Proud

I got a wonderful comment from the latchkey teacher not long ago.  She told me that she didn't know what they would do next year, when Kaia is at the Intermediate School.  They said not only is she old enough to help, but she understands how to help.  I smiled and my heart felt light.  My girl is a good helper, and a good little mommy.  Sometimes a bit too good, as I do have to remind her that I can be the parent to the 3 boys.  She's a good kid!

Dana and I both received quite the shock at Morgan's Christmas Concert.  Some of the kids got to do a small recitation from The Night Before Christmas.  Some kids rushed through, or stumbled their words.  Then one little boy got up and spoke clearly, on tempo and perfect.  Dana asked me afterward, "Was that Mo?" Yes, yes it was.  We were shocked.  Our odd, quiet kid did such a good job!

Green Fist

My aunt declared the other day I don't just have a green thumb, but a green fist.  Below is the proof.

Christmas Cactus Bloom

Poinsettias in Bloom

Phew!

We survived the show!  Kaia was amazing, if I may be permitted to brag.  Actually the whole cast was amazing, and I really enjoyed meeting everyone, and have come away with new friends. 

Life is still insane in our home.  The 3 year old Bobos are a force to be reckoned with.  I lobby to have every  hurricane and tornado named Brendon or Bryce from here on out.  I cannot keep up with their shenanigans.  Balls have been flushed down toilets, nail polish on the floor, any food or drink must be dumped on the floor... It's a good thing they are cute. 

And so I leave you with some photos of our life the last few weeks.

Kaia and the orphans

Otis

Alice looking cozy

Princess Bryce

Mr. Jingles, our Elf on the Shelf

Trial and Error

In these weeks of rehearsal, I have learned that sometimes, the best recipe ideas don't work out.  Some of the simplest recipes are the best. You can't always avoid takeout or frozen burritos. Occasionally, I can throw things to make a gourmet meal.

The chicken broccoli casserole fiasco definitely was bad, and a waste of meat and cheese.  And the pork roast created this week, was delicious!  I found the roast on sale, and it came with a free bag of produce.  I wasn't sure how to prep it.  I had a can of applesauce I'd accidentally purchased a month or so ago.  So, after reviewing different recipes, I decided I could create something tasty with my ingredients, rather than what the recipes called for. 

Apple Mustard Pork
Pork Loin
1 small onion quartered
3 large carrots cut into 2 inch sections
stone ground mustard
applesauce
1 tsp sage

I put the meat and veggies into the crockpot.  I smeared mustard all over the top of the pork, and then put the applesauce right on top.  I sprinkled the sage over everything.  Cook on low heat for 8 hours, and enjoy!

Living out of our Crock Pot & Taco Soup

These days, I do all of my cooking in the morning.  Every morning I make dinner, while the kids eat breakfast.  It goes in the crock pot or into a casserole dish, so that when Kaia gets home from school she can eat dinner.  I've managed to do this every Monday through Thursday, and it's been working well. I have just enough time to eat when I get home, and then whisk Kaia off to rehearsals. 

Yesterday's recipe smelled amazing before I even turned the crock pot on!

Taco Soup
1 lb browned ground beef,
1/3 cup chopped onion,
1 green pepper chopped,
1 c sliced cabbage,
1 large can of diced tomatoes,
1 can of pinto beans,
2 cups of water,
1 t beef bouillon,
1 packet of taco seasoning. Combine in crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with sliced avocado and tortillas.