Horseplay

Trevor had another horseback riding field trip today. It wasn't too cold, but misty and overcast.


It was a nice sized, smaller group of just six boys. They drove the donkey cart, walked a horse on a lead rope up and down the road, listened to a safety talk, groomed horses, and rode.

Yes, it's a bike helmet, but I'm not buying him a riding helmet.

After riding, we went to the other side of the ranch to visit the foals.

TOO cute!

The boys fed the mamas grass and just enjoyed more horse time.


It wasn't easy to leave, but it was a perfect end to a great day.

Wow!

For the past several weeks, our county's Master Gardeners club has been using one of our library conference rooms for a weekly training session. We unlock the door for them, give them their own bathroom key (lol, but true), just generally welcome them and let them do their own thing. Regular stuff.

And they are the NICEST people. They gave each of us a lovely gift basket as a "small thank you" of their appreciation.


How cool is this? Tea, chocolate, gardening accessories, and more . . .


Yes, definitely the nicest people. We have the greatest patrons, and I love where I work!

Friday

Standardized testing began today. Our school district provides it for free. The key word there is "free." It still bugs me to have them involved in any way at all, but it's easy to just show up on the testing date and then wait for the results. (Does this mean that my principles can be bought?)


The process is pretty informal. Both this year and last, I've watched them give a child extra time needed to finish timed tests. Three or four grades are usually grouped into one time period, and Holly and Trevor tested at the same time this year. It was very convenient.

I used to prepare my kids with test prep books, so they would know what to expect, and to expose them to possibly differently worded questions. Now that we test every year, it's gotten to be routine. I know what my kids know and how well they know it, much better than any test result can tell me, one way or another. We test strictly to fulfill our state's legal requirements.

I had just enough time to go shopping.

There was a slight delay getting home, as our road is being repaved. I considered parking the car and walking home, but Holly and Trev didn't want to lug groceries even a short way.


This was the second soccer game of the season, and it was gorgeous out.


Holly's team had most of her regular players, and they won their game. Last week, 40% of our team was gone for to a youth conference, and the game was ugly. Thankfully, they can now (only!) move up in the standings.


I am really proud of Holly getting in there and playing on this co-ed team. Most of the boys are bigger than she is, but that doesn't seem to faze her. She came home with a good bruise on her leg, and a cut on her toe where someone stepped on her foot.

Trevor's team won too. Most of his team has played together for a while. This is his social time, and he looks forward to hanging out with his friends while Holly's team is playing.


It's my social time too. I get to chat with my friends and hope I don't miss any soccer action. Hooray for warm weather--I don't expect to be pulling out my down coat like I was doing back in October!

:)

My pics in the paper!

Our county paper is published three times a week. We had a western-themed library night last week for National Library Week, and I brought my camera to work. We submitted a few of my pictures, which made the paper on Wednesday.

Part of a family band that played.

A local preschool group sang several songs.

One of our library aides dressed up,
arresting another as part of the show.

We'd prepared in part by taking photos of our employees that were turned into Wanted Posters.


It's a good thing this didn't make the paper, I'm tellin' ya. Life is full of enough excitement 'round here.

Kid Quote

Trevor is getting ready for soccer, desperately searching for his soccer shirt. I'd just done laundry, and it wasn't in there.

T: Where do you think it could be?

Mom: Since it's not in your dirty laundry, do you think you might have stuffed it in one of your drawers?

T: WOW, do you know your kid or what?

I know my kid. And his shirt isn't that wrinkly...

D-Day Memorial visit

With Holly gone at a youth conference over the weekend, Rob, Trevor and I headed over to the National D-Day Memorial. The 29th Division Living History Group was there to re-enact the days prior to the D-Day invasion.


My guys immediately were drawn to the weapons. Trevor knew the Thompson.

Robert went for the M1 Garand.

There was even something for me to shoot, and I received a lengthy lesson on an old camera. I think I'll stick with my current camera, thank you very much!

Further proof that I don't blur all
unflattering photos of myself.

Sergeant Bob Slaughter was signing books. Robert's read Omaha Beach and Beyond before, but he bought a copy just to have it signed. Robert loves WWII history, specifically D-Day history. It was an honor for him to have the opportunity to meet with and talk to Sgt. Slaughter, who was also instrumental in the building of the Memorial.


Trevor and I wandered the grounds.


Robert also was able to meet Jim Bryant, a glider infantryman who flew over front lines on D-Day. Mr. Bryant is a regular at the Memorial, and Trevor met him last year. Robert also picked up his book, so he could have a signed copy.



It was a very good day.


We ended it by going out to dinner and picking Holly up at church on our way home.

* * *

Postscript: The last surviving Bedford Boy, Ray Nance, passed away Sunday. Once again, I highly recommend reading The Bedford Boys by Alex Kershaw.

Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

Quick review #3:

I thought this was an autobiographical book. It's not. Glenn's fiction starts off well, becomes murky and tiresome, and then turns into a total nightmare. While I am interested in Glenn's political commentary, I'm uncomfortable hearing his opinion on anything remotely connected to religion.

It wasn't a bad book overall. I read through it in one night, and I enjoyed reading Glenn's personal comments about his relationship with his father. But the ending just killed it completely.

Glenn, I know you care what I think. Don't quit your day job.

Book Review - "Mom, I Hate My Life!": Becoming Your Daughter's Ally Through the Emotional Ups and Downs of Adolescence by Sharon Hersh

Quick review #2:

I stumbled upon this book, never expecting to find such a gem. Author Sharon Hersh is a licensed professional counselor--and she still has something good to say. (Okay, that was a joke.) I am grateful for the relationship I have with my daughter, and I yearn to maintain it, to strengthen it. Written from a Christian perspective, this book offers terrific advice and encouragement to be your daughter's ally through the teen years.

***Definitely recommended.***

Book Review - No Angel: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels by Jay Dobyns

Quick review #1:

Jay Dobyns was an undercover ATF guy who successfully infiltrated the Hells Angels in Arizona. In his quest, he became too involved in and obsessed with his case, almost losing his wife and two small kids. This book details Jay's undercover detail, including interesting history of the outlaw motorcycle gang. Following several death threats against Jay, he eventually quit the ATF and now is a motivational speaker. He recently returned from an African missions trip.

I enjoyed this book, although I am giving it a big R-rated warning. Dad, I think you'd like this, between the motorcycles and Arizona setting.

Recipe -- Cool Lemon Cake

This was our Easter dessert, the inspiration for my new "Cake of the Week" plan. (Why do I think I'm really going to regret this?)

COOL LEMON CAKE

1 package lemon cake mix
1 c. hot water
1 c. cold water
2 (3 oz.) packages of Lemon Jello
1 c. milk
1 (3.4 oz.) package of instant Lemon Pudding Mix*
8 oz. container of Cool Whip, thawed

Prepare and bake cake in a 9x13 baking dish, according to package directions. With a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake.

Combine hot and cold water with ONE package of lemon jello. Stir until dissolved, and pour mixture over cake. Chill in fridge until cool.

In a bowl, combine milk, pudding mix and remaining package of jello. Stir until dissolved. Fold in Cool Whip and spread over cake. Refrigerate until serving.

*Original recipe called for Vanilla Pudding Mix.

So you think YOU'VE had a bad day?

Robert's friend Steve snapped these pics with his cell phone while at work the other day. Apparently, the driver was trying to take a back way through the parking lot. It's a quirky thing about Colorado Springs, if you want to get anywhere, you drive through a parking lot--to get to another parking lot, to get to a neighborhood street; it's very odd.

But it doesn't always work out that way. This wasn't a parking lot; it was the high side of a truck loading dock.



So the parking lot shortcut isn't that dependable after all.



LOL.

Recipe -- Gourmet Turkey Deli Wraps; and fiasco

I've been dying to make these. I finally did tonight. I scarfed mine down. It worked well as a dinner on the run, or at least on the "stand," since the kids ate at the breakfast bar, and I stood on the other side.

Let's just say this might be great chick food, but it won't make Holly or Trevor's list of favorite things to eat. Remember--*I* thought these were great. My kids' reactions were HILARIOUS.

Trevor: MOM!!! (making a horrid face)

Me: Take a second bite, honey, you'll like it.

Trevor, taking a second bite: No, I won't! This is terrible. Who would put pear with TURKEY?????

Holly: Eww. WHAT is in here?

(chewing)

Holly: MOM! What in the world made you think we would like this?

(peers inside) (Seriously, there's a reason I made these without either H or T watching)

Holly: Yuck. It tastes like puke!

Mom, beginning to whine a little: That would be the blue cheese.

Holly: Well, it's disgusting.

My wonderful husband took one bite and never made a comment. Or a face. But he fixed himself an omelet. Holly looked through the fridge, gave up, and went to hide out in her bedroom. Trevor, my sweet boy, had a few encouraging comments: "Mom, I'm happy to make my own dinner!" And later: "That's okay, Mom, you a lot of times make stuff we don't like!"

Honestly, though, I wrapped up all the leftovers (lol), and I'm taking them to work tomorrow for my own dinner again.

Laura, if you come here, we can eat these together. :)

GOURMET TURKEY DELI WRAPS

2 T. water
2 T. red wine vinegar
1 T. oil
1/8 t. pepper
6 flour tortillas (I used a tastier sounding substitute)
3/4 lb. sliced deli turkey
2 medium pears, chopped
6 T. crumbled blue cheese
6 T. craisins
1/4 c. chopped pecans (or other nuts)
4 c. spring mix salad greens

Whisk together vinegar, water, oil and pepper; set aside.

Lay out tortillas on plates, and evenly top with remaining ingredients. Drizzle with dressing, and roll up. Secure with toothpicks if necessary. Serves 6. Not recommended for, or appreciated by, children. Or men.

Weekly menu

Dad's choice
chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese
Laura's turkey wraps
Dad's choice
??
dining out
Nacho Dogs, pasta salad

And I think I just over-committed myself. I've promised my family that I will bake them a cake once a week. I'm not a big baker, but I feel like a lousy mom since I rarely make cookies or other treats like that. (I do, however, usually have six cartons of ice cream in the freezer.) I'm adding a new entry to my Weekly Menu.

Cake of the week: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting


Lunch (with or for):
smoothies
grilled PB&J
parmesan pesto things
tortilla rollups w/meat, lettuce, tomato, dressing

On the back burner:
Renita's Funnel Cakes!!!
Laura S.'s chicken pot pie (when I'm feeling particularly brave)
meatloaf (ground beef in freezer)
hot dog ideas from SHS! (link only available to SHS members)
breakfast with Chef Greg's hash browns
chicken
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge, thanks again to Heather
dilled chicken pasta salad
chicken fajitas
husband delight
breakfast burritos
BLTs
grilled cheese sandwiches/soup
giant burritos

First part of April in pictures

I'm terribly behind at blogging and am backing up ten days to catch up.

Trevor had a friend spend a couple of nights last week, and the boys participated in a chess tournament last weekend.


It was, oh, let's put it nicely, a disaster! Walking into the tournament, both boys were in the upper half of the players. They left in the bottom four. In an ironic twist, they received a very large fifth place team trophy for their team performance. They were the only two boys on their team--and ended up in fifth place out of five teams. (Honestly, a trophy?) I didn't even take pictures at that point. :P

The boys had a fun visit and are looking forward to another sleepover.

Both of us live in the sticks, except that their "middle of nowhere" is just five minutes off the highway.


Our "middle of nowhere" is an hour away from theirs, and we live 25 mins. off the highway. And my street doesn't have a fence, making it easier to pull off to the side when another car comes along!


Holly rode on Sunday.

Grooming Minae

Buddy loved whatever she was doing so much that he repeatedly showed his appreciation. Holly was unaware of it until I caught it on camera.


Tuesday night soccer practice. I showed my support by coming along. Snowflakes were in the air, so I was happy to support from the car.


Robert and Trevor reading. Robert is as amused as I am by Glenn Beck. His book is very entertaining. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not--but as soon as I saw the cover photo, I was hooked. Glenn's eating the state of California.

Vader curled up in Robert's legs

I'll spare any photos of my nasty cold, but I've been sick most of the week. School suffered, but oddly enough, no one seemed to complain.

We celebrated Easter today; Robert served in the cafe following our church service. Trevor spent the afternoon perfecting his aim by squirrel hunting. Okay, not really "hunting," but making every attempt to keep them away from the bird feeders.


I'm up for another week. Priorities:

1. Feel better.

2. Trevor work on chess skills for next month's tournament.

3. Get back into school work; let's not drag this out!

4. Figure out how Robert and Holly's soccer team is going to play (and win!) their first game this week with 1/2 of their team gone to a teen conference.

It's baaaaack

Some were terrified.



Some were enthusiastic.



Moms eagerly gathered.

(Did you catch the little girl
flipping over in her chair?)

Adults counseled.


Friends strategized.


And teams met on the field.


Eerily, the new coach showed up dressed identically to the old coach.

New coach............. Old coach.

Soccer.
It's back.


Trevor gave the quote of the night, ten minutes before we got to the field:

"Oh my gosh! It just hit me. We're going to SOCCER!!!!!"

Weekly menu

Dad's choice (this just means that I am working)
giant burritos
frozen fried chicken strips, homemade mac and cheese, broccoli
Dad's choice
tacos
breakfast (scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, sausage, cantaloupe or strawberries)
french onion soup, salad, bread

Lunch (with or for):
smoothies
grilled PB&J
parmesan pesto things
tortilla rollups w/meat, lettuce, tomato, dressing

On the back burner:
Renita's Funnel Cakes!!!
Laura S.'s chicken pot pie (when I'm feeling particularly brave)
meatloaf (ground beef in freezer)
hot dog ideas from SHS! (link only available to SHS members)
breakfast with Chef Greg's hash browns
chicken
Nacho Dogs, pasta salad
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge, thanks again to Heather
dilled chicken pasta salad
chicken fajitas
husband delight
breakfast burritos
Nacho dogs
BLTs
grilled cheese sandwiches/soup