I expected the kids to be up at 6am since I didn't have to hustle them out the door to drop Megan at school, but no, they actually slept in, no doubt tired from the trip. So of course, the air conditioner guy calls at 8am to find out where our street is... for his appointment at 1pm. ARGH! So, then we were all up...
Lots of camps and activities going on around town and so far we have signed up for none of them. The girls just want to play and I am tired of waking up Patrick to drive them places, so this works for now. Patrick is scooting around now and Sean is working to put a gate up (and no doubt wondering if I can hire someone to do this job as it is quite a pain).
The girls have discovered if they are quiet I let them stay up later, and if they bug me during my computer time I start talking about teeth brushing. I suppose it is time to bring the hammer down and get back to my laundry. It doesn't seem that anyone is buying into my plan of just wearing bathing suits and pajamas all summer.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Weekend Update (not as funny as SNL version)
Now that I have two little pack mules, we have no problem shuffling from the curb to the check in counter, thereby avoiding having to overtip some guy with a cart helping us out. Much like the wedding industry, the travel industry sure knows how to take advantage of a stressful time. Seriously, where else would you be expected to tip someone $2-$5 per bag to put it on a cart and move it 50 feet? In a normal situation, that's merely being helpful, not a career. Oh, and we can top everyone who is griping about gas prices. Sean couldn't find a gas station before turning in the rental car and thereby paid $7.99 a gallon. Well done, well done. At least he didn't get the insurance this time, has been suckered into that before.
Anyway, the wedding was lovely in every way, I expected no less from my super-planner high school friend Melissa. She is Megan's "Fairy Godmother" and the girls adored her princess dress. Anna was practically stalking her all night, constantly asking to go see the bride. I believe both girls cut in on Melissa and Jon dancing at the end, just to give them an idea of what life with kids will be like. Patrick was pretty chill all weekend and even managed to get naps along the way. A remarkably smooth 3 days, but always good to get home to our own beds and our own carpet (couldn't bear to let Patrick crawl around at the hotel, paranoid mom). Now I am doing laundry (as always) and repacking for the trip on Friday.
Anyway, the wedding was lovely in every way, I expected no less from my super-planner high school friend Melissa. She is Megan's "Fairy Godmother" and the girls adored her princess dress. Anna was practically stalking her all night, constantly asking to go see the bride. I believe both girls cut in on Melissa and Jon dancing at the end, just to give them an idea of what life with kids will be like. Patrick was pretty chill all weekend and even managed to get naps along the way. A remarkably smooth 3 days, but always good to get home to our own beds and our own carpet (couldn't bear to let Patrick crawl around at the hotel, paranoid mom). Now I am doing laundry (as always) and repacking for the trip on Friday.
Milwaukee Weekend (We Survived)
Have you seen these outfits before?
Now, that's what I'm talking about!
The girls stalked the bride all night
Hedlun, thankful to have left his 2 year old twin boys at home
Thursday, May 22, 2008
101st Post
Also, the 2nd to last day of school. I really don't know how we've gotten to this point but I am sick of waking up children to get them to school or waking up Patrick to pick them up from school, so I guess we are ready for summer. I am also tired of the slack-jawed yokels in the car pool lane who just can't figure out how it works. One time I had Sean with me and as we were passing this one woman who is notorious for blocking traffic I said, "Look, it's the most important person in the world" which is a long running sarcastic joke we have and Megan cranes her neck around to see who it is. Where is the most important person?! She was so excited. Burst that bubble. I think she will love riding the bus next year...
We had planned to golf tonight, which would be my first round in 7 years, but it is raining. I suppose I don't need sore muscles on Saturday when we attempt to get all 5 of us and our luggage and car seats to Milwaukee for Melissa's wedding. A test run for our longer trip to Virginia next week. So, that's right thieves, the house will be empty. Alas, there is nothing worth stealing and the furniture is really really heavy if you were planning to move it and steal the carpet underneath (an easier job when they stole it from our twin house that was empty at the time). Who knew there was a big market for used carpet? Seriously though, we will be keeping pit bulls in the house while we are gone and they won't have enough food, so they'll be hungry. Come on in! While you're at it, could you water the flowers? Thanks.
We had planned to golf tonight, which would be my first round in 7 years, but it is raining. I suppose I don't need sore muscles on Saturday when we attempt to get all 5 of us and our luggage and car seats to Milwaukee for Melissa's wedding. A test run for our longer trip to Virginia next week. So, that's right thieves, the house will be empty. Alas, there is nothing worth stealing and the furniture is really really heavy if you were planning to move it and steal the carpet underneath (an easier job when they stole it from our twin house that was empty at the time). Who knew there was a big market for used carpet? Seriously though, we will be keeping pit bulls in the house while we are gone and they won't have enough food, so they'll be hungry. Come on in! While you're at it, could you water the flowers? Thanks.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Too Nice To Blog
Yes, May is the time to visit Kansas, that brief period between cold and hot. It is so nice that Sean went for a run yesterday and his next PT test isn't until October! I even did a little yard work, shocking I know. Okay, 7 minutes to trim bushes, does that even count? I also washed the windows with that stuff you spray on with your hose. I don't think that counts because I don't think it really works but it's pretty fun. I enlisted the girls to help clean up trimmings and wash flower pots, offering them points for Gryffendor, which goes along with their Harry Potter pretend play. I probably didn't even spell that right since I've never read the books, just listen along with the girls. Anna wanted 100 points each for 10 minutes of work and I was debating with Sean if that was too many points and then he pointed out that these are points for pride, there's no Target redemption value. 100 points each it is!
Anyway, this weekend also marked another anniversary, 12 years since we graduated from college. I still have a head full of trivia from all those classes (okay, mostly one piece of trivia which is that more people die from toothpick related injuries every year than from aesbestos (sp?)) and I still have the set of heavy dishes I made in pottery class. I also made flower pots which the girls were most impressed with when they were washing them for me yesterday. What a great age, they are easily impressed. I suppose I could get my wheel out and get back to work. Yes, in all my free time. Easier to find time for the computer as that doesn't require getting goopy clay all over my arms. Someday...
Anyway, this weekend also marked another anniversary, 12 years since we graduated from college. I still have a head full of trivia from all those classes (okay, mostly one piece of trivia which is that more people die from toothpick related injuries every year than from aesbestos (sp?)) and I still have the set of heavy dishes I made in pottery class. I also made flower pots which the girls were most impressed with when they were washing them for me yesterday. What a great age, they are easily impressed. I suppose I could get my wheel out and get back to work. Yes, in all my free time. Easier to find time for the computer as that doesn't require getting goopy clay all over my arms. Someday...
Friday, May 16, 2008
Public Service Announcement
Okay nose ring wearers, you may think that you're edgy and cool and young and hip with your nose ring thing but I was voted to bring you the bad news. Yes, it looks like a zit. And when you grow up and take it out, do you think it's going to heal back perfectly and no longer look like a zit? Well, a smaller one perhaps. If you're lucky.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Perfect Weather Day 5.5
Sunny and 70 today, perfect. And yes, Gavin came and put some chemicals on the lawn yesterday, so much for the girls getting out and enjoying the day with a nice roll in the grass. Sean and I took advantage of the weather though. Sean left work at an undisclosed time today and we decided to check out the remodeled club which just reopened. Very nice by the way, and even nicer when you don't have your kids with you (sitter comes on Wednesday so I can run errands in peace). Looks like a lot of the regulars were happy it was open again too. As I said to Sean, you'd think we're the only ones under 65 who don't work in this town. And then he said, you're apparently the only woman they allow in the club too, must be women are for serving here. Har har.
I realized that if I didn't go buy some golf clubs soon Sean would just keep saying that is my gift for various occasions. I was told to pick them out for my birthday last year and then for our anniversary and Mother's Day he told me the same thing. Fool me once. Easy sale for some lucky sales guy today, just give me something better than Sean's old set, not picky. Back during the poverty years we would split up his sad little set into two bags (I believe mine was technically a pitch 'n' putt bag, held about 3 clubs) so they'd let us on the brown little par 3 course across the street from our apartment.
Anyway, after lunch, err.. I mean dinner, Colonel Hospital Commander Sir, we went down to the range so I could try those puppies out. It turns out that I hit them all the same distance (which is "not far") and could have saved a bit of money by just buying one of them and then a putter. Oh well, now I appear to be an official golfer so I can ride in the cart with Sean, and justify buying a cute golf outfit from Athleta. If I can wear their yoga clothes for watching TV, then I can wear their golf stuff to ride around. Fore!
I realized that if I didn't go buy some golf clubs soon Sean would just keep saying that is my gift for various occasions. I was told to pick them out for my birthday last year and then for our anniversary and Mother's Day he told me the same thing. Fool me once. Easy sale for some lucky sales guy today, just give me something better than Sean's old set, not picky. Back during the poverty years we would split up his sad little set into two bags (I believe mine was technically a pitch 'n' putt bag, held about 3 clubs) so they'd let us on the brown little par 3 course across the street from our apartment.
Anyway, after lunch, err.. I mean dinner, Colonel Hospital Commander Sir, we went down to the range so I could try those puppies out. It turns out that I hit them all the same distance (which is "not far") and could have saved a bit of money by just buying one of them and then a putter. Oh well, now I appear to be an official golfer so I can ride in the cart with Sean, and justify buying a cute golf outfit from Athleta. If I can wear their yoga clothes for watching TV, then I can wear their golf stuff to ride around. Fore!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Enough signage?
Okay, I couldn't figure out how to crop down this photo so you can properly apprecite the excessive signage that just went up at this neighborhood near us. And I use the term neighborhood generously as there are maybe 10 duplexes around this loop. Traffic is apparently so crazy there that they had to not only make it a one way but then had to make sure no one got confused and went the wrong way (double signs- one on each side of the street). I'm starting to wonder if that's actually the exit ramp from I-70 and I am scared to think what would happen if the person in the last house on the left decided to just sneak in the back way. Sean assures me that they must have a neighborhood patrol waiting to ticket them. OPS (a term my parents used frequently and has now come back to haunt them-- old people sh*t).
Also, what is the advantage to building a house the size of ours and then attaching it to another house that size, making what I am sure is the biggest duplex in duplex history? How much money did they save by not putting siding on one wall of their home? I worry enough about my own kids burning down our house, I don't need to be worrying about the kids next door too. And if it's the lawn maintenance that they want to avoid, I hear you sisters, and let me tell you, his name is Gavin and he drives a mean lawn machine. Comes to my house at 4pm every Friday and he's back on the road at 4:20. He's cheap and he does snow removal too.
I think that duplex in El Paso scarred me for life, can never go back to that.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Green Ocean
View from our porch, this really doesn't do it justice but it's the only shot I've gotten so far this spring. We like to joke that we saved $1 million by having a green ocean instead of a blue one, ah, love the cost of living in Kansas.
No, Alanis, THIS is irony
Do you think he could unchain one and try it out? I could post photos of the neighbors' equally neglected yards too... perhaps he could cut them a deal on a mower?
ELEVEN YEARS
Oh man, I just realized that Jenna Bush is getting married on our anniversary, but I am sure that is where the similarities end. Yes, 11 years ago at this time Sean was carefully applying sunscreen in streaks on his forehead before heading out to golf with groomsmen and relatives. I was getting my hair and makeup done by some vindictive lady who was determined that I wouldn't look better than her. I have since heard that you need to go to a gay man as he would have fun making you pretty!
Anyway, those are two reasons I am glad we didn't spend a forture on a professional photographer. Katie, of the original Tom and Katie, not the crazy celeb couple, offered up her skills and got what we wanted, one great photo of us and a bunch of fun candids. Unfortunately this was prior to the digital age and I have nothing to upload on here. Trust me when I say we look freakishly young even for 22 (and a half!). I wore my grandmother's wedding gown which was in perfect condition after being stored in a dresser in her garage (no need to shell out to have a dry cleaner preserve your gown). I loved wearing her dress but I missed out on the quest to find the dream dress so that will be my excuse to go all out at the next big life event (the day Sean is inducted in the Video Gamers Hall of Fame?).
We've been pretty busy these past 11 years... first 4 in Indy for med school, then 1 year in El Paso for internship, then 4 in San Antonio for residency, and the last 2 here in Kansas where Sean is staff finally. Started out in a tiny apartment, then into a horrific duplex on post (the novelty of more space wore off with the roaches), then to our cheap Texas starter home that was leaps and bounds above the duplex (so much so that the guy who loaded up the truck and then delivered to our new house was totally shocked that the Army somehow thought these were equal), and finally to the house we love here that has room for all the kids and for visitors we beg to come. Can't imagine ever leaving this place but I suppose if they build a Wal-Mart across the ravine from us I will change my mind. Quickly.
Anyway, I think even my mom is glad I finally disregarded her advice to avoid pre-med students (doctors have terrible schedules she told me) and ROTC guys (have to move around too much with the military) and finally went to Army Ball with Sean our senior year. The double whammy of Army and doctor has had it's challenges but I know plenty of wives who have moved around more and whose husbands work worse hours, so I can't complain. Sean has always put me first and in return I do not abuse that and I respect his job, where I know patients need to come first. He is first in my life too of course, how I look forward to a conversation that does not involve Harry Potter or Polly Pockets. I knew from how he treated his then 7 year old brother that he would make a great dad someday and as I type this he has all 3 downstairs with him so I can have my computer time (granted, they are watching him play the Wii... every father's dream!).
One last thing- a special shout out to friends who were with us 11 years ago (let's see if any of them read the blog)... Melissa, Lesley, Karen, Hedlun, Meghan, Kathleen, Julie, Hans, Chris, Tara, Carrie, Kevin, Nora, Elicia, Donna. One in particular was missing, Monica who set us up... she was in Bosnia I think. I then missed her wedding as Anna was born the day afterwards. It is very hard living so far away from old friends, but we've made some great ones here too. As I finally got the margarita machine, I think we'll be making even more friends now, ha!!
Anyway, those are two reasons I am glad we didn't spend a forture on a professional photographer. Katie, of the original Tom and Katie, not the crazy celeb couple, offered up her skills and got what we wanted, one great photo of us and a bunch of fun candids. Unfortunately this was prior to the digital age and I have nothing to upload on here. Trust me when I say we look freakishly young even for 22 (and a half!). I wore my grandmother's wedding gown which was in perfect condition after being stored in a dresser in her garage (no need to shell out to have a dry cleaner preserve your gown). I loved wearing her dress but I missed out on the quest to find the dream dress so that will be my excuse to go all out at the next big life event (the day Sean is inducted in the Video Gamers Hall of Fame?).
We've been pretty busy these past 11 years... first 4 in Indy for med school, then 1 year in El Paso for internship, then 4 in San Antonio for residency, and the last 2 here in Kansas where Sean is staff finally. Started out in a tiny apartment, then into a horrific duplex on post (the novelty of more space wore off with the roaches), then to our cheap Texas starter home that was leaps and bounds above the duplex (so much so that the guy who loaded up the truck and then delivered to our new house was totally shocked that the Army somehow thought these were equal), and finally to the house we love here that has room for all the kids and for visitors we beg to come. Can't imagine ever leaving this place but I suppose if they build a Wal-Mart across the ravine from us I will change my mind. Quickly.
Anyway, I think even my mom is glad I finally disregarded her advice to avoid pre-med students (doctors have terrible schedules she told me) and ROTC guys (have to move around too much with the military) and finally went to Army Ball with Sean our senior year. The double whammy of Army and doctor has had it's challenges but I know plenty of wives who have moved around more and whose husbands work worse hours, so I can't complain. Sean has always put me first and in return I do not abuse that and I respect his job, where I know patients need to come first. He is first in my life too of course, how I look forward to a conversation that does not involve Harry Potter or Polly Pockets. I knew from how he treated his then 7 year old brother that he would make a great dad someday and as I type this he has all 3 downstairs with him so I can have my computer time (granted, they are watching him play the Wii... every father's dream!).
One last thing- a special shout out to friends who were with us 11 years ago (let's see if any of them read the blog)... Melissa, Lesley, Karen, Hedlun, Meghan, Kathleen, Julie, Hans, Chris, Tara, Carrie, Kevin, Nora, Elicia, Donna. One in particular was missing, Monica who set us up... she was in Bosnia I think. I then missed her wedding as Anna was born the day afterwards. It is very hard living so far away from old friends, but we've made some great ones here too. As I finally got the margarita machine, I think we'll be making even more friends now, ha!!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Finally, Living in Kansas Gives Me Some Leverage
2 months ago I ordered my favorite pair of now discontinued jeans off some random internet site. It was a bit of a gamble because it's not a physical store like Nordstroms where I have seen it and know it exists. Lots of good reviews and I was desperate for these jeans so I went ahead and ordered them and also got another pair similar just to see if they'd work too. It's all I wear, I can justify 2 pairs of jeans, okay, Sean.
Anyway, the 2nd pair was on backorder for 4 weeks and although they said they wouldn't do this, they charged me for them when I ordered. So, they're sitting on my cash and I realize last week that I never got them and on the website it shows they are in stock now. A series of emails takes place between me and customer service gal, who claims they aren't in stock yet. Well, having noticed that I was charged sales tax lead me to research their physical location.... hmm, Wichita, Kansas. They sure kept that on the DL (down low) on their website, not wanting to advertise that tidbit and alienate everyone on the coasts who mock Kansas. So I casually mention that I can drive over to their office and pick them up and what do you know-- they shipped out my jeans this morning. What a coincidence!
So, this leads to one of my favorite Army stories. During med school Sean did a rotation at Walter Reed in DC for a month and the Army was supposed to pay for his hotel, and some per diem I think, and when he got home he submitted all the paperwork to get reimbursed. Then he went off to Tripler in Hawaii to do a month there, so our credit card bill was growing at an alarming rate. The Army was giving him some trouble with this, rejecting his paperwork, saying that he wasn't authorized to stay in Chevy Chase, MD, his orders said Walter Reed in DC, blah blah.
Since Sean was in Hawaii I had to do some follow up calls for him and when the government service employee tells me this part I about lose my mind and offer to stop by and show her the map of DC and how Chevy Chase is right next to Walter Reed. Complete silence on her end. What's that? Oh, she thought she was safe at the Army Finance Dept in Indianapolis? Oh snap, that's right.. Sean goes to IU med school and I work mere minutes from where she is sitting... growing more nervous by the second. Don't you frack (in Battlestar Galactica speak) around with $6,000 of MY money, "lady"! (especially since during med school $6000 was entire year of rent). That check came rather quickly after that and when Sean got home from Hawaii he dusted off some old uniform and marched himself down there to have a little meet and greet so as not to delay the huge Hawaii bill. Oh, the good old days... now Sean has some of those government service employees working for him and they are about as helpful (with exception of course, some are fantastic-- Renee and Wilma, if you quit Sean is going to volunteer to go to Iraq.)
Anyway, the 2nd pair was on backorder for 4 weeks and although they said they wouldn't do this, they charged me for them when I ordered. So, they're sitting on my cash and I realize last week that I never got them and on the website it shows they are in stock now. A series of emails takes place between me and customer service gal, who claims they aren't in stock yet. Well, having noticed that I was charged sales tax lead me to research their physical location.... hmm, Wichita, Kansas. They sure kept that on the DL (down low) on their website, not wanting to advertise that tidbit and alienate everyone on the coasts who mock Kansas. So I casually mention that I can drive over to their office and pick them up and what do you know-- they shipped out my jeans this morning. What a coincidence!
So, this leads to one of my favorite Army stories. During med school Sean did a rotation at Walter Reed in DC for a month and the Army was supposed to pay for his hotel, and some per diem I think, and when he got home he submitted all the paperwork to get reimbursed. Then he went off to Tripler in Hawaii to do a month there, so our credit card bill was growing at an alarming rate. The Army was giving him some trouble with this, rejecting his paperwork, saying that he wasn't authorized to stay in Chevy Chase, MD, his orders said Walter Reed in DC, blah blah.
Since Sean was in Hawaii I had to do some follow up calls for him and when the government service employee tells me this part I about lose my mind and offer to stop by and show her the map of DC and how Chevy Chase is right next to Walter Reed. Complete silence on her end. What's that? Oh, she thought she was safe at the Army Finance Dept in Indianapolis? Oh snap, that's right.. Sean goes to IU med school and I work mere minutes from where she is sitting... growing more nervous by the second. Don't you frack (in Battlestar Galactica speak) around with $6,000 of MY money, "lady"! (especially since during med school $6000 was entire year of rent). That check came rather quickly after that and when Sean got home from Hawaii he dusted off some old uniform and marched himself down there to have a little meet and greet so as not to delay the huge Hawaii bill. Oh, the good old days... now Sean has some of those government service employees working for him and they are about as helpful (with exception of course, some are fantastic-- Renee and Wilma, if you quit Sean is going to volunteer to go to Iraq.)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Dolphin Lover... seriously?
Okay, so I saw a personalized plate on a minivan today that was some sort of abbreviation for dolphin lover. First off, is someone letting their 5 year old daughter pick the personalized plate? Secondly, what sort of dolphin lover moves to Manhattan, Kansas, where you could not get geographically farther away from a dolphin if you tried.
This leads to, who loves dolphins so much that they let it define their minivan?? oh. umm. hmm. I think I know now. Here's a bit o' trivia that I tucked away a few years ago, courtesy of a gal in San Antonio whose husband used to train dolphins. Let's just say it was not completely uncommon for said trainers to be offered money to let some, well dolphin lovers, have some romantic time with their dolphin of choice. I guess I feel better knowing this dolphin lover is far from dolphins. Of course the absolutely most horrifying reason for having a dolphin lover license plate is that someone is a Miami Dolphins fan. EEEKK!! (that is dolphin noise for "seriously, who could cheer for that team?")
If dolphin lover is one of my 36 blog readers, my apologies. Stop by the house and I will give you my daughter's stuffed dolphin. Now that she is 6 she has outgrown it.
This leads to, who loves dolphins so much that they let it define their minivan?? oh. umm. hmm. I think I know now. Here's a bit o' trivia that I tucked away a few years ago, courtesy of a gal in San Antonio whose husband used to train dolphins. Let's just say it was not completely uncommon for said trainers to be offered money to let some, well dolphin lovers, have some romantic time with their dolphin of choice. I guess I feel better knowing this dolphin lover is far from dolphins. Of course the absolutely most horrifying reason for having a dolphin lover license plate is that someone is a Miami Dolphins fan. EEEKK!! (that is dolphin noise for "seriously, who could cheer for that team?")
If dolphin lover is one of my 36 blog readers, my apologies. Stop by the house and I will give you my daughter's stuffed dolphin. Now that she is 6 she has outgrown it.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Caramel Bars
This is my most requested recipe and I received it from my senior year roommate, Meghan, whose dear Grandma Rosemary used to send us tins full of it. Sadly, Grandma Rosemary passed away recently, but I have assured Meghan that her recipe lives on and enriches my life (and thighs) more than it should! Enjoy!
Caramel Bars
1 stick plus 5 T melted butter
1 and 1/4 C flour
1 and 1/4 C oatmeal
1 C brown sugar
1 and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix and pat 2/3 of mixture into 9x13 pan and bake 10 minutes at 350. Melt 40 caramels (I use a 14 oz bag of Brach's milk maid caramels usually) with 3T of butter and 3T milk in the microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth. Drizzle over baked crust. Mix 1 C chocolate chips with remainder of oatmeal mixture then sprinkle on top of caramel layer. Bake 15 minutes at 350. I also like to add pecans with the chocolate chips.
If someone hesitates to try these for fear of ruining a diet, assure them that they have oatmeal and are practically health food.
Caramel Bars
1 stick plus 5 T melted butter
1 and 1/4 C flour
1 and 1/4 C oatmeal
1 C brown sugar
1 and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix and pat 2/3 of mixture into 9x13 pan and bake 10 minutes at 350. Melt 40 caramels (I use a 14 oz bag of Brach's milk maid caramels usually) with 3T of butter and 3T milk in the microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth. Drizzle over baked crust. Mix 1 C chocolate chips with remainder of oatmeal mixture then sprinkle on top of caramel layer. Bake 15 minutes at 350. I also like to add pecans with the chocolate chips.
If someone hesitates to try these for fear of ruining a diet, assure them that they have oatmeal and are practically health food.
Party, Civilian Style
This weekend we were invited to party with our super fly (using my slang flash cards again) neighbors who are civilians. As most of you know, we are Army in some ways, like getting to live in a variety of random locations, all far away from old friends and family and also getting to wear an uniform to work (awesome perk from the laundry point of view), but not in others in that we haven't had to endure multiple deployments like so many others.
Anyway, Sean and I were mystified at the great variety of people at this civilian party... friends who knew them growing up, friends from high school, friends from college, friends from med school, friends from work, friends from the 'hood (what up?), friends from Junior League, etc. The last time we had such a collection of people from our life together was almost exactly 11 years ago-- at our wedding. I felt like I should have brought more than caramel bars to this event! I did wear a dress. One perk to being from the 'hood is that I could see what everyone else was wearing from my window and realize that it was dressier than my usual jeans. I did not have an appropriate Kentucky Derby hat, only a tea party hat, so now I know what to do for next year.
So, all in all an excellent party (thanks again Jen & Bryce!) and I even learned some important facts about the derby, namely that Kid Rock was in Millionaire's Row some year (this is taken straight from teacher Jen's poster presentation) and that you can buy bourbon in a plastic bottle but if you give it to the hostess she will make you take it home. I also learned that beer bread is a very simple recipe and there is no need to keep buying the $4 mix from Target (or $5 mix from Tastefully Simple). Here you go:
Beer Bread
3 C. self-rising flour (must be self-rising, not regular)
1/2 C. sugar
1 (12 oz) bottle beer (any kind)
1/4 C. butter of margarine, melted
Stir first 3 ingredients together; pour into a lightly greased 9x5 loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 mins. Pour melted butter over top. Bake 10 more mins.
For Cheddar-Chive bread: Add 3/4 C. shredded cheddar cheese & 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives to dry ingredients.
(I have the "recipe" for self rising flour if you are in a pinch and don't want to run to the store for it: for 1 cup of self rising flour you substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour plus 1 teaspoon baking powder plus 1/2 teaspoon salt)
I will post my caramel bar recipe next.
Anyway, Sean and I were mystified at the great variety of people at this civilian party... friends who knew them growing up, friends from high school, friends from college, friends from med school, friends from work, friends from the 'hood (what up?), friends from Junior League, etc. The last time we had such a collection of people from our life together was almost exactly 11 years ago-- at our wedding. I felt like I should have brought more than caramel bars to this event! I did wear a dress. One perk to being from the 'hood is that I could see what everyone else was wearing from my window and realize that it was dressier than my usual jeans. I did not have an appropriate Kentucky Derby hat, only a tea party hat, so now I know what to do for next year.
So, all in all an excellent party (thanks again Jen & Bryce!) and I even learned some important facts about the derby, namely that Kid Rock was in Millionaire's Row some year (this is taken straight from teacher Jen's poster presentation) and that you can buy bourbon in a plastic bottle but if you give it to the hostess she will make you take it home. I also learned that beer bread is a very simple recipe and there is no need to keep buying the $4 mix from Target (or $5 mix from Tastefully Simple). Here you go:
Beer Bread
3 C. self-rising flour (must be self-rising, not regular)
1/2 C. sugar
1 (12 oz) bottle beer (any kind)
1/4 C. butter of margarine, melted
Stir first 3 ingredients together; pour into a lightly greased 9x5 loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 mins. Pour melted butter over top. Bake 10 more mins.
For Cheddar-Chive bread: Add 3/4 C. shredded cheddar cheese & 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives to dry ingredients.
(I have the "recipe" for self rising flour if you are in a pinch and don't want to run to the store for it: for 1 cup of self rising flour you substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour plus 1 teaspoon baking powder plus 1/2 teaspoon salt)
I will post my caramel bar recipe next.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Preschool Program
Here are a few shots from the preschool program the other night. If I thought these were actually turning out in any way I would have taken more. I can't believe how many kids I know in this photo from other classes. Guess we have been here almost 2 years now. Check out the motion in the first one, they were dancing fast. I resisted putting on this one photo that focused on Jenna since the little girl next to her was doing some serious nose picking and I don't know who it is... funny though.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)