Love

Have I mentioned that I love our sandbox?

Happy Birthday

My husband turned 33 last Thursday. He requested Banana Cake...a nostalgic childhood favorite.

We had fun reminiscing about his 25th birthday, which was the first of his birthdays we celebrated together. We were in Bad Harzburg, a small German resort town nestled in the Harz Mountains. It was the most relaxing town we visited on our honeymoon. We stayed at a modest B & B whose elderly proprietor spoke no English. Chris and her somehow managed to converse. She wanted to make sure that we were married before she offered us a room. She was very happy to see our shiny wedding bands and gave us grandmotherly hugs as we entered her home.

Bugs

I was talking with the girls recently and mentioned Bugs Bunny. They had absolutely no idea who or what I was talking about! I laughed and told them about my favorite Saturday morning cartoon. I ordered Looney Tunes from the library, and picked up the DVD on Thursday.

The classic cartoons arrived at a perfect time. We have had a feverish weekend here. Depending on the strength of the elixir remaining in their systems, temperatures are fluctuating from 99 to 103.7. The Looney Tunes have proved entertaining for their lethargic bodies...who can't laugh at Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner?

Their favorite quote from Bugs Bunny thus far: "Be wvery quiet. I'm hunting Elmers."

Helper

Lily has been so helpful to me lately, especially if helping means cuddling her little brother.

Lips are Sealed

You and I see a glue stick. Isabel sees a giant chapstick. Yes, that's right. She was moistening her lips with glue...repeatedly before I noticed.

Buttery Brown Sugar and Oatmeal Shortbread

I made these shortbread cookies to conclude our traditional St. Patrick's Day meal last night. They were really, really good. The recipe came from my go to baking cookbook, Fearless Baking*. Everything I make from her book is delicious.

Buttery Brown Sugar and Oatmeal Shortbread

1 c flour
3 T corn starch
1/2 t salt
1 t cinnamon
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c plus 2 T packed brown sugar
3/4 c oats (not quick oats)

Beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add flour, corn starch, salt and cinnamon, mix until combined. Add oatmeal, mix to distribute evenly. Press into 9 x 9 buttered pan. Bake for 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven, or until the top is browned. Cut into pieces immediately after removing from oven.



*I actually have an autographed copy of the book. I received it as a 21st birthday gift from a woman who I suspect worked with the author (the woman was a food stylist--she prepared food to be photographed--how cool is that?). The inscription says "Baking is fun. Pass it on! Elinor Klivans". I have no intention of passing the cook book on. It's too good!

Six Weeks

I brought out the 3 to 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers this week. My babies don't stay little too long.

Four Letter Word

I have started reading lessons with Lily. We are on lesson 12 of Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. During this morning's lesson she exclaimed, "We get to read a four letter word today!"

In case you were wondering, the word was seed. Mom, what word were you thinking it was? :)

Generic Diapers

In the effort to save a little, I almost always buy generic store brands, the big exception being--diapers. I always buy Luvs, which is the least expensive of the major brands. I have had too many leaks and explosions with store brands to justify the savings.

I have been surprisingly pleased with the ENORMOUS box of Cosco brand diapers someone gifted us with when Gus was born. I would compare them to Huggies. We have had no problems. This may be the incentive for me to break down and finally buy a Cosco membership.

Space Week

It is Space Week at our homeschool. We raided the space shelf at our local library, taped up constellations of stars around the dining room, and we are writing our own book about what we have learned (it is amazing what I didn't learn about space growing up--do you know how big the sun is? REALLY BIG!).

We made a model of the solar system yesterday. This awesome website made it easy to do!



Gustav Holst's Planet Suite CD is waiting at the library for us. I'll pick it up sometime later this week. Maybe we can listen during our Planet Party on Friday night. I haven't decided what to make for dinner. Any suggestions? My sister suggested Tang and Dippin' Dots. I can't eat that.

Circus Meeting

Claire: "Is Dad coming home for lunch?"

Lily: "No! Remember, he has a circus meeting today."