Top 5 in the Universe

Beach play during our recent San Diego trip

Said the bigger of the two to the littler, "Ashlyn, name your top five things in the universe."

And from the mouth of the littler came:
"Jesus, school, dogs, Kalli (her "best friend forever" in her own words), and nachos," in that order.

FAT

This boy?

This boy is a fount of wisdom. He gets it. He lives it. Sure he's my son, and surely I'm biased, but I am so proud of the young man Garrett is growing into. And yes he's a work in progress but aren't we all?

Tonight at the dinner table, shortly after a heart-to-heart teachable moment that included a reprimand, Garrett shared a nugget of truth that revealed his heart to do right by the Lord. I was so encouraged by what he'd been thinking on after our aforementioned discussion, and I was downright encouraged in my own walk with the Lord as well.

"Mom," he said. "Mrs. C [his fourth grade teacher] is always reminding us to be FAT."

"Fat?", I asked, never having heard the acronym and assuming his teacher must have meant fat on the Word or something of the sort.

"Yeah, Flexible, Adaptable, and Teachable. And really? I think that can be used in every area of our life."

Oh how right you are, son of mine!

Me...on Vanity

This is me (with my dashingly handsome husband):


I like this photo, for many reasons, but you want to know the three biggest reasons?

1) I've got big ol' sunglasses on.
2) The stocking cap is nice, too.
3) It's perfectly zoomed/zoomed out.

Weird reasons, right?

Let me explain. A photo such as this is perfectly benign because it saves you from seeing what I saw the other day when I leaned in to pluck my seemingly ever-bushy brows. It was upon leaning toward the mirror that I spotted them. They and vanity are ever butting heads. They make you shudder and feel all of your 32 years. They caused me to pluck and wax. They had to show up glaringly on the same occasion, didn't they?!?

Suffice it to say, goodbye mustache and wiry, gray hairs!

Vanity wins again but oh does my pride suffer!

Fields of Green

We live in a winter state. Winter as in 9 months of the year we've got snow on the ground. Winter. Winter. And more WINTER. Did I forget to mention that it's snowing as I sit and type away? Winter.

Living in a winter state is hard, but it's also beautiful. Beautiful, excepting when the snow blends with motor oil, begins melting and is splashed upon every surface within the spray's reach. But never mind that, we're not even to the melting stage.

And snow is beautiful excepting when the long winter months have caused your 30-something body to go into hibernation mode and pack on a few "survival" pounds. And it's all the snow's fault, really! I'm sure there's some biological data out there to support this hypothesis of mine.

In any case, and really I do have one, the vegetative color green shows up only in supermarket produce isles. And you know what? That's good! Very good in this case. Because when produce gives you greens, oil them, add salt and pepper, and turn it into chips! And these chips? They'll only help the poundage issue that is a directly linked with snow.

Kale, oiled with salt and pepper, ready to be baked.

Not only are these beauties simple, delicious, and healthful but your family will love you for them. And you'll feel like a superhero for giving your family the nutrient punch that comes inherently in kale chips.

The finished product, baked to crunchy perfection.

And the best thing about these? Brace yourself.... The best thing about kale chips is the lingo you can teach your family to go along with them. I made up and coined the following phrase, so much so that all I have to do is look at my kids and say, "Remember, treat your colon..." and they finish with, "like you wear it on the outside". Think about that one folks!

Kale Chips

1 bunch of kale, preferably organic
about 2 T. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Wash and dry kale completely. Tear leavess from stem, so as to avoid the chewy lower stalk. Set leaves on a large baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Massage the oil onto each leaf and then spread the leaves out on the sheet so that they don't touch . Salt and pepper to your taste.

Bake for approximately 10 minutes, but be sure to watch them closely because these babies go from done to torched in mere seconds.

Enjoy, and always remember to treat your colon like you wear it on the outside!

Conquering the world one colon at a time,
Jennie

Give Away Results

Years ago, and around Christmas time, I posted about my favorite things, ala Oprah style. I rationalized that I, too, would probably greatly influence consumerism since my blog was so steeped with followers. At the time I believe my readership was, maybe...TEN people?

My most recent contest reveals a similar popularity. TWO contest entrants? Those are some pretty good winning odds! And if you're like me and never win anything, 50/50 odds make a contest all the more appealing.

That said, in a random drawing executed by Ashlyn, the winner between the TWO commenters is Libbie. Libbie, 12 girlie pinwheels are coming your way!

Finally, a little side note to the MILLIONS of readers of my blog who didn't comment. My delusions aside, you may just want to enter future drawings. I have a feeling your odds of winning will continue to be good!

Fer yoooooo!

Since we've moved into our little condo I've found myself wanting for a decorating project. Knowing that this is an in-the-interim abode, I've been hesitant to take on any major decorating projects. But, but, but, I LOVE decorating and projects!

Enter the nontraditional Valentines. This year we gave away the following to all three kids' classes:

Pixie Stix Pinwheels (this one for girls)

All together now, what an adorable (boy) bouquet!

These were super fun to put together, a creative outlet for this decorating lover, and best of all - well received all around!

So, you know you want some, right? Because I'd love to put my hand toward more craftiness AND because I love and appreciate every one of you readers out there, I'm giving away a dozen of these. Do you have a child, grandchild, niece, nephew or friend who would enjoy a pinwheel bouquet? How about upcoming party favors? Want to just keep them for yourself? Whatever the case, each commenter will be entered in a drawing for 12 of these little gems.

Just answer the following question: What has been YOUR most recent craft? And be sure to indicate if you want girl, boy, or a mix of pinwheels. I'll post the winner on Tuesday morning, so you have till then to enter.

Happy commenting, friends!

Quotable

Brody: "Mom, I can totally feel that summer's coming!"



Things to note:
1) It's still mid-February in MT.
2) The temperature was in the low 40's when this photo was taken.
3) Notice the starred items in the photo, which include:

*shorts
*bare legs
*no socks on either boy
*PILES OF SNOW!

Oh, how easily deceived we Montanans are when the winter temps rise above freezing! Get me my swimsuit and an umbrella. I think I'm going to go lay out!