tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78924049746727415642024-02-19T10:05:12.972-06:00The Fisher Family BlogA blog about faith, family & foodShaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.comBlogger364125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-9659695029376577052012-07-27T12:22:00.001-05:002012-07-27T12:22:50.378-05:00Chicago – Wednesday, Lincoln Park Zoo, ER, & Boat Ride<p>Wednesday morning I took the kids to Lincoln Park Zoo which was just over a mile from our house.  I LOVE being able to walk everywhere.  We walked down Clark street which has a lot of nice restaurants and shops, it’s kind of like South Congress in Austin.  The architecture is so neat here.  The building below is a 7-11.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gMQBKcfwNMs/UBLNyIQRoAI/AAAAAAAAFg0/4oYnRv-ESCo/s1600-h/DSC_2813%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2813" border="0" alt="DSC_2813" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--ojS5LqpQkg/UBLNzAFTimI/AAAAAAAAFg8/J28tmknwtjA/DSC_2813_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="443" /></a></p> <p>We also passed this building which is a storage facility built in 1921 and covered in  accurate Egyptian imagery and hieroglyphics.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uXGaqBS4j5U/UBLN0O9Wv_I/AAAAAAAAFhE/sUBflslXUEk/s1600-h/DSC_2810%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2810" border="0" alt="DSC_2810" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fvLU40V3E_U/UBLN0lWg6BI/AAAAAAAAFhM/5OlSmzkjkVg/DSC_2810_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="276" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m6GyjOLj2BY/UBLN1XrUygI/AAAAAAAAFhU/UqQ1hhYo9Pk/s1600-h/DSC_2811%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2811" border="0" alt="DSC_2811" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDyyGlabBCXX6nshdjet7OEcdlsiL0wSCHeJC67c0vIM9XgNp6PkB8DVkYaODtkwap2XyyVijXjUZ2akimguYKcJfBWaDRq47XLihpWfZy198_K2SDJMXue4E-XBoMDlaOsel8kDbZuyw/?imgmax=800" width="408" height="278" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k6MixN18GcQ/UBLN2sr4JxI/AAAAAAAAFhk/zzxxrpFEUK8/s1600-h/DSC_2809%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2809" border="0" alt="DSC_2809" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeitoDJ7tom0ScEhrL83r-fM1UE8J3sOxSqkATLyi-n27FXi8BgUEW65tro0XMIyAgdeiBJ0Od2b1bmPn6_9oBV9B5ERtrrtPPRi3sWmiAWbDLWgA2S8mSSIa0Sufnuun-WGxuQ1OfRT0/?imgmax=800" width="310" height="474" /></a></p> <p>Then we arrived at the zoo, which is absolutely the prettiest zoo I have ever been to, and it’s FREE. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rC6AKNTiO0g/UBLN4hb1WdI/AAAAAAAAFh0/b1QSYlaMm1E/s1600-h/DSC_2816%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2816" border="0" alt="DSC_2816" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZyXh98vNQIM/UBLN5WhR3WI/AAAAAAAAFh8/pCIGMl1V18M/DSC_2816_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="273" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WhmFyOQiDrs/UBLN6sg6QmI/AAAAAAAAFiE/QZ3KBzz1TWs/s1600-h/DSC_2819%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2819" border="0" alt="DSC_2819" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7GzcZRJ4V6I/UBLN7Zdb75I/AAAAAAAAFiM/uyUwcj08DI8/DSC_2819_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="283" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H3goT19SFBY/UBLN8oDuM1I/AAAAAAAAFiU/1IKUumOKZ9E/s1600-h/DSC_2823%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2823" border="0" alt="DSC_2823" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ShsqqbTR6Jo/UBLN9foPEqI/AAAAAAAAFic/Y_EEQObdbU0/DSC_2823_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="287" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0qFIz69nkD8/UBLN-oUdpaI/AAAAAAAAFik/lciUSTsuDFE/s1600-h/DSC_2824%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2824" border="0" alt="DSC_2824" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KamTM_9ELGA/UBLN_luB_SI/AAAAAAAAFis/Vb3z2g90lug/DSC_2824_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="291" /></a></p> <p>The landscaping and gardens just took my breath away.  After the long hot walk it was like an oasis.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FP5KVHuaZik/UBLOBztOXQI/AAAAAAAAFi0/1BQZvd3wgEM/s1600-h/DSC_2832%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2832" border="0" alt="DSC_2832" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W0FoMfKjR3I/UBLOCScHUVI/AAAAAAAAFi8/pf4WLA1qpmk/DSC_2832_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="288" /></a></p> <p>The kids and I opted to just explore without a real plan.  It was really hot, and I had the stroller, so I didn’t take that many pictures.  They wanted me to list the animals we saw: tigers, lions, flamingos, seals, otters, giraffes, rhinos, polar bear, African dogs, puma, red panda.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sN4DMGaxGI8/UBLOD5eAo1I/AAAAAAAAFjE/CIdrxOI-vf4/s1600-h/DSC_2833%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2833" border="0" alt="DSC_2833" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D1oGg_UgVvE/UBLOEaFzePI/AAAAAAAAFjM/RVKMnR2_YCM/DSC_2833_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="295" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GoFfveC3Qzo/UBLOGXfTp-I/AAAAAAAAFjU/GDqgBv-TExU/s1600-h/DSC_2835%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2835" border="0" alt="DSC_2835" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KjcKLI5KMTU/UBLOGjovdjI/AAAAAAAAFjc/WajRsV3AI7s/DSC_2835_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0bBrXWxgn14/UBLOHU0eEUI/AAAAAAAAFjk/_GcA8LCtwZk/s1600-h/DSC_2836%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2836" border="0" alt="DSC_2836" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fP5lnE0qYKo/UBLOH13h5_I/AAAAAAAAFjw/PtMMgFSE3uQ/DSC_2836_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="301" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m_kyrKjhfaQ/UBLOIgx_aKI/AAAAAAAAFj4/v5vseOYDlgI/s1600-h/DSC_2838%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2838" border="0" alt="DSC_2838" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-up19hWdcYkU/UBLOJNfkBgI/AAAAAAAAFkA/eMHCiQBIM7g/DSC_2838_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="270" /></a></p> <p>This lady was playing guitar and had a lot of instruments kids could play with, she and Anabel sang “This Land is Your Land”.  This is the sort of magic moments that happen when you travel that you could never plan or expect.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--HCnutnqR4U/UBLOLW6DCWI/AAAAAAAAFkI/2_G2y50yGWo/s1600-h/DSC_2839%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2839" border="0" alt="DSC_2839" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2LiHavrejHk/UBLOL9wswxI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/QFFm5_Kf-kc/DSC_2839_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="260" /></a></p> <p>Even the water fountains were fancy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-95-saM7rFNE/UBLOM5JrPOI/AAAAAAAAFkY/l6PP3j7J4KI/s1600-h/DSC_2841%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2841" border="0" alt="DSC_2841" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjot21b_ZhA1lIkW8gL21e0A1sb-9eGzzFSMvxsJMitWpG_TiolLUZNVui5yHNYV6ERf6VVJ1i729QYVpNpEqZz9-z9T0SkrNVhpBcOn3QC7PW9CLtTkHJTv9mOE3bCHzzIgDPZFJDboBkd/?imgmax=800" width="402" height="274" /></a></p> <p>Next we went into the reptile house and saw bats, snakes, and spiders. William walked over to join us for lunch and we were walking across a bridge to the café when…”Mom! Dad! A bug flew into my ear!”  Uh oh. The zoo nurse wasn’t comfortable trying to get it out so we caught a cab and went to the hospital ER. They put in oil to kill the bug and flushed out his ear.  They never could find it, so maybe it flew out again?! Ack. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wJOOFGKsR78/UBLOPAYkbII/AAAAAAAAFko/7XidPQmTO9E/s1600-h/DSC_2843%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2843" border="0" alt="DSC_2843" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJhNQX4AMkISiXkSmvrPpm1wpcgB1ucn7Z_FZeVW4rHDDRMuOJSiHS9F8xHadIXo9IXbITgyI1RO9cteK2Tgft0v1IbrxKiOHe3oXjLiTDk10qmWXIOaorQ97an_TI6V5wbBxzOeO53J8/?imgmax=800" width="381" height="260" /></a></p> <p>Bella was getting very hungry and restless so Will took her home and I stayed with Jacob at the ER until we were discharged. Then Jacob and I walked to McDonalds and had lunch and ice cream, it was about 3 PM by this time.   We walked home and I took a long nap!</p> <p>That evening we were back on the subway to head to Navy Pier.  Now a lot of people love Navy Pier.  It is like a midway boardwalk with music and street food and tons of people.  I expected to like it, but it turned out that it wasn’t my cup of tea after all, it was very very hot and crowded and expensive and LOUD.  We did stay long enough to ride the ferris wheel and have hot dogs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--fIxJdOqENc/UBLOQotIVkI/AAAAAAAAFk4/n0aY3lbR95g/s1600-h/DSC_2845%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2845" border="0" alt="DSC_2845" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jO1yP_A-7is/UBLORGOKxHI/AAAAAAAAFlA/froVabv6SoI/DSC_2845_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="326" /></a></p> <p>We took a taxi over to the river where we took a cruise on a boat down the river and out onto Lake Michigan. Out on the water it was windy and finally we were able to cool off. The views of the city lit up were amazing. Then there was a fireworks show.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wCpob3QKoRw/UBLORl4yRMI/AAAAAAAAFlI/uMWNvkl3P2E/s1600-h/DSC_2859%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2859" border="0" alt="DSC_2859" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jp6SDa-OPFo/UBLOSZE-2mI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/BDTKas-EJcQ/DSC_2859_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="280" /></a></p> <p>My night skyline pictures did not come out. Boo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dt6PfpKA_sU/UBLOTNSCXGI/AAAAAAAAFlY/UAmFJwkA9_U/s1600-h/DSC_2867%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2867" border="0" alt="DSC_2867" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ubGMVJz1Er8/UBLOTu_xqII/AAAAAAAAFlg/SpkD-nr8WhU/DSC_2867_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="293" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1jH87gVfDmw/UBLOUb-GRPI/AAAAAAAAFlo/9TcU8MOtuNg/s1600-h/DSC_2879%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2879" border="0" alt="DSC_2879" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-raR7jpUOKq4/UBLOU232nMI/AAAAAAAAFlw/rtnr4VZSzm0/DSC_2879_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mhD8hdvNDVw/UBLOVlmJt6I/AAAAAAAAFl4/3ByYZZP1H0U/s1600-h/DSC_2882%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2882" border="0" alt="DSC_2882" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fjb9dZNWcEg/UBLOV6IvTQI/AAAAAAAAFmA/zNUgkxyz6co/DSC_2882_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="348" /></a></p> <p>The cruise didn’t return until 10:45; Will’s Dad set up a limo to take us back so we wouldn’t be on the subway so late at night. The kids LOVED it!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21aYMQ-rzOme3fVLYirGQqA_fMMwjOJwnZfzjAMYhGM1VmVDniLBDNHkMI_BTZXzN9AA1XPB9w8zjNpnSdvqj59uw0rkw2bVg8XWGaxGh93mk9UCFFyMqwMHHy6mQuK7vk2r16QYqH3Iu/s1600-h/DSC_2884%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2884" border="0" alt="DSC_2884" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zCJr5N-6AEA/UBLOXSwb3WI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/cMl-XLBWnA8/DSC_2884_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="282" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z_5UIqAb0rc/UBLOYI1krTI/AAAAAAAAFmY/fTDjw8GYBXY/s1600-h/DSC_2888%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2888" border="0" alt="DSC_2888" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q6WHOdZ5GSg/UBLOYqGWB5I/AAAAAAAAFmg/OeNO7P6e7e4/DSC_2888_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="372" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZhdDk4ItTw8/UBLOZrweV4I/AAAAAAAAFmo/bo36F9InWqs/s1600-h/DSC_2891%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2891" border="0" alt="DSC_2891" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9X2j6dU9M2I/UBLOabrSpsI/AAAAAAAAFmw/22_RHT3K9Ig/DSC_2891_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="271" /></a></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-78219456911441434782012-07-27T11:38:00.001-05:002012-07-27T11:38:08.888-05:00Chicago – Tuesday, Museum of Science and Technology<p>On Tuesday we slept in and rested a bit before heading off to the MSI (Museum of Science and Technology)</p> <p>Jacob at Fullerton Station waiting on the Red Line.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-URGRvzhwlkM/UBLDfUUWskI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/i_1co7wbicY/s1600-h/DSC_2780%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2780" border="0" alt="DSC_2780" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6fYW-7BEWm0/UBLDhDxpN9I/AAAAAAAAFcY/aBDvc-fJeHk/DSC_2780_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="422" /></a></p> <p>They have an Omnimax theatre there. This is like an Imax only the screen is a huge dome.  We watched a documentary called <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/omnimax-3d-theater/born-to-be-wild/" target="_blank">Born to Be Wild</a> which was about the rescue of baby elephants and orangutans.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I1Z5d4PKdag/UBLDivyj0EI/AAAAAAAAFcg/VOrxhSxGAZg/s1600-h/DSC_2785%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2785" border="0" alt="DSC_2785" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cOEO7dxjE0A/UBLDkQWxvHI/AAAAAAAAFco/BZhg-4wgclY/DSC_2785_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="250" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngc1MWypWAXM7mvXKhLt0gMMIPROQ0koHxOHo8r9YAmYMaUvc4SmN9cBC5qzFmvYokBxqyeUnBV_F1hiUaloQ-1CcUw4T2GkqZ9VHrTgaiViBxA_-lrvIziaMO02pWO3s_ykw3bLspR5K/s1600-h/DSC_2786%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2786" border="0" alt="DSC_2786" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LCUqsv9qFuU/UBLDsAnXzbI/AAAAAAAAFc8/mJENbsre_18/DSC_2786_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="243" height="371" /></a></p> <p>A very cool thing they have at this museum is an actual German u-boat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VAvXjz13yt0/UBLDtlZYyYI/AAAAAAAAFdE/9gNrRc41LRk/s1600-h/DSC_2787%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2787" border="0" alt="DSC_2787" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2QuwcI5bgaQmrrdGXYER7uyJuF88vtH5U3vygGNptBFEMMCMfldFOduBMSzJqTRB8MdEr5ByzNa-ME_DR3yZPdBIi9isFaMoId3Hg11R855MsmWIsdeGdmnllrbL4P0D_52n0nCXIIGO/?imgmax=800" width="355" height="242" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o-Ma7pilkWs/UBLDuh5gsDI/AAAAAAAAFdU/-ZH5o9xxuVg/s1600-h/DSC_2788%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2788" border="0" alt="DSC_2788" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-430i1VGCANM/UBLDu83kl2I/AAAAAAAAFdc/wHd2M-bmKcc/DSC_2788_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gnwcoSfyqr4/UBLDw4iuv3I/AAAAAAAAFdk/gtdMBlTjwK4/s1600-h/DSC_2789%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2789" border="0" alt="DSC_2789" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-miaXYvXuBQU/UBLDxVQSYCI/AAAAAAAAFds/XT0Ab25aPww/DSC_2789_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="356" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JNlr44H9DUA/UBLDzOWUnvI/AAAAAAAAFd0/gKXnCmwxhhk/s1600-h/DSC_2792%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2792" border="0" alt="DSC_2792" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f8WzG4wfyrg/UBLDz23h4FI/AAAAAAAAFd8/qG4ayzVFaog/DSC_2792_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="350" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0DNWqzWutbY/UBLD0ok2v2I/AAAAAAAAFeE/EJdkBAFZino/s1600-h/DSC_2793%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2793" border="0" alt="DSC_2793" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t2iAfM2aCpU/UBLD1GjBokI/AAAAAAAAFeM/F3rnFfmHllI/DSC_2793_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="463" /></a></p> <p>Will and the kids took the tour of the inside while I checked out all the exhibits around the outside which told the story of the men who captured the U-boat as well as the lives of the crewmembers who became prisoners of war and all the items that were aboard the boat when it was captured.  I didn’t take the tour because I don’t handle small crowded spaces very well. I can handle small spaces just fine but I don’t like being in closed in quarters with a lot of people around.</p> <p>Below is a picture of one of the pins the U-boat crewmembers was wearing, from Hitler Youth. Most of the crewmembers were members of Hitler Youth as kids.  It made me think about all the pins and awards we have for Scouting and reminded me of the bible verse Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L8MYIDdpfV4/UBLD1lyGyqI/AAAAAAAAFeU/42Ysxc4b3Gk/s1600-h/DSC_2796%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2796" border="0" alt="DSC_2796" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--zpBvK_ShVA/UBLD2F6CQ_I/AAAAAAAAFec/wkWtIIp3iuk/DSC_2796_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="252" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yoOsqzaZb-s/UBLD2-e2w-I/AAAAAAAAFek/bPZ2phmG7tk/s1600-h/DSC_2797%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2797" border="0" alt="DSC_2797" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_rtr6osTOhI/UBLD3XQBfMI/AAAAAAAAFes/im9l9AncHb0/DSC_2797_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="261" /></a></p> <p>One of purposes of capturing a U-boat, besides the obvious goal of saving merchant ships,  was to gain access to their communications. Below is one of the Enigma machines. As a kid who spent a lot of time making up secret languages I was fascinated by this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q8WV_RH-oBY/UBLD37UsxtI/AAAAAAAAFe0/Yzm1mNjMOGU/s1600-h/DSC_2798%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2798" border="0" alt="DSC_2798" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qq0ixgQcpvA/UBLD4Zqzj4I/AAAAAAAAFe8/rtmVDe1UQ7g/DSC_2798_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" height="389" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_To1qLcgrlA/UBLD5HORbVI/AAAAAAAAFfE/BIQCJnhBVw0/s1600-h/DSC_2799%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2799" border="0" alt="DSC_2799" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XjtV2KCmTak/UBLD5tFc67I/AAAAAAAAFfM/BFEzgvlgZTY/DSC_2799_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="270" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m46F7GXQOxk/UBLD6bBLDHI/AAAAAAAAFfU/41rSe8huy9g/s1600-h/DSC_2800%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2800" border="0" alt="DSC_2800" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ANBhxfujwgw/UBLD66R2TYI/AAAAAAAAFfc/n2P31KBYe0E/DSC_2800_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="272" /></a></p> <p>There were four other floors of exhibits at this museum, it is HUGE. Like the other museums we went to, you could never do everything in one day.  We saw planes, trains, a main street all set up as it looked in 1903, a chicken hatchery, a tiny mechanized circus.  Below is a tornado in the weather exhibit hall. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1ky2jfktmZY/UBLD7aGV0xI/AAAAAAAAFfk/023Nhgm0M7I/s1600-h/DSC_2801%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2801" border="0" alt="DSC_2801" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CdZjx8o1fsA/UBLD7_vsy2I/AAAAAAAAFfs/NToFSxRJuTg/DSC_2801_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="400" /></a></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-81829253435890871002012-07-25T09:29:00.001-05:002012-07-25T09:29:34.973-05:00Chicago – Monday, Shedd Aquarium<p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Our second full day in Chicago we spent at the Aquarium.  Both children have recently watched A Dolphin Tale, and Anabel is particularly in love with dolphins right now.  Therefore, they have been anticipating this day at the aquarium for a long time.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">This is the front of the museum. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BPOJL-yNctI/UA__q7KHC-I/AAAAAAAAFWk/GpqhaPi1N-0/s1600-h/DSC_2765%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2765" border="0" alt="DSC_2765" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lvZrk902ndQ/UBACCeq77mI/AAAAAAAAFW0/WH6RlGMaSbU/DSC_2765_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="275" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">The museum is right on the lake and the surrounding views and gardens are beautiful.  We found out later that they use some of the gardens to grow food for animals, like lettuce for turtles.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8SMue-VmAYk/UBACDi38TaI/AAAAAAAAFW8/ymkXz8fYyDc/s1600-h/DSC_2772%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2772" border="0" alt="DSC_2772" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZeUb1tDX7U0/UBACEZy1KkI/AAAAAAAAFXE/9hzM4C-fNf4/DSC_2772_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="276" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">The first thing you come to is a tank full of rays.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MXT0pCo5UPQ/UBACFgvjs4I/AAAAAAAAFXI/3pBs89ojvwk/s1600-h/CSC_2802%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CSC_2802" border="0" alt="CSC_2802" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P6XMUEs8nKA/UBACGb2__7I/AAAAAAAAFXU/z7LZb9cmlrs/CSC_2802_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="286" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">The Field museum, even late in the day, never felt crowded.  It is very well laid out and the public spaces like bathrooms, play area, etc. were well designed.  Also at the Field museum the display cases went all the way to the floor.  By contrast, the Aquarium was very very crowded.  Many of the displays in the main wings start at about 3 feet from the floor, meaning Bella couldn’t see anything without being held.  We ended up not spending a lot of time in those areas, opting for the lower levels that were more modern (glass to the floor).</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">First thing we did was eat in the café, we were warned that it would be really crowded at noon.  At 11:15 it was pleasant and we had a table with a view of the lake.  <font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">The food at the aquarium was really good, there were many fresh options and they were very “green” in terms of re-using the flatware/trays/real plates, etc. I thought that was very appropriate given that they are a conservatory.</font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Here is a Chicago Dog…</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50DulzYJ2WE0QCy_GTFQYIFJKbQpnJsEys0FrAw_pvDrFaIkfrKtbTX97TOJ2XDi3JpPHZgi0FsifkyHb8QOgC8VMje6Dh31NJL0cf4d8Ga3Trs73KNTjbY7L3ROMrR2xPNDazMqoSWRO/s1600-h/DSC_2690%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2690" border="0" alt="DSC_2690" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xkVf81z3IrA/UBACIX5z2BI/AAAAAAAAFXk/sVU18zLbqC0/DSC_2690_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="277" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Anabel saw me taking food pictures and wanted me to take one of her with her juice.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MzOE5XuMEf8/UBACJc8pHMI/AAAAAAAAFXs/odNkzvzsEEg/s1600-h/DSC_2691%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2691" border="0" alt="DSC_2691" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-91AFVtGOy0w/UBACKkSQ3jI/AAAAAAAAFX0/jU6DtQEXuoA/DSC_2691_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="251" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">There is a huge patio that overlooks the lake.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R3CbzLtmYAs/UBACLqOLO4I/AAAAAAAAFX8/P1UI3WF8Fjo/s1600-h/DSC_2693%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2693" border="0" alt="DSC_2693" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kdm_fiwy_ts/UBACMlyG_UI/AAAAAAAAFYE/ZYwZZ7K8kaU/DSC_2693_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="274" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-afdJxj-yXYM/UBACNyNtTHI/AAAAAAAAFYM/SmzXvE7ffwE/s1600-h/DSC_2694%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2694" border="0" alt="DSC_2694" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iA0eLVHt5Dw/UBACPQi7COI/AAAAAAAAFYU/kL-1xAB0GpY/DSC_2694_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="283" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JljfYg3J17Q/UBACQvVGzlI/AAAAAAAAFYc/V1SPifehi9M/s1600-h/DSC_2702%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2702" border="0" alt="DSC_2702" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxx-pQNeVvMJn0dUggZOtPRrZCPup4QRagHBBOm77TLvyJ24IesNAEcDBFRNKo8s1zs1eqLmzJ8KGWjOnXhwOUWYleVsWTD0CgtNFjZWHUrPc6xXoNuJ5gFSkECeVGtkVw3kcGON9ohTA/?imgmax=800" width="271" height="414" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Jacob took these next two.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L7AASaLijpg/UBACSuHZ44I/AAAAAAAAFYs/PWWu36CoaFY/s1600-h/DSC_2695%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2695" border="0" alt="DSC_2695" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xJ-67lfe-8Y/UBACT-Q3fRI/AAAAAAAAFY0/UHt17XBvgXo/DSC_2695_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="254" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6I_xxMNX894/UBACVO3zzdI/AAAAAAAAFY8/GAIlNiUCUFo/s1600-h/DSC_2700%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2700" border="0" alt="DSC_2700" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Oftfix9oqKY/UBACWXDoC6I/AAAAAAAAFZE/CrBhbQPVIOA/DSC_2700_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="335" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">After lunch we saw the jelly fish exhibit.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WmrfPBP2rX8/UBACXb7N2UI/AAAAAAAAFZM/latazz0wAmw/s1600-h/DSC_2712%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2712" border="0" alt="DSC_2712" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RRUwHfBXzLo/UBACYm2i1-I/AAAAAAAAFZU/q6cCSwG45hI/DSC_2712_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="286" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Next we watched a 4D movie about Antarctica. Then, it was time for the long awaited aquatic show.  Right away Anabel went down to the tank to see the dolphins. That’s her and her Paw-Paw down on the left.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yGnnMjvm23s/UBACZ14GcEI/AAAAAAAAFZc/31C12iNbWIU/s1600-h/DSC_2724%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2724" border="0" alt="DSC_2724" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildODgiNTO8TqqpXwj-0H7N5bLPRVG-Wa5r8I6F4yUS8lS1UtIDPMatt4Z5dq-V4aXKU9STAkUobDrjbNgo-5oIE1W6GEBZvtvY6nYvEViqIA-V_9eEQUqkXCFuTzo15oFGOOAh2Ua1uw6/?imgmax=800" width="440" height="300" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9XilYxPk5tQ/UBACcT2LhgI/AAAAAAAAFZs/rDOLtQe_0Qg/s1600-h/DSC_2725%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2725" border="0" alt="DSC_2725" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g6M8z6yJVV0/UBACdfaGcMI/AAAAAAAAFZ0/vbzAv3-tfyk/DSC_2725_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NwiMR16uLdw/UBACeTSzEsI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/pQNaO-xF88c/s1600-h/DSC_2731%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2731" border="0" alt="DSC_2731" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvZNUvh6NUvxU55ZTQMoG5ylAZaxJKgBvMWufBYcxLvmpNcdKItDYOWCRxhfeP6p-T1kl6diE-mFoW-V63ccv-xtjRflUfQd17yxN7wg7CmpjoPoNz9pyFk-feQbT7ZwRvqJsnYEywGiv/?imgmax=800" width="450" height="307" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Beluga Whales</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JqZald2B21k/UBACgtFFAeI/AAAAAAAAFaM/FCGGVWtsHHQ/s1600-h/DSC_2743%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2743" border="0" alt="DSC_2743" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r7SOEM7Hy5s/UBAChpXmzWI/AAAAAAAAFaU/Q9GWNICWYqo/DSC_2743_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="295" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">There is nothing better than seeing your child completely entranced and full of joy.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dm-lCY2MmWo/UBACj7dyMrI/AAAAAAAAFac/nbWPmX1CL_E/s1600-h/DSC_2749%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2749" border="0" alt="DSC_2749" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P-9iOtFVGZ4/UBACk-2DuCI/AAAAAAAAFak/o-sYFNhdXPo/DSC_2749_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="431" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o0HSCrIx3nQ/UBACmJe38xI/AAAAAAAAFas/wcw_DyyDSHM/s1600-h/CSC_2807%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CSC_2807" border="0" alt="CSC_2807" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DuXCttjye6s/UBACnNNw9EI/AAAAAAAAFa0/B22QRbSz4e0/CSC_2807_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" height="385" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mhxjDCa8MFQ/UBACoeJvhGI/AAAAAAAAFa8/PBSFXIPRIaA/s1600-h/DSC_2763%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2763" border="0" alt="DSC_2763" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x4YNCQBIgOo/UBACsNniefI/AAAAAAAAFbE/_Fq-LTg5vSY/DSC_2763_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eXzinPQQbqU/UBACtNaE6BI/AAAAAAAAFbM/BDQurWbtJQo/s1600-h/CSC_2806%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CSC_2806" border="0" alt="CSC_2806" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZTz7xtI_hfg/UBACuOFrj4I/AAAAAAAAFbU/ECzY1cNR2lM/CSC_2806_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="291" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">We found a beluga and a dolphin to bring home with us…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JsK2tR8HR7s/UBACwdV0O-I/AAAAAAAAFbc/7QJzLe_KO0s/s1600-h/DSC_2774%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2774" border="0" alt="DSC_2774" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p25vijPd4R4/UBACxUx0byI/AAAAAAAAFbg/T3TQueyjGWA/DSC_2774_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="343" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Happiest. Girl. Ever.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2WGXH8Ae0NU/UBACyOUDdBI/AAAAAAAAFbs/KESZpKtJuIQ/s1600-h/CSC_2782%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CSC_2782" border="0" alt="CSC_2782" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OdGQfIaRKNw/UBACzdLfGzI/AAAAAAAAFbw/2FvcDSRvvqY/CSC_2782_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="417" /></a></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-82099280123115537992012-07-24T09:28:00.001-05:002012-07-24T09:28:32.274-05:00Chicago –Sunday, Field Museum & Willis (Sears) Tower<p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Sunday morning we left the house bright and early and headed out to find the subway station.  The station is located one half mile from the house.  I love to ride subways, I like the efficiency of it, I like to people watch and it makes me feel all gritty and urban - like I’m really living life and out in the mix.  </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Home Sweet Home</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VQ98_Dtz1FM/UA6v9Q4HmBI/AAAAAAAAFOc/HQhko3SQtIs/s1600-h/DSC_25714.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2571" border="0" alt="DSC_2571" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--I4NHH1aDrs/UA6v-fmNsmI/AAAAAAAAFOk/55BfoxOZpQI/DSC_2571_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="406" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Jacob on the “L”.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkn6motElnk2VLeLCL75FrSgqTBRVD5xbxxFAMqy6nH2kIpsK42O1vEuJ-BMcoLeUiEx4kmOtaxeHlmMMwE_2q2-sye-fb_rjT-ftj20-4OlXHk2RH728Gb1Xcq-hylv5W9VN0BcnN6_yu/s1600-h/DSC_25825.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2582" border="0" alt="DSC_2582" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9nMTdsBfx60/UA6wA5DIAiI/AAAAAAAAFO0/rgsBl4s26UY/DSC_2582_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="258" height="394" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">The Field museum is my idea of a proper natural history museum, with soaring coffered ceilings, marble stairways and rooms full of wooden museum cases. Oh, and MUMMIES. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">The Field Museum.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pDauJY5LmkE/UA6wCJJjeYI/AAAAAAAAFO4/gEpLVuX5bxM/s1600-h/DSC_26504.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2650" border="0" alt="DSC_2650" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0ryKiFF8TZg/UA6wDKZRw5I/AAAAAAAAFPA/pzuTRznb9C8/DSC_2650_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="326" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">The ceiling in the main hall.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8F_y_uYzEwE/UA6wELJfZRI/AAAAAAAAFPM/1EI7kJ8IzN8/s1600-h/DSC_26495.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2649" border="0" alt="DSC_2649" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7TR3bFs771k/UA6wFnXrzeI/AAAAAAAAFPU/O_o17TVTK5I/DSC_2649_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="375" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">The bannisters.  OK, I know I went all the way to Chicago and a museum full of wonders and I took a picture of the bannisters. Whatever, it’s what I like. Aren’t they marvelous?</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pLdzRKKRBaE/UA6wGqBZvVI/AAAAAAAAFPc/i9cYh__e5jg/s1600-h/DSC_26475.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2647" border="0" alt="DSC_2647" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7HoEfWbp2dc/UA6wHp-IXKI/AAAAAAAAFPk/Wx8TTr-rAXQ/DSC_2647_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="425" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mgBiVjlvvkw/UA6wI67a3gI/AAAAAAAAFPs/RadVTgg6S1M/s1600-h/DSC_26434.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2643" border="0" alt="DSC_2643" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FeRsHJDuj9U/UA6wKMBVBeI/AAAAAAAAFP0/EpHRfPgGv0Y/DSC_2643_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="463" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">A mummy.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MFFzRKibXeQ/UA6wLNPWZtI/AAAAAAAAFP8/ZdSCyUhtF_4/s1600-h/DSC_25934.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2593" border="0" alt="DSC_2593" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r6Vx1ZbaXNc/UA6wMLfOCPI/AAAAAAAAFQE/Y-HWYEWmO6U/DSC_2593_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="435" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">This docent guy wrote both kids’ names in hieroglyphics. Pretty cool.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p9iJ_vJoITY/UA6wNTIT_pI/AAAAAAAAFQM/wvrvyP9JFKY/s1600-h/DSC_25964.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2596" border="0" alt="DSC_2596" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z79sK-lwqnw/UA6wObc9bOI/AAAAAAAAFQU/mvkY8dnxe3w/DSC_2596_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="343" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Bastet.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KCdH2XZQk3Y/UA6wPm92veI/AAAAAAAAFQc/1SAcUvZEqW4/s1600-h/DSC_25973.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2597" border="0" alt="DSC_2597" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Uix64icEmU0/UA6wQ6HlLkI/AAAAAAAAFQk/AGDRNRsY0yc/DSC_2597_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">This is Sue, the tyrannosaurus at the Field museum.  She is the most complete specimen in the world.  This is her actual skull, which is too heavy to be on display with the rest of her body (the head in the lobby is a replica).  Anabel loves skulls so much and was happy to pose with Sue’s. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UI6dpIGZwyE/UA6wRzmrRPI/AAAAAAAAFQs/2QDdYCluONg/s1600-h/DSC_26005.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2600" border="0" alt="DSC_2600" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BmT5DN-yLvk/UA6wTJSiX4I/AAAAAAAAFQ0/m3l2uwqV7Ec/DSC_2600_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="361" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Next we went through early hominids.  They had displays of their heads and hands and Anabel thought it was funny to make them pose with her wolf.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Here is Neanderthal holding Kayla.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VptuS2ENvFY/UA6wUH9s1cI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/Rl_93b0oylk/s1600-h/DSC_26034.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2603" border="0" alt="DSC_2603" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WjwgdoSvx8E/UA6wVFNtchI/AAAAAAAAFRE/uM7rHvg7Rv8/DSC_2603_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="258" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Here is another one eating my children’s fingers.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UF5-xXUhEBA/UA6wWSMvNLI/AAAAAAAAFRM/EjaQ5VayoOk/s1600-h/DSC_26074.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2607" border="0" alt="DSC_2607" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uMnH6kLzKhY/UA6wXTR8avI/AAAAAAAAFRU/eEXzq31DZgQ/DSC_2607_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="271" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">And the remains of Lucy, yeah <em>the</em> actual Lucy.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MwBlmuVEsuM/UA6wYHAaKXI/AAAAAAAAFRc/CMlxCnwisdk/s1600-h/DSC_26067.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2606" border="0" alt="DSC_2606" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sF9MjEAItNY/UA6wZVE5EnI/AAAAAAAAFRk/oKwspnqNLkU/DSC_2606_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" height="436" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Ice age mammals - A mammoth, a giant ice age bear and some horse-type things.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HRtYrYBmlLM/UA6waYpFyRI/AAAAAAAAFRs/KGD2cUrwihA/s1600-h/DSC_26194.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2619" border="0" alt="DSC_2619" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cLmhgCpLva8/UA6wbhhky4I/AAAAAAAAFR0/jCS-GUy9PNw/DSC_2619_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="282" /></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VC0ystDpCys/UA6wcUWwinI/AAAAAAAAFR8/eh1s4kqraqY/s1600-h/DSC_26158.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2615" border="0" alt="DSC_2615" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ej5J1sVyO_Y/UA6wdnmQ5tI/AAAAAAAAFSE/Tbr8sGUvG8Q/DSC_2615_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="409" /></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eFa_iujOT_k/UA6wegCt1QI/AAAAAAAAFSM/F7xPlAXyocc/s1600-h/DSC_26107.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2610" border="0" alt="DSC_2610" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zlnytWnukBA/UA6wf8Y_1vI/AAAAAAAAFSU/Dyvkgrin03A/DSC_2610_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="254" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">A moose.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wJ60pV0gQq0/UA6whFs29sI/AAAAAAAAFSc/Hd2YEANsp6s/s1600-h/DSC_26184.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wJ60pV0gQq0/UA6whFs29sI/AAAAAAAAFSk/ohEzGY23d_Y/s1600-h/DSC_26181%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2618" border="0" alt="DSC_2618" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qLB3wMYxqRU/UA6wix4PNMI/AAAAAAAAFSo/tTBlMyQlZmc/DSC_26181_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="282" /></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Down in the basement was a whole kid’s play area. one section was set up like a pueblo and the kids had a great time harvesting and grinding corn.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5CcevH-Fi84/UA6wjyTwHfI/AAAAAAAAFSw/E1sFtYjIsVc/s1600-h/DSC_26395.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2639" border="0" alt="DSC_2639" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HDlbQS5rklY/UA6wkxY6AYI/AAAAAAAAFS4/zxFQSL1qddc/DSC_2639_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="276" /></font></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w0jG4VhXHHQ/UA6wmSGL8bI/AAAAAAAAFTA/YKGfpW1JwWg/s1600-h/DSC_26384.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2638" border="0" alt="DSC_2638" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D7Bg9NAnU3o/UA6wnbITWDI/AAAAAAAAFTI/KRu7IcqN07Y/DSC_2638_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="253" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">There were do many other things we did, we dug for dinosaur bones, we saw a 3D movie about Egyptian Mummies and we went through several more exhibits.  There was still whole halls upon halls that we never saw.  You could easily spend days in this museum and not see it all.  It was beautiful and thoughtfully laid out and just wonderful.  Given the opportunity I would definitely come back again.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Afterwards we went to Willis Tower (Formerly Sears tower)</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YNKLsrlrwnk/UA6wodkK88I/AAAAAAAAFTQ/MRqoXk_1-54/s1600-h/DSC_26535.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2653" border="0" alt="DSC_2653" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xkql9UmEaw0/UA6wp61zciI/AAAAAAAAFTY/9xKVOimNINQ/DSC_2653_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="308" /></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CmTAOSOigJ4/UA6wqwG86tI/AAAAAAAAFTg/AkQNyIRGn6A/s1600-h/CSC_26814.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CSC_2681" border="0" alt="CSC_2681" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZCitipfC9WQ/UA6wrnJ2-BI/AAAAAAAAFTo/uWuJBGnT-44/CSC_2681_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="263" /></font></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i2ZvvJCziIk/UA6wsu_2MrI/AAAAAAAAFTw/Szuf9E9ApSs/s1600-h/DSC_26574.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2657" border="0" alt="DSC_2657" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkXWz1WcbLgqc4Dv59BL02-wVig9yl-wRQB3dsiFWftiLQEfNrjE3gAG6tpsNreiHEq7moTcy3GIdZOD7aPCNp92n45XDAlD95q9NAr3MhrgiUyFkmdRdYAY52WaDX0Pz9cxfv2XS_YV-/?imgmax=800" width="427" height="291" /></font></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4cKzADcWB2I/UA6wvpaQIiI/AAAAAAAAFUA/G22cEy2h3BU/s1600-h/DSC_26564.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2656" border="0" alt="DSC_2656" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vCvf67yYLVE/UA6wwgJHIAI/AAAAAAAAFUI/3qZXWkrlJwo/DSC_2656_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="325" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">I feel bad for Anabel, so much of the world is just not on her scale…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uNAsY2HHS2g/UA6wx1FxAJI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/I9UHoPCyB_8/s1600-h/DSC_26544.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2654" border="0" alt="DSC_2654" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eLq8_4nmDzs/UA6wypiE2hI/AAAAAAAAFUY/--0RThoF53g/DSC_2654_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="406" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Anabel was fearless about walking on the glass part of the floor.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wXGYN1-L4B0/UA6wzgEi2GI/AAAAAAAAFUg/QlbkRktj4Wk/s1600-h/DSC_26705.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2670" border="0" alt="DSC_2670" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-huPXEGw6a-U/UA6w0z_YKWI/AAAAAAAAFUo/MGtNY2yDIgA/DSC_2670_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="464" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j7qs2CweoVQ/UA6w2mO-tEI/AAAAAAAAFUw/TzGZZWtcjok/s1600-h/DSC_266610.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2666" border="0" alt="DSC_2666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlbtm1LtZmZaZm_dW1es3Sf-xnP7FXaS_13z0mT2TkFfrQWOVmtA6PCUSbq5M_MGlrP-lpWNbtg5oQs-ZYnz9ZJnRG96pz-IJOpo3bwoZdltb_KXg4KerfHfZFVpAzG6FZqqgdcz04y-z/?imgmax=800" width="290" height="540" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Afterward we took a somewhat involuntary tour of down town (aka got a bit lost) but we did end up having awesome Chicago street food at <font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Portillo’s.</font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oxmTZn8gvwc/UA6w4mRD1cI/AAAAAAAAFVA/pBaKt3mBcng/s1600-h/DSC_26714.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2671" border="0" alt="DSC_2671" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-28dT0axT66U/UA6w5jbOBLI/AAAAAAAAFVI/2Du5uq8UpyY/DSC_2671_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="423" /></font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Gw_1b4uGLo/UA6w6vbp06I/AAAAAAAAFVQ/DPuHJ1bpAb0/s1600-h/DSC_26734.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2673" border="0" alt="DSC_2673" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zh-fnIS_Ra8/UA6w8Z6ZQ8I/AAAAAAAAFVY/vgsRsRtiJ5E/DSC_2673_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="313" /></font></a></a></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcWIQj2PEBpfkrDnpfO4gpVAZhc_rLTcPnBAF03igG6R6LpFgWogQgkn81U3Q2OPd0AtzgECahR8M-qwRTC_ae-3RmMhTiXKzrZ6rAuoSDy0zJo0Xsh9S0csUwdo8fEjGv6onefqEbc79/s1600-h/DSC_26724.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2672" border="0" alt="DSC_2672" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RA4TZaatlks/UA6w-Pp7sDI/AAAAAAAAFVo/FdhLCe2pKQg/DSC_2672_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="272" /></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aDC0a6oRi6Y/UA6w_HI2ChI/AAAAAAAAFVw/7d89R3B8dRA/s1600-h/DSC_26754.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2675" border="0" alt="DSC_2675" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gas-hg9faF8/UA6xASYUKDI/AAAAAAAAFV4/QdRKCuov-CU/DSC_2675_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="314" /></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC">Favorite shot of the day…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zFcga7VfYCs/UA6xBRu2UPI/AAAAAAAAFWA/qtniv0yPgfc/s1600-h/DSC_26695.jpg"><font size="3" face="Viner Hand ITC"></font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zFcga7VfYCs/UA6xBRu2UPI/AAAAAAAAFWI/vSh6JZUVNkU/s1600-h/DSC_26691%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2669" border="0" alt="DSC_2669" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iecROvZcf8Y/UA6xDmegXwI/AAAAAAAAFWM/dIiu6QHCpp8/DSC_26691_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" height="404" /></a></a></a></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-62606895625327631342012-07-21T21:14:00.001-05:002012-07-21T21:14:48.415-05:00Safe and SoundWe arrived today in Chicago and have settled in nicely into a rent house in Lincoln Park. We had a lovely Italian dinner and then found Trader Joes and a corner store all just blicks from the house. Thusly supplied with coffee, cereal, milk, wine, beer and Oreos we are back "home". <br />
<br />
I love being in busy urban spaces and am soaking up the bustling young energy of this neighborhood. It's cool to be able to walk everywhere and I enjoy the shady streets with rows of Victorians nestled together comfortably.<br />
<br />
The house is comfy; wi-fi, a kitchen and four bedrooms, with hardwood floors, but no central AC. Sadly our journey northward has not provided any respite from heat and mugginess. The rooms have fans and there's a window unit, so I'm sure all will be well. <br />
<br />
Anabel doesn't travel well but a spaghetti supper and a bath seem to have set her aright. She has a tiny room to herself with a twin bed and a window seat looking out over Orchard St. all painted in robins egg blue with flowered curtains. <br />
<br />
Jacob is happy watching baseball with his grandpa and excited to see dinosaurs and the Egyptian section at the natural history museum tomorrow. <br />
<br />
I'm in need of a shower and a cold adult beverage, traveling with little ones is tiring! I love the freshness of their perspective though and their enthusiasm. LOTS of pictures are coming, I promise!Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-23656122351057161362012-07-14T16:58:00.001-05:002012-07-14T16:58:42.947-05:00Trader Joes Recipe Series – 4 Paprika Mediterranean Chicken<p>This recipe was inspired by <a href="http://www.macheesmo.com/2009/03/paprika-mediterranean-chicken/" target="_blank">one over on Macheesmo</a> but then I changed things up a little by grilling everything instead of baking it and using bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts.</p> <p>Paprika Oil:</p> <ul> <li>1/2 Cup olive oil</li> <li>2 Tablespoons paprika</li> <li> Tablespoon chili powder </li> <li>2 cloves garlic chopped fine</li> <li>Pinch of salt and pepper</li> </ul> <p>Marinate the chicken all day in about 2/3 of this mixture. Add a big tablespoon of it to 1 C of plain Greek yogurt. let that sit all day too. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o2lagIzCfY8/UAHrOPuc0CI/AAAAAAAAFM4/7_TSb-qUgdA/s1600-h/07.2012_122%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_122" border="0" alt="07.2012_122" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JTJ4E6BfF7s/UAHrPNfcYpI/AAAAAAAAFNA/CPPQ-imHfTQ/07.2012_122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="306" /></a></p> <p>Add some tomatoes (I used these little tiny heirloom ones)  and a can of chick peas to the remaining 1/3 of the Paprika oil, roll to coat and then I put them in this little foil dish and covered it with foil and stuck it on the grill.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QXQkOE2QIP8/UAHrQYUWNhI/AAAAAAAAFNI/QV7ltFPoLO0/s1600-h/07.2012_121%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_121" border="0" alt="07.2012_121" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lHLYfBQUJL4/UAHrSRkOKMI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/FSo8GOuXMLI/07.2012_121_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d7__3iUaGR8/UAHrTpWlJCI/AAAAAAAAFNY/e6g1466dTv4/s1600-h/07.2012_123%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_123" border="0" alt="07.2012_123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ7ufv2PvXdgPbGPGryPQgTFTDvAJQZjVXoIF8HFWrhcV-0d7yrA1c39vsofgXO0eUuJlgchWDQlLGPLDllHhw9o7ZR-XUYfehamAM_-rjbgxuExftmRocvPVO6vAenwIVpWKiPneS6io/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a></p> <p>Grill the chicken, boneless are ten minutes per side, bone in were about 15 minutes per side. I threw some asparagus on too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xQpdBHibmDI/UAHrY7mhMnI/AAAAAAAAFNo/q-yGLmvLmVI/s1600-h/07.2012_136%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_136" border="0" alt="07.2012_136" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AQ5A4WE4eKo/UAHrbYFRLKI/AAAAAAAAFNw/ln6mhg0J7_I/07.2012_136_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="289" /></a></p> <p>While you are watching the grill have cocktails and take over exposed pictures of your spouse.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dwr-xy-S3G0/UAHrc5Wkm8I/AAAAAAAAFN4/G1uF6jbo6K8/s1600-h/07.2012_125%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_125" border="0" alt="07.2012_125" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XD4L_XcHYc0/UAHrfmlmXwI/AAAAAAAAFOA/MZyrlOweTRw/07.2012_125_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="397" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nSj1bCqMlU4/UAHrhWoz38I/AAAAAAAAFOI/vmEwhrzuAZU/s1600-h/07.2012_133%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_133" border="0" alt="07.2012_133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fxf9ttUsXGQ345n7GKrJHOZ9CcuRSYeNbsjdULWy8UiDQXkJhAJ_r9K1suM39LUoqGbhRNbSIKl-eYamgWT5b8LqGSD9Ck9VLuySZW-WtIyEVTVDKSAWDGWcW_bo6rcSySgh7zos65zn/?imgmax=800" width="457" height="312" /></a></p> <p>I served this with couscous and some feta cheese crumbles. Don’t forget the yogurt dipping sauce, it really makes the dish. It was the best chicken ever.  </p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-51299138175623445902012-07-14T16:44:00.001-05:002012-07-14T16:44:02.537-05:00Trader Joes Recipe Series –3 Sausage & Eggplant<p> </p> <p>Prep the veggies</p> <ul> <li>1 C chopped eggplant</li> <li>1 C chopped bell pepper</li> <li>1 C chopped squash/zucchini</li> <li>1/2 C chopped onion</li> <li>2 cloves garlic – chopped</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1_946W2CRxY/UAHn2ne86yI/AAAAAAAAFLU/NyDGjko8Zcs/s1600-h/07.2012_119%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_119" border="0" alt="07.2012_119" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G_2dNYlHciA/UAHn3s46N_I/AAAAAAAAFLc/_m9ZVbnjA5M/07.2012_119_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="346" /></a></p> <p>Brown 1 lb Italian Sausage (casings removed)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zTic2TXRqXU/UAHn5Bw77uI/AAAAAAAAFLk/-mdUDBjdoWs/s1600-h/07.2012_113%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_113" border="0" alt="07.2012_113" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ndAHIgeNJTc/UAHn7LY924I/AAAAAAAAFLs/Lokd6-xbTLY/07.2012_113_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="313" /></a></p> <p>Remove sausage and put it into a square casserole dish . </p> <p>Add veggies to skillet and sauté until soft.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VTaR3DJ85pE/UAHn9W8YdGI/AAAAAAAAFL0/cPjAFzvMcHA/s1600-h/07.2012_114%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_114" border="0" alt="07.2012_114" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-udPA4DuarLk/UAHn_7N_KHI/AAAAAAAAFL8/xlfPotbhYkc/07.2012_114_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="320" /></a></p> <p>Remove veggies, add to sausage in the casserole dish.</p> <p>Sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes, then add 1/4 cup chicken broth, deglaze pan.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SLxOccwjgvU/UAHoBHUQwJI/AAAAAAAAFME/kPx_U4EEWuU/s1600-h/07.2012_115%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_115" border="0" alt="07.2012_115" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DyC6A5RNLjE/UAHoCQ767hI/AAAAAAAAFMM/H2BDTBA3mK8/07.2012_115_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="318" /></a></p> <p>Add onion and garlic and 1 28 oz can of whole stewed tomatoes (Drained and crushed) to the casserole dish. Stir it all together. Add a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper and a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.</p> <p><em>(note: This was an improvisation because I did not want to add tomatoes to my cast iron skillet yet. It would be better to let it all simmer together on the stove for a while. But since my pan is newly seasoned it cannot yet handle the acidity of tomatoes so I did it this way, it was great.)</em></p> <p>Top with chopped fresh basil and mozzarella cheese.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R7q5DYS9H48/UAHoEED1XDI/AAAAAAAAFMU/xIp-XFgqZys/s1600-h/07.2012_120%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_120" border="0" alt="07.2012_120" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rOunisFjc4M/UAHoFWDeNUI/AAAAAAAAFMc/9Z11XIC2E3g/07.2012_120_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="308" /></a></p> <p>Bake 15 minutes at 350 until cheese melts and it’s all hot and bubbly.</p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DS7oBhCB-w8/UAHoGsv4waI/AAAAAAAAFMk/RozOjKxq2gY/s1600-h/07.2012_117%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_117" border="0" alt="07.2012_117" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sCjYoyK-Pqs/UAHoH2UGofI/AAAAAAAAFMs/DKAdoMPPj-U/07.2012_117_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="316" /></a> <p> </p> <p>Thoughts: This was good, it would be really really good over pasta but we had it by itself.  It’s very juicy and the broth is amazing.</p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-42710332796873846212012-07-14T16:29:00.001-05:002012-07-14T16:30:13.354-05:00Trader Joes Recipe Series –2 Pollo Asada & Hatch Green Chilies with Jalapeño Cream Cheese<p>OK this one is totally cheating, but it was so good. I bought pre-marinated thinly sliced chicken breasts at Trader Joes.  I know, it’s ballsy to write about using food out of a bag, but seriously it was awesome…</p> <p>First I heated up the grill. I got the chicken out. I got out some hatch green chilis and some corn tortillas.  I put the tortillas into a foil pouch and sprinkled them with water Then I had moment of inspiration.  I remembered that I had some jalapeno cream cheese. And so I thought I would stuff the chilies with the cream cheese. </p> <p>omg. These were so easy and so good.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_RoMAFL9avs/UAHkkPlr7PI/AAAAAAAAFKM/5pnrVkuxAXU/s1600-h/07.2012_103%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_103" border="0" alt="07.2012_103" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8tR24HUvOs4/UAHklep9MkI/AAAAAAAAFKU/3cEmSD4oPH4/07.2012_103_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="300" /></a></p> <p>Grill the chicken and the peppers. 5 Minutes on each side for the chicken, it cooks fast. When the peppers are blacked, take them in, place them in a zip lock for a few minutes. Then peel, make a slit, pull out the seeds, stuff them with jalapeño cream cheese top with cheddar cheese and return them to the grill for about 2 minutes so the filling can get hot and cheese on top melts. Warm the tortillas in the foil pouch on the grill, about 5 minutes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mckDkXdRalQ/UAHknfa-d_I/AAAAAAAAFKc/iXVqyUmbfVg/s1600-h/07.2012_109%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_109" border="0" alt="07.2012_109" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XYPtgS_CAYk/UAHkpDVCMAI/AAAAAAAAFKk/D2tAZEoQplM/07.2012_109_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="304" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HWyoZ-1IuDk/UAHkqTQXRqI/AAAAAAAAFKs/_MpL3rfERzU/s1600-h/07.2012_107%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_107" border="0" alt="07.2012_107" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S411VeajMVk/UAHksQIdNII/AAAAAAAAFK0/ojeEUI-vzx0/07.2012_107_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="308" /></a></p> <p>Best picture of the night, in my opinion…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WtKPgSEVCZQ/UAHku8p649I/AAAAAAAAFK8/CpQ1J1S50-o/s1600-h/07.2012_106%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_106" border="0" alt="07.2012_106" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-71vRT1COym4/UAHkvw_w98I/AAAAAAAAFLE/kI-rD5kYO0A/07.2012_106_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="463" /></a></p> <p>Serving was easy, slice chicken, serve in warm tortillas. This made great left overs.</p> <p>The pollo asada at Trader Joes is $5.50 a pound and the chilies were, I have no idea .50 or something.  We bought more to make this again the week. It took ten minutes to get dinner on the table, perfect for a weeknight. </p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-82914381920008492012012-07-14T16:13:00.001-05:002012-07-14T16:13:41.119-05:00Trader Joes Recipe Series 1 – Stuffed Artichokes<p>I have waited a long time for Trader Joes to come to Houston.  It is basically a whole foods type market at Wal-Mart prices.  Well Houston is getting three, and the first one opened up over in the Woodlands and I have been twice. </p> <p>I came home with TONS of veggies and no meal plan. I pretty much bought stuff that looked great and then came home and was like, <em>uhhh. what now?</em></p> <p>So what follows are a series of new recipes using my lovely Trader Joes stash. (Are groceries really a “stash”, maybe not, anyways..)</p> <p>Stuffed Artichokes:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vNLHKsX4Ix4/UAHgw-L68JI/AAAAAAAAFI4/mJCUGK_G6R4/s1600-h/07.2012_093%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_093" border="0" alt="07.2012_093" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-umEBu8LPU9U/UAHgyNtJOPI/AAAAAAAAFJA/E4dda2FyxJ8/07.2012_093_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="274" /></a></p> <p>Prep the artichokes, cut off the tops, the bottoms and the pointy things. Don’t be put out, it took me like 5 minutes to do four. It’s no biggie.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o7xk57pORko/UAHg0L3zLyI/AAAAAAAAFJI/CjhNeJACF_c/s1600-h/07.2012_094%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_094" border="0" alt="07.2012_094" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aoduu_pzZvA/UAHg1JYjsJI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/LSTXVOaaph4/07.2012_094_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="316" /></a></p> <p>Heat 2 inches of water in a pan and insert a steam tray. Place the artichokes in, stem side up and add lemon slices. In my picture they are stem side down, it was prettier! But in real life it’s easier to check doneness if the stem side is up. So I flipped them.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SX7y5aaeXnw/UAHg2Fnx7eI/AAAAAAAAFJY/8_jZYZXcZw8/s1600-h/07.2012_095%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_095" border="0" alt="07.2012_095" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uX9rhvCTfVE/UAHg4UnSboI/AAAAAAAAFJg/FCOXNf7WVRA/07.2012_095_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="332" /></a></p> <p>Put the lid on the pan and steam 20 minutes. Meanwhile stir together 1 C Panko bread crumbs, 1/3 C parmesan and some salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, and parsley - mix them up.  And preheat the oven to 375.</p> <p>Once they are cool enough to handle, open up the leaves and pull out the chokes (the hairy ball part) and then stuff the crumbs down between the leaves. Drizzle mightily with olive oil.</p> <p>Bake until toasty about 15 minutes.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qw2Wy8A61iU/UAHg7MUk-bI/AAAAAAAAFJo/bJMfQAT3oZ4/s1600-h/07.2012_098%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_098" border="0" alt="07.2012_098" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mtfDVyfSFFs/UAHg81xFDcI/AAAAAAAAFJw/YX7As0Dshbs/07.2012_098_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="329" /></a></p> <p>OK, this isn’t the best picture, but these were heavenly.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ovWJJHkSIBo/UAHg-x3OhoI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/la-PrrVSOj0/s1600-h/07.2012_097%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_097" border="0" alt="07.2012_097" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ieqh_9tHUZc/UAHhAt1jafI/AAAAAAAAFKA/pUzaq2aEPME/07.2012_097_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="366" /></a></p> <p>I served these as dinner along with the bagged spinach salad kit from Trader Joes that has spinach (duh), cranberries, blue cheese, candied pecans and raspberry vinaigrette.  I added some crumbled bacon to the salads and served warmed naan bread on the side.  </p> <p>Caveats: My kids did not eat this and even with the simple bagged salad, these were beyond what would be reasonable for me to do on a weeknight, but for a weekend summer supper it was perfect.</p> <p>Upside: The meal was cheap..we ate 1/4 of the salad in the bag, so about $1.50 and then $3 for artichokes, so… yeah. super cheap and healthy and fancy – my kind of meal.</p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-77900082187013761832012-07-07T08:08:00.001-05:002012-07-07T08:08:00.475-05:00Seedlings Update<p>My seedlings are all doing wonderfully.  There has been some trial and error over the past few weeks. I had set the seedlings in their little pots out in the back yard. We got a lot of rain and then a few days of strong sun and all but the basil died. The cilantro never even sprouted.  I was so sad.</p> <p>So… I re-planted everything that was dead and started over but this time I have kept them on the back porch where I can have more control over the elements.  The babies all seem very happy out there and Anabel and I enjoy watering them and checking on them each day.  And yes, I do talk to my baby plants! </p> <p>Dill – About 3 weeks old.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z1kIQdRt3qs/T_g0hm1P7GI/AAAAAAAAFHU/-7gFLjSd8GI/s1600-h/07.2012_074%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_074" border="0" alt="07.2012_074" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QK8K4JabeP4/T_g0iiyjEZI/AAAAAAAAFHc/EUZl0irENJM/07.2012_074_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="305" /></a></p> <p>Toad Flax</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-REos9BQDaEU/T_g0jOh8WpI/AAAAAAAAFHk/eWOdpcikDO8/s1600-h/06.2012_184%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_184" border="0" alt="06.2012_184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpg2VT4OpCqvGYDZA_6iSHabJ17G4VOnF9EnD6HK9rVkZR6pP0KHKi89p7AKx4O2e4_SbEkUWTFaLjGoHyH0wwhP3Y8pJ7qLH_UN_6537_kz2z1BKW2oUb6YWKeP727gx_KwJoOo1clO_/?imgmax=800" width="205" height="312" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BpyxEyXHfYc/T_g0kOtu8AI/AAAAAAAAFH0/rfxVUaT2vn0/s1600-h/07.2012_071%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_071" border="0" alt="07.2012_071" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IOXVEPc_No4/T_g0kkqNKCI/AAAAAAAAFH8/_HAu-TpaQno/07.2012_071_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-64ghZUeb2R0/T_g0mts1v3I/AAAAAAAAFIE/cG71iaOFIqY/s1600-h/06.2012_183%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_183" border="0" alt="06.2012_183" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-82oyOWtbFgI/T_g0nNBB7lI/AAAAAAAAFIM/XPJbsJvPDYk/06.2012_183_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a></p> <p>Cilantro </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GW6ZRXVnkx8/T_g0oeUxN1I/AAAAAAAAFIU/JjMWisTcyoY/s1600-h/07.2012_077%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_077" border="0" alt="07.2012_077" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cQ2K5LM0OaOMz0bc_JGzSyjwf5a22DcpleAt2YseiYPY2VgQ8SrK3k3Up5KpShM2Bgun-VOEdyzV1fadW_6ip1QMzWHUoFr2RBx46c1FQf7V45UAIbgGm9_P5RY1UyxMO1UQAdT4ntf5/?imgmax=800" width="488" height="333" /></a></p> <p>Basil – About 5 weeks old</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UBFZjhT_FVI/T_g0rbLJ8GI/AAAAAAAAFIk/HBY5RoRCLnU/s1600-h/07.2012_078%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_078" border="0" alt="07.2012_078" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ihA99jCgec8/T_g0r1zy-qI/AAAAAAAAFIs/6h68xgS_DKY/07.2012_078_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="333" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><em>Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well Ecclesiastes 11:6</em></font></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-49784903838978968342012-07-07T07:50:00.001-05:002012-07-07T07:52:15.841-05:00My Break Up With Pioneer Woman<p>I was on Pioneer Woman trying to figure what I could make for dinner. I saw a <a href="http://www.landolakes.com/ReesFrontier/Pioneer_Woman_Blog_Post_Pasta_Primavera.aspx" target="_blank">recipe for Pasta Primavera</a> but I didn’t have the ingredients. Like this special olive oil and sea salt butter, in fact it was a paid post that she put up to sell this special butter (nothing wrong with that, just saying)</p> <p>Hah. I thought. I don’t need any special butter to cook this. I don’t need cream and half and half, I know how to make a great light creamy sauce that uses evaporated milk and olive oil. HAH. </p> <p><em>I thought what if I take apart the recipe and think about the actual ideas and techniques?</em> </p> <p>It occurred to me how often I will just follow the steps in a recipe and yes, that produces good food but it doesn’t produce real learning.  It doesn’t turn me into the kind of cook that can just open the refrigerator and cook, on my own, without paying homage to the latest online who-ever. I’m ready for independence, baby.</p> <p><strong>Lesson One: Get everything out and chop everything ahead of time.</strong></p> <p>I used what veggies I had: carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, squash, zucchini.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i3BfHQtojqg/T_gwcA0l0fI/AAAAAAAAFGA/AWW2pUAQowo/s1600-h/07.2012_081%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_081" border="0" alt="07.2012_081" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cR3r3uIPgFk/T_gwd1CTnZI/AAAAAAAAFGI/J-wffvrMZUo/07.2012_081_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="272" /></a></strong></p> <p><strong>Lesson Two: Create variations in texture and adjust accordingly.</strong></p> <p>I noticed she put the carrots in first to cook on their own, then pulled them out and sautéed the rest of the veggies. So the carrots were crunchy and the others were softened but not mush.  This made the end dish nice because you had differences in texture.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DFPxTn0bA6I/T_gwfMKaOQI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/R9_knGzvERw/s1600-h/07.2012_083%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_083" border="0" alt="07.2012_083" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aiYE2TTlC_c/T_gwgT-RmGI/AAAAAAAAFGY/jtTY43BF7Nc/07.2012_083_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="258" /></a></p> <p><strong>Lesson Three: Season as you go.</strong> </p> <p>She had the magic butter, I didn’t.  So with each step I added a little butter, a little olive oil and a little salt. And I tasted it to be sure it wasn’t getting too salty (because there is broth later) but on pasta you need the non-pasta part to have some saltiness or it gets bland when put it all together.  I noticed she didn’t add pepper until the end after the cream was in, I don’t know why but I followed suit.</p> <p><strong>Lesson Three: Building a sauce: Aromatics, Liquids, Reduce…Cream.</strong></p> <p>If you go through and pay attention the Pioneer Woman site does teach how to put together a lot of different sauces but they pretty much follow this basic pattern.</p> <p>Add aromatics to the fats. I used onion and garlic.</p> <p>Add liquids and deglaze the pan. I used broth and wine.</p> <p>Reduce to half.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8b5IeBb8F9s/T_gwho3sXKI/AAAAAAAAFGg/3uXP-d52quM/s1600-h/07.2012_084%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_084" border="0" alt="07.2012_084" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XJYpTOF8o98/T_gwiokDn6I/AAAAAAAAFGo/4tWW2ku1cOg/07.2012_084_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="221" /></a></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XQRjr9Iz4zw/T_gwjg17CDI/AAAAAAAAFGw/H1DANEkrKGA/s1600-h/07.2012_086%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_086" border="0" alt="07.2012_086" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MKlqdHdGVZM/T_gwlVmeAwI/AAAAAAAAFG4/PQRElu95jT0/07.2012_086_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="225" /></a><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Lesson Four: Balancing the flavor profile</strong></p> <p>In putting together a dish, even one that is simple like this there needs to be sweet, salty, and acid, there  needs to be variations in texture.  Notice how she covers each element : veggies & wine = sweet, meat and broth = salty, wine & basil = acidic. </p> <p>If the overall profile elements are all met, the dish will probably turn out great, even without the exact ingredients.</p> <p>I didn’t have basil. (My basil seedlings are still tiny) I thought about what to use, I wanted it to be green, lemony and something that could be chiffoned. I had Brussels sprouts, light, crunchy, lemony – perfect substitute.</p> <p>I didn’t have ham, but I knew the point wasn’t “ham”, it was Salty Meat. I subbed pepperonis cut into small pieces, bacon would have been good too.</p> <p><strong>Lesson 5: Learning From Mistakes</strong></p> <p>My only misstep (<em>Wail! and it was all going so well!!!</em>)  is that in the last 1 minute of making it, my sauce “broke”.   Ugg. I like to cried.  I’m going to out and research *why* my sauce broke.  I think you need the heavy fats from cream or half and half because they will hold up to the heat.   I also think that I am still learning how to use my cast iron skillet, which gets hotter and hotter as you go.  Maybe it was too hot when I added the milky cheesy elements.  I have used evaporated milk before with no problems so I suspect it was the 2% milk which got too hot.  It tasted incredible though and once it was dumped over pasta you couldn’t tell at all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--0-2Ele93vA/T_gwnyJkGfI/AAAAAAAAFHA/ssWBteZlnyE/s1600-h/07.2012_088%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="07.2012_088" border="0" alt="07.2012_088" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7-kGrVMpitk/T_gwpBPCCgI/AAAAAAAAFHI/ZCYlOClKDD0/07.2012_088_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="329" /></a></p> <p>This was overall one of the most satisfying half hours I have spent in the kitchen and the pasta dish was so good, I will definitely make this one again.  This doesn’t mean I won’t still be cruising Pioneer Woman or Machismo, for ideas, but I do feel like I’m sort of ready to break free from following each recipe like it’s the law. </p> <p><em>Take lies and what is false far from me. Do not let me be poor or rich. Feed me with the food that I need. Proverbs 30:8</em></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-77937024098696588212012-07-03T10:31:00.001-05:002012-07-03T10:31:35.549-05:00Four and seven-eighths...“Empathy takes time, and efficiency is for things, not people” – Steven Covey.<br />
<br />
Anabel is four, soon to be five. To be perfectly honest, the normal behavior at this age in child development pushes my buttons. Children this age are very unpredictable. A unique and ever changing blend of curiosity, “I can do it”, “Let me help” and sweetness punctuated with intense fury, drama, and a calculated inability to follow simple instructions “my legs will not work”, “I can’t reach my toothbrush”, “YOU do it!”, “Carry me!”<br />
<br />
As an organizer and a planner, I’m a little type A (okay more than a little) and not knowing if it’s going to take ten minutes or thirty to get her up and dressed is a little nerve wracking. Will she happily don her Tom’s this morning or shriek in horror that she ABSOLUTELY hates those shoes and WHY did I buy them and then dissolve into tears? (nevermind that she picked them out, nevermind that she liked them yesterday and the day before that, past preferences are not predictors of future behaviors at this age!)<br />
<br />
She likes to see how much power she can yield among the grown-ups – one way she does this is with her cereal. Sometimes she wants milk, sometimes she doesn’t. Sometimes she wants to say she doesn’t want milk, get halfway through and then asks for milk. Sometimes Cheerios are the most delightful food known to pre-schooldom, other times they are the devil’s scourge. It’s an exploration of her influence on the world around her. If you couldn’t even reach light switches; things like cereal and shoes matter. The logical part of my brain “gets” this – the impatient I have four thousand other things to get done this morning part of my brain is standing there with my hands clenched slowly breathing and counting to ten. Jacob asked me one day “When you get real quiet and breath like that, you’re praying right Mom?” Right.<br />
<br />
<br />
Because more than anything else I think she is watching me for cues on how to act when you don’t get your way. And a lot of times, with her especially, I’m NOT getting my way. And she’s watching, and so it’s a circle, a game of emotional chicken, only I’m the grown up and don’t get to be the one that breaks down. Mostly.<br />
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I’m an introvert; that means that although I function and am happy around people, I also need a certain amount of private down time; I crave a little bit of time each day when I’m not on and can relax and get quiet. By around 9 PM, I’m desperate “like a deer panteth for running water” sprinting toward the sanctity of the garden tub and a good book. About this same time, Anabel is tired, she’s clingy, she’s been brave and exploratory and away from home all day and she wants and needs … ME. There is always a push/pull between us at bedtime; she has a seemingly never ending gauntlet of snack, potty, drink, back rub, two books, and three songs. We finally get to lights out and then it starts… “I’m scared of the dark!” “I don’t want to sleep by myself!” “Please stay with me!” and I usually do, but I’m also usually sort of mentally checked out, I’m next to her, patting her wiggly back, or stroking her strawberry smelling hair but inside I’m thinking about the bathtub, the candles, a book, maybe a bowl of ice cream… for any Mom that has ever sat in the dark and silently willed your child to sleep, I know you know what I mean.<br />
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Last night, I tried something different. I wrenched myself back mentally and emotionally and gave her what she always asks for, I stayed with her – only I gave her all of me. I snuggled in and when she said “I’m scared of the dark”. I said “Why? Tell me what you are afraid of.” And she did. She lay there and poured her heart out to me... it turned out to be some pretty heavy stuff - Alligators, zombies, werewolves, and hurricanes. I didn’t interrupt, I didn’t dismiss her, I didn’t rush her, I just listened and asked questions. When she ran out of steam we talked about the windows and doors, the alarm system, the dog, her Daddy and God. We talked about feeling safe and what to do when you don’t. Then she snuggled down and I left the room without the usual pleading and crying. It was too late for a long bath, but I felt pretty good anyway.<br />
<br />
This morning was a thirty minute getting dressed day. She hated Tom’s, again. And Cheerios. And for an added twist, whole wheat toast. When I went to snuggle her and tell her goodbye she was still upset about the cereal and she turned her head and said “Just go Mom” so I settled for a kiss on the top of her head. It still smells like strawberries.<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uXwC1kHKqRtgPq5WOXVc8GQZUA6gsnFfgFYcu2vrFu1AYLVBACj0AKIYRKVIFAhQrS2P9nA7VvihDK9nm1DlhbOXEL0jY4SWjmEDcwWWIIEKxin9Qx_RGclWp5tEy5ffpS5EDB_alAsS/s640/blogger-image--1446264556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uXwC1kHKqRtgPq5WOXVc8GQZUA6gsnFfgFYcu2vrFu1AYLVBACj0AKIYRKVIFAhQrS2P9nA7VvihDK9nm1DlhbOXEL0jY4SWjmEDcwWWIIEKxin9Qx_RGclWp5tEy5ffpS5EDB_alAsS/s640/blogger-image--1446264556.jpg" /></a></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-44879126855528331992012-07-01T21:08:00.001-05:002012-07-01T21:10:04.764-05:00Rosemary Bread<ul> <li>1 C water</li> <li>3 T olive oil (plus more for shaping the dough)</li> <li>1 1/2 t sugar</li> <li>1 1/2 t salt</li> <li>1 1/2 t Italian seasoning</li> <li>1/4 t black pepper</li> <li>1 T chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 t dried)</li> <li>2 1/2 C bread flour</li> <li>1 1/2 t active dry yeast</li> </ul> <p>Bread Maker/mixer/food processor: Put into machine in the order shown above, mix on dough setting.  I don’t bake it in the bread maker though because I prefer it in a round loaf.</p> <p>Non-bread maker: mix yeast and slightly warm water and sugar, let sit about ten minutes, it sort of gets foamy, then add other ingredients & knead for ten minutes.</p> <p>This dough is easiest to shape if my hands are rubbed in olive oil. So I pour oil into the bottom of a bowl, then use my hands to oil the sides, then with oily hands I shape the dough into a nice smooth ball and put it in the bowl, cover with a tea towel and rise 1 hour.</p> <p>Punch. Knead, re-shape turning in the bowl to recoat with oil (upper surface should be slightly oily). place on flat baking tray, cover and let rise 1 hour. Pre-heat oven this entire hour so that it’s really stable and hot. I usually set the tray on top of the stove while the oven is warming.</p> <p>Sprinkle with parmesan and sea salt and black pepper. Bake 20 minutes at 375 and then 10 minutes at 425 – it will sound hollow when you knock it. Cool on wire rack before slicing (if you can wait that long…)</p> <p><em>Notes: Keep the salt away from the yeast, including re-using the measuring spoon. I recommend King Arthur Brand Bread flour, it makes a noticeable difference for pizza, buns and breads like this versus all purpose flour. If it’s a really humid day then add a T of flour at a time until it firms up a bit.</em> <em> This recipe doesn’t “double” right, it’s better to just make it twice in a row if you want two loaves while you have everything out. </em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ep_pbAzIGZE/T_ECiQgS4II/AAAAAAAAFFg/QRult7NUn3M/s1600-h/04.201100000135%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.201100000135" border="0" alt="04.201100000135" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YJTNHR1aVWE/T_ECj09teWI/AAAAAAAAFFo/wffGQdy06UQ/04.201100000135_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="319" /></a></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-31684256544973500952012-06-11T18:37:00.001-05:002012-06-11T18:37:46.937-05:00Pesto<p>Today I stayed home and rested and made pesto and rosemary bread.</p> <p>One neat thing about making pesto is that it takes about the same amount of time to make as it does to boil water and cook pasta. Hey, I take what wonder I can get in life.</p> <p>Use as good of parmesan as you can. I buy these big blocks of Italian 2 year aged from Sam’s.  When I use pesto I am usually skipping meat, so to spend money on good cheese works out budget wise or at least that’s what I tell myself.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AGjPYOuxPr8/T9aBCXT0CCI/AAAAAAAAFEM/oduE1JDsXPk/s1600-h/05.2012_268%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_268" border="0" alt="05.2012_268" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XiqKdemG-eA/T9aBDnf2I-I/AAAAAAAAFEU/plUqcWDrZXo/05.2012_268_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="262" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z0tH7VqrANY/T9aBEtwQaTI/AAAAAAAAFEc/k42Qz6i3Mws/s1600-h/05.2012_269%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_269" border="0" alt="05.2012_269" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f6qqrhKxD6E/T9aBGoORRsI/AAAAAAAAFEk/BguzHvFiLhQ/05.2012_269_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="249" height="380" /></a></p> <p>You have to grate it first. Trust me, the chopper blade – even on a good processor, cannot handle aged parmesan – it is hard as can be and will nick your blade (ask me how I know this).  So grate it first with the grater blade, even though you will also turn around and switch blades and chop it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HH8XvIoewgw/T9aBIn3WtQI/AAAAAAAAFEs/sesBIJZsD_Q/s1600-h/05.2012_270%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_270" border="0" alt="05.2012_270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KzA8Er2kt_U/T9aBKaHIasI/AAAAAAAAFE0/v0dI5QGbLN8/05.2012_270_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="231" /></a></p> <p>Then turn the processor on and add 2-3 cloves of garlic. </p> <p>Here’s the part where it gets interesting.</p> <p>Instead of just adding several cups of basil, I add blanched asparagus. About half a bunch. (To blanch: wash it, chop it and microwave in water for 5 minutes, drain, use the other half for couscous or whatever the next day) </p> <p>And I add a handful of basil and a handful of spinach too. And then walnuts. (You can use pine nuts – but they are expensive. I’ve been thinking about trying with pecans)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVtuS_9bjen23WxJa3Fz-E8N-i1BpkWJArRZ6ZBJPEzHLrPCt4VokuT0F1VmxLjjzW4iKQXM2SjMtyEQ_YTwQ8KAVHhp7y14RXJT0Spywpx09zGms6mSacjMUI8V9n6s3uJuKDsA-6Ueb/s1600-h/05.2012_272%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_272" border="0" alt="05.2012_272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GnAhYjia75vWg8JEfvP9BuFNAdQ8_xiSBHeEgH4kZ5fZlyjuG8M7Robgww0hHm91QdR2GPVogxFpDG1BNz3YA8Iu0Oz2TNXrKwDrrjESpCDQ87ObQubZnFpqFWDMp0nfg69Fo11saqBn/?imgmax=800" width="375" height="256" /></a></p> <p>Taste it. It will need salt, you will be tempted to add more cheese, while parmesan is nice and salty, don’t waste your fancy cheese to make it saltier – just add some salt and some pepper. When it tastes right, then run the machine and pour in some olive oil.  I keep my pesto pretty concentrated and then just add more olive oil when I’m using it, or some of the pasta cooking water if I’m feeling like cutting down on fat.  I see recipes with like cups and cups of olive oil – I probably use 1/4 cup or so.  So this is very very rich and thick. </p> <p>I’m not giving exact ratios here – because  I sort of eye ball it and I’m not convinced it matters that much. If I had to I would say 1/2 C parmesan, 1/2 cup walnuts, 2 C veggies + Basil and 1/4 C olive oil. Something like that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tXPXSBvQMQY/T9aBQ_GsIjI/AAAAAAAAFFM/mKl-9FSC-bo/s1600-h/05.2012_274%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_274" border="0" alt="05.2012_274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOwHt1AZfM6GKHUILJi2iay6gpKYKThSQkWJSsw9GNbtruPMn1MLL0MFeTJg92wCtcwyh5bSnW-TvZg3fbMIcJdw2RoK5jm-OMoX4WrXCw24p3TboOt1blxa_Y-VdLWFJ6V5EODzJoiyL/?imgmax=800" width="374" height="255" /></a></p> <p>Things to do with pesto:</p> <ul> <li>mix 1/4 C over 1/2 lb of pasta.</li> <li>Use it as a layer in lasagna.</li> <li>Use it instead of sauce on pizza.</li> <li>Tell you kids it is dip and let them eat it with chips.</li> <li>Freeze it into little blocks and give it to your friend  Kimberly when she has a baby as an easy meal. </li> <li>Put it on rosemary bread</li> </ul> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-56874439856410938352012-06-10T15:28:00.001-05:002012-06-10T15:28:51.366-05:00Sowing Bountifully<p>I’ll admit, I missed planting season this year.  Somehow March and April (and May) came and went and I didn’t get my little herb garden planted.  Last weekend I finally planted some seeds we had.  Some of the seeds were old, some were new, and I’ve never planted seeds before – so only heaven knows what will come of it.  </p> <p>I found the very act of planting, preparing the little pots and special soil, labeling each container very calming and grounding and peaceful.  My inner Perfect Mom Wannabe thought I probably should have called the kids out to help and used it as a time of instructional wisdom and bonding. Or not. It was sunny and quiet and very good for my soul to sit in the sun in the grass.</p> <p>Each day I’ve enjoyed going out and checking on my little babies – talking to them and wondering what, if anything, is taking place down under the soil.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuBs4MNvG1Ktz2QJuRYAu1o-WhS1HdcGRh2Bl95zlfbwhOCd_FlIYBJbQ5G1hlrCTp4I0tkRAicipB9Uq9Pum9VC2iuQUNwgHFTkoG83HfZGqV4K6IDM6W_rrAkgVqoUOym0BsNYpd2gV/s1600-h/06.2012_001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_001" border="0" alt="06.2012_001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wJYmyjJiTYc/T9UCuPIerJI/AAAAAAAAFA4/toJzEmAUwBc/06.2012_001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="242" /></a></p> <p>These are little degradable pots, when the seedlings are big enough the entire thing will be planted.  I found them in the dollar bins at Target.</p> <p>For reference sake – this is the organic seed starting mix I used.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_017" border="0" alt="06.2012_017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A7tGvJaku9c/T9UCv5s6zNI/AAAAAAAAFBA/UgrL6t0YAto/06.2012_017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></p> <p> </p> <p>I filled the pots with soil, then I watered the soil and then placed 3-4 seeds into each pot. Once everything was planted I set them on a tray and covered it with saran wrap for a few days. Each day I gently watered the seeds.</p> <p>Day 1 (June 2)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1Hm4poo26OU/T9UCxJw_qFI/AAAAAAAAFBI/bjh5OkG7JXs/s1600-h/06.2012_008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_008" border="0" alt="06.2012_008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SKCTHUfUyAA/T9UCyQIsiSI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/tV41OzuHb6w/06.2012_008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="244" /></a></p> <p>What I planted:</p> <p>Basil</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gSQrNjtAP5A/T9UC0XWwozI/AAAAAAAAFBY/NxJVucTLGZ4/s1600-h/06.2012_009%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_009" border="0" alt="06.2012_009" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pBm1AhDsoEs/T9UC2O3UjEI/AAAAAAAAFBg/OvA_9aizQEQ/06.2012_009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a></p> <p>Chives</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0QQhZMZOAmQ/T9UC36P3SbI/AAAAAAAAFBo/mgd2mU99-V8/s1600-h/06.2012_011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_011" border="0" alt="06.2012_011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l0LL21m5m6s/T9UC6QxQNTI/AAAAAAAAFBw/RAEfgwAwe40/06.2012_011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a></p> <p>Dill (if you like dill pickles, these are the seeds you see in the pickle brine)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YcHKS-rp2BY/T9UC7vELCvI/AAAAAAAAFB4/rl_vM3TaZjo/s1600-h/06.2012_013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_013" border="0" alt="06.2012_013" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YlPUyx3WEt0uvj3gJzwjsjuzR8XXEVeyyNfmCsSxuZFG67oEBngDh6oGvcm_PYX8ztBAtYEc_k8yllFoLnHfO-4orIHs4uLopBG5kpsTBxXiUsZ2fyzFCNsEIMzxWhV38_gjuuQ-KMMH/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a></p> <p>Cilantro</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTh9lC7qPKTwRB3BwzO01MAO4fU_nd8NFebQm73l4pWzuCZLG37dPwDyI5UULkoAQ3hxQsh806b9kHsLKD8IKGFCVbPCWIyo16k7CnS0Hu-W5uEgiCzhImrh1_LeNaaILbYVdn5LIYdq0e/s1600-h/06.2012_015%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_015" border="0" alt="06.2012_015" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EZQmow66lyA/T9UDDqTSRNI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/iF-dbyblU6s/06.2012_015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a></p> <p>Also toad flax, which I did later and forgot to take a picture of, it’s a flower.</p> <p>Day Seven (June 9th)</p> <p>The basil has sprouted!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-05APgLdoj5s/T9UDFZGLuKI/AAAAAAAAFCY/jLRzy8F3ctc/s1600-h/06.2012_021%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_021" border="0" alt="06.2012_021" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U-Y_3iPtPOE/T9UDGqs-ttI/AAAAAAAAFCg/RgzX3uFH28I/06.2012_021_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="278" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-irAMhTf4-cc/T9UDInRlK8I/AAAAAAAAFCo/YMfsfYdDrX0/s1600-h/06.2012_022%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_022" border="0" alt="06.2012_022" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iWJ7xJcWPMM/T9UDLEYhtPI/AAAAAAAAFCw/WoZnGJG8QKo/06.2012_022_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="400" /></a></p> <p>Here is an view of all the pots (Day 7, June 9)</p> <p>All 6 basil are sprouted.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ad7kTpEMrqk/T9UDNdmtljI/AAAAAAAAFC4/yjt6tdRO8nY/s1600-h/06.2012_024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_024" border="0" alt="06.2012_024" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wXiRl9Xs1tw/T9UDPZaaYaI/AAAAAAAAFDA/M_-JchrU32w/06.2012_024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="257" /></a></p> <p>Day 8 – The Toad Flax has sprouted! It’s is so amazing because there was no sign of anything on Saturday but then today Sunday, there it was! The mystery of it makes me happy!</p> <p>It’s so tiny – a little green baby tendril right in the middle of the pot.</p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1c-NA1mi6PY/T9UDRr4bO5I/AAAAAAAAFDI/_lbioOoWgd8/s1600-h/06.2012_027%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_027" border="0" alt="06.2012_027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sjLx7TVhPbs/T9UDTUJHcNI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/oX6JMTuQh-s/06.2012_027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="297" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rUNn8flAJFA/T9UDWOQqyCI/AAAAAAAAFDY/qOuqucbUNFM/s1600-h/06.2012_025%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_025" border="0" alt="06.2012_025" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--eMlqmawaAE/T9UDYGjGEeI/AAAAAAAAFDc/lyPBKOAJ-rc/06.2012_025_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="307" /></a></p> <p>For no reason than that I love it & it’s beautiful – a close up of our Texas sage, one of my favorite Texas plants.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZO-sL9CEc20/T9UDZ8ioIsI/AAAAAAAAFDo/DjBk-DtUzj4/s1600-h/06.2012_028%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_028" border="0" alt="06.2012_028" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qpl_qD5olE8/T9UDcJHixBI/AAAAAAAAFDw/ve-O8J6LfyU/06.2012_028_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="297" /></a></p> <p>And the rosemary which has gone wild and smells incredible, reminds me that I need to make rosemary bread soon!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-69VSFaiodXY/T9UDe1zklhI/AAAAAAAAFD4/bOh41gtqxkk/s1600-h/06.2012_007%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="06.2012_007" border="0" alt="06.2012_007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q-HaVnXPMiE/T9UDgC25JQI/AAAAAAAAFEA/SR5XIotYs-I/06.2012_007_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="297" /></a></p> <p>The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6</p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-55657371982919346262012-05-30T08:51:00.001-05:002012-05-30T08:51:56.186-05:00Pre-school Graduation<p>It seems like it was just <em>yesterday</em> that we had pre-school graduation for Jacob.  Our kids are three years apart in age, but only two years apart in school, so it just makes those milestones feel so close together!</p> <p>Anabel cannot wait to start Kindergarten and join in her big brothers world!</p> <p>Pictures outside before the ceremony</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pOfXh6p_pHI/T8YlXtyKjhI/AAAAAAAAE-c/9bX6YcXPJNo/s1600-h/05.2012_229%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_229" border="0" alt="05.2012_229" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mm2eDiJ3gGc/T8YlY9ldQYI/AAAAAAAAE-g/cSUhxeDpUs0/05.2012_229_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="276" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S9MqyOzkc0M/T8Yljwu__hI/AAAAAAAAE-s/0PoBJntN19A/s1600-h/05.2012_218%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_218" border="0" alt="05.2012_218" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--cULPk4FZsc/T8Yll264n0I/AAAAAAAAE-0/J-zFaq9uZ7M/05.2012_218_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="403" /></a></p> <p>She sees her friend coming and wouldn’t look at the camera anymore…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MWm80rvJ6EY/T8YlnM-vsvI/AAAAAAAAE-4/5Ek1343p-1g/s1600-h/05.2012_223%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_223" border="0" alt="05.2012_223" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HK787SGgr3E/T8YloQ3WgrI/AAAAAAAAE_A/d0mpczEh3lk/05.2012_223_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="379" /></a></p> <p>Have to be nostalgic and show Anabel and Sophie two years ago when their big brothers were the graduates.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hc9KaJddzQQ/T8YlqWzWXxI/AAAAAAAAE_M/Q8J1XjwywVY/s1600-h/05.201000000080%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.201000000080" border="0" alt="05.201000000080" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LTRRPCP_VYY/T8YlsaZzoEI/AAAAAAAAE_U/2hLJNggQego/05.201000000080_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="281" /></a></p> <p>– oh my goodness the time goes by fast…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cuStt5Wnc0g/T8YlvLidr2I/AAAAAAAAE_c/tTiEjdLbuRM/s1600-h/05.2012_232%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_232" border="0" alt="05.2012_232" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rhD3kouS-kU/T8YlxPT3fWI/AAAAAAAAE_k/tws72qKIb4s/05.2012_232_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" height="365" /></a></p> <p>Goofing around up on stage </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y6pSEqLi-U8/T8YlyT1G2_I/AAAAAAAAE_s/F8vBJ59SCYM/s1600-h/05.2012_234%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_234" border="0" alt="05.2012_234" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GHIphKJV5Gg/T8Yl1eHFigI/AAAAAAAAE_0/SYYQP2Akxxg/05.2012_234_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="395" /></a></p> <p>Receiving her diploma</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lwe2tzgCMfE/T8Yl2mvReQI/AAAAAAAAE_4/6VYtodjFD3M/s1600-h/05.2012_246%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_246" border="0" alt="05.2012_246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguAwKvkuUgaLV53KEpINXn0jn3vWE2v2qPwoBImwwRDq6e7liCvirgG2C3_e8Q4l-Xp30LYgAc3CnHaXvTdXeCBjvAlTL6vbrR0eKnX7yDLw2DB28Mn8zx83OYfp4X7lNJC3Yqk2iaVNS/?imgmax=800" width="379" height="290" /></a></p> <p>Waving to Mommy and Daddy (so serious!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NZ4-TNEo6Yk/T8Yl6Wz65nI/AAAAAAAAFAM/icbNf7VJJ8c/s1600-h/05.2012_250%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_250" border="0" alt="05.2012_250" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6zdXxSZ33KA/T8Yl7cYDPBI/AAAAAAAAFAU/WxPmuqAr2u0/05.2012_250_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="464" /></a></p> <p>Her favorite part of the night…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SsPq8ekMtGw/T8Yl9Iw7K5I/AAAAAAAAFAc/lV_g4x4yu5Q/s1600-h/05.2012_236%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_236" border="0" alt="05.2012_236" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EDMZdQ6zgkg/T8Yl-Z1PpSI/AAAAAAAAFAg/2itR9E_VG1A/05.2012_236_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="288" /></a></p> <p>Congratulations to our not-so-baby-anymore big girl.  She is amazing and smart and spunky and courageous and we love her so much.  I cannot believe she will be starting elementary school in August! </p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-48342000285983195742012-05-28T20:57:00.001-05:002012-05-28T20:57:30.106-05:00Goal!<p>Jacob had a great soccer season this year.  We did the Upward program again this year at Second Baptist. Will was “team Dad” and kept everyone organized.  It was a tough season weather-wise as several games were rescheduled due to rain or wet fields.</p> <p>I was to attend a few practices and sadly just one game, mostly because of the games conflicting with Bella’s ballet class and also one Saturday of the 8 I had BALOO training and then another got rained out.  I was bummed to miss so much.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4HkEmP5HHow/T8QsX1dFvDI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/MkfbxUwUDp8/s1600-h/05.2012_002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_002" border="0" alt="05.2012_002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KE3ypR53lGA/T8QsZEOMbjI/AAAAAAAAE7g/rzmFCDAKWX8/05.2012_002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="305" /></a></p> <p>Am I the only Mom that never gets tired of taking pictures of their kid’s in profile? </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CKCN0qF8jJ8/T8QsbcmryyI/AAAAAAAAE7o/K8X-KYGROVM/s1600-h/05.2012_010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_010" border="0" alt="05.2012_010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vyfH4hXK4pg/T8QsdeNUe4I/AAAAAAAAE7w/er0w79ItXYs/05.2012_010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="418" /></a></p> <p>The final game…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V8q4dzBngtc/T8QsesjRLTI/AAAAAAAAE74/BPmAj4azM7w/s1600-h/05.2012_280%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_280" border="0" alt="05.2012_280" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WAkMtFpUSSo/T8QsgApUfiI/AAAAAAAAE78/YSqI41P0CCE/05.2012_280_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="279" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OzecU2Vnk7Y/T8Qshb1JjII/AAAAAAAAE8I/PepZdM6G38c/s1600-h/05.2012_278%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_278" border="0" alt="05.2012_278" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O3r9-z_gfY0/T8Qsi_s_y6I/AAAAAAAAE8Q/yY31CRff8Gg/05.2012_278_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="232" height="343" /></a></p> <p>Prayers at halftime….</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FsTaVNrXoiQ/T8Qsk8egycI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/UhQMOV-j17I/s1600-h/05.2012_283%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_283" border="0" alt="05.2012_283" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fu0heb3nZqs/T8QsmDkYRtI/AAAAAAAAE8g/ICnAUjHBmh4/05.2012_283_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="320" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n-3PeTKkFOs/T8QsokZOaYI/AAAAAAAAE8o/KKWOtDrJ5ys/s1600-h/05.2012_297%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_297" border="0" alt="05.2012_297" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_l5rHE4QrIQ/T8QsqUggGlI/AAAAAAAAE8w/IW14mPCiU8k/05.2012_297_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="314" /></a></p> <p>One thing I can say, is it I want to keep taking sports pictures I need a longer lens! But I loved this one….</p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWkzBcd0Z7WxX9iQE756eGpUzh2onEbrzgMmLUDakX_B9dZ-xt9H_C7gvkK39ckBAYzWxrn9JbUxxejsdeh5v55JcrJdx3xBfan3NX3wu1SDs8QRsfp8Onn-uI3nPcpPhB_judyQIVIiw/s1600-h/05.2012_302%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_302" border="0" alt="05.2012_302" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AuqCSjep2Bo/T8Qst7MX_wI/AAAAAAAAE9A/tgJrR8t_UwU/05.2012_302_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="370" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RLl_1Fj3edc/T8Qsv2aOkzI/AAAAAAAAE9I/vyTv7zhR5bw/s1600-h/05.2012_310%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_310" border="0" alt="05.2012_310" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u82cuZS90F0/T8Qsw29LWJI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/SSu-cJnbOBg/05.2012_310_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="343" /></a></p> <p>End of season award ceremony</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KW86D-LUA3I/T8QszAVK35I/AAAAAAAAE9Y/-ApH1UjH1hs/s1600-h/05.2012_259%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_259" border="0" alt="05.2012_259" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U4232n12_Ys/T8Qs1PSifqI/AAAAAAAAE9g/vMPcbx9j00I/05.2012_259_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="238" /></a></p> <p>The Second Baptist youth have a worship dance team (OK, things sure have changed since I was Baptist???!!) Bella ran up to the front to dance too (she’s shy.not!)  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FowtpO_o4cE/T8Qs2Xd29mI/AAAAAAAAE9o/kJgaavywzlo/s1600-h/05.2012_262%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_262" border="0" alt="05.2012_262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe3DNfg1dvdsHBTFxZriTa1paz3FKVIW4v5TNsPLfQ27LVtkt3PzbpyznBcBeEmA0OP6_r2V9iGdMhvKL_PkbZ4Fz24lLNZS6y3U4yupOVq3uU43-C7BAs6ERKFOE-nu9ZEYPuVnyzm4n/?imgmax=800" width="316" height="488" /></a></p> <p>Getting his award (they always do cool stuff instead of traditional trophies)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QlUBF6zs488/T8Qs78OEevI/AAAAAAAAE94/-oa2al_4t-0/s1600-h/05.2012_265%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_265" border="0" alt="05.2012_265" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FjvO_zMMVEA/T8Qs92tTyMI/AAAAAAAAE-A/vTHAPRETTtk/05.2012_265_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="354" /></a></p> <p>The Mustangs!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EFPi3Bp1xJI/T8QtAi3FixI/AAAAAAAAE-I/mi3az4xgJ08/s1600-h/05.2012_266%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_266" border="0" alt="05.2012_266" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fPs_EJ0MJAg/T8QtB3gOjUI/AAAAAAAAE-M/9eWc9yDetBg/05.2012_266_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="314" /></a></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-79396757292401294902012-05-28T18:41:00.001-05:002012-05-28T18:42:23.603-05:00Dance Dance Dance<p>Anabel has finished up her second season of ballet.  She may surprise us with a change of heart, but I rather suspect we will see our little one tearing it up on the soccer field next fall instead of taking the stage. We’ll see.  </p> <p>Here she is in her recital outfit before dress rehearsal.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PXc_ETgRxiE/T8QMz4rUKtI/AAAAAAAAE58/N2YyFjTwd_o/s1600-h/05.2012_024%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_024" border="0" alt="05.2012_024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q-LCk9d85Kk/T8QM31--PSI/AAAAAAAAE6E/iaJMDYVjlTY/05.2012_024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="238" height="363" /></a></p> <p>Following dress rehearsal, with her ribbon and medal for completing the season.   I don’t have very good pictures of the rehearsal because she was very averse to having her picture taken.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tr3ZG_xfNus/T8QM6byPGBI/AAAAAAAAE6M/oFoqoP2EPqc/s1600-h/05.2012_043%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_043" border="0" alt="05.2012_043" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b-Fd1j0x5kg/T8QM8Yo-BBI/AAAAAAAAE6U/PTnHDqbcPk4/05.2012_043_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="252" height="385" /></a></p> <p>Her actual performance – she is on the far right.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-brAn2ZIW504/T8QM-DxIknI/AAAAAAAAE7M/t9GObFQD-cI/s1600-h/05.2012_172%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_172" border="0" alt="05.2012_172" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ylti9dVnXus/T8QM_E2pD6I/AAAAAAAAE7Q/EBRji13QsYg/05.2012_172_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="195" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x6L4bA05DtU/T8QNBNL3KGI/AAAAAAAAE6s/aCYhiMomRfU/s1600-h/05.2012_185%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_185" border="0" alt="05.2012_185" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uPNXe5ImNQs/T8QNDxgBfyI/AAAAAAAAE60/Wvleb1-o9Mk/05.2012_185_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="366" /></a></p> <p>With her roses after the recital.  She loved getting the pink roses from her Dad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V3BFGIqfkCk/T8QNFsDHPJI/AAAAAAAAE68/WZNt_G_iuPo/s1600-h/05.2012_208%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="05.2012_208" border="0" alt="05.2012_208" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wagx9CjWAes/T8QNG3fD6nI/AAAAAAAAE7E/kWQ-0g-vkuI/05.2012_208_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="435" /></a></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-82028070057876590872012-05-04T21:53:00.001-05:002012-05-04T21:53:54.932-05:00Crazy Weekend, Here we ComeI have my annual love/hate relationship with the month of May... love the sunny weather and all the fun opportunities but oh the schedule!!! <br />
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Tomorrow morning Will and I will divide and conquer, Bella has full dress rehearsal for dance recital while Jacob has his soccer game. <br />
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Then at noon we meet back up at Lake Houston for the Cub Scout end of the year /crossing over/fish fry/chicken volleyball game. This is where my Tiger (1st graders) scout will become a Wolf scout! (second graders)<br />
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Then (there's more!) we pack up and head to Lake Conroe for a sleepover at Will's parents house to kick off the swim season poolside and celebrate Will's Dads' birthday. <br />
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YAWN, I'm sleepy just thinking about it all.... <br />
Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-39684717362041434502012-05-04T19:19:00.001-05:002012-05-04T19:19:39.279-05:00Fiesta AztecaBella's idea of heaven, watching Rio and eating queso at the same time.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ycg4YwXZJun5m9gpA7R0MxqXjNWSHlbwl4hLUGZ2wAfV21uWtolMFEWmUc3M0i9oKsuHbnOApCwVuYmnnkqiKhYAaL-g4iNlWq7LPjZZp7qmNhiQQi40q6_KA1ysqPqe1bh5R9iCOHAz/s640/blogger-image-188197390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ycg4YwXZJun5m9gpA7R0MxqXjNWSHlbwl4hLUGZ2wAfV21uWtolMFEWmUc3M0i9oKsuHbnOApCwVuYmnnkqiKhYAaL-g4iNlWq7LPjZZp7qmNhiQQi40q6_KA1ysqPqe1bh5R9iCOHAz/s640/blogger-image-188197390.jpg" /></a></div>Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-62762531147210725602012-04-21T22:04:00.001-05:002012-04-21T22:04:32.305-05:00Kimberly’s Baby Shower<p>Today I was blessed to be a hostess for my friend Kimberly’s baby shower.</p> <p>The theme was Texas casual and it was a really fun menu to plan.</p> <p>The Menu</p> <ul> <li>Jalapeno Popper Dip With Texas Crackers</li> <li>Fresh Fruit</li> <li>Cole Slaw</li> <li>Pea Salad</li> <li>Pulled Pork Sliders</li> <li>Potato Chips</li> <li>Texas Sheet Cake & Bluebell Ice cream</li> <li>Iced Tea</li> </ul> <p>(Oh my, it was all so good. Recipes people! I want recipes!)</p> <p>As usual I am in complete awe of the creativity and thoughtfulness of my sweet friends, they really do the most amazing decorations and tablescapes…</p> <p>White daisies in mason jars, bandana’s and burlap, quilts and stars, – it all came together so beautifully! Great job ladies!</p> <p>Being decidedly non-crafty I brought food. <a href="http://www.sheltiesrun.blogspot.com/2012/04/pulled-pork-sliders.html" target="_blank">(Slider recipe is one post down)</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qIxg8C7AEW0/T5N1EZy5WwI/AAAAAAAAE3A/HuMxFnMfNRo/s1600-h/04.2012_638%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_638" border="0" alt="04.2012_638" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mw00rsbkhas/T5N1FO0lMDI/AAAAAAAAE3I/gaflnUeBNMM/04.2012_638_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="350" /></a></p> <p>The front door</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QbAq8MMA2iw/T5N1FbGkRpI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/ud2dETldjNg/s1600-h/04.2012_643%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_643" border="0" alt="04.2012_643" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7_znNfC2DMY/T5N1GdsDTWI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/C2d-UTLf-VY/04.2012_643_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="258" height="394" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DsL5Ga4gi30/T5N1GzcpsxI/AAAAAAAAE3g/I2YJ-Z7ptM0/s1600-h/04.2012_644%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_644" border="0" alt="04.2012_644" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O0BWtBHyRHE/T5N1HEc0ZUI/AAAAAAAAE3o/YvoB0LoE2Lc/04.2012_644_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="382" /></a></p> <p>The mantel</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cwKV67__1h8/T5N1IUg2v0I/AAAAAAAAE3w/lKyOiwzE3Ag/s1600-h/04.2012_646%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_646" border="0" alt="04.2012_646" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cAEjYWT5xQY/T5N1Jp_0jNI/AAAAAAAAE34/asWAVSL9uQ8/04.2012_646_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="346" /></a></p> <p>Diaper Cake</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DJ832ywnDZsitB_tbHf9Aye8Gw0b70X8UNiw3W3h04u6e1G_TWiopWWPGhF7mq2_R6pE6mnQoRi2_VL4Lg5tRjMriBtcIeRihAH63cU8jsPTZodKl3RI8qu6i7D5Qtt7rpgXWTfRQS6x/s1600-h/04.2012_647%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_647" border="0" alt="04.2012_647" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u7eGVca0XyY/T5N1Kc7uZTI/AAAAAAAAE4I/n4VPyR3N3TQ/04.2012_647_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="305" /></a></p> <p>Kimberly</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fyEj-O-QK5o/T5N1KrrfVRI/AAAAAAAAE4Q/uaBrxfpQnuU/s1600-h/04.2012_652%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_652" border="0" alt="04.2012_652" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qltu7gmS_dM/T5N1LLtaIaI/AAAAAAAAE4Y/VyjgIFchzak/04.2012_652_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="246" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BHbI4f5id6U/T5N1Lbd028I/AAAAAAAAE4g/x28vLyCZj2c/s1600-h/04.2012_654%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_654" border="0" alt="04.2012_654" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UsrdEZjTzl8/T5N1MPyTTGI/AAAAAAAAE4o/prDXbrBOYN0/04.2012_654_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="246" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-COdbumpdS7E/T5N1Mq-7_wI/AAAAAAAAE4w/rbTr_N_9k-o/s1600-h/04.2012_667%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_667" border="0" alt="04.2012_667" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B7uyaToSJ9U/T5N1M3RZXnI/AAAAAAAAE44/gZGMjAu10tU/04.2012_667_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="246" /></a></p> <p>Hostesses (minus Tiffany!) </p> <p>From left: Jasmin, Theresa, Candice, Kimberly, Lisa, Jessica, me. <em>(dang I’m short, huh?)</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UOwJB9LLJu4/T5N1NOGbjgI/AAAAAAAAE5A/XrlZC2SMgxg/s1600-h/04.2012_659%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_659" border="0" alt="04.2012_659" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5KFoV2lRZGA/T5N1NhbKMNI/AAAAAAAAE5I/TPp89ghVZa0/04.2012_659_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="364" /></a></p> <p>Favorite shot of the day:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WpxZqQdNdkI/T5N1Oyyq0uI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/88g2GMVLV8A/s1600-h/04.2012_668%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_668" border="0" alt="04.2012_668" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EmKdfum6uXI/T5N1PBZunjI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/z6-rcKDmaRE/04.2012_668_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="303" height="499" /></a></p> <p>And I was even given a bunch of daisies to take home with me! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k-mQbwCXn08/T5N1PbMtN_I/AAAAAAAAE5g/zsG195dzsL8/s1600-h/04.2012_671%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_671" border="0" alt="04.2012_671" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4CeU8dGkBJk/T5N1PydZXyI/AAAAAAAAE5o/8bzPUI9ijqs/04.2012_671_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="295" /></a></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-90811859558278920892012-04-21T20:44:00.001-05:002012-04-21T22:18:28.820-05:00Pulled Pork Sliders<p>There is a Houston restaurant called Barnaby’s that I love. And they serve two sandwiches that are probably my two favorite sandwiches ever. The trouble is deciding between the two; one is a shredded smoked chicken with BBQ sauce – the BBQ sauce is light, vinegary and not too thick.  The other is a pork torta (like a Cuban, only Mexican and without the pickles) with this sauce – perfectly sweet and creamy.  I can never choose, they are both incredible. Then one day, Will and I had the bright idea to each order one and split them so we could each have both. Oh my.  </p> <p>And that is where I got the idea to try and marry the perfect BBQ sandwich with the perfect Pulled Pork Carnitas style torta.  What I ended up with is a pulled pork that is part carnitas, part Cuban, part Texas BBQ – served up with a mojo inspired mayonnaise. YUM.</p> <p><u><strong>The Pork:</strong></u></p> <p>Into a crock pot layer the following:</p> <p>1 Vidalia or 1016 (sweet) onion sliced into rings, <em>(this should cover the bottom of the pot, don’t let the meat touch the bottom)</em></p> <p>5 pounds center pork loin. (<em>I bought two and it was enough for 25+ servings, if you make less, still keep the proportions the same, just adjust the water – the point is to cover the pork)</em> </p> <p align="left">1 bottle of BBQ sauce (<em>something cheap, you will use 2 total and the first one ends up being a cooking liquid that gets dumped and the second is just a base, you will be adding stuff to it to build up the flavor. I used HEB store brand for .79 each</em>)</p> <p>1 bottle of beer (or just add more water if you don’t drink. I used Shiner Wild Hare)</p> <p>1 BBQ bottle’s worth of water</p> <p>Cook on low for 8-10 hours.</p> <p>Carefully remove the pork and shred it using two forks. It will just fall apart</p> <p>Pull out any fat and discard.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FHZxfo-fBpA/T5NiaaeOanI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/2Sn5okn4omc/s1600-h/04.2012_632%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_632" border="0" alt="04.2012_632" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-345Zi4ch3Is/T5NiawbxQYI/AAAAAAAAE1g/4dgZTtjJ5BE/04.2012_632_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="240" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>1 hour before serving –  Put shredded pork back into crock pot. </p> <ul> <li>Add 1 bottle of BBQ sauce </li> <li>1/2 C dark brown sugar</li> <li>2 T Lowry's Seasoning Salt</li> <li>1 t garlic powder</li> <li>1 T red wine vinegar (or whatever kind you have)</li> <li>1 T dry mustard.</li> </ul> <p>Taste it, see what it needs and adjust it to make it how you like it. </p> <p>Set it on low and heat for around an hour until serving time.</p> <p><strong><u>Mojo Sauce:</u></strong></p> <ul> <li>1/3 C olive oil</li> <li>6 minced garlic cloves</li> <li>1/3 C juice (<em>I used apple cider because it is what I had, orange would be better</em>)</li> <li>1/3 C fresh lemon juice </li> <li>1 t salt</li> <li>1/2 t pepper</li> <li>1/2 t ground cumin</li> </ul> <p>Heat olive oil in  a small sauce pan. Add everything else and stir. Cook on low about 2 minutes, stirring until it comes together and is fragrant. It will look weird. That’s OK.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wkP78gK_-CI/T5NibWtSlEI/AAAAAAAAE1o/iJ74JhrMMdA/s1600-h/04.2012_634%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_634" border="0" alt="04.2012_634" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pPp9ahwMVGE/T5NibuuBuDI/AAAAAAAAE1w/yP4uN05Ligs/04.2012_634_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XxtnzYvdXuk/T5Nic6HYI2I/AAAAAAAAE14/YRvB4DwCFBQ/s1600-h/04.2012_635%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_635" border="0" alt="04.2012_635" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uZHPFF8prv0/T5Nid1L4PCI/AAAAAAAAE2A/BV8vNA507N8/04.2012_635_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a></p> <p>Pull off heat, put in bowl and let cool.  After it has cooled, add 1/3 C mayonnaise. Whisk and pop into fridge to let the flavors come together.</p> <p><strong><u>The Buns</u></strong></p> <p>I used store-bought Hawaiian buns. These get a sweetness when toasted that went well with the acid in the meat and sauce.  I also think Homemade hamburger buns would rock. Or corn tortillas. Or pita pockets…or heck just get a fork and stand there in your PJ’s and eat some (<em>not that I did that or anything</em>)</p> <p>Split and spray with Pam or a little melted butter, then toast, split side up on a jelly roll pan about 8 minutes on 350 – just until the inside gets a little toasty and will stand up to the mojo sauce.</p> <p>Coat each side with mojo-mayo sauce, then add shredded pork and serve.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NqkuudXZ5eE/T5NjGuk706I/AAAAAAAAE2Y/bdUPk0HcNbg/s1600-h/04.2012_641%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_641" border="0" alt="04.2012_641" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iTlaukowm-8/T5NjHB0fd2I/AAAAAAAAE2g/R-Go5LvCv98/04.2012_641_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="242" /></a></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-51215807258701104252012-04-08T22:08:00.001-05:002012-04-08T22:12:01.363-05:00Easter 2012<p>I would like us to all observe a moment of recognition that I am, in fact, actually blogging a holiday in a timely manner! Oh YEAH baby!!!   uhem.  OK.</p> <p>First, Palm Sunday.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sRcOFmX4z0k/T4JRdBpsQII/AAAAAAAAEvg/9LihwUiSgzY/s1600-h/04.2012_012%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_012" border="0" alt="04.2012_012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5PhGardvEv4/T4JReJ6xtlI/AAAAAAAAEvo/CsDo5JCtbi4/04.2012_012_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="357" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUeO7X0V7qAY7Ociq7Iy_KS9p2mC-xIuZYrkTMo4o8EfCoNS04_TC1Unh1y7p7hEAIkkIvUSzjVbo_qbVjEAM0sYmROaVWRtFFVRPyeP5VAAycxLT7ru2KKGNEtornA6RFi4vil8qLzlq/s1600-h/04.2012_013%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_013" border="0" alt="04.2012_013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uXjT1ZLX1xo/T4JRgNWuuCI/AAAAAAAAEv4/KkOY6tcXE-w/04.2012_013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="362" /></a></p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6m5KZFIjzAE/T4JRgkzoLaI/AAAAAAAAEwA/h4excc7CC7M/s1600-h/04.2012_027%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_027" border="0" alt="04.2012_027" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-waoD0Li9OBY/T4JRhrn9UcI/AAAAAAAAEwI/pzQ9SCwOW7g/04.2012_027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="408" /></a> <p>Our palms broke on the way home in the car (awww… or not so awww, depending on if you are a kid or a parent)</p> <p>Easter Sunday we like to go to sunrise service. There’s just something great about worship, breakfast, egg hunt and then we change back into jammies and crawl back into bed at like 10:30 AM. Hah!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EmbOUQJ5uIM/T4JRiv33coI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/C_Ce-98rnwI/s1600-h/04.2012_030%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_030" border="0" alt="04.2012_030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jMjNX9gNorE/T4JRjIYPXtI/AAAAAAAAEwY/yBMp6TbypQ0/04.2012_030_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="196" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Gihue_i0XUM/T4JRj7d3C_I/AAAAAAAAEwg/5TGD_vPxQnQ/s1600-h/04.2012_035%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_035" border="0" alt="04.2012_035" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kODi9MLiDHU/T4JRlTPLo6I/AAAAAAAAEwo/txfugGHzlNk/04.2012_035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lc-l8ZQHdaM/T4JRmOFv29I/AAAAAAAAEww/ExUPPsbVvMY/s1600-h/04.2012_037%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_037" border="0" alt="04.2012_037" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ei4nxblah8/T4JRmujzPiI/AAAAAAAAEw4/n_LGKnQzCAs/04.2012_037_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="300" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pwszgp7sNW0/T4JRnzp-WBI/AAAAAAAAExA/IgxRse7E1EI/s1600-h/04.2012_039%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_039" border="0" alt="04.2012_039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9WpXdkaDLIQ/T4JRoXM2fjI/AAAAAAAAExI/zUBwi10zEzo/04.2012_039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" height="244" /></a></p> <p>After the service we drove over to where some bluebonnets grow. It was early and the light was nice and the kids were dressed up. I know we sort of missed prime bluebonnet time but I wanted to get what we could.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q8m_mezQPKo/T4JRqFDPhNI/AAAAAAAAExQ/W37_n7NRzyo/s1600-h/04.2012_071%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_071" border="0" alt="04.2012_071" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QxXz281Iw9Sah4MYxEx6pIWIHqhNUsfUkxELf3hxr1IEB1OX43pby77BSqDwze_Ri3WESZqn8LS9LwAR1um2905z7I7TQ_jLr5diQUXFo11ZiC_Ql8dP4lHpqqT2wmy1Z2MYuLVjz2I_/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="331" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e1i4Ug2YVkE/T4JRsL7Ql5I/AAAAAAAAExg/mS-A8Cx_ohE/s1600-h/04.2012_053%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_053" border="0" alt="04.2012_053" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sMcpq674I-o/T4JRs_NGhmI/AAAAAAAAExo/J0KB9Hypz-4/04.2012_053_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="517" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UJ5vpiJWlmo/T4JRtpSUe8I/AAAAAAAAExw/V1-s3T3PjmY/s1600-h/04.2012_085%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_085" border="0" alt="04.2012_085" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD8cUDTIwAee5yGxHwID-00K7ZAGTNt3XCtgyPDW3qUDCRRTsHMgs9Ix9C6i2QoJAohGxjYOZwebKJM8RbWWAayBkkVYLdDJjxuDRc7fXpwGpkBMDfWXpU6ZKv9nALJyqRLokrlxKpeb_/?imgmax=800" width="283" height="432" /></a></p> <p>Oh.My.goodness. </p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kYseIV7E2v0/T4JRvYDzDuI/AAAAAAAAEyA/cd1OJ2jfmYM/s1600-h/04.2012_082%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_082" border="0" alt="04.2012_082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1qWyAK9HMI8/T4JRv6-9TnI/AAAAAAAAEyI/MALuG7QnMlU/04.2012_082_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="434" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dFWTILOFiqc/T4JRwsizIvI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/nTTcA6htzKg/s1600-h/04.2012_050%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_050" border="0" alt="04.2012_050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GM9IjSTIaw5B4qEE1UCfOVjWlL4jEAPyROo9BsqeNFDUKZX3D7EfksQt5w7_bzTGqVGmuhooeG04VCeo_ReqpVz94mOtAOpXIqw2rNC7Tr4vTSmr3yerxow7SXF6a8l-AzErJJw5UNwO/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="303" /></a></p> <p>After that we went to Denny’s and had breakfast.</p> <p>Then we had our egg hunt at home in the back yard.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SaNFfhZpVQwqeLKawTCPlBJRuHibg7Jrd3pXq_IBS6XR70DCblTJ2DuHjwqKXV5xjGEziI6BbKe6w2VIySGP5TXvElHjAo85mVnxrZXQU99P9jrmXmoSkZ_6vIRDFQoyH7oKSDnL1U7K/s1600-h/04.2012_103%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_103" border="0" alt="04.2012_103" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9an_8EuEJpY/T4JRzLblaGI/AAAAAAAAEyo/nLp2uH5mDeI/04.2012_103_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="309" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K_PbPIoh9MY/T4JRz3RQjbI/AAAAAAAAEyw/eVD2U-QDJqI/s1600-h/04.2012_101%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_101" border="0" alt="04.2012_101" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y02RT5TjamU/T4JR1FIxFrI/AAAAAAAAEy4/sXomfdaB5gw/04.2012_101_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="241" height="305" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uhqSlbXhk4k/T4JR3Vc3lkI/AAAAAAAAEzA/YHUYnhSUxKE/s1600-h/04.2012_096%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_096" border="0" alt="04.2012_096" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FVbxBrz4oJ0/T4JR4mSPnSI/AAAAAAAAEzI/T6VWIrDd1ik/04.2012_096_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="304" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7Q-VC7ngdwN9yJb3FAGibDBx0QGHL76gmHs2lJ4690JkQEJrrCRwbio8BPrcSB2Nn5P7TI9C4SiedAP33hkk4MvKabGX8ZG7i34UZnZiyu3I5MCU2f5i4RP28BVwpWtscBE0AhmeUoof/s1600-h/04.2012_090%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_090" border="0" alt="04.2012_090" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0DLqmi6Xfy0/T4JR7UKr8WI/AAAAAAAAEzY/NN6QCtisKGY/04.2012_090_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="279" /></a></p> <p>oh the drama of being four.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K68ZL9Xq1vI/T4JR8KdpnhI/AAAAAAAAEzg/RMKBAzyTChc/s1600-h/04.2012_099%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_099" border="0" alt="04.2012_099" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L6GKBg1PTGE/T4JR-Kd3AzI/AAAAAAAAEzo/DG5zk0BBkMM/04.2012_099_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="232" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uJlGEJGb4Do/T4JR-vCgjqI/AAAAAAAAEzw/3E_BGYnj2ag/s1600-h/04.2012_120%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_120" border="0" alt="04.2012_120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSYYc3nYD3RD_m8FlZqRyul2BjnHDQpkR23ngA8QWJxY8Ik1KC-PwFbuxbJBs91hIaaaDcDNMUB7M_gLJZAk81K1u2EfxFja0XFdICIal9BIsBtosr_hkK8vqQfHqBRPQeEkQNwEib_NV/?imgmax=800" width="249" height="316" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rRxIabjAMK0/T4JSAxYvytI/AAAAAAAAE0A/q5ZlVQIM-uE/s1600-h/04.2012_109%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_109" border="0" alt="04.2012_109" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iv6K0Ri-oGk/T4JSBTxWGRI/AAAAAAAAE0I/fGrcGgjIl08/04.2012_109_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="371" /></a></p> <p>(Oh can I just say I am really glad to be wearing make up again!!!)</p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-atBhZlr6HLk/T4JSB04z15I/AAAAAAAAE0Q/EGKNQjQ5Rmw/s1600-h/04.2012_107%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_107" border="0" alt="04.2012_107" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2OEubutNJPg/T4JSrj93WaI/AAAAAAAAE0g/05dq6I0IrFo/04.2012_107_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="339" /></a> <p>After the hunt we settled the kids in with a movie and Will and I went back to bed. </p> <p>This is probably my favorite Easter tradition. hah.</p> <p>Later we had a scaled down Easter dinner – honey ham and green bean casserole followed by Cadberry eggs for dessert. It was just us, the kids had leftover spaghetti. Our day was very casual. I actually truly napped TWICE today!</p> <p>In the evening we dyed eggs and then we played in the back yard. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kpk-I0ZVYYg/T4JSsKcZ1nI/AAAAAAAAE0o/puo19IQq42Y/s1600-h/04.2012_130%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_130" border="0" alt="04.2012_130" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qfgUIrsG7Ws/T4JStVjLEdI/AAAAAAAAE0w/Xk8Iu9ABayk/04.2012_130_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="303" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CIvoFiQhSqo/T4JSt1oUNSI/AAAAAAAAE04/zSfe59EuvkQ/s1600-h/04.2012_140%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_140" border="0" alt="04.2012_140" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HhVq8vODN7Q/T4JSvDymFGI/AAAAAAAAE1A/Q0T3cwonuQ8/04.2012_140_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="337" /></a></p> <p>We have a lot of lizards. I love this one, he lives by the water hose, his name is Hermit.  Hermit is in the midst of shedding his skin. Doesn’t he just seem itchy and miserable? Look at the bright lovely skin underneath! Don’t you want to to just reach out and help him out? Don’t you want him to just hurry and be free of that old skin? I can’t wait to see him when he is all fresh and new. He just seemed like a good reminder of what Easter should be about.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-84ZWq-ujMwo/T4JSwVzQJfI/AAAAAAAAE1I/f6l2NmSTILY/s1600-h/04.2012_139%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="04.2012_139" border="0" alt="04.2012_139" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--M4EesttVMs/T4JSx8PFK8I/AAAAAAAAE1Q/qGTuobziCPI/04.2012_139_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="307" /></a></p> <p><em><font size="3">You make everything glorious <br />You make everything glorious <br />You make everything glorious <br />And I am Yours <br />What does that make me?</font></em></p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-57503540027176792232012-04-07T13:25:00.001-05:002012-04-07T13:25:34.934-05:00In Between Time<p>So what to listen to on this Saturday; this suspended, in-between day, hanging in the balance between Good Friday and the awakening. The history changing circumstance altering heart stopping my life changingness that is Easter?  </p> <p>I choose this:</p> <p><iframe height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/74HXKSYyPKg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" width="640" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Lyrics:</p> <p>I felt it first when I was younger <br />A strange connection to the light <br />I tried to satisfy the hunger <br />I never got it right <br />I never got it right</p> <p> <br />So I climbed a mountain and l built an altar <br />Looked out as far as I could see <br />And everyday I’m getting older <br />I’m running outta dreams <br />I’m running outta dreams</p> <p> <br />But Your love <br />Your love <br />The only the thing that matters is Your love <br />Your love is all I have to give <br />Your love is enough to light up the darkness <br />It’s Your love <br />Your love </p> <p>All I ever needed is Your love <br /></p> <p>You know the effort I have given <br />And you know exactly what it cost <br />And though my innocence was taken <br />Not everything is lost <br />Not everything is lost nooooo <br /></p> <p>You’re the hope in the morning <br />You’re the light when the night is falling <br />You’re the song when my heart is singing <br />it’s Your love <br />You’re the eyes to the blind man <br />You’re the feet to the lame man walking <br />You’re the sound of the people singing <br /></p> <p>Your love is enough to light up the darkness <br />It’s Your love <br />Your love <br />all I ever needed is Your love <br />But Your love <br />(Your love is all that I needed) <br />The only the thing that matters is Your love <br />Your love is all I have to give <br />Your love is enough to light up the darkness <br />(Your love is all that I needed) <br />It’s Your love <br />Your love <br />It’s all I ever needed </p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7892404974672741564.post-34514056371541778222012-04-07T13:05:00.001-05:002012-04-07T13:05:53.400-05:00Azaleas<p>Near the beginning of the month the azaleas were blooming. Azaleas are one of many “Houston Things” that I have learned about and enjoy, I guess we must have them in Austin, but I can’t remember them ever being a big deal there.</p> <p>Sadly our own azaleas in our yard didn’t bloom this year (freeze? drought? I don’t know. The bushes are green and seem fine, but no blooms) but the ones at a park near our house were breathtaking. </p> <p>I am struck by how amazing it is to be surrounded by such beauty, just a few paces from my house. What a remarkable thing that is, and yet we mostly drive past it never stopping, never noticing.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNYt7Q8u2EnozogHpxyt9BT3tTDqia9DmGhOFE5xbH2BWIaqt791WOPnHvarHusaN1sezSs2lJj_nPo_EOnSDs_oufxnivBDiZFc5obIR2D0Y0XhGte3oBxPHTmVoEwSHmIGUvDY5c00U/s1600-h/03.20120225%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="03.20120225" alt="03.20120225" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lrn7EX9i0nM/T4CBiNiMLPI/AAAAAAAAEso/3QgOWrHpO70/03.20120225_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="304" /></a></p> <p>Bella received some correction before these were taken and had been drinking red Gatorade, so she looks a little “off”, it was kind of a stretch for her to even take any pictures, poor girl. But oh, those eyes, that messy auburn hair – how I love this little girl!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FGW0i_HpFZg/T4CBkKB53FI/AAAAAAAAEsw/LIA7vp8hdek/s1600-h/03.20120220%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120220" border="0" alt="03.20120220" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-25tIDeScgP8/T4CBki-JHwI/AAAAAAAAEs4/atoWCot5Kfg/03.20120220_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="272" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F8l4gEAx5MI/T4CBlMSLLqI/AAAAAAAAEtA/KgmLi5fI_eA/s1600-h/03.20120200%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120200" border="0" alt="03.20120200" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2YDzw5glCqg/T4CBnahdzlI/AAAAAAAAEtI/cJaT16XM43Y/03.20120200_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="281" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FE5l7CtD0X8/T4CBplONSHI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/uwN_6zMYpDM/s1600-h/03.20120201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120201" border="0" alt="03.20120201" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qjKM48yk35Q/T4CBta8i0FI/AAAAAAAAEtY/9YBQCNvwUN4/03.20120201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="281" /></a></p> <p>Jacob looks so much like my brother in this one:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j02Co7qERL4/T4CBu1omLTI/AAAAAAAAEtg/Ye7y4r4QmzY/s1600-h/03.20120211%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120211" border="0" alt="03.20120211" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OM7rs8lz1BA/T4CBw6RdISI/AAAAAAAAEto/y7Itu6yLHI8/03.20120211_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="280" /></a></p> <p>Composition wise, this next one has issues, all the light is on the right side, , there’s too much tree on the left, too many vertical elements distracting from the subject. But, oh, as a Mommy, I love it! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wdKrRTQOaNI/T4CBxfglCFI/AAAAAAAAEtw/QVf_VoU_BVY/s1600-h/03.20120236%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120236" border="0" alt="03.20120236" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0wJlIYLBVtM/T4CBx0jHyII/AAAAAAAAEt4/9ScejNNUQPk/03.20120236_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="409" /></a></p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2YYbg1Bm6RY/T4CBzuG5wDI/AAAAAAAAEuA/1hOZaM9L5Zs/s1600-h/03.20120227%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120227" border="0" alt="03.20120227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntA9v4Ia8XPSKPGPXxRQBIOP7CEMEnnMpKwImAfXhqo0txde04BH2uP1WnSsqPsz349TYYMHcr4-qIQa0MJeZgZCsU8rV193oi2E_-JAy-GGTARKaHg3p78hkkUemgCo0QFi8eTdzXO6J/?imgmax=800" width="291" height="377" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCM3V-QRVqk9njsQNnc9NklGI7qjLSvw2HZNMjpLpyBYGd4GhoqrBpwzfnXYsV2bjc1eXldKaQJ6iw_HouM8JLJyeD4zSOY4wxqj7yoM9WtrdKTcpRgArsmkqtyQ8ReiiRP_9CwjFDO9U/s1600-h/03.20120228%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120228" border="0" alt="03.20120228" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G5W9B8TNM-M/T4CB2yoXDHI/AAAAAAAAEuY/c3NbdX_feLU/03.20120228_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="338" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YR6tICWd4ds/T4CB3Z7oRYI/AAAAAAAAEug/cWUwy5fdqIg/s1600-h/03.20120229%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120229" border="0" alt="03.20120229" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nWoxwm73TZs/T4CB36P7cHI/AAAAAAAAEuo/N8hFiBrsvi8/03.20120229_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="317" height="406" /></a> <p>Ah, there’s a smile….</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dANrIdX7OFA/T4CB4Xe12fI/AAAAAAAAEuw/M0KdxnD9_Dc/s1600-h/03.20120246%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="03.20120246" alt="03.20120246" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-prjCppxjqak/T4CB5JYDj9I/AAAAAAAAEu4/T90Q4GxjFmw/03.20120246_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="411" /></a></p> <p>My two favorites of the series:</p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5OTW-jfKeDU/T4CB6SwLNYI/AAAAAAAAEvA/NYpk1GzLgYY/s1600-h/03.20120249%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120249" border="0" alt="03.20120249" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VUilM_y3yz8/T4CB8gEEypI/AAAAAAAAEvI/UGUc7fYZCyA/03.20120249_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="419" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vx8pG2wdeeQ/T4CB99OrqbI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/uipXapO8Aek/s1600-h/03.20120204%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="03.20120204" border="0" alt="03.20120204" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fZP0YdGF9X0/T4CB_-nmNTI/AAAAAAAAEvY/qrU-n1tMVtw/03.20120204_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="283" height="358" /></a></p> <p>Mathew 6:28 Consider the lilies. While the lilies do not toil or spin, they do their work, draw up sustenance from the earth, and drink in the dew, rain and sunbeams. So we are to do our appointed work. It we do this, trusting in God, he will supply all our needs.</p> Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811810764234013930noreply@blogger.com1