Sofia!! I'm sorry this took me so long. Enjoy.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups diced rhubarb
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
2 T. cinnamon
Cream sugar and butter. Add baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Alternate adding flour and buttermilk. Stir in rhubarb. Transfer to 8x8 baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Hunger Games
I've been reading "The Hunger Games" Trilogy, which is essentially a post-apocalyptic gladiator story. In any case, I fell asleep reading it last night, and when Dn. John came to bed awhile later, I had a horrific minute or so while struggling for wakefulness, in which I thought he was there to kill me. Thankfully, I did wake up enough to realize that he was, in fact, letting me live. What a great guy.
Friday, July 22, 2011
They're asleep!!
All three kids went to bed. At the same time. In their own beds.
HALLELUIAH. I have been waiting for this moment since Melanie was a week old. It is glorious.
Now if I could only find my husband, we might have an evening of relative peace and adult conversation. How novel...
I was at Friday Fling all day today in Palmer. It was 74 degrees, and I almost died, which is laughable since on Monday I was in 85 degree heat and it felt cool. I think I have officially reaclimated to Alaska. As I was packing up my booth at the end of the day, sweaty, hot, ratty haired and covered in baby barf, a lady walked up to me and asked if I would mind filming a five second spot for a new commercial that her station is filming. She wanted local business owners in it with their product. Thankfully, this is a local station only, and also one that I had never heard of. So, should you be in the Valley and watching Channel 103 (whatever that is), and you see me with a big grin on my shiny, sweaty face saying, "Because it's YOUR community!" (whatever that means), please call me. Also, if my shirt looks wet, it's not sweat. It's baby puke.
My life feels so very glamorous at this moment...
HALLELUIAH. I have been waiting for this moment since Melanie was a week old. It is glorious.
Now if I could only find my husband, we might have an evening of relative peace and adult conversation. How novel...
I was at Friday Fling all day today in Palmer. It was 74 degrees, and I almost died, which is laughable since on Monday I was in 85 degree heat and it felt cool. I think I have officially reaclimated to Alaska. As I was packing up my booth at the end of the day, sweaty, hot, ratty haired and covered in baby barf, a lady walked up to me and asked if I would mind filming a five second spot for a new commercial that her station is filming. She wanted local business owners in it with their product. Thankfully, this is a local station only, and also one that I had never heard of. So, should you be in the Valley and watching Channel 103 (whatever that is), and you see me with a big grin on my shiny, sweaty face saying, "Because it's YOUR community!" (whatever that means), please call me. Also, if my shirt looks wet, it's not sweat. It's baby puke.
My life feels so very glamorous at this moment...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Home again, Home again
My kids are awesome.
We had a crazy long travel day yesterday, but they pulled through it like champs. Very few tears, even when they were so tired they couldn't see straight and there was no way to be comfortable on the plane. So many people told me I was crazy to fly to South Carolina on my own with three kids. All I can say is...I would totally do it again.
We came home to cloudy skies and 64 degree weather. Dn. John built and installed some new shelves for me, and he and a friend cut down a couple trees in the yard, so the yard looks completely different. It's awesome! I don't think I'll get to putting stuff on the new shelves today, since I need to unpack and do laundry. And grocery shop. Holy heck, finding breakfast is going to be a serious treasure hunt. What in the world did my husband eat while I was gone??
The big girls greeted their Dad with screams and hugs in the airport last night, and they are cuddled up reading stories this morning. I am so thankful he was able to take the day off. Now we have to decide if we're going fishing this weekend...or if he is going on his own. :) Either way, I am hoping for fish.
We had a crazy long travel day yesterday, but they pulled through it like champs. Very few tears, even when they were so tired they couldn't see straight and there was no way to be comfortable on the plane. So many people told me I was crazy to fly to South Carolina on my own with three kids. All I can say is...I would totally do it again.
We came home to cloudy skies and 64 degree weather. Dn. John built and installed some new shelves for me, and he and a friend cut down a couple trees in the yard, so the yard looks completely different. It's awesome! I don't think I'll get to putting stuff on the new shelves today, since I need to unpack and do laundry. And grocery shop. Holy heck, finding breakfast is going to be a serious treasure hunt. What in the world did my husband eat while I was gone??
The big girls greeted their Dad with screams and hugs in the airport last night, and they are cuddled up reading stories this morning. I am so thankful he was able to take the day off. Now we have to decide if we're going fishing this weekend...or if he is going on his own. :) Either way, I am hoping for fish.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Going home
On the road again! We are heading out in 45 minutes. Thanks South Carolina for the heat and extra grey hairs. Thanks Rogers family for a great week!
Tomorrow, I hope to be thanking my kids for their spectacular behavior on the plane. Please pray for traveling mercies for us.
Tomorrow, I hope to be thanking my kids for their spectacular behavior on the plane. Please pray for traveling mercies for us.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Early Morning Travail
There is an unspeakable horror that grips the heart of every parent when awoken at 7:15 by a two year old informing them that they can't find clean underwear, and their "foots are slippery."
After a night of coughing and fever, Marina woke up early and decided to venture downstairs by herself. After peeing a miniature Loch Ness on the living room floor, she came upstairs and woke me up. On the bright side, her cough seems to be dissipating and her fever is gone. I would feel more cheerful about this if it wasn't the second night we had been through it. If she goes through it again tonight, it's off to the doctor tomorrow.
What I am feeling cheerful about is the fact that I just heard the shower turn off, which means that either Grammy or Papa is almost done getting ready. I'm hoping this means they'll corral kids and I can go back to bed...
After a night of coughing and fever, Marina woke up early and decided to venture downstairs by herself. After peeing a miniature Loch Ness on the living room floor, she came upstairs and woke me up. On the bright side, her cough seems to be dissipating and her fever is gone. I would feel more cheerful about this if it wasn't the second night we had been through it. If she goes through it again tonight, it's off to the doctor tomorrow.
What I am feeling cheerful about is the fact that I just heard the shower turn off, which means that either Grammy or Papa is almost done getting ready. I'm hoping this means they'll corral kids and I can go back to bed...
Friday, July 15, 2011
Shirking my duties (and enjoying the silence)
I could lie and say that I'm letting the kids stay up late because they're truly enjoying reading bedtime stories with their Papa. Well, that wouldn't be a lie. That is (part of) why I'm not putting them to bed right now.
The other part is the fact that I'm hiding in the office, and I can't bring myself to disturb the current peace. Oh, and the fact that their pj's are in the dryer, and both big kids are wrapped up in towels after an evening swim, while Melanie is lounging in a diaper. We'll give it 50% Papa, 25% dryer, 25% lack of parental responsibility. That makes me sound better in the long run, right? :)
Saturday, Sunday, fly home Monday. Yeesh. Since when does time go so quickly?? I am torn. I don't want to leave, and I REALLY don't want to fly across the country alone again with the kids. Despite the fact that they were so well behaved on the way down, I feel that I am not quite recuperated from the first trip. However, I do miss my husband. A lot. And, as he is 5000 miles away and the only way to get to him is to fly across the country with our assortment of tiny, slightly crazy, people, I will take the plunge and fly home. I will be sad to leave my mother and father in law behind. They are resisting my efforts to get them to move to Alaska. But, I am nothing if not persistent (and loud, but that's beside the point). Someday.
The dryer has buzzed. The story is over. Parental responsibility calls...
Truthfully, parental responsibility is about to start screaming. And barfing. I'd appreciate your prayers for a decent night's sleep. Or a halfway decent night's sleep. Someone has been up all night each night that we've been here. It's starting to take it's toll. I swear I didn't have all these grey hairs when I got here...
Maybe we'll blame that one on the humidity. :)
The other part is the fact that I'm hiding in the office, and I can't bring myself to disturb the current peace. Oh, and the fact that their pj's are in the dryer, and both big kids are wrapped up in towels after an evening swim, while Melanie is lounging in a diaper. We'll give it 50% Papa, 25% dryer, 25% lack of parental responsibility. That makes me sound better in the long run, right? :)
Saturday, Sunday, fly home Monday. Yeesh. Since when does time go so quickly?? I am torn. I don't want to leave, and I REALLY don't want to fly across the country alone again with the kids. Despite the fact that they were so well behaved on the way down, I feel that I am not quite recuperated from the first trip. However, I do miss my husband. A lot. And, as he is 5000 miles away and the only way to get to him is to fly across the country with our assortment of tiny, slightly crazy, people, I will take the plunge and fly home. I will be sad to leave my mother and father in law behind. They are resisting my efforts to get them to move to Alaska. But, I am nothing if not persistent (and loud, but that's beside the point). Someday.
The dryer has buzzed. The story is over. Parental responsibility calls...
Truthfully, parental responsibility is about to start screaming. And barfing. I'd appreciate your prayers for a decent night's sleep. Or a halfway decent night's sleep. Someone has been up all night each night that we've been here. It's starting to take it's toll. I swear I didn't have all these grey hairs when I got here...
Maybe we'll blame that one on the humidity. :)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Hot hot hot hot hot hot hot
Did I mention that it is hot out? Currently 5 pm and 102 degrees. Heat index says 115. Holy Baked Alaskan, Batman. The inventor of air conditioning should be cannonized.
We have had a wonderful visit with Aunt Sarah and her fiance, Uncle Jacob. They left today, and Marina was pretty upset that she was not invited to fly home with them. Considering that their plane has been delayed twice (for a total of five hours), I would venture a guess that they're thankful to not be having to entertain her. In any case, their wedding is in November, and we are so excited!! Megan and Marina will be flower girls, and Melanie is going to be "honorary" since she will not yet be walking.
We are having a great time in the South, despite the heat. The kids don't function in it well...we attempted to have an outdoor photo session at Hopeland Gardens yesterday. To say that it was an unmitigated disaster would be an understatement. We did get some funny pictures of Marina throwing a gigantic fit, though. We've spent a lot of time in the pool. I was going to take the kids over there in a few minutes, but the national weather service issued an excessive heat warning until 9 pm, so I think I would be better served to keep my Eskimo babies inside where it's cool.
Today is our last day with Uncle Phil and Auntie Kathryn. Uncle Phil is currently carrying Melanie around while she drools on his arm. They've had lots of fun with them too, and I can tell that they'll be disappointed to have all the aunts and uncles gone tomorrow. I need to remember to get all Aunt Kathryn's cool pictures before she goes, because I haven't taken a single one (Aunt Kathryn is a much better photographer than I am...so I've been letting her carry that one alone!). I knew the flash drive that I found in my purse on the plane would come in handy...
I'm hoping to see my friend Leah in Columbia sometime in the next couple of days, and we're hitting the Charleston beach on Friday. Saturday, I think we're taking the girls to see Winnie the Pooh. It's hard to believe that Tuesday is almost over already! Our time is flying.
We have had a wonderful visit with Aunt Sarah and her fiance, Uncle Jacob. They left today, and Marina was pretty upset that she was not invited to fly home with them. Considering that their plane has been delayed twice (for a total of five hours), I would venture a guess that they're thankful to not be having to entertain her. In any case, their wedding is in November, and we are so excited!! Megan and Marina will be flower girls, and Melanie is going to be "honorary" since she will not yet be walking.
We are having a great time in the South, despite the heat. The kids don't function in it well...we attempted to have an outdoor photo session at Hopeland Gardens yesterday. To say that it was an unmitigated disaster would be an understatement. We did get some funny pictures of Marina throwing a gigantic fit, though. We've spent a lot of time in the pool. I was going to take the kids over there in a few minutes, but the national weather service issued an excessive heat warning until 9 pm, so I think I would be better served to keep my Eskimo babies inside where it's cool.
Today is our last day with Uncle Phil and Auntie Kathryn. Uncle Phil is currently carrying Melanie around while she drools on his arm. They've had lots of fun with them too, and I can tell that they'll be disappointed to have all the aunts and uncles gone tomorrow. I need to remember to get all Aunt Kathryn's cool pictures before she goes, because I haven't taken a single one (Aunt Kathryn is a much better photographer than I am...so I've been letting her carry that one alone!). I knew the flash drive that I found in my purse on the plane would come in handy...
I'm hoping to see my friend Leah in Columbia sometime in the next couple of days, and we're hitting the Charleston beach on Friday. Saturday, I think we're taking the girls to see Winnie the Pooh. It's hard to believe that Tuesday is almost over already! Our time is flying.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Down South!
We made it safe, sound and relatively sane to South Carolina. Our flight left nearly three hours late, and we had to take a later plane from Philly to Charlotte, but we're here now, and HOT. It was 92 on the drive to Aiken. Marina, Melanie and I have all changed clothes into very summery and light things, but Megan is holding on strong to her Hello Kitty shirt and jeans. She's also staying inside where it's air conditioned. :)
The girls did really well on the planes. Melanie slept the entire time, waking only to nurse. She was also out for our whole layover in Philadelphia. Marina was sleeping so hard that she actually fell off her chair and onto the floor...where she just rolled over and kept sleeping. We are all pretty jet lagged, but the kids are so wound up that they're handling it well. I'm just moving slowly, and staring a lot, as I struggle to form sentences in my sleep deprived brain.
Melanie has now met her Aunt Kathryn for the first time, and is getting loved and squeezed by her and her Grandparents, who haven't seen her since she was a month old (she's a lot more squeezable now!). I'm enjoying some quiet down time after being "on" all day while the kids chase around the family and the cat (poor arthritic Buttons is not quite sure what to make of all this sudden commotion and interest).
Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jacob get her soon, and I will say hi to them and go to bed. :) We miss Daddy a lot, and wish he was here.
The girls did really well on the planes. Melanie slept the entire time, waking only to nurse. She was also out for our whole layover in Philadelphia. Marina was sleeping so hard that she actually fell off her chair and onto the floor...where she just rolled over and kept sleeping. We are all pretty jet lagged, but the kids are so wound up that they're handling it well. I'm just moving slowly, and staring a lot, as I struggle to form sentences in my sleep deprived brain.
Melanie has now met her Aunt Kathryn for the first time, and is getting loved and squeezed by her and her Grandparents, who haven't seen her since she was a month old (she's a lot more squeezable now!). I'm enjoying some quiet down time after being "on" all day while the kids chase around the family and the cat (poor arthritic Buttons is not quite sure what to make of all this sudden commotion and interest).
Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jacob get her soon, and I will say hi to them and go to bed. :) We miss Daddy a lot, and wish he was here.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
On the road!!
This is my last post from Alaska for the next 12 days! Despite reservation problems (shakes fist at US Airways), we are getting ready to load the car and hit the road. Megan is, for some reason that is completely beyond me, having a gigantic meltdown. Hopefully she gets her act together and we don't get kicked off the plane.
I'm sure my next post will include some kind of comment about the blazing heat. :)
Say a prayer for all of us!
I'm sure my next post will include some kind of comment about the blazing heat. :)
Say a prayer for all of us!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Bacon Jam update
We had the Knight and Labrecque families over for breakfast this morning. I made pancakes and eggs, and broke out the bacon jam.
It was a big fat hit. :)
As soon as I get back from SC, I'll be making it for sale.
It was a big fat hit. :)
As soon as I get back from SC, I'll be making it for sale.
Monday, July 4, 2011
T-3 days and counting...
Oh vacation, where art thou? :) I am so ready.
We had a BBQ at my little sister's house today. I stood over her shoulder and learned how to make steak. Up until now, this has been a pretty dismal area of my cooking repertoire. Jess, however, makes amazing steak. So she taught me. Now all I have to do is attempt it on my own at home. Since I won't have time for this until after we get back from SC, I have to manage to retain all this knowledge for two weeks before using it. I think I can manage...it is about steak after all. Important stuff.
Speaking of grilling, I read in a magazine today an awesome idea for making chicken kebabs. I can't wait to try it, too. I sense a bbq night at the Rogers coming soon...it's a good thing I have many hungry friends, since I'm going to need them to eat all this stuff I want to try!
I went to the store today, and got the last of the stuff I need for our trip. At least, I thought I did until I got home and realized I forgot something. *sigh* But other than a travel sized container of diaper cream, we are good to go! I've got a whole pile of stuff we've been saving for the airplane, and the kids are chomping at the bit to be able to get to their new toys. The coolest part about our carryons this time will be the downsizing factor. I read really fast, and this is a plus in every other area of my life, except airplane travel. I usually have to pack three or four books to read for a cross country trip (I don't sleep on planes, unfortunately). This tends to get heavy. Enter (da da da da!!) the KINDLE. Awesomeness in its entirety.
Also awesome--my grandma got me an iTouch for my birthday, so I'm loading it with TV and movies, so I don't have to pack our portable DVD player or movies. This cuts down on about 50% of my carry on space, and I am excited. The only downside is that I am technologically impaired, and have to get my 13 year old nephew to teach me how to use it. (I could ask my husband, I know, but that just makes me feel dumb. Asking a 13 year old is much, much better. Especially when my 11 year old nephew sat and snickered about me not knowing how to use it). I'm excited that iTunes rents movies, because now I can watch a couple chick flicks that I know Dn. John doesn't want to see.
Well, all three of my kids are asleep right now, and I am going to join them. It's been hairy these last few nights with Melanie (she's anti sleep at about 3 am these days), so I need some serious shut eye. Tomorrow morning, some of our friends from our St. James House days are going to be in town, and coming over for breakfast! I haven't seen them in about five years, so I am pretty excited.
We had a BBQ at my little sister's house today. I stood over her shoulder and learned how to make steak. Up until now, this has been a pretty dismal area of my cooking repertoire. Jess, however, makes amazing steak. So she taught me. Now all I have to do is attempt it on my own at home. Since I won't have time for this until after we get back from SC, I have to manage to retain all this knowledge for two weeks before using it. I think I can manage...it is about steak after all. Important stuff.
Speaking of grilling, I read in a magazine today an awesome idea for making chicken kebabs. I can't wait to try it, too. I sense a bbq night at the Rogers coming soon...it's a good thing I have many hungry friends, since I'm going to need them to eat all this stuff I want to try!
I went to the store today, and got the last of the stuff I need for our trip. At least, I thought I did until I got home and realized I forgot something. *sigh* But other than a travel sized container of diaper cream, we are good to go! I've got a whole pile of stuff we've been saving for the airplane, and the kids are chomping at the bit to be able to get to their new toys. The coolest part about our carryons this time will be the downsizing factor. I read really fast, and this is a plus in every other area of my life, except airplane travel. I usually have to pack three or four books to read for a cross country trip (I don't sleep on planes, unfortunately). This tends to get heavy. Enter (da da da da!!) the KINDLE. Awesomeness in its entirety.
Also awesome--my grandma got me an iTouch for my birthday, so I'm loading it with TV and movies, so I don't have to pack our portable DVD player or movies. This cuts down on about 50% of my carry on space, and I am excited. The only downside is that I am technologically impaired, and have to get my 13 year old nephew to teach me how to use it. (I could ask my husband, I know, but that just makes me feel dumb. Asking a 13 year old is much, much better. Especially when my 11 year old nephew sat and snickered about me not knowing how to use it). I'm excited that iTunes rents movies, because now I can watch a couple chick flicks that I know Dn. John doesn't want to see.
Well, all three of my kids are asleep right now, and I am going to join them. It's been hairy these last few nights with Melanie (she's anti sleep at about 3 am these days), so I need some serious shut eye. Tomorrow morning, some of our friends from our St. James House days are going to be in town, and coming over for breakfast! I haven't seen them in about five years, so I am pretty excited.
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