tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72080938955158653172024-02-21T18:58:38.262-08:00Bubbles to the SurfaceGlug glug. Another day, rising toward eternity.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-6552803489193510012010-07-21T20:02:00.000-07:002010-07-21T20:02:06.869-07:00Narrator: Zane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgXessEKyxkvwKPQf7xX89oIerSGkWOFF2aTjLSUbFNVtc7ulGUllfGYV8urhjwQX1vLK53xYzquD6yhvmBw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
He finally did it! Zane can read the whole book, so now it is time for a party.<br />
Menu: green eggs with hamRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-24825135472952823162010-07-19T12:20:00.000-07:002010-07-19T13:41:22.865-07:00Summer Abundance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrcRT6NZrxr-iT3iZRN0kFq1IjC91xJMq9_5eqPwpoFYXqK62Ulq2h29tzWJo8deC4w3ppTdGsgiBt3Bv_ORa5NXzvcaTuuIhyphenhyphen6jbpTCNxRMHgyjl7M5dTSvKPtVJofKZVwWd-B7JV7M/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrcRT6NZrxr-iT3iZRN0kFq1IjC91xJMq9_5eqPwpoFYXqK62Ulq2h29tzWJo8deC4w3ppTdGsgiBt3Bv_ORa5NXzvcaTuuIhyphenhyphen6jbpTCNxRMHgyjl7M5dTSvKPtVJofKZVwWd-B7JV7M/s320/IMG_0183.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, these are from the garden, picked this morning (a surprisingly cool one), and also the cinnamon pickles I made last week. One of the jars broke in the water bath, or I would have had 4 pints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>BUT, what I really wanted to show you (forgot to take a pic) was all the produce I got at Loving Hands last week. Here's a list:<br />
2 lbs. carrots<br />
1 lb. organic spinach<br />
2 organic celery<br />
2 organic lemons<br />
3 clementines<br />
4 apples<br />
3 leeks<br />
1 large veggie tray w/ dip<br />
3 poblanos<br />
2 grapefruit<br />
4 onions<br />
10 potatoes<br />
2 peaches<br />
1 large bag mushrooms<br />
1 bag bing cherries<br />
1 big watermelon<br />
3 cucumbers<br />
blackberries <br />
sugar snap peas<br />
1 bag broccoli<br />
3 organic heads of romaine<br />
<br />
<br />
And that is just the produce. I also got eggs, butter, yogurt, chicken, lunch meat, and center cut bacon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeUITbZEtGNTE6aZ9cJ4ZfEtzAs9VOuM0xJDmC2pAzLAQUilX46n8xMGtq0JTwo52GqekVpXxg5qhEsPg9xk-p4H3Xm8Q0UVLOO2E0Esn4SyqCFSe7tBYFRoKxMPE6GYYkhtCX1O-uTs/s1600/IMG_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeUITbZEtGNTE6aZ9cJ4ZfEtzAs9VOuM0xJDmC2pAzLAQUilX46n8xMGtq0JTwo52GqekVpXxg5qhEsPg9xk-p4H3Xm8Q0UVLOO2E0Esn4SyqCFSe7tBYFRoKxMPE6GYYkhtCX1O-uTs/s320/IMG_0186.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is our new living room look. Finally brought the bookcases up from the basement. It isn't quite finished, but this is the general idea.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-60855194507566152782010-07-16T21:38:00.000-07:002010-07-16T21:38:58.701-07:00Make a Splash!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBXTJ6vsS7Ww_Nkt_di-lXnhPMgKQWzeOMoivqPSOS_LwEDqYL7yGNu0-xVrdaoO4-_t0mPEtvZF8kUCKxFFmYl_nYJupDrIRtdh2uTBeBPXKWWEy6gB1Zaxw9Fy4YGS0CxtaoB6SsVw/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBXTJ6vsS7Ww_Nkt_di-lXnhPMgKQWzeOMoivqPSOS_LwEDqYL7yGNu0-xVrdaoO4-_t0mPEtvZF8kUCKxFFmYl_nYJupDrIRtdh2uTBeBPXKWWEy6gB1Zaxw9Fy4YGS0CxtaoB6SsVw/s320/IMG_0178.JPG" /></a></div>The boys attended our local library's Summer Reading Program for the past six weeks and last night was our big finale party. I had to wake them up from a nap to get them there, so it took a while for them to get into it, but once the magic show started, they were hooked. This pic is of everyone else doing the chicken dance while our boys slowly sneaked out of the crowd. I have a video if you're interested.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuQ0K4t_U8hyphenhyphenWkFppMN3pODQA3Gq4wxhaT9k3NLVOagX-7w1ZyEdd7evavq-VqJKYJRFwEuhX-5rSB4J7npJLhcynqxQNNRcH97AStmxn5tHMP4zC8vsSwuWVue3MYgRshvBosfrz1kQ/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuQ0K4t_U8hyphenhyphenWkFppMN3pODQA3Gq4wxhaT9k3NLVOagX-7w1ZyEdd7evavq-VqJKYJRFwEuhX-5rSB4J7npJLhcynqxQNNRcH97AStmxn5tHMP4zC8vsSwuWVue3MYgRshvBosfrz1kQ/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" /></a></div>Here they are blowing giant bubbles.<br />
<br />
Making cinnamon pickles tonight. Results soon to be posted.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-20398526806076818542010-07-16T14:11:00.000-07:002010-07-16T14:11:44.072-07:00Steal of a Deal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guess what I found at one of the 61 garage sales being hosted all over Fort Lupton this weekend? JARS. That's right. I was shoving a load of 25 cent books in the truck along with the boys, when a man came up behind me and said, "I don't know if you're interested, but there's a living estate sale up the street on the corner." Was I? Oh yes. At first I though it was a wash, but then I went<em> around the corner</em> and discovered the hidden trove.<em> </em>A jumbled pile of old cardboard boxes with odd jars tossed carelessly in. I figured there were maybe thirty or forty good ones, so I went and offered the lady $20 for all her quarts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"That sounds perfect," she said, looking relieved to have gotten rid of the dusty old relics so quick and easy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only it wasn't so easy. She offered to help me load them and went off to get boxes. When she reappeared we started sorting all the quarts out from the rest of them....and sorting, and sorting, and loading, and sorting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then I found some gallon jars. And then some half gallons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I knew it, my whole truck bed was full of boxes of jars, and the boys were wailing, "Enough! no more jars Mom!" from where they were wading between them back there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Needless, to say, I don't either I or the lady had realized how many jars were there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Final count, around 170. I think. Unless I find another box somewhere.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9dQ66YStqO2Jks3lw1SveOQmljChtmXGQd-J_K_1fGQdtoVu7VCWVBsTCqWfThd2P2pUD72aUjEP7ARfpGm9Zf8s40Saws2r1J7-f6EX5brj0Mjb5Gddvm5GNjVlYAvSrAzBF-Vr_SA/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9dQ66YStqO2Jks3lw1SveOQmljChtmXGQd-J_K_1fGQdtoVu7VCWVBsTCqWfThd2P2pUD72aUjEP7ARfpGm9Zf8s40Saws2r1J7-f6EX5brj0Mjb5Gddvm5GNjVlYAvSrAzBF-Vr_SA/s320/IMG_0168.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OOh, I also nabbed this dutch oven which will be great for camping and such-$10. Not bad.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-61135085023772025202010-06-01T18:22:00.000-07:002010-06-01T18:32:47.797-07:00update on all the stuff we've been doingIt has been a busy year so far and here are some pics of what we've been up to. <br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator><A style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCOF3vKWB5Y1imd9s4AxIjyZlA9p807r8aQMtcDEbNA-Xb6Bwo4ASO8J1_p6KUhFHFjocoP7pF7B97OZjSlUEy5RuP5P9gfhf1UhCaynG7AI_ze5PidrjrYzRnEycYBMqWIV5aMvjMvQ/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1"><IMG border=0 src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCOF3vKWB5Y1imd9s4AxIjyZlA9p807r8aQMtcDEbNA-Xb6Bwo4ASO8J1_p6KUhFHFjocoP7pF7B97OZjSlUEy5RuP5P9gfhf1UhCaynG7AI_ze5PidrjrYzRnEycYBMqWIV5aMvjMvQ/s320/IMG_0058.JPG" gu="true"></A></DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator>Zane got to meet and hold his new cousin, Raeven.<A style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNQohwGVLZuFGbNkYfkitbJwvCYqM82UssyW8mPRSoZkZfDJNZnYgxK5WA6HqlpQFhlQQ9aKEVCoEuZZXQ24_BM0XwoEBdxwQ2Iyqib4bAI3P5ksYyzTpcmZa2Ht0-uCpscXTZsgT12M/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1"><IMG border=0 src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNQohwGVLZuFGbNkYfkitbJwvCYqM82UssyW8mPRSoZkZfDJNZnYgxK5WA6HqlpQFhlQQ9aKEVCoEuZZXQ24_BM0XwoEBdxwQ2Iyqib4bAI3P5ksYyzTpcmZa2Ht0-uCpscXTZsgT12M/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" gu="true"></A></DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator><A style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB5qujzV2Jqjv1bIawzpvKAVNObK3KzmIqpHCIo5559mqzB7DmhxKd0hnZbVrFhK9kZnjQ3Y9FzX3QLJOnJXJuvaxFAP3vrr6xn3X63zON2j2cs0l8HesrNQjESg90ahyphenhyphenGsXnX_BXk10/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1"><IMG border=0 src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB5qujzV2Jqjv1bIawzpvKAVNObK3KzmIqpHCIo5559mqzB7DmhxKd0hnZbVrFhK9kZnjQ3Y9FzX3QLJOnJXJuvaxFAP3vrr6xn3X63zON2j2cs0l8HesrNQjESg90ahyphenhyphenGsXnX_BXk10/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" gu="true"></A></DIV> On Easter we took a trip to the mountains for a short hike and lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Zoka's. <br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator><A style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Dmu6j-RJk3gQrwtpMx85-RA6FP_lmJR-wtNGcVRIJ3u7rDHLcPQN0kPfThPDnjOZNX9OFp2eUoyLaBWthRtdDIh13jaHgU13z21HchLXTx5ChB8JKwpRdh4w-lGlPqlF-1dTwMobLlk/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1"><IMG border=0 src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Dmu6j-RJk3gQrwtpMx85-RA6FP_lmJR-wtNGcVRIJ3u7rDHLcPQN0kPfThPDnjOZNX9OFp2eUoyLaBWthRtdDIh13jaHgU13z21HchLXTx5ChB8JKwpRdh4w-lGlPqlF-1dTwMobLlk/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" gu="true"></A></DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator>Our local heritage Fair was a new experience for the boys, where they got to see everything from ancient Roman soldiers (in costume) to WWII stuff. Here is Haukin peeking out of a 1700's fur trader's teepee.</DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator></DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator></DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator> <A style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RGFZi2y4LKpGDTQXTVxLj0ZcLWIyiFZHRcdhyphenhyphengPDBovbINyzirrgBZ9RXByzWoRvV-llGK0zDU_0YHPQBkLgkl5LLC3SH4EaI0hQaBVLnda683bLK1OWOfOQd9Didyt6-H6RhtOThvA/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1"><IMG border=0 src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RGFZi2y4LKpGDTQXTVxLj0ZcLWIyiFZHRcdhyphenhyphengPDBovbINyzirrgBZ9RXByzWoRvV-llGK0zDU_0YHPQBkLgkl5LLC3SH4EaI0hQaBVLnda683bLK1OWOfOQd9Didyt6-H6RhtOThvA/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" gu="true"></A></DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator>Zane wanted me to be SURE to post this pic of him in his soldier costume so all the grandmas could see him.</DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator></DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator></DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator><A style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8NrVs1fJaf-0Q2Z5GmM1SbRF96hePLQtM6kLDko8PqhRipSnM4WltZlwkfmzKl2zVgsTXKBueDBDMeeJG3RnTqvHvbjc2KtHJFDel-QiljAUVJ85_-Re3vXrSh89EosYIeMQ61T7vyM/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1"><IMG border=0 src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8NrVs1fJaf-0Q2Z5GmM1SbRF96hePLQtM6kLDko8PqhRipSnM4WltZlwkfmzKl2zVgsTXKBueDBDMeeJG3RnTqvHvbjc2KtHJFDel-QiljAUVJ85_-Re3vXrSh89EosYIeMQ61T7vyM/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" gu="true"></A></DIV><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class=separator>Tonight Haukin is taking apart his first radio......aaawww.</DIV><br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-f92962d6a0c793e9 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="f92962d6a0c793e9"></OBJECT>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-23127848144602420602010-03-14T19:08:00.000-07:002010-03-14T19:08:25.011-07:00Field Trips!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6dV1Uu1uVkP2qY3nm7syqjIMEm8mTkp6Y4MzFEOfPFV9VJiiRY2WcR7WGFkuw4rl25-z2pMfY-xSX5kDsB09KEJtfrk9WTB1Jx8i5t6AzYKh9mygdOWsUk0oAM9znMhuL_Ase6OUvwA/s1600-h/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6dV1Uu1uVkP2qY3nm7syqjIMEm8mTkp6Y4MzFEOfPFV9VJiiRY2WcR7WGFkuw4rl25-z2pMfY-xSX5kDsB09KEJtfrk9WTB1Jx8i5t6AzYKh9mygdOWsUk0oAM9znMhuL_Ase6OUvwA/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div>Lately we've been enjoying all the lower rates that the colder weather allows for at places like the zoo and the aquarium. Here are some pics:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71uXz23CtnKyH2rm-csPTQfV2KkMv_AeBrIcshBIJwp5g0Pel_zPnCj-Xb4ryHPggGYHZh4qNgFHtjvOk2NdmVgEFF6FlcN1OVXUXtQ3kj7CADm7SQqu6CDifQi10W2wCZzgXIGpFiBs/s1600-h/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71uXz23CtnKyH2rm-csPTQfV2KkMv_AeBrIcshBIJwp5g0Pel_zPnCj-Xb4ryHPggGYHZh4qNgFHtjvOk2NdmVgEFF6FlcN1OVXUXtQ3kj7CADm7SQqu6CDifQi10W2wCZzgXIGpFiBs/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdBTYEg9Od5PmnEA5fY0Q9xTnYLq1uWGN50lrQKk3NTqnJ72cNiELNVhc_jIrLRtkzqJFyVHaEQ6qAaQ5UKLJQRM2Ni44nSxYbHaj5Dg6KLhBcN4miXymblOCgQz8NYO_pSVTJE0aY-E/s1600-h/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdBTYEg9Od5PmnEA5fY0Q9xTnYLq1uWGN50lrQKk3NTqnJ72cNiELNVhc_jIrLRtkzqJFyVHaEQ6qAaQ5UKLJQRM2Ni44nSxYbHaj5Dg6KLhBcN4miXymblOCgQz8NYO_pSVTJE0aY-E/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" vt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAFr2q-ce98jjbTS-I5gXZP5lvfIjCqpd_5Hhb-EMntGnXntpOqGR_07lb9IlRSn047JmvEgyttUO7diH6QZ_9ZLBYsEJked6QdTTQOhqB16KWIi7CHOtpTB89_N2S6rljn5F6cD13nw/s1600-h/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAFr2q-ce98jjbTS-I5gXZP5lvfIjCqpd_5Hhb-EMntGnXntpOqGR_07lb9IlRSn047JmvEgyttUO7diH6QZ_9ZLBYsEJked6QdTTQOhqB16KWIi7CHOtpTB89_N2S6rljn5F6cD13nw/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" vt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiQWERkVedBhq6rxvQusnOkMtwmC_FEP34nuJLmzM-Q4OSNT7AHUuz-gu3OioU7LZvZK2z9DWi8-6IOFGB1DKeutPH-SgL_NRyT6-J8dpufFs3rDHPfSb00ntXdjNMpLfFHiXNGQUqg8/s1600-h/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiQWERkVedBhq6rxvQusnOkMtwmC_FEP34nuJLmzM-Q4OSNT7AHUuz-gu3OioU7LZvZK2z9DWi8-6IOFGB1DKeutPH-SgL_NRyT6-J8dpufFs3rDHPfSb00ntXdjNMpLfFHiXNGQUqg8/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XlUi5G3H9nIyG38CZt875uQykOAB-l-UpkgjpKRPD50sl_0E99JPO66owQSc8CX54cNDJRb5WnhKPa1mVA9QMVWdtHiGc6TLTtuq08-fsEis7J7m_BWQkgLSFwt2uBFjLi7oLfwqK80/s1600-h/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XlUi5G3H9nIyG38CZt875uQykOAB-l-UpkgjpKRPD50sl_0E99JPO66owQSc8CX54cNDJRb5WnhKPa1mVA9QMVWdtHiGc6TLTtuq08-fsEis7J7m_BWQkgLSFwt2uBFjLi7oLfwqK80/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn-5HptpmnStZNLWYMK-CxdY6uk06rKE2ss8c5U8bwhsRQQeq9QcdHMpk4Px4yzH9FuMfrVOV1mx7Xm2BL-9cBCWF8tlW_CGFN9rHZqGKvNW893StpAowIZGnKQvqM2T3C1X9g3Vux2g/s1600-h/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn-5HptpmnStZNLWYMK-CxdY6uk06rKE2ss8c5U8bwhsRQQeq9QcdHMpk4Px4yzH9FuMfrVOV1mx7Xm2BL-9cBCWF8tlW_CGFN9rHZqGKvNW893StpAowIZGnKQvqM2T3C1X9g3Vux2g/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" vt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE_SavkdjGauTwyFE70JqcLQbI_HWF3knEXWSDXtMqX4bLK8Udc5_AZo9b_Y6PxOfACxpVZxVHXOO369rWkJWeooCweWhW91QljdN3miUaZ5R8Pe303vBWr-mvzfNgdwfQ-RtOfo0tdg/s1600-h/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE_SavkdjGauTwyFE70JqcLQbI_HWF3knEXWSDXtMqX4bLK8Udc5_AZo9b_Y6PxOfACxpVZxVHXOO369rWkJWeooCweWhW91QljdN3miUaZ5R8Pe303vBWr-mvzfNgdwfQ-RtOfo0tdg/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some fun, huh?</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-79937150583571812002010-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:002010-01-16T00:00:00.329-08:00"The Library Lion" book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJy87AAWKx_1BOuWFd5PjQhFzjY_N01KScHj665Jh4ln0mvChHrdiIQhxIo_WDZqXhyphenhyphenl8I5jaZrLRhEclOOKRy9F_rcMa7lAbve1M7xtBBGnKur0n0JBDwKwn3GSh3wFTAQRi_H8LLAo/s1600-h/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJy87AAWKx_1BOuWFd5PjQhFzjY_N01KScHj665Jh4ln0mvChHrdiIQhxIo_WDZqXhyphenhyphenl8I5jaZrLRhEclOOKRy9F_rcMa7lAbve1M7xtBBGnKur0n0JBDwKwn3GSh3wFTAQRi_H8LLAo/s320/IMG_0210.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>It was, of course, the interesting title that caught my eye, but the beautiful illustrations were what made me cram this bigger sized book into my already overflowing library bag. I love beautiful artwork combined with happy prose to give my kids. I think it helps them develop an appreciation for both.<br />
<br />
The Lion is such a stately, noble looking beast that it is not at all incongruent to think of one reclining on a bean bag in a sunny corner of the library. Think of the scene in the opening credits of The Addams Family--a large, bored looking lion wanders through their stately mansion on Cemetery Lane.<br />
<br />
Anyway, in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Library-Lion-Michelle-Knudsen/dp/076363784X">The Library Lion</a>, a lion has to learn about rules in the library, just like kids do, and that all rules themselves sometimes have to be bent.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-20813866188635130722010-01-15T14:30:00.000-08:002010-01-15T14:49:10.029-08:00"I Love My New Toy" book reviewWe came home from the library last week with our usual load of books randomly picked off the shelves, but a couple of them have really been enjoyed by the boys this week, way more than I would've expected.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2dKZS0mYNbKQegTZgYqTyirnh9b5DU2yIGRrCpR7ouooG5yWvGoSZiSOlwDptx_j9Z-HSCrhz-sO8Eq1-r6RL9ayYdvLv6BQf-oyQCcIXTU0XmmsEsg-YliCaG_qo2jqpDTFV5dskzo/s1600-h/IMG_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2dKZS0mYNbKQegTZgYqTyirnh9b5DU2yIGRrCpR7ouooG5yWvGoSZiSOlwDptx_j9Z-HSCrhz-sO8Eq1-r6RL9ayYdvLv6BQf-oyQCcIXTU0XmmsEsg-YliCaG_qo2jqpDTFV5dskzo/s320/IMG_0207.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Haukin has asked me to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-New-Elephant-Piggie-Book/dp/1423109619">I Love My New Toy </a>every day, I think. It is VERY relavant to him and his brother. The simple illustrations are hilarious--Haukin giggled more and more over every page as the plot unfolded. Both boys know exactly what it is like to have a brand new toy that someone else wants to play with--and then horror of horrors! what if they break it? Hopefully the ending of this book taught the boys a valuable lesson, but if not, they still love the pictures and the expression of voice required to read it.<br />
<br />
I am definately going to look into more titles by <a href="http://www.mowillems.com/">Mo Willems</a> and more books in this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephant_and_Piggie">Elephant and Piggie</a> series.Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-84100071951186102972010-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:002010-01-10T00:00:01.892-08:00Homemade KefirToday I made <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir">kefir</a>, which is a cultured drink, usually made with milk but sometimes also water or soy milk or coconut milk. It worked <em>perfectly </em>the first time. I was impressed. Must have had something to do with having the perfect place to let it culture. Take Note: the best place to culture drinks like kefir and kombucha is on your boiler! Mine is downstairs in the laudry room where it is dark and quiet and warm. The surface of the boiler is maybe 70-75 degrees or so. This is what it looked like after I had blended it with some organic bing cherries and put it in a jar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZi_75_QAPHneTeBXOLl2GxbOtvE7Vq9RJ8IPxqLDBuxdfo700dDwQzo-UeyDgkPF11Iy1OhCzCFbRPamUIBUciQVDxGYoQA8HzXyq4t-CqNP86s4gJ2oAls4M2S54Wt5dv_VS8kjeNU/s1600-h/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZi_75_QAPHneTeBXOLl2GxbOtvE7Vq9RJ8IPxqLDBuxdfo700dDwQzo-UeyDgkPF11Iy1OhCzCFbRPamUIBUciQVDxGYoQA8HzXyq4t-CqNP86s4gJ2oAls4M2S54Wt5dv_VS8kjeNU/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" alt="kefir in a jar" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what it looked like after it had set for a while.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf7J_0eUp3_xNcISHeP01q9BKGYwM6npgqqqNZE8RiVTPBlY-K3V10SdJJgAT5-iIEqCWnQ5w0G5-7wRS6edHliU2drnpEq-Ys-LlkzaHa-3Hhw2Ke4pq_25NqXhAb6CSPAErai9GdbI/s1600-h/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLf7J_0eUp3_xNcISHeP01q9BKGYwM6npgqqqNZE8RiVTPBlY-K3V10SdJJgAT5-iIEqCWnQ5w0G5-7wRS6edHliU2drnpEq-Ys-LlkzaHa-3Hhw2Ke4pq_25NqXhAb6CSPAErai9GdbI/s320/IMG_0183.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a fairly sour drink, so I added stevia to make it palatable to the kids. Don't think the dh was too impressed. This is what it looked like after I shook it well and served it in his favorite Carnival glass.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35hFn0td46jYGkfLTKC21MbsicwZUA30M3tCARj9R4S415be0GNOVDCL6X3O4e_aOSbYiSw_I5GC9ZF-zpXPeVqDN1PCb7LPXzDzFP4PrABhJa55Le7lxzFtg9eL04uVyA2y6VSkeXxk/s1600-h/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35hFn0td46jYGkfLTKC21MbsicwZUA30M3tCARj9R4S415be0GNOVDCL6X3O4e_aOSbYiSw_I5GC9ZF-zpXPeVqDN1PCb7LPXzDzFP4PrABhJa55Le7lxzFtg9eL04uVyA2y6VSkeXxk/s320/IMG_0195.JPG" alt="kefir in a glass" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yum. Drink your probiotics!<br />
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-6116952294832319002010-01-09T10:02:00.000-08:002010-01-09T10:02:54.256-08:00Who's Picasso, Mom?<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1263058922630"></span><span id="goog_1263058922631"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a alt="inquisitive" boys="" face="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6HbW_HOau2ieGnqNEXPHu0kkr9eFjfsd7FlgKPpb8ZjmRXgv_A2ElkK7MxJDSfjgwndyKRSR0dQwiuAqa_VDgvoww0bUsm8idWprSIbHhv6PODgcG-NZnd2bolsvVOOW9HBvHNPTDYU/s1600-h/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6HbW_HOau2ieGnqNEXPHu0kkr9eFjfsd7FlgKPpb8ZjmRXgv_A2ElkK7MxJDSfjgwndyKRSR0dQwiuAqa_VDgvoww0bUsm8idWprSIbHhv6PODgcG-NZnd2bolsvVOOW9HBvHNPTDYU/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zane is my inquisitive soon-to-be six-year-old. He has the memory of an elephant, and his brain is a sponge. I have no idea where he heard about Picasso, but that was his Question of the Day yesterday, along with "what is double probation?" ??blink. <em>What??</em><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This morning he came up with one that I actually understood, "what is light speed?" I knew right away where this came from. He and Haukin spent the morning watching <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Trilogy-Harrison-Ford/dp/B001EN71DG">Star Wars</a>. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Captain Solo: </em>"Hang in there Chewy, while I make the calculations for the jump to light speed." <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or something like that. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So Zane and I have several things to research for school next week. He loves using the Internet, although I don't think we'll be watching any more video clips about "what is inside me" (a question from last week) after he got completely worked up from watching a video about internal parasites. Now whenever he steps outside he is constantly on the watch for dog poop.<br />
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-33865418473079546082010-01-08T13:20:00.000-08:002010-01-08T13:25:21.302-08:00New year's resolutions (subject to revision)Winter sunrise on the Cottonwoods<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqScGSGbS5uXqT6_yDXltI6QANdLmXAYV8UX1RS6iJic1LuotsoBcPEVvqY3tFmMbkhD4U-KZxoaIT7V7mgJrfYOKg516ecmob23L1toBkLmysbknpBFiukGpaDhuq_vBe4cLOWqBDx2E/s1600-h/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqScGSGbS5uXqT6_yDXltI6QANdLmXAYV8UX1RS6iJic1LuotsoBcPEVvqY3tFmMbkhD4U-KZxoaIT7V7mgJrfYOKg516ecmob23L1toBkLmysbknpBFiukGpaDhuq_vBe4cLOWqBDx2E/s320/IMG_0158.JPG" /></a> <br />
Prologue:<br />
Just as an aside, not really an official Resolution, but I do plan to take more pictures this year. I've been mostly inspired by all the fantastic blogs I've been reading, especially <a href="http://walkslowlylivewildly.com/">Sarah's</a>, who is an excellent photographer and shares her work on her blog. Another motivation is having great visual content for my own blog!<br />
<br />
Resolutions:<br />
1. Seek out and learn from godly mentors.<br />
This is sort of doing my part in the whole transfer of knowlege from one generation to the next, which is <br />
seriously lacking in our culture. Besides the fact that I need all the help I can get, besides the fact<br />
that we all need to be obeying Titus 2.<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Increase and develop personal discipline.<br />
a. Do a study on the spiritual disciplines and determine what specific goals and routines will help me.<br />
b. Establish daily routines and guidlines for physical disciplines--i.e. exercise, eating, and scheduling habits<br />
<br />
<br />
3. Increase and develop creativity, knowledge, and expression.<br />
a. Redecorate the boys' room (Wind in the Willows theme).<br />
b. Blog regularly (3-4 times/wk)<br />
c. Learn how to use my new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adobe-65045174-Photoshop-Elements-8/dp/B002ID8R3Y?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Adobe Photoshop Elements 8</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002ID8R3Y" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />!<br />
d. Learn color work knitting.<br />
e. Get the piano tuned--and find a teacher for Zane.<br />
f. Finish my wedding album--it's about time!<br />
<br />
<br />
4. Read these books:<br />
a. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Theology-Women-Knowing-Difference/dp/1433502097?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives (Re: Lit Books)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1433502097" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
b. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adopted-Life-Priority-Adoption-Christian/dp/1581349114?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1581349114" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
c. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Respectable-Sins-Confronting-We-Tolerate/dp/1600061400?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1600061400" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
d. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Worship-Book-Resource-Devotions/dp/1857924010?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Family Worship Book: A Resource Book for Family Devotions</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1857924010" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
e. <em>The Life of John Newton</em><br />
f. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Closet-Thomas-Watson/dp/0873771931?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Bible and the Closet</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0873771931" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
g. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Meet-Puritans-Guide-Modern-Reprints/dp/1601780001?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Meet the Puritans: With a Guide to Modern Reprints</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1601780001" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
h. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Letters-Malcolm-Chiefly-C-S-Lewis/dp/0156027666?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0156027666" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
i. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Disciplines-Christian-Donald-Whitney/dp/1576830276?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1576830276" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
j. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Them-Diligently-Scriptures-Training/dp/1889032603?ie=UTF8&tag=comrade&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Teach Them Diligently: How to Use the Scriptures in Child Training, Study Guide</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=comrade&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1889032603" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
5. Memorize:<br />
a. Galatians<br />
b. Ephesians (note* lest you think I am aiming to high, I've already done this and it will be review)<br />
c. Philippians--already have some of it done too.<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a pretty preliminary list, because for each of these resolutions I have specific goals toward carrying them out; I have to tackle things in little bits. For each resolution I have weekly and monthly goals. We have to remember that Reality and Life happen, so of course these are all subject to revision as I deem necessary. There will be unplanned, last minute projects, and I'm sure I'll read books other than the ones listed here. I may seem ambitious, but better to aim high.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>What are your New Year's Resolutions and how are you breaking them down into workable goals? </em>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-42875114909557583662010-01-07T07:53:00.000-08:002010-01-07T07:56:23.175-08:00Using Up Freezer Zucchini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUkwuFWVGxPbl0xCCNS4qVJ-nJI8v27TEOrre2kp8nbJUpeh2I2Nj4iAb7twU3UE2JEwDu_Ttox3QFGO4DIZwI7Z2WD8VpOydpmKkuRAdAbZLsAdto18rp54jWs7QL4NHXL2Vy21YJCY/s1600-h/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUkwuFWVGxPbl0xCCNS4qVJ-nJI8v27TEOrre2kp8nbJUpeh2I2Nj4iAb7twU3UE2JEwDu_Ttox3QFGO4DIZwI7Z2WD8VpOydpmKkuRAdAbZLsAdto18rp54jWs7QL4NHXL2Vy21YJCY/s320/IMG_0157.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Last night I created a recipe that has been floating around in my head for the last year or so. My freezer gets overloaded with shredded zucchini every summer and I am usually at my wits' end to decided what to do with it.<br />
<br />
So here's what came from the stove last night.<br />
<br />
Zucchini Chicken Alfredo<br />
1 ziplock bag full of shredded zucchini, thawed and drained<br />
1-2 t. lemon pepper<br />
<br />
The Alfredo<br />
butter<br />
flour<br />
milk<br />
1 1/2 cups cooked cubed chicken<br />
1/2 t red pepper flakes<br />
1 1/4 c shredded sharp white Cheddar (I used some with Pesto in it--delish!)<br />
salt and pepper<br />
pesto or basil (opt.)<br />
1/2 red pepper, diced<br />
<br />
Put the zucchini in a pan or skillet with the lemon pepper and warm it until the liquid pretty much evaporates. This is what will replace the usual pasta. Very healthy!<br />
<br />
Make a roux with the butter and flour and milk by melting the butter, throwing in the flour (amounts are according to how much you want to end up with, I suggest about 3 T butter and 1/4 to 1/2 cup flour.) After you make a sort of paste with the butter and flour pour in the milk, enough to make as much sauce as you want, with a little extra to account for evaporation and thickening. Whisk until all the lumps are gone, and heat steadily until it begins to thicken. Add chicken and pepper flakes, salt and pepper and cheese. Let the cheese melt into the sauce. Add red pepper.<br />
<br />
Serve the alfredo over the zucchini and enjoy. Empty out that freezer!Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-69676545478094557672010-01-06T12:36:00.000-08:002010-01-06T12:36:28.785-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrDkaZATEB1LAnZH9dSL5p7LT-LIYHzWIJ13jw4Zk4J61TXB3jAI5biWxVeaub939zUXjkP8iO8ssx3JFvZx2b-61qu7T2K5UtU0Cr9bUD7d8wqfR3aA9z4w0QE8Y3E5mMP8-FOYZsj8/s1600-h/IMG_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrDkaZATEB1LAnZH9dSL5p7LT-LIYHzWIJ13jw4Zk4J61TXB3jAI5biWxVeaub939zUXjkP8iO8ssx3JFvZx2b-61qu7T2K5UtU0Cr9bUD7d8wqfR3aA9z4w0QE8Y3E5mMP8-FOYZsj8/s320/IMG_0151.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-35339744288841229782010-01-05T06:56:00.000-08:002010-01-05T06:56:47.700-08:00Splattering SpaetzleLast night we made the traditional German spaetzle and goulash fleisch (sp?) that Thomas' family enjoys around the holidays. It didn't taste quite like his mom's (considering I used the last of our Barefoot Merlot) but it was quite good, once we figured out a good consistency for the batter. Here is Thomas cooking the noodles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8v8WUU-5LpQDl6W3ZZeXS2g4uvVmCiUx8swDT6cxc2kCltKAQRstXs2GbmecDSkdaOwku_sVQgqvM5V3POCgOGYfa16eA0U0uGum0YVtZ8bpgKNXwJRTUjm2RXG8pJXOvhjgQ-lfJlo/s1600-h/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8v8WUU-5LpQDl6W3ZZeXS2g4uvVmCiUx8swDT6cxc2kCltKAQRstXs2GbmecDSkdaOwku_sVQgqvM5V3POCgOGYfa16eA0U0uGum0YVtZ8bpgKNXwJRTUjm2RXG8pJXOvhjgQ-lfJlo/s320/IMG_0144.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We discovered that it can be quite hairy to have two cooks trying to cook two different things in the same work space, our kitchen is not very accomadating at this time. You should've seen the state of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KSM150PSER-Artisan-5-Quart-Empire/dp/B00005UP2P">KitchenAid</a> after we got done mixing the Spaetzle. Next time I'll get a pic. I was working on the Yummy Red Cabbage, whose recipe I'll have to share for anyone who appreciates cruciferous concoctions.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4aLo7TqJ1ISDQFJJ-t5WHLLoqJSsQ1WcXIrvEpTpwciJf2-Zp4eBA3LmoG-OgQOcQYNI50Lhu9Bt2W-_7iEUeCwAj-6rt2RYA0T1tEU0d8diQU25TMwYH_bEyvHpa30Q3a8spq0n_9s/s1600-h/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4aLo7TqJ1ISDQFJJ-t5WHLLoqJSsQ1WcXIrvEpTpwciJf2-Zp4eBA3LmoG-OgQOcQYNI50Lhu9Bt2W-_7iEUeCwAj-6rt2RYA0T1tEU0d8diQU25TMwYH_bEyvHpa30Q3a8spq0n_9s/s320/IMG_0148.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yummy Red Cabbage: origin unknown (sorry I don't remember where I got this recipe)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8 oz. red cabbage, sliced<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 apple, sliced or chopped<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 oz. butter, 2 t. oil<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 sm onion, chopped or sliced thin<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cloves garlic minced<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 t. gr. cloves<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 t. cinnamon<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">dash nutmeg<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">salt & pepper<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 t. brown sugar<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 T red wine vinegar<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Melt butter and oil. Cook onion then add apple and garlic and cook 2-3 min. Turm to Hi and add cabbage; stir-fry 5 min. Stir in spices, salt and pepper. Turn to Lo and cook 10 min. When tender turn up heat and add sugar and vinegar. Stir and serve.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is delicious and not slimy like my mom's (sorry mom). Not too sweet either, and the spices make it taste special.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also enjoyed a Rye bread called Limpa which I made from my favorite bread machine cookbook, <br />
</div><span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bread-Lovers-Machine-Cookbook/dp/155832156X?ie=UTF8&tag=widgetsamazon-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Bread Lover's Bread Machine Cookbook</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=widgetsamazon-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=155832156X" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, which has about a zillion great recipes for breads in the machine, <em>and they work!</em> What I usually do is use the machine to do all the work except baking, because the DH likes to have his bread shaped like a traditional loaf, and I don't mind this extra step, especially since I get out of all the mixing and kneading, etc.</span><br />
<br />
<span>Hope you are all back into your routines for the New Year. I'll be posting Resolutions soon. Meanwhile, here is our latest family photo (a rare sight!).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7iCMb-gxZrNzOz3sISX2B2Eu8jq6aIdk47F_JB9zLPJ7UhERIkzEyMaXZukK5pfy3AvxbkdJFzgQK1DxiS2iZOoHNC_SSpMNz14QsUb12nBdjmgBHo5hAjmffim-ou_rLJmi2PP-FIg/s1600-h/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7iCMb-gxZrNzOz3sISX2B2Eu8jq6aIdk47F_JB9zLPJ7UhERIkzEyMaXZukK5pfy3AvxbkdJFzgQK1DxiS2iZOoHNC_SSpMNz14QsUb12nBdjmgBHo5hAjmffim-ou_rLJmi2PP-FIg/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-39821561993654138002010-01-04T13:01:00.000-08:002010-01-04T13:01:49.391-08:00Signs and Facts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thm-a03.yimg.com/image/a6b1972c233b4b84" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://thm-a03.yimg.com/image/a6b1972c233b4b84" /></a><a href="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1437423708279&id=e52eba6d7773a4fdfd9e6760b55237eb&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.321gold.com%2farchives%2fimages%2fmad_hatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1437423708279&id=e52eba6d7773a4fdfd9e6760b55237eb&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.321gold.com%2farchives%2fimages%2fmad_hatter.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Know where the Mad Hatter came from? Not Lewis Carroll, if that's what you thought, although he did fit one right into his Alice adventure. I read today on <a href="http://www.jonbarron.org/detoxing-health-program/10-24-2005_2.php">Jon Barron's</a> web site that during the 19th century some hatters used mercury to make their wares. The results were "baldness, severe muscular tremors, dementia, and fits of wild, uncontrollable laughter. Thus the phrase: "Mad Hatter." "<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Interesting, huh? Stay away from Mercury, and get those old fillings replaced, Thomas!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On another note, one of the first Signs of the New Year is.....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzurrRFWZnihzl8b6dKrNG6Khmbh_yORkyh2AT9d9ogYQxKG1mK0aEEb2kb3GWPZlTQc2hCzwMIv6ChQqJtyBc-vyBVRPW0UBKUtiVmEAygoAx4WCrjgYIm26ojEEpDjDUVkNLynN5Tk/s1600-h/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzurrRFWZnihzl8b6dKrNG6Khmbh_yORkyh2AT9d9ogYQxKG1mK0aEEb2kb3GWPZlTQc2hCzwMIv6ChQqJtyBc-vyBVRPW0UBKUtiVmEAygoAx4WCrjgYIm26ojEEpDjDUVkNLynN5Tk/s320/IMG_0140.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seed Catalogs! These give me plenty to occupy the long hours of winter, waiting and planning for spring.<br />
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-84949702530984163422010-01-01T07:00:00.000-08:002010-01-01T07:02:39.839-08:00Full Moon Rising on a New Year<div style="text-align: center;"> Psalm 19:1,3 "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.....THERE IS NO SPEECH NOR LANGUAGE WHERE THEIR VOICE IS NOT HEARD!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUacf0hhjIJxGau2gBmJEEHNdPQ0_5UuF8r-Fkh7g_YZdSSVqGFwaQ-lOxAzIBc9fIdO-Xc1MlNi_FdTn1CKiQ95CwIOrjnZBxtYIFhJKaj1HSLbGSOeQoCzF-6mmB8BIbapc39WXxSqI/s1600-h/IMG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUacf0hhjIJxGau2gBmJEEHNdPQ0_5UuF8r-Fkh7g_YZdSSVqGFwaQ-lOxAzIBc9fIdO-Xc1MlNi_FdTn1CKiQ95CwIOrjnZBxtYIFhJKaj1HSLbGSOeQoCzF-6mmB8BIbapc39WXxSqI/s320/IMG_0133.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy New Year! The moon was telling me of God's glory this morning.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7208093895515865317.post-51163968703251237922009-12-31T12:46:00.001-08:002009-12-31T13:26:55.049-08:00Happy Holidays Had, and a Good Scrubbing Down DoneIndeed, happy holidays have come and gone here. Thanksgiving consisted of a gathering of my two brothers, Cameron and Caleb, and Cameron's family.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cpTNrbaD25QBIfieXPKjt3x4nfMtRl4tB98CPT_HFpcp7LQPNS8ZlOyL1b2fzSpoQYID7iiPtdWkfxp3qhPRbxJKbcvfmbWNHurdRV5mEhyTBX5NU8fPKRNJC4G6xn1gvvnxw0clJ5Q/s1600-h/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cpTNrbaD25QBIfieXPKjt3x4nfMtRl4tB98CPT_HFpcp7LQPNS8ZlOyL1b2fzSpoQYID7iiPtdWkfxp3qhPRbxJKbcvfmbWNHurdRV5mEhyTBX5NU8fPKRNJC4G6xn1gvvnxw0clJ5Q/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I think it's amazing that no one's face got cut out of this picture, considering I just plopped it up on the microwave to take a picture. We cooked up an enourmous turkey, and 10 POUNDS of potatoes, which Zane helped me peel, and half half of which didn't get eaten (what's this, Thomas? I thought you liked mashed potatoes!)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvSZozwRGiUs8TgFCLImdyYkyIxW6OSiNYpKQluXZrorgsHNnRerXMXMz7KkOEgqMBi3GEkGpwSHoh87f0-Kmf16nmTFXzWE6MRVjPWDGWADxpADr1LE0RK59KHlDDXCVA9Vjw4MzJ7s/s1600-h/IMG_0011_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvSZozwRGiUs8TgFCLImdyYkyIxW6OSiNYpKQluXZrorgsHNnRerXMXMz7KkOEgqMBi3GEkGpwSHoh87f0-Kmf16nmTFXzWE6MRVjPWDGWADxpADr1LE0RK59KHlDDXCVA9Vjw4MzJ7s/s320/IMG_0011_edited-1.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, as for Christmas, it was actually celebrated this year! I am a little afraid the standard has been slightly raised in "expectation of presents," but we have a whole year to convince the boys that they won't be getting as much next year as they did this year. (we hope!)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a beautiful, white Christmas and we started a New Tradition: a starlit walk on Christmas Eve night, concluded with a romping sled ride! My brother Caleb gave the boys a sled this year, and it has been one of their favorite toys. Also one of mine, since it gets them out of the house for some great fresh air.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJUxTVrLlk0pKMAl5y1ncX4239ZJ2EV6khmUDCsTgnlVb3pH4ABuWsTqnXc16ZO7gG7hhBrrhNJJlinQE8CiwC1mwL494vczFWgxa0LHMvl_tTgKy0SGXNAVI2AodA4Q-dVwU60uQoXU/s1600-h/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJUxTVrLlk0pKMAl5y1ncX4239ZJ2EV6khmUDCsTgnlVb3pH4ABuWsTqnXc16ZO7gG7hhBrrhNJJlinQE8CiwC1mwL494vczFWgxa0LHMvl_tTgKy0SGXNAVI2AodA4Q-dVwU60uQoXU/s320/IMG_0060.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCs-91mdf1f4b_nMVr1Fr_bOpSWusbIkvhYgwmkB3pCaSK6jja-oyBxBrrHNfq5i6kKJqKosm6hvY3pAFdrZlh4LMboCzqTanOVTtHta5bbPdHkFv4fBxyjkwGhGvtcmte_BxatsIp3fk/s1600-h/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCs-91mdf1f4b_nMVr1Fr_bOpSWusbIkvhYgwmkB3pCaSK6jja-oyBxBrrHNfq5i6kKJqKosm6hvY3pAFdrZlh4LMboCzqTanOVTtHta5bbPdHkFv4fBxyjkwGhGvtcmte_BxatsIp3fk/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is both boys being pulled by Daddy.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKWcdQzew4EQlFt7D1F9NwB_DFyKwLCQJmqDyIsEhQCE_bq-PpkXDAZmRxZDHDP2jO84LIdsW7PQUZ3PcIGrXEpUJqy9Shvgmd1RbKpNMoxrz5GIA66bHlxQl7Dt45uQiud7VZEl8j3w/s1600-h/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKWcdQzew4EQlFt7D1F9NwB_DFyKwLCQJmqDyIsEhQCE_bq-PpkXDAZmRxZDHDP2jO84LIdsW7PQUZ3PcIGrXEpUJqy9Shvgmd1RbKpNMoxrz5GIA66bHlxQl7Dt45uQiud7VZEl8j3w/s320/IMG_0068.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is one of the beautiful sites we passes on our walk.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBkHvVzDe06sj0qNmc0MrjXQrI4ow4FsCsTmSsjlDN1qh-hb5pynDzP9lYpTNpGgVk9b2CF1lbEuZ8LtVheDFi6WkpCRQRYiRWgJUSWyRC3P3apgxZu0AUuy68eFZN3uw9O_ed4HXhN8/s1600-h/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBkHvVzDe06sj0qNmc0MrjXQrI4ow4FsCsTmSsjlDN1qh-hb5pynDzP9lYpTNpGgVk9b2CF1lbEuZ8LtVheDFi6WkpCRQRYiRWgJUSWyRC3P3apgxZu0AUuy68eFZN3uw9O_ed4HXhN8/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course, the traditional New Pajamas from Grandmother:<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_TIp-5wGjpN1lIINUXDhfHzuiN20WtMDb5tsmW7KgqND64YqoofSZOUSKc3YD4_acsm5XvTFyFpacq7bqqWu9827tJ_rnamfmmtPHhG8x0W7LuV0k66G8GoKdEixkn7MNvn374_JqV4/s1600-h/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_TIp-5wGjpN1lIINUXDhfHzuiN20WtMDb5tsmW7KgqND64YqoofSZOUSKc3YD4_acsm5XvTFyFpacq7bqqWu9827tJ_rnamfmmtPHhG8x0W7LuV0k66G8GoKdEixkn7MNvn374_JqV4/s320/IMG_0082.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Camouflage this year, with matching fleece blankets!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMDkZTPq_TC1erZpXFQeePNB691QQeNE6GPBxgEnYjr36vQIAFSwLRk1CGtk7L-QDHTYK6ozo0Jgx6fPHBMRHqNuQpkVG0EFPdE3iAlXyDpv7T90uD22fA1WfSoN23OmqWrsWMeBJZB0/s1600-h/IMG_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMDkZTPq_TC1erZpXFQeePNB691QQeNE6GPBxgEnYjr36vQIAFSwLRk1CGtk7L-QDHTYK6ozo0Jgx6fPHBMRHqNuQpkVG0EFPdE3iAlXyDpv7T90uD22fA1WfSoN23OmqWrsWMeBJZB0/s320/IMG_0099.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And from Oma and Opa, a foosball table, enjoyed by all.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYZI2WqQ-OVR75lhB7JNR9t78Si3TecjK_SBSdhyphenhyphendh4yBPlsFbG2ZTRfPoUJcMgwiwCwHYpsHXtPPNSvUgp3kZSMQuwyIOZdch3hghQ7nrPRpRBduTt1jyx6DVsMWxkoaNoZcc7hftGA/s1600-h/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYZI2WqQ-OVR75lhB7JNR9t78Si3TecjK_SBSdhyphenhyphendh4yBPlsFbG2ZTRfPoUJcMgwiwCwHYpsHXtPPNSvUgp3kZSMQuwyIOZdch3hghQ7nrPRpRBduTt1jyx6DVsMWxkoaNoZcc7hftGA/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Daddy's present from "his boys," a Lego set, which they agreed would be best for him, and which they almost managed to keep a secret.....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwOR4qryBkNlBYQs_Prq_E6-W3KDJLEddxIrnLUV-anzkNo1UCG2w6dyWEMJFRcxukfFQQFuu2o-ec3eCGi4yZD0rWxA-pVs5lt4k2og-yvfjcfKBSUD1CDteiu0kS8wY9tAtClfbHlk/s1600-h/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwOR4qryBkNlBYQs_Prq_E6-W3KDJLEddxIrnLUV-anzkNo1UCG2w6dyWEMJFRcxukfFQQFuu2o-ec3eCGi4yZD0rWxA-pVs5lt4k2og-yvfjcfKBSUD1CDteiu0kS8wY9tAtClfbHlk/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ah,the unstuffing of the stockings.....<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally, I had to share a pic of our growing family of snowmen, yet another Grandmother tradition and a legacy of Great Grandma Cameron (all materials coming from her stash). The boys get a new one each year, and they nestle under our tree.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nqF9DAhQiPUPWoRtd-2eCWyPgWNqc-t7Tw9NggttPJ2Izamp4T8DshFaMp8dRMpuvDWIPiwfgWW5ycES77enAuhygHWM4nb0Rd8-DOFddGzPe_Hew2DdTlvj037vtJXxVprPda3bmog/s1600-h/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nqF9DAhQiPUPWoRtd-2eCWyPgWNqc-t7Tw9NggttPJ2Izamp4T8DshFaMp8dRMpuvDWIPiwfgWW5ycES77enAuhygHWM4nb0Rd8-DOFddGzPe_Hew2DdTlvj037vtJXxVprPda3bmog/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So much for another Christmas! Zane has been reminding me that it is high time to scrub the bathroom, so we did today (his favorite part is spraying the all purpose cleaner).<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIcD7qwTLrW1k6haRO-wvO9qV2U8mdEiCzpfEi6J_DE-K3MfkjPhyzMnDVt1I0P6NV4Fc8KMeovsNs8PeiMfBbNXeclaR52j5bhOWjP_wGHwqOJ7e8y85PlS7pO5f7JSWP_2LZaxvSqg/s1600-h/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIcD7qwTLrW1k6haRO-wvO9qV2U8mdEiCzpfEi6J_DE-K3MfkjPhyzMnDVt1I0P6NV4Fc8KMeovsNs8PeiMfBbNXeclaR52j5bhOWjP_wGHwqOJ7e8y85PlS7pO5f7JSWP_2LZaxvSqg/s320/IMG_0130.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomorrow no doubt will be Christmas tree demolition, and revelation of my latest felting endeavors.<br />
</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06254910693294026963noreply@blogger.com0