Friday, June 26, 2009

Sweet! (and free)


I'm a big fan of chocolate. I'm even a bigger fan of chocolate if it's free! My MIL sent me this link (thanks Mom!) Registering takes 2 minutes and every Friday, the MARS company sends out 250,000 coupons for FREE CHOCOLATE. You do have to be patient because the coupon comes via snail mail, but won't it be sweet when you open up your mailbox to find a coupon for chocolate among the bills and junk mail?
Oh Yeah.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Hot Air Balloon

Today my neighbor and I took our kids to the hot air balloon (as they like to call it). Now, yes it's a hot air balloon, but it's tethered down. This balloon is on the now closed El Toro Marine Base. Since the closing of the base, the community has been back and forth about what to put there. For a while, they wanted to build an airport there. Now they've decided to build "The Great Park"
The place is supposed to be pretty amazing once it's done. But for now, the balloon is really cool and it's free!





After the balloon ride, we wanted to go out for free burritos. Yes, I said free. See picture below:

But the line was wrapped around the building. I bet there were 100 people in line for free burritos. Oh well, we might try to go there for dinner instead.

Father's Day

We spent Father's Day on our boat in Lake Elsinore. It was a beautiful day. Here are some fun pictures.



Monday, June 22, 2009

Quote to Remember

Daddy: Did you eat all your hotdog, Zack?
Zack: Yes.
Daddy: Did you eat all your bread?
Zack: No, I put some of it in the garbage.
Daddy: That's ok
Zack: My belly so full, it's goin' up and up and up and my neck is gonna come off my head.

Let's hope not.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Artist in the Making


This drawing was done by Gabby a few days ago, just from her looking at the DVD case from the movie Tale of Despereaux. There was no tracing involved. I couldn't ever come close to drawing this. I think she's showing us her talent at the young age of 6. Anyone have any ideas about how to cultivate this artist in the making?

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Last Day of Kindergarten

I can't believe that a whole school year has come and gone. It seems just like yesterday that I posted about the First Day of Kindergarten!
Today seemed like any other Thursday morning but it's the last time we'll rush to school at 8am, it's the last time I'll pack just a snack, it's the last time she'll go to school without a backpack, and it's the last time she'll be home before lunchtime.

Kindergarten has come and gone. Off to First Grade!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Homemade Applesauce


One of our friends has an apple tree that decided to produce fruit early this year. We were blessed with a HUGE bag of apples from them this morning! So, this afternoon, I made applesauce and added a few plums to it because after purchasing a big box of them from Costco, I found out the kids didn't like them!
Josh loved the plum applesauce. Can you tell?

Poppop would be Proud



When I was Gabby's age, I was able to spend a week with each set of grandparents. One of the things I remember doing at Nana and Poppop's house was playing hours and hours of solitare with my cousins and Poppop. Just yesterday, I had the privilege of teaching my 6 year old the "art" of solitare.
Poppop would be so proud.

Break Dancers?

Being a child of the 80's, I find it quite appropriate that my kids like to break dance...and this is without even trying.


Saturday, June 13, 2009

Confessions


I confess. I did it. I took my kid's bag of cookies and while she was sleeping and I ate the whole bag. Yes, I said it...the whole bag. Why? Probably because I'm home alone and don't have anyone here keeping me accountable. Forget that it's not healthy to eat a whole bag of cookies. Forget that they are loaded with sugar and fat. Forget that I should have shared it.
THE BAG DIDN'T BELONG TO ME! IT WAS GABBY'S!
What the heck was I thinking?

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Rice Pudding

If you like Rice Pudding, this recipe is a KEEPER!!! So yummy and creamy, you'll want to fill your bowl twice and lick it when you're done. Oh yeah.

6 cups milk
3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice (not instant-type rice)
1 cup whipping cream (I often just use Half & Half 10% cream, as I always
have it on hand)
3/4 cup sugar
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
(optional) 1 tsp. cinnamon (to sprinkle on top)


METHOD
Rinse a large saucepan with cold water and pat dry. (This is a MUST to keep the milk from burning in the bottom of your pan. I didn't believe it, but it's really true)

Pour in milk and bring to a boil over medium heat. *Watch carefully. When it hits the boil it can very quickly boil up and over and make an awful mess! Stir in rice and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 55 minutes or until the rice is tender (taste test the rice to be sure and cook longer if needed).

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients (sugar, cream or half and half, egg yolks, vanilla and salt). When the rice is cooked, remove from heat. Whisk a small amount of the pudding into the egg yolks mixture, stir, then add the yolk mixture into the pudding. Cook only long enough to just bring back to a boil. Remove from heat, cool slightly and put into a covered casserole dish or bowl. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if
desired. Refrigerate. Enjoy!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

There is finally a difference

Two nights ago, the three kids were in the bathtub at the same time.

Gabby: Why do Zack and Josh have the same bottoms?
Mommy: Because they are boys.
Gabby: Why is mine different?
Mommy: Because you're a girl.
Gabby: Is it like that so we can tell the difference?
Mommy: Yes, that's the reason. You're one smart little girl.
Gabby: (grin)

Guess it's time for separate baths.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Quote of the Day

While looking at Facebook status updates Gabby says:

Gabby: What is LOL?
Mommy: It means Laugh Out Loud
Gabby: Huh? That's a short word for a long sentence.

She'll get them all soon enough I'm sure.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Oops, Forgot the Diaper Bag


As we ran out the door this morning to get to our playdate, I debated whether to bring the diaper bag. I figured it wasn't necessary because Josh had already done his morning duty (if you know what I mean). So, as the play continued, I realized Josh was uncomfortable. Can you tell?

Good Buddies

Today Zack had a playdate with Mr. H. Mr. H's mom and I have been trying to get the boys together for a playdate for a long time and today it finally worked out. The boys had so much fun and left McDonalds playland completely sweaty. What a great morning.