Mama Cooks: Easy Friday Dinner

Chris requested delicata squash, which is fabulous because it is both delicious and simple to prepare.  Wash, slice, remove seeds and strings and pop into the oven (425 degrees) for about twenty-five minutes.  I added organic tofu to Trader Joe's Biryani Rice and added a little broccoli.  Voila!  I love squash season!

A sunny afternoon in autumn

We'd Better Increase Our College Savings!

Evelyn has had the opportunity to see two X-rays in as many days.  This has solidified her desire to become a doctor.  Today, Evelyn told me "I already am bigger, Mom.  I want to go to Medical School now."   

Henry: Sixteen Months Old

Henry is saying new words daily.  My little list of new words has grown to include taco, bagel, cracker, ding-dong, cheese (a favorite), potato, and move.  Henry has plenty to say.  I'd almost forgotten how much fun this age can be!  Henry still snuggles and nurses but much of his day is spent exploring or playing with Evelyn. 

Yesterday, he surprised all of us by grabbing the bathroom counter (without the step stool) and announcing:  "Reach!"  He was very proud of himself.  He has also started to say "thank you" occasionally and "diaper" (complete with the sign for "diaper") when I ask him if he needs a change.  If he does not want a diaper because he is playing, he'll often just shake his head "no" and smile.  Henry's sense of humor is certainly developing right on target.  He often takes something like a shoe, puts it on his hand or head and then presents it to me while he giggles. 

 

Snapshot: Pals

"We're just playing 'Cats in the Woods,' Mom!"

 

Fridays are "days off" for our family.  Now that preschool and co-op preschool group and swimming lessons are in full-swing, we are reveling in moments of free time.  This afternoon, I tied aprons onto the kids and set them up with dot paints outside at their little table.  After creating about three or four paintings, Evelyn decided to paint whiskers on her cheeks.  

My initial reaction was to gasp; fortunately, I squelched this reaction and realized this was actually a good day to get messy with our washable paints.  Evelyn "helped" Henry get beautiful and they headed back into the little wooded area behind our house.  When I followed to see what they were doing, Evelyn told me it was OK.  "We're just playing 'Cats in the Woods,' Mom." The game eventually progressed to "Cats in the Dirt" and ended with "Cats in the Bath" and "Overtired Cats Crying on the Bed."  Still, they had a fabulous time outside together.

On the prowl.

I hope they will remember moments like these when they reflect on their childhood.

Helpers

 

It's never too soon to help around the house.  And, of course, water play is a big hit with the toddler and preschool crowd!  Henry is actually blotting his scrubber along the counter and making a puddle, but Evelyn has already cleaned at least one pot.  I'm just glad that they're both occupied and happy.

Update: Markers and Furniture

As it turns out, isopropyl alcohol is lightening the black marks on our sleeper sofa.  The already flammable sofa is now somewhat soaked in alcohol so we certainly won't be lighting a flame anytime soon.  I used plenty of water to saturate and hopefully remove lingering alcohol.  Plenty of markings remain, so I plan to repeat this treatment at least once more. 

Over-tired preschoolers and markers do not mix.

It seems as though Evelyn was working through some strong feelings on her white board.  Less than four minutes later, she lost all impulse control and colored a yellow hard hat black, scribbled all over the beautiful wooden train table and her brother's ride on fire truck.  Upsetting, yes.  But permanent?  No.  I was able to remove about 90% of that.

The couch has a new look.  It's a "signature" Evelyn.