Field Day and Preschool Wrap-Up

My girlie is going to be so bored next week...HA. Brings back memories of my childhood.

I loved school and was so sad when it was over, but summer vacation brought endless hours of outside fun with the neighbor kids. Still, there was that limbo stage at first when we didn't quite know what to do with ourselves.

That will be my daugher next week, I am sure. I can almost hear it now, "Mom, I'm bored." :-)

Tomorrow is the last day of Pre-school and today was Field Day--a chance for the parents and siblings to spend the morning with their pre-schooler, and get a glimpse of what the year has held.

There are 15 pre-schoolers, 15 high school "student teachers", and the fabulous Mrs. B, who teaches Consumer Science and heads up the Pre-school program at the high school. We just love her!

Today the student teachers had about 10 activity stations out on the softball field, and it was a blast...and VERY, VERY HOT! Natalia has been battling a sore throat and wasn't too peppy this morning, but Adam and Grandma and I had fun participating. Especially Adam!

Getting instructions...isn't he just too cute?!?!

Class picture. Natalia is in the back row between her buddy Miss Morgan and Mr. Austin. Also pictured are the high school students who help receive the preschoolers first thing in the morning.

The standard goofy picture.

Storytime to allow everyone to cool down.

Adam, busy making his trademark "pah-keen watt" (parking lot).And, Natalia with Mrs. B. You know how that first teacher holds a very dear and special place in your heart forever and ever? Well, Mrs. B is definately that kind of teacher!

Big Boy Bed

This past Spring I was able to find some great deals at the WeeUsables Consignment Sale that is held bi-annually in the Lancaster area.

One of those finds = this comforter and pillow sham set.

I had planned to buy a plain-colored comforter, but when I saw this, it fit the bill perfectly!

What makes this bargain even more special is that my mom makes a throw-sized patchwork quilt for each of the grandbabies for their 1st Christmas. She lets the mommies pick out swatches at the fabric store so the quilts are individualized. The shades of blues and red that I picked out 2 years ago match this new TRAIN quilt exactly! See?!

Now, I just have to get used to how little my big boy looks in his new bed!

(Thankfully he has done sooooooo much better about staying in his bed than his sister did. Read "There have been no 2 week nap strikes!...yet.") And it's been a much more pleasant transition since I'm NOT pregnant and sick as a dog like I was then.)

Everyone, please take note of that all uppercase word I just used. :-) That was not a hint or clue to any hidden message.

Spices, Sauces & Scratch

My husband likes to ask me if I used "scratch" when making whatever we happen to be eating at the time. I just smile and take the hidden compliment, knowing he appreciates my cooking efforts. He's such a comedian.

In all seriousness though, I've come to appreciate how utterly easy it is to mix up your own spice blends and sauces instead of buying the pre-made stuff. If you have a good collection of spices and herbs in your pantry, and a few other "staples", chances are you don't have to look far for the ingredients to these simple recipes.

Along with the obvious benefits of being able to control spicyness, sodium, etc., there aren't any unpronounceable or unwanted preservatives and additives.

Here are the ones I use on a regular basis.

TACO SEASONING:
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. chili powder (can double for more "heat")
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. oregano
dash red pepper flakes

Use 2 Tbsp. with 1/2 c. water, and add to 1 lb. of browned ground turkey or beef.
*Makes 2 Tbsp. worth (a normal packet is about 2 1/2 Tbsp.) Double or quadruple to have extra on hand.


CHILI SEASONING:
1/4 c. all-purpose unbleached flour
1 Tbsp. dried minced onion
2 tsp. white sugar
2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. chili powder (can be doubled)
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

*Just use in place of a seasoning packet the next time you have a big pot of chili simmering on the stove.


ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING/MARINADE:
Mix #1:
1-2 Tbsp. white sugar (+/-)
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1-2 Tbsp. salt (+/-)
1 tsp. black pepper
Mix #2:
2 Tbsp. oregano
1 Tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. thyme
pinch of celery seed

Store mix #1 and #2 separately to insure equal distribution of ingedients.

To prepare dressing, whisk together:
1/4 c. white vinegar
2/3 c. olive oil
2 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. Mix #1
1 Tbsp. Mix #2
dash of red pepper flakes

***This is AWESOME to use for grilled chicken breasts!!!


RANCH DRESSING/VEGGIE DIP:
1 c. whole milk
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. salt, divided
1/3 c. sour cream
1/2 c. mayo
3 Tbsp. fresh chives, chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp. dried dill
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Combine milk and vinegar and let sit 5 mins. Make a paste by using the back of a spoon to smash the garlic with 1/2 tsp. of salt. Then whisk all ingredients together. (Don't forget the rest of the salt.) Cover and chill for at least 1 hour prior to using. Will keep about 3 days in refrigerator, tightly sealed.

Makes about 2 cups worth, so you may want to half the recipe.

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And if you're interested in recipes for Homemade Enchilada Sauce or Condensed Cream Soup (w/variations), just click on these links to previous posts. They really are easy!

Blogger Issues

I don't know what was up with blogger this past week, but I haven't been able to leave comments or post at all. As a result, I've had a few post ideas on the back burner.

Keep checking back this week. :-)

Short Bursts of Sunshine...

...in the midst of LOTS of rain. I repeat, L.O.T.S. of rain!

At least this weekend looks fairly dry. Just posting this pictures today to remember what the sun looks like. :-)

After

At the rate that this girl's hair grows, we'll be donating a 10 inch braid every two years.

I haven't gotten the pics my mom took while we were at the salon yet, but here are the AFTER shots I've taken at home. Wearing her favorite "horsey" shirt.

The stylist cut cute layers all around the back--it's so full and silky and bouncy. Mommy is once again struggling with hair envy.

My new dilemma:

What to do with the 5 minutes I normally spend fixing her hair each morning?

Hmmm...that's easy. Coffee!

Before

The day has come...

To be continued...