Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Recipes of the week

Actually, recipes from last week.

Anyway, last week I spent a considerable amount of time in the kitchen creating some delicious food. And the result- I have now decided to exercise more and start a diet... someday.

First on the menu is my very own spaghetti sauce. That's right, for the past five years I've borrowed other's recipes. I've used my mother's which makes use of all her garden produce- zucchini, squash, tomatoes, etc. I've used Dan's which uses lots of his wild game. I've also used a family friend's who has a tangy, yet strange recipe. But FINALLY, I've invented my own. It combines the best of all the recipes mentioned above, but the best part is that it is mine!

First, you must pick garden fresh tomatoes. No, actually you need a very cute two-year-old to pick your garden tomatoes.


Second, cut your tomatoes into large slices. Then lay in a foil pan, sprinkle with sea salt, garlic and olive oil. Roast the tomatoes on the grill for several hours on low heat.

Once the tomatoes have cooked down and absorbed the flavors, take them off the grill and puree them with lots of basil.

Now it's time to turn this into the best spaghetti sauce ever. Brown some ground wild game with shallots in butter (Italian sausage works too.) If you desire, saute zucchini, squash, and mushrooms and add that to the meat. Then to complete the sauce, add the tomato basil puree to the meat and vegetables. Almost done... just add some sugar, onion powder and garlic if needed.

That's it! It was delicious. In a few days I will post my Great Grandma's Rival Kuga recipe.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Cookie Me? Sure!

2 year olds are constantly learning language. Every week it seems Dillan picks up on something new. Sometimes he gets it right, other times, well, not quite.

When Dillan wants something, he says it like this, "Car Me" or "Milk Me" or even "Chow Mulk Me." To the trained ears of a mother, I know that means "Chocolate Milk Me". (Kind of like "Beer Me" -Andy from The Office.)

When Dillan really, really wants something, he takes the initiative to answer his own question. Today, at the grocery store Dillan really really wanted a cookie. So, he rode around in the cart shouting to any stranger who would give him the time of day, "Cookie Me! SURE!" The "SURE" was said with great enthusiasm. Too bad they were out of free cookies.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Natalie's First Bite!

Just recently our little Natalie Jean has learned to eat baby food. Here is a video of her taking her first bite. Although she does seem a little more interested in eating her bib, she has learned to love her rice cereal. In fact, she becomes quite upset if dinner is being served and she isn't joining in on the fun.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Where has August gone?

August is a lovely month. I may have come to this realization years ago, if it weren't tainted with the return to school. This year, I am enjoying the sound of the recess bell from my backyard instead of the playground. It calls out as a daily reminder to be thankful for this time at home.

This month has flown by and here are some of our August highlights:

1. Dan turned 33 and Dillan turned 2! No big parties this year.
2. Aunt Alicia and Uncle Ryan came to visit. It was brief, but always great to see them!
3. Grandpa D, Grandma D, and Uncle Derek came to visit.
4. Little Natalie turned 5 months old.
5. The Ruybal family came to visit. The Dads went fishing while the moms and four kids stayed home. It was CRAZY, but fun!
6. I've decided to start graduate school this fall at UNC. I was accepted into the program, and started my classes today! My masters degree will be in art education.

Here is a video of Dillan and Jaelyn eating their snack.

Grandma D, Grandpa D, and Uncle Derek over for dinner.


"Got Milk?" Dillan asking for milk right after he finished a piece of cake.


Sunday, August 14, 2011

Dillan turns 2!

I can't believe it has been two years since our happy, energetic, and charming little Dillan was born! Although I didn't get around to planning a big party, we did have a little birthday play date with our friends in the park. Here are some pictures taken by Aunt Liz.









Wednesday, August 10, 2011

This is what Uncles are for...

Here are some great pictures taken by Aunt Alicia back in June when they came to visit. Thanks for sharing them, Alicia!

Dillan on the flying bicycle flown by Uncle Ryan.



I married one handsome guy! He's a great daddy too.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Road trip to Sheridan

When reminiscing over our weekend excursion to Sheridan WY, Grandpa John's saying, "A flexible traveler is a happy traveler" certainly comes into mind. If only small children were capable of being flexible. That being said, we did have a wonderful time, and the kids did great considering some unexpected events.

The first upset in our well-laid plans was when we went to lunch. We went to a charming little restaurant out in the country. It was perfect for sitting on the deck, and letting the kids run around while we waited for our meal. Want to know what it wasn't perfect for? Providing food. That's right, we waited 2 hours and then finally left with empty bellies, and 4 kids who were on the brink of meltdowns.

We did end up getting our meals as we left. The waitress met us at our cars with to-go boxes, but no apology. By the time the kids napped, our day was shot. Even so, a bad day with friends is still a great day. We had something to laugh about once we stopped seething, and Sarah and I consoled ourselves with a trip to Starbucks and a childless trip to the grocery store(yes, that is a rare treat to two mothers with two kids under the age of two.)

As we drove home Sunday, Dan and I got so caught up in the lovely Wyoming scenery we missed our exit onto I25. We drove over an hour in the wrong direction. Yes, we eventually realized that our lovely family of four was headed for Sturgis along with all the bikers. Anyway, we made it home that night and the kids did fine considering the hours spent in the car and the sweltering hot rest stops.

Even though things didn't turn out the way we planned, "A flexible traveler is a happy traveler" and we had a great time anyway.


Double Trouble!

Waiting for lunch

Passing the time holding hands

'Helping' Dan install a new counter and sink for the Ruybals

Watching "Cars" and worn out from too much play!