This is How We Handle A Monday

We fiercely stare it in the face and say grrr.

Actually this is my son saying "Did you say, say Cheese?

New Do & Growing Up

Our oldest is getting way to big.  She knows what she likes, even if we are not always on the same page.  Take the hair for example, I want it to grow out long but she wants it short.  Not that I don't like it, I actually really love it, she just looks way too grown up. 

She is also moving up in the Girl Scout world.  After a break for a year, she is back and loving it.  She is now a brownie.

She now has a new room, with a big bed.  To me it looks more like the room of a pre-teen not a little girl.  It is all happening so fast.  She is wonderful and such a blessing.

Worst vs. Best

"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace.  And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace."

Jerry Bridges

My Lunch Today!

I am sure everyone is dying to know what I ate for lunch today, so here goes.  I know your not but it was yummy enough to share.

I sauteed zucchini (fresh from the garden) bell pepper and onion in olive oil, seasoning with sea salt and cracked pepper.

I stuffed it inside a Homemade Pita Pocket and sprinkled a little Mozzarella on it.

I served it with a side of hummus for dipping.

I really do like it simple and this was Yummy!

A Little Visitor

My daughter found this little guy on our trampoline yesterday.  She wanted to hold it and my husband allowed this.  He says at least their is hope for one of our three kids to not be afraid of bugs.  I am happy she has someone willing to share in her interest.  I am not a bug person but this one was rather pretty and Large.

I am hoping he happily found his home, Here is to never meeting again my friend!

Out of the Mouth of Little M.

Kids love to talk. Kids love to ask questions that I have no idea how to answer.  Kids love to sing.  My youngest Loves to have our attention.  My most favorite quotes of hers are the ones she gets wrong.

"Mom, Watch me I am a pistachio (statue)"

Pretending to make ice cream "Would you like a cup or a pine cone??"

She also likes to sing "He could be the one, He could be the on-uh-uh-a-ne"

She is great.

A little Blown-Out

I am still in a learning process.  While I feel I know a smidgen about what I am doing, I am constantly in a state of 3 steps forward 2 steps back.  I am trying hard to take pictures everyday and to play and practice with them.  This photo is a little blown out but I had fun playing with some new tricks.  She is just so cute!

Fire Prevention Week!

Because of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, we are learning about Fire Prevention and what it takes to be a Fire Fighter.

The kids enjoyed themselves today!

Can you believe what they are up to?

So we have taken a vow to limit the amount of TV our children watch.  On "School Days" the TV does not come on at all.  They are still getting used to me not turning on a movie whenever they ask.  I have seen a change, this is what I usually find when it gets too quiet.  Now instead of sitting they are jumping on the trampoline, playing basketball in the courtyard, riding their bikes or finding something interesting to read.  At least 10 times during the day, the twins are coming to me to ask if I will read some story they just found or one that they love hearing over and over again. 

But We're Not French...

I am updating this post to add it to a soup recipe bank on www.LifeasMOM.com .

So a couple of days ago I was determined to come up with a menu and shopping list at least for the week.  I have been craving a creamy super yummy soup.  So I decided to find some new recipes for homemade creamy soups.  The one I found and really liked the sound of was Creamy Leek and Potato Soup.  I read that it is what Mothers in France make for their children when they aren't feeling well.  Sounded healing and comforting.

Saute 2 Leeks and 1 Shallots in butter or olive oil

Until they are tender

Add 2 Baking potatoes and 2 cups of stock (I used Veggie)

Cook until potatoes are soft

Puree the Vegetables and Stock

Add 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup Cream, Salt, Pepper and Fresh Lemon Juice to taste

Plate up and top with cheese

In our case, I used Parmesan but the recipe called for Stilton Cheese.  I couldn't find that in the commissary but after researching (after doing the shopping) found out it is a British brand of Bleu Cheese.  I really think it would have been better with the recommended cheese but the Parm was a good substitute.  Serve with a yummy crusty bread.

I devoured this soup, I loved it.  My family on the other hand filled up the on fresh bread instead.  After telling them this is what kids eat in France, my 8 year old replied with "But Mom, we are not French!"

This recipe will be used often but I will make it and enjoy it myself for a yummy lunch.

Hopefully my family enjoys the Pumpkin soup I plan on making next week.

Top In Blue

Yesterday we went to the base Kids Day picnic and Tops in Blue show.

Sparky the Fire Dog was there, who my son hugged about 25 times.  He loves all things Fireman/Firetruck/Firedog.

Giant inflatables

Proud boys going down all by themselves.  He is not one for seeking the thrills, this was a big step for him.  One time down, he was hooked!

This one on the other hand, has no fear.  She scares me!

Proud little girls of their Princess Tiger face paint.  Original design a' la my daughter.

Race bikes and questions like "Why are you over here mom?"  to which I respond "To watch you race."  I think I may have gotten an eye roll for combining my excitement to watch with keeping an eye on her.

Pinwheels and Popcorn (not pictured but worth mentioning since it was the main feature in my children's dinner last night)

And then the show, It was great.  The kids were entertained and my oldest questioned every technical aspect of the show.  I was ill equipped to answer. 

This was the girls favorite outfit from the night.  Hopefully their sense of style changes!

It was a great night!  Great show, Great friends and of course my Awesome Family!

Lapbooking

So the term Lapbooking is Greek to me, but we are giving it a go! We are going to do it along with our regular lessons adding information we find to our book over the next two months. If it is something we enjoy then we will do one a month on a topic of interest to the kids or a corresponding holiday. For October and November, we are going to work on Autumn. This will include our extras for Thanksgiving as well. The little ones can even to do this. A couple of activities a week are not going to overwhelm them. This is my favorite season by far. Smells, tastes and colors are all so wonderful!

We color!

We glue!

We draw leaves.

The twins did a wonderful job of drawing on their own with the colors of Autumn.

We have the cover to our book!  Now to find fun facts!