Saturday, August 04, 2012

A bit about me

Today it's about me.  Without getting too personal, I wanted to show my progress.  On my birthday, in February, I decided it was time to do something for me.  I've been eating smarter and exercising..... on purpose.  This is the last weekend before going back to school (students have one more week of summer break).  

To celebrate summer coming to an end, I wanted to do something big.  I have been walking 5k just about every day this summer.  When I can't walk, I ride my bike.  Today I rode.  I wanted to tackle a trail friends talk about but didn't want to go solo.  We went 21.5 miles.  There was even a downpour of rain the last 3+ miles.  I'm proud of myself.  I even had my friend take a picture to show my progress.  

To date, I've lost a good amount (I'm not ready to share how much yet).  People ask me if I can tell a difference.  I'm getting there.
 
 The day I decided to make a change.

 At the 1/2 way point on my ride today.


Saturday, June 30, 2012

Splish, splash!

We wanted a way to cool off without having to go to the pool.  We decided on a pool slip and slide combo.  I'm thinking the big kid enjoyed himself.







Lego Robotics

One of the classes the big kid took was entitled, "Lego Robotics."  He was able to build several different types of robots and learn how to program them.  On the last day of class, parents were invited to see what everyone produced.  The big kid decided to show us the scorpion he and a partner built and programmed.  I have a feeling I know what he might be asking for at Christmas time.


He's got rhythm!


We were watching MLS soccer this evening and when the game was over they ended the broadcast.  When games aren't on, music is looped (you can almost hear it).  The little guy started dancing and I was able to catch a bit of it.  Sorry for the dim lighting, I was afraid to turn the light on for fear he would get distracted. 

I'm thinking he's picked up a few new moves!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

It's the little things

The big kid had computer camp all day last week with a break for lunch.  He and I went to one of our favorite taco spots for lunch.  Hard to believe he's 10 already.


Monday, June 25, 2012

Who is this kid?!?

I heard giggles from the back seat and my name being called.  I turned around and this is what I found.  What a goofball.


Sunday, June 24, 2012

Father's Day Weekend

Hubs and the big kid scheduled another trip to KC.  They were hoping to take in another soccer game without being distracted by the little guy or me.  I can't say that I blame them.  Since it was a night game, we decided to tag along and hang out in the hotel while they were at the game.  Fun was had by all.
I finished a pair of rainbow striped cashmere socks.  
The little guy helped model them for me.

We forgot to pack the stroller and realized it 1/2 way to KC.
We picked up a small umbrella stroller to fill in.  
The little guy thought it was AWESOME!

We decided a trip to Worlds of Fun was in order.
The train was one of our favorite rides!

The big kid got in a bit of driving.

My little cutie pies!

The little guy and I relaxing at the hotel while 
Dad and the big kid were at the game.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Escaped for the Weekend

As soon as school got out, hubs and I decided we needed a break from reality.  We went to KC for the night and everyone went to the soccer game.  We had a wonderful time taking in all the new stadium had to offer.  Thinking next time the soccer nuts (aka: hubs and the big kid) will be taking in a game on their own.  The little guy tends to be an attention hog. 

Guess who only wanted to sit with daddy?

Outside the T-Rex Cafe.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

First Garden in the New House!

It has been declared, "The Year of the Garden," at our house.  At least, that's what I'm calling it.  We went to our local nursery last weekend and selected several varieties of tomato and pepper plants.  We also picked up some cilantro, basil and a lone cucumber plant. 

I took my sister's advice and put grass clippings on the soil to deter weed growth.  I'm excited to see how it works.  I didn't have enough clippings after mowing yesterday (shocker) so I'll put one more bag on next week.  

This is the entire garden.  Quite a bit smaller than the one at the old house.

Back row has 3 roma, 2 big boy, and 1 zebra stripe variety of tomato plants.  Behind the green cage on the right is one rhubarb (courtesy of the previous owner) and an unidentified plant type thingy. Behind the red tomato cage is the only cucumber plant we bought this year.

Here's the basil and cilantro.

Forgot to pick up peas while we were at the store so hubs brought some home.  We had the gigantic posts in the garden already (not sure what they were used for previously).  I decided that's where we'd put the peas.  I used some twine to make a staggered ladder for them to grow on.  I'm curious to see how it turns out.

Front row are the peppers.  We chose to plant banana, red, yellow.  I feel like I picked out something else but, I can't recall what.  Typical.


Here's the force field we wrapped the garden in.  We didn't need one at the old house like we do here.  Apparently, we've got a rabbit problem.  We realized it the morning after planting when one of the roma plants was reduced to a stick and single leaf. 

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Poached Perfection

Well, I went and did it. I wanted to try poaching eggs to see what all the fuss was about. How hard could it be really? Turns out if you have the super secret weapon you'll do just fine. I love it because it gives me a way to make eggs without having to add butter or oil into the mix but, still gives me the ability to sop up a mush middle with my remaining bits of toast or english muffin.

I asked my 9 year old if he'd like to learn how to make poached eggs. He got wide eyed, looked at me and with great concern said, "You mean you unlawfully took eggs from the store?!?"

Um, no. The word poached must sound too rebellious for him. I'll let him stick to scrambled for now.

If you'd like to join me on the wild side here's what you'll need:
sauce pot
slotted spoon
pyrex
timer
whole raw egg (duh)
water
vinegar (any kind should do as I've used rice wine and cider with the same results, cider is just smellier)
salt & pepper to taste


Fill the pot 1/2 way with water. Set to high. You're looking for the water to begin to boil. Not the rolling kind but, the kind where the bubbles are starting to get bigger. This is key.

Add approx. 1T of vinegar to the water. This is the super secret ingredient. Granted, it's not secret anymore. Might not have been before. I might have been the only one to not know about it. Apparently, the vinegar is what keeps the egg together and prevents it from floating all over the water (think how much a fried egg expands on a griddle but picture it doing that in water).

For better results with the eggs I always crack them into a container first. For one thing, I know if the egg is grody but, it also allows for more control when pouring it into the water.

Once the egg is in the water set your timer for 4 minutes. Leave the pan on the burner but TURN THE HEAT OFF. My stove is electric. The residual heat does it's job and finishes cooking the egg to perfection.

Your lid might get steamy making it hard to see the deliciousness cooking but, resist all temptation to peek! The egg needs the heat. Just trust in the magic.

I use a slotted spoon because I don't like all the water that comes with scooping the egg up. I also don't have a super perfect looking egg. I was impatient. I cooked two eggs at once. I also thought I heard the baby stirring so in great haste might have put the eggs in 15 seconds too soon. Oh well. They still tasted delicious, were perfectly cooked. The only problem is that crack on the left side. You see it, I know. I'm not ashamed.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Breakfast on the Go


I've seen pictures of these everywhere and decided it was time to try them. I've adapted my recipe from several recipes that I've seen. I'm guesstimating on some of the amounts as I eyeballed most of it. It's easy to make and can re-heat. Excellent for on the go mornings too.

I'll be giving you a recipe for 4 servings. You can increase/decrease from there.

You'll need:

regular size muffin tins
pam spray
4 eggs (size large or smaller, jumbo will be too big)
1c. hashbrowns
1/4 c. shredded cheese
2 strips bacon (chopped)
salt
pepper
1 T olive oil

Preheat oven to 425. Spray muffin tin with pam. Mix hash browns, shredded cheese (reserve a bit for later), salt, pepper, olive oil in bowl. Divide mixture into 4 tins. Cook for 17 minutes.

Reduce oven to 350. Crack one egg on top of each hash brown filled cup. (This is where I learned that a jumbo egg was too big.) Sprinkle top with bacon and a bit of cheese.

You can poke the yoke with a fork and it will cook through in the oven. If you like the runny middle, don't poke it. I thought it was good either way. Put back in oven and cook for 15 minutes max.

If you let them sit in the pan for a couple of minutes it will release from the pan easier. Be sure to run a knife around the edges just in case. Again, you'll want to trust me on this one.

I like to serve mine with a bit of fresh fruit.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Awesome Up Your Desk Stuff and Beat the Winter Blahs!

Here's a recipe to fight the winter blahs at work (and play with markers):

Get one box of staples,


and a bunch of AWESOME permanent markers.


Color the tops of the staples and KA-BOOM!
You have brightly colored staples.

I have been doing this at school for months now without mentioning it to anyone. A couple of co-workers wanted to know where I got my fancy staples. I felt quite posh. Try it, have fun, and enjoy!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

St. Patrick's Day Freebie

I've been feeling crafty and wanted to whip up something easy to throw in a frame and decorate for the holidays. This season: St. Patrick's Day.
If you'd like to print a copy, enlarge photo and right click with mouse. Copy image to your desktop and print. Voila! It's been sized for standard piece of paper. I trim it to fit 8 x 10 picture frame. Enjoy!

Monday, January 02, 2012

Happy New Year!

Sorry I've been away for so long. We've had a busy house this year. I hope every had a wonderful 2011 and are just as excited as us about what 2012 has to bring!