I watch them out the kitchen window throwing dirt globs into the big hole) I don't like them out there by themselves, but they have been good kids and learned that if they don't stay away from the hole they are coming inside and mom means BUSINESS. Anyway, long story short, we have enjoyed quite a few lovely days playing outside. Fred loves this too, as the kids will occasionally find a stick for him to chew. We've been keeping an eye out for Mama Cardinal who built a nest in the tall bushy thing up against the back of the house (outside our room). We were afraid she would abandon it once we got out there but PJ said he peeked into the nest the other day and saw a red tail feather- she was in there with her eggs. Needless to say we are keeping an eye out for her, staying the heck away and making sure others do too, and watching for Daddy Cardinal who sometimes keeps watch from the pear tree nearby. Ahh, nature.

Super Big Responsible Girl

In an effort to teach Ava about responsibility, we got her a "Chore Chart". It's a magnetized board with different tasks, and for each day of the week that you complete the task you get a marker, and if you complete the task all week, there's kind of a "good job" type magnet that goes at the end. We don't use that one, but we do use the chart to help her learn about chores and allowance. For each day she completes all her chores, she gets a certain amount of money. We make sure the chores are things she either does anyway (gets dressed, brushes teeth) or things that we want to become habit (feed the kitty, make her bed). There are a few others, but nothing that makes her day difficult to complete. And for the first time EVER last week, she completed EVERY task EACH day out of the week for our first time ever complete chore chart! We were so proud of her, and made sure that she was proud of herself and recognized her accomplishment. I think later this year we may add another chore, once she is on track with a complete board more often. She is growing up much too fast!

Daily Awesomeness

Childrens tales with awesome music AND a Volkswagen? Doesn't get any better.
Will blog VERY soon, (I promise!) with photos and everything!


Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored by destiny from Tomas Nilsson on Vimeo.

Angela is a Total Slacker

At least in the blogging dept. I do have a few things to catch up with-James' birthday, his school party and funny story re: orange frosting, and a bit of general cuteness. Things are plugging along here- weather has been unseasonably nice around here so we've been out more than usual, at least that's what I am going to use as my excuse for not blogging. In the meantime, here's something to put a smile on your puss. Pause the muzak, for this has it's own appropriate soundtrack.

St. Peter's Father Daughter Dance

There was a special occasion last Saturday, and Ava and Daddy dressed to impress. The annual Father Daughter Dance was looked forward to by our girl for what seemed like forever. We were happy to find a dress at Kohl's (especially happy as I had seemed to look everywhere else) and even some accessories. Daddy was instructed to wear his tuxedo, and when it was determined he didn't own one, a jacket and tie was agreed upon as acceptable attire. They had a good time, and they even danced a little bit. Hawaiian Punch was spilled upon the dress as well as chocolate, but thank goodness for OxyClean. I really heart OxyClean!

We Have A Winner!

After a lengthy conversation with a friend over coffee yesterday, and another lengthy phone conversation with another friend the day before, I found myself realizing what PJ had known and tried to tell me: The school that I really thought would be best for Ava was not. It was best for ChildX, one who is average, maybe a little above average academically, but socially and psychologically like all others. Ava, dear friends, is not like all others. The girl is a beautiful butterfly, and if I made that choice it would be like keeping her in a net. She could fly just a little, but not very much, and not to her fullest capabilities. Not to see her fullest potential. So we have decided. The arts school is a match. It is a magnet school, so really making this choice is only the first step. The next step is to turn in the application and pray she gets in. I know in my heart of hearts she will thrive there. It won't always be great, and there will be some issues along the way, but that is realistic. In any school there will be issues. We both feel that this school will help Ava to grow into the person she is feeling good about who she is, and she will learn more and learn better because of it. As I type this I feel so happy. Yesterday when I realized it I felt relief. But now, it's so much beyond that. It's excitement at feeling good about the road we are about to travel with our special special girl. One I hope she finds as enriching and wonderful as possible. One friend who has spent some time with Ava suggested we take her to check it out. She noted how intuitive Ava is, and that she would be able to see what was going on and get a feel for it, and let us know how she feels about it. As one of the options is to turn in the application at any school, I am going to call tomorrow morning and see what day we can come down to turn it in and she can look around.
The applications are due this coming Friday. If they receive more applications than spots available, the rest go into the lottery. A waiting list. Please hope we are in. I am not a patient woman.

The Trifecta of My Daily Happiness

Pet Shop Boys, Lady GaGa (who else could stand in for Dusty???), and Brandon Flowers...Not for everyone, but definitely for me! Enjoy...

School Choice

We toured both magnet schools we are looking at for Ava. Both were wonderful. The first one seems stronger academically, with arts accents. The second one seems stronger artistically (the kids learn through the arts, and there was a Dada installation the kids produced in the school gallery!) but not necessarily as focused on the academics. This, at least, is my impression. My inclination is to have her at the first school, and supplement with outside things like piano, or as a friend suggested maybe a stringed instrument as she would be part of a group. But I see her differences and see her doing well at the arts school too. A student we know who attends this school is incredibly smart and he is not being held back. I am not sure. PJ and I will have to talk about it, it's just a matter of making time. Time is short, too, as he will be leaving for a work trip to Indianapolis for a few days first thing Monday morning, and we will want to turn in the applications before we land right on the deadline of the 27th. Truly, I am just scared I will not make the right decision for Ava. I want to put her in an environment where she can not only succeed but excel. Either way she is likely to, it's just maybe in a different way. She is so special and smart. On the one hand, while I feel that at the first school she will be challenged and there are opportunities to learn in some non traditional ways that left me feeling so good after the tour, I know at the second school she will learn through art and music and dance as well as the traditional ways. Will that keep her attention more? She will still attend art and music and spanish at the first school, and have more outside playtime. But at the arts school she will dance and learn piano (in first grade!) and have opportunities for more classes that expand with each school year as they grow.
The other thing that doesn't help is that when I get it into my mind it should be one way, and I mention it to PJ, he seems to be thinking the other way. I suppose that is a good thing, making sure we are thinking this through clearly, and communicating it to each other, but sometimes I wish it would be both of us saying "OK, school choice #1 should be X, school choice #2 should be Y." But then again, life is not that easy, is it? However it ends up, I would feel grateful if she were accepted at either school. Both are unique and have a lot to offer. Wish us luck.

Big Bill Still Makes my Heart Flutter

“I find it amazing that the Republicans who doubled the debt of the country in eight years and produced no new jobs doing it, gave us an economic record that was totally bereft of any productive result are now criticizing him for spending money,” William Jefferson Clinton
photo courtesy google images

Nature (for reals! no pbs required!)

So PJ is in the kitchen whipping up what promises to be an amazing pizza (will review later) when I hear him somewhere between a growl and a whisper "Honey get over here!" I think he is speaking to Ava so I continue reading the story to James and I hear it again, more urgently; "Honey, grab James and get in here NOW!" So I sweep James up and head into the kitchen, where to our amazement the neighborhood red tail hawk is having dinner in our back yard. We grabbed the camera, hoping against hope to get a picture through the window, and lo and behold among the thirty or so he took PJ got a couple of good shots! So here is our nature. Please note the shovel in the background, this will maybe help with perspective on figuring his size.
EDITED: emailed these to a friend. She thinks it is a Northern Harrier. PJ and I are inclined to agree. She called herself a bird geek. I just call her Smarty.

Not Pictures of my Darling Children but Almost as Good

I can haz failblog?
Plz go chex it oot. Iz super funnee.

Happy Valentines Day from James and his Preschool Classmates

This morning the 2 year preschool playdate class held their annual Valentines Day party. I attended this illustrious event, and was grateful for the opportunity to do so. It was a crazy day full of playing and eating and crafting and singing and stories. There were so many precious little ones there. I was so happy to be able to spend the morning with James and even got a couple of cuddles. It's funny too how the kids respond to other moms there- at first I was the only one. One of the little girls wanted to sit in my lap, while some other kids looked at me with uncertainty. But when the cookies came out it was all good for everyone. The kids all had a great time, and it was a treat for me too to be able to see James in his Monday environment.

The Kids get some Outside Play Time (good bye below zero temps!)

Happy Birthday PJ from Didi and Papa!

Mama's got a new pair of shoes

This morning post gym (mayor not there this morning but deputy mayors car in the lot) we went over to Toenges to pick up some new shoes for Birdie and check on the Boy. Birdie was ready for some new shoes and picked out some super cute Saucony's with pink and yellow and silver. Very springy. (We are all ready around here, don't you know...) They were on sale, and as I had a 15% off coupon for a regularly priced item figured it wouldn't hurt to check out the Danskos. I'd been researching them online for a while, and almost bought a pair from Sierra Trading Post. Glad I didn't because when I tried the same shoes on they did not fit at all like I was expecting. Terribly disappointed, we tried a different shoe. Not expecting much I was super pleasantly surprised when not only did they fit like a glove but felt amazing. Mary Janes (hello, it's me we're talking about here) and super darling. I am in love. Unfortunately in my research I have found some other brands/shoes that are good for you and super cute too. I may have to get an income stream to support a new habit. Or at least treat myself a couple of times a year. Who knows? In the meantime, I am not taking these off until I have to. My feet are saying thank you thank you thank you! (photo courtesy onlineshoes.com)

The DVD can now go back to the library

Now that I've found Howard on YouTube, my life is a little more complete:

People are having a hard time hearing this

"This is America. We don't disparage wealth. We don't begrudge anybody for achieving success. And we certainly believe that success should be rewarded. But what gets people upset -- and rightfully so -- are executives being rewarded for failure, especially when those rewards are subsidized by U.S. taxpayers, many of whom are having a tough time themselves." President Barack Obama (I will never get tired of hearing/writing that!)
I challenge people to shut it and get a clue. Listen for a moment. Because if you do, you might see that we can agree.

Dammit

It's 29 and sunny. You know what that means:

"If Candlemas day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight.
But if Candlemas day bring clouds and rain,
Winter is gone and won't come again."

Weekend Update Update

Last night we went out for PJ's birthday- totally fun. Rocked the new lipgloss that I thought the sales girl was insane for recommending and now am in love with. Big hair, boots, and beers. A perfect trifecta. PJ is now old but he had a grand old time. Lots of friends and lots of fun.
Today we went to the gym. The mayor was there. Didn't give him my opinion on Renaissance Pointe. Like he cares what I think. Besides, I was working OUT! This afternoon we went to the FWCS Super Saturday School Fair. Looked at Croninger and Weisser Park. Was all about Weisser but now after googling both, and finding from their info that Croninger offers art and music and spanish as well that maybe that would be a great fit. Applications due 2/27- am hoping to get to tour both schools before then. I think that will fix the horse race. Friends from SB in town for pizza tonight. They couldn't stay for Lawrence Welk, they had an event. They missed out. The champagne lady was looking good tonight.
Tomorrow is Sunday school and maybe a trip to Target. Of course more laundry, and getting the kids ready for their week. Hopefully some sledding squeezed in there. Most likely that will wait as tomorrow is the final day for the FBR Open. Oh, and the Super Bowl. (Almost forgot!) At least now I know what we'll have for dinner. I got some wings!
Goodnight, poopyheads.

I Heart Chronicle Books

Lawsie Mercy! Follow this link and hold on to your brains, Elizabeth...
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,7847/title,Pride-and-Prejudice-and-Zombies/

Say What?

Scene: Me upstairs, putting away the kids' laundry. Kids downstairs, supposedly finishing their breakfast.
Me: "When you guys are done, please come upstairs and brush your teeth."
Ava: "Okay, Mom!"
James: "Okay, Poopyhead!"
Wha???

Busy Bees

So far this morning, and it's currently 8:21 a.m., we've sent PJ (the birthday boy) to the store for Sprite, seen him off to work, found out we have a snow day due to the at least 5 inches of snow we got last night, shoveled the porch and front walkway which you can't really see because it is still snowing, and found out that James is sick. I can't wait to see what the rest of the day brings. Off for more coffee now. Maybe snow blower later, although PJ said he'd give me a lesson because I've never used it. Good thing there's no Bailey's to spike my coffee with. Poor children.

Evening Prayer by Ava Pauline

"Dear Lord, thank you for my family. Please don't let there be any bad guys. Please don't let there be any fires. Please don't let there be any Indians, and if there are, please don't let them have any weapons and let them be friendly. Amen."
I get the fire thing. I had it at her age. I had an advanced escape plan that went to hell when my sister was born and the only way I was going to get her out was to simply jump out the window with her in my arms. Ava has been obsessing a bit about fire- I hope she is not psychic!- and although I initially thought it a ploy to postpone bedtime, it's clear she is truly concerned. So when I put her to bed we have to discuss it for a few minutes. The Indians- I have no idea where that one came from. I have seen no Indians around here. Except for that one guy at the Derby Girls that looked straight off the res, but then again, I don't know if she is speaking of American Indians or Asian Indians. (Being completely un-pc I thought of something else first. Clearly, I have a limited scope of friends.) I am hoping there is no more worry of being attacked by Indians. I am also hoping she does not develop my extreme fear of The Boogeyman who lives in the closet of the front bedroom at 19 S. Pleasant Street in Princeton IL. At least he did, circa 1975. Perhaps he's retired now.

Confirmation of the Confirmation

or, Go Janet!
In addition to Steven Chu as energy secretary, Arne Duncan as Education Secretary, Eric Shinseki as head of Veterans Affairs, Ken Salazar for Interior and Tom Vilsak for Agriculture, Arizona's own Janet Napolitano has been confirmed to head the Department of Homeland Security. Go Janet!
(A unanimous vote was not possible due to a Republican from Texas {!!!} voicing concerns about Senator Clinton and the affect her husband's foundation might have on her position. Puhleeze. Although I can see after the last eight years and all that's happened not being first in line to give the benefit of the doubt.)

Solid!

Apparently, they've taken "our song" (PJ has been consulted) and turned it into a beautiful ode to our incoming president. Listen for yourselves!

Time Warp

At the library on Monday, waiting in line to check out, I spied this gem and sent PJ over to grab it. I knew even before opening it I had to have it. I was right. Opened to any random page, this little gem has all sorts of useful information, such as how to make scenery for model railways, how to make a simple telephone, how to make a model farm, what to look for in autumn, handkerchief tricks, and how to be a better swimmer. Holy cow I love this thing. It looks like it's from the '40s-'50's, and now I think it needs to be a part of the permanent collection. It really is something we could use during winter and spring breaks, and summer break too, to help us learn and grow the old fashioned way. You know, Cleaver style. Check it out.

Random Thoughts Retrieving Ava from School 10:30 a.m. Wednesday

Why is the new pet store keeping such lame hours?
Will I be able to get out of this parking lot?
Is this a lane?
Why the heck did they not call a snow day?
Is this thing on my arm the flesh eating disease?
Why am I moving sideways?
Am I going to hit that telephone pole?
I cannot see a thing.
I really hate this.
Why didn't they call a snow day?
Really!
What are you doing, lady?
YIKES!
Breathe...breathe...breathe...
We'll be home in 45 minutes. Just get through it.
Why is that car in the ditch? How is he going to get out?
Holy cow that guy is totally fishtailing in front of me on the ice.
Slow, slow.
Am I going to end up in the ditch with one child in the car and have to hoof it the rest of the way to the school on the road that has no sidewalk parallel to it in conditions where pretty much no one can see?
Seriously?
WTF???
Am I going to be able to get into the parking lot?
How much snow are we going to get in the 15 minutes we will be waiting?
Holy cow that guy just about did a 180 trying to get out of the school parking lot!
Snow plows! Thank goodness. Please head east . Please please plow so I don't do a 180.
More salt please.
Why did I not hold out for heated seats?
It is 9 degrees. Nine!!!
BRING OUT THE CHICKENS SO I CAN GO HOME!!!!!
Thank you Mr. Peterson for plowing the exit so I don't necessarily do a 180 or end up in the ditch.
Out safely.
Please just get us home safely.
Is this a lane?
(At this point fear mixes with anger)
I HATE THIS.
WHY DIDN'T THEY CALL A SNOW DAY?
THIS IS STUPID!
THIS IS DANGEROUS!
Whoever is in charge is irresponsible!!!
Is that another accident?
Please get us home safely.
Please keep that car out of my lane.
We're almost there. I read that most accidents occur close to home. Are we in more danger now?
How can the roads be this bad?
Is that a car?
How many more stoplights do I need to worry about stopping at and sliding into other cars and light poles?
Two. No, three.
Hellooo!!!???!!!
Should I take Anthony and try not to slide out into another car?
Forget it, I'll romp the snow on Forest Park.
Just get us home safely.
Did you guys feel that? We totally were fishtailing.
Do you guys really think in these conditions that it's a good idea to park on both sides of the street? I feel like the snow and ice could ping pong me between all your cars.
Almost there.
I really need a drink.
I am not shoveling again. Twice already today.
Ugh.
I hope it gets better before PJ has to head out. We may have to go retrieve him.
Really, I need a drink.
I am never leaving the house again.
I don't know how the Ingalls' did it.

Random Thoughts Taking Ava to School at 7:40 a.m. Wednesday

I wonder how much snow we got?
Why didn't they call a snow day?
Why isn't the car warm?
Oh, it's only 5 DEGREES.
Hmm, seems pretty slippery.
I hope I don't cause an accident trying to turn right onto the busy street.
WTF?????!!!!!
Why didn't they call a snow day?
I wonder if the roads will be better when I go to pick her up?
Why do people feel the need to tailgate on ice?
Why aren't people turning their lights on?
When will it get light?
Can no one else see like I cannot see?
What is that car doing?
HELLLOOOOOO!!!!
Should I make the cashew chicken for dinner?
Why the hell did we move from Arizona?
Are we there yet?
Why didn't they call a freaking snow day?
Is this a lane?
Is that a person?
I cannot see a thing.
Seriously?
No, seriously!
Really????
I hate this.
I really hate this.
Just get us home safely. Please.

You should be dancing, YEAH!

giddyap

The Noble County Horse and Pony meeting has been cancelled due to weather.

Mother Nature is Getting Ready to Strike Us Again!

http://www.weather.com/weather/alerts/localalerts/46805?phenomena=BZ&significance=A&areaid=INZ018&office=KIWX&etn=0001

Snow Day

Looking back at posts from this time last year, I am amazed at the difference in attitude when it came to winter break. Even though we were in quite a bit due to inclement weather, everyone was in better spirits. I was even sad when the kids went back to school. So when we got more ice (ugh) covered with snow, I was kind of hoping for a snow day for Ava. Which I got! So we have been playing, and this morning made some cookies.
One of my favorite internet places is the Chronicle Books website. I download their podcast, with info on new books. And I even have a bookmarks folder titled "What I would buy from Chronicle Books with unlimited funds on an impulse shopping jag" filled with their treats. Christmas goodies for my kids and their cousin came from this place. It's magical. It's one of my happy places. One of the gifts for Ava came from this site, and with a cold and icy day (snow we could take on and walk up to the library, but ice???) it seemed like a perfect day for baking. So we rifled through the recipes and came up with the raisin oatmeal cookies. Everyone helped with the ingredient gathering, measuring, and mixing. Everyone also helped in the taste testing. We will be having an official tea party after naps, with invitations and placecards, made by our resident artist Ava, featuring these cookies. They. are. tasty. The best part was the three of us in aprons and hands in and laughing. These simple memories are the ones I want them to hold in their hearts, maybe sometimes when they have a cookie.

Karma

Last night, I was feeling all superior after explaining to PJ what an octogenarian was. I decided to go to bed, but seconds later my brain was inundated with a television theme song. I could not figure it out. It was driving me crazy. I knew that it was a show from the '80's, that it wasn't Dallas or Magnum, and that PJ would know. I was reluctant to let go of my smugness and ask for help, but the song was relentless and I was coming undone. I went to PJ and asked for help. I had a song in my head. I needed it out.* I told him it was a theme song, from the '80's, and it was a man requirement to watch the show so I knew he would have the answer. I did the first four notes, three of which are the same, and I saw he knew it at two. I got the answer, and therefore got the song out of my head. I can only hope to have this dear man by my side if I'm an octogenarian.**
*sometimes, when his alarm goes off with the radio station it's programmed to, I get an awful song in my head. the only relief seems to be another, somewhat less awful song.
**conversation immediately following took a depressing turn noting that I am almost half way there.

What we had for dinner*

I had some kielbasa in the freezer, and not sure what I wanted to do with it (baked beans, our usual standby, didn't sound great)I went trolling on Epicurious.com looking for something yummy. I found it. Remembering I had some lentils in the pantry from a previous adventure, I was happy that I had all the ingredients. They are all pretty basic. I did make some changes, however, that I think made a difference. First, the recipe was for two. I have four. Also, rather than cook the lentils in water, I made some bouillon and cooked them in that. Adjusting spices here and there, this is what I came up with. Of course the kids didn't eat it. I think if I had made a loaf of bread and they could have had that they would have maybe eaten more of this to go with it. As it was, Ava liked the lentils, but not the kielbasa. It didn't look like one of the three meals that is currently acceptable to James so he immediately proclaimed it "Yucky!". I really liked it, and it PJ seemed sincere in his positive response to it, so I think it's a repeater. It's nice because the lentils are inexpensive, the sausage I find on sale at Meijer rather often in a buy one get one situation, so there's often some in the freezer, and besides chicken could easily be substituted. The rest of the items are usually on hand, and one could maybe add a can of diced tomatoes, if one wanted. Anyway, it's recipe is in it's new home on an index card in the recipe box. It's a repeater.

Warm Lentil Salad with Sausage
1 cup lentils
4 cups water (or vegetable broth or chicken broth)
1 bay leaf
1 large onion, chopped fine
2 carrots, chopped fine
2 ribs celery, chopped fine
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 cup fresh minced parsley
1 lb kielbasa, cut crosswise into 1/4" slices
In a sauce pan, combine water, lentils and bay leaf. Bring the water to a boil and simmer the mixture, covered, for 15 -20 minutes, or until lentils are just tender. While the lentils are simmering, heat olive oil in a heavy skillet. Cook the onion, carrot, celery, garlic and thyme over moderately low heat, stirring often. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until vegetables are softened. When lentils are tender, drain, removing bay leaf. Add lentils, vinegar, and parsley to the skillet mix, cooking over low heat till heated through. In another skillet, brown the kielbasa. Serve lentils topped with the kielbasa.

*The kids opted for waffles. I am a bad mom.