Humidity

I never realized just how big a part humidity played in the general outcome of a sunny day. The kids had soccer practice this evening and the sun was still high and bright in the sky. I debated just sitting in the car with the a/c on to watch them play. Then I felt like a bad mom, so I pulled out the stroller, baby Ella, and all of the cool drinks I could pack in. Of course, to my surprise (again), I was never hot. The breeze was nice and cool and even though the sun was beating down on me, I wasn't hot. The crazy thing is, if we had been there when the sun went down, we would've needed jackets. I don't know how long it will take me to get used to this. I'm not complaining though, it's much nicer than sweating. For those of you who know me well, you know how much I hate sweating.
On another note, my parents are coming out for a visit in a little over a week. I'm so excited! They've never been to this part of California, so we'll have lots to do and see. If ya'll are reading this, I love you and can't wait to see ya! Bring me some peaches!!! :)

The 66'ers

We had a great time this past weekend. Our church went to the Inland Empire 66'ers game on Monday night. One of our choir members sang the national anthem (she did a really good job) and our Pastor threw out the first pitch. The weather was great, the snow cones and funnel cakes were delicious, and the kids loved it. I felt like a kid in one of those movies where they go to the baseball games together all of the time. Hopefully we'll go to another game soon.
Alex, the new pet hamster, is doing great. He's hilarious rolling around in his little ball on the floor. I'll try to get a picture up soon of him. He's a cutie!
*Also, a quick cooking tip while I'm thinking about it. If you're making mozzarella sticks,
don't use string cheese. I usually use regular mozzarella but I decided to try something different today. String cheese is mozzarella cheese so I thought it wouldn't make a difference, but it does. It will melt all out before it gets done. Not so tasty.
On another note, Jeff is still sick and could use any prayers you could send up for him. The convention is coming up soon and he really needs to be in full voice. Thanks for your prayers!

Alex

Well, we finally did it. We got our first family pet. His name is Alex and he's adorable. He is a little black hamster. Right now, as I'm typing, I hear him running away in his little wheel.
Last night, after Alex was settled into his new house (and ready for a long night full of noisy activity) Jeff laughed and said, "We intentionally have a rat beast in our house." It's pretty funny because we've always said we'd never have any house pets. Oh well, it's amazing how you change your mind when your kids are begging for a pet. I guess a hamster is the easiest of them all.
If any of you have any advice or just interesting hamster stories, let me know. I look forward to hearing from you!

Spaghetti Squash with Moroccan Spices

This is a great recipe of my moms for spaghetti squash. For those of you who have never tried this vegetable, you're missing out. This is a good first recipe to try.

1 (31/2 -4 lb) spaghetti squash
1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. cayenne
3/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. chopped flat leaf parsley, or cilantro

Pierce squash all over with a small sharp knife. Cook one of 2 ways: split in half and lay cut side down on cookie sheet. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 1/4 hours. OR cook in microwave oven on high power for 6-7 minutes. Turn over and cook until squash feels slightly soft when pressed, @8-10 minutes more. Cool squash for 5 min. Remove seeds and use fork to rake out the spaghetti.
Melt butter in small heavy saucepan over moderately high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until golden, @ 1 min. Stir in spices and salt and remove from heat.
Toss with spaghetti squash and parsley.

*Spaghetti squash is also good with your favorite spaghetti sauce.

Hope you enjoy!

Whatever....

Well, I've officially given up on American Idol. I have been an avid watcher since it's beginnings and it has continued to go downhill. The only true winners in my opinion (based on best singing ability) have been Kelly Clarkson and Carry Underwood. The show is not about the best singer or the best performer. It's about little tinny boppers voting for someone they think is cute or someone who has improved throughout the show but is still not the best singer. I also think the show uses subliminal messaging. I know that sounds silly, but they did it even last night. I believe Jordin will win because that's what the show and network is pushing. If you go back and watch the season, you'll see what I mean. They do it every year. I've said from the beginning that Jordin would win (not that I think she deserves it). If Blake wins I'll be surprised. Blake and Jordin are both great singers, I'll agree on that. They just weren't the best. Melinda was by far the best singer and performer they've ever had on the show. I know she'll do great in her career. Well, thanks for listening to my ranting and raving. I feel better now.

Chick-fil-a

Tonight was an awesome night! We got invited by Jeff's ministry assistant to attend a dinner at the new Chick-fil-a opening here in Redlands. We all got to eat for free! Considering that we rarely eat for under $20 anywhere, much less free, I was really excited. We got more than I expected. We not only got the meal, they also had the little chick'n minis (breakfast stuff) for appetizers, dessert, and shakes. They had door prizes and the atmosphere was just really fun. And of course, the kids played in the play area and we got to eat in peace. It was just really nice. Afterwards, most of the worship staff that went came over to the house and we watched American Idol. It was nice to watch it with other people and get their opinions.
I think Blake will go home tomorrow, but a lot of people think Jordan will go. As long as Melinda doesn't go I'll be happy. All of you Idol fans let me know what you think will happen.
Oh....sorry it's been a while posting. Our computer's had some glitches.
Hope to hear from you soon! I'm trying a new recipe this week. If it turns out well, I'll post it. Send me some of your favorites!
Jody

The Haircut

A long time ago, when Caleb was around 3 years old, Jeff took him to get his hair cut. It was not the first time Caleb had gotten a haircut; far from it. But it was the most memorable. The barber obviously was not accustomed to cutting children's hair and everyone who knows Caleb knows that he is not an ordinary child. So, as a result of clippers flying off in the wrong direction, Caleb came home with sort of a "skater dude" haircut. Oh, and the best part is that we had pictures the next day. I was very unhappy and we decided from that point on I would always take Caleb for his haircuts.
WELL......Jeff left last night to go get HIS hair trimmed and Caleb wanted to ride along. Jeff obviously forgot the rule from years before and Caleb came home with a haircut. Was it better this time you ask? Well, it's definitely not a skater haircut. In fact, Caleb hardly has any hair left at all. It's a buzz cut to the extreme. I can actually see his scalp!!
Oh well, at least he has a nicely shaped head.

It Pays To Prepare

Like most busy moms, I've spent many evenings standing in front of the refrigerator and pantry trying to decide what to fix for supper. One good idea is to make those infamous casserole's and store them for later use. The only problem I have with that is that I don't want to trade my one free day with my family in the kitchen preparing food for the next week. So, I thought I'd share some of my quick easy ideas that help me through the week.
*First of all, obviously, we have to think about the week ahead. What nights do we need a really quick meal and which nights do we have a little more time?
*I don't know about you, but I use onions and garlic in almost everything. Well, early in the week, chop extra and bag it. Then it's ready for the next meal.
*If you're having chicken one night, cook a couple of extra pieces for a salad later in the week.
*Like most women, I love pasta. If you always have some on hand, cook up a little following the directions on bag. In a small skillet, heat up 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 Tbsp. heavy cream, and 1/4 Parmesan cheese. Drain pasta and mix with sauce. Add some fresh, chopped parsley at the end. (This is also good with fresh basil) If you don't have the cream, omit the broth and just add olive oil and the herbs and it's still very good.
Here's one more quick recipe that's great for a quick night meal. This recipe is from my great friend Gretchen.

Easy Meatball Subs
Take a bag of your favorite frozen meatballs (this plays into the planning part of your week) and put in a crock pot with your favorite spaghetti sauce. You can also add sliced onions and bell peppers if you like. Leave on low temperature and go about your day. When you're ready for supper, put meatballs on sub rolls with sliced mozzarella cheese and heat to melt the cheese. This makes a quick, easy meal and makes very happy kids.
I hope some of this helps during your busy week. As always, let me know what you think!