Parties

 Olive started walking the last week of January. Almost 15 months old. 

Here she is with cousin Boaz who is almost as big as her and stinking cute.

I stole this from Dorcas' Instagram. Super cute.  Love these boys.

Dad and his birthday cake. Tres Leches. 

 Nate's family here for his birthday.

 Gender reveal. Just our family. 

Stuart said, "I want a boy but it is probably a girl, because God picks." 

Ladies Lunch and Painting Class

 Nate's Aunt Carolyn planned a lunch for her sisters and as a surprise activity she had me come and teach a painting class. This was held at Grandma Minnie's house. Grandma had fun watching, she was quite chipper.

 They were such willing students and it went much better than I imagined. When I taught 5&6th grade art the scared students would just sit there and do nothing, hoping I would do it for them I guess. These ladies might have been nervous but they went for it, no one lagging behind. 

Aunt Carolyn in the middle. Happy Birthday! 

Don't Steal the Joy

Picked up this t-shirt dress for Olive at a thrift store. 

Made me want to sew one like it. I don't particularly enjoy sewing knits or small things so.... I was really hoping it would fit over her head. 

Mia playing dress up with Olive. 

Nate's Mom dropped off fastnachts. As you can see I was feeling hopeful for some filling in the glazed line. 

We are slightly addicted to the Eagle Cam. 

I knew it was bad when I texted Nate an update one day. 

So many snow days. 

The youth group gave us some balloons so Nate was on Youtube making stuff for the kids. Fun.

Longing for Spring.

Way to Go Mom

A post I loved by one of my favorite bloggers. Thoughts about Pinterest and the way we react to cute birthday parties and stuff. If you love to be creative and Pinteresty then go for it! and if you are not that type of person, or in that stage of life,  embrace that as well. 

Don't be haters. Don't steal the joy.  

How I Feel About Valentine's Day This Year

I've kind of gotten over wanting to go out on a hot date on Valentine's Day. I would not be against it, but ever since reading the book "Waiter Rant" I just feel badly for the waiters and wish to be out on a more normal night. That and the babysitter problem.
So the past few years we have been doing a fun meal with the kids and getting out a tablecloth and some sparkling juice in goblets type of thing.
Now this year it falls on a Saturday night. Great if you don't have children yet and can just go out like usual. Not great if you just want to hang out with your friends, Valentine's or not.
I guess what I'm saying is I don't feel like cooking. Surely Chick Fil A would be a safe place to go as a family, right?

Last year Nate got me roses from Pro Flowers and they were guaranteed for Valentines's Day. There was a big snowstorm and he walked in the house empty handed and so sheepishly that day. I smiled pretty big when flowers showed up 3 days early this year. I thought he was overcompensating. Turns out if you wait too long to order they have to bring them early.

Plantain and Chicken Curry

1 ripe plantain, cubed

4 chicken breasts cooked and diced

1 onion sliced

1 medium apple, peeled and cut in cubes

4 T butter

2 T coconut flakes

3 tsp curry powder

3 T flour

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

salt and pepper

1 c cream 

* I like mine with hot pepper flakes

1. In a saucepan saute onion and apple in butter. Add coconut flakes and curry powder. Sprinkle with flour and saute for 3 minutes. While stirring, add broth. 

2. When sauce is smooth, add salt and pepper to taste. Add cream, plantain and chickens. Simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Serve over rice and garnish with coconut flakes.