Meet Tyro

This is a picture of Tyro drawn by Sam. He lives in California, but frequently visits our house. In fact this morning he ran, bonked and got stuck on the ceiling. He ranges in age between 3 months and 5 years and in size between smaller than Audrey and bigger than Dad. He has black hair. He likes to go on car rides with us, eat dinner and sometimes spend the night on the floor. Unfortunately he gets sent home often as he brings out the violent side of Sam. He also gets blamed for almost all misfortunes at our house, but usually he provides lots of entertainment for everyone.

recipes

My other blog (my blog of requirement) has been dormant for over a year. I decided to revive it as a recipe blog (for now). I'll post my weekly dinner menus and the recipes that are especially tasty. I hope you'll post your recipes too or leave them in the comments. I'm sure we could all use new ideas.

Snowy Sunday Afternoon

Spring, Anyone?

This seriously is the worst time of the year, and I'm not meaning to be a negative Nelly, but winter has worn out its welcome and there's nothing to look forward to until Easter. Blah.

This week I'm trying some new recipes for dinner (I’ll post them on my other blog if they turn out): beef brisket and orange chicken. Last week I made a most delicious fish meal and impressed even myself. We tried my grandma's pressure cooker as well and it makes the best meat in much less time than a crock pot. I'd never cooked with a pressure cooker before and I felt like putting on my new 1940's dress (I've been doing some online shopping for spring/summer clothing), an apron and some lipstick when I served dinner.

I'm also attempting to train for a women's bike ride. If you live near, you should join me--it's going to be fun--I hope.

Plus I'm taking a digital scrapbooking class and learning all about Photoshop Elements. I’m trying to get out my new camera more and learn to take pictures. Hopefully you’ll be seeing some improvements on my blog.

And for your viewing pleasure, proof that my kids are growing way too fast. Here’s Sam after he said, “I’m too big for naps.” And Audrey in her new toy. She's trying hard to roll over as I type.

Be Mine

It's Great to be Free!

Sam turned 3 (free) yesterday! Now he thinks he gets extra treats and to go to preschool. He had a bubble gum birthday party and was spoiled with lots of great gifts: an Imaginext bat cave, batmobile, Geotrax airport, superhero action figures, Spike Jr. the dinosaur, a new big Tonka dump truck, and some clothes and cash. He started the day with balloons, streamers, presents and pancakes, then spent the afternoon at Classic Fun Center for bouncing, scooter riding, roller skating and arcade games. He ended the day with homemade mac and cheese and an early bedtime (no more naps). We love our Sam and can't imagine our family without his imagination and sweetness.

My Girl

Audrey is 4 months old today! She is everyone's favorite family member, except Daddy's (I always claim the privilege of being his favorite girl). But she does adore her Daddy and if he's near, then she's certain to be staring at him waiting to flash him a scrunchy-nosed smile.
She has such a sweet and peaceful personality. Paul was being grumpy the other day and I asked him if he would hold her for a minute. As soon as I put her in his arms his grumps melted away. Sam loves to talk to her in a high voice about how much they love each other. It's a delight to watch them interact with her and help take care of her.She has discovered her hands and is practicing reaching out and grabbing things. She likes to look at them while sucking on them, so she often goes cross-eyed.She's a bubble-blowing machine and also quite a talker. This produces tons of drool. Paul is convinced that she says "hi." She smiles easily now, but doesn't laugh.She does not like bubble baths, has rolled over from her belly to her back a few times, and has started eating solids, but is still deciding if she likes them or not.She loves to lay her head on my chest and snuggle her face into my neck. It's pretty much our favorite thing to do together, followed by napping and shopping. She also likes to feel the texture of fabrics and usually prefers to hold something soft or have a blanket near her face. She rubs her hand (always the left hand) on her fuzzy haired head. She does this when she's nursing or sleepy. I think it's adorable.