L A N E

Lane is learning how to write his name at preschool. A few weeks ago he brought this envelope to me. I realized that he wrote his name. I had never seen him doing it before and I didn't know he knew how. He just did it with out looking at his name or any help. I love watching him get better at it. Now just 3 weeks later he's gotten better and seems to put them in the right order more often. This age is fun, all the things they learn and watching them learn it is so amazing!

Happy Birthday Lane

Lane had a great day yesterday, he turned 4!! When he woke up we had him open some presents and cards from us and ones that were sent to him. That held him over until 2pm when 7 of his little friends came over for a party. They had a lot of fun. We played games like pin the face on the pumpkin (this one didn't go over to hot with 4 year olds because they refuse to be blindfolded the whole time and they like to cheat),
We decorated sugar cookies. (this was a great activity, they all sat at the table and were quiet and patient, I think it was because it involved sugar)


We played a relay race where they ran from a bucket full of water to a empty jug with a sponge and rung it out, first team to get the water to the line wins. (this went over quite well once you get the kids lined up and explain the game)
We painted their treat bags by painting the palm of their hands orange (for the pumpkin) and the tip of their finger green (for the stem) and stamping it onto the bag. Here is my sugar spread....(poor kid will have a pumpkin themed party until he's in high school if it's up to me)

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..... (well this time went over better than at preschool when they sang to him and he burst into tears and ran into my arms with his little birthday crown on)And this sums up Lane's birthday party. It was fun, I am too much of a party "planner." In Reese's words I like to "Clark W. Griswald everything to death" If you've seen any of the Vacation movies, you get what he's talking about. But hey, that's who I am, that's how I roll and Lane doesn't seem to care.... yet.

Autumn Festivities

Over the weekend we had some fun Fall activities. Friday night there was a Fall Festival in our housing area rec center. There was rides, games, a petting zoo and hay maze. Lane dressed up in his Nascar costume (doesn't he make a great Dale Earnhart Jr) and had a great time. He especially like the duck shooting game. He was really good at it too, he was concentrating very hard. Then on Saturday we met Elaina and the boys at Bates Nut Farm pumpkin patch. It was fun and we got some pumpkins which were much needed for my front door. But oh my the people! Not to mention the fact that it was in the high 80's out there. The kids had a great time and Elaina and I know now to go during the week next year :) Sorry about the lack of the past weeks menu. Reese was gone most of last week visiting his family in Lynden so I didn't really worry much about dinner. But I will be posting a new one real soon.

Look Whose A Big Kid!

Last night we decided to take Lane's training wheels off. He was a little nervous but we could tell he was ready. Reese just had to help him a couple of times and off he went. A little while later he was trying to do wheelies. Crazy kid. He'll be needing a bigger bike before we know it. He is very proud of himself.

Joshua Tree National Park

On Saturday we went up to Joshua Tree National Park. We lived up there when Lane was born and although 29 Palms isn't the prettiest place in the world, the park is very cool. We went up and climbed around on the rocks. The rock Reese is climbing on is first rock I ever repelled off. That was about 7 years ago when we used to go up in the park all the time and I would have to keep up with a bunch of guys. It was nice this time to be moving at a bit of a slower pace. Lane kept up very well, I think we might have a little rock climber on our hands! We thought it might still be really hot up there but I wore my sweatshirt most of the time. Afterward we went into 29 palms, we showed Lane our old house and the hospital where he was born. Then we returned home, thankful that we do not live in 29 Palms anymore :)

Sky Diving

On Wednesday, Lane and I had the opportunity to watch Reese jump. This was his last jump to become certified. So he and some of his friends did a civilian jump (on their free time). It was really fun to watch. Lane was really into it and when we got home he was pretending to jump out of airplanes. He told his teachers all about it the next day. I guess it is my turn now...I'll let you know when that happens :)

New Menu!

I put the new menu up. I am also having a brunch with some friends in a few days. I will try to take some pictures and post some recipes. I am trying some new ones for the brunch, hopefully they will turn out. This the first time I've had these girls over so it should be fun.

La Jolla

We had Reese's brother Jordan here over the weekend. We didn't do too much, Reese had to work a lot, but Saturday and Sunday we went out to La Jolla. The rocks and water are very cool. There are caves and the waves are huge. Yesterday we went with a couple of Reese's friends and the guys climbed a wall out there and did some swimming. The waves were really strong it was fun watching them try to get past the surf. Reese got taken out by a wave and lost a fin and his mask, and for him to have that happen that means those waves were strong. Lane loved climbing around on the rocks, he didn't want to leave. Today, back to work and school, but it was a fun relaxing weekend.

Charming Tags Giveaway

My sister Michele has an Etsy shop where she sells her handmade cards. She had a great, unique card making style. Very simple and funky, and reasonably priced! She is doing a give away of some charming tags she's made. Head on over to her blog and find out more!

Prairie Land Pot Roast

1 boneless beef chuck roast ( 2 lb)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 (8 oz) bottle Kraft Catalina Dressing, divided
1 large onion sliced
4 potatoes, peeled, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 lb carrots, peeled, cut into 1 inch pieces

Season both sides of roast with salt and pepper. Brown meat in large, heavy pot on high heat in 1/4 cup of the dressing, turning to brown both sides. Add onions, stir to brown.

Add remaining dressing , potatoes, carrots and enough water to come 3/4 way up the meat (about 1 1/2 - 2 cups) Bring to boil; cover. Reduce heat to low. SImmer 2 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender. Remove meat from pan; slice meat thinly against grain.

Add 2-3 Tbsp flour mixed with 1/4 cup water to the pan juices to make a quick gravy.

*note that the bottle of dressing is only 8 oz not the usual 16 oz*


Polynesian Pork Chops

4 pork chops
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium chopped onion
1 can Campbells Golden Mushroom soup
1/4 cup water
1 (8 oz) can pineapple chunks
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp honey
2 cups white rice (cooked)
sliced green onions

Season pork chops with garlic powder. Heat oil in skillet, add chops and cook until browned, add onion. Add soup, water, pineapple with juice, soy and honey. Heat to boil. Cover and cook over low heat 10 minutes or until done. Serve with rice and sprinkle with green onions.


These are some of the recipes that have been requested. They are both good. I followed the directions for the pot roast and the potatoes and carrots didn't cook enough for my taste so next time I will cook it longer, or at a higher temperature.

You like how I take pictures of the food? Reese looks at me like I am crazy when he sees me photographing dinner. I always like it when cookbooks include a picture, that way I know what it's supposed to look like. The weeks menu is now posted too, check it out!