Princesses, Pajamas, Spelling & Alien Babies

Camden has mainly adopted two styles of dress. Footed pajamas and a princess costume. It is rare that she wears anything else unless I force her to “get dressed”. But who could blame her?

Here is Camden in her regular princess attire. Today she says she is an “Island Princess.” This is thanks to the commercials which are rotting her poor little brain.

I asked her if she’d smile and I got this sassy look instead….

Camden spelled her name this morning with an alphabet puzzle. She did it all by herself. I admit I was impressed. She will be 3 on Christmas Eve.

Note the pajamas….

 

 

And here is the baby that we fondly refer to in our house as the “Alien Baby”. This is the doll that Mikayla toted around for years. I think only to embarrass us. What is it about this ugly doll that they find so endearing? Mikayla used to take this doll with her everywhere she went. It was a used doll from Grandma’s house (thanks Grandma). Finally, one day Mike and I hid it in a closet. We wanted to save it so we could show Mikayla how hideous it was one day. Well, Cami saw the baby one day when we were unpacking a box and it has been in her possession ever since. These pictures really don’t do justice to the doll’s ugliness. It is a nice sickly greenish color in real life.

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Garlic Soup

Just in time for cold and flu season. My friend Lisa shared this recipe with us a few months ago and I haven’t had a reason to make it until now.

Yesterday I came down with a killer cold that knocked me down pretty hard. I don’t get sick that often but with surgery not that long ago my immune system is probably still recovering from that. I also haven’t had any raw milk for about a week and a half because we’ve been gone for the holidays and that usually seems to help me ward off the illnesses around me. As I was suffering through my all over body aches and green slime congestion it dawned on me that other than popping vitamin c, echinacia, grape seed and probiotics I could probably knock this thing with some garlic soup.

So, I set off to make Lisa’s soup. I had everything I needed except for the cayenne pepper. I wound up substituting paprika instead. One garlic smelling house later I finished the soup. It was pretty darn good considering I’m not a humongous garlic fan. Lots of salt was the key for me. Next time I think I will add some steamed chopped broccoli and carrots and maybe some corn since I like really hearty soups. But I am starting to feel better all ready. Apparently garlic can do magic for your health.

Here is the recipe for anyone interested. I highly suggest it. It is also a very healthy soup.

Garlic Soup

1 TBSP Olive Oil

12 cloves fresh garlic plus another head of garlic

2 large onions

1/4 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh

2 cups chicken broth

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 TBSP fresh Basil

Sea salt (or regular salt)

 

Directions:

1. Roast a head of garlic. For directions on doing this go HERE.

2. While the garlic is roasting. Peel and thinly slice your onions. Then peel and thinly slice your garlic cloves. Pound the cloves with the side of a large knife to more easily remove the peel.

3. Add garlic and onion to a large saucepan with oil. Cover and saute for about 25 minutes on low, or until they are cooked through and almost translucent.

4. Put the cooked onion and garlic into a blender with 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and the thyme. Puree.

5. Put puree back into saucepan. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.

6. Stir in cayenne, basil and salt to taste. More is better ;) Heat 2 more minutes.

7. Enjoy with crusty bread and maybe top with some cheese or add in some veggies.

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Thanksgiving 2007

Well we were able to spend a nice Thanksgiving with our families this year. Mike and I watched our nephew’s while their parents had a nice vacation in Las Vegas and the kids had a blast together playing endless rounds of Trouble. The drive through the pass was nice and dry and there wasn’t as much traffic as we expected. We are hoping the drive will be just as nice next month when we make the trek over for Christmas.

Here are some photos:

Getting Ready to Play Outside

Mikayla reading everyone a good night story

Thanksgiving Day

All Tuckered Out

Close-up

Playing “Trouble” with Grandpa Ron

Playing “Doctor” with Aunt Melanie

Grandma Jeannie reading a goodnight story

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Environmentalism at the Extreme

I’m all for reducing the impact that my family and I have on the environment. I’ve still got a long ways to go but this is far too extreme for me. It saddens me that people would view children in such a negative light but at the same time I am happy that these people have chosen not to breed. What kind of world do we live in when we give a higher credence to the well being and safety of trees and animals but will end a child’s life without a second thought or a moment of remorse? Why do the trees and animals have a right to existence more than a human? Why not teach that child how to live in a way that minimally effects the world in a negative way and teach them to proactively advocate for the environment? Another point that irked me? If you are going to be so extreme in your stance on children and how their existence is such a burden to the environment don’t go around justifying your trips around the world on an airplane because you are vegan and childless. I call your B.S. If you really cared oh so super much about the environment you would choose to forgo your pleasure trips as well.

Article HERE

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Research Smesearch

Here is a study that claims a person’s initials may impact their life in unconscious ways. Such as baseball playing and GPA’s. Perhaps it can also affect someone’s lunacy. Such as Leif Nelson’s ability to formulate a reliable study. Well his name does start with “L” so we really can’t blame him, can we?

“Studies” like these are living proof that:

A: You can prove anything you want with enough money, time and if you look hard enough

B: Our economy can support funding studies such as these but not thousands of other studies that may actually save lives or lead to a better society. Nice.

C: I set my daughter up for mediocrity with a name like Camden. But then I redeemed her with a middle name of Ashley. But then I threw the whole thing off with a last name that starts with “R”. However, she is super cool by having initials that spell CAR and will inevitably lead her to an occupation as a female car salesman.

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