Time goes by

Tonight he graduates. Yes its only Little Lambs Preschool, but its still graduation. Graduating from level one. That first step of leaving home, being alone with strangers, being scared but working through it, making friends, learning, following rules, following schedules, gaining independence and learning the fundamentals of school. I remember dropping him off 3 years ago - it didn't go well. There were lots of tears; he was very scared and upset...needless to say we took him out and waited 6 more months. Second time around went better but a mom still knows fear in her child's eyes and it was definitely there. But here we are...graduating. And, I might add, looking forward to Kindergarten (and a new school) in the fall. Last night as I was tucking him in I asked a question that I ask both my boys every 6 months or so..."what can't you do that you want to learn how to do?" Cooper: "read" I think he is going to do just fine...

Green Tuesday: 20

"To me, a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug." ~Helen Keller

* I can't be totally certain, but I'm thinking Duncan would agree?

Diary of an evening

Green Tuesday: 19

Hanging your laundry on the clothesline = free energy

*picture found here

Time to share...

We all have those recipes...the ones we are known for...the ones everyone asks for. Or maybe some of us just know all the really good restaurants (which is just as good in my opinion). Either/or, I seem to have this one recipe that I feel I make thousands of because of requests from friends and family - Green Pumpkinseed and Cranberry Crispy Bars. Sound strange? Don't knock 'em till you've tried them. I am now officially sharing the recipe...why you may ask? Because quite frankly my kitchen just can't keep up. Last week I had three pots of marshmallow going, pumpkinseeds in my hair and they were devoured at my Relay meeting in under 5 minutes. I just don't have the energy, time or resources! So here you are; make them and impress your friends (just don't be surprised if you find yourself mass producing them). Cooking spray 1/2 cup raw green pumpkinseeds 1/4 cup butter 1(8oz) package of miniature marshmallows 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 5 cups Rice Krispies 1 cup dried cranberries Heat a large non stick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add pumpkinseeds; cook 4 minutes or until seeds begin to pop and lightly brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and cool. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in marshmallows; cook 2 minutes or until smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and salt. Stir in reserved seeds, cereal and cranberries. Scrape mixture into prepared dish using a rubber spatula. *couple things: I buy my pumpkinseeds and cranberries in the bulk section of my local grocery store. I do not add the salt so if you have had mine they were saltless. I use an 8x8 pan because we like ours big and thick. This recipe is from Cooking Light (must give credit were it is due).

Fire breathing

He stood in line close to an hour (twice) for these dragons...and couldn't have been more proud. Tubby time was seriously a bummer.

Sons and Grandsons

Happy Mother's Day to me.

Oh, and to you too Mom~thanks for being so wonderful.

Green Tuesday: 18

I soon will be turning my leased car in for new so cars must be on my mind...

Ask your mechanic about switching to synthetic motor oil.

Conventional motor oils are derived from petroleum and need to be changed every 3,000 miles. Synthetic motor oil lasts eight times longer, which means there is less oil to dispose of. It also improves engine performance and gives you better gas mileage.

Wow~did you know this? I had no idea.

It makes all the difference

In the craziness that has been my life lately...I have not forgotten the importance of a kiss...

Green Tuesday: 17

Toss lemon peals in the garden to keep cats from using your soil as a litter box. Citrus scents make cats cower and sneeze, so toss a few lemon or orange peels in the garden and your cat problem will be solved. Aphids are also repelled by citrus. Mix the rind from a lemon with water and spray it on any plants that are being attacked by the little bugs.

Point taken

The freckles are just so flipping cute it kills me. And his cheeks still jiggle when he runs. Hard not to eat him up but he reminds me that if I did I wouldn't have him anymore.