Summer Happenings

It's been one of THOSE days...

Moo-Shu Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 T. Sesame Oil (I used Olive)
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
• 1 Bag (10 Ounces) shredded coleslaw mix
• 1 Bag (8 ounces) shredded carrots*
• 4 scallions, sliced (I only used two because my husband whines about them)
• 1/4 c hoisin sauce
• 2 T soy sauce
• 10 Flour Tortillas (6 in.)
• 3 c shredded cooked chicken (I used Rotisserie chicken)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, coleslaw mix, carrot and scallions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 min, until vegetables are softened.

2. Stir in the hoisin and soy cause and cook 2 min. Add chicken; stir to combine with vegetables and heat through.

3. To serve, heat tortillas following package directions. Spoon 1/2 cup of chicken mixture onto tortilla and roll up.

Verdict: Tim loved them, Jayden ate them! I liked them but wished that I hadn't cooked the vegetables as much. They were limp and I was hoping for a bit of crunch.

Found: I found the recipe in this magazine.

* I purred the carrots instead of taking the time to shred them.

Cranky D

We've had a request for more Darcy pictures so without further delay may I present Miss Darcy.

Last time we had this girl weighed on June 11 she came in at a whopping 10lbs. 4oz. and 21 1/2 in. long. She is starting to outgrow newborn clothes, we think she's so big, I always forget how small she is until I see another newborn that is larger than her. She is 4 months old and is smiling and talking to anyone who will listen. With all the drooling and crankiness we're convinced she's started teething. We call her Cranky D when she starts acting like that.

She does really well with tummy time, something her brother would never do. She rolls like a champ and reaches for her toys. Her favorite person is her mom but if she can't have mom she'll gladly watch her brother. She had her 1st pool experience last Friday, she splashed and showed off her rockin' bod and watched her brother almost drown (more on that later.)

Ta Da Da DAAAAAAA!!!

I finally found it, the perfect knitting bag. I know it might not seem like much to you but believe me when I say they're hard to find.



And I had to creep out some nice unsuspecting lady who sat behind me on the plane. I might of mentioned that I would harm her to get her bag (nervous chuckle.) Then it was all awkward because I did it at the beginning of the flight and she had to sit right behind me for the next 2 hours. Oops, I didn't mean it the way it came out. Honestly. (Gosh, I really need to work on thinking before I speak.)


I did manage to get a brand name out of her before she suddenly clamed up. The bag can be found here. It goes without saying that this bag is added to my wishlist and if I had a choice it would be blue but you can surprise me.

Tip of the Iceburg

For those that read our blog (all two of you) you'll remember this post.

Well we've now changed obsessions.

That last obsession was nothing compared to the current one.

Readers, meet the new obsession:

For those of you who happen to have a young boy between the ages of 1-5 I'm sure you're well aware of this movie and you can skip over this post.

Jayden,

I have no words that can describe your excitement for anything Cars related. As I'm typing this post you're standing right next to me pointing and screaming at the top of your lungs, "McQueen on the computer!!!!" You are literally shaking with excitment and I can see the muscles and veins in your neck popping out. Those that know you best know that I'm not exaggerating one bit.

You've been enthralled for almost a year now, it is your waking thought and the last words to come out of your mouth before sleep. You are content to watch the movie 3-4 times a day (Just ask Kirsten, Heather, Greg, Eric, Grandma and Grandpa who have watched it many times with you.) I have to peel you away from the screen and entice you with other necessities such as food, water and sunlight.

It's take over much of your life and you have a mountain of toys, clothes, books, etc that all have Cars on them. The picture is just the tip of the iceburg when it comes to how much stuff you have. I thought I had everything but as I'm looking at the picture I'm saying to myself, where is the hat he has and the swimsuit and the rest of the books and what about the coloring books and markers and all his Mater trucks and the two pairs of socks and all those T-shirts, etc. Seriously, I could add more but I won't.

I think you get the point, you LOVE Cars! It's been fun to see you get so into something that we can't hold you back. I hope you always dive into the things you love. We love you, you crazy boy.

Love,

Mom and Dad

What I Learned From My Dad

In honor of Father's Day here is a list of things I've learned from my dad:

1. Fear the den.

2. Be honest in all situations.

3. No matter how much money you make, a little or a lot keep track of every penny.

4. Sunday dinner should always be served with lemonade.

5. You can always find someone willing to do the dirty work if you pay them enough.

6. Creating a win-win situation requires effort and some sacrifice but it's always worth it.

7. People respect hard work.

8. It is possible to be loved and feared.

9. Stubbornness always wins.

10. Always be generous with the resources you have.

Looking for the perfect knitting bag

Are these cute?
Yes.

Could I make them?
Perhaps (hopefully.)

Would I like one?
I would LOVE one!

Will I make one?
Probably not.

Why?
Not enough time in the day.

{The End.}

Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1lb. box of powdered sugar
• 2 cups crunchy peanut butter
• 3 cups rice crispy cereal

Directions:
Mix with hands (or I just put it in my Mixer) and mix until crumbly and well incorporated. Pack into 1" balls. Roll in powdered sugar and chill until ready to serve. (I also have dipped half in melted chocolate and they turned out great.)

Verdict: These are great for letting little kids help you. Their hands are the perfect size to pack and roll balls and they are fun snack for children.

Found: I found this recipe online years ago when I lived in New York.

Bike Time?

This little guy is loving spring and the outdoors. We've had tons of fun going for bike rides, everyday he asks, "bike time?" It has been nice to open the side door to the backyard and let him run back and forth as he pleases.

Roll Over Darcy

Sister D started rolling over last Friday (23rd) and no matter how hard we tried we couldn't get a picture. (Note to self get a camera with a faster speed.) We have several shots of her pushing up, getting her arms ready, and then laying on her back. All of them no good because none of them actually prove she can roll over. So, people, you'll just have to take my word for it.


I just have to thank Edna for the beautiful quilt - (which I haven't sent a thank-you card for, yet. But I will. Now that I'm back home and getting back into the grove of things I'll get one out, promise.) Everyone that has come over and seen that quilt has said how beautiful it is. We love it.

This last picture is Darcy with Grandma Frerichs. They met for the first time at Greg's Farewell. Grandma Frerichs is great with babies and Darcy would calm down and go to sleep for her. Those of you who know Darcy know that that is HUGE. Darcy only likes her mom and aunt Kirsten to hold her, sometimes she'll let her dad hold her but not often. If she gets passed to anyone else she promptly cries/screams.

New Links

What Your Fridge Says About You

You aren't greedy, but you don't really deprive yourself either. You strike a good balance with the stuff you buy. You are a very thrifty person. You don't like to waste money... or food. You don't tend to be a very adventurous person, but you do surprise everyone now and then. You have a bit of a wild side. You try to be responsible, but you don't always succeed. Your heart is in the right place though. You are likely to be married - and very busy.

What Do the Contents of Your Refrigerator Say About You?

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The free rice game is addicting and easily justifiable, thanks Heather for sharing the link.

Easter Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 c. oil
• 1 can Mandarin oranges
• 1/3 c. flaked coconut
• 1 c. chopped nuts (opt.)
• 12 oz. cool whip
• 3 oz. crushed pineapple
• 1 small instant pudding mix vanilla

Directions:

Beat cake mix, eggs, oil for 2 min. on medium speed. Stir in oranges w/ juice, nuts, coconut. Bake for the time on the box +10 min at 350 degrees. Cool cake completely before frosting.

Frosting:

Fold the pineapple (juice included) and pudding mix into the cool whip.Refrigerate before serving.

Verdict: This is my favorite spring/Easter cake. It is moist and the pudding mix in the frosting is a nice surprise. If there are children present I usually dye some coconut green with food coloring and find some jelly beans to top the cake with "bird's nests."

Found: This is Mardel Anderson's Recipe.

Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 c. cooked (boil in lemon water) chicken, cubed1
• c. diced celery
• 1/2 c. seedless green grapes, halved
• 1/4. c. slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/2 c. mayonnaise
• 1/2 t. sweet basil
• 3/4 t. salt
• dash pepper

Directions:

Boil chicken in lemon water. Fold the mayo in with basil, salt, pepper and pour over celery, chicken, grapes. Top with almonds.

Verdict: We eat this salad a few times a year with croissants, pita pockets, served over lettuce, etc. Not a staple but definitely a favorite.

Found: This recipe is from Becky Blackner.

I Believe I Can Fly.....

As some of you know I have recently started a new job with Horizon Air. I recently got done with training and I'm glad I don't have to stress about that anymore. Now I will be going through some on the job training and hopefully will get a reasonable schedule when it's time to bid for shifts. So, in celebration of this new adventure I've decided to post to our wonderful blog and give you something more to read about. Also in the spirit of this moment I would like to share a video that I found amazing and has to do with flying! I hope you enjoy "Jet-Man "