In the good ole' Summer Time!

It's almost time for school and the inevitable "What I did this Summer"
We had picnics in the back yard, and thoroughly enjoyed the swingset.
We made new friends and decided we need gates in the fence.
We went to the cabins, and Grandma's house and camping and a (very little) fishing.
We rode in boats and picked 'taters and planted 'maters.

We had Summer fun!

We went to the Indian Museum in Mille Lacs, Kelly's Farm in Elk River, the Fur Post, the Mill City Museum, the Children's Museum, and the History Center.

It's been busy and fun and sweaty and swimmy. We've had lots of baths and showers because the kids were dirty! In a great, summer fun sort of day.

I hope your summer was just as much fun!

Valley of Vegetables

IMG_0469
Originally uploaded by thebigboat2000

Remember Victory Gardens? I know I read about them in history, when people were encouraged to grow their own food to help the "war effort." My little garden is more about fresh food and teaching moments. We've harvested radishes, carrots and sugar snap peas. The beans are coming in and we found our first cucumber today. Tomatoes are set on, but still green, and the beets are a growin'.

Chef Jonah

Chef Jonah
Originally uploaded by thebigboat2000

The making of Chez de Macaroni!

This has to be the kids' favorite meal. Jonah's french accent when we cook this is a tribute to Rattatoui!

Like many of my favorites, this is more of a guideline than carved in stone. Any real sous chef will probably cringe at my techniques.

Cook up half a box of pasta: 8 ounces. Drain in a colander,. While the pasta is draining, add two tablespoons of butter to the hot saucepan. Melt over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of flour and cook for a minute or two. Pour in about a cup of milk and whisk to get out the lumps. Cook on med-med high for a few minutes until sauce starts to thicken. Add a big handful of grated cheese and still until melted. Add the pasta back into the cheese sauce.

Voila! Chez de Macaroni!

God Our Father

God Our Father
Originally uploaded by thebigboat2000

Be strong and very courageous (Joshua 1)

How strong must you be to sing praise to God? If M and J are any measure, very strong, but not very big. M&J learned this prayer from a children's sermon at our new church. They fight over who gets to lead at each meal.

Be strong! As strong as a child who can run and climb and sing and play all day long! As strong as a 5 year old on 16 inch bike tires keeping up with mom on a 5 mile ride.
Be very courageous! As courageous as each recovering addict, as courageous as any cancer survivor!

"Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (more words to Joshua from the Lord)

God is with you... whether you are strong, courageous, or really tired and weak!

Amen