This gorgeous weather we’ve been having inspired us to make the trek up to Baker after church on Sunday. There wasn’t a cloud in sight! And Jimmy did not get car sick! Yay! 
Jimmy wasn’t too interested in views, but he did enjoy the snow and walking on the trails. We were surprised how well he did on the trail. He kept forging ahead, up big steps and down little hills. But his favorite part was definitely the snow. Well, he loved throwing it, that is. I’d say he’s well prepared for our first snow this winter.
Here’s one cute picture, but if you want to see more you can go here.
September 11th, 2008
Saturday we had Jimmy’s first official birthday party! No, he wasn’t born in June, but his birthday is exactly six months earlier. We have made the switch to a summer birthday party because our Decembers are packed full already.
I’m not sure which was more fun, planning the party or having it! I used the party as a deadline for a couple of projects including reorganizing Jimmy’s room and sewing curtains (Lightening McQueen & Mater patterned) for his window. I finished both projects! The most fun thing was designing a Thomas the train cake for him. Our family is big on ice cream, so an ice cream cake seemed appropriate. Then it was a matter of creating a train scene on top. See the pics below.
We had a great group of partiers including two great grandparents, one set of grandparents and my friend Melissa and her husband. After Jimmy went down for a nap we all played cards!
First present of the day: Thomas the Train shirt that makes train noises.
New book: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Animal Kingdom. (getting started on home schooling early
Cool green van, handmade by Melissa.
New vehicles.
Ice cream cake.
.
June 12th, 2008
This is a yummy, fairly simple chicken noodle soup recipe that we’ve come to like. I’ve never really gotten into making traditional chicken noodle, so this is a nice alternative.
Thai Chicken Soup
by Judith Mack, Cook’s Country Magazine
Use the side of a chef’s knife to smash the ginger and garlic. I suggest breaking the noodles to prevent excessive splashing and slurping. Also, maybe adding a few vegetables to add more substance. Celery maybe?
3 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 T. grated zest, plus 1 T. juice from 1 lime
1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled, sliced thick and smashed
6 large garlic cloves, unpeeled and smashed
5 jalapeño chiles, halved lengthwise and seeded
Salt
1/2 lb. rice noodles (width of angel hair pasta)
3 T. minced fresh cilantro
3 T. minced fresh basil
5 medium scallions, sliced thin
Pepper
Lime wedges (for serving)
1. Simmer broth in large pot. Add chicken, zest, ginger, garlic, chiles, and 1 t. salt; reduce heat, cover, and simmer until broth is flavorful and chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove chicken; cool and shred into small pieces. Discard ginger, garlic, and chiles.
2. Return broth to simmer and add rice noodles. Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken, lime juice, cilantro, basil, scallions, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with lime wedges.
Speaking of recipes, my default dinner that I make when I’m tired or out of food is pancakes. And more often than not, we have an overripe banana lying around. So I mash the banana, add it to the batter, add a small handful of chocolate chips, and wallah! A scumdilliumptios dinner. If you want to make your pancakes healthier than just white flour, you can add oats and some whole wheat flour and still come out with yummy pancakes.
Many happy dinners to you!
April 23rd, 2008
It’s 33 degrees and it’s been snowing since we woke up. There are blossoms on trees and bushes, beautiful flowers here and there, but they’re all covered in snow! I hope they make it!
Because it’s just above freezing (not to mention it’s spring!) it isn’t all that thick for the amount that it’s been snowing. It’s just melting underneath. But it’s so fun to watch the flakes fall and listen to our snow playlist. And of course spend a little time out in it.
Peter and Jimmy are huddled on the still-green grass under a big tree.
March 29th, 2008
