In Memory. . . Memorial Day

Today after attending church we ventured out with AH's parents to the cemetery to pay our respects to some family. Grandma put together a quick little lesson for the kiddos that covered what cemeteries are for and included a photo of who we were going to visit. It was very touching to hear her talk of her parents.

As we pulled through the entrance of the cemetery I was immediately taken aback by the tall billowing flags that lined the drive. Mr. B asked what the flags were for and Grandma tearfully replied that they were for the soldiers who had died. I shed a tear or two at that moment as well.

We found the site that we were looking for and had a family photo taken by a caretaker at the grave of Grandma's parents. Mr. B loved all the graves that had white crosses and American flags attached. He knew these were put only on sites of those who had served in the military and it totally fascinated him. Next year he wants to make sure we bring flowers to lay on all the graves of the "soldiers".

Happy Memorial Day!

The Lazy Days of Spring

Earlier this week we did this:











Which would have been fun today except that the slip-n-slide died earlier this week.

So instead today we did this:











And I sat on this reading magazines, planning menus and eating Otter Pops. (Note the saw to the right. AH worked on putting the tile up on our kitchen back-splash today.)


Nothing beats our spring time weather here when it really shows off (like it is doing right now).

Property Fun

I found this over at Twice Remembered, so so true!

Your House As Seen By:

The Order of Events

First you have this:


Then you see this:


And are left with this:


Mr. B lost his first tooth on Sunday, May 10th (Mother's Day) during primary at church. His teacher encouraged him to yank it out and so he did. I am a little sad I missed it. :-(


On another note each day after Mr. B goes off to school I get HOUNDED by Beeb to play with the neighbor girl "S". When she comes home I always inquire as to what they did for two hours and I get a response similiar to "played pricesses". Here are the two princesses:





Note the chocolate pudding faces!

School Support

I am seriously behind on editing my March pictures and blogging about it but one day, probably a very random day like Feb 2011, I'll get around to finishing them and writing out the details (it was a very fun month!). In the meantime I've decided to not let that pressure get to me and to move on with my quick thoughts, observations and logics so that I don't get so far behind I give up.

Tonight we went down to Mr. B's school for an "art walk" and raffle. Since I don't really participate much at the school, due to my having Beeb at home with me during the day, I thought it would show that I do support the school and PTA by attending.

When we got their I immediately forked over my $15 for 15 raffle tickets thinking this mass quantity of ticket would ensure we'd at least win something! After filling out my name on the tickets, truly a hardship since I can't write anymore due to my fingers being so used to typing on the keyboard that they now get tired very quickly when having to grip a pen for any length of time (how sad is that?), I perused the "art".

I use the term "art" loosely since it consisted of two professional pieces (by the volunteer art teacher - who is amazing) and a bunch of hot glue gunned toy junk. . . literally. My son's class had a piece up for auction that took a large toy dump truck and glued little cars to it along with other misc toy junk. AH and I both agreed that the $5.00 starting bid was a bit high to pay for something we would simple throw away (and probably already had since some of the stuff attached look mighty familiar). Needless to say we didn't bid on any of the "art".

After 45 minutes of chasing the kiddo's around the school we finally herded them into the gym where the raffle was to take place. The kiddo's ran themselves about until they were good and sweaty and when the auction began took their seats with us. After about 15 minutes of other people winning Beeb started whining and crying to go home, Mr. B was so tired he couldn't keep his hands/body under control and kept grabbing at his sister causing her to whine louder. Another 10 minutes later (a lifetime when your kids are so miserable) AH looked at me and said, "As soon as this is over we are booking it to the car." I readily agreed.

In the end we endured bad art, paid $15 for some scraps of paper and won nothing all for the sake of our son. Boy we must surely love you a lot! (we do)

Helping Coupons

A few weeks ago Mr. B brought home a folder from Dinosaur school that promptly got put to the side and forgotten. I found the folder tonight and when I opened it I found some really great "helping coupons" Mr. B did in class to show how he can help his dad and I.

I can't remember the last time I had to "hunt" dinner but I really appreciate his willingness to do so for our family.


I am really praying that there aren't any surprises in his room over this one.

I'm in BIG Trouble

Huge, gigantic, enormous trouble all because I found a new blog that is going to be the death of me and my sewing machine (which is already nearing the end of its life). Oh my, what am I going to do? There just aren't enough hours in the day to get all the creative juices out.




Yep, I'm in big big trouble. Make it and Love it.

I'm Sick

I am sick, I don't feel good. My head hurts, my sinuses are causing major pain to my teeth, my glands are swollen and I am achy all over.

I hate feeling sick.

Oh, and I have about 12 loads of laundry waiting for me to fold in the family room.

Falafel with Avocado Spread

This recipe comes from Cooking Light. I tried it last week and everyone ate it; meaning, my kids ate it and loved it too! Very yummy and super healthy.

Ingredients
Patties:
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup finely crushed baked tortilla chips (about 3/4 ounce)
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large egg white
1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil

Spread:
1/4 cup mashed peeled avocado
2 tablespoons finely chopped tomato
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt

Remaining ingredients:
2 (6-inch) pitas, each cut in half crosswise
4 thin red onion slices, separated into rings
Microgreens
Preparation
To prepare patties, place pinto beans in a medium bowl; partially mash with a fork. Add cheese and next 5 ingredients (through egg white); stir until well combined. Shape bean mixture into 4 (1/2-inch-thick) oval patties.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until patties are browned and thoroughly heated.

To prepare spread, combine avocado and next 5 ingredients (through salt), stirring well. Place 1 patty in each pita half. Spread about 2 tablespoons avocado spread over patty in each pita half; top with onions and greens.

Mr. B Turns 6! (much to his delight)

After months of anticipation and endless birthday wish lists Mr. B finally turned 6. The day of his actually birthday was quiet. We had him wait until late afternoon to open his presents (I know, we are so mean) and then enjoyed a nice birthday dinner with some friends and, of course, cake.

Beeb Logic: Nose Wind Continued . . .

Beeb just ran up to me and released her "nose wind" into my face again.

"What does that smell like?" she asks eagerly.

"Cereal." I reply.

"No! What does it smell like?" she demands.

"It smells like cereal." I say.

Obviously frustrated with me she clarifies, "I just tooted and smelled it."

Great. Thank Beeb. . . not.

Waking Up

My niece stayed with us the past few days and in our conversations I tried to convey to her that the love you have for your children, well, there's no comparison.

Example:

Yesterday morning Mr. B woke me up by coming in to my bedroom and asking if he could snuggle with me. He was thrilled when I told him "of course" and even more thrilled when after getting under the covers with me he said "you're warm!" and snuggled in closer. The love enveloped me.

Later that morning I had to wake Beeb up so we would get to the dentist on time. As I gently woke her she stretched and yawned and put her arms straight out in front of her and insisted I give her a hug that lasted minutes. Her warm little arms holding me tightly filled my heart to the brim.

These two little innocents fill my life with more tender loving emotion I could ever fathom prior to their existence. Of course knowing and feeling this I realize there is someone out there who feels the same way about me (and you).