old man winter

Old man winter is back!

We had a hairy drive home yesterday from the northern part of our state.  We spent the weekend at a lodge of sorts and hadn't anticipated the early arrival of wintry weather.  When we left at noon, the sleet was pelting us with sharp icy crystals that then stuck to the roads, making for an icy mess of a ride home.

Despite the swift arrival of an arctic front, the kids had a grand time at an indoor water-park and hotel. 

 What could be more fun in the middle of winter than strapping on a swimsuit and playing in the water with your siblings and cousins all day?  It was a fun little weekend getaway with family.

These little campers were captivated by bunk-beds in our room and the woodsy theme of the place.  A second TV in their little hideaway was the perfect touch.

Breakfast in the top bunk with your sister while watching cartoons was probably the best treat.  

This fairly new wave of hotel chains that have lots of activities for children and families within the confines of their property is pretty neat.  They won me over with a good cup of joe and a large fireplace overlooking the water-park madness.

cars

Ever since this kid could push a car around on her knees and make a "vroom" sound, she has loved playing with matchbox cars.  She particularly likes the cars with personalities and eyes that have become popular in the past few years.  Lining them up according to family, color, size or personality has always been a fun accomplishment.  I hadn't seen a line-up for a while but was delighted when I turned the corner into the kitchen to find them spread across the counter-top and my 4-year-old beaming with joy.  It seems some things never change.  In this case, I hope her fascination with this little toy continues long into the future.

beneath the oak trees

There is something about watching the sun set through the ancient limbs of an old oak tree that loosens all the tenseness in my shoulders.  The warm honey-colored rays shed a pleasing golden glow over the terrain.  Imperfections, flaws and chaos are temporarily forgotten as simple tranquil warmth delights the senses.

Ah yes, an evening beneath the oak trees, alone with my thoughts, was the perfect nourishment for my soul. 

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.