Party like a rock star...

Well, as it goes when you are a mother, sometimes when your kids get sick, you get sick.... however, the show must go on.  You don't get the day off or time to sleep as a magical fairy flutters around making everything lovely and better for you.  Which I completely get - I mean, I do better when I am busy and don't get to think about what ales me.  Don't you?

That being said, I (the sick person) had 5 hours of Holiday parties to attend at all the kids school(s).  I was heavily drugged and still came away with a migraine.  But, hey, I partied with the kids, and at the end of the day, when my children looked at me like I was a rock star, it made it all worth it.

I kind of miss that look.  It doesn't seem to come as often as when they were just little munchkins.... you know that look, when there is nothing better than mom.  It wouldn't take much - actually, pretty much zero effort.  I would just walk in the room and they would light up, smile, squeal and reach their little pudgy arms out to me and I just could not get to them fast enough.  Then they would try and eat my face they where so happy to see me.  Those really were some of my fondest memories.  Now those moments are less often and only come sporadically at best.  They aren't as grand as they used to be, but.... they are still there.

I still see a glimpse of excitement in their eyes when they see me up at their school, even if it is only for a second or two before they remember they are with their friends and have to be cool and just nod at me.  I even get hugs from the younger ones who have not yet decided I am not cool enough to hug. 

I remember quite clearly the day when it started to change with C.  I am sure it was such a small thing to him that it didn't even register, but it was huge to me....    

It was a ordinary day, nothing noticeably different than the day before, yet something had changed.  I am guessing this change happened during the night since I was not notified, nor was I tipped off - that, would have been nice.  So, for 11 years, I had a little hand reach for mine to hold as we walked.  It was such a normality that I didn't even notice it happening most of the time- it just was and always had been..... but today, that overnight change manifested itself very noticeably.... C didn't reach for my hand when I offered it.  I had to do a double take and visually SEE the absent hand in mine for it to truly register.  I want to believe he didn't notice my hand reaching for his, but I think he might have seen it.  My heart instantly felt tight - too heavy for my chest...literally, it felt like it was going to crack or break - and it stung.  I didn't want to make him feel bad so I tried to be as nonchalant as possible. I took that empty hand and waved a brave goodbye (I could not speak for that tight, too heavy cracking heart had lodged itself in my throat).  I barely made it back to my car before the tears came....and they rolled down my cheeks like water on oil.  I wondered pretty much the whole day... "What was my purpose in life if not to hold my child's hand as we walked?" 

That was the beginning of it.  Little steps of independence where being taken, and he was ready.... I was not.  I kept having flash backs of the little baby boy that not only needed me, but wanted me, over anything or anybody in the whole world.  How could that change so fast?

Then just when I thought I would survive this "no hand holding," came the lunch blow off....  I was bringing lunch to school for C (which I did routinely) and it had always been an event that both of us looked forward to and had always gone well.  We sat, we ate and we visited - and he even seemed proud to show off his mom that had brought him some yummy food to eat.  However, on this day, that was not going to happen. 

When I arrived with our tasty lunch this day, I was surprised to find that a seat was not saved for me, AND I was simply met with a straight to the point "thanks for bringing in lunch mom and um... see you after school."  It was as if the whole cafeteria went silent and all eyes were on me - of course they were not, but it felt that way.  I tried really hard, but was not as good at keeping a poker face, and he saw through my quivering smile and teary eyes.  I calmly turned and headed to the door.  I don't know if it was his conscience or my non poker face that gave it away, but I didn't get halfway to the door when I heard a voice behind me.  I quickly wiped my tears away and turned to face C - again with my smile.  He knew, and I knew he knew, and without saying a word.... he reached a no longer small, pudgy arm toward me.  Almost my height now, he gave me a big hug.  That is not a good thing to do when I am trying not to cry....

I called Mr. Anderson once back in the car and sobbed, and told, and sobbed some more.  I don't know if he got it all, but he listened quietly.  Since that day, I have been working on my poker face and I am getting braver (as far as my kids can tell).  I only cry every once in a while - but between you and me, it is not getting any easier - I am just getting betting at acting/hiding it.  I think the kids all know I have a hard time with them growing up and are very careful with me - which I appreciate.

Anyway, E turned 12 on the 20th and we partied like rock stars again - he was happy, so I was too (as far as he could tell).  Then when all the pizza was cleaned up and the cupcakes were eaten and presents were opened, E looked at me like I was a rock star.... and HE reached.  I let myself feel that "I am still a rock star" feeling as tears of pure joy welled up in my eyes .... then I hugged him so tight that he had to ask me if I was OK... and.... I was.

      

Breast Cancer Awareness

So, I know that it is not officially Breast Cancer Awareness day or month, but for one of my children - it is.  My mom had breast cancer, and her mother - my grandma had breast cancer, a good friend of mines sister had breast cancer - all of them survivors.  I am convinced, I too, will have breast cancer one day, it is just a matter of when?  That being said, I wonder about that and I have questions - questions, seem perfectly normal. 

Anyway, I will not say which son of mine had some questions, as to protect his reputation... lets just give him an initial... how about an A?  And lets tell ourselves that he is probably under the age of 10.

So, we are out running a few last minutes errands today and this conversation happens...

A:  Mom, what happens when you get cancer?

Me:  You go and see and a doctor and they make you all better.

A:  No, like how do you get better?

Me:  Well, the doctor cuts out as much of the cancer as possible and then there are other treatments like.....

A: (interrupting me) It is cut out?  What if it is your.... chest?

Me:  Your Breasts?  They would still just cut out as much of it as they can.  Then....

A:  (interrupting me again) They cut your breasts off?

Me: No - Not if they don't have to.  Just the cancer part honey.

A:  Silence

Fast forward about 20 minutes....

A:  Hey look mom... I think that lady had breast cancer!

Me:  You can't really tell just from looking at a person.

A:  Yes you can - look.

.......A very flat woman in a tight blue workout hoddie walks by.

Me:  Silence

In moments such as those, I find myself lost for words.  Silence seems to be the best option sometimes.  I am not sure if my silence is a form of denial - like I am going to pretend this conversation did not happen or if I really don't have a response.  What ever the reason, I am reminded of a baby card that I received when on of my boys was born that said....

Thank goodness for little boys, for without them, what would little girls do?

And so I wonder... what would I do?

Sick... as in awesome!

So E was not feeling well last week.  I decided that since he was too sick to eat my food there MUST be a real problem.  We headed to see his pediatrician.  Turns out he had a virus, and there was nothing to do.....  except miss school and hang out with me for the day.  Now, the doctor said he could have gone back to school, but sometimes when you don't feel well, and you already think you might get to miss a day of school and get a little TLC, it is REALLY hard to go back.  So, I exercised my mom veto power and said "no mas!"  You and I... we gonna get better!

What else says I love you and I am sorry you feel sick, than a good ole' pedicure?  Nothing!  So, bless his heart - he sat beside me in a big, comfy massage chair and we got our toes all pedicured.  I tell you, sometimes the only solution to life's problems come when your getting your feet rubbed.

 See - he looks better already!

Then I took him home and made him some split pea soup - it is not gross, I promise, I make it with milk and it is soooo good.  Look how happy he is, and he is sick - it is that delish!

Then, we decided that we wouldn't really be sick if we didn't eat our body weight in lozenges and drink ginger ale until we were ready to explode.  He was of course sworn to secrecy.  All in all, our sick day turned out..... pretty sick.... as in awesome!

Our meds! -

(Don't even talked to me about that Tylenol cold and sore throat in the front.  It will KNOCK you out!!  That is a whole nother lengthy post my friend!!)

Don't feel too bad for the other three - they had dental appointments later that day and got to miss school and have some treats too - See, we share the love!

Meet Fredward - our sick Elf!

This guy can really party like a rock star!... and I have the photos to prove it!

Get up. Get Fly.

OH yeah - we are talking about Urban Air baby!  It is the newest idea to get parents to pay $ to have their children jump in giant room filled with trampolines and maybe never make it back home.  I am just saying, as fun as it is, someones gonna die!  And that is why, I had a party there for E and C.  The whole danger factor makes it perfect for boys! 

In all honesty, it kind of reminds me of jolly jumpers.  You know that little piece of baby gear that you hang from the sturdiest door frame in the house and clap and laugh as your baby jumps and spins out of control, not really sure if crying or laughing is appropriate so they kind of go back and forth between the two.  Poor little things - what we don't do to our children. 

Anyway, here is little snippet of what one might expect when visiting one of the lovely jolly jumping gym.  PS They offer classes for adults too... Incontinence sufferers beware!

I think that I might try one of their classes - they claim you can burn 1000 calories in 1 hour.  I will keep you posted!

OK...Maybe I am not meant for these duties!

Maybe it is time for me to get a better duty!  Sometimes no matter what I make for dinner or how cute my apron, I cannot win.  It is like casting pearls before swine.  I LOVE to cook and bake and sift and souffle.  So, I try on occasion to enrich my children's palates.  It usually goes like this....

What IS that..... an onion...an animal tooth? 
Mine is NOT like his! 
Do I HAVE to eat this? 
Is there anything else? 
How'bout pizza....Can we have pizza instead?

And to that I say...... No, it is a tiny shred of cheese!..... YES it is!........YES, it is your dinner........No - please eat.......somebody stole all the pizza! 


Then I sit down, eat EVERY ONES food - since they will not touch it, since they are convinced that I put animal teeth in the food, and since they are little and really don't care to eat anything with color in it - only white food.  White food = bread, cereal, crackers, milk, noodles, yogurt, chips, chicken, butter, potatoes, buns, vanilla ice cream - you get the point.


So.... it is no surprise that on occasion, when I am feeling like maybe I am not meant for these duties anymore, I turn to my friend.... Nacho Libre - and he always leaves me feeling better, because at least I don't have it that bad. 



Señor Ramon: What is this?
Nacho: Leftovers. Enjoy.
Señor Ramon: There is no flavor. There are no spices. Where are the chips?
Nacho: Somebody stole them.
Señor Ramon: Did you not tell them that they were the Lord's chips?
Nacho: I was trying to!
Señor Ramon: You are useless Ignacio!
Elderly Monk: Silence brothers! This is the worst lunch I ever had.
Señor Ramon: Your only job is to cook. Do you not realize I have had diarrhea since Easters?
Nacho: OK... Maybe I am not meant for these duties. Cooking duty. Dead guy duty. Maybe it's time for me to get a better duty!

Little L eating some of her favorite white food...pancakes!

The good thing to remember is... I could be wearing turquoise sweat pants that are way too small, and have to wrestle (big people instead of little people) to make money.  So tonight when I serve leftovers, I will think of Nacho and smile as I am peppered with questions of what in the world are you feeding us now woman?

E and A in their Luchadore masks

A little note on the leftovers... a great thing about Sunday Roast is that, more often than not...you do have leftovers!  I love to fry up the left over mashed potatoes as a side, make a fresh little salad and then add some home made BBQ sauce to the leftover beef and serve it on a warm bun.  Ta Da!  Super easy and pretty unoffensive to most people, not to mention, way yummy!


OH MY LAND!  As I am typing this, Mr Anderson is watching the outdoor channel about albino "coons" or the term you and I might be more familiar with...raccoons.  I am not even kidding you - who even knew they existed?  Oh wait, they just answered my question - 2% of raccoons are albino's.  Thank goodness I found that out.  So, there are two guys, out in the dark, trying to catch this albino raccoon.  Their plan.... let the raccoon attack them, then they can grab him.  Man, I wish I was as smart as them!  They are so pumped up!  Those guys are living examples of loving your duties - no matter what they may be!  I am inspired!  You?

Mama said there'll be days like this

There'll be days like this my mama said
Mama said, mama said....

I really love that song... and it is a good thing, since today, it appears to be my theme song.  I won't bore you will everything that has made today, "a day like this," but I might just highlight the most annoying ones.

So, this has decided to be broken!  To be fair - it is trying its best, it was built in 95.

Look - Little L tired to make it feel better with a reindeer picture.  She is one of the best girls I know!

Then, these decided to stop working and not give me any hints as why or how!  So, I decided (after lots of wasted time) I was broken, and could not fix them!  (I guess I apparently also decided that doing ones hair is over rated!)

And while we are on the topic of ME.... my skin (which is normally really good skin - thanks to my mom) erupted for the 4th time this month like a pubescent teenager.  Seriously, am I fifteen?  The answer is No... I am 37 - and I should have earned the right, by now, not to have any more pimples, dang it Mr Anderson!  It may have had something to do with ALL the chocolate I have been inhaling snacking on lately, but my brain is not willing to accept that.

Oh, and the dishwasher did not get turned on last night (because I forgot - and no one else ever remembers that kind of stuff) which meant we ran out of spoons this morning and guess who ate their Rice Krispies with a fork?  You might imagine how well that worked out, if you were able to take one look at my clothes.  I guess the thought of cleaning a spoon did not interest me that early in the morning - but probably would have been the better option.  Next time I will not be so lazy.

BUT, then this miracle happened....

My children who are not broken today - hugged me and told me they loved me (and all my brokenness)  - Gosh those little people sure can be nice!

AND

Anthropologie sent me a gift in the mail.... and I did not even have to pay for it.  They must love me as much as my kids do.  They really know how to make a girls day.

That colorful little whisk is so lovely, I just might cry (FYI - crying is something I do at most events in life)

Even with all that brokenness in my life today, people have a way of really surprising you!  It almost makes one glad to have a few broken things around - that way, all those unbroken things get appreciated!  Now I will celebrate - the only way I know how... dancing in my kitchen (by myself to Mama Said by The Shirelles) and baking stuff. 

FYI - the other night when Mr Anderson thought no one was watching..... E and I watched!  Guess what we saw?.....  Mr. Anderson shaking his booty about an inch, to the left side, repeatedly, on the down beat, to Feliz Navidad as he thumbed through the mail.  Secretly he REALLY does want to dance!

Tonight's celebratory dinner....

Pie & Lasagna
Kind of a weird pairing, but after all, it has been a day like this.

This is the Best apple pie recipe for a number of reasons - but my favorite reason is that you don't even need a pie pan - so go ahead and break yours!  Love that Pioneer Woman!
Flat Apple Pie - Ree Drummond (aka the pioneer woman)
Makes 2 Pies

• 5 peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 recipe Perfect Pie Crust (below; makes 2 crusts)
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. In a large bowl, stir together the apples, flour, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside.
2. Roll out two pie crusts into large circles. Place the circles on large baking sheets.
3. Place half the apple mixture on one crust and the other half on the other crust.
4. Fold over the edge of each crust so that it covers 2 to 3 inches of the apple mixture. No need to be artistic—the more rustic the better.
5. Dot the tops of the pies with chunks of butter.
6. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the filling is golden and bubbly. If the crust appears to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
Note: If you have two ovens, it’s best to bake the pies separately. If not, just allow enough room between racks so the heat can circulate properly.
7. Allow to cool slightly, then slice into wedges with a pizza cutter. Eat ’em on the go!

Perfect Pie Crust (also the pioneer woman)
Makes two to three 9-inch pie crusts

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups vegetable shortening
• 1 egg
• 5 tablespoons cold water
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

1. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add in the shortening. Using a pastry cutter, gradually work the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles tiny pebbles. This step should take 3 or 4 minutes.
3. Lightly beat the egg with a fork, then add it to the mixture. Next, add in the cold water and vinegar. Stir the mixture together until it’s just combined, then remove half of the dough from the bowl.

Note: Dividing the dough in half results in two pretty generous pie crusts. If you desire a thinner crust, you may divide the dough into three crusts.
5. When you’re ready to use a crust, remove one from the freezer and allow it to sit on the counter to thaw slightly, about 20 minutes. Remove from the bag and place on a lightly floured surface.


Turkey Lasagna

This lasagna is from The Barefoot Contessa - This lasagna is made with Turkey sausage which sounds odd, but it is not. Trust me, I know food.

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes in tomato puree
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound lasagna noodles
15 ounces ricotta cheese
3 to 4 ounces creamy goat cheese, crumbled
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 1/4 cup for sprinkling
1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
1 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Heat the olive oil in a large (10- to 12-inch) skillet. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the sausage and cook over medium-low heat, breaking it up with a fork, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until no longer pink. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat, for 15 to 20 minutes, until thickened.

Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with the hottest tap water. Add the noodles and allow them to sit in the water for 20 minutes. Drain.

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, goat cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan, the egg, the remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.

Ladle 1/3 of the sauce into a 9 x 12 x 2-inch rectangular baking dish, spreading the sauce over the bottom of the dish. Then add the layers as follows: half the pasta, half the mozzarella, half the ricotta, and one third of the sauce. Add the rest of the pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, and finally, sauce. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling.

It is delish...

Catholic Babies

When A was a little boy (much younger than now) and Little L was just a wee baby, A was convinced that he wanted to marry me - like all little boys do.  That sounds wrong - I mean to say all little boys want to marry their mommies.  That's better...

A could not be deterred, and honestly, to this day, he is still pretty attached to his mama.  That being said... One lovely day,  his two older siblings C and E, seemingly annoyed at A's persistence in wanting to marry me, decided to break the news.  They preceded to tell him that it is "forbidden" to marry your mother.  A, was clearly shocked and devastated by this news.  Looking up at me with his big blue eyes he questioned me as to whether or not this was indeed true.  Have you seen this kids eyes - he kills me!

I had to tell him - "kind of"...  and it broke my heart, because all little boys should be able to believe they can marry their moms if they want to.  When you are little, I believe you can marry whomever you want.  One day, you grow up and no longer want the same things you did when you were 3, and it is all good.  Still, I wanted to let him down easily. 

A, being the most precocious of my children, had a million questions.  All of which began with "But why?"  I gave a plethora of reasons, but the one that finally ended all of the questioning was this.... Very gently I stated that if  he was to marry someone whose DNA was too close to his own (like his mother), he could end up having handicapped children.  I assumed (which according to Mr Anderson Sr. only makes and a** out of U and ME) that he understood me and all my reasons in their entirety.  After all, I am pretty good at explaining things to little people - they are on my level!

I was not correct in that assumption.  Here is what I hear in the back seat of the car..... a couple of YEARS later.


Little L: Do I have to get married when I grow up?

A: Yes!

Me: No sweetheart - you don't... but when grow up you might change your mind about that - and that's OK too.

Little L: Do you only get to go to Hawaii if you're married?

A: Yes!

Me: No sweetheart, you can go to Hawaii even if you are not married.

Mr. Anderson:  I will take you to Hawaii anytime - you don't have to get married if you don't want to. (aren't daddies great?)

Little L:  I am gonna marry Daddy

A:  No! You can't!

Little L: Yes I can!

A:  No, trust me - you will have Catholic babies! (said with as much fervor as a little boy could muster)

So for all of these years A thought being handicapped meant being Catholic.  I wonder who else he told that to?  No wonder people give me dirty looks up at the school.  They probably think I am spreading hate.

 As a parent, I sometimes presume that my children's minds are more mature than they really are.  They may be as smart as a whip, but some things, apparently get lost in translation.  Bless A's little heart - and bless all those Catholic babies.

Mr Anderson... The Farmer

Mr Anderson grew up on a farm in Southern Alberta.  In spite of his hard earned MBA, and business career, he is really just a farm boy at heart.  I grew up in the City, 3 hours north of his farm.  A classic case of City mouse meets Country mouse.  We have managed to find a happy medium - although we live in a lovely city (go dragons!) we have a "farm" in our back yard.  There are many good things about this, like the life lessons that come from having a "farm".....

Life lesson #1 - Every Saturday you need to take care of business. 

Most Saturdays include a working session on "the farm."  This can be, but is not limited to yard work, mowing (go C), planting, weeding the garden, hauling rocks, chipping fallen tree limbs, burning stuff (a favorite for everybody), painting, feeding, watering, building, chopping, sawing, digging (one of A's favorite), putting up a zip line, building a swing for your daughter (little L's fave), etc.  It is good for the kids and keeps the Farmer around here sane.  He needs to be outside sowing and reaping things. 

So, our "farm" consists of a garden, some clay pots of herbs, fruit trees, nut trees, two hunting dogs, a quail pen with real live quail (most of the time, when they have not been attacked by opossums or raccoons).  Just those few things keep us plenty busy.  Farm life (and I use that term very loosely with regards to us) is a unique experience and I am glad that on our 4 acres in the city we can offer a little taste of it to our kiddos.

Life Lesson #2 - The whole idea of taking care of an animal is an experience that all kids need to have the opportunity to partake in. 

Caring, loving and being responsible for something living teaches a child a lot about life and the circle of life - and we have had our share of life and circle of life experiences around here - let us start with chick hatching.  We (read: Mr Anderson) picked up 100 quail eggs and an incubator.  For 28 days we (read: me) rotated the hundred eggs 3x a day.  Of those 100 eggs - 60 hatched successfully and all got a name.  Yes, the children insisted and named each and everyone (and I recorded the names).  "Pecker" was the first and the immediate favorite.  He imprinted on Mr. Anderson and as such, he would not stop cheeping until Mr Anderson was in sight.  Which was sweet, but not so much at night!  The kids LOVED it... and the quail lived happily for a while.  A pen was built and the little covey lived very peacefully until the night of the attack of the killer opossum.  This (apparently, very smart and hungry) opossum climbed our tree, jumped on to the netted cage and nibbled his way into the pen, and gorged himself on our quail.  I mean like ripped the heads off and was laughing as blood ran down his pinched little face kind of gorge.  Mr. Anderson was.... NOT happy - a trap was set and aforementioned opossum was taken care of!

Life lesson #3 - Do not mess with a farmers animals!  Did I mention Mr. Anderson electrified the quail pen?  He sometimes likes not to tell people - consider yourself told.  FYI - we will be attempting a second hatching in the coming months - so stay tuned!

So this past Saturday, we continued our rituals...

Life lesson #4 - As Mr Anderson likes to say "You are either paying or performing!" 

Well, we performed!  I cleaned and cooked.  The slaves children did help with some peeling duties later in the day.  Mr. Anderson took the kids and did a run to Cabela's and the Feed Store (not the BBQ place - but a real feed store) to get some quail feed.  (We sound very traditional, and we are, but in a nice and balanced way, and I kind of feel like I should express that I could have left the house if I had wanted, but I did not want.) 

The quail got fed!

The lawn got mowed

Think L & A need some horses? I'm just saying....poor puppies!

Tomatoes we grew in our garden got put on toasted sandwiches with BACON! A & E's favorite food.

 Some trees got planted -  by moi!  I guess I did leave the house.

Broccoli got harvested and eaten!  (with some butter & cheese of course!)

 Boots got dirtied!  A must for pride, because the more scuffs and dirt you have on your boots = the harder you worked!

Leaves got swept up and we took count of the last of our watermelons!  We had to lock these up in the pool area so they would be safe from the dogs - they are insane for a number of reasons (the dogs not the watermelon), but I will only speak of the dogs love for eating our produce because otherwise it might get crazy over here.

I cooked.... and cooked..... and cooked - Sometimes I feel like I never leave the kitchen.  Which is fine - that is where the food is.... and the kitchen is known to be the heart of home, so I'm happy to be associated with that, but nonetheless, sometimes a change in scenery is nice.

Little A had himself a basket ball game - lost by one point but fought hard!  Gotta love little people Basketball - especially with the Cowboys kind of sucking right now!

I taught the boys how to dance with their mother (since Mr. Anderson has lost interest due to my fancy moves).  They are quick learners and as long as I teach them some of my trick moves like flipping them over my back and swinging them around and pulling them across the floor (I know, I am very tricky in the dance moves department) they are happy to be my partner(s).

I fell in LOVE with Michael Buble's new Christmas Song with Shania Twain "White Christmas" - and played it and play it and played it, over and over.... A little shout out to my fellow Canadians!

So, if you feel like cooking and not leaving the kitchen for awhile, here are some of my faves from this weekend...

Tortilla Soup

I like to make it CHUNKY this makes it easier for the picky eaters around here - they can just pick out anything that remotely resembles a vegetable.

Sunday Roast - a tradition around here

Peppermint Brownies (yes... again!)

I will post the recipes later - because I am feeling lazy and it is Monday and I want to leave my kitchen, which just so happens to be where the table is that I am sitting at as I type.

Bath and Burger Works

So I was having a little life conversation with 11 yr old E today and he was telling me about his friend who has 2 older brothers that have BOTH dropped out of college.  I was letting him know that dropping out is not a very smart thing.  He mostly agreed.  He could see how the 25 yr old that lived at home with his parents and was a lock smith was kind of lacking.  However, he thought that the 21 yr old who worked at The Burger Barn and had his OWN place had a pretty sweet life. 

During this same conversation he came up with the idea of a Burger joint where you would order a Burger and then go hop in a bath and wait.  Once your burger was ready, they would bring it to you and you would have your meal.... in the tub.... while you are bathing.  I love Burgers and I love Tubs, but not necessarily together.  I just love how creative little minds can be! 

I didn't want to rain on his parade and remind him of what happens to bread when it gets wet or about ALL the germs that one would encounter in a public bathing area.  Not to mention, well maybe just to you... What happens if the lettuce or tomatoes fell out of the Burger and were floating in your tub?  I find myself being grossed out and also kind of impressed by at the same time.

Don't be surprised if one day you find yourself at the local Bath and Burger Works.  Who's hungry?

His idea might not pan out, but he has the biggest heart!  Last summer, after swim team while we waited for the the other kiddos to finish up their turns, he would help some of my friends with their kids.  He even got babies to sleep just by walking and rocking them.  He is the BEST babysitter around!  He was very coveted.  Kids and moms LOVE him and follow him around wherever he goes.  He is very sweet and patient and takes time to talk and play with them - even though he would rather be running amok with his brothers and friends.  E would just smile, look longingly at his friends playing, but in the end would usually help out - just because E is that nice.  He is such a good boy!  And for that reason, I will eat burgers, in a bath... anytime! 

Dang it Mr. Anderson

Mr Anderson has left us for greener pastures.  Literally, he is in the land of Ire or as normal people may refer to it.... Ireland.  I guess I should clarify that he has not really left us, he is "working"- but nonetheless he is gone.  That being said, everything that goes wrong is blamed on his absence.  Let me explain some of the wrongs that have resulted purely due to his absence.  He is missed, and when you miss someone, you think of them more often than when you don't, right?  No biggie, except that every little thought I have of Mr Anderson leads me to CRAVING something green and minty. What is wrong with me? I made these delectable peppermint brownies (see recipe below).  

I later drove 6 miles to Central Market to buy an Aero bar (if you are north of the 49th parallel you know what I am talking about)

and NOW I just got back from Walgreen's (walGREENS - coincidence? I think not) and I bought another green, minty delight...

Fannie May Mint Meltaway! All in the SAME day mind you!

I think I have a problem, and somehow I have conveniently managed to justify it by placing blame on poor Mr. Anderson.  After all, he IS somewhere far, far away in a place that has some connection in my mind to the color green and chocolaty mint...which apparently has the power to break down all and any self control I have related to sweet things with mint in them.

I am sure that upon Mr. Anderson's return, he would rather his trip to the land of Ire resulted in me craving to look like this Ireland (Kathy) instead of stuffing myself silly with minty treats, resulting in me looking as large as the land of Ire.  I am convinced that whatever C.S Lewis' White Witch put in her Turkish delight was somehow slipped into all the chocolate and mint products in the world.  I'm gonna look into that!

Seriously? I think this picture would be MUCH better if Kath (we're are close like that) was eating Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream...

Come on, Let's bake!

Triple layer Chocolate Mint Brownies

The Brownie Layer

2 (1 oz) squares of unsweetened chocolate

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup flour

2 eggs, slightly beaten

Mix butter and choc over low heat.  Mix flour and sugar.  Add eggs and vanilla.  Pour into greased 9x9x2 inch pan.  Bake @ 350 for 20 Min's.  Cool.

 

The Mint Frosting layer

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 Tbsp. butter, soft

2 Tbsp heavy cream or milk

3/4 tsp peppermint flavoring

green food coloring

Combine ingredients and beat till smooth.  spread over cooked brownie.  chill till firm.

The Chocolate Glaze layer
4 oz German Chocolate squares
2 Tbsp Crisco
1 tsp vanilla

Melt the chocolate and Crisco in a bowl in the microwave on high for 1 min.  Stir till smooth.  Stir in vanilla.  Spread over frosting.
Put back in the fridge and after 15 min. cut into little squares while the chocolate is still a little soft -- otherwise if it hardens, it will crack and if you are OCD you will eat off all the cracked pieces of chocolate and have to start over again - just trust me on that one.

Happy Baking!

 I will post a pic of aforementioned brownies later - since all the evidence of them existing has disappeared...oops!

a VERY serious question...

"Who wants to lick my fingers?" 

Seems like a reasonable question.... if you are 6 yrs old and have just finished eating a hot off the belt krispy kreme doughnut.  Unfortunately, no one jumped at the offer, not even I, the mother... I am forever ashamed that I did not save my only daughters fragile ego and jump at the opportunity she so sincerely and sweetly presented to her most loved family members - the guilt has me convinced that little L will be scarred for life.  In my defense, I would just like to point out, that when one is six, there is a propensity for fingers to end up in interesting places... for instance: armadillo guts, dead worms, dogs mouths, in toilets trying to retrieve toy fish that do NOT float, a goats eye(that story is disturbing and one day I just might share it)  and sometimes even in your friends ear - that's what friends are for, right?  Well the good ones anyway... you get my defense point.  All of that said, I guess if I am really honest, it all comes down to basic hygiene.  Even though I have lovely smelling soap - click here and it too, can be yours - I can't guarantee that the people in this house use it as often as it is called for.  Sorry little L - I may not lick your fingers, but I sure like your little fingers.  In fact, they are best little fingers that I have ever had the privilege of painting sparkle nail polish on. 

Speaking of sparkle, as you can see, this would be little L with Grandpa - I am pretty sure he does not read this blog so we are safe posting it here.  Should little L need further proof as to why her mother is the way she is, I can refer her to this little gem that I like to call "Exhibit A" - Nuf said!

Things that make you go....

mmmm.... I really wish you could smell this right now, with me, it is divine!  I have sometimes done nothing but smell this candle for a full 20 minutes - I know, right, it must smell really good!  If you have not had the opportunity to smell this lovely "volcano" scented candle from Anthropologie you must do it today - it seriously makes me go "mmmmm" every time I light it - and after 4 years of buying, burning and smelling this little candle, I still have not found anything that smells more lovely than this.... and yes, I am smelling it right now....mmmm!

It's beginning to look a lot like....

CHRISTMAS!!!  What is not to love?... the cool weather, the warm drinks, the cool minty flavors in everything from chocolate to ice cream, the warm lights, the cool gadgets, the warm baked goods... here is a little glimpse of what "Le Famille Anderson" has been doing to enjoy the loveliness that is Christmas! 

Sweet little L planted, watered and loved this tiny amaryllis bulb.  It all paid off this week as the blooms finally popped open!  She is so proud of herself, as I am.  It is good to see that someone in the family has a green thumb like daddy!

We have acquired a very naughty elf who has been with our family for a few years....however, I think he may suffer a tragic accident this year.  I don't know - it's just a feeling I have.  I hope am not wrong about that.  If you have one of these lovely mystical beings on your shelf, you know what I am talking about! Bloody Elf!

           We went to the tree farm and picked out our tree.  It was rainy and miserable, but once we laid eyes on our tree, it was instantly, totally worth it.  The tree was so pretty, that if it wasn't for sweet little L, I wouldn't have decorated it at all.  I'm just sorry it will not live to see another Christmas.  We then had to put up our stockings and kiss baby Jesus!

       We managed to take a decent Christmas card photo - and no one got into a fight, needed stitches or threatened to run away!  Who could have known that taking a family picture could be so detrimental to ones family and health?

We made cookies - and ate cookies on our Naughty napkins.  Although being naughty is not something we should aspire to, I do find that on occasion, a little naughty is not only FUN it is essential to ones well-being!  The proof is in the pudding! PS i am keeping some of those napkins for valentines day.. wink, wink

We drank "THE best hot cocoa in the world!"  Thank you Starbucks for making powdered cocoa that is Divine...

And no prepping for the holidays would be complete without a good ole shopping trip to ye local Target!  I found this darling little acorn made out of mercury glass - Isn't it just so lovely?  I guess there really is something to retail therapy because that little acorn has made me so happy!  Go and get some for your tree - or just one, and you can hold it and be dazzled by it, or tie it on a present you wrap to give yourself someone - you won't regret it... I promise!

T'is the season...

New BFF?

I have decided that this is the most appropriate way for me to restart a blog.  There are many reasons that led me to that conclusion, but they really don't matter.  Here is the gist of it... By showing you one of my favorite things, it will quickly become obvious for both of us if this friendship is meant to be.  If you HATE what you are about to watch, you best stop, turn back around, and find your self another blog to read.  Now, should you LOVE what you are about to watch - you may just be my new BFF.  It is a very simple litmus test - hope you enjoy...