Paw Paw says Zeke and Bob look alike. What do you think? :)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Visits
Yesterday we had Paw Paw Barreth and his brother Bob come by. How nice to see them! My parents have left just this morning and now we are anticipating Ben's sister Beki this upcoming Sunday. She's going to live with us for a while... so we are all excited. One thing is for sure... this house is never dull.
Paw Paw says Zeke and Bob look alike. What do you think? :)
Paw Paw says Zeke and Bob look alike. What do you think? :)
Fox Update
The foxes are being trapped and relocated. I only saw one trapped this morning, but it made the most awful crying sound and I saw the daddy fox come up to it and it couldn't do anything for it. SO SAD! The rest of the young ones have figured out there are traps and have moved around the corner. They are a clever animal. I'll miss them around, but I know they have to move on. They wouldn't have enough food for that many adult foxes around here anyway. I'm just glad it is live trapping and they will not lose their lives. They are big enough to hunt for themselves now anyway. I'm glad God let me see their final chapter here in Broxton Square. At least I still have my hawk!! I guess you can take the girl out of the country, but not the country out of the girl.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Lately
My dad and Zeke.
Today we went to Kingsville Baptist Church to celebrate Ben's Grandpa's 80th birthday with all of the family from around here. I can always depend on Kingsville for blog material. I'm not sure what it is...but this part of the country invites quirky. On the way out there we saw a llama and I had to have my picture with it. I know, I'm a dork.
Also on the way we saw these Grecian statues near someone's driveway. Mind you, we are out in the country and it was just bizarre to see these amidst trailers and fields of wheat.
Ben's Grandpa and Grandma. What a wonderful couple and what a good time today.
Gwen was home with a fever with the grandparents and Zeke was there being passed around and adored. Here he is with cousin Tiffany.
Anthony and his little girl, Mia. She's just three months older than Zeke.
As we turned onto our street we finally saw the fox kits out playing! They were living a street over, but have recently relocated onto our street. The kits are getting so big though that I'm sure they will move on soon. I'm glad I got to see them. Just a note... this is in front of my neighbor's house in the middle of suburbia, and both times that have located to a house with dogs in the backyard. The first house even had a great dane!!
Today we went to Kingsville Baptist Church to celebrate Ben's Grandpa's 80th birthday with all of the family from around here. I can always depend on Kingsville for blog material. I'm not sure what it is...but this part of the country invites quirky. On the way out there we saw a llama and I had to have my picture with it. I know, I'm a dork.
Also on the way we saw these Grecian statues near someone's driveway. Mind you, we are out in the country and it was just bizarre to see these amidst trailers and fields of wheat.
Ben's Grandpa and Grandma. What a wonderful couple and what a good time today.
Gwen was home with a fever with the grandparents and Zeke was there being passed around and adored. Here he is with cousin Tiffany.
Anthony and his little girl, Mia. She's just three months older than Zeke.
As we turned onto our street we finally saw the fox kits out playing! They were living a street over, but have recently relocated onto our street. The kits are getting so big though that I'm sure they will move on soon. I'm glad I got to see them. Just a note... this is in front of my neighbor's house in the middle of suburbia, and both times that have located to a house with dogs in the backyard. The first house even had a great dane!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Grand Times
A picture of Zeke and Paw Paw Barreth before he left. My parents think they look a lot alike.
My two... looks like the beginning of a wonderful friendship right?
Gwen and I attempted another concoction with oil and water and food coloring inside of a plastic bottle to make "ocean in a bottle." It turned out lame..but she enjoyed making it.
What she really enjoyed was stirring water in a pot in the sink.
Here I am to let you know I do truly exist. I'm usually the one behind the camera. Do you think Zeke and I look alike? Check out those noses!
Grandma Morris talking with Zeke.
My two... looks like the beginning of a wonderful friendship right?
Gwen and I attempted another concoction with oil and water and food coloring inside of a plastic bottle to make "ocean in a bottle." It turned out lame..but she enjoyed making it.
What she really enjoyed was stirring water in a pot in the sink.
Here I am to let you know I do truly exist. I'm usually the one behind the camera. Do you think Zeke and I look alike? Check out those noses!
Grandma Morris talking with Zeke.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Zoo
Today we went to the zoo with Paw Paw Barreth. Here we are at the sea lion show. We made it just in time. Ben is holding Gwen and the sea lion got pretty close. They are beautiful animals and Gwen was entranced.
Gwen having some Paw Paw time.
I thought she would be super excited to see an elephant for the first time in her life, but she just stared at it.
What she DID think was incredible were the meerkats. This has to be my favorite picture of the day.
Here's Zeke with daddy. Ben is such a great daddy.
A Chimp.
Gwen got to ride on Paw Paw's shoulders. She was happy about it.
A Giraffe. Such a stunning animal... so majestic. I said "thank you" to God when I saw it.
Ben and Gwen getting a close up of a bird.
Gwen feeding a deer. All in all a good day. Gwen and Zeke both fell asleep on the way home.
Gwen having some Paw Paw time.
I thought she would be super excited to see an elephant for the first time in her life, but she just stared at it.
What she DID think was incredible were the meerkats. This has to be my favorite picture of the day.
Here's Zeke with daddy. Ben is such a great daddy.
A Chimp.
Gwen got to ride on Paw Paw's shoulders. She was happy about it.
A Giraffe. Such a stunning animal... so majestic. I said "thank you" to God when I saw it.
Ben and Gwen getting a close up of a bird.
Gwen feeding a deer. All in all a good day. Gwen and Zeke both fell asleep on the way home.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Zeke and The Day
Today was a pretty eventful day. Ben's dad is visiting and we've had lots of funny moments like when we went to the dollar store and got this huge balloon in the shape of a motorcycle for a little boy's party on Saturday we've been invited to. I was at Hobby Lobby with Ben and Zeke and Paw Paw and Gwen in the car. Paw Paw went into the back to get a stuffed sheep we had bought and out came the motorcycle filled with helium. I didn't see it, but I sure laughed at the thought of Paw Paw running across the parking lot chasing after the floating motorcycle!
One of our neighbors is having a birthday party for their six year old son tonight. This is the pirate ship they set up for their little boy. I am constantly amazed at the parents in Johnson County. We are the type that we'd turn on a sprinkler and say "go and play" for their birthday. :)
Today Ben and Ray went to watch a movie and I was home with the kids for dinner time. I got Gwen some food and then I went to feed Zeke in the living room. Mistake number 1- leaving Gwen alone eating pasta in the kitchen. Mistake number 2- leaving a full glass of water on the table with Gwen in the kitchen alone. I didn't realize these mistakes until I was well into feeding Zeke and I heard Gwen "talking" into the cup of water. Then I heard water sloshing and I just sighed and thought... well... what can I do about it now? So I finished with Zeke and then went into the kitchen to see the damage. She turned over the water and had pasta in her hair and face and all over her jacket that she happened to be wearing. (yes, I know.. mistake number 3- me not putting a bib on her and letting her eat in a jacket) She was happy though and standing there watching the birds take baths in the rain water.
Zeke is now 4 months and had his doctor's appointment today. He weighed in at 15 lbs, 10 oz which is in the 63rd percentile and was 25 inches long which is the 51st percentile. He's a big and healthy boy and I'm so grateful to God. He is quiet and gentle and beautiful. I have a song for him about being my little guy. I made up a song for Gwen too and her's was about her having a pretty face.
GORGEOUS
Today at the doctor's office I was looking through their stickers in order to choose one to take home for Gwen. I chose two of their more unusual choices that made me chuckle. Here's a toaster on wheels with a reflection of the dessert in the toaster which I LOVED. :)
Here's an orangutan sticker with the actual word "orangutan" at the top.
One of our neighbors is having a birthday party for their six year old son tonight. This is the pirate ship they set up for their little boy. I am constantly amazed at the parents in Johnson County. We are the type that we'd turn on a sprinkler and say "go and play" for their birthday. :)
Today Ben and Ray went to watch a movie and I was home with the kids for dinner time. I got Gwen some food and then I went to feed Zeke in the living room. Mistake number 1- leaving Gwen alone eating pasta in the kitchen. Mistake number 2- leaving a full glass of water on the table with Gwen in the kitchen alone. I didn't realize these mistakes until I was well into feeding Zeke and I heard Gwen "talking" into the cup of water. Then I heard water sloshing and I just sighed and thought... well... what can I do about it now? So I finished with Zeke and then went into the kitchen to see the damage. She turned over the water and had pasta in her hair and face and all over her jacket that she happened to be wearing. (yes, I know.. mistake number 3- me not putting a bib on her and letting her eat in a jacket) She was happy though and standing there watching the birds take baths in the rain water.
Zeke is now 4 months and had his doctor's appointment today. He weighed in at 15 lbs, 10 oz which is in the 63rd percentile and was 25 inches long which is the 51st percentile. He's a big and healthy boy and I'm so grateful to God. He is quiet and gentle and beautiful. I have a song for him about being my little guy. I made up a song for Gwen too and her's was about her having a pretty face.
GORGEOUS
Today at the doctor's office I was looking through their stickers in order to choose one to take home for Gwen. I chose two of their more unusual choices that made me chuckle. Here's a toaster on wheels with a reflection of the dessert in the toaster which I LOVED. :)
Here's an orangutan sticker with the actual word "orangutan" at the top.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Breakfast Cookies
Made these yesterday to give to a neighbor. I kept some too and loved them.
2 sticks butter, melted (I know that's a lot, but it makes a LOT of dough)
3/4 C honey (I didn't have that much honey.. so use sucanat)
2 eggs
1 t salt
1 t. cinnamon
1 t baking soda
1 t vanilla
1/2 C buttermilk
2 C whole wheat flour
2 C whole rolled oats
1 C raisins or choc. chips (I used raisins)
Mix everything 350 for 15-20 min.
*You can soak these grains so they digest better (I didn't). Melt and cool butter, stir together flour, oats, butter and buttermilk. Add a bit more buttermilk than the 1/2 C so all grains are moistened. Cover and let soak overnight. Stir in remaining ingredients in the morning and bake as directed.
2 sticks butter, melted (I know that's a lot, but it makes a LOT of dough)
3/4 C honey (I didn't have that much honey.. so use sucanat)
2 eggs
1 t salt
1 t. cinnamon
1 t baking soda
1 t vanilla
1/2 C buttermilk
2 C whole wheat flour
2 C whole rolled oats
1 C raisins or choc. chips (I used raisins)
Mix everything 350 for 15-20 min.
*You can soak these grains so they digest better (I didn't). Melt and cool butter, stir together flour, oats, butter and buttermilk. Add a bit more buttermilk than the 1/2 C so all grains are moistened. Cover and let soak overnight. Stir in remaining ingredients in the morning and bake as directed.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Brownie Pudding
Recently I took this dessert to a neighbor's house for a dinner. Boy, was it good and rich. A very small amount satisfies. Sorry, no picture, but this one I will make again sometime. This resembles a lava cake.
2 sticks unsalted butter, plus a little extra for greasing the dish
4 large eggs, at room temp.
2 C sugar or sucanat
3/4 C cocoa powder
1/2 C all-purpose flour
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or about 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 325. Lightly butter a 2 quart oval baking dish. Melt the 2 sticks of butter and set aside to cool.
In the bowl of an electic mixer (or bowl with hand held mixer like I used) fitted with paddle attachment, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat together on medium-high speed until thick and light yellow in color. Meanwhile, combine the flour and cocoa powder in a medium bowl and whisk together until blended.
When the eggs and sugar are finished mixing, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the mixing bowl. Add the flour-cocoa powder mixture to the bowl as well. Mix on low speed just until combined. With the mixer still on low, slowly pour the melted butter and mix again just until combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan. Add very hot tap water to the outer baking pan to create a water bath, coming halfway up the side of the baking dish. Bake for 60 min. The center will appear very under-baked, that is the way the dessert should be. Allow to cool slightly before serving with ice cream. (or if you don't have, we had it with a little whipped cream)
2 sticks unsalted butter, plus a little extra for greasing the dish
4 large eggs, at room temp.
2 C sugar or sucanat
3/4 C cocoa powder
1/2 C all-purpose flour
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or about 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 325. Lightly butter a 2 quart oval baking dish. Melt the 2 sticks of butter and set aside to cool.
In the bowl of an electic mixer (or bowl with hand held mixer like I used) fitted with paddle attachment, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat together on medium-high speed until thick and light yellow in color. Meanwhile, combine the flour and cocoa powder in a medium bowl and whisk together until blended.
When the eggs and sugar are finished mixing, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the mixing bowl. Add the flour-cocoa powder mixture to the bowl as well. Mix on low speed just until combined. With the mixer still on low, slowly pour the melted butter and mix again just until combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan. Add very hot tap water to the outer baking pan to create a water bath, coming halfway up the side of the baking dish. Bake for 60 min. The center will appear very under-baked, that is the way the dessert should be. Allow to cool slightly before serving with ice cream. (or if you don't have, we had it with a little whipped cream)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Concoctions Gone Wrong
Well, the cotton clay concoction was a bust. It never dried and ended up in the trash can. :( Today we tried making gems with rock salt and glue and food coloring. It didn't turn out at all like it said in the book! We were so excited to have emeralds, but alas, this is what turned out.
She didn't mind.
We tried making a necklace. Can anyone say MESS??
We resorted to the old standby... playdough. We served up some mighty tasty playdough pizza today. Gwen's had filet mignon on it. :)
She didn't mind.
We tried making a necklace. Can anyone say MESS??
We resorted to the old standby... playdough. We served up some mighty tasty playdough pizza today. Gwen's had filet mignon on it. :)
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Cotton Clay and SAHM
The other day I attempted to put Gwen's hair in bows. This is for you Aunt Stephanie.
Today we made cotton clay (out of the concoction book again). We have to wait for it to dry overnight to use it, but we had fun making it! We used 3 C cotton balls, separated them into little bits, and then put 2 C water and 2/3 C flour together and put it on low heat until firmed up some. We'll see how it does. Gwen chose to make it the color yellow. Here she is helping with the separating and the pouring of the water. Oh, and attempting to smile. I think it's so funny how she smiles that I had to include both pictures.
Here's Zeke looking on. I think he's teething now.
Gwen is a lot of fun. She likes putting tupperware on her head. There are so many moments as a stay at home mom that I wouldn't trade for any other experience. Like today when Gwen and I were goofing around on the couch and I whispered in her ear some ABCs and told her to now whisper in my ear. You know what she chose to whisper in my ear? "motorcycle" is what she chose. :) It made me laugh. There are many moments like that throughout our day that I can't hardly describe to someone else. Or when I'm feeding Zeke and he looks up at me and smiles and talks. I'm so thankful I get these moments. I never really understood how Mary "stored these things up in her heart" (that's a loose paraphrase) but now I do. I hope I remember all of the sweet whispers and "I love yous" and messes and crazy times too. It all comes together to make such a sweet concoction. :)
Today we made cotton clay (out of the concoction book again). We have to wait for it to dry overnight to use it, but we had fun making it! We used 3 C cotton balls, separated them into little bits, and then put 2 C water and 2/3 C flour together and put it on low heat until firmed up some. We'll see how it does. Gwen chose to make it the color yellow. Here she is helping with the separating and the pouring of the water. Oh, and attempting to smile. I think it's so funny how she smiles that I had to include both pictures.
Here's Zeke looking on. I think he's teething now.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Meal Plan
BBQ pork chops, salad, green beans, cantaloupe
cornbread and pintos, asparagus
turkey loaf, sweet potatoes, asparagus (I'm OBSESSED with asparagus at the moment... did you know there are boy asparagus and girl asparagus)
coconut flounder, salad, cous cous
stuffed peppers
some sort of soup with ham (got a big ol ham bone this weekend woo hoo)
mexican pizza using left over pintos as the refried beans... ok... it may be gross, but we're trying it., salad
breakfasts- steel cut oats with blueberries, Greek yogurt (my new thing now)
cornbread and pintos, asparagus
turkey loaf, sweet potatoes, asparagus (I'm OBSESSED with asparagus at the moment... did you know there are boy asparagus and girl asparagus)
coconut flounder, salad, cous cous
stuffed peppers
some sort of soup with ham (got a big ol ham bone this weekend woo hoo)
mexican pizza using left over pintos as the refried beans... ok... it may be gross, but we're trying it., salad
breakfasts- steel cut oats with blueberries, Greek yogurt (my new thing now)
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