Fun Run

David and Henry had a Fun Run at school on Friday.  Henry's class does not raise money, but David's class (and the rest of the school) does.  David raised $229.00! 

David was running when Chris picked Henry up at school, so they were able to watch for a bit. 

David L.O.V.E.S to run, so this was something he was very excited about!

Grill Potato Packets

4 lg. potatoes (2 lbs.), unpeeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 med. onion, minced (optional)
4 tbsp. butter, cut into sm. pieces (I used Smart Balance)
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 (4 oz.) pkg. shredded sharp cheddar cheese


While the grill is heaing, wrap all ingredients except cheddar cheese in double thickness of heavy-duty foil, being careful seam of foil is folded several times to seal in juice.

Place foil packet on grill over medium heat; cook 35 minutes or until potatoes are tender, turning package often with tongs. Remove packet from heat; sprinkle potato mixture with cheddar cheese.

*I just sprinkled some grilling spices and Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt on top instead of salt and pepper.  Also, I didn't measure the cheese - just put a couple small handfulls on when I was done.*

Sunday Six

We had a great Sunday!  Some of the highlights:

1. I brought Georgia to the rec park this morning and took her for a walk.  We did a mile, and I've never seen a dog sniff so much.  Or be so tired at the end of a 1 mile walk.  Lazy dog!
2. When we got back, David and I went to get some flowers for our back yard window boxes.  He and Jack helped me plant them and they look great.  And I forgot to take a photo. . . I will update that soon.
3. An unbelievable event happened at our house today - David, Henry, Jack, and I all took afternoon naps.  At the same time.  That never, ever happens.
4. We had virtually no fighting at our house, (with the exception of one small David-esque meltdown)which is un. heard. of.  David and I headed back to the park tonight under the guise of taking Max for a walk.  But Max didn't want to go and hid under my bed.  Seriously?  Laziest. Dogs. Ever.  David brought his bike and rode the full mile while I walked behind him.  He did a great job. 

     5.  We had a yummy dinner - dijon mustard turkey breast, summer squash casserole, and  potato pockets on the grill (recipe to follow).

     6.   Everyone had a tub and went to bed with no arguing!  What a difference that makes.  All clothes are picked out for school and work, lunches are packed, and we're ready to go.  I love being organized.

Sleepover Surprise

We had JT and Lily June sleep over last night.  Yes, that's right.  Five children six years old and under.  I was a litlte scared, and it was for no reason.  And Chris even went out with his friend last night, which left me alone with them!  We had movie night, and they kids all camped out on the living room floor watching movies until they wanted to go to bed.  (Which was at 9:00 - I was thrilled!)  The biggest hit of the sleepover?  Sleepover Surprise bread.  I kid you not that David ate almost an entire loaf by himself.  He said more than once, "This is the most goodest bread I've ever aten!"  What's the surprise?  It's zucchini bread.  Joke's on them!

Sleepover Surprise Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

2 serving(s) butter-flavor cooking spray

2 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp table salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
3 large egg whites
1 large eggs

1 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cups canola oil
2/3 cup(s) unsweetened applesauce
2 cup(s) zucchini, peeled, grated, and drained*

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat two 8- X 4-inch loaf pans with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, sift together whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon; set aside.

Using an electric mixer, in a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Add egg, sugar, vanilla extract, oil and applesauce, and beat until thoroughly combined; beat in zucchini.

Add sifted ingredients to egg mixture and mix well. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake in middle of oven until a toothpick inserted in center of bread comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes. Slice each bread into 10 pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. Yields 1 slice per serving.
* You’ll need about 1 1/2 medium zucchinis (about 3/4 lb) to yield 2 cups shredded zucchini.  (And I don't drain the zucchini - I grate it with a microplane and just use it as is.)

Southern Living Summer Squash Casserole

I love, love, love summer squash.  I am the only one in my house who feels this way.  Yesterday I made a Southern Living summer squash casserole.  The best thing about it?  You cook it in the microwave.  It's delish!

Now That's Tired

I like to give my children some privacy when they have a bath.  Not much, but I do give them some.  We get cleaned up and then they play for a while or relax or whatever they want to do.  Before I get a million comments about how irresponsible that is, the door to the bathroom is open and I check on them every couple of minutes.  And our house isn't big nor are my children quiet - I can hear them the whole time.  Until, of course I can't, and this is what I find . . .

A tub sleeper.  Henry FELL ASLEEP in the bathtub!  Are you kidding me?  I took him out of the water, wrapped him in a towel, dried him off, put his pajamas on and put him in bed and he STILL didn't wake up!!  That's some good sleep!

Can You Say Tonsillectomy?

This pitiful boy is going to have his tonsils and adenoids removed and tubes put in his ears on May 12th.  PITIFUL!  He's had strep throat since, oh I don't know, December?  And a constant green, runny nose.  It's really attractive, as you can imagine.  While I loathe the thought of him having to have surgery, I know how beneficial it will be for him and how much better he will feel in the long run.  David had it done three years ago (minus the tubes) and has really not been sick since.  Really what I'm dreading more than dealing with the surgery and the aftercare?  The amount of work I'll have waiting for me on my desk at the end of the three days I'm off. . . thank God for a laptop!