25 Feb
Doug took these photos of the girls in their Christmas dresses–which were handmade by my mom–last December. I can’t believe I never posted them! Olivia was quite a little stinker that day, but Ava was all smiles.
This is one of my favorite photos of Ava. I still can’t put on a dress without spinning like this, and I’m almost 32.
I do love these two photos of Olivia. In the first one, she’s examining a lady bug. The second is perhaps the most beautiful photo we have of her.
Thanks, Mom and Doug!
23 Feb
Ava and Olivia sing along to Bryan’s favorite song (on his favorite show, Glee). It’s probably obvious they’ve seen this episode more than once. Finally, that camera phone pays off!
23 Feb
This recipe (seen here lacking the traditional potato topping), is for Bison and Red Wine Shepherd’s Pie from Bon Appetit. Bison, as I discovered, is crazy expensive when you don’t purchase it from the local rancher at the farmer’s market. So, I substituted a chuck roast, and I was pretty happy with the result. I am sure it lacked a certain gaminess, but all in all, this was a great recipe, and one that froze well, too. The parsnips and turnips are perfect additions.
I made this once with the potato topping, then froze a couple of batches without. I thought it would work as a stew, or alternatively, I could spoon it over smashed potatoes for those who don’t prefer to reserve their starch intake for dessert…
On a related note, I have been struggling with Ava over dinnertime lately. The kid has suddenly become so picky, she will go hungry rather than eat what’s put in front of her. I’ve involved her in meal planning and preparation, and that helps a bit, but I’m finding that she will eschew dishes she’s loved for years—and there’s no convincing her otherwise.
I think, though, that this is a marketing problem.
I cut sesame crusted tilapia into “fish sticks,” and guess what? Total hit. Meatloaf (one of Bryan’s favorites) is individually portioned and labeled “Grandma’s Meatloaf Minis.” It, too, becomes popular.
Black Pepper and Mustard Braised Short Ribs are a huge favorite, but only when referred to as “Rebecca’s Rockin’ Ribs.”
Why didn’t I think of this sooner?!
21 Feb
Ava: Dad, can we PLEASE get a puppy?
Dad: No.
Ava: Pretty please with sugar and spices AND HAM on top?
7 Feb
Ava: Are we done now? Can we go back home?
Mom: Almost, one more stop.
Ava: Ugh, where?
Mom: The liquor store…
Ava: Can we get candy there!?!
Mom: No.
Ava: Why?!
Mom: Because.
Ava: Because is not a reason.
Mom: Because they don’t sell candy.
Ava: Of course they do! They sell LICORICE.
Mom: What?
Ava: It’s a LICORICE STORE.
1 Feb
When I found out I needed another sinus surgery a couple of weeks ago, my grandparents offered to come down and help us out as I recovered. Having been through this before, I politely declined, noting that it was minor, outpatient and really not a big deal.
As I thought about it more, I became a bit worried about being released in time to pick the kids up from daycare that day. I also remembered that I have an embarrassingly low tolerance for pain and discomfort, and my grandma is quite possibly the nicest person on the entire planet.
So, I emailed her again, asking if I could please reconsider my initial response. Happily, they promised to arrive the day before my surgery and stay with the kids through the middle of the week.
Gramma and Grampa came on Monday night, loaded with casseroles for our freezer and the healing elixir that is homemade chicken noodle soup. They spoiled all of us for days, taking great care of us and reminding me they are two of the most generous, caring and utterly selfless people I have ever had the pleasure to know.
And, on top of all of that, Gramma and Ava made sugar cookies . . . I am truly blessed, no?
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