Texas Caviar: a couple different methods

Today we made Texas Caviar, as it is called in my family.  It requires very little effort and is a healthy dip, taco topper or appetizer.  I have made it a few different ways but most prefer this kind with fresh lime juice and cilantro.  It is a great snack to have around too.

Texas Caviar:

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn, drained 

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped (any color pepper is fine)

4 limes, juiced

handful of cilantro, chopped

sea salt

Mix the above ingredients in a bowl.  

You can add more or less lime juice and cilantro to suit your taste--we like lots!

Another variation of this recipe just uses the beans, corn, onion and bell pepper and Wish Bone Italian salad dressing in place of the lime and cilantro.  Either way, it is good and it won't stay around too long!

kick, run, dribble

 We all set our alarm clocks to get up early on Saturday morning -- something unheard of in our house on a Saturday.  We rushed to the soccer fields and watch her first scrimmage.  She kicked the ball, ran and attempted a dribble.  Hopefully those skills will come with more team practice this season.  She was delighted to be playing with all her little friends on the street.  Having 3 daddys (including her own) from the street coaching was a bonus too.  Thankfully, she didn't notice that Momma had purchased the wrong kind of socks to put over shin guards.  That is the beauty of being 4.  We were all so proud of our first little soccer player and look forward to her first season!

hearts

Their little hearts burst with excitement today.  Dinner for Daddy was served.  More candles were dug from the depths of candles and candlesticks that get stored under the bathroom sink.  Wonky-shaped hearts were drawn on every pink paper napkin and little notes of love were scribbled around the borders.  Classical music played on the stereo in the kitchen and three little girls waited anxiously for the sound of the garage door opening.  They stood at the back door and peered out the tiniest crack just to watch him pull in.  They were taken off guard when he arrived with flowers for them.  Graciously, they placed the fragrant roses on the dinner table that was aglow with almost every candle in the house.  The middle one, brought his favorite beverage while the smallest one rubbed her spaghetti-stained hands all over his pressed work shirt.  The oldest was proud to share her hefty stack of valentines from school as we all ate.  Despite the inevitable chaos that always seems to erupt from 3 kids at dinnertime, tonight was special indeed.  Three girls enjoyed their at-home Valentine dinner date with Daddy 

Happy Valentine Day greetings from our home to yours!

what can I get into next?

This little one has that familiar look in her eyes and sneaky little smile on her face -- just enough of a smile to reveal her prominent dimple on her left cheek.  Yes, this one is a handful.  Oh, we love her dearly but she is into everything, all at once, it seems.  She goes and goes with every ounce to keep up with her older sisters, sometimes surpassing them as she climbs to great heights (the table, counter-tops, stairs, etc.).  I am not sure how much birth order, hair color or personality have to do with this fiery little stinker but a day with her can be quite exhausting.  She teaches us something new daily and we all struggle to keep up.  

But with all this activity comes the most loving and affectionate little girl.  

We are in awe.

the museum

“When we treat children's play as seriously as it deserves, we are helping them feel the joy that's to be found in the creative spirit. It's the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives.”  - Mr. Rogers

We recently had the chance to check out our new children's museum.  It was a special day for my big girl who was out of school on holiday.  We met up with some sweet friends and enjoyed exploring all the fun!  It is a wonderful place that fills the imaginations of children and adults alike.  Just playing, exploring and experiencing this new space was very magical.

We look forward to going back again very soon when some of the newness wears off.  Whew, there were tons of people there!

ice day fun

We just experienced our second ice day in less than a week's time.  That is unheard of in our neck of the woods.  I must say, it has been nice to have an unexpected day off with my kids.  Yes, there has been fighting and arguing between siblings, but for the most part, it has been a welcomed change in our weekly routine.   

Ice and snow were discovered first thing.  

Only robes and footed PJs were worn outside by these anxious observers.  

New cozy spots were found in the house by indoor explorers.

Cake balls were made and decorated for no reason other than to occupy little minds for a few minutes.

New games among siblings kept them busy inside for most of the day.

And the wonderful world of PBSKids and Starfall entertained the oldest and the youngest equally well!

Happy Snow/Ice Day to you!

baby love

She longs to be with her smallest cousins and sister.  Gentle and thoughtful she plays for hours, happy to entertain.  "When can I babysit?" she asks. "Let me take care of her.  Can I hold her?  I can give her a bottle."

They look back with such joy and delight in their eyes, happy to have her attention.