10 Year Anniversary

Shawn and I celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary (Feb 23, 2002) last evening at a restaurant called Chop. I have to say that I had the most FABULOUS petite filet mignon in red wine reduction. I ordered medium rather than my usual medium-well and I couldn't even tell that it was any pinker inside... It melted like butter. The decor was really cool, too. I forgot my camera even though I had been reminding myself the day before to take it... :(

Let it be noted that it has been agreed that Shawn is choosing the activity/venue next year!

Taylor slept over at Grandma and Grandpa's under the care of Uncle Aaron. They made pizzas and watched Kung Fu Panda 2.

Averi and Ella spent the night at Aunt Diana's. Apparently, Ella emptied the contents of a jar of vaseline onto her face and into her hair. Funny, since she doesn't like it when I put lotion on her face. She was also up frequently through the night. I guess it was a bit early to be getting rid of Ella for a night...

Crabby Patties

Taylor is a big fan of Spongebob Squarepants, though all the kids will watch it with rapt attention (parents, too!). So when I first made Quinoa Burgers, Taylor dubbed them "Crabby Patties" and it has stuck.

I made them again this evening and thought I'd share the recipe here since they're so tasty and relatively healthy.

I tried the carrot version the first time and the zucchini version the second. Verdict: not a very discernible difference, though the zucchini version has gotten better reviews online. I prefer zucchini simply because I find it easier to grate than carrots. (I use my Kitchen Aid mixer's new grater attachment--love!)

Serve with Greek yogurt.

"Crabby Patties" (aka Quinoa Burgers)

• 2 rounded cups cooked quinoa (see note below for cooking instructions)
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other variety, if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated (OR 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed)
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 green onions, including white parts
• 1 /2 teaspoon Splenda or sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Olive oil for frying

To cook quinoa:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

In a medium saucepan bring the 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat.  Add quinoa and reduce heat to low.  Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and the seeds are tender.  Allow to cool for a few minutes.

In a large bowl combine the cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, carrot, eggs, flour, green onions, Splenda, pepper, cumin, salt, and garlic powder.

Heat a frying pan and a couple teaspoons olive oil over medium-low heat.  Mixture will be slightly sticky, so using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop mixture into pan and lightly flatten to 1/2 inch thick.  Fry until golden-brown, about 4 minutes on each side.

Makes approx. 10 burgers.

Per burger:  Calories 132; Protein 8 g; Fat 5 g; NET Carbs 12 g; (Fiber 2 g); Sugar 0 g; Sodium 200 mg

Vitamins

Taylor seems to have appointed himself Head Vitamin Distributor.

Each morning, before preparing his breakfast (he loves his Honey Nut Cheerios!), he procures a vitamin for himself and his two siblings.

One morning, when Taylor was leaving for school, Averi had yet to wake up. He was about halfway down the front lawn when he turned around and called back to me, "Make sure Averi gets her vitamin!" or "Don't forget to give Averi her vitamin!"

Sweet Sisters

This past video will always have a special place in my heart.



Averi and Ella still get along famously... (video below)



The "ice cream" mentioned: We were heading off to the library and as incentive to behave, we promised Dairy Queen.

I have drilled the kids endlessly on saying "pat-tern" rather than "pat-ter-in" to no avail...

Fine Motor Skills: Check!

I recently took Averi to Taylor's school to register her for Kindergarten. (Wow!!) At that time, we were scheduled to interview with the vice principal who was meeting with all pre-schoolers to see what level they are at.

The result of Avi's interview was that she needed to work on fine motor skills (for writing and drawing).

A week or so ago, Ella kept herself busy for quite some time drawing the teensiest circles. Upon closer inspection, I noted that she was grasping the pen PERFECTLY. No one aided her or has shown her how to do so in the past (that I know of).

Notice, also, the mouth breathing... poor baby...

Both Taylor and Averi are still working on this type of thing so I'm positive that Ella's fine motor skills are terrific!  ;)

Hubby Hobby

Thinking of pictures that make me smile, I love that Shawn has a hobby to preoccupy him! And a healthy hobby, at that!

Here is his current desktop photo:

He recently purchased mountain bike maintenance and skill books (making a purchase is a big deal for him and he researches before making an informed decision). I'm so proud of him! ;)

(I suppose I should mention that he got a steal of a deal on a mountain bike last year, which became a catalyst for my own bike purchase... We had tons of fun taking the kids on rides on different bike trailers!)

Daddy's Girl

Shawn was tucking Averi into bed when she proclaimed, "Daddy, you're my favorite boy!"

After goodnight kisses, she asked, "Are we married?" Shawn patiently explained relationships.

I remember my dad telling me of a similar scenario betwixt us. It was certainly heartwarming and amusing to witness this one.

Happy Blogoversary!

I can't believe that as of today I have been blogging for four years!

All I Want For Christmas...

I cannot begin to express how happy this toothless grin makes me feel! I'm completely charmed by his slight lisp and can't seem to stop myself from eliciting his sweet smiles!

Twirling Diva

If there's anything that Ella loves, it's pretty dresses and dress-up clothes!

Oh, and showing it off! (video below)

Decor Plumbing

I'm so blessed to have a plumber husband...

Now I can have projects done around the house like this:

lol!  ;)

School Playground

Can you believe that elementary schools don't "come" with playgrounds anymore?? Well, after fundraising for two or so years, Taylor (and Averi and Ella)'s school will be getting one soon:

Not spectacular but definitely better than nothing!

Now if I could just figure out WHERE on school premises it will go since the school is situated pretty much in a ditch...

I'm Dreaming of a Harris Christmas

It's really sad how few pictures I got from our trip to Idaho this Christmas. I'm still waiting for Dad to be able to send me his bazillion shots... ;)

Here's a few Shawn took from Christmas Eve day:

And some from Christmas Eve:

 Kids doing Christmas ornaments...

Lerina as my slave keeping me company while I peel potatoes.
I will cherish this memory always! ;)

Here is Christmas Day:

Why is Ella's face always dirty??

Taylor got a total of FOUR Nerf guns!!

And some fun footage:

My Four-Year-Old Has Bifocals!

I prefer my pics without flash but I may redo these since it is impossible for kids to be still enough for a photo!

These glasses will possibly help her eyes further straighten out.

Grandpa Harris

Ella came up to me just now, with her best sad/pouty face, and said,"I miss Grandpa Harris."

Our trip to Idaho for Christmas was fabulous and I hope to post pics soon!