steeped

01 February 2013

Trip to the Zoo

Grandpa and Grandma Potter gave us money for a year membership to the zoo.

We hope to go many times!

Virginia Zoo in Norfolk

Laundry

Being allowed to do your own laundry is a privilege in our home!

Abigail has done her laundry for almost a year. Matthew and Josiah usually do their own as well.

For Christmas they received their own scented laundry detergent.
There was a dash to be the first to start a load!
The detergent was purchased from A Happy Green Life. The scents are nice and haven't bothered anyone. I ordered during their 12 Days of Christmas sale and would order again.

30 January 2013

Sleeping Boy

12 January 2013

Brain Development May Be Hindered By Modern Parenting

11 January 2013

Sauerkraut and Potatoes

baked potatoes

cooked beans

topped with canned sauerkraut

(I've found the canned sauerkraut has less additives than sauerkraut in a jar)

and

Jones Dairy Farm Maple Link Sausage

Abigail, Matthew and Josiah said this was a delicious meal!

10 January 2013

Peas and Beets

large bag frozen peas

one can Libby's beets

clementines

saute peas and beets

squeeze juice from clementine over peas and beets

serve with rice or quinoa

Matthew says this is yummy!

04 January 2013

Mango Chicken Upgrade

chicken
rice or quinoa
brussel sprouts
cauliflower
kale greens
peppers and onions
Mango Ginger Chutney from Trader Joe's

note: all of these vegetables I purchased frozen

toss brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale greens, peppers and onions with olive oil
and bake at 450 degrees until browned

season chicken with sea salt and pepper and bake
cook rice or quinoa

serve together with a spoonful of chutney on top

The other night I made mango chicken again and added the

following sauteed vegetables, fruit and seasoning:

frozen mango chunks

onion, diced

apple, diced

celery, diced

bay leaf

ground cardamom

ginger

lemon slices

27 December 2012

Bed Frames

After moving to Virginia we all slept on mattresses placed on the floor. For various reasons we moved with only a bunk bed frame. While Matt was deployed and my mom was here I made a dedicated search for bed frames. John now has a nice wooden one purchased at a thrift store. Matthew and Josiah have a trundle bed from Craig's list. The previous owners delivered it for a small extra fee. The trundle is on wheels and is completely separate from the higher bed which makes less opportunity for the bed to break. Chuck helped Matt put the trundle beds together. Abigail received an entire bedroom set that was also purchased on Craig's List. She has a doll house bed, a two drawer night stand, chair and a dresser with mirror. Our neighbor, Mr. Mike, drove our big van and took me to pick up the set. The family who owned it was moving, but the husband took the time to follow us home and help Mr. Mike out it together. That was a tremendous blessing especially since Matt was deployed. Amie and Madison have the bunk bed frame we bought in Maryland. After all our kiddos had bed frames I purchased one for Matt and me. It is simple and lovely! I am quite pleased with it and it is nice to be sleeping off the floor. Matthew and Josiah helped put the frame together. They love to work and help daddy!