Spinach Balls

In an attempt to use items that are in my freezer, I searched for recipes using frozen chopped spinach.

I ended up making these spinach balls for dinner. They were great, even though, one family member would not even try them.

I snapped this picture on my iphone. The next day I reheated a few and they made a perfect lunch.

I am going to keep this in mind. With the holidays approaching, these would make a great appetizer or a side. I'd bet they'd freeze well too.

Cauliflower Ear

I spent the last 1.25 hours on the phone with AT&T.

I was tranferred four times. The fifth representative was patient and worked through my bill with me.

A few months ago, we combined our billing. Our landline and our wireless now appear on the same bill. I am sure there is a discount, but at this point I really don't remember the motivation. Once the bill is combined, the two sides of the company claim ignorance to each other. It takes about 3 months for the bills to work themselves out. It is all very confusing. And, our bill was fairly large this month. THAT was the reason I made the call in the first place.

I wasn't able to log on and see my bill due to password issues. ...a challenge for another day...

I kind of, sort of, understand our bill and the charges. I have my fingers crossed that it will be "normal" next month. Things like this get me. I was a fairly educated person. Do phone companies make their bills difficult to understand on purpose?

I feel like my head is still ringing and my ear is larger from holding the phone. Ugh!

USCGA

The Big Guy and Pumpkin visited the United States Coast Guard Academy this weekend.




The Big Guy had to take the picture of the pool tile. He was so impressed with how clean it was!


There is nothing better than seeing your child excited and inspired.

Will USCGA be his future?

We've got a little over a year until we know the answer to that question.

Pancakes

I made blueberry pancakes for breakfast this morning. I added slices of banana to a few. I added raspberries to a few.

Buddy's thinking he'd like some too!

I ended up eating the blueberry/raspberry ones. Yummy! It reminded me of the diner we ate at in Hanover, NH years ago. Those were the best blueberry/raspberry pancakes! I'd love for one of the boys to want to go to Dartmouth. Of course, I'd have to win the lottery first!

Today

This morning on my walk with Buddy, I got to enjoy watching a lovely hot air balloon. You have to use your imagination on this one and just trust me. I did not have any capability to zoom in.

Seeing the balloon reminded me of the time when one landed in the field across from our house in PA. We chased it. It was amazing to watch it land. The spectators got to help "fold" it up.

The older boys are traveling this weekend. They headed up to the Northeast to visit the Coast Guard Academy. From what I heard, it is still at the top of Pumpkin's short list. I can't wait to see the pictures and hear all about it. I keep telling myself to just relax, though. I have to remember this is a teenage boy that won't be forthcoming with information.

Pumpkin ref'd some games today. I snapped a few. They aren't very good, but you get the idea.




I haven't watched him for some time. He's really improved and did a good job with the U8s.

I wish I could say I've been productive, but I've taken advantage of not having everyone home. I read a magazine, did some knitting, meandered my way through the laundry, and just putzed around. It seems like all my project ideas cost money and we are spending money on travel this month. So, the glorious ideas will have to wait.

I only worked two days this week and had some free time to do some shopping. I popped into Eddie Bauer on Friday. They had an additional 30% off clearance items. I got two pair or shorts for less than $10 a piece. The best is that I did not even try them on. I grabbed my size and left. Guess what? They are perfect. I picked up thin rain/wind jackets too. Peanut did not have any jeans. I had a Kohl's 30% off coupon. I stopped in today and bought all the varieties of Levi's they had in his size. We ended up with two pairs that fit him well. Other than having to return the rejects, it all worked out. I am happy Peanut is still okay with the Levi's and doesn't feel the pressure to have something else. I am crossing my fingers that he doesn't grow too much between now and our trip to Seattle!

I am reading a book called the New Global Student by M. Frost. I am intrigued by the premise and am curious to see how the philosophy may apply to my family. I know we'll get sucked into all the college prep stuff. Kids here are routinely taking the ACT in 7th grade. Pumpkin just took his for the first time in 10th grade. At Peanut's IEP meeting, we were challenged for not permitting him to take the ACT in 7th grade. The kids are faced with so much pressure and we don't think he needs it. Also, I hate the fact that kids get labeled by their scores. There is so much more to it all than just a number. We later learned that we were pressured because they think he'll do well. Receiving kudos for his performance is the farthest thing from my humble Peanut's mind. Anyway...

Tomorrow, we'll head to mass. Peanut will go to PRE. He's got homework and an art drawing to work on. I've got to vacuum and make it look like I did something before the Big Guy gets home in the late afternoon. Between this trip and the upcoming soccer stuff, we won't spend a weekend together until we head out West in about a month. Wild!

Barnyard Dance

Barnyard Dance was one of our favorite books when the boys were itty bitty. We'd read it before bedtime and end up dancing all around the room.

Last Tuesday, we read it again waiting to see the doctor.

We were there for Peanut's annual physical. He grew three inches in one year.

My baby is disappearing right before my eyes!

P*A*N*I*N*I*S

Our first paninis...

I got ciabatta rolls from Costco and we used left over shredded chicken parmesan with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Yum!

Friday Night Football

It was a hot one Friday night. What happened to football games in sweatshirts and jeans with the smell of wood burning fires in the background?

The high school managed to pull of a victory!


We all had a good time!

Birthday Recap

On your birthday, you can rest before swim practice. Buddy didn't pass up the chance either.

We had to wait until swim practice, work and soccer practice were over - before we had dinner. The birthday boy asked for jambalaya. I tried a new recipe in the slow cooker. I thought I had enough brown rice. I did not. I added what I had and supplemented with a handful of macaroni. The meal was delish. Pumpkin gave it a 10! Keep in mind this is the boy that doesn't eat green peppers, red peppers, or celery. All of this was in the dish. He scarfed down two bowls and was raving about it. I will make it again.

He also requested a Boston Cream Pie. We took the easy route as far as candles go. I knew I could not get all 16 lit before the first one melted. So, we applied some math - 4*4 or 4^2 or 4+4+4+4. They all get you to 16. I am so grateful my son is a good sport and did not mind playing along.


Our rendition of happy birthday, was not for the faint "eared." But, all three of us were singing our hearts out. The four candles did not present a challenge when it came to blowing them out.

Pumpkin wanted to wait to the end to open his gifts. Does Buddy think he's getting something?

Pumpkin got a Kindle, two Diners, Drive-ins and Dives books, and a panini maker. Guess who is cooking dinner tonight?

On a different note, look at Peanut's shirt. It was about 100 yesterday. Hot weather, go away!!

Sweet Sixteen

Guess who turned 16 today??

It is hard to believe!

I'll be back with more pictures. We are going to celebrate with a later dinner - gotta wait until we are all back home. I am crossing my fingers that the new jambalaya recipe meets the birthday boy's expectations!