Swimming lessons have become my part-time job these past two weeks. No--not giving lessons--just driving to and from lessons. :o) It doesn't pay well, but I have to say I am getting a pretty nice tan.
I am always amazed at how far kids come from the first swimming lesson to the eighth. For most of last week, Landen would not put his face under water. In typical Landen fashion, he spent most of his time negotiating with the lifeguard and suggesting better things they could do with their time. Today he was bobbing his head in and out of the water every time I turned around. He has his test tomorrow to see if he passes to Level 2. Even if the lifeguard feels he should repeat Level 1, I am so very proud of how far he has come.
Nathan and Teresa have been taking Preschool lessons. Nathan loves it and dunks his head in the water all of the time, too. He's not comfortable going into deeper water yet, but he is king of 3 feet and under.
Since Teresa followed her brothers around the pool like a little duck last year, I signed her up this year. She is doing quite well for being just 2 1/2 and mastered getting into the pool safely (while holding onto the side like a monkey) by the first lesson. That alone was worth the cost of lessons.
Lessons have been made even more fun by having good friends alongside us everyday. Neither Deb nor I knew that our kids would be in the same session, so it was a happy surprise on the first day. It has been wonderful visiting with Deb and watching our kids play together.
I hope we can still meet once a week or so at the pool for the rest of the summer. I would hate to lose this tan after all this work!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Mailbox
We had a wind storm one mid-May afternoon that blew down our mailbox. The post was pretty much hanging from its last sliver since getting knocked over by a combine a few years back, so its falling really did not come as a shock.
The problem was that David did not have time to put up our new one at the time. I had already painted a new box and put new vinyl lettering on it. It just didn't have a post!
Our mail carrier brought our mail to our door for about a week until we told her we would just pick it up at the post office. That lasted about another week until I got tired of having to load up the kids to get the mail every day.
One day, our mail carrier forgot to keep the mail in town and brought it to our door. I told her my predicament about having a very pretty mailbox, but no post. She said I could put the box out on the lawn and she would still use it.
On my way out to the road, I picked up one of my antique cream cans to give it a little height. That brought about the patio chair idea with the nice yellow strap, which made it the perfect height. Our mailbox stayed in this condition for at least two weeks. It was so beautiful, I lost count of the days.
Yesterday David finally had the time to put it all together. I have to admit, I didn't think he would let my hideous mailbox contraption stay out there for so long. He MUST have been busy!
Before
After
The problem was that David did not have time to put up our new one at the time. I had already painted a new box and put new vinyl lettering on it. It just didn't have a post!
Our mail carrier brought our mail to our door for about a week until we told her we would just pick it up at the post office. That lasted about another week until I got tired of having to load up the kids to get the mail every day.
One day, our mail carrier forgot to keep the mail in town and brought it to our door. I told her my predicament about having a very pretty mailbox, but no post. She said I could put the box out on the lawn and she would still use it.
On my way out to the road, I picked up one of my antique cream cans to give it a little height. That brought about the patio chair idea with the nice yellow strap, which made it the perfect height. Our mailbox stayed in this condition for at least two weeks. It was so beautiful, I lost count of the days.
Yesterday David finally had the time to put it all together. I have to admit, I didn't think he would let my hideous mailbox contraption stay out there for so long. He MUST have been busy!
Before
After
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Emerson & Thoreau
My friend Deb and I were discussing 19th century American writers Emerson and Thoreau today at the swimming pool. (You didn't think I was still capable of a literary discussion after these last six years of Cheerios and Play Doh, did you?) :o)
Well, the dates and history behind these men are hazy, but I do remember they were two of my favorite writers to read in high school and to teach in my English class. They were both Transcendentalists, meaning they wanted to go beyond their current state in life. They were "self-help" writers before "self-help" was fashionable.
Here is a little Emerson/Thoreau class in a nutshell:
It is never too late to give up your prejudices. (Thoreau)
If I have so much as I stone, it owns me because I have to dust it. (Thoreau)
All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. (Emerson)
And, my ABSOLUTE favorite:
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
(Emerson)
Thanks for stopping by. That concludes our literature class for today!
Well, the dates and history behind these men are hazy, but I do remember they were two of my favorite writers to read in high school and to teach in my English class. They were both Transcendentalists, meaning they wanted to go beyond their current state in life. They were "self-help" writers before "self-help" was fashionable.
Here is a little Emerson/Thoreau class in a nutshell:
It is never too late to give up your prejudices. (Thoreau)
If I have so much as I stone, it owns me because I have to dust it. (Thoreau)
All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. (Emerson)
And, my ABSOLUTE favorite:
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
(Emerson)
Thanks for stopping by. That concludes our literature class for today!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Steak Mistake
As a rule, I am not a big fan of steak. I know, I know, we cattle ranchers are supposed to love a big hunk of beef on our plates, but I would take a cheeseburger over a steak any day of the week. That's still beef, so David has agreed to keep me on as head cook.
Since the head cook has her preferences, we are not surprisingly running a bit low on the hamburger side of the freezer and still have plenty of STEAK waiting for us on the other side.
The first problem I have with steak is that I think it takes so long to chew and eat it. I know that makes me sound REALLY lazy, but sometimes just the thought of steak will make my jaw ache. Then, there's the fact that the one grilling the steak has to adopt it as an additional child during the cooking time. Turn your back for too long and it's, "Hot dogs again!"
I found a recipe for a steak marinade a few days ago. For some reason, I thought it was something I should try. Tonight was the night. I marinaded my t-bones all afternoon and put them on the grill at 6:20. I grilled them for 7 minutes, flipped them and grilled another 8. I pulled them off a little on the pink side not wanting to cross that too-done line. By the time we let them rest a few minutes, they were PERFECT. The marinade wasn't the best, but the steak itself was awesome--tender, juicy, and just the right amount of "done." Even Nathan, my toughest critic, said the steak was, "Delicious!"
You think this is a happy story, don't you? Ooohh, no. You see, I have gone for nine years telling David I didn't want to or didn't know how to grill steak. Tonight I just made steak that rivaled his best efforts.
Guess who gets to stand by the grill from now on??
Since the head cook has her preferences, we are not surprisingly running a bit low on the hamburger side of the freezer and still have plenty of STEAK waiting for us on the other side.
The first problem I have with steak is that I think it takes so long to chew and eat it. I know that makes me sound REALLY lazy, but sometimes just the thought of steak will make my jaw ache. Then, there's the fact that the one grilling the steak has to adopt it as an additional child during the cooking time. Turn your back for too long and it's, "Hot dogs again!"
I found a recipe for a steak marinade a few days ago. For some reason, I thought it was something I should try. Tonight was the night. I marinaded my t-bones all afternoon and put them on the grill at 6:20. I grilled them for 7 minutes, flipped them and grilled another 8. I pulled them off a little on the pink side not wanting to cross that too-done line. By the time we let them rest a few minutes, they were PERFECT. The marinade wasn't the best, but the steak itself was awesome--tender, juicy, and just the right amount of "done." Even Nathan, my toughest critic, said the steak was, "Delicious!"
You think this is a happy story, don't you? Ooohh, no. You see, I have gone for nine years telling David I didn't want to or didn't know how to grill steak. Tonight I just made steak that rivaled his best efforts.
Guess who gets to stand by the grill from now on??
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Good Day
Isn't it funny how people tend to think of rural life as romantic? Not romantic in the kissy sense, but romantic as in spending our days on our front porches watching the corn grow without a care in the world.
I suppose we have recent country songs, such as "Big Green Tractor," to partly blame for such misrepresentation. If David came home and said he wanted to "take me for a a ride in his big green tractor, down through the woods, down through the pasture," I would most probably ask, "Wouldn't it be faster just to take the pickup?" And, "You realize the kids are coming along, right?"
The reality of it is that farm livin' isn't any better than city life, in my opinion anyway. It's a great place to raise a family, but I would appreciate more shopping and entertainment opportunities close by. I have a big yard, but in farm life there's no husband mowing the lawn after work. Oh, yeah. And after work? That's dark. Some people complain when the days get shorter in the fall. Not this farm wife.
But, once in awhile, once in a GREAT while, country life plays out like one of those happy farm-loving songs. My kids and I just had one of those idyllic days. We met friends at the local pool, had a picnic together, and swam all afternoon. We came home, they went outside to play, and are now quietly watching a movie while I make supper. Believe me--I have enjoyed every minute.
I wish these kind of summer days were the norm instead of the exception.
I suppose, though, I wouldn't appreciate them as much if that were so.
I suppose we have recent country songs, such as "Big Green Tractor," to partly blame for such misrepresentation. If David came home and said he wanted to "take me for a a ride in his big green tractor, down through the woods, down through the pasture," I would most probably ask, "Wouldn't it be faster just to take the pickup?" And, "You realize the kids are coming along, right?"
The reality of it is that farm livin' isn't any better than city life, in my opinion anyway. It's a great place to raise a family, but I would appreciate more shopping and entertainment opportunities close by. I have a big yard, but in farm life there's no husband mowing the lawn after work. Oh, yeah. And after work? That's dark. Some people complain when the days get shorter in the fall. Not this farm wife.
But, once in awhile, once in a GREAT while, country life plays out like one of those happy farm-loving songs. My kids and I just had one of those idyllic days. We met friends at the local pool, had a picnic together, and swam all afternoon. We came home, they went outside to play, and are now quietly watching a movie while I make supper. Believe me--I have enjoyed every minute.
I wish these kind of summer days were the norm instead of the exception.
I suppose, though, I wouldn't appreciate them as much if that were so.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Little Getaway
We just returned last night from a most relaxing weekend. David and I, along with his aunt & uncle, went to a Sugarland concert on Thursday night.
Most of the rest of the weekend was filled with the main event--David's cousin's wedding. Landen was a ring bearer for the first time. Despite his trepidation, (I am thinking he maybe expected something with bears??), he did a great job and looked SO handsome!
Here are Zach & Landen
Here's our family--all dressed up for the day. Can you see the personality just flying out of this photo?
We found we have three little dancers on our hands. They all three had so much fun with their cousins. Landen probably danced with most of the girls there--and asked many of them himself. Who could say "no" to that handsome boy?
At one point, Teresa took a break to sit on Grandma's lap.
Maybe she sat just a little too long!
Most of the rest of the weekend was filled with the main event--David's cousin's wedding. Landen was a ring bearer for the first time. Despite his trepidation, (I am thinking he maybe expected something with bears??), he did a great job and looked SO handsome!
Here are Zach & Landen
Here's our family--all dressed up for the day. Can you see the personality just flying out of this photo?
We found we have three little dancers on our hands. They all three had so much fun with their cousins. Landen probably danced with most of the girls there--and asked many of them himself. Who could say "no" to that handsome boy?
At one point, Teresa took a break to sit on Grandma's lap.
Maybe she sat just a little too long!
Pedal Power
I discovered this new talent of Teresa's last Thursday. If a little sister wants to keep up with her brothers, she has to know how to PEDAL that trike!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Deja Vu
This is how it always goes when we plan to leave for a few days. I am documenting these steps so that I have a checklist in place for next time.
One of us throws out an idea and the planning begins. I get really excited because I love to plan trips--big or small.
A week or so out, David throws out a worse-case scenario dependent on the farm--we won't be able to go, he won't be able to go, he'll have to come back early, he will have to drive to Timbuktu for a farm emergency instead of going on our trip . . . . He is really trying to spare me from any unpleasant surprises (and thinking aloud as is his nature), but really it just puts me in a bad mood before we even leave. It doesn't matter what time of year we are planning to get away. This happens EVERY time.
I cautiously proceed with the planning and packing for all five of us, not wanting to get too excited just in case.
A couple days out, David decides that everything will be fine as planned and we will leave early on our day of departure. (So far this has happened EVERY time as well.)
On the day of departure, David moves our time of departure later in the day. This leaves me with excited kids who bounce off the walls until it is finally time to leave.
I wash, vacuum, clean out the van, and fill it with gas.
I pack everything in the van.
David takes everything out of the van and packs it the way he thinks it should be packed.
David backs out of the garage and we are on our way.
As we drive out of the yard, David tells me all of the things he is going to do as soon as we get back.
David asks me if I remembered to pack his belt. Of course not. I always forget his belt!
I either lose myself in a magazine or fall asleep. Preparing for vacation is exhausting!
One of us throws out an idea and the planning begins. I get really excited because I love to plan trips--big or small.
A week or so out, David throws out a worse-case scenario dependent on the farm--we won't be able to go, he won't be able to go, he'll have to come back early, he will have to drive to Timbuktu for a farm emergency instead of going on our trip . . . . He is really trying to spare me from any unpleasant surprises (and thinking aloud as is his nature), but really it just puts me in a bad mood before we even leave. It doesn't matter what time of year we are planning to get away. This happens EVERY time.
I cautiously proceed with the planning and packing for all five of us, not wanting to get too excited just in case.
A couple days out, David decides that everything will be fine as planned and we will leave early on our day of departure. (So far this has happened EVERY time as well.)
On the day of departure, David moves our time of departure later in the day. This leaves me with excited kids who bounce off the walls until it is finally time to leave.
I wash, vacuum, clean out the van, and fill it with gas.
I pack everything in the van.
David takes everything out of the van and packs it the way he thinks it should be packed.
David backs out of the garage and we are on our way.
As we drive out of the yard, David tells me all of the things he is going to do as soon as we get back.
David asks me if I remembered to pack his belt. Of course not. I always forget his belt!
I either lose myself in a magazine or fall asleep. Preparing for vacation is exhausting!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Remembering
Remember my ode to Lu's Pizza? Well, I received news via Facebook this morning that the woman behind those masterpieces passed away last night. I failed to mention this before, but she is also my cousin's paternal grandmother.
As people pass away who I have known or, in this case, have pretty much just known about, I wonder if they realize all the different ways they will be remembered in this world.
I don't mean to be morbid or a downer, but do you ever wonder how you will be remembered? I wonder. It really is mind boggling to think about all the different roles I have already played--we all play--in this life. There's student, employee, teacher, drama instructor, piano teacher, customer, friend, not to mention granddaughter (in-law), daughter (in-law), sister (in-law), wife, & mother, and on and on and on.
I saw a quote once that said, "Live so that there is standing room only at your funeral." Again, kind of morbid, but some good advice to live by. I actually hope God allows me to grow old enough so that there aren't many people left to come to my funeral, but we shall see. :o)
I have decided I want to be remembered by the world, in no particular order, as a woman of faith, a good friend, and a good cook who never passed up dessert.
I think that about covers it.
How do you want to be remembered?
As people pass away who I have known or, in this case, have pretty much just known about, I wonder if they realize all the different ways they will be remembered in this world.
I don't mean to be morbid or a downer, but do you ever wonder how you will be remembered? I wonder. It really is mind boggling to think about all the different roles I have already played--we all play--in this life. There's student, employee, teacher, drama instructor, piano teacher, customer, friend, not to mention granddaughter (in-law), daughter (in-law), sister (in-law), wife, & mother, and on and on and on.
I saw a quote once that said, "Live so that there is standing room only at your funeral." Again, kind of morbid, but some good advice to live by. I actually hope God allows me to grow old enough so that there aren't many people left to come to my funeral, but we shall see. :o)
I have decided I want to be remembered by the world, in no particular order, as a woman of faith, a good friend, and a good cook who never passed up dessert.
I think that about covers it.
How do you want to be remembered?
T-ball
Landen had his second t-ball game last night. The weather was absolutely perfect for a game and the mom-media frenzy had subsided quite a bit.
(Except for this mom. I still had to get a good picture of my son batting!)
Here is Teresa either watching the game or waiting to receive another shelled sunflower seed. That girl has one tough life!
Here are brothers playing post-game in the park's gazebo.
(Except for this mom. I still had to get a good picture of my son batting!)
Here is Teresa either watching the game or waiting to receive another shelled sunflower seed. That girl has one tough life!
Here are brothers playing post-game in the park's gazebo.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Gloomy Day
Today's been a pretty gloomy one--even for a Saturday. The rain is falling, the soybeans aren't getting in the ground--oh, we're just one happy family today! (Just like most area farm families, I suppose.)
One bright spot in today is that the kids have been exceptionally good. Since dad has returned to the field, the boys have taken a renewed interest in their mini tractors. They tuck themselves downstairs in the small toyroom, lock out their little sister (for as long as they can get away with it), and "farm" alongside their train tracks. They have been playing "police" quite a bit, too.
The other day I told them to get back downstairs and play police nicely before I called the police.
"Ha, ha," they laughed, "We ARE the police!"
If that's true, we are in BIG trouble.
One bright spot in today is that the kids have been exceptionally good. Since dad has returned to the field, the boys have taken a renewed interest in their mini tractors. They tuck themselves downstairs in the small toyroom, lock out their little sister (for as long as they can get away with it), and "farm" alongside their train tracks. They have been playing "police" quite a bit, too.
The other day I told them to get back downstairs and play police nicely before I called the police.
"Ha, ha," they laughed, "We ARE the police!"
If that's true, we are in BIG trouble.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Super Yummy Smoothies
We are on a smoothie kick here in the Melius house. It all started yesterday when I bought ingredients to make Berry Blast Smoothies. Nathan just could not wait to have a "moovie"! Here is the recipe from the June/July Simple & Delicious magazine:
Berry Blast Smoothies
1 cup V8 pomegranate-blueberry juice
1 bag frozen mixed berries (about 2 1/4 cups)
2 medium bananas, sliced
2/3 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
Blend it all together and enjoy! This recipe makes about 4 servings.
If you are using a food processor instead of a blender, be sure to hold down the lid tightly. We had a "berry" big mess right away!
David and I never received the standard blender for a wedding present. Can you believe it? I've lived without one this long, so I can probably survive another 9 years. Unless this smoothie fascination lasts all summer. . . then I might have to make that purchase.
Today smoothies were requested again. We didn't have the ingredients to make the berry blasts, so we improvised. Landen and Nathan brought in some strawberries from our patch, we added peaches that I had frozen last summer, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, a few splashes of juice, and blended that up. They are very yummy, too!
I love recipes like this that are more about learning the process than learning the exact measurements. If you need a thinner smoothie, just add more juice or a little milk.
I am more than happy to blend up smoothies as long as this kick lasts. You really can't find a much healthier snack!
Berry Blast Smoothies
1 cup V8 pomegranate-blueberry juice
1 bag frozen mixed berries (about 2 1/4 cups)
2 medium bananas, sliced
2/3 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
Blend it all together and enjoy! This recipe makes about 4 servings.
If you are using a food processor instead of a blender, be sure to hold down the lid tightly. We had a "berry" big mess right away!
David and I never received the standard blender for a wedding present. Can you believe it? I've lived without one this long, so I can probably survive another 9 years. Unless this smoothie fascination lasts all summer. . . then I might have to make that purchase.
Today smoothies were requested again. We didn't have the ingredients to make the berry blasts, so we improvised. Landen and Nathan brought in some strawberries from our patch, we added peaches that I had frozen last summer, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, a few splashes of juice, and blended that up. They are very yummy, too!
I love recipes like this that are more about learning the process than learning the exact measurements. If you need a thinner smoothie, just add more juice or a little milk.
I am more than happy to blend up smoothies as long as this kick lasts. You really can't find a much healthier snack!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
What I Love . . .
In honor of our 9th anniversary, I will add to my growing list a few things I love about my husband (in no particular order):
41. He has a strong faith in the Lord.
42. He always remembers special days. This is helped by his brother and his wife sharing our anniversary date. (Happy 3rd Anniversary, John & Jodi!) Our new rose bushes also help with impromptu flower giving.
43. He is a very generous person.
44. He doesn't have time for people who feel sorry for themselves. He can always see a way out of a difficult situation.
45. He can handle almost any construction or repair project.
46. He is extremely patient with me, especially when I don't deserve it.
47. He works hard, but always makes time for his family.
48. His farming expertise comes in handy with my gardening hobby--except in planting sweet corn. (If you plant sweet corn as deep as field corn, you will end up planting flowers in the bare corn plot.)
49. He laughs just as hard as I do at "Everybody Loves Raymond" episodes.
50. We both look forward to Monday nights to watch "Rules of Engagement" and Thursday nights during "Survivor" seasons.
51. He never, ever complains about how much money I spend. Granted, I am a pretty thrifty person, but still, I appreciate it.
52. He has only complained about one meal our entire married life. The scene: I was pregnant with Nathan and had put up with a whining 1 1/2 year old Landen all day long. Yeah. It wasn't pretty. He never did that again.
53. He always orders butter on our popcorn when we go to movies.
54. He's a fun travel companion--whether it is a road trip with the family or a little January getaway together.
55. I have to say, he's pretty cute!
41. He has a strong faith in the Lord.
42. He always remembers special days. This is helped by his brother and his wife sharing our anniversary date. (Happy 3rd Anniversary, John & Jodi!) Our new rose bushes also help with impromptu flower giving.
43. He is a very generous person.
44. He doesn't have time for people who feel sorry for themselves. He can always see a way out of a difficult situation.
45. He can handle almost any construction or repair project.
46. He is extremely patient with me, especially when I don't deserve it.
47. He works hard, but always makes time for his family.
48. His farming expertise comes in handy with my gardening hobby--except in planting sweet corn. (If you plant sweet corn as deep as field corn, you will end up planting flowers in the bare corn plot.)
49. He laughs just as hard as I do at "Everybody Loves Raymond" episodes.
50. We both look forward to Monday nights to watch "Rules of Engagement" and Thursday nights during "Survivor" seasons.
51. He never, ever complains about how much money I spend. Granted, I am a pretty thrifty person, but still, I appreciate it.
52. He has only complained about one meal our entire married life. The scene: I was pregnant with Nathan and had put up with a whining 1 1/2 year old Landen all day long. Yeah. It wasn't pretty. He never did that again.
53. He always orders butter on our popcorn when we go to movies.
54. He's a fun travel companion--whether it is a road trip with the family or a little January getaway together.
55. I have to say, he's pretty cute!
What I Do in my Free Time
I have slowly begun thinking about moving Teresa to her big girl bedroom downstairs. Believe it or not, I am not having a sentimental crisis over the idea. I have just been busy with other projects, like having my mom bake Key Lime Pie for me . . . and avoiding golf!
As I have mentioned before, the room will have a shoe theme. I asked my friends for some quotes on shoes awhile ago and found this one.
While my big-helper boys washed the tractor and Teresa napped this afternoon, I spent my time editing this picture of Teresa's favorite shoes for her new space.
As I have mentioned before, the room will have a shoe theme. I asked my friends for some quotes on shoes awhile ago and found this one.
While my big-helper boys washed the tractor and Teresa napped this afternoon, I spent my time editing this picture of Teresa's favorite shoes for her new space.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Golfing Makes Me Crabby
No offense to my friends and family who love the sport, but golfing makes me crabby.
I tried to like it. David and I went a few times when we were dating. I think I was just so happy to be outside and not in my Modern China class that I thought I actually liked it, even though the actual making contact with the ball quite often eluded me.
After I had Landen, any inkling of liking it definitely passed. It's not like one can take a toddler out on the golf course and have a leisurely afternoon. Having to watch out for flying golf balls and swinging golf clubs takes care of that. Try keeping a little boy--my little boy anyway--in a golf cart for the better part of two hours. Yep. It's as fun as it sounds.
I have always told David that I might like golfing if a course had four or maybe five holes. It just takes SO long to golf a full round! Any of my free time is usually chopped up into five minute intervals. If I have two or more blessed hours of free time, I can think of at least 100 better ways to spend it than on a golf course. The worst part is when one round isn't enough for the golfers. Then I'm grasping for my cell phone and searching for the crisis help line. It really is a matter of life or death. I just can't take more than one round.
My father-in-law was describing a hypothetical golf vacation a couple years ago. We would drive about four hours to David's sister's and golf in most of the towns between home and there. I looked at him with terror in my eyes and said, "That sounds like a slow death by torture." The thought still gives me chills.
David thinks I may learn to like golf someday so I can spend time with our family. Seriously, I get to spend all the time I could ever ask for (and sometimes more) with our kids. If they learn to golf and want to spend a couple hours with their dad on the golf course, that is fine with me!
If I must go along, I will wait in the parking lot and read a good book. Now THAT sounds like two hours well spent.
I tried to like it. David and I went a few times when we were dating. I think I was just so happy to be outside and not in my Modern China class that I thought I actually liked it, even though the actual making contact with the ball quite often eluded me.
After I had Landen, any inkling of liking it definitely passed. It's not like one can take a toddler out on the golf course and have a leisurely afternoon. Having to watch out for flying golf balls and swinging golf clubs takes care of that. Try keeping a little boy--my little boy anyway--in a golf cart for the better part of two hours. Yep. It's as fun as it sounds.
I have always told David that I might like golfing if a course had four or maybe five holes. It just takes SO long to golf a full round! Any of my free time is usually chopped up into five minute intervals. If I have two or more blessed hours of free time, I can think of at least 100 better ways to spend it than on a golf course. The worst part is when one round isn't enough for the golfers. Then I'm grasping for my cell phone and searching for the crisis help line. It really is a matter of life or death. I just can't take more than one round.
My father-in-law was describing a hypothetical golf vacation a couple years ago. We would drive about four hours to David's sister's and golf in most of the towns between home and there. I looked at him with terror in my eyes and said, "That sounds like a slow death by torture." The thought still gives me chills.
David thinks I may learn to like golf someday so I can spend time with our family. Seriously, I get to spend all the time I could ever ask for (and sometimes more) with our kids. If they learn to golf and want to spend a couple hours with their dad on the golf course, that is fine with me!
If I must go along, I will wait in the parking lot and read a good book. Now THAT sounds like two hours well spent.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
A Cool Pie
Now that our days have finally warmed, it is time for a refreshing pie recipe. I just happened to find key lime juice at one of the bigger grocery stores in the area. I LOVE Key Lime Pie and thought I was going to have to return to the Keys if I was ever going to experience a real key lime pie again.
Not so! It turns out the fine people in Key West ship this liquid sunshine all over the country! Who knew?
There was a recipe on the back of the bottle, so I thought that would be a good project for my mom and her grandchildren to try out this past weekend. It was super yummy.
Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Pie
1-14 oz. can fat free or regular sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup key lime juice
Combine milk, egg yolks, and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Pour into 9-inch graham cracker pie shell and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. All to stand 10 minutes before refrigerating. Just before serving, top with whipped cream.
(This isn't our pie, but doesn't it look pretty?) :o)
Not so! It turns out the fine people in Key West ship this liquid sunshine all over the country! Who knew?
There was a recipe on the back of the bottle, so I thought that would be a good project for my mom and her grandchildren to try out this past weekend. It was super yummy.
Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Pie
1-14 oz. can fat free or regular sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup key lime juice
Combine milk, egg yolks, and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Pour into 9-inch graham cracker pie shell and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. All to stand 10 minutes before refrigerating. Just before serving, top with whipped cream.
(This isn't our pie, but doesn't it look pretty?) :o)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A Smart Girl . . .
is always prepared for any kind of situation--rain or shine. 
Most importantly, she must wear pretty shoes.
Most importantly, she must wear pretty shoes.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Field of Dreams
Tonight was Landen's first t-ball game. There are a few things I learned about t-ball at this first game.
#1--There are no outs in t-ball. (Which is good since our throw to first could use some work.) :o)
#2--Everyone gets to play--even if that means there are 3 players covering each base.
#3--The last batter gets an automatic in-field grand slam homerun.
#4--Both teams win.
The players were all just so cute! Baseball is such an awesome sport. It combines the freedom of summer, sunshine, sunflower seeds, visiting parents, smiling kids, and dirt. They all come together to make wonderful summer memories.
Go Wildcats!
#1--There are no outs in t-ball. (Which is good since our throw to first could use some work.) :o)
#2--Everyone gets to play--even if that means there are 3 players covering each base.
#3--The last batter gets an automatic in-field grand slam homerun.
#4--Both teams win.
The players were all just so cute! Baseball is such an awesome sport. It combines the freedom of summer, sunshine, sunflower seeds, visiting parents, smiling kids, and dirt. They all come together to make wonderful summer memories.
Go Wildcats!
Milestone Birthday Party
We had a fun weekend not only spending it with extended family, but celebrating several milestone birthdays, too!
We gave my dad a guitar. He has always said he wanted to learn how to play, and there's no time like turning 60 to start!
Most of our honorees--My uncle Sonny (70) lives in Louisiana and was unable to be at the party--Jerry (60), Phil (40), Linda (60), Rod (60), and Wendell (50). I have to say--I don't think any of them "look their age"!
There was plenty of water fun in the backyard--the slip n' slide, garden hose, and this huge tub the kids filled with water!
Teresa wasn't about to be left out of the fun, either. It didn't take her long to get wet and wild just like everyone else!
We gave my dad a guitar. He has always said he wanted to learn how to play, and there's no time like turning 60 to start!
Most of our honorees--My uncle Sonny (70) lives in Louisiana and was unable to be at the party--Jerry (60), Phil (40), Linda (60), Rod (60), and Wendell (50). I have to say--I don't think any of them "look their age"!
There was plenty of water fun in the backyard--the slip n' slide, garden hose, and this huge tub the kids filled with water!
Teresa wasn't about to be left out of the fun, either. It didn't take her long to get wet and wild just like everyone else!
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