Boys and Girls

Lately Khora has been asking me if Bonnie is a boy or a girl. Well, today I think she finally came to some conclusion on her own. She told me, "Bonnie is a girl cuz boys have green passies." Wew, glad the confusion is over! (Maybe I need to ditch the green pacifier in the diaper bag.)

Sunset Dr. Park

On Monday we had FHE at the new park on Sunset Dr. out at Summit Ridge. The city had a ribbon cutting ceremony and a few words from some of the City Council to thank everyone who helped get this park built in the first place. Dennis was the one who designed the park which was so exciting because it really is a beautiful park. The city supplied hot dogs and chips, and the children all enjoyed the fun water features, the playground, pickleball and throwing the football around with their dad. What a fun night together!

6 Weeks Already

OK it came way too fast! Bonnie is already 6 weeks old! Where did the time go? "She is soo adorable." (I love it when Khora says it.) This week she started cooing more and also gave me some smiles. She's been getting those cute little rolls in her legs and arms and is also sporting a double chin. Isaac says that she has chubby cheeks. It makes me laugh when Afton will hand her back to me and say, "she's so heavy!" She seams to have grown out of her fussy time at night as well as stretching her outfits to their limit. I think she's going to be tall. So, she's doing great!!
We went to church today with our ward for the first time. I survived! Our family has graduated to a big bench now. We had to give Jacob lots of advanced warning that this would happen because he doesn't like change.
Physically, aside from the extra pounds I'm hanging on to, I'm doing great. Emotionally, it's another story.Yesterday I went on a little shopping spree for a few shirts and things and that helped a bit. It's a day to day thing. "Only the squeaky wheel gets oiled", and somedays I feel like I'm living with just my head above of water. I heard some time ago that after 3 kids you can handle 10, but today that feels like such a lie! And it's not the baby, it's the other children. I asked Dennis if I went through this when the other children came and he said yes, every time, so I'm sure I'll adjust . . eventually. Having older children does help some days. I don't think I'd get anything done without them really.

Gnocchi

When I was in Pittsburgh a good friend of mine introduced me to a new eastern pasta with one of those hard to pronounce names, gnocchi, (you say it "yawn-key"). Last year I actually bought a ricer so that I could make this potato based dish, but still didn't attempt it. Then finally this week I made gnocchi for the very first time. It only took me 3 days to get it done, but that's the story with most projects these days.

Here is the recipe I followed:
2lbs baked potatoes put through a ricer
1 3/4 cup flour
salt to taste.

Mix it by hand until like a play-do consistency, roll out like your making a snake and cut into little pieces, pressing with a fork for a little shape. Cook in boiling water, until they float to the top. I served it with Rague and Parmesan cheese and or course garlic bread. It passed the family test and is a definite make again

Mine was a little on the dry side and I wasn't sure exactly how many potatoes I used since they were left overs, so I had to wet my hands when I worked the dough to get it to stick together. These little guys are very filling so it fed my family and we still had lots of left overs. Perfect for a quick Sunday lunch before church.

Strawberries

I picked the first real batch of strawberries from our strawberry patch today. The children have been picking a few early ones for a couple weeks, but they are really coming on now. When I walked outside however, I scared two robins out of it and while they got away with a big fat juice berry, which they ate in the middle of the road where they dropped it, I am currently making plans to protect my investment. Even if it means posting a child outside all day, (Actually, I think our cat has taken up a pretty strategic spot next to the box.) "I'm not raising bird food" I exclaimed to Dennis, who wasn't as completely offended at this blatant robbery as I was. He has enough of a sharing spirit not to see anything wrong with letting them have a couple. I am of the opinion, though, that once they know they're there, they'll pick it clean. I'll keep you posted on my war strategies once they are in place.

So what are my plans for this delicious looking hoard you may ask? Well, let's just say that those of you who find yourselves in our company this Sunday will be enjoying an icy cold, creamy, dairy delicious treat! YUM!!!

One Month Old

Our little Bonnie is now a month old. She looks to be filling out more, she's got the little chunky cheeks and does have a few little rolls in her legs. I love chunky babies! Her "fussy time" at night is shortening now which makes going to bed a lot easier. She's a very good sleeper and will usually sleep about 5-6 hours at night before she wakes up. She loves being held, will take a pacifier, has made a few cooing noises, and will fall right to sleep when we drive in the van. Her hair is getting a little lighter but there is still lots of it. I love her hair. I'm still hopeful that her eyes will be blue, but we'll still have to wait and see. She is such a beautiful little baby who gets lot and lots of love and attention from each of her siblings. They all help out a lot with her. Little Bonnie has brought such a peace into our home with her presence. What a welcome joy she is as part of our family.

Pockets

Set up: Khora goes to put her "phone" into her pocket in shorts that don't have pockets and says:

"My pockets are gone. Someone took them."

Me, "Who took them?"

Khora, "Jacob took them."

Me, "Where did he put them?"

Khora, "In my bed room."