Story Time

Tuesday mornings Oliver, Isabel and I go to the library for story time. The first time we went things didn't go so well-Oliver was too fascinated with his new surroundings. Since that is out of his system he does okay listening to the stories, although he rarely sits still to do so. Isabel loves to practice walking at the library because it has wide open spaces. Clara is always wanting to go to the library but has less of an opportunity since we usually go in the morning when she is at school. We do pick out books and DVD's for her, however.

Company Muffins

Food is such an important part of our everyday lives that I decided to share some our favorite recipes. This recipe is for Company Muffins. For those of you who have Simply In Season the recipe is on page 232. The recipe is as follows: 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup oat bran or rolled oats 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt In large bowl combine and stir well. 2 large apples (peeled, cored and shredded) 1 1/2 cups carrots (finely shredded) 1 cup walnuts or flax seed meal 1/2 cup raisins Add and stir to coat. Make well in center. 2 eggs (slightly beaten) 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup oil In seperate bowl mix together. Pour into flour mixture. Stir just until moistened. Fill muffin tins about 3/4 full. Bake in preheated oven at 375F for 18-20 minutes. I use rolled oats and walnuts. We love these muffins because they are moist and sweet, packed with nutrients, and are wonderful for a quick breakfast. If you ever come visit we'll make some for you.

Funny Stuff

This one is funny no matter who you are supporting!

Flea Market

We went to a large flea market today in Grand Prairie hoping to maybe find some antique vendors. This apparently was not that kind of flea market. If you were in the market for women's underwear or hub caps, this was the place for you. Needless to say, we didn't stay too long. But the day was not all lost...we ate a very tasty Thai lunch and then went to the library all before our neighborhood gathering.

Neighbors

Some of our neighbors planned a cookout tonight. The kids had a great time running around, playing with balls, eating hot dogs and watermelon and watching the babies. While most of the children were playing with balls and being very active, Clara was creating an art installation with croquet wickets and balls. Oliver enjoyed the beach ball and Isabel crawled around scavenging others' left overs. Oliver told me he was ready to go in after an hour so I took Oliver and Isabel in for a bath and bedtime preparations. This baby is maybe two months older than Isabel.

And She Walks

Clara The Artist

Check out these awesome earrings Clara made for me.

She had no adult help on this project. She makes her mom proud.

The Newest Member of Our Family

Yes, that is a life size replica of a human spine. Isn't it lovely! It is just one of the many "toys" Damian acquired this week in preparation for his next three years of school. Isabel and Oliver look somewhat unsure of themselves sitting by that spine. We are wearing Parker T-shirts that Damian brought home from his orientation last week. I had to make Isabel's shirt because there wasn't one of these others small enough for her.

After School Play

Isabel crawled into the toy tub just like Clara and Ollie used to do.

Here she is standing on her own in the middle of nowhere.

It 's always cute when children are sitting quietly together! This evening Clara and Ollie had the opportunity to go to Quavon's house for a while. It was just going to be Clara so they could study their words for this week, but Ollie wanted to go so badly that Quavon's mom agreed to let him come if he could be her "helper". He was so eager to please he whispered in my ear a "secret" that he was going to be her helper. Clara had only been in school for two weeks before she came home with a nasty cold that all the children now have.

Beginnings

Damian's first (very full) day in the chiropractic program Clara's first day of homework Marla's first day realizing what the next three years will be like Isabel took three steps by herself

White Coat Ceremony

This evening we attended the white coat ceremony for Damian's chiropractic class graduating in August 2011. Clara and Oliver fell asleep on the ride before we could get them any supper. (Damian is just faking.) Luckily I had a bag of Goldfish crackers in the van (of which Ollie polished off during the ceremony) as well as a bag of candy. Damian begins classes on Monday.

They were presented with lab coats

and had to say and sign an oath/code of conduct.

(photo by Clara Mae Rowe)

Artistic Inspiration

Clara created this painting of herself and her friend.

The more I looked at the painting,

the more I was inspired to recreate it out of fabric

and put it on canvas. Here is the final result.

New Friends

This week we began watching Quavon (in the orange striped shirt) after school. He is in Clara's class and rides the bus home with her. We also played with some of the other kids in the apartments that are of a similar age to Clara. Here they are playing Duck-Duck-Goose. Ollie didn't quite get the game. He mostly ran around in circles but enjoyed tapping his big sister on the head.