Jo has a deal with her mom to earn some spending money for her trip. So Rae suggested that she be in charge of Gracie when she’s here. Today they played Dora Candyland.
Game Time
A Conversation with Gracie
G: Auntieeeee Staaaaaceeeeeeeeey…
AS: Yes, Gracie?
G: I want cheese and crackers.
AS: Ooooh, okay. I’ll make some cheese and crackers.
G: Melted, k?
She’s the only child I know who gets so excited over melted cheese. Who was I to disappoint?
Cheeeeeeeese
You Can’t Pull the Wool Over Auntie’s Eyes!!
Really? Two puddings, yogurt, a fruit cup AND a couple of snacks? Nice try!
When I asked Cameron if he was in charge of feeding his whole class, he laughed and (in his own sheepish Cameron way) said, “I thought I could get away with it.” We all laughed and I reminded them that I used to have children who thought they could get away with stuff too.
Auntie’s on it! Morning 1 was a success!!
Could He Be Any Cuter??
I had to take this picture of Max. He was really sleeping like this.
(due to an optical illusion, it only seems like he’s in your bed)
Day One – We’re off to a good start
Whew… I made it! A little breeze can’t keep me away.
Day one saw me peeling potatoes with Gracie while the rest of the other 500 children were at school. You weren’t kidding – she could eat, and eat, and eat, and… eat some more.
Jo showed up and had to run straight to the bathroom and wash her muddy hands and muddy glasses (I didn’t ask. I probably should have been a good auntie and investigeted, but, to tell you the truth, I was a little worried about what I’d find out. she seemed fine, so I left it).
When the boys came home was when the real excitement began! Apparently a dog accidentally followed the boys home and it ended up in the house. Seriously!?! On day ONE?? Sigh… so I called the number on the collar and made Cameron wait outside for the guy to come and get his dog. All was then good again in the land of Holman.
The kids had a snack, coloured and are now waiting for dinner.
We are having chicken strips, mashed potatoes and salad. Mmmmmm.
Chico has fallen in LOVE with your space heater. He hasn’t moved all day.
Chico and his heater
Winter Vegetable Ragout With White Beans
Ingredients
1.5 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/5 tablespoons minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 fennel bulb, halved, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
1/3 cup white wine
1.5 cups cooked navy beans
1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
1/3 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
1 bunch chopped kale
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine squash, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 tablespoon garlic and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large baking dish. Toss to coat, then roast for about 20 minutes or until tender
- Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Saute for 3 minutes or until onions are soft. Mix in remaining garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in fennel, red pepper, fennel seeds, and remaining salt. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in wine and cook for 3 minutes or until pan is nearly dry. Add beans and vegetable broth; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until beans begin to break down and sauce thickens.
- Add he cooked squash, sundried tomatoes, and kale. Cook for 10 minutes, adding water as needed to keep ragout saucy.
- Stir in oregany, thyme, and sage just before srving. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.