Saturday Morning with Dad

So what did you two do this morning?

OH, Okay!?!

The most pink day of the year!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. I have a short story and no pictures for you today.

In 2009 for our very first Valentine's Day together, my loving husband took me to one of the only reservation restaurants in town, at my request. Unfortunately, the evening out left much to be desired and things only got better after we went home and my love surprised me with a rented copy of Joe vs The Volcano, my most favorite Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie.

Valentine's 2010 we had a new bundle of joy and didn't quite know what to do with ourselves. And did I mention that we had a not so satisfactory time the year before. Yah, I was still a little leery of trying to make any big plans.

So this year, to make up for past poor experiences and expensive meals at restaurants that will remain anonymous, I sent Matt to the grocery store with a list of odd and mysterious ingredients and we had a lovely 4 course meal at home.

Menu:
House Salad with house Honey Dijon dressing

Freshly baked rolls
Creamy Beet and Apple Soup

Stuffed and Roasted Acorn Squash
Garlic-Lemon baked Cornish Hens

3 Minute Chocolate Cake and Ice Cream

Yep! Here's the recipe for that last one:

You will need:
One hot cocoa mug
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 Table spoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 Table spoons milk
3 Table spoons oil
splash of vanilla
optional 3 Tablespoons chocolate chips or nuts

Here's what you do:
In mug, sift together dry ingredients. Add egg and beat. Add milk and oil and mix well. Add vanilla and any additional optional ingredients and mix until completely combined.
Put mug into microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. Cake will rise above the top of mug,  but should not spill.
Allow to cool; tip cake out onto dish. Top with ice cream and enjoy.
One mug makes enough cake for two people to share, unless you really love chocolate cake. In that case, you'd better make another.

One of My Favorite Holidays

My dear single friends,
I'm sorry if I don't agree with you when you moan about how February and V-tine's Day are sad for single people. I have always loved Valentine's Day! Having a valentine to share it with hasn't changed the intensity either.

Forgive me for being blunt, but Valentine's Day isn't about YOU!

On top of that, when you do have someone to share it with, it still won't be about YOU!

Valentine's Day is about spreading the love. So get some love, from somewhere . . . and go spread it. GO hug a grandma or something and stop waiting around.

Love you! (I promise I do.)

PS: The best tasting conversation hearts are sold in the bulk bins at Winco.

All Business

You know how much I love that e-trade baby. Well, Jill has been cutting it up like no other this last little while. I see a future for her in real estate.

Props to the person who can put the best words to these pictures. 

Happy Chinese New Year

We hope you are all having a happy new year and that all of your goals and wishes are coming to fruition.

 

Homemade Egg Roll Wrappers

by Cheryl Bowman

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 egg whites, beaten

1/2 cup cold water

cornstarch

Mix together flour and salt. Make a well in the middle and pour in the eggs and water. Using your fingers gently combine the ingredients to make a dough. If the dough seems a bit too dry, add cold water a tablespoon at a time. Dough should be smooth and soft.

Cover with plastic wrap. Set aside and let rise 30 minutes.

Divide dough in half. Keep 1/2 covered while you work. Roll dough out on a floured surface. When dough is about 16th of an inch thick cut into 6 inch squares. Dust each square with cornstarch to keep them from sticking together. Don't be stingy with the cornstarch.

You can use these right away or freeze them for later.

Thanks yous guys

On the eve of Love Month we'd like to thank everyone for the beautiful and unforgettable Christmas presents.

We were overwhelmed with shock and awe at the thoughtfulness put into each gift.


We know that many of them could not be purchased at a store. These are the ones that will help us most to learn and grow.

We will think of you with tender thoughts teach time we wear the scarves, read the stories, play the games, and sing the songs that you have brought into our lives.

Just know that your sweet gifts will bring us smiles for years to come.



Thank you everyone, and Merry Christmas.

It's Tradition

For the past two years we've gone bowling during the Christmas break with some of our friends. It's turning into a little bit of a tradition, and I have to admit that I kind of like it.


Here I am in 2009 gearing up for my 10th gutter-ball. Having a baby can really throw off your game.


Also in 2009, can you see the direction Matt's orange ball is headed in. Like I said!

Here we are Christmas Day 2010. Jill, graciously showing us her amazing strike.

And the after celebration!

We've been practicing!!!