O's and 5's

Luke keeps me busy looking for worksheets.

"O" is for Ornament

Check out his O's.

Luke's first attempts at writing 5's.

It is fun to teach new things and see the lightbulb turn on and the joy come over the face because "He did it!"

What's a Pirates Favorite Letter?

You probably already knew this but sofa cushions make the hardiest of pirate ships and quilts make the best waterfalls.

Brooms are capable paddles.

Dads are not captains but first mates!

Who is in charge here?

And then things just get silly.

"Rrrrrrrrrrrrrr"

Last Minute Gift Idea

Give your kids the gift of creativity this Christmas!

We got this Easel from Ikea this summer and it gets used nearly every day.

In our house this easel has become a staple.

I like that Luke has a place that he has access to express himself whether it be scribbling or a thoughtful art piece or writing practice.

Believe me, this is a gift that will keep giving back.

It has a chalkboard side, a whiteboard side, and a rod to hang a roll of paper for painting or drawing.

The best part: this easel is $14.99!

For this price you might want to get one for each child.

And while you are at it pick up some chalk for $1.99.

The kicker is that you cannot buy this item online. It is only available in stores.

Good for all of you that have an Ikea in your neighborhood.

Or pass the idea along to a family member that does and they can pick it up for you.

And if you can't get to one in time for Christmas just keep it in mind. Wouldn't this make an excellent birthday gift? Or any gift for that matter?

Just a thought!

Beef

Just in case you ever wondered what a 1/4 beef looks like in the back of my Rendezvous?

And this is what Phil looks like putting it away in the freezer. He is so good at organizing!

My dad and brother checked it out this weekend and gave the approval.

And you get a glimpse of our messy garage trash can, Luke's snow boots, Sanibel's dog food, and my Shark Steam Mop!

Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

4 medium baked potatoes

2 slices bacon

1/2 cup celery chopped

1/2 cup green onions with tops thinly sliced

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth

1 1/2 cups milk

1 garlic clove pressed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 cup light sour cream

2 ounces cheddar cheese shredded (1/2 cup)

Preparation:

First bake your potatoes.

1. Remove skins from baked potatoes. Coarsely mash potatoes.

I scoop the potato out with a spoon.

2. Cook bacon; crumble. Discard all but 1/2 teaspoon drippings in pan. Pour the drippings into the soup. Do not skip this important step! It adds so much flavor.

3. Chop celery. Thinly slice green onions. Add chicken broth, milk, mashed potatoes, celery, onions, garlic, salt and black pepper to drippings in pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes.

4. Stir in sour cream and reserved bacon.

I usually add a small amount of cream cheese. I just slice off a small hunk. I think that it adds some richness (and probably calories :) Also, I keep a bag of frozen peas and carrots in the freezer and add about two cupfuls.

Shred 2 tablespoons cheese over each serving

Garnish with bacon crumbles and green onions. Just like the restaurant!

Mac 'n Sneeze

In case you were wondering what the Little People Nativity Set prefers for lunch?

Mac 'n Sneeze of course!

(Mac 'n Sneeze is our affectionate term for macaroni and cheese. My brother came up with it and again I am living in a BOY world!)

Oh! And just in case you might be thinking that only cute and fun things happen around here let me explain that this photo was taken right before Luke said that he needed to use the potty. So I picked him up off his stool and at that point realized that he had already went potty and it was all over the floor and me.

Poop and pee.

The End

Boys

I am increasingly reminded that I am the only girl in this house!

Phil and Luke are playing the Wii and Micah is using the remote control for the t.v. as a Wii remote.

Feel the testosterone.