I love having a garden. I especially loved it when Joel and Bill finally set up the drip system and saved me several hours of watering time.
Check out those peppers! This is the best year we’ve had for them. This is the worst year that we’ve had for our zucchini, squash bugs got them all. Most of our tomatoes are all very green, but we had a few today that were nice and ripe! And those potatoes seriously make the best fries and mashed potatoes.
In the words of Jack, “What a treat!”
We checked out the Reading Rainbow episode of the Milk Makers. Did you ever watch Reading Rainbow growing up? I remember it some, mostly the theme song and the black guy, Lavar. Well, it was about cows and milk, (I’m sure the title didn’t give it away) but then they went to a cheese factory. So Jack and I decided to try it out for ourselves!
It looks like cheese, has a cheese texture, but was pretty bland, tasting to me like ricotta cheese. Jack really liked it though! I want to make it again but putting some pesto in with it to make it taste better. We’ve talked about getting a milking cow when Jack is a bit older, so if I don’t figure it out now, I’m sure we’ll have ample opportunity later.
It still cracks me up that for some reason Jack squints his one eye whenever the camera comes out.
Jack was having a hard time sitting in his seat one Sunday, so Shiela, new in the primary presidency, invited him to sit by her. He sat down, looked at her boots, looked at her face, looked at her boots, looked at her face, smiled and then pulled his pant leg up to shoe her his boots. They have been buddies ever since.
Jack invited Shiela to come over and play with him, and today was the day. She came to play and eat lunch with us. Before she came, Jack asked me if Shiela and I would not talk because he invited her over to play with him. It was so much fun and Jack laughed the entire time. They played in the dirt, fed the chickens, chased a frog, played with his toys and read books. I am so thankful for her taking time out for us. Jack felt so special and loved. He said that being with her makes him feel happy. Thank you, thank you, thank you Shiela!
(Sage after recent mullet trim, 6/11/2010)
I’ve recently started turning my blog into a book. I’m still in the first few months of 2008. It is fun so far to do, interesting to see what I wrote about, and fun to see the little things that I’ve forgotten. One major thing that sticks out the most is how doted upon Jack was. Holy smokes, he can use a spoon! He had a hair cut, twice but still looks bald! But then I look, and there has not that much detail given to every little thing Sage has done. I feel kind of bad. But she has always known how to use a spoon. She hasn’t had a major haircut yet, but I’ve been trimming the back until her mullet grows out. Sage, don’t think that it is because we loved you less, but because you were a really difficult baby! You required A LOT of hands on bouncing while you screamed and SCREAMED. I didn’t have hands to record your every little accomplishment, though they were mentally noted. Plus you are just leaps and bounds ahead of your age – we had a well check up today and you’ve already reached all the milestones for a 3 year old. Sage, you are doted upon, and absolutely adored, and are simply amazing. In Joel’s words, you are awesome.
This past Saturday I had to opportunity to play for a special musical number at a funeral for a 6 yr old boy who has died from leukemia. It was really sad, I didn't even know him, and only know of the family, but it was definately a tear jerker. It was also the BEST funeral that I've ever been to in terms of the talks given. Anyway, the song I accompanied was for Michael McLean's song Together Forever Someday. When Shiela (the woman who was asked to sing) called and asked if I could play for her, we both thought it an odd song. I've thought of it as more of a soft rock, upbeat song. But the more I sang it to myself and hearing Shiela sing it, even just practicing brought us both to tears. It was beautiful and the message perfect given the circumstances. I would want it too:
Well, it's hard to say goodbye and let go, and it's hard to see it end,
when the mem'ries we've just made may never happen again.
But it's harder for time to ever erase the together times we've shared.
So, when we're apart remember all the love we've shared together;
and for all that love, thank the Lord above who showed us the way
that we can be together forever someday,
we can be together forever someday,
we will be together forever someday.
Sage is turning 2 this month. I can’t believe it. I love love LOVE this little girl. She is full of spunk and personality. She is really smart, and speaks so much, answering “No” to every question you ask, and has to do everything herself. Sometimes I have to pinch myself that she is really mine. She is so darn beautiful and absolutely adorable – what a heart full.
In case you didn’t know, I love food! I love good food. I love to make good food. Lately I’ve been obsessed with eating salads for lunch and dinner. Part of the reason for this is because I have a new favorite dressing that I just can’t get enough of. My friend Kim, who I just idolize because she is just simply amazing, makes the dressing and so I finally got the recipe she uses. You are supposed to beat it, but my food processor does a mighty fine job. Just try it, you’ll love it – trust me.
Poppy Seed Dressing:
Combine 3/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated onion. Mix thoroughly. Add 1 cup vegetable (not olive) oil little by little. When added and dressing is thick, add 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds; beat one minute more.
While I’m at it, here is Kim’s Pesto recipe that makes all store bought pesto become unpalatable. She has given it to me MANY times before and I keep on losing it, so now at least I will always know where a copy is.
Pesto:
3 Tablespoons nuts (pine nuts that have been toasted are the ultimate, but supposedly you can use a different type of nuts, but it won’t be as good), 2 cups Basil, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 Tablespoons parmesan cheese (I had been grating mine first but last time we made it Katherine just cut a chunk off the cheese and I must say, after feeling stupid for not thinking of it because it was an obvious yet brilliant time saver, it was a flavor enhancer), 1/2 oil. Put in food processor and enjoy! This freezes well.
Happy eating!
