Happy Easter!!!

Well, today is Good Friday and I for one am really looking forward to Easter vacation. I have 10 days off of work and we're heading up to my parent's farm today for the weekend, or until we overstay our welcome LOL! 

Alek has been counting down the days all week. He just loves getting out there and having the run of the place. There are kittens to cuddle, dogs to chase, a trampoline to jump on, Grandma to bake with, ATV's to ride, bikes, and more! This weekend he has plans with his uncle to rip apart their go-cart and put the engine in the old model- T  that we terrorized the country with when we were kids. It's so nice that the car is still there and our kids will get to enjoy it as much as we did. 

I'm looking forward to it too. It's funny how fast my farm girl comes back out as soon as I get home. 

I hope that everyone else has a great Easter too! I'll post pictures when I get back.

Our Newest Foodie (or not)

I'm slowly trying enlighten my brother's tastebuds while he's staying with us. But, after hearing this today...

"ah polenta; placenta, ehh"

I think I may be failing.

Conversation with Alek's Teacher

Today after school Alek's teacher stopped me...

Mr. R: "Hey Barb, did Alek tell you his great news?"
Me: "No, not yet."
Mr. R: "Alek, come over here and tell your mom about the great picture you drew today."
Alek (very excited): "Mom, today I drew a picture without guns in it!"
Me: "Wow! That's awesome!"

I am just so proud. ~sigh~

DIY

If you know me, IRL, or even IOL, you know that I'm crafty. In more ways than one LOL!

I've been slightly obsessed lately, scouring the web for funky, easy, fun projects to do. It amazes me many times a day what clever designs and solutions people can come up with. Lots of these talented people will then write tutorials for the slightly less-talented, such as myself. So, I've decided that I'm going to start highlighting some of the ones that I really like and want to make. If the projects contain re-using, re-cycling, or re-vamping you can bet you'll see it here.

Here's a great one to get you started...

Click here to see how to make these awesome Photo Lanterns!

Mommy

Mikah now says "Mommy. My mommy."

Awww. That's my boy.

Kale Chips Review

Overall the chips were a huge hit. I whipped up a batch last night after the kids went to bed so that the adults could have a snack. My brother and I loved them, Lev wasn't so sure. The recipe made quite a lot of chips so I bagged up the rest and brought them to work today for people to sample. More people enjoyed them than those who didn't, and they were even a big hit with the kids.

Next time, I will not add quite as much salt. A little salt really goes a long way with this recipe.

Let me know what you think when you make them!!!

Kale Chips

Now here is a recipe that I am going to have to try tonight. Hopefully it will help alleviate the chip craving that has been taking over my life lately. Kale has to be healthier right???

Kale Chips
(can be served to kids 10+ mos)

2 bunches of kale, torn into 1-2″ pieces*
2 tbsp olive oil
course sea salt

pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss kale in the oil until thoroughly coated. (I do this in a ziploc bag, that way everything gets a nice coat and there is no mess.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place kale on sheet in a single layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, until crispy. Enjoy.

~ You can use spinach instead of kale and it's just as good, and maybe cheaper.~