A Few Random Happenings:

No wrap up last week- I did sort of wrap-up or recent events post mid-week so I am all out of sync!

In the Kitchen: 

Since my menu planning board is operational, I am cooking more than anytime I can remember. I have often planned, but being able to see the plan in plain view is the key for me. I am the queen of "oops! I forgot to start the Crock Pot". No more. I walk in the kitchen in the morning and my cute little board is staring me in the face.

Two new recipes tried:

Spinach Lasagna Rolls from The Girl Who Ate Everything-
updated link-http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/04/spinach-lasagna-rolls.html

Perfect for Lent! I was worried that my fussy eaters would be put off by the spinach (my kids don't love "green stuff" in their food). I don't know if is that I did not let them snack at all on the afternoon I served this for dinner or if it really was that good, but they loved it! James told me several times that I should make this every Friday during Lent! Notes on the recipe: I found that I ran short using a whole 1/3 C of the ricotta mixture per noodle. The last few noodles that had less and were just as good- I am thinking about 1/4 C mixture per noodle and I might be able to make a few more.  We did not use the optional ingredient of chicken.

Fix it and Forget- Crock Pot Chicken Frajitas from Stacy Makes Cents-

Super easy and yummy! We made some Spanish rice (not homemade- a package mix), threw some tortilla chips on the table, and called it dinner. Paul, dad, and grandma (my MIL eats most evenings with us) all loved it. I suspect that the spices (chili pepper and cumin) were a bit strong for the two younger boys as they were for me. Notes on the recipe: We will make it again, but with less or alternative spices. Don't let the less than attractive look of the chicken fool you- just like the instructions state, it is not burned. You will see when you take the meat out, it is tender and juicy!

Friday of last week was our usual Spanish Co-op: 

I am not sure you can tell- there are two girls sitting on the swings reading books. I just love this picture because that was me at their age. I could have lived with my nose in a book. Let me assure that both of these girls are well-adjusted and often play games and run around with the rest of the gang. But I love that they can just be themselves and sit there and read if they want to. Maybe things are different these days, but I was not looked kindly upon when I brought my book to recess!

This picture goes in a whole different category. The kids all had a great time having Nerf gun wars... but, if you give a kid a nerf gun, he is likely going to shoot his brother in the eye! Yup, that is what happened. The parties involved were actually in Spanish class when this picture was taken. Fortunately, the injury healed with no doctor visit, but the eye (Paul's) was red and sore and watery for the rest of the day. Safety glasses (like the ones shown on James- wearing all black) is my new favorite phrase! This has happened more than once so I think it is just going to have to be the rule.

A Big Smile: 

My "Eeyore" who never smiles (okay- rarely) was in a silly mood at our Friday afternoon park day with our homeschool friends. As I was taking pictures he came flying by on his ripstick with this big grin on his face. I think he was going to try and grab my camera.

Celebrating: 

A belated birthday (mine) dinner with all of my children was this Sunday. After missing our original date due to my sick kiddos and feeling life is getting busy for everyone, I really thought we were going to have to forego this celebration, but we managed to all get together for dinner! Even when we got to dinner, the restaurant goofed our reservation and we had to sit at four different tables. In the end, it did not matter. It was just wonderful to have dinner with all the family there. We were able to move around and all got plenty of time to visit with each other.

Just as we were about to leave, Marky (okay, he smiles when he is holding a baby) asked to get a picture taken with both of his baby nephews.