Like Brother, Like Sister

Last night Elin had her first "major" injury... she fell down on the slippery tub floor. It didn't look like a hard fall, but she CRIED her eyes out and then wouldn't bear weight on her left leg. We waited until this morning, and when she still couldn't bear weight we decided to get an x-ray. So after a trip to the ER and the Ortho clinic, and findings of a non-displaced tibial fracture, Elin came home with a brand-spankin' new, purple, full-leg cast. She's actually taking it quite well.

For those who are unaware, this was about the same age that Nate broke his left tibia as well. Like brother, like sister!

Froggie on the Naughty Spot

Apparently, Froggie bit Nathaniel this morning. I didn't ask him details of their altercation, but Nate said that Froggie had to sit on the naughty spot. So here he is. At least Nate was kind enough to keep him warm with his blankie- a true privelage!

One of our favorite new recipies

Jason, Nate and Elin all like it - so I think that is a pretty good endorsement! See my notes in parenthesis for a lower fat version of the Balsamic Sauce and mashed potatoes.

Tilapia with Balsamic Butter Sauce, Thyme Mashed Potatoes, and Sugar Snap Peas

Bon Appétit - January 2007

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Thyme Mashed Potatoes

3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, quartered

4 1/2 tablespoons butter (I cut this significantly - 1-2T) - room temperature

6 tablespoons (or more) warm whipping cream (I use skim milk)

1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme

Balsamic Butter Sauce

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (I use 1/3+c)

1 garlic clove, minced

Peas, Fish

2 cups sugar snap peas, strings removed

2 tablespoons olive oil

6, 4- to 5-ounce tilapia fillets

1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (I use 1-2T not the whole half a stick - this is why I add more vinegar)

For thyme mashed potatoes:
Boil potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain; return to pot. Add butter, 6 tablespoons cream, and thyme; mash. Season with salt and pepper. Do ahead Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over medium heat, stirring often and adding more cream by tablespoonfuls if dry.

For balsamic butter sauce:
Simmer vinegar and garlic in small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to thick syrup, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Peas, Fish & Sauce
Cook snap peas in boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Drain. Return to same pan; set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in each of 2 large skillets over high heat. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Sauté fish until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

Rewarm balsamic syrup over medium-low heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup butter 1 piece at a time (1-2 T).

Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to snap peas; stir over medium heat until warmed. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide potatoes, tilapia, and peas among plates; drizzle with sauce.

Shells, Toothbrush, Popcorn-Movie Day

Nate loves art and painting and today he painted a shell from his collection. He got up "early" made his bed, got dressed and came into our room at 6:10 declaring his intention to go down and paint his special shell just like a sticker he had. We sent him down to paint.

I got Elin her first real toothbrush last week. She walked around all evening with it and really liked it. Only problem is that I can't find where she put it now.

Sometimes, Jason works some long shifts. This past Saturday was one of them. So to make sure we all survived, as it was snowing all day - I declared it a "Popcorn Movie Day." What is a popcorn - movie day? We stay in our PJs, we eat popcorn and watch movies. If I am lucky, I get to read a book on the couch near the tv too! Hey folks, popcorn is a a whole grain so it is good for us too! I think they liked it.

Gettin' Down...

Elin's latest dancing music is Nate's new Mickey Mouse CD (thanks Grandpa Sikich!), she absolutely loves it. She'll play it over and over (and over), until we're all about dead. At least we all know the words to "Mickey Mouse Club Song" and "Zippety Doo Da"!

Happy Valentine's Day!

On Valentine's Day Eve, April and I put the kids to bed and enjoyed a nice, candle-lit sushi dinner. Our set-up was on our coffee table in our living room, and we sat on the ground Japanese-style. We both love sushi, and got these sushi dishes from April's sister, Mary, last Christmas. We hope you all have a Happy Valentine's Day!

My First Chocolate Creme Pie...

...but it certainly won't be my last!

The true boss of our home...

"And just what are you doing in my sleeping quarters?"

Carrots and Cauliflower???

Our children may not yet be big fans of salads, but they love their carrots and cauliflower. April roasts them with olive oil, kosher salt and fresh ground pepper (20 min on 400 stir, 20 more and done), and they are truly irresistable. Just look at those faces! Maybe we should roast our salads, too.

Winter Activities...

Yes, the painting has begun... first up, the kids bathroom. This is the first bathroom I've ever painted, and boy is it different than most rooms. Mirrors, toilets, and other misc. items must be removed. Still, it's easier than a kitchen.

Our "Automatic" Wheat Grinder

Apparently, Nate loves to grind wheat. This was surprising to me- I've done this with our small wheat grinder, and it's not easy to turn the crank for more than a few minutes. A few days ago he ground probably about 8 cups of flour. He and April then made very tasty wheat bread- it was a yummy treat. Nate and his friend Jaxon even made mini-loaves for themselves. I hope he keeps this up... fresh bread all the time!

Like Father, Like Son, Like Daughter

April tells me I often sleep on my back with my arms up and hands under my head. Yes, I have to admit, I find this a very comfortable position. Well, we've known that Nate likes to sleep this way since he was only 1 year old, but we thought it was probably a fluke. But recently we've noticed Elin doing the same thing. Maybe I'm not so crazy! I think everyone needs to try it just to see what they're missing. Try it tonight! It stretches and relaxes all at the same time. And remember... kids don't lie.

The Force is strong in our home...

Elin-won kenobi