Swinging on Birches

This recipe is courtesy of Southern Living Magazine and my friend LeeAnn. I've made it several times now, and each time it is amazing and perfect for a fall or winter evening.  Just a warning, though--probably not a recipe for most little ones as it does have some bite to it. Note that I bolded and italicized the part about puttingit into the food processor in batches.  I promise this will save you a BIG mess in the kitchen.  You think I'd have learned after making it repeatedly... 2 T butter or margarine 1 large onion chopped (I use half an onion as hubby isn't a huge onion fan) 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 5 cups chicken broth (or stock) 1 large baking potato, peeled and chopped 1 1/4 t salt 1/2 t chili powder 1/2 t cumin (I used more because I love the flavor) 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin (Or a fresh pumpkin, roasted.  I bet you could use butternut squash, too.) 1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro 2 c milk 3 T fresh lime jui...

At the small group Bible study that Bryan and I attend, we are reading through the Book of James. Tonight was the first night I was able to attend, and even though I don't know everyone there, you know how you just get  a feeling when something starts about whether or not it's going to be good?  I think it is. We talked about a number of wonderfully thought-provoking, introspective items, but when my friend was finishing our prayers for the night, she, along with good ol' Jimmy, got me thinking about having the courage to be quiet. James 1:19-20 reads, 'You must understand this, my beloved:  let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's righteousness.' Let's be honest.  You've read my posts.  At the very least, you can tell that I'm not slow to speak or slow to anger.  Those stick out for me like VERY large and sore thumbs that have probably been hit by a number of things and continued to...

Well, I figured it was about that time.  I mean, he's 22 months old.  I can just picture him at his 2nd birthday celebration with it hanging out of his mouth.  Or worse yet, the screaming 5-year-old on "Toddlers and Tiaras."  The other two (younger) kids at our daddy daycare haven't had theirs for awhile.  Our relatives are asking about it.  One of my awesome new-age momma friends with a little boy the same age has even managed to part with it.  The time had come to get rid of the binky. We had been planning to over summer.  Then over winter break.  But, there was always an excuse.  He was teething.  Or sick.  Or we were sick.  Or tired.  But, finally, we just had to bite the bullet. A little backstory: Wardie LOVES Yo Gabba Gabba.  Sort of a weird show, but all in all, I can deal with it.  Anyway, there's an episode about babies that we've seen a bajillion times, and he loves the ...

Does this face look like it's capable of doing something mischievous? Yes, you say?  Well, you're probably right.  Especially in light of yesterday's exploits. I have a nutcracker sitting on our fireplace mantel  from when I saw the ballet as a little girl.  Wardie, of course, loves it since it's breakable and up too high for him to reach.  Shocking.  He calls him "man" and loves to hold and play with him.  (I'm not too worried as it's already been well-loved throughout the years, but it is still special to me). So, yesterday I came home from work to my wonderful husband and Wardie, who had been spending the day together.  Wardie asked for the "man" and curiously, he was nowhere to be found.  Hubby thought he had been put somewhere special, but clearly, that was not the case.  So, "man" was missing. Finally, Wardie ran to the stairs and said, "up."  He then proceeded to climb the stairs and run into ...

I'm not apologizing. Well, that's partially true.  I'll apologize if I do something wrong or if I offend someone of if I hurt somebody.  But, I'm tired of being made to feel bad for who I am. Like everyone else, I'm a complicated human being.  A mixed bag.  When I try and describe myself, I find that I am passionate, happy, tired, angry, loving, excited, wondering, child-like, mature, quick-witted, a slow learner.  I believe in relaxation, but that idle hands are indeed the devil's workshop.  I believe in cooking dinner and ordering a pizza when you're tired.  I believe in a strong family and supportive friends.  I believe that issues should be addressed in a kind manner.  I believe humor can solve many problems.  I believe in technology and in candles.  I believe in helping others to get started, but working to do the best you can to stay on your own two feet.  And a number of other things, I'm sure. I think som...

Ok, another delicious recipe that Wardie loves!  I also love it because it's healthy, cheap and easy--the trifecta:)  I found it in an old issue of Parenting magazine and tweaked it a bit. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (found in the aisle with the dried beans) 1/2 onion, chopped (it calls for a whole one, but I think that's too much) 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 c fresh parsley leaves 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cumin (I added a bit more of this--it's the crucial flavor) 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (can be a bit spicy for little ones, not necessary) Flour Olive oil Pita pockets (I use wheat ones, which were delicious!) Cherry tomatoes, sliced Lettuce leaves, torn Plain Greek Yogurt Mint, chopped Get some water boiling in a large pot.  Add a little salt and then the chickpeas.  The recipe says to cook these for 10 minutes, or until slightly softened, but I think you need to do this way longer.  I recommend about 20 minutes or ...

Things that I found on the floor of my bedroom tonight: Plastic golf club Kid potty Baby doll Discarded footy pajamas Leap pad Tiny socks