Thanks all around

One of the upsides to Zada attending a private preschool this year has been the bonafide holiday celebrations, like this one for Thanksgiving. The zoom isn't very clear on it, but I think you'll get the idea...

When two years apart seems kind of fun

That's Mr. Potato Head to you

While Zada was at school yesterday, Darby and I hauled out the playdough. In addition to the usual scoops and slicers we also employed our Mr. Potato Head pumpkin kits, what a genius bit of clearance shopping those were. These pirate and monster parts have been displayed on numerous pumpkins, snowmen and now playdough. Arrgh!

Five minutes too late

Maybe it was just a case of the Mondays, but Darby conked out just before the five-minute warning for naptime, poor bugger. The only consolation I had in waking him up was that I was saving him the infamous "I feel asleep in the chair again" neckache.

Wow, they really can be quiet

Two things we've recently purchased could not be more opposite in the play they encourage. One is a band set, with which we march around the kitchen table to the Mickey Mouse March. The other is a lacing set with wooden beads in different painted shapes. Each set is fun in its own way, here is the quieter version in action.

And also in the same evening, as beading is known to be a gateway activity, the kids were coloring and gluing pictures. I admit I am posting this just to show myself, and whoever else may occasionally doubt it, these two can be in the same space quietly coexisting. 

Group project

Everyone pitched in to make these graham cracker, chocolate chip teacakes over the weekend. The kids' hands are still too small to form the cookies, but they were lights out putting the sprinkles on top! Troy was especially helpful in showing the kids how to eat frosting once the cookies are all done.

Brian vs. basketball

It's a tough call at which of yesterday's events we all had more fun, lunch with Uncle Brian or attending a Mavericks/Nets basketball game. You can judge for yourself from the photographic evidence.

Go Daddy, go!

We had some gloppy snow this morning, followed by freezing rain and sleet. Here are the kids cheering on Troy as he mounts an assault on our 45-degree, "trucks must use low gear" driveway before work. What a guy!

Also, Zada humored me by trying on my old sweater and hat. To be fair I humored her back with her new favorite thing, knock-knock jokes.
"Knock knock" 
"Who's there?"
"Boo"
"Boo who?"
"Don't cry, you only have to wear the hat for the picture."

Off to the library

Aunt Naomi made these snazzy book bags for the kids for Christmas. The bags are so cute even the librarians smiled at us!

I stand corrected

For a long while I have maintained that potatoes gone bad in your cupboard is the worst smell in the world. I found out this week it is only one of many of the worst smells in the world, this category now including onions gone bad in your cupboard. Note to self: Always store potatoes AND onions in refrigerator.

Dream Home

Here are some snaps of Zada and Darby's new dream home, courtesy of a Target gift card from Grandma Mary and Grandpa Rod. This was our first afternoon with it and surprisingly it is still standing one day later. The kids are gradually coloring it and fully enjoying it. Let the record show Zada is back in her pajamas at 4:30 p.m. not still in her pajamas.

What the kids usually do for pictures

What I wish they would do for pictures

Bumping along in my little red wagon

The kids and I took a walk today, well, technically Zada rode her bike and Darby rode in our classic edition radio flyer wagon, a hold-over from my childhood. So I guess I was the only one "walking," but I think we all enjoyed the chance to get outside for a bit.

Here is Darby taking an opportunity to vex his sister and her, at times, tyrannical rule. "Pull me, second-born servant!"

Not-so-Speedy Rolls

In the packet of recipes from my Grandma Leona lies a tasty tidbit titled, "Speedy Rolls," which, as of this morning, I have tried twice to make. In spite of my brief experience with this recipe, I feel fully justified in saying that the concept of "speedy" has changed quite a bit over the years. Start to finish today these rolls took me three hours to produce. Happily, this second venture turned out much better than the first, which only took 90 minutes, but the inside of the rolls was decidedly inedible and well, gooey.

Sadly, the unexpected amount of time for properly prepared Speedy Rolls left me hardly ready to attend church, a fact bemoaned by my husband. However, Troy did get himself and the kids to Sunday services, and I rewarded them all for their efforts with warm Speedy Rolls fresh from the oven.

So, armed with a better understanding of the time necessary to produce a satisfying batch of Speedy Rolls I imagine my production of them will continue, but maybe not every Sunday as I would hate to be in bad standing with our new church, or furthermore my husband.

Zada is a first-class kitchen helper

Not yet Darby!

Snoopy Snowcone anyone?

We were thrilled to receive a Snoopy Snowcone maker for Christmas this year! Our first run with it proved to be very successful and satisfying. Sometimes the classics are just the best.

Snow Day!

Zada's preschool phone tree was activated last night to announce school would be closed today due to an anticipated 3- to 6-inch snowfall. After making pancakes for breakfast, staying in pajamas until lunch, the kids and I headed outside. Here are a couple snaps from our snowy adventures...

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

After a brief survey of our household's voting members, we decided instead of crowding into Times Square for a classic NYC NYE, we would settle for our own Real Cardinals of New Jersey New Year's Eve popcorn party. No bouncers were required, although sanitation workers were eventually called upon to collect the teeny, tiny popcorn bits rubbed into the rug.