Gardening 2010

Dan and the kids decided to plant another garden this year, since we had so much success last year. We have even discussed adding another garden box or two to the backyard. Noah and Zoe had been counting down the days until they could plant the seeds. Can't you sense their excitement? I don't remember what they have planted so far, but I do know we are trying out several different types of tomatoes this year and I am determined to grow our own basil, since I love pesto. Here's what it looks like today (4/22).

Now if the snow would just stay away. I am so ready for warmer weather on a more consistent basis.

Zoe Sofia

Here are a few of the things our little girl has been up to lately.

Tea Parties with Sleeping Beauty....

The things she allows her brother to talk her into.

Meal time has been such a challenge with her lately. She can take forever to eat her food. She has to make at least one trip to the bathroom during mealtime. She also has to get her feelings hurt at least once and run to her bedroom. We are constantly reminding her to sit in her chair and eat her food. We have tried everything short of strapping her to her chair.

Here is one of our many feeding techniques, "The Baby Bird."

She just couldn't manage to stay awake. This is what happens when she refuses to take a nap...

Notice how she still isn't sitting in her chair - it is more of a squat.

Our Cave Girl, with her big Turkey Leg.

I am hoping this is just a phase as she used to be such a good eater. But, I guess when you're 3, you want to be in control of everything.

A summer must-do on the grill . . .

For those of you who don't know or haven't figured out we have had a lot going on lately and so our blog has suffered. Sorry to our loyal readers, but here is a summer idea that is fantastic. I say more of an idea than a recipe as it is sort of freestyle.

Grilled Lettuce Salad

What? Grilled lettuce? I know, I know . . . but try it and it is a revelation. It's amazing because it is so simple, yet the way it changes and develops the character of the lettuce is unreal.

So how do you do it? Gas or charcoal both work. Just wash, dry, and then lightly brush a head of romaine lettuce with olive oil and place directly on a pre-heated grill, cover and give about 3 min, then flip lettuce once and give 3 more minutes. Let cool and then chop. I added grape tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, cracked black pepper and served with balsamic vinaigrette. Try it. Tonight. Weird? Yes. Eye opening? Yes. Amazing? I think so.

Something new . . . I (Dan) am a lover of food, food blogs, and cooking in general (this is not new). I am always trying new things and getting requests for things I already make and so a food blog would be logical. However, I fear I would never update it and so Shauna agreed it would be OK for me to add a weekly food blog feature into our family blog, and this it what is new. If you hate it, complain- If you love it, compliment- either way we'll see how it goes.

How better to start food blogging than with something ugly. This soup will certainly not win any beauty contests. It sounds weird. It looks weird. But if there is one thing I have learned from my humble cooking experience it is that for simple, honest, affordable, and often the best tasting food nothing beats peasant food.

If you want something warm and lively with such a bright intensity that it may in fact part these stubborn winter clouds, this simple German peasant soup may really do just that. If it's awful toss it and you're out $4 . . . or drop it by my house and Shauna and I will gladly enjoy it.

Leek Soup with Peas and Sauerkraut

(serves 4)
2T olive oil

2 large leeks, cleaned and sliced

4 cups chicken stock

16oz frozen peas

1T chopped fresh mint

1T chopped parsley

1C fresh sauerkraut

Heat the oil and leeks in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the leeks until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the stock and the peas and cook until the peas are tender and the broth warmed through. Add the sauerkraut, mint, and parsley. Let the soup heat through, then serve and enjoy.

Saying Goodbye

The kids had to say goodbye to one of their friends this past month. Sam moved to San Diego and the kids, especially Noah took it a little hard. At least we had one last fun play date and a nice lunch at the new Round Table in town before he left. It just gives us one more reason to visit Southern California.

Someday My Prince Will Come

Sometimes Noah can be such a nice big brother - other times he can be so mean. Well here is a picture of him being sweet. Zoe was playing with her dress up clothes and the veil, gloves, and ring she got with her new Cinderella's wedding book. Noah decided she needed a prince and went to his closet and got out one of his white shirts and ties. I don't know many big brothers who will play dress up and dolls with their little sister, but I'm so glad he is one of them. I love it that they can be best friends most of the time. Other dress up fun...Firefighter Noah and his Firefighter Monkey "George"... Sleeping Beauty Zoe and Princess Bear "Aurora"...

Feed the Birds

We had another exciting story time at the local library. We learned all about birds and then made bird feeders out of pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed. The kids had a lot of fun with the messy craft and I was so happy that the mess wasn't at my house. We hung them up as soon as we got home, but haven't seen any birds using them yet. I think it is still too cold.

Zoe's bird feeder....

Noah's bird feeder, I think he picked out one of the largest pine cones....