Library Cards!

Today we each became the proud owners of Library cards.  We really have the cutest library ever.  The kids were each able to get their own card and sign it.  They played with puppets, built with some blocks, made some friends and picked out two books.  Lucky for mommy, there is a table up in a quiet corner which is right next to my favorite section  - Nonfiction food, health and wellness - and the kids perused birthday cake decorating books while I picked out some things for me to read. 

I loved that out of the 3 cards to choose from, 1 being a graphic of the library and 2 others which were pictures drawn by children, that H wanted the picture of the library because she wanted the library on her card.  She is so grown up.  I think that H and I could live there and be perfectly happy.  E was extremely well behaved in the library but has to be reminded several times to use his quiet voice.  This is tough for a little boy whose Daddy is pretty loud and his Grandpa is known by the nickname "Whisper".  (Sarcasm at its best.)  He did an amazing job, but as soon as we got outside he started to lose it and was full out falling apart by the time we made it to the car.  He held it together as long as he could.  You will notice in the picture below where the kids are sitting outside that he is sitting on his books "hiding" them, because he was losing his patience with the whole thing.

My first efforts at upcycling...

Attended a baby shower today for a kind-hearted family member who will have a beautiful new baby soon.  I have no doubt this baby will posess a gentle soul and the confidence to change the world.  Lucky all of us.  With the mother as my inspiration, I hit up a vintage shop on Cherokee street and found some vintage fabric (flower print), 3 mens dress shirts (stripes) & an orange house dress.  I wanted to keep the quilt gender neutral and I didn't use any particular pattern.  Love this one. 

A lovely Sunday afternoon at City Garden.  We should go there more often, the kids love it.

First Day of Kindergarten

Thank goodness we are in afternoon Kindergarten.  We get one more year of sleeping in a bit, not rushing around.  We still get to eat breakfast and lunch together.  Today we went to the park, came home had pizza and made chocolate chip cookies. Daddy came home and walked to school with us.  We are so blessed to have a safe, 4 minute walk to school.  E had to grab a walking stick he keeps in the yard for such occasions.  All went well, no tears (from anybody). 

Moved Food, Recipes

I started a seperate blog to keep my food and recipes. Check it out at: www.picketfencepaleo.blogspot.com

Marshmallow/Pretzel Building

H enjoyed a week at Magic House camp and E was bummed that he wasn't big enough to go. We tried to do some of the activities from camp at home, so that E would feel like he didn't miss out. This activity was a hit. I NEVER BUY PRETZELS AND MARSHMALLOWS, so the kids think they are getting away with something right away.

Potluck Dishes

Attended a Potluck this weekend. Here is what I made. Healthy and delicious!

Coleslaw (from Everyday Paleo by Sarah Fragoso)
2 cups purple cabbage, diced
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 shallot, minced
1/2 cup mango, diced
1 TBSP balsamic vinegar
2 TBSP EVOO
pepper to taste

1. Mix the cabbage, cucumber and mango
2. Shake up the shallot, vinegar and EVOO.
3. Pour dressing over veggies and serve.


Red Curry Beef Stew (also from Everyday Paleo)
2 lbs stew meat (I used ground beef)
1 TBSP Thai red curry paste
1 can coconut milk
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/2 head purple cabbage, cut into chunks
3 sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch rounds

1. Put beef in crockpot and mix with red curry paste
2. Pour in coconut milk and chicken stock and mix well
3. Top with sweet potatoes and cabbage, cover.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours till meat is tender and potatoes are soft.