Sunday, June 26, 2011
3 Month Hiatus!
Hard to believe that it has been 3 months since I've blogged. I think that may be a record. There seems to be a very clear inverse relationship between the level of "busyness" of life and the frequency with which I blog. I'm going to post a bunch of pictures that will hopefully update some of what has been going on in the spring of 2011.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Pray for Japan
Our hearts are broken for the country of Japan. The images of destruction in the wake of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami are startling and disturbing. I have a special affinity for the Japanese as I studied that language for a number of years. I also worked for a few summers at a summer camp in Bend, Oregon for Japanese school kids who would come to the United States to do things like going horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Please be praying for the Japanese people and their leaders as they deal with the aftermath of these disasters.
We have some good friends who live here in the Seattle area but are currently in Japan for work obligations. They live in Tokyo, which thankfully wasn't the hardest hit area, but they definitely felt the quake and were affected. Check out The Millerhood if you want to read a well-written first-hand account of the earthquake.
We have some good friends who live here in the Seattle area but are currently in Japan for work obligations. They live in Tokyo, which thankfully wasn't the hardest hit area, but they definitely felt the quake and were affected. Check out The Millerhood if you want to read a well-written first-hand account of the earthquake.
Bracing My Back and Girding My Loins
I need to mentally and physically prepare myself for about 12 fifth grade boys and girls coming over to the house for Drew's 11th birthday party this afternoon. You read that right - DREW IS TURNING ELEVEN. I had to write it in CAPS just to see if it is any easier for me to digest. Nope. I really can't believe that we have an 11 year old son.
But stepping away from my stage of denial, I'm proud of Drew for the party he has planned. He has invited both girls and boys to the party, and we are going to start things off by going on a hike in a greenspace near our house. Then the group will be divided into 3 or 4 teams and will have to embark on a scavenger hunt. Here are the list of items the teams need to "scavenge":
1. Something orange
2. A coin that was issued on the year Drew was born
3. A piece of string longer than 12 inches
4. A napkin with a McDonald’s logo on it.
5. Something with a Starbucks logo on it.
6. Something written in a language other than English
7. A battery
8. Something that you would get in a hotel bathroom (travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, etc…)
9. An airsoft BB
10. 5 business cards (from different people – not 5 of the same card)
11. One lime
12. Something with the ‘Y’ logo on it (from the YMCA)
13. A balloon
14. A to-go menu
15. A starlight mint (the kind you can get from some restaurants – the red and white mints)
16. Something with a logo of a bank
17. A piece of Bazooka gum (hint: Sweet D’s)
18. A button
19. A Lego piece
20. 20 toothpicks
After that, it will be back to the house for some time playing the Kinect (Drew doesn't know it yet but he is getting an Xbox and a Kinect for his birthday - shhhhhh!), home made ice cream sandwiches (Drew isn't a fan of cake so he and Missi made the cookies and we added in his favorite type of ice cream - coffee - in the middle), and presents. But the fun doesn't stop there: about 6 of the boys will be spending the night and the boys have an airsoft battle planned for tomorrow.
Wish us luck! And I'm sure there will be pictures to follow!
But stepping away from my stage of denial, I'm proud of Drew for the party he has planned. He has invited both girls and boys to the party, and we are going to start things off by going on a hike in a greenspace near our house. Then the group will be divided into 3 or 4 teams and will have to embark on a scavenger hunt. Here are the list of items the teams need to "scavenge":
1. Something orange
2. A coin that was issued on the year Drew was born
3. A piece of string longer than 12 inches
4. A napkin with a McDonald’s logo on it.
5. Something with a Starbucks logo on it.
6. Something written in a language other than English
7. A battery
8. Something that you would get in a hotel bathroom (travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, etc…)
9. An airsoft BB
10. 5 business cards (from different people – not 5 of the same card)
11. One lime
12. Something with the ‘Y’ logo on it (from the YMCA)
13. A balloon
14. A to-go menu
15. A starlight mint (the kind you can get from some restaurants – the red and white mints)
16. Something with a logo of a bank
17. A piece of Bazooka gum (hint: Sweet D’s)
18. A button
19. A Lego piece
20. 20 toothpicks
After that, it will be back to the house for some time playing the Kinect (Drew doesn't know it yet but he is getting an Xbox and a Kinect for his birthday - shhhhhh!), home made ice cream sandwiches (Drew isn't a fan of cake so he and Missi made the cookies and we added in his favorite type of ice cream - coffee - in the middle), and presents. But the fun doesn't stop there: about 6 of the boys will be spending the night and the boys have an airsoft battle planned for tomorrow.
Wish us luck! And I'm sure there will be pictures to follow!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Our Little Capitalistic Entrepreneurs
Lest there be any doubt, our kids look like they will be entrepreneurs when they grow up.
Some context: last Sunday we had one of the nicest days in what seemed like weeks. The clouds dissipated and we were able to accomplish some long-overdue yard work. Drew and Sam were both helping me, and Sam had her friend Kylie over. Kylie lives a few houses away from us, and she and Sam are frequent guests at each others houses.
As first-grade girls are wont to do, Sam and Kylie lost interest in the yard work after a short time, and they decided they wanted to open a rock stand. That's right, they decided they would pick out the best rocks from a gravel area across the street and then sell them to whoever would like to purchase them. Here are Sam and Kylie with their rock stand:
The price started out at $1 per rock, but they quickly lowered it to 4 for a dollar.
Now Drew was being his "I'm almost 11 and way too cool for that" self while helping me with the yard work. But you could tell that he was keeping an eye on Sam and Kylie. And once Sam and Kylie started to see revenues roll in (Missi), Drew sprang into action.
He promptly set up his own competing rock store directly across the street from Sam and Kylie.
Talk about competition! This is like a Stumptown Coffee setting up shop next to the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market! And Drew wasn't just idly sitting in his "rock store" waiting for business - he was yelling across the street trying to get Missi's attention in an attempt to lure her away from the girls' store and to his store. What a ruthless businessman! Well, apparently his tactics worked - Missi made her way over to his store and purchased a few rocks. Here is a short video of their negotiations (the audio isn't great, but you can get the gist):
I loved this whole experience. I loved Sam and Kylie's initiative and creativity in setting up their stand. I loved Drew acting "too cool" and then jumping in to join the "market." I loved Missi negotiating with both of them but judiciously ensuring that each received the same amount of money at the end of the day. And I hope that my kids always follow their passions and dreams, especially if that means that they will be entrepreneurs.
Some context: last Sunday we had one of the nicest days in what seemed like weeks. The clouds dissipated and we were able to accomplish some long-overdue yard work. Drew and Sam were both helping me, and Sam had her friend Kylie over. Kylie lives a few houses away from us, and she and Sam are frequent guests at each others houses.
As first-grade girls are wont to do, Sam and Kylie lost interest in the yard work after a short time, and they decided they wanted to open a rock stand. That's right, they decided they would pick out the best rocks from a gravel area across the street and then sell them to whoever would like to purchase them. Here are Sam and Kylie with their rock stand:
The price started out at $1 per rock, but they quickly lowered it to 4 for a dollar.
Now Drew was being his "I'm almost 11 and way too cool for that" self while helping me with the yard work. But you could tell that he was keeping an eye on Sam and Kylie. And once Sam and Kylie started to see revenues roll in (Missi), Drew sprang into action.
He promptly set up his own competing rock store directly across the street from Sam and Kylie.
Talk about competition! This is like a Stumptown Coffee setting up shop next to the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market! And Drew wasn't just idly sitting in his "rock store" waiting for business - he was yelling across the street trying to get Missi's attention in an attempt to lure her away from the girls' store and to his store. What a ruthless businessman! Well, apparently his tactics worked - Missi made her way over to his store and purchased a few rocks. Here is a short video of their negotiations (the audio isn't great, but you can get the gist):
I loved this whole experience. I loved Sam and Kylie's initiative and creativity in setting up their stand. I loved Drew acting "too cool" and then jumping in to join the "market." I loved Missi negotiating with both of them but judiciously ensuring that each received the same amount of money at the end of the day. And I hope that my kids always follow their passions and dreams, especially if that means that they will be entrepreneurs.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
In Which I Blog About What Has Been Going On...
It's always crazy for me to look back at the last time I posted something on the blog, when I realize that it has been several WEEKS since the last post. I guess I just need to resign myself to the fact that with the current pace of life, that is about the frequency that I can reasonably expect. In any event, here are a few tidbits from our life lately:
- We celebrated our eleventh anniversary! It is hard for me to believe that we have been married for 11 years - it certainly hasn't seemed that long. But what an adventure it has been. We celebrated by going winetasting in Woodinville, where there are dozens of tasting rooms.
"I think I'm getting some notes of blackberry and with a hint spring mist..."
"No, actually I'm getting a nose that consists of wild mushroom and toasted oak..."
- We celebrated the wedding of our great friend Monica Kerslake to her husband David. We met Monica during my first year of law school in Eugene and she has been such a great friend ever since. Missi was radiant as the matron of honor and Sam was completely adorable as the flower girl. After the ceremony, Sam completely stole the show on the dance floor. It is completely apparent that Sam has received her mother's dancing genes. An added bonus of the wedding was the chance to catch up with my friend Ryan, who was up from Eugene to film the ceremony.
Sam coming down the aisle.
Mr. and Mrs. Chin!
This about stopped my heart when I saw Sam in the veil.
Ryan hard at work.
Missi did an AMAZING job with her toast. A great combination of heartfelt encouragement and humor.
- Baseball season has arrived! I have the honor/privilege/burden of being a head coach this year. We are the Cardinals. I am a mixture of excited and anxious.
- We took a trip to Great Wolf Lodge with our friends the Foglios. This was one of the kids' Christmas gifts and we had a blast. If you have kids, I recommend checking out Great Wolf. If you haven't been, think of a fairly large hotel with a huge indoor water park included in the price of your room. They also don't allow non-hotel guests to use the water park, and this limited capacity means that you don't have to wait in line for 45 minutes to use a water slide. They also have this crazy treasure hunt throughout the entire hotel called "MagiQuest" where you have a wand and have to point it at certain features (picture frames, plants, lights, etc...) in order to complete certain quests. It was a great time.
Drew hit it big in the arcade.
Sam and her BFF Taylor.
- We went to see The Decemberists in their "Popes of Pendarvia" tour. What a great show. I can't emphasize this enough, but please go see this band if they come through your town. They are total stage performers and you will have a great time, even if you don't know much of their music. Here is a review of their show in Portland, which took place on the night following their show in Portland. Without a doubt The Decemberists are one of our favorite bands right now.
- Speaking of music, I am listening to "Sigh No More" by Mumford and Sons a lot right now. Check it out. It's a great album.
- We celebrated our eleventh anniversary! It is hard for me to believe that we have been married for 11 years - it certainly hasn't seemed that long. But what an adventure it has been. We celebrated by going winetasting in Woodinville, where there are dozens of tasting rooms.
"I think I'm getting some notes of blackberry and with a hint spring mist..."
"No, actually I'm getting a nose that consists of wild mushroom and toasted oak..."
- We celebrated the wedding of our great friend Monica Kerslake to her husband David. We met Monica during my first year of law school in Eugene and she has been such a great friend ever since. Missi was radiant as the matron of honor and Sam was completely adorable as the flower girl. After the ceremony, Sam completely stole the show on the dance floor. It is completely apparent that Sam has received her mother's dancing genes. An added bonus of the wedding was the chance to catch up with my friend Ryan, who was up from Eugene to film the ceremony.
Sam coming down the aisle.
Mr. and Mrs. Chin!
This about stopped my heart when I saw Sam in the veil.
Ryan hard at work.
Missi did an AMAZING job with her toast. A great combination of heartfelt encouragement and humor.
- Baseball season has arrived! I have the honor/privilege/burden of being a head coach this year. We are the Cardinals. I am a mixture of excited and anxious.
- We took a trip to Great Wolf Lodge with our friends the Foglios. This was one of the kids' Christmas gifts and we had a blast. If you have kids, I recommend checking out Great Wolf. If you haven't been, think of a fairly large hotel with a huge indoor water park included in the price of your room. They also don't allow non-hotel guests to use the water park, and this limited capacity means that you don't have to wait in line for 45 minutes to use a water slide. They also have this crazy treasure hunt throughout the entire hotel called "MagiQuest" where you have a wand and have to point it at certain features (picture frames, plants, lights, etc...) in order to complete certain quests. It was a great time.
Drew hit it big in the arcade.
Sam and her BFF Taylor.
- We went to see The Decemberists in their "Popes of Pendarvia" tour. What a great show. I can't emphasize this enough, but please go see this band if they come through your town. They are total stage performers and you will have a great time, even if you don't know much of their music. Here is a review of their show in Portland, which took place on the night following their show in Portland. Without a doubt The Decemberists are one of our favorite bands right now.
- Speaking of music, I am listening to "Sigh No More" by Mumford and Sons a lot right now. Check it out. It's a great album.
Friday, February 04, 2011
A gem of the Internet
Every now and then you come across some gems on the interwebs - zefrank, Montgomery Flea Market and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On come to mind - and I have another gem to share with you.
If you are like me and have a strong affinity for awesome vintage t-shirts, then you need to cruise over to Skippy Haha's Etsy shop. Skippy is one half of the former Vintage Vantage (R.I.P.), and she is now providing her great shirts through her Etsy site.
Check out this sweet tiger shirt that I got from Skippy.
Actually, I like to think that the shirt actually shows a liger, which, as you know, are bred for their skills in magic.
So go check out Skippy's Etsy site and buy some shirts!
If you are like me and have a strong affinity for awesome vintage t-shirts, then you need to cruise over to Skippy Haha's Etsy shop. Skippy is one half of the former Vintage Vantage (R.I.P.), and she is now providing her great shirts through her Etsy site.
Check out this sweet tiger shirt that I got from Skippy.
Actually, I like to think that the shirt actually shows a liger, which, as you know, are bred for their skills in magic.
So go check out Skippy's Etsy site and buy some shirts!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Christmas 2010 (in sepia)
Here are a few pictures from Christmas 2010.
I love Sam's expression in this photo
Sam on Christmas morning with her new Hex Bugs
Rocking the personalized duct tape scarf I received from Missi's sister Ella
The kids had to solve a puzzle that spelled out "Great Wolf Lodge," and represented a family trip we are taking there in February
Missi and the kids at the Farm on Christmas morning
One of the most fun parts of Christmas was the opportunity to do some target shooting with our good friend Jesse. Drew had been looking forward to this for a loooong time, so he was really excited when we surprised him with it on Christmas morning. Here is Drew shooting Jesse's .22 rifle.
Sam of course loved seeing Jesse and Nicole's daughter Taylor
Missi and Nicole
Here is Drew shooting Jesse's AR-15
Even Missi got into the act, and it was her very first time shooting a gun in her life.
I love Sam's expression in this photo
Sam on Christmas morning with her new Hex Bugs
Rocking the personalized duct tape scarf I received from Missi's sister Ella
The kids had to solve a puzzle that spelled out "Great Wolf Lodge," and represented a family trip we are taking there in February
Missi and the kids at the Farm on Christmas morning
One of the most fun parts of Christmas was the opportunity to do some target shooting with our good friend Jesse. Drew had been looking forward to this for a loooong time, so he was really excited when we surprised him with it on Christmas morning. Here is Drew shooting Jesse's .22 rifle.
Sam of course loved seeing Jesse and Nicole's daughter Taylor
Missi and Nicole
Here is Drew shooting Jesse's AR-15
Even Missi got into the act, and it was her very first time shooting a gun in her life.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Drew's Oregon Ducks Playlist
If you've been living under a rock for the past 6-8 weeks or have absolutely no interest in sports, you might be among the very few people who don't realize that our beloved Oregon Ducks are playing against the Auburn Tigers in the BCS Championship game on Monday. Suffice it to say, we are all very excited about the game and will be rooting like crazy for our Ducks.
Drew has a great teacher this year - a really good guy who was also Drew's teacher for fourth grade. One of the many reasons why Drew and his classmates (and their parents) like this teacher so much is because of the CD player he has in the classroom and the music that he often plays throughout the day. He even allows students to bring in their own music to join the playlist.
If I were a mathematician, the equation might look like this:
(Drew's love for the Ducks) + (the BCS Championship game on Monday) + (Drew's teacher allowing students to listen to music) = Drew's Awesome Oregon Ducks Playlist.
That's right...one of Drew's main request for this weekend was that I help him burn a CD full of all his favorite Duck songs so he could take it to school on Monday and play it all day long in anticipation of 'the Natty!
Here are the songs that made the playlist:
1. Call Me a Duck by On The Rocks
2. Green and Yellow by SpeedyGunz
3. University of Oregon Fight Song (original version)
4. I Smell Roses (I Love My Ducks) by Supwitchugirl
5. Return of the Quack by Supwitchugirl
6. Oregon Ducks Fight Song (electronic jazz version)
And, we also had to put I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas on the mix, cause we are really hoping that Monday night will be "a good, good night..." The icing on the cake with this awesomeness is that Drew asked me to take him to school on Monday so we could blast the playlist from our car with the windows down as we rolled up to the school. Love this boy!
Drew has a great teacher this year - a really good guy who was also Drew's teacher for fourth grade. One of the many reasons why Drew and his classmates (and their parents) like this teacher so much is because of the CD player he has in the classroom and the music that he often plays throughout the day. He even allows students to bring in their own music to join the playlist.
If I were a mathematician, the equation might look like this:
(Drew's love for the Ducks) + (the BCS Championship game on Monday) + (Drew's teacher allowing students to listen to music) = Drew's Awesome Oregon Ducks Playlist.
That's right...one of Drew's main request for this weekend was that I help him burn a CD full of all his favorite Duck songs so he could take it to school on Monday and play it all day long in anticipation of 'the Natty!
Here are the songs that made the playlist:
1. Call Me a Duck by On The Rocks
2. Green and Yellow by SpeedyGunz
3. University of Oregon Fight Song (original version)
4. I Smell Roses (I Love My Ducks) by Supwitchugirl
5. Return of the Quack by Supwitchugirl
6. Oregon Ducks Fight Song (electronic jazz version)
And, we also had to put I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas on the mix, cause we are really hoping that Monday night will be "a good, good night..." The icing on the cake with this awesomeness is that Drew asked me to take him to school on Monday so we could blast the playlist from our car with the windows down as we rolled up to the school. Love this boy!
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
The Tooth Fairy Visits the Wilsons
As you have probably noticed from prior posts, I love getting notes from our kids. I love seeing their handwriting, spelling, phrasing, etc...It isn't uncommon for me to take pictures of these notes or writings so they are preserved as memories.
We had an exciting event in our house last night - Sam lost yet another tooth. The girl is definitely going a phase where here baby teeth are falling out at a rapid pace. As our family's "tooth fairy," I have the honor/privilege/responsibility/burden of writing a note to each of the kids when they lose a tooth. I always "disguise" my writing in some crazy handwriting and then burn the edges of the paper for effect. It's quite a process, especially late at night right before I'm trying to go to bed.
Here is the note the "tooth fairy" received from "Toothless Sam" last night, and the response that was left behind with a few dollars.
Dear Tooth Fairy,
I am Sam. I lost my tooth. I am giv??? [giving] it to you. Please leave me a present.
Love, Toothless Sam
My favorite part of this note? That she signed it "Toothless Sam."
Dear Toothless Sam,
Thank you for your kind note and for your tooth! It is a nice tooth! I have left you a few dollars as a thank you for your tooth. Thanks again and always remember to brush your chompers!
Your friend,
T.F.
We had an exciting event in our house last night - Sam lost yet another tooth. The girl is definitely going a phase where here baby teeth are falling out at a rapid pace. As our family's "tooth fairy," I have the honor/privilege/responsibility/burden of writing a note to each of the kids when they lose a tooth. I always "disguise" my writing in some crazy handwriting and then burn the edges of the paper for effect. It's quite a process, especially late at night right before I'm trying to go to bed.
Here is the note the "tooth fairy" received from "Toothless Sam" last night, and the response that was left behind with a few dollars.
Dear Tooth Fairy,
I am Sam. I lost my tooth. I am giv??? [giving] it to you. Please leave me a present.
Love, Toothless Sam
My favorite part of this note? That she signed it "Toothless Sam."
Dear Toothless Sam,
Thank you for your kind note and for your tooth! It is a nice tooth! I have left you a few dollars as a thank you for your tooth. Thanks again and always remember to brush your chompers!
Your friend,
T.F.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Banished Words List
I'm a big fan of words, and all the unique "quirks" that accompany them. I'm guessing this has its root in my love of reading and all of the time I spend at work writing. So, it wasn't hard to predict that I absolutely LOVE this list of the most overused words of the past year. The list was put out by, of all people, Lake Superior State University, and it looks as those they receive nominations from the public for these words throughout the year. For those who want a little sneak preview of what words made this infamous list, both "epic" and "fail" are on the list.
Drew and his most recent passion
Our son Drew is now 10 years old, and his latest passion is something called "airsoft" or "airsofting." If you aren't familiar with "airsofting," it is an activity where you have a gun and you attempt to shoot your opponents with small plastic BBs. The guns are usually battery powered (sometimes gas), and you can usually hold a few hundred rounds of ammunition in your clip. As we have learned, there is a whole subculture of people who really, REALLY get into airsofting. I mean, you can spend several hundred dollars on your gun, then several hundred more on various other equipment and supplies. Many airsofting enthusiasts also produce videos of their battles and then post them on Youtube for others to view. And Drew has been bitten HARD by the airsofting bug. We are now on his third or fourth gun, each of them successively more powerful than the previous gun, and he has a full wardrobe of camouflage fatigues, a helmet, a facemask, etc...Several of Drew's friends are also interested in airsofting, so Drew has organized "battles" in the forest near our house.
But his favorite place is certainly an airsofting-specific facility called "Tacoma Tactical." I took Drew and a few friends down to Tacoma Tactical over the winter break and we had a great time! It's basically a large warehouse with several small "rooms" that provide cover.
Here are a few photos of Drew in action.
This is Drew at Tacoma Tactical. He is on the "red team," which is why he had the red headband on his helmet.
Being completely honest, I have mixed feelings about Drew's most recent passion for airsoft. On the one hand, I recognize that this is an "all boy" activity, and I like the fact that Drew is working on developing traits like leadership, courage, and fighting for what is good and right. On the other hand, I'm not a fan of airsofting because I think it might foster a false impression of war (which is horrible) and firearms (which are dangerous and deadly). When done the right way, airsoft is actually pretty safe. You always wear eye protection, and when you get it hit it feels like you are being pinched. Also, to be completely honest, I wish that Drew would be passionate for a sport like soccer or baseball, but I understand I can't force that on him right now. For now, we are letting Drew explore this recent passion, but we are attempting to moderate it.
But his favorite place is certainly an airsofting-specific facility called "Tacoma Tactical." I took Drew and a few friends down to Tacoma Tactical over the winter break and we had a great time! It's basically a large warehouse with several small "rooms" that provide cover.
Here are a few photos of Drew in action.
This is Drew at Tacoma Tactical. He is on the "red team," which is why he had the red headband on his helmet.
Being completely honest, I have mixed feelings about Drew's most recent passion for airsoft. On the one hand, I recognize that this is an "all boy" activity, and I like the fact that Drew is working on developing traits like leadership, courage, and fighting for what is good and right. On the other hand, I'm not a fan of airsofting because I think it might foster a false impression of war (which is horrible) and firearms (which are dangerous and deadly). When done the right way, airsoft is actually pretty safe. You always wear eye protection, and when you get it hit it feels like you are being pinched. Also, to be completely honest, I wish that Drew would be passionate for a sport like soccer or baseball, but I understand I can't force that on him right now. For now, we are letting Drew explore this recent passion, but we are attempting to moderate it.
Daddy Date!
It has become something of a tradition for Sam and I to go on a holiday season "Daddy Date" to the Garden D'Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. This is a really amazing display of Christmas lights in various landscapes and animal shapes. Before we go to see the lights, Sam gets to pick out a place where we go to get dinner (this year it was pizza) and then we get dessert afterwards. I always love it when Missi helps Sam gets dressed up in a pretty Christmas dress and does her hair. This is always one of the highlights of the holidays for me!
My pretty date!
At the Garden D' Lights!
There are some really amazing lights displays.
At dessert after Garden D'Lights.
My pretty date!
At the Garden D' Lights!
There are some really amazing lights displays.
At dessert after Garden D'Lights.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
I'm a bit behind on updating the blog, but wanted to post a short 'merry Christmas' message. Hope everyone has had a great day with friends and family.
Here are a few posts that have been percolating in my mind and I will hopefully have the opportunity to finish before too long.
- hunting for our Christmas tree
- our Totally Tubular 80's party celebrating our 30th birthday
- Drew and his love of airsoft
- Christmas!
Here are a few posts that have been percolating in my mind and I will hopefully have the opportunity to finish before too long.
- hunting for our Christmas tree
- our Totally Tubular 80's party celebrating our 30th birthday
- Drew and his love of airsoft
- Christmas!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
A Breakfast Fave in the Wilson House
One of our favorite weekend breakfasts is Baked Oatmeal, or "brown oatmeal" as Sam likes to call it. As with many of our favorite things, we learned about this from the Zimels, and we still refer to the recipe card that A-R wrote out for us several years ago now. So you can also enjoy this awesome breakfast food, here is the recipe and a few pictures from this morning.
Baked Oatmeal
Preheat oven to 350
3/4 cup oil
3 eggs
1-1/2 cup milk
4-1/2 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tsp baking powder
1-1/2 tsp salt
Stir wet ingredients together; add dry ingredients. Add nuts or berries as desired (and we always add them). Pour into greased glass baking dish and bake for 30 minutes and enjoy!
Here are a few photos from this morning's batch:
Mixing the wet and dry ingredients together.
Layering the bottom of the dish with walnuts and frozen blueberries.
Mixing the oatmeal with the nuts and berries before popping it into the oven.
Mmmmmm....
P.S. apologies for a few out-of-focus photos. These were all taken with my iPhone.
Baked Oatmeal
Preheat oven to 350
3/4 cup oil
3 eggs
1-1/2 cup milk
4-1/2 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tsp baking powder
1-1/2 tsp salt
Stir wet ingredients together; add dry ingredients. Add nuts or berries as desired (and we always add them). Pour into greased glass baking dish and bake for 30 minutes and enjoy!
Here are a few photos from this morning's batch:
Mixing the wet and dry ingredients together.
Layering the bottom of the dish with walnuts and frozen blueberries.
Mixing the oatmeal with the nuts and berries before popping it into the oven.
Mmmmmm....
P.S. apologies for a few out-of-focus photos. These were all taken with my iPhone.
Welcome Isaiah Gordon!
It was an absolute joy to meet the youngest member of our extended family, Mr. Isaiah Gordon Salwasser, this past weekend. The little man was born about two months ago to my sister Julie and her husband Brian. He is absolutely adorable and we are so happy for the Salwassers!
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