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It's been GORGEOUS outside the last few days... low 70's, sunshine, and blue skies! You know, the type of weather that calls you outside to do hopscotch with sidewalk chalk! So, what did we do?
Yes, inside hopscotch. Why? I'm not really sure! The girls just kept hopping, so I decided to put some tape down for numbers to play the real thing :)
As you can see, we at least left the front door open for fresh air. (In case you were wondering -- Sierra didn't escape, though it may look like it from the picture below!) We did get out quite a bit to ride bikes, play ball, play with Triscuit, and just sit on the front porch. I absolutely love living on a cul-de-sac! 
And, I managed to squeeze in a 5.7 mile run today. Don't worry, though. I quickly put back the calories thanks to my husband's miso seared scallops, bacon green beans, and a glass of wine!
As Fancy Nancy would say... "Ooh, la, la!" As always, he did an awesome job. Of course, he had some practice. The night before he cooked his "last meal," at his station. You see, as a firefighter, every time you switch stations, there is an unwritten rule; a tradition, per se, that you are to make an awesome meal before leaving. I often hear of these meals he has, and become quite jealous. I was pleasantly surprised tonight to find out not only did I not have to cook, but I got to partake in one of these special meals! (He left out the leg of lamb, as I am not a lamb fan!)
Why does a sad baby face make me laugh? Poor Sierra!
Daniel and I don't get around to watching too many movies. However, this summer we rented "Julie and Julia," and thought it was pretty good, (other than the ending.) One thing I took from the movie was Daniel saying he wanted to try cooking beef bourgunion, (Julia's signature dish). You really can't watch that movie and not want to try something! Of course, to make it you need one of these:
A Dutch oven! I tucked that little nook of information away for Christmas time. I am always trying to collect ideas throughout the year, as I find my husband very difficult to shop for! Anyway, I was very excited when he not only was surprised by the gift, (a little early, as I didn't get it put away in time), but decided last night to give it a try!
The recipe was a little time-consuming, actually. First, the meat needed to marinate overnight in garlic and wine. (I'll wait while you wipe up the drool!) The next day, he had to stir-fry the meat and veggies, then cook for a couple hours. I don't think I've ever smelled anything so yummy cooking in our home as this!
And, here it is:
I cannot tell you how yummy it was! My husband is an awesome cook, but I think this was one of my favorite meals he's ever made! We had some kalmata olive bread to go with it, which was perfect! Merry Christmas... to me! :)
Our theme for school this week is "H is for Horse." The girls love it, because they love horses. Daniel and I love it because of the verse that goes with it: "Children, obey your parents in EVERYTHING, for this pleases the Lord." Col. 3:20 Just like a well-trained horse, kids are to obey right away! (Hoping the message sinks in soon :) )
We made these horse puppets by first tracing the girls feet for the horse heads. (I got the foot-tracing idea from Busy Bee Kids Crafts). We used triangles and brads for the ears, and practiced our knot tying with the mane. The sticks where they wrote their names are actually tongue depressers from the doctor. I may have asked for a couple last time I was there!
Blueberry Face is 14 months old, today!
Walks everywhere.
Says "Moo, wuff, Mama, Papa, and sssss," among other things such as "Yeh, yeh, yeh!" (Smart girl knows her last name!)
LOVES to read, climb, and make big messes (As I'm blogging, she's dumping silverware and cups on the floor... yikes!)
Still has curls; lots of them!
I'm in love.
Ok, she's going for the printer paper... that's only a step away from me! Gotta run!
Happy 2011! Hope you had a wonderful time ringing in the new year! We had a super blessed evening with some of our favorite people doing our annual fondue! First, we had to get prepared... first we got Christmas put away, and then it was on to some fun! We stole borrowed this idea from Alisa Burke via Be Different Act Normal to make fortune cookies. So easy, (with a slight learning curve), and so fun! Allison was in charge of writing all the "fortunes," (i.e. "God loves you")
We wrapped the table in butcher paper with markers at each end for a fun place to write resolutions...
The fortune cookie recipe made about 9 fortune cookies, so we put one next to each plate.
Our dear, dear, sweet friends!
Of course, no resolutions were made... but there were lots of fun pictures and stories from the creative kiddos!
Don't worry... it's just sparkling cranberry juice!
And for dessert...
We tried some new things with these s'mores; peanut butter cups, chocolate bark, peppermint bark, (which was a favorite!), and Ghiradelli dark chocolate squares. Mmmmm...
The annual puzzle race took place, and was completed successfully before midnight. The girls then went off to play as we talked and talked and talked... then looked at the clock and realized it was 11:00pm; and the kids were still up playing! Yikes!
After saying goodbye, putting the girls down, and getting ready for bed ourselves, we looked at the clock and had 2 minutes until midnight. I'm happy to report for the first time in our marriage, (at least to the best of our memories), we stayed up until the New Year. Woohoo! Can't wait to see what God has in store for 2011! Blessings on you this new year!
Yes, inside hopscotch. Why? I'm not really sure! The girls just kept hopping, so I decided to put some tape down for numbers to play the real thing :)
As you can see, we at least left the front door open for fresh air. (In case you were wondering -- Sierra didn't escape, though it may look like it from the picture below!) We did get out quite a bit to ride bikes, play ball, play with Triscuit, and just sit on the front porch. I absolutely love living on a cul-de-sac! 
And, I managed to squeeze in a 5.7 mile run today. Don't worry, though. I quickly put back the calories thanks to my husband's miso seared scallops, bacon green beans, and a glass of wine!
As Fancy Nancy would say... "Ooh, la, la!" As always, he did an awesome job. Of course, he had some practice. The night before he cooked his "last meal," at his station. You see, as a firefighter, every time you switch stations, there is an unwritten rule; a tradition, per se, that you are to make an awesome meal before leaving. I often hear of these meals he has, and become quite jealous. I was pleasantly surprised tonight to find out not only did I not have to cook, but I got to partake in one of these special meals! (He left out the leg of lamb, as I am not a lamb fan!)
