New Dishtowels

At least that's what I thought they were. Fortunately, Laney set me straight. Fancy hunh?

Squirrels Gone Wild

Actually, they are pretty domesticated around here thanks to Sam providing them an all you can eat buffet of peanuts and corn. It is, however, that time of year when our super sized squirrels get that crazed look in their eyes as they frantically search for the food that we leave on the deck for them. They are cute, but not the smartest of creatures. Can you believe the size of this guy? I guess this counts as his exercise for the day - you know, I like the way this guy thinks.

Another Go

With Sam's parents and sister visiting, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to try the Meringue Crusted Chocolate Cake again. After my last disaster I felt like needed to redeem myself, so I carefully followed the recipe (with the exception of adding splash of vanilla - I need a bit of leeway). I refrained from adding an extra egg white for more meringue - I guess more isn't always better. Also - this might be the big one - I didn't turn off the oven mid-way through baking because, although I am not an expert, I really think that might have had something to do with the sides creeping up out of the pan as though they were so horrified with what I had done they decided to run away. So, without further ado - I present the less frightening looking Meringue Crusted Chocolate Cake. Give it a try.

Stay sides, stay - good sides.

Mmmm good.

The Little People At Work

The other morning I awoke to find Spencer making me breakfast (under Sam's supervision). There on the counter waiting for me was what he called "deluxe toast" - a slice of wheat toast covered with a mixture of butter, orange marmalade and blackberry jam, topped with maraschino cherries. Yes, he had carefully placed four of those unnaturally red little gems right on top. Good morning!

Laney ran around for the rest of the morning telling everyone, including me, "time out to you - wight NOW!" Handful does not even begin to describe this one.

Then there was Owen, who after dropping off the little chef at school, sweetly asked:

"Mama, how did you hurt your hair?"

"What?"

"Did you hurt your hair?"

"No Owen, why do you ask?"

"Because you have that Band-Aid in your hair."

"Oh, it's a barrette to hold my hair back!"

Won't be wearing that one again.

I thought I would include these recent photos in this post - seems appropriate. Lots of little things have been falling out of the front of the dishwasher recently, including roasted pumpkin seeds:

We also found this on the refrigerator shortly after Spencer birthday dinner. He loves prime rib and chose to go out to a restaurant, Weber's, for his birthday dinner.

Translation: Let's go to Weber's - I'm hungry. Order meat.

Now, we were missing some letters, so Spencer made some, including the "R" that he wrote on a napkin and taped to the refrigerator, the rest is just bad spelling and he comes by that naturally. There is never a dull moment when the little people are at work.

A Treat Idea For Classroom Birthday Parties

Growing up we lived across the street from a family with a boy who had a severe allergy to shellfish. I remember my mother having to be very cautious about what she served because his food could not even be on the same cutting board as shellfish or he would have an anaphylaxis reaction. He was the only one we knew though. Now, it seems like every class has a child with a severe allergy to something. In fact, there was just a Newsweek article about the issue. Anyway, both Spencer and Owen have several children in their classes with severe allergies and both have a communal snack for which the parents are responsible. There are lists and you can always bring a fruit or vegetable, but, for me, it is still nerve-racking.

So, for Spencer's class birthday treat I decided to send applesauce (I buy the natural applesauce without added sugar). Although not as exciting as cupcakes, it is safe for the children with allergies and he really does love it. I jazzed them up a bit with paper covers for the tops, a few stickers and some curly ribbons for the ends of the spoons and it was a hit:

Here is a link to the template I made in Word. Just double click on writing to replace Spencer's name, then just copy and paste for more and attach to the tops with double stick tape.

Back To The Birthdays

I am so behind with lots going on here and guests to enjoy, so last, but not least, Spencer and Popie (my grandfather). We celebrated Spencer's birthday with 10 of his friends at a local bowling alley. Let me start by saying that the kids had a fantastic time and one of Spencer's friends has decided he too wants a bowling party for his birthday and "no doubt" Spencer will be invited.

That being said, I think time might have actually stood still that Sunday afternoon. We bowled a bit, ate our cake and ice cream, opened presents and then the cold realization that we still had 45 more minutes until the parents came back set in. Note to self: 10 6 year olds with big heavy balls...not the best idea, oh, and make sure the children go to the bathroom before the party begins. Anyway, here are a few photos of the event:

Melissa, please note the Costco cake in the photo above.

Favors for the kids - t-shirts, bowling stickers and Pixy sticks.

Each child got a t-shirt with his name on it. I bought the t-shirts and the transfer paper at Michael's (I used the Wilton brand). This was the first time I tried using the paper and, I must say, it was very easy to use and fun to do. You just create your design - I did mine in Word with some art from Family Fun magazine (Wilton has a sight full of graphics that allows you to create design too), printed them up and ironed them on.

Unfortunately my grandfather, who was visiting from San Diego, was forced to share his actual birthday with Spencer and the 10 friends. My mom and grandmother prepared Coquilles St. Jacques (yum) and I was in charge of the dessert. I decided to make Bon Appetit's meringue crusted chocolate cake. I have made it several times before and it really looks impressive, but this time I had a bit of a problem.

Looking good...

Then, somehow, disaster struck - the oven was turned off. I have am clueless as to how it happened, but it did and I had to make it work, so I turned the oven back on and watched the meringue on the sides climb up out of the pan. It was ridiculous. Again, it had to work, so I decided to trim the towering top and cover the damage with chocolate leaves. The leaves were pretty, but not enough to beautify that monstrosity of a cake. Fortunately, the taste was still delicious - too bad you had to eat the frightful cake with your eyes closed. I'll do better next year Popie and I promise no time defying kid parties.