Wednesday, July 09, 2008
"Pause my show!"
She yells as she's clutching her shorts and running for the bathroom. We hear this at least a dozen times a week. I finally taught her how to pause her own show. Two lines means pause, triangle means go.

Life is getting so much easier.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
This is how we do our kin
We lure them into the mountains for swimming fun. Then we convince them that 76 degrees is plenty warm...


Even my critter is huddling for warmth. I think she was just doing her older cousin a favor, sharing her body heat and all...


The did manage to have some fun in the pool, but had to get out occasionally to warm up. Finally they went for some sunnin' on the front porch and then straight for a warm bath.



With a pool that size we have wide fluctuations in water temperature. We'd just had a string of cold days before they came. Remember that 45 degree morning?
Popi has something to show you
This little fella was hanging around in the yard with us on Friday.


Monday, July 07, 2008
My favorite contraction
"No, I amn't" (sounds like am-ent)

It sounds so cute I almost hate to correct it.
I'm car shopping
Kind of. I'm not sure if the need is imminent or not. My Dodge Intrepid is on it's way out. Right now I'm trying to decide if I want to stretch for a new car that should provide me years of service and a good warranty, or buy a 3 or 4 year old car that's more affordable and more loaded with goodies.

Some of the options I've been considering so far:

Hyundai Sonata (new or used)
Ford Five Hundred (used)
Ford Taurus (used)

I need a mid-sized four-door sedan. Or maybe even a crossover. I'm not sure. I hate car buying. Blech. Anyone have anything to suggest that they really like?
Pop's Cake Recipe
Julie, the reason I've stalled on this so long is because there's no official recipe. I'm going to post what I know and I'll let my family correct me. Then maybe I'll get it right for you.

You start by making white cake in layer pans. We use 9" or 8" round. Any store bought mix will do.

For icing you use white confectioners sugar, two tablespoons of melted butter, and milk. You will need at least a box of confectioners sugar, so I usually buy the bigger bag. You have to mix it to a consistency you can spread without tearing up the cake and without it being runny. My suggestion is to start with how much sugar you think you'll need to cover a cake, mix in the melted butter, and then slowly add the milk. It's easier to add more milk than to add more sugar. Spread it between the layers and on the cake. You might want to use toothpicks to keep the top layer in place. Put the cake in the fridge for a little while till the icing hardens up a bit.

Next you'll need bitter chocolate. We use the chocolate squares. I think it takes four to six squares (not rectangles). Make absolutely sure it's unsweetened chocolate (we use Baker's unsweetened chocolate) and not bittersweet. You need the bitter chocolate to counter the super-sweetness of the icing. You'll also need a two tablespoons of melted butter (or margarine). Melt the chocolate squares in the microwave. Add the melted butter and stir thoroughly. Then pour the mixture over the entire top surface of the cake. When the surface is covered dribble the chocolate all around the edges to make streaks down the sides. Set cake in the refrigerator so the chocolate can harden. You don't have to keep it in the fridge, just give it time to set and you're done.

It should look something like this, this, or this.

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Wedding Shower
My brother-in-law (M's brother) is getting married in August. The wedding shower was Saturday. Here is Emma, her Grandma and her Aunt playing a game.


Grandma's cream cheese mints. I'm slobbering all over myself just looking at the picture.


Emma enjoyed all kinds of candies there.


Emma as the official present opening assistant. Her official job was putting away the bows, but she did so much more.


I helped clean up when the shower was over and Emma entertained herself. She was such an angel at the shower and I was so proud of her for finding things to do to amuse herself while we cleaned up and packed.