Monday, December 31, 2012

Photo Shoot

I got this idea a few weeks ago to dress up the kids and take them downtown for a "photo shoot". There is a quaint little alley lined with old bricks, benches, and a fountain. It really was spur of the moment, and we went around our lunch time. In my home, hungry people don't make for happy people. What was I thinking? Poor planning but needless to say we arrived at our destination and all was well. Until I checked my camera....very low battery! How silly of me to leave the house and not think to check the battery. So is my story these days. It made for quick picture taking. My subjects obliged the best they could, but were soon eager to get home to lunch.












We had fun. It was somewhat comical to get everyone to look towards me and smile. I love the expressions and postures of all three. Lots of running and crawling in all directions.
There are more, but I cannot show girly's face. We didn't send Christmas cards out this year for that very reason. She has been with us over a year and is very much apart of our family. Sending out a card without her on it just didn't seem right to us.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Nothing in particular

Joe's previous picture post pretty much sums up our fall. Beach days, a week long adventure at my parents including a camping trip (think two adults, two boys, and two dogs in a tent for two nights! Little girlie got in the camper with my folks), a much needed visit with sweet friends in VA, an Ocracoke adventure for brothers and cousins, and our church retreat. Thankful for these sweet memories made. I need to be more mindful of taking pictures of just the everyday stuff too. Here is a description of a recent scene that pretty much occurs daily here: a dancing toddler amidst the toy shrapnel on the floor, baby girl getting into some lamp cords, and little Joe asking to play the wii. Or he is concerned for when I will start supper because mama is dancing with toddler above!

We do a lot of good eatin' around here. If I am not schooling, wiping a bottom, "loving" a bottom, or sleeping then I am in the kitchen! Right now I am on two kicks. Pioneer Woman and kale greens. First, PW has some recipes that have become favorites. Frito chili pie & spaghetti and meatballs top the list. I tweek the recipes to my liking and skip the fritos with the chili. (The pork roast I have in the oven as I type is from PW as well. Looking forward to sharing carnitas tomorrow with the saints.) These are also great because of the amount made is perfect for having leftovers. I usually make sure my Tuesday night meal has enough for supper on Wednesday night since we can seem a little hurried for church. Now the kale greens. I absolutely love them. I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and supper. I have even made them as a snack for myself in the afternoon. I have gotten Joe and little Joe to like them. Still working on the others. All I do is throw some butter or coconut oil in my non stick pan. When melted, add the kale and a little coarse salt. Saute until beginning to wilt and turning a darker green. I don't let the kale get mushy. Paired with grilled chicken, fish, a fried egg, jambalaya, or beans of choice and you are set for an awesome meal. Or just eat them alone. Don't forget all the good nutrition included. I am considering blending some for a kale green smoothie. Joe says gross. What do you think?