Over Condimentizing

Look closely ... what you are looking at is a bun with American Cheese under an all beef hot dog, with CHEETOS, guacamole, mustard and ketchup on top.

He ate it.  There was no dare.  I was there, I would know.  My reaction?  I think I vomited a little.  

He claims it was delicious and says he would eat it again.  I love my husband.  At least I know he will never go hungry (?) ... 

On a side note ... The Mr. says I'd be surprised by the number of people who use Cheetos as a topping.  I doubt that.  Please tell me if I'm mistaken.

Dolmas and Tzatziki

Those two words are fun to say.  The food they represent taste even better ...

Random sights and pre-dinner conversations.

Today felt like Saturday (there was no school and B stayed home the day before due to illness).  So we cleaned.  I asked the kids to pick up and put away the toys in their rooms - I didn't specify the location ... 

Upon entering Little Miss' room, I noticed what I thought was part of a popped balloon on the ceiling.  After closer inspection, I realized it was a sticky dinosaur.  

"Mom, I threw it on the ceiling!"

"Great ..."

So I took a picture!  The bottom image is the view had by Ms. Dinosaur-Sticky.

After cleaning, the Mr. and I tossed around a football while the children played on the playground.  Then we decided it was time to head in for dinner.

As we were cooking, the television was tuned to CNN because the Mr. and  I wanted to learn more about the earthquake and tsunami that affected Japan (we usually don't watch TV while making dinner).  Sometimes I forget we have an attentive 7 year old.  He asked me what was going on and I explained, in simple terms what happened on this morning on the other side of our globe.  I got a little teary eyed and he seemed a little frightened.  He asked what an earthquake was and we went the scientific route and discussed plate tectonics using a basketball and soccer ball (VERY basic - he's 7!).  He also asked about a tsunami.  So we explained that as well.  The TV was off by this point.  We explained where it could happen and he seemed relieved.  

(Interestingly enough, earlier today, before he found out about earthquakes and tsunamis, he approached me and asked if we still had our backpacks (72 hour kits) ready in case of an emergency.  He also asked about our fire alarm.)

What brings me to replay our pre-dinner conversation is this: I remember watching an episode of Sesame Street where they talked about natural disasters and how to comfort and explain their affects to children.  I remember watching it, I just didn't realize I'd use that advice so soon.  Tonight, I wondered if watching the news about Japan was too much for our 7 year old's mind and perception.  What do you think?

B's immediate response to the disaster wasn't fear.  This is what he said:  "Mom, if they're hurt, we can hop in our van and go help them!"  I tried to explain where Japan was in relation to Kansas, but without a map or globe, it got a little difficult.  I think I'll hit goodwill and see if I can buy a used globe ...  

After ensuring fear and other unease was dispelled, we blessed our food and ate dinner.  Once it was time for s'mores ... 

Any semblance of doubt and unease had completely disappeared; and except for 'mallows in hair, on shirts and fingers, it turned out to be a perfect night. 

As I was tucking B in bed, he whispered:  "Tonight was the greatest night, EVER!"

We were a little drowsy

Let me rephrase, the kids were wide awake, but the parents were a little drowsy.  So these pictures, taken through the lens of my camera, were what the Mr. and I were experiencing as our children came down the stairs on Christmas morning.  Did I intend capture an image out of focus?  No.  Of course I wanted a crisp image.  So my intentions didn't match up to the results.  We could have had the kids march back up stairs and feign their excitement, but that morning, crispness wasn't important.  I figured the image represented the state of the parents ... At least we remembered the camera.  Ha, ha.

After a few camera adjustments, the wrapping paper carnage began.  

I'll spare you the details and let the images speak for us.  

After an quick cleanup of the wrapping paper casualties, we observed a tradition adopted from the Mr.'s family:  Christmas omelets.  Mmm ...

We spent the rest of the day playing with our toys and napping.  After dinner with friends we returned home ready for our last Christmastime devotional.  Our Christmas was quiet, relaxing, peaceful and fulfilling.

4 days have passed since that special day and I think of the whole season with fondness.  Last night, we carefully took down our Christmas decorations.  The kids think it was too soon, but I think the timing gives us more time to anticipate what next year's Christmas season has to offer.  I'm already excited.  

☺

Lines and other stuff

On Saturday, we waited in a few lines.  

First we waited in line at a gas station.  The line was an hour long, but the food was well worth the wait ...

Then, we waited in line at Union Station.  The line wasn't very long and our camera provided a lot of entertainment:

That line was worth the wait because we were able to meet Santa, walk through a train and see his sleigh and reindeer,too:

Wanna know the best part?  Everything, but the food, was FREE (even the parking).  

Actually, the best part is probably the memories that make us jump for joy and act like silly reindeer.

Before heading home, we explored a fun store where we found a chair fit for a favorite uncle and a wall on which to climb ... There were lines there, too, but we avoided those.  They just weren't worth the wait.  We didn't wait in lines, but the Mr. did find another favorite store.  

Here's some other stuff ... This is the newest favorite picture of two of my favorite people.  This was taken before we pulled out of our driveway.  (Little Miss has what she calls a "lemon" in her hand, but it's actually a clementine - she's eating fruit!!) ...

Also, here's another picture of our little family in front of our favorite Kansas City destination.  I am absolutely in love with these three people!

4 more days 'til Christmas!!

The Nutcracker and The Transiberian Orchestra

Right now, I'm waiting for the candy I poured into molds to harden so I could take them out and make another batch of lollipops.  As I wait, I'm listening to fine Christmas music including selections from the Nutcracker and Transiberian Orchestra.  Christmas music, sets the tone and making special treats only adds to the excitement.

Last Sunday, the Mr. and I made caramels.  We wrapped over 300 and had to stop because we ran out of wax paper.  Those 300 pieces have been disbursed among friends, classmates and neighbors and now that we have more wax paper, I'll wrap up the rest - about a 2 lb. block.  Yum!

I don't remember why he stuck his tongue out (I think I asked him to) ... 

Maybe he was glad we ran out of wax paper.  Ha, ha, ha.  We really did have fun talking, laughing and reminiscing as we wrapped caramels.  

REALLY, we did.

On Tuesday night, my friend taught me how to make lollipops.  

I thought caramels were easy, lollipops are more so.  Seriously ... 

Here we are with a few of the results.

The lollipops didn't look perfect, but they tasted great and those willing to partake of the sugary, watermelony confection only ran a small risk of cutting their tongue open on one of the sharp edges.  SMALL.  MINUSCULE.  I don't even know why I'm mentioning the sharp edges ... As I said, they didn't look perfect, but they did taste delicious.  They're all gone and now I'm busy making more.  These don't have nearly as many sharp edges and so I'll be sending them to Utah with some friends.  So, dear family and friends, be prepared for the onslaught of sugar.  Lots and lots of sugar ... Maybe you could listen to selections from the Nutcracker and Transiberian Orchestra as you relieve us of unnecessary calories.

The Best Cook

B:  "Mom, this dinner is a 10.  The sauce is a 1."

I'm okay with that.  Not everyone likes Tzatziki on their gyro.  He ate everything else.  Tonight at dinner, I learned that I put out more effort than required in the kitchen ... 

B:  "Mom, Dad is the best cook."

Me:  "Why do you think he's the best?"

B:  "Because, he makes oatmeal in the microwave."

Apparently, it doesn't take much to impress our B-Man.  In reality, I think if I cooked to impress my children we'd probably be living on a steady diet of blue-box Mac'n'Cheese and Ramen (maybe - B-Man really likes vegetables; Little Miss would probably survive on Goldfish crackers).
Here he is:  "The Best Cook" and his little minions.

Just so you know, the very kind Mr. did tell the kids who the best cook of the house really is ... and I'm okay with that.  

The Spice

Our differences add spice to our marriage.  Spice AND entertainment ...

On his way to a study session, the Mr. grabbed some brain food.  Good stuff, right?

I glanced back at the couch where I left my snack ... On the floor was a glass of water ... 

And that's how we roll.

♪ Reunited and it feels so good ♪

*Same girl.  Not the same bucket of cheese balls*

The "reunion" is the result of not leaving a party before the extra food is divvied out (I guess there's also the fact that she stalked the person carrying it out the door and that same person didn't have the courage to say no to her begging eyes).  How does one create the emoticon for a laughing eyeroll??

Of Cow Pies, Pioneer Days and Dying Traditions

Cow Pies were useful to Pioneers.  They were used to start fires and occasionally, they were used for a game - the Cow Pie Toss.  We have access to real Cow Pies, what we're missing is the desire to handle them.  So we made them.  As suggested by a friend, we used foam insulation from an aerosol can:

Brown spray paint finished the fecal illusion.  The results were incredible ... people thought they were real.  

In fact, the Mr. and I are tempted to set them in a neighbor's yard and wait for their reaction, but we won't (at least not right now) ...

Pioneer Day was fun.  It was so hot outside; we decided to embrace our cowardice and set-up the party indoors (real Pioneers used what was available to them and we utilized our resources: AIR CONDITIONING).  Before eating the grilled corn, dutch oven main dishes, cobbler, and pies, we played games:

After a busy morning, B went swimming at a friend's house while the rest of us napped and carried on with our Pioneer Day tradition.  (In Salt Lake City, we used to pick up a dinner of KFC and head to the closest elementary school to watch fireworks and picnic - we've done this every year since 2004.)  After eating a little bit and feeling the affects of gross, greasy food, we decided some traditions don't need to be observed.  Therefore, we're letting this one go and opting for healthier food that won't make us feel like we need a side of defibrillator.  

(Dear KFC, please understand.  Some traditions should be relinquished.)

Maybe next year, we'll adopt a different tradition.  Maybe we already have ... anyone up for a cow pie toss??  We have some.

Camarónes con Ajo ...

... es muy delicioso.

Hopefully, my Spanish is correct.  Whatever the case, this dish is one of my faves.
Take a look and decide for yourself; would you eat it?

The Final Day

On our last full day, we went to Huntington Beach where an old friend met us for some playtime.  Our kids played well together.  B-Man taught their youngest some muscle man moves he learned from goodness knows where ... We just know it wasn't from us.  (Dear Miranda's:  Let's not wait so long to play again.  We miss you guys and we're so glad you're our friends.  Love, The Pea's)

After our friends left, we continued to play. B-Man joined us for some play time in the water:

Little Miss was content to watch and play in the sand: 

As for my parents, they went on a few walks, but mostly they relaxed and played with the kids:

After the beach, we headed to my aunt's home for family time, karaoke, fun and of course ...

FOOD!  (After all, we are Filipino.)

Our final day in California was relaxing, just as it ought to be.

Pink Spinach

Tonight at dinner, Little Miss willingly ate 3 bites of spinach salad.  No, she has not come to a sudden realization that vegetables aren't poison.  No, we did not hide it in her food.  No, the salad wasn't laced with sugar or covered with crackers.  The reason for her willing consumption is simple.  We turned the spinach pink.  Altering the color of spinach from green to pink isn't as difficult as one would think ... In reality, it's evidently impossible to do, but not that difficult to sell to say ... a two year old.  No, we didn't use food coloring to make ranch dressing pink  (though the thought is somewhat tempting, but ... GROSS!).  We sprinkled the spinach with this:

Conclusion:  Her affinity for pink overrides her disdain for all things green and leafy (at least it did earlier this evening or "prevening".)

We love tacos ...

and other varieties of Mexican fare.  The other night, we had tacos.  Two, warmed, corn tortillas, guacamole on the bottom, perfectly grilled meat in the middle and a mixture of chopped cilantro and red onion on top.  Sprinkle some salt and squeeze some lime over the top and there you have it ... The perfect taco.

Arroz Caldo

We've been sick and that's that ... Yesterday, I decided to use my largest stock pot to make Arroz Caldo - a Filipino soup (soup = comfort food for me) with chicken, rice, garlic, onion and ginger.  What makes it so much better is the fish sauce, lime and scallions added to each bowl for fresh flavor.  We'd invite you over for some, but we don't want to infect you.  We'll just show you a picture:

The Beto's Fix

Just what is Beto's? Here's a snip from a website:

"It's 3am and you're dying for a taco. Fear not. Beto's is open 24 hours."

Back to my story ... It always came around midnight. In a break from studying, the Mr. would come, sit beside me and say, "I'm going to Beto's for Super Nachos." Gross? Maybe. Impulsive? Definitely. That was in Salt Lake City. Now we live in Kansas. Here there is no Beto's (which may or may not be a good thing, but I digress). After a year of craving, searching and disappointment, my Mr. came home, groceries in hand and said: "TONIGHT WE'RE MAKING SUPER NACHOS." And so we did. And they were good. We got our fix. Here's the proof:

Boys are gross

Every elementary school age girl knows a simple fact:

BOYS ARE GROSS.

Growing up without brothers left me somewhat ignorant regarding the source of the aforementioned grossness.

Today I learned where boys learn to be gross: from their FATHERS. I was a "priviledged" spectator of the following (lucky me).

I love my boys!

Genius, pure genius

I wish I could say I conceived this ingenious use of a fork. Our friend is the holder of that prestigious title. Now I use his idea to improve my Oreo eating experience.With the prongs inserted into the cream (or is it creme?), my fingers are free to dip the confection deep enough so all parts of the cookie can be penetrated by the milk. The best part? Clean fingers, of course!

For my Mr. (and Nacho)

I did it, I found corn on a stick! I had the vendor put everything on it:

mayo, butter, cheese and chili powder.

The price was $1.50 and my mom reminded me that I could have purchased a dozen ears for that price.

All of this was ignored so I could dedicate these pictures to you, my Mr. Three weeks is too long.

Next time, you'll be here, too.

I am not skilled enough to throw my corn on a stick as Nacho's sidekick (Esqueleto), perhaps someday ...

For now, trash can, you are my friend.

Soup Education

It's CARS, the soup!

Toys, clothing, video games, lunch boxes, bedding and toothbrushes are not enough, they've penetrated the canned soup isle!

B-Man wandered the Grocery store telling everyone within earshot he held a can of CARS Tomato Soup. It wasn't tomato, it was "chicken noodle" ...

So we considered purchasing more cans of soup with hopes to educate B-Man on the myriad of condensed concoctions offered by Campbell's.

Our conclusion: Purchase 1 can, after all ignorance isn't always a bad thing; besides, within a few bites, he'd had enough.

Do you think we made the right choice?