Winter Program at School

I did not get great pictures of their Winter singing program at school, but I wanted to remember their sweet faces singing so happily!



Halle's class sang "A Few of My Favorite Things"



Gavin's class sang "Must Be Santa" & Riley's sang "Frosty the Snowman"

Isaac's Eye

I was in the kitchen making dinner when I happened to catch a glance at Isaac. I thought there was something seriously wrong with his eye! Upon closer inspection, I saw that his eye injury was really a near exact outline of a mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. He had tried it out as an eye patch apparently. Silly boy!

Ramekins & a Recipe

One of the best things about Fall is the food!!! I love cooking hearty, home-style meals. I was so excited to see these Autumn-inspired ramekins at Target in the high-end section of the Dollar Spot. I have many, many plans for my ramekins, but my first meal served will be something I have been craving and craving. Mac 'n Cheese!

Here is the recipe (courtesy of Martha):

Lighter Macaoni & Cheese

Serves 8

• 6 small vine-ripened tomatoes, (3-inch) , cut into twenty-four 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for sprinkling
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 5 slices white sandwich bread, with crust
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 2 cups low-fat (1 percent) milk
• 8 ounces (about 2 1/4 cups) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 ounce (about 1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread tomatoes in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle each sheet with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until tomatoes have softened, about 20 minutes. (Leave oven on.)

Process bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Melt 1 tablespoon butter with remaining tablespoon oil in amedium skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Cook pasta until almost al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, and run under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.

Whisk 1/2 cup stock into the flour in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt remaining tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in nutmeg, cayenne, remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add milk and remaining 1 1/2 cups stock. Whisk in flour mixture. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce to a simmer. Cook 8 minutes, whisking frequently. Add cheeses; cook, stirring, until melted. Pour over macaroni, stirring to combine.

Put eight 4 1/2-by-1 1/4-inch ramekins on a baking sheet. Put 2 tomato slices in bottom of each ramekin. Divide macaroni mixture evenly among ramekins. Top each with a tomato slice. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and thyme sprigs. Bake until bubbling and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

I have made and loved this many times, but only from a baking dish. ENJOY!

Bowling Buddies

We have our friends... check!

and our shoes.... check!

and our BiG WiNnEr... Ariana! She worked those boys!!

Fun Firsts~ Kindergarten to Third Grade

Back to School

For the first time I sent TWO kids to school this year. I feel like it just starts earlier and earlier! August 16th??

A couple of things were different for us this year. One is that the school is requiring solid colored polos, but no restrictions on bottoms. I have also finnagled a pretty sweet car pool deal. I was really worried about having to go to the school 3 times per day, but I have worked it out so I never go more than twice (that's Tuesday & Thirdsay) and the other days I will only go once.

Well, they both enjoyed thoer first day. Gavin said they "didn't learn or do math." And he said he sweat the biggest sweat droplet ever when he was outside waiting for me to pick him up. He is still getting used to the idea of havomg to go to school every day, and lets me know at regular intervals.

Excited to see what the new school year brings!

American Girl

We finally went to the American Girl store in LA!
Even though we missed the times for the fancy lunch, we had a good time and a yummy lunch at the Cheesecake Factory instead. Thanks Melissa & Katelyn for coming with us!!



Julie got her ears pierced as well as a new swimming outfit and some hair accessories.

The Del Mar Fair

We had never been to the Del Mar Fair until this year. Thanks to some free tickets from Mike & Melissa we were able to go with them this year. The best part of the whole day was the demolition derby. They had one for cars and an RV derby! How cool is that/! They also had races for mini monster trucks. Afterward the kids got to meet the kid drivers and get autographs.


I love how far away she is standing from this super cute kid driver.

Halle posing by a butter sculpture. Gross.


We couldn't go to the fair and not eat something that was seemingly "unfry-able" fried. We tried a fried Klondike and some fried Oreos. Not something I will probably ever do again.

Annual Fireworks at the Stengels!

A tradition: Red, White & Blue fruit cups with cute picks.


The poor kids were so tired! We had just come home from one week at the river and it was onto 4th of July celebrations.

the dog

The kids reminded me today that in just TWO days we will be getting our doggy. This family has waited a loooong time for a doggy. I have never had a real pet... just a bird when i was about 10ish. He hardly counts. So I am nervous. It's like that "uh-oh" moment I had when I was pregnant and nearing the delivery. "Wait a minute... what if I changed my mind??" Too late.

Diamond Valley Lake Half Marathon Take 2

The first date scheduled for the race was canceled for "rain." It was a crisp and clear that day! The reschedule day was really rainy, but I guess the organizers felt they could not change it yet again. I have ran in the rain a time or two, on the street though. This was an entirely different story! It was not only pouring rain, but it was extremely windy, causing the rain to be pelted against your body. The dirt path for the race was totally flooded. Some areas 2-3 inches deep. My pants became weighted down with rain and began to drag and get caught in the sludgy mud. So I ran the entire 13.1 with pelting rain, high winds, super cold temps, dragging heavy pants, and soggy shoes. And it was hard but exhilarating. And I might even do it again. In some ways I felt more accomplished than the marathon even. I felt like a true athlete!







I met Karen at the gym and we train together regularly. I love having good conversations on those long training runs!



Even with the rain, I beat my goal! 18th finisher and did an 8:48 pace!





I like to remember the little details. Like my nasty, wet socks.



And my water-logged feet!

Grandpa

I am not sure where we were or what was so funny. But these are priceless pictures of the kind of relationship my dad has with his grandkids. <3