April 1st

No, I didn't have any special jokes, pranks, or craziness planned for today. I'm not that much of a practical joker and am normally not clever enough to come up with something really original. But in honor of the day, I figured I had to do a little something for the kids. So after school, I sent the boys upstairs to play while I made them a "snack". When the time had come, I called them down to come have their "chicken nuggets" with "mustard sauce". Yum, Yum! ;)

Ok, so the chicken nuggets are actually pieces of Sara Lee pound cake (from the freezer) that are cut up and dipped in a sauce of powdered sugar, Karo's syrup, water, and vanilla. Then they are rolled in peanuts and left to set up. The mustard sauce is just vanilla pudding with a little yellow food coloring. My kids like real chicken nuggets but weren't overly impressed with the idea of them as a snack. (hee, hee) And neither one of them have ever really gone for real mustard sauce, they prefer ranch dressing for a dip. But eventually with a little taste of these special chicken nuggets, they were convinced otherwise! :)

Guinness is Good

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Yes, I know the blog has been a bit neglected but sometimes that just can't be helped. But in all the business of our lives, today is a day to celebrate and enjoy. To celebrate what you may ask? Why Guinness of course! Just kidding, kind of.... It is good for you though. The Irish say so, then it must be true. And believe me, the slogan of Guinness is good is all over Ireland! Anyway, of course tonight we will be drinking plenty of Guinness, along with eating some traditional (American traditional anyway) corned beef and cabbage, and for dessert....Chocolate Guinness Cake. Of Course.

I am now off to go eat. Don't you wish? ;)

I *Heart* Valentine's Day

As kid I think I must have enjoyed Valentine's Day. As an adult, it seems to be a set up for a big let down. More often than not, Valentine's Day events never seemed to turn out according to expectations. But now, either as a result of maturity (unlikely!) or because of the kids, I rather enjoy the day. The kids have the cutest valentine's and they totally love all their little goodies. It all just seems very sweet and innocent...I know that won't last forever (heaven help us during the teenage years!) but I am totally enjoying the moment. It really has been a great day!

So, both kids had valentines to give out on Friday and came home with plenty...

Today at breakfast the boys got their candy valentine's from us and some Star Wars figures. Then for dinner we caved and did the heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's. OK, so not exactly gourmet, but the kids loved it. Oh, and Andy actually totally surprised me yesterday and came home with flowers and a balloon! I forgot to take a picture of the flowers but I was impressed because he didn't get roses. Which totally made my day. I like roses just fine, it's just that I actually prefer a bouquet of mixed flowers. ;) Go hubby!

And a little Valentine drinky for me!! ;)

**** The pretty juice is actually White-Cranberry Strawberry that I found the other day at Target. I bought it for the purpose of the boys breakfast this morning (which they got) but I couldn't resist having some myself with a little Grey Goose. ****

And this is how the evening goes...

Overheard just a little while ago:

Geusseppe: Meeerowwww....MeeYow!!!! **paw reaching out to Andy's arm**

Andy: No 'seppe, Daddy is drinking tonight, not petting.

It's obviously been a long day.

Someone Is Looking For Attention!

And no....we do not have a dog. The neighbor's dog, Lucky, came over to visit today...

What A Bunch Of Geeks

They are playing wii...Rich was in town and the boys (all of them!!) were hanging out. No other words needed....

Christmas Night

This was Christmas night at Grandpa's house...

Of course it's all about the presents! ;)

This cookbook rocks! I'm not sure if it's for Matthew or me(!) but it's really cute. It's a Star Wars cookbook with Star Wars inspired recipes, such as Wookie Cookies and Yoda Soda. Matthew has actually spent time perusing it and made something over at Grandma Dee Dee's yesterday. (some kind of fruit leather thingy that I can't recall the name of!) Trust me, this book will be worthy of a whole other post later on! ;)

Gee Tys, have some pie with that whip cream!! Sorry it's not the most flattering picture....should help with New Years resolutions though, huh?!? ;)

This was my Christmas present. I really didn't have anything much specific that I needed but I told Andy I really wanted a new tea kettle. A nice red one. And I got one! Le Creuset no less....I had no idea Andy had any clue of nice kitchenware. ;)

How Mason (and Andy) Have Spent The Afternoon