Swine Flu

Colby and I have many spirited discussions about labor unions and the meat packing industry. Pork is our livelihood. I know where my meat comes from: animals locked in tiny cages that don't allow any movement, lives of constant suffering, lots of unnecessary drugs, followed by a trip on a truck to be slaughtered. "They're just food," Colby says. True, but if you've ever seen the videos of egg factories and hog confinements you may think twice about that food.

The so-called "swine-flu" is causing new upheaval in our house. Pork prices are falling because people hear swine flu and think they can't eat pork. Some foreign countries are no longer importing our pork. Not good for the pork industry's bottom line, and not good for me. Granted, the stress and unsanitary conditions of animal confinements breed perfect conditions for the spread of disease. However, lets remember that consumers demand low cost food. You can buy organic and free range meats and eggs, but you won't have money left to pay your mortgage. I fully support the purchase of local foods, organic foods, and growing your own foods. I wish I would do more of all three. Let's remember that this flu may be scary, but it's not caused by eating pork. It happens just like all the other flues of the world: sneezing, coughing, close contact, and not washing hands.

Banana Bread

I have a loaf of banana bread baking as I type. I just have to share the recipe. I won't share the bread!! It smells so good! This recipe is from my favorite cookbook The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook. America's Test Kitchen is a great series on PBS. Check it out if you can. I've tried lots of banana breads, but this one rocks.

Banana Bread

2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 very ripe bananas, mashed well
6 Tbl. unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 plain yogurt, not the fat free Splenda flavored junk (I have also used vanilla flavored which worked fine)
1 tsp. vanilla extract (please not imitation vanilla, but it will do)
1 1/4 c. toasted walnuts, chopped course (optional)

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Generously coat a 9x5 loaf pan with non stick spray.

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Gently fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.

Scrape batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs, about 55 minutes. Tent the top with foil if it starts to get too brown.

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes then unmold it and let it cool on a wire rack for an hour. You won't be able to wait that long to eat it, but it really gets better the longer it sits.

Sunday

Sunday was rainy yet again, but it was a soft, lovely rain that danced off the pavement and brought new life to the dandelions, I mean, lawn. With the lure of outdoor activities gone, Colby finally went through his closet to make room for the new work wardrobe mentioned previously. to my surprise, he actually got rid of some stuff. Mr. Never-Gets-Rid-of-Anything gave into the pressure of running out of hangers and a nagging wife. The kids are a little crazy, but a bit of Lego Indiana Jones for the boys kept them occupied. Late in the afternoon, Sara and Travis came by with their kiddos. We ate pizza and the kids played. Soren followed Reese around and tried to hug and kiss her. Reese wasn't having it. When it was time to go, Gavin decided he was going to stay with us. Mom and Dad had other ideas, and he was whisked off to the car. Next time, Gavos.

I love having good friends, but I wished these two lived closer. Maybe the wind will someday blow them to Lincoln. I'm selfish (duh) and want everyone to come to me. Heavens knows I won't soon (ever) be moving back to Norfolk. We finally feel like we're at home and plan on staying a long time. Now if everyone would just cooperate and come with me. . .

Tale of the Tiller

Today was a drizzly day, one meant for hot tea and an old novel. But, alas, down time and serenity are not a part of our lives. Instead, Colby was out in the yard tilling up weeds and preparing the space for next week's sod. Ah, how I miss real grass in the backyard. It took Colby awhile to get the hang of the tiller, but once he did the weeds were no match for the tiller's blades. Dade used the hoe to dig up huge weeds, which was actually extremely scary. Boy with ADHD + sharp garden equipment = mom with 47 gray hairs now.

Despite the drizzle, Brody had a soccer game. The Ice won again, and Colby said everyone on the team scored a goal. Next week Colby is going to coach because the regular guy will be gone. After the game we let Brody pick where we went out to eat. These stupid soccer games are so late in the day that they almost force an away from home meal. He chose Valentino's then immediately followed the meal with, "I need to go to the bathroom and throw up." I guess he ate too much. He didn't throw up for real, but I understand the feeling.

Tomorrow we're expecting a little visit from Sara and Travis. I hope they can make it over.

Celebrate Spring

Soren was wearing just her nightgown and diaper when we took Dade to band this morning. No shoes. No coat. No hat or mittens. I love that!

The girls and I planted some begonias and marigolds a few days ago. This will be our only attempt at gardening. Hopefully, their will to live is greater than my inability to care for them. And, yes, the metal flowers count, too. If I can keep them alive.

I already have a sunburn from spending hours outside with the kids. The girls are, of course, toasty brown like their daddy. Meanwhile, I'm like a lobster the day of the burn and back to pasty white the day after. Neat. The good news is, with Colby home I have actually been shaving my legs just enough so that I can look decent in my capris. Hu rah! Dade is in fishing club at school, and they're going on their first fishing trip today at the nearby fishin' hole. I read in the paper (yes, a piece of paper with words printed on it that is neatly folded and placed on the front steps) that these afterschool programs are about to get the ax due to budget shortfalls. I realllllly hope they can find something else to cut. The paper said cutting the CLC afterschool programs would save 15 cents a day. 15 cents. Again, 15whole cents.

I also get to see my neighbors a lot more now. After being shut-ins for the last 4 months, we are all happy to get out and play. Spring brings so many gifts, as I said in my last blog. I feel so much better now.

ReFUNd

I enjoy the Spring for many reasons. Pretty flowers, rainy days, warmer weather (but not too warm), and the income tax refund. I LOVE the tax refund. In the last few weeks I have paid off some debt, bought everyone shoes for the summer (no small task around here, and I think I need a stimulus check just for that), and purchased some new curtains for around the house. This year we racked up quite a bit of debt buying a dryer, water heater, dishwasher, computer, and television. I was just waiting for the refrigerator to die. We are also going to buy sod for our back "yard" which will afterwards be an actual backyard. Grass is more expensive than I thought. I bought Colby a whole new wardrobe of work slacks so he doesn't have to go to work looking like a hobo. We're also going on vacation in May, so we'll have leisure expenses (and the cost of boarding the dogs, having their teeth cleaned and getting their shots). And don't forget the oodles of paint and supplies we'll be needing to spruce up the joint.

In other words, tax time is party time around here. I can actually afford to buy Starbucks!!!!!

Soccer Game Saturday

With the smell of this morning's rainfall still hanging in the air, Brody had two soccer games today. He lost the first but still talked smack the whole game. In between games we went for supper at Culver's with Connie. Colby took Brody and Soren to the second soccer game while Connie and I took Dade and Evie to Gordman's. I guess I am a bad luck charm because they scored 9 goals in the second game, Brody scoring 2 of those, and won!! Yay Ice! Colby had to pull Brody to the sideline to remind him not to talk trash to the other team.

Colby must have hauled ass from Ohio because he was home today before 2 pm. We now have a kitchen table full of items from his bachelor pad, now just a distant memory. We also now finally have a complete family, hopefully for good.

In potty news, Soren is getting really good at pooping on the potty. She even went poo at Kohl's this evening. She also pooped in the tub this morning, so I guess with every step forward there is a step back.

Smell This, Mom

We had a great start to the weekend. Brody went home with his friend Justin after school. They went to movie night at the elementary school and had a really good time. They watched Bolt and ate popcorn. When Dede dropped Brody off, he and his friends decided to ride our bike and scooters around the block even though it was 8:30 pm and dark. Boys.

Dade, Evie, Soren, and I went to a Scentsy candle party at my friend's house. It was a really nice time to visit with ladies and chit chat. I also got to see a friend from high school I hadn't seen in years. Dade got to eat his weight in chips and frozen cream puffs. Evelyn and Soren played with baby Aubree (see previous blog post regarding our babysitting experience). Soren also ate her weight in chips and strawberries while Evie smelled every single wax sample. You can tell that I never buy chips because every time the kids are around them it's like chips are the best thing they've ever had. Crazy.

After Evelyn so graciously encouraged me to smell every single wax sample (Smell this one, too, Mommy, and this one, and this one. . . . . . ), I decided on leather, cashmere, red apple, and a pineapple coconut thing. Soren showed off her ability to climb any surface to get to a bowl of chips. Dade hung out downstairs, ate chips, and watched Discovery Channel. I think it's a glimpse of his future. . .

Colby is spending the night in South Bend, IN before heading home in the morning. Grandma Connie is coming tomorrow to help out because Brody has two soccer games (weather permitting). I will be surrounded by my loving family and noisy children. Pass the Valium, uh, I mean, what could be better? :-)

Rights and Responsibilities

Throughout my high school years I did quite a bit of volunteer work. I was a candystriper, ESL tutor, and Bible School teacher (stop laughing). I used to give little presentations about Spanish and Mexico at a few elementary schools, and I tutored a Hispanic woman who knew no English. After the birth of my son my sophomore year of college, I felt that I had so much on my plate that my volunteer work ceased. God knows I would've made a donation if I actually had any money. My plate is still exceedingly full, but the incessant urge to help has never gone away. I've started to make small but regular donations to one of the local homeless shelters. I've written letters to the editor to help promote social causes. I always ache to join the latest political campaign or help out at the kids' school, but, alas, I never quite find the time.

The young son of a girl I went to high school with was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive lymphoma. He's only 7. Reading that made me realize not only how absolutely precious each moment with my family is, but also that I really need to start doing more to help others. We always talk about rights in this country, but having rights is not the same as having entitlements. Having rights means having responsibilities. Having responsibilities requires us to be mindful of not only what we are doing to help others but what we aren't doing. I'm not saying we all need to drop what we're doing and be selfless nuns or something. I just want everyone who reads this to take a look around and see what you can do. We have to stop being selfish and start being true Americans: pinnacles of freedom, charity, and strength. Keepers of the gold standard of societies. Purveyors of justice and equality. Protectors of human rights.

President Obama has been encouraging Americans to get out there and volunteer. If nothing else, I hope these hard economic times can make us all see what's valuable. We need to stop seeing our cars and houses as status symbols and instead view our families and our actions as what truly show our worth and wealth.

And by the way, I appreciate all the TEA parties held around the country yesterday. Yay free speech! However, I'd like to keep the following and need your tax dollars to do it: police force, fire stations, libraries, roads, tornado sirens, food stamps, mail, public schools, and safe food. I thank you in advance for your continued support. Oh, and safe drinking water. And go ask the Somalians if they like having low taxes.

Can I Take a Picture?

I take sooooo many pictures of the kids. Tons. Too many. Evelyn always asks if she can take pictures, too, and I usually let her take a few. I rarely if ever showcase her photos, so I've decided to do so today. Her perspective on life at three feet tall is so much different than life at grown-up height. Evelyn enjoys life so much that it's hard not to smile when she's goofy or mad or sleeping. She just takes every emotion to the highest degree.

Anyway, presenting photography by Evelyn Anne Vesely. Enjoy.

Easter

We took Colby to the airport for the last time today. This is officially his last week in Ohio. HOORAY!! He'll load up his rental car and drive home all the stuff from his sweet bachelor pad for a Saturday arrival home. We can't wait to have him back so he can start on all the yard work and house painting!!

We had a nice Easter weekend. The kids got lots of candy, of course. They also received their traditional chocolate bunnies. When Colby was little he and his siblings always got a chocolate bunny. He insists that the Easter Bunny brings them to our little ones, too. We dyed eggs at my dad's and hunted eggs there, too. It was cold and windy so we had to resort to an indoor egg hunt. I don't think anyone cared as long as they got to eat five pounds of candy at the end. I think Dade ate about half of a pumpkin pie. Evelyn ate so much candy I thought she was to the point where she wouldn't even ask for another piece. I was wrong, of course, and underestimated her ability to consume mass quantities of taffy and chocolate.

Colby played Hi Ho Cherry-O and Battleship with the kids. The boys always team up against Colby in Battleship, but this weekend he really kicked their butts. Brody said he's "never playing Battleship again!"

The weather is gorgeous here finally, so the girls and I played outside and took the dogs for a walk. They were desperate to get out of the confines of the fence, and I think Evelyn needed a little exercise, too. We won't mention whether or not Mommy needed the exercise. . .

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow

Yesterday was the end of the road for Soren's mullet. She's getting her 18 month photos taken today, so I didn't want her to have crazy hair. We loaded up and headed to the salon. Soren sat so good and looks so much better. She's crying in the photo because I wouldn't let her have another post-haircut sucker.

We're going to the mall this morning to have photos taken and do a little shopping. Evelyn is, of course, extremely excited. She's asking every 5 minutes if it's time to go yet. She's wearing a dress with tights, and she said the tights are "tighting her." Okay then, I guess they're doing their job. She also has on a necklace, watch, and bracelet, so now she's like Fancy Nancy.

By the way, did any of you see that the Sham Wow pitchman got arrested for getting in a fight with a hooker? There's one mess the Sham Wow can't clean up.

I Love to Sit on Babies

Today was a rainy and cool day. The girls and I went to a special story time featuring Lincoln's finest firefighters and a firetruck. Problem is, it was a rainy and cool day. We stood in the rain and admired the firetruck with our friend Keri and her son Bradyn and our friend Ashlee and her kids Jaxson and Aubree. Later in the afternoon, Jaxson and Aubree came to stay with us while their mommy went to an appointment. Evie was so excited that she kept reminding me "we are babysitting today." Evie was such a little mommy to Aubree, and Soren was a little, well, let's just say jealous. My girls wanted to give Aubree a bottle, but she wasn't really feelin' it. I think she felt a little safer in my lap. Aubree loved to dance to the Wiggles with Soren and Evie, but Jaxson was more interested in what was down in the boys' room (probably a mess). Overall, we had a nice little babysitting experience.

But this Grill is Not a Home

The return of Spring brings the return of the annoying black birds who try to make a nest in our grill. Last year I bitched at the kids about putting sticks in the grill until I realized it was the birds. This year, they're at it again. My neighbor told me that the previous home owner had the same problem. As you can see, I photographed the offender with weapon in beak. I also photographed my grill filled with burnt leaves and sticks, as well as a few fresh ones. Every time I light the grill, it smells like a bonfire. All those pine needles, weeds, and grass surely can't make my food taste better either.

After two Springs, I think I finally figured out how to end this madness: leave the grill's lid open to make the spot less desirable for a nest. The birds have been sitting quite confused on the edge of the deck since I thought up this tactic. Let's hope it works.

If anyone can guess where the title for this blog comes from, I'll give you a dollar. . .

Talkin' 'Bout My Girl

I have to write a bit about how my lovely daughter Evelyn is a blessing in my life. Lately, she's been so helpful around the house. She's very agreeable to just about anything. She'll do anything for a piece of gum. This morning I asked her to pick up all the toys off the living room floor so I could vacuum. She said, "Yes, Ma'am," and picked them up. No whining or complaining.

She is always talking or singing. It's annoying if I'm trying to watch t.v. or talk on the phone, but really quite endearing throughout the day. She makes up little songs and dances. She has ballet lessons in the living room. She can do almost anything all by herself, even stuff I'd rather she not do by herself. She always has a kind word and a thank you. She's so precious and smart. She laughs like Ernie on Sesame Street. She loves to watch cooking shows and says, "I'm gonna make that," or "I'd eat that." She licks the stick of butter if you leave it in plain sight. She always says excuse me when she burps or farts. Honestly, I don't know where she gets that.

Evelyn told me last week that she's changing her name to Hannah Montana. No matter what she calls herself, she'll always be my girl. I wish I could keep her little and precocious forever, but sadly in 10 years she will have boobs and want a cell phone. She'll probably date Brody's friends (the ones I don't like). Oh well. For now she's just Mommy's little helper.

Milestones

As our children grow, we take mental note and often record their milestones. Soren said Mama at 7 months. She walked at 11 months. The latest milestone: Soren's first Twinkie at age 17 months. She ate about three bites and left the rest, and she also left behind quite a mess.

The kids have been quite unruly today thanks to the inability to go outside and play. The boys lost wrestling for a month and have now been banished to their room with no television. All the toys in the world couldn't keep them occupied I guess. The girls have been pretty good. They've had a nice time preparing picnics and looking at scrapbooks.

We are the Champions, My Friend

This morning when Brody brought in the newspaper, I asked the kids to help pick out the teams we would cheer for in the Final Four. I showed them the photo and told them the teams. Dade chose Michigan Sate, and Brody chose North Carolina. Wouldn't you know it. . . my boys are great team choosers! North Carolina will face Michigan State for the championship, but I'm not sure for whom we'll cheer. Maybe we'll be a house divided. Either way, we're winners.

My parents drove in from Seward for a visit. My brother Alex wanted me to go shopping with him, and after much arm pulling (not) I went. I got some great perfume at Gordman's: it smells exactly like Strawberry Shortcake doll. It's awesome! I also got a ceramic bunny that's a dead ringer for one of those Eater chocolate bunnies. It's less fattening. Brody's soccer game was cancelled due to the rain and lightning. He didn't mind because he had lots to occupy him at home, like kicking the crap out of Alex and eating Twinkies. We all had a lovely visit.

On a more serious note, my Grandma Emma is in the hospital again due to side effects of her chemotherapy. If you're the praying type, please add her to your list. She is the praying type and would appreciate your thoughts. She's had a long struggle, and I wish her better days ahead.

Cat Bong

I feel it necessary to share a photo of the infamous "CAT BONG". The cat bong builders are scheduled to go to court here in Lincoln next week. Please don't try to make your own from the photo. It really is cruel to get a cat stoned.

It's a Surprise Party!!. . . or Maybe a Pity Party. . .

I am officially in my thirties. Funny thing, actually. I feel more mature. I feel like I'm actually a grown up now, despite the fact that I had my first child when I was still a teenager. I think the difference is that now society no longer lets me write things off as "youthful indiscretion" because I'm no longer in my youth. I think 30 is the cut off point to claim that you made mistakes because you were "young and stupid." By age 30 you should have lived enough life that young and stupid don't apply.

As a wonderful surprise for my otherwise uneventful birthday, my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew drove to Lincoln from Omaha to surprise me with pizza!! It was really nice to chat with Amber, and I know the kids had fun beating up Scott. Ethan loved our cable t.v. The only bad part: I'm pretty sure they came out of pity. Well, I needed the company anyway, so I'll take it any way I can get it. Seriously, it was extremely nice of them to come. It meant a whole lot to me, and I'm glad I have such a lovely family!

You won't find Brody in the shot of me and the kids because he was being his usual, "I am not getting my picture taken!" self. When he's older I'm sure he'll complain that he wasn't ever in any pictures.

Fight for Your Right

Following Wednesday tradition, we went to storytime and then Runza. The girls have been particularly sweet and sour today, one minute playing so nicely and the next having a drop down, drag out fight. For example, this afternoon's tea party went from tea with the Queen to tea with the Mean. I'm pretty sure Evelyn is at the heart of most of these arguments because everything in the house is, of course, hers. I don't suppose the word "princess" emblazoned across the butt of her pants puts any ideas in her head. . .

I have a monster headache today which is just par for the course this week. At least the onion rings I had for lunch distracted me momentarily. Tomorrow is my birthday- the big 30. I wonder if the kids have a surprise party planned? It would be interesting to see what kind of party they would arrange. . . I'm sure I'd have to prepare the food and clean up. I'm also pretty sure prepackaged rice krispie bars and milk would be involved.