Backyards BBQ

No, that wasn't a typo in the title. Our friends, the Salada's and the Swartz's live next door to each other (and praise God, only about a mile from us). This was the second year they hosted a "backyards BBQ" that spanned both of their backyards and invited everyone in our church to attend. We all had a blast, but Adeline....well, it was like her birthday and Christmas all wrapped in one.

No, you can't have her. She's mine...

there was sand....and of course, Linus....

I KNOW!!!

The grill masters....Duncan on the left and Rob on the right.

She had a hotdog, fruit and "noodles" while eating at a table just her size...

This is Lucy...we love her too.

No, you can't have him either. I'm loving his new plaid shorts. You can't see them well here, so you're just going to have to trust me...they're hot. Oh wait, see picture #1.

And THEN....as if the sandbox, friends, yummy food, sliding board and seesaw weren't enough, she had a cookie and listened to story time. She. loved. every. minute.

Sunday Finest

Adeline is learning to smile for the camera...

Here's one from last week.

Cream 'N Peaches Cake

After you make these...this dessert is the perfect ending for a wonderful meal.

This picture doesn't do the cake justice. It is another of my favorite desserts. Perfect for this time of year....

Cream 'N Peaches Cake

1 pkg butter flavor cake mix

1 1/4 cup sugar

4 TBSP cornstarch

4 cups chopped fresh peaches

1/2 cup water

2 cups whipping cream

2-3 TBSP powdered sugar

*you can also use Cool Whip instead of making the cream*

1 cup sour cream

Prepare cake according to package using two 8" cake pans. Cool and split each layer. Combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Add the peaches and water. Cook over med heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened. Cool completely. Combine whipping cream and powdered sugar; beat until stiff peaks form (or use Cool Whip). Spoon 1/3 of peach filling over split layer of cake; spread 1/3 cup sour cream over filling. Repeat layers ending with cake layer. Frost with cream.

Lynn's extra tip: I've found this dessert assembles much better if the cake and peach mixture are refrigerated before assembly.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos

My friend, Sarah, gave me this recipe. No, not THAT Sarah....although she does cook a lot of yummy stuff. This one doesn't blog, but I still love her. ;o) It tastes fresh, looks beautiful, and is just plain delicious.

Black Bean/ Sweet Potato Burritos

3-4 large sweet potatoes

2 cans black beans

1 red onion

large bunch of cilantro, chopped

juice of 2 limes

1 box cherry tomatoes, halved

2 pkg large tortilla shells

2 pkg monterey jack cheese (I took this to mean about 4 cups)

Peel and dice sweet potatoes. Coat with olive oil and bake at 400 degrees for about 30 min or until soft and browned. Combine filling ingredients (including half of the cheese). Stuff and roll the tortillas and place in greased 9x13 pan. Cover with the remaining cheese and bake uncovered 10-12 min or until cheese is melted and tortillas are slightly browned.

Tiny Talk Tuesday

A: Turning her empty plate and bowl upside down...."They went nigh night."

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Me: (talking to Patrick) "Would you like a piece of blueberry pie, love?"

A: "I want some blueberry love!"

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A: "I want to see the airplane port!!!" said after we saw some airplanes and explained to her that we were driving close to the airport.

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A: "I want to ride in the van car."

(yes, people, we have arrived....)

A Giveaway!!!

I saw this at Andrea's blog and thought it was a great idea (not to mention the fact that she is incredibly talented....seriously, this can only work out well for me). 5 lucky (or brave) people will be getting something made by me, for you. Intriguing?

The first five people to leave a comment on this post will get something handmade from me. But in return, you have to do the same thing on your blog and make something for five other people. The details are as follows, and if you want to play, copy the following onto your blog and leave me a post:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. What you get is what you get.
2. What I create will be just for you, with love.
3. It’ll be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. Or it may be monstrous and annoying.
5. I reserve the right to do something strange.
6. In return, all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your blog post.
7. Send your mailing address – after I contact you.

Are you in? You know you want to...

***If you are not a blogger, you can post this on your facebook page...or come up with another way to "share the love."

Sunday Finest--Grandparent edition

It has been a while since I've posted my girls in all their Sunday finery.

Pat's mom came to visit after church...

and then we met my parents at the harbor for dinner...

This was our best family picture...no, really.

Adeline was mesmerized by the dragon boats...

...but wanted no part in going on one.

B & N had a train display.

...and let's not forget the books!!!

TV

When we spent a year in Korea, some of you know we coined it our "year without TV." This didn't start out as an intentional decision. Our TV is not so very new, and we were allowed a small weight limit for our move (we were unaccompanied for you military folks). We decided our TV wasn't worth it's weight in entertainment, and we figured we would upgrade to a flat screen while we were closer to the land where all things electronic are born. Patrick got to Korea a few weeks before Adeline and I arrived to find us an apartment, buy a car, and receive our shipment of goods. He didn't have a TV during those weeks, so he downloaded episodes of LOST and an occasional movie. When we arrived, I was busy setting up our home. After a few weeks, we realized we didn't really miss our TV all that much. I started blogging, and that gave me a whole new outlet for any spare time....can I get an amen?!? I caught up on LOST during the weeks that Patrick worked nights. We downloaded movies or episodes of LOST and The Office (to watch when WE wanted to watch them).

I've been asked to post about this experience and write about what our family is currently doing as far as TV usage. I must say, I REALLY thought I would miss TV more than I did. When it wasn't an option to turn it on, I eventually stopped thinking about it. I should mention that we were never huge TV watchers, but I went through seasons where I would turn it on most evenings (when Patrick was studying every night or working crazy long hours during residency). I think in general we watched less TV than the average family, but those hours still add up! I found I was much more efficient without the distraction of the TV. Even when I thought I only turned it on for background noise, it really did take me longer to get things done. In that year, I read more than ever before, started blogging, and made some serious scrapbooking progress. Patrick and I spent more time playing games and talking. I also found that I was less tired.

Now we are home. We have been reunited with our not so very new TV. We decided we didn't want to pay for cable. Patrick bought some special disc thing (um...yeah, he's the techy one here) so we can get several channels through our computer. We almost never watch it. When we do, it is to watch something specific. We don't turn it on just to "see what's on." That being said, Adeline starts out most mornings watching a movie. Donut Man, Cedermont Kids, and the occasional Veggie Tales. She has learned songs and stories about Jesus from these movies. They give me a few minutes to check my email, read blogs, or take a shower. She likes it. I like it. It works. If I may share one more opinion, I think we do our kids a serious disservice by having a screen in front of them in the car (if the journey is less than, say, two hours). It is not healthy to have constant over stimulation, while using little to no imagination. Now, what do you think? How much time do you spend watching TV? How about your kids? Is TV time the same as time on the Wii or playing video games? What about computer time (ouch, now we're getting personal!)? Take my survey on the sidebar. I won't know who says what (in case you are a closet TV addict).

Our little helper

Adeline has really been into helping with things lately, and I find that there is a direct correlation to mommy giving her tasks to help and a decrease in tantrums. She helps me to unload the dishwasher (one day I even decided to have her stand on a stool and sort the silverware...she didn't last long), collect laundry, put laundry in the washer and then in the dryer. Of course, she always wants to help mommy cook. I let her dump things in the bowl, but I know when it comes to food "I want to help mommy" really means "got anything good I can scrounge up to eat?!?". She LOVES dusting! She hates when mommy gets out the vacuum because...ahem...it's too noisy. However, mommy recently found a way around this by having her push her lawnmower or popper toy to "help" mommy. Let's face it, avoiding a tantrum really is helpful to mommy.

Supper Club Menu

As promised, here are the recipes from our supper club a few weeks ago. We started out with this Chilled Melon Soup with a side of fruit. This was a new recipe for me, but one I will definitely make again. The nutmeg and cayenne pepper really give it a fun taste you're not expecting.

For the main course, I served Braided Pork Tenderloins. Another new recipe but oh. my. goodness.....SO GOOD! The combination of mango nectar, rum, and jerk seasoning is just divine. This recipe is not only delicious, but it looks pretty too. My guest gave it rave reviews.

I also served my special rice recipe and Roasted Asparagus.

We topped it all off with Lemon Ice Cream Pie. Let me know if you try any of these recipes. You won't be sorry.