Another Nateism

Nate, while pointing at my elbow, made a really nasty face and asked me if we all have "those" (elbows). I replied, "yes." "Even Alysee," he responds. He thinks of Alysee as being the epitome of beauty. "Yes, even Alysee has an elbow," I said.

He must think I am half alien.

The rules of drawing

This morning, three year old Nathan, came in the bathroom right after I had gotten out of the shower. I was wrapped up in a towel with my legs partially exposed. Nate took one look at my legs and asked me "why have you been drawing on your legs?" I explained to him that those were just mommy's special veins (AKA - spider and varicose veins) and that he had veins too. After pointing his veins out to him he declared he would rather not have blood in his body.

Need Book Advice

Birch and I leave on our trip to San Diego in a few weeks. I've got a pile of books that I have been looking forward to reading, but Birch doesn't. He isn't a big pleasure reader. In the past he has liked John Grisham books, "Friday Night Lights," and PT journal articles : )

Anyone have any suggestions of a good guy book?

My life

This morning on the way for an emergency appointment to the dentist Tyler said, "There's only three things that I don't like about my life. Number one: going to the doctor, Number two: going to the dentist, and Number three: swim lessons." (Pretty good life I would say)

I've actually have finally found a pediatric dentist office that I love. They are so good with the kids and really talk and listen to them. Unfortunately, they have seen a little bit too much of our family lately. I am hoping that now that we have our new Oral-B electric toothbrushes we can finish fixing our past and be on with a new a bright future. I can hope, can't I?

These are a few of my favorite things

Last night I went to a fun girls party called "My Favorite Things." Each person that came brought five of their favorite things under $5.00. After munching lots of yummy stuff we all went around and shared what our favorite thing was and then at the end we drew five names. Those five ladies got to take home our favorite things. I came home with some flowers to plant, a cute toe ring and anklet, a washable dusting mitt, and a bag of goodies (sharpie, candy bar, dry wall sandpaper to clean hard water stains, note pad), and a bottle of Rainwater. I brought the Magic Eraser and a burned cd with some of my favorite music. It was a lot of fun and a great way to interact with a big group of people even if you don't know them all well. I think the more the merrier!

I brought rolls as my favorite treat to share. This is a new recipe that was just given to me. If you haven't had success making delicious rolls you have got to try this recipe. You don't even use your kitchen aid and the raising time is so minimal. It seriously takes like 2 hours from start to finish. They are incredible--and I should know because I am a connoisseur of bread!!!

Blender Rolls

In Blender:
2 1/2 C Hot water
2 T yeast
1/3 C sugar
2 tsp salt
1/2 C softened butter or margarine
1 egg
blend well

Measure out 7 C flour in a large bowl, and make a well in the center. Pour blender ingredients into flour and stir until all flour is mixed in. Place a wet dish towel over dough. Let rise one hour. With well greased or buttered hands (butter spray works well) shape into rolls (the dough will be very sticky so you will probably have to spray your hands every few rolls). On a large sheet pan (like from Costco) you can get about 5 rolls across and 6 down (these are big rolls). Let rise, about 30 min. or a bit more if you have time. Place in a 375 degree oven for 20 min. Butter tops of hot rolls when out of the oven.

***I have been told to use this for cinnamon rolls, and Indian flat bread (form into flat discs and fry in 2 in hot oil...top with beans, meat, lettuce , sour cream, tomato etc...or sweet with syrup or fruit like pancakes.) You can also make pizza rolls with them. It is a great dough.

A bit of Africian blood

As long as I can remember I have loved African music. When I went to Oregon State University I took an African Dance class. Boy was that fun! The pictures below are of Alysee wearing a friend's native clothing that she got while in Ghana. I love the lighting of the pictures!

Cheddar Chicken Pie

Super tasty. Even three of my kids tried it and thought it was good. I called it scrambled egg pie. Birch could even eat it because it only has 3 eggs in the whole pie.

Cheddar Chicken Pie

Ready in an hour or less

3 cups (12 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

10 ounces frozen or fresh broccoli

1 1/2 cup cubed cooked chicken (or sausage or bacon or nothing)

2/3 cup chopped onion (or a little green onion or nothing)

1 1/3 cup milk

3 eggs

3/4 cup biscuit/baking mix (see below)

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

In a bowl, combine 2 cups cheese, broccoli, chicken, and onion (if using); spread into a greased 10 in. pie pan. In an small mixing bowl, beat the milk, eggs, biscuit mix, salt and pepper until smooth. Pour over broccoli mixture. DO NOT STIR.

Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until knife comes clean in the center of the pie. Sprinkle with remaining cup of cheese. Let stand 5 minutes and then serve.

****Since I did not have any biscuit mix I looked up online and found out how to make it. It was SUPER easy.

3/4 cup flour

2 T. powd. milk

1/8 tsp. baking powder

2 T. shortening

I used pre-cooked bacon bits from Costco instead of the chicken and it was very tasty and easy.