Saturday, August 30, 2008

Okay, so what's up with the hair?

My child is either a Muppet or a Beatle. I know, I should probably cut her hair more often, but all I gots ta say is, "YOU try it." =) So the child walks around looking like Animal or Ringo.

"Well, why not try brushing it? Or clips? Or pony tails?" you say. You are right. Very useful things, those brushes and hair tools! When I can wrestle or distract the child, these work relatively well. However, within about 2-3 hours, the clip or rubber-band is long gone or just falling out. So back we go to Muppet-tastic.




Summer Wrap Up

Doesn't Labor Day signal the end of summer? In Bosnia, apparently after a particular date (is it Oct. 1?), they all start wearing jackets and scarves wherever they go, regardless of the weather. I think our stores are all taking cues from them, as shorts and swim gear are long gone. I still either sweat through the afternoon or grudgingly turn on the A/C, watching the meter turn 'round and 'round in my mind. But hey, if the retailers say it's Fall, it's FALL! Thankfully we've had a very mild summer, and I am singing the glories of an August version of June Gloom. Ahhhhh....

So before I get too excited about oven-roasted vegetables and baked bread, candles in the house, NFL and sweaters, here's a quick recap of the end of summer...

Running through sprinklers at Parnell Park...

A quick weekend in Santa Barbara with friends who live there... this restaurant was right on the beach, so our girls could play in the sand while we had lunch. Ideal!
A Superhero Party! This was about the cutest idea I've ever seen. The masks and capes were made as favors by dear friend Kristen for her son's first birthday party. They were a HUGE hit! She had a friend set up a photo back-drop, and the kids all got pictures of them flying through the air... it was fantastic! I figure I can post this picture of other peoples' kids here because they are incognito!
Overheard at the party: "Super Lauren is off to save the day, but Super Colin can handle the job, too!" Somehow when a 4-year-old says that, you actually start to believe it. =)

I'll have to scan and post Lucy's picture that she took in front of the backdrop... she looks like Napoleon.
And more nectarines! They are one of nature's most wonderful fruits! No fuzzy peach skin on your teeth, not as mealy as a peach, sweet with a bit of tart for good summer measure... Big thanks to Dad for sending us THREE boxes this summer! We've been misers and shared very few of our precious nectarines. By the way, if you're anywhere that you can actually find out the variety, buy Honey Kissed (or any of the Honey varieties) in June and July, and Red Jims in August (Red Jims are named after my grandfather!).


And on one other small note, I have dearly loved catching up with old friends on Facebook this summer. Somehow Facebook softens the formality of an email, and makes casual reconnecting so much easier. I feel like I'm running into these people in the Cafe or at Starbucks or something, but getting a chance to hear just a wee bit more about how they are doing. It's been this amazing reminder that God has surrounded me with amazing people all my life.... though a bit of my life flashing before my eyes. =)

One more for the road...
The straw before the straw that broke the camel's back... or rather just sent it into muscle spasms landing him in the E.R. =)

Monday, August 11, 2008

It's August WHAT?

Wow, I have no idea how we got to the middle of August already, but I ain't complaining. The more we move along, the closer we get to Autumn, glorious Autumn! I'm such a whiner. =) There have been events, big and small, good and otherwise, that have pushed along the time, and I'm working to enjoy the things of summer (like the pool!).

I also thought I ought to report that the summer meals I set out to try were big hits! We didn't end up trying a couple of them, and I'm not even sure if I could tell you quite why. Trouble finding ingredients for the right price, not having the right ingredients at the right time (i.e. poor planning), etc. But the ones we did try were fantastic! Quick run-down of the big winners:

(Rating system in our house: 1 = I'm getting myself a grilled cheese instead; 5 = best meal ever, ever, ever. I'm generally pretty happy when I get a 3 from the fam, and I'll even serve 2.5's as staples when needed.)

*Antipasto Salad (idea from Everyday Food)
- Lettuce, salami, fresh mozzarella balls (cheap at Fresh and Easy!), prociuto, olives, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, shaved parmesian.
4!!

* Tortellini Salad (Thanks, Susan!)
Added chopped raw zucchini instead of tomatoes... we're not a tomato family.
4!!

* Mini baked potatoes, stuffed with goat cheese & bacon, with grilled Steak sandwiches (Inspired by both Everyday Food and Rachael Ray)
4!!

* Lemon Chicken with Pesto Dipping Sauce (thanks, Jamie!)
4!!

* Chicken Pasta Salad w/ Fried Shallots (Rachael Ray, Summer 08)
4!!

* Shrimp Quesadillas w/ avocados (RR, Su 08)
4!!

* Bacon, Avacado, and Turkey sandwiches on homemade whole wheat bread (using Artisan Breads in 5 minutes a Day)
3.5 - Sadly the whole-wheat I made was a bit too much for this sandwich. A bit brick-ish.

* Southwestern Chili Mac Salad (RR, Su 08)
4!!