Foraging

Carsten has been foraging a lot lately. Here he is eating an avocado he got out of the fridge, peel and all.

 Here he is eating a (not quite ripe) red pepper he prematurely picked out of the garden.

Treyton used to sneak spinach leaves off the counter when I was making salad (although he hates spinach now and doesn't like being reminded of that story). I've just never been able to get upset at a kid eating healthy foods without permission. :)

Baking Cookies

Carsten & Paxton were helping bake cookies.

I don't remember now what I had to step away for, but apparently it was just enough time for Carsten measure everything back out of the bowl that had previously been measured into it.

I like to take pictures when I find messes like this for two reasons:

1. To document/preserve childhood memories
2. To give myself time to defuse before reacting...

Pinewood Derby

In March Treyton had his first Pinewood Derby.

 Ethan volunteered to help hand back cars after they raced.

 Elise entertained Carsten (i.e. kept him from crossing the "Caution" tape and grabbing race cars).

Refreshments were served afterward: Capri Suns and KRISPY KREMES! I hadn't had one of those in years! Delicious, as always. :) It's a good thing the nearest location is several miles away.

"Soon" is relative...

I give up. May is nearly half over, which means the year is nearly half over, and I still don't have our Christmas update posted! I've wanted to post a few times, but felt that I simply *had* to post the Christmas update first, with the net result being that I haven't posted anything. :(
So, here is our 2011 in a tiny, tiny nutshell:

Brian: bought a boat
Chanda: had a baby without an epidural
Ethan: played tackle football
Elise: started rock climbing
Treyton: started piano lessons
Carsten: started talking
Paxton: was born

Ta da! I am now free to post 2012 events without 2011 still hanging over my head. :) With any luck, I'll post something before Christmas...

Coming Soon! - 2011 Update

Our Christmas card didn't get out until after Christmas, and now that it finally got mailed, I still haven't gotten anything put up here... BUT, stay tuned and I will eventually get something posted here in the not too distant future. :)

One Minute Ciabatta Bread

So much for my New Year's resolution to blog more... :) Here it is half-way through February already and I'm back-dating my first post to January so I won't have missed a whole month.

Anyway, I did make an amazing discovery in January. I stumbled upon a recipe for ciabatta bread that takes only one minute of preparation (presuming the ingredients and utensils are pre-gathered)! It has only four ingredients and it is delicious. In fact, here's a picture of my first attempt:

I wasn't able to get the camera before it was all gone! :)

1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dry yeast
2 c warm water
4 c flour
==================
Mix (easily done by hand with a big spoon) and let rise for 8-12 hours, then shape and bake for 25 minutes at 400 degrees.

I've told everyone I could to Google "one minute bread" and find this recipe because it is nothing short of amazing to me! I shall never buy ciabatta bread again!

Merry Christmas 2010

Brian
His chiropractic practice is still doing well, which is a blessing we're all grateful for. Brian continues to do a lot of maintenance and upgrades around the house. This year, he installed cabinets and countertops for my craft area, as well as cabinets in the laundry room. He also installed a new fountain in the backyard, floodlights, a new barbecue grill, and a TV that swivels so the kids can watch movies either on the trampoline or in the hot tub. He is a master gardener and, in addition to his oranges and grapefruits that multiply exponentially each year, he is growing strawberries, a few varieties of tomatoes, basil, and red peppers.

Chanda
I've enjoyed being home with Carsten, watching him learn and grow. I've also had a lot of fun this year with the embroidery machine Brian gave me last Christmas; it's opened up a whole new list of hobby projects for me. I'm hoping to also find the time to get back on the blogging bandwagon this year.
Brian and I are looking forward to celebrating our 4th anniversary in January.

Ethan
Ethan turned 12 in November and was ordained a deacon. He is in 6th grade and doing well; he got almost all "A"s this quarter. He continues to participate in swim team during summers and flag football in fall.

Elise
Elise turned 8 in July and was baptized. She is enjoying 2nd grade. She is a good artist and she does a great job of "babysitting" Carsten so I can get other things done around the house; she is so loving and tender with him, it is really sweet to see.

Treyton
Treyton turned 7 in August and is loving 2nd grade. He took Spanish, cooking, and science in summer school and wants to be a scientist. He is very good reader and is hoping to start piano lessons in January.

Carsten
Carsten turned 1 in October and started walking mid-December. He has taken a couple of baby signing classes; he signs "more" and "all done" at mealtimes and is working on more. He enjoys playing with cars, trains and anything with wheels. He sings and hums and dances when there is music on. He is adorable and we all love having him around.


We hope this finds you well and happy! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! :)