Go Fly a Kite!

Today, Lil' C is 10 Months Old

Char walks pushing her toy shopping cart, says "mine" (thank you, big sister!), and gives wet kisses.

This picture reminds me of wedding day photos of the bride being helped with her zipper.  It's like a glimpse into their future as sisters, and it makes me sentimental for the memories they are making now.  I want to freeze them in their littleness and keep them with me forever!

Today, Lil' C is Nine Months Old

She gives high fives, says "mama" and "dada", crawls, pulls up, and tries to snatch K's sippy cup every chance she gets.  She has also mastered hair pulling, pinching and biting.  Give her some roller skates cause she's ready for the derby!!!! 

Flashback Friday - they've got the beets

Macaroni Monday - Spanish Mac

Tonight I made this.  It was really delicious.  Jon specifically requested that the olives not be stirred through out the dish, so Katie and I sprinkled them on top.  She was my cooking buddy, but I almost had to fire her.  She was munching all the muy caro manchego.  I subbed in about a two ounces of white cheddar to make up the difference.  Yes, she ate that much shredded cheese prior to a dinner of mac and cheese.  So much for dietetic correctness.  Out of the four recipes we've tried from this Family Circle feature, this has been my favorite.  I think Jon is still loyal to this one.  I forgot to take a picture, and I'm sure a photo of the cold leftovers would not do justice to the yumminess.

Spanish Mac (adapted, slightly, from Family Circle)

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (4 ounces) cured chorizo, casing removed, diced
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 8 ounces Manchego or Pecorino Romano cheese, grated or white cheddar :)
• 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed green olives,sliced

 

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add elbow macaroni and cook 7 minutes, or as per package directions; drain and transfer to a large bowl.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil on medium-low heat. Add chorizo and cook 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and add pepper; saute for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add butter to saucepan; when melted, sprinkle in flour, whisking constantly for 2 minutes. Pour in milk, whisking until the liquid comes to a boil. Simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Mix until smooth. Stir into cooked macaroni.  Sprinkle with olives.

Today, Lil' C is Eight Months Old

Char has two tiny teeth, loves to clap, and is on the move.

 

She is working her way up to being a camera ham equal to her sister.

I'll be honest.  I do try to take Charleigh's monthly birthday pictures without Katie.

Here's why:

 

And this:

But this one makes me so glad she insists on being included:

Lovey Sisters!

Mini Faux-den for Valentine's Day

The spring Mini Boden catalog came in the mail this week.  I found about 18 items I'd like to buy for Katie and Charleigh.  However, I made a New Year's resolution to not buy anything online or catalog order unless it is an absolute need and cannot be purchased at the store.  Well, too bad, I can't truthfully say I need this shirt.
Since breaking my resolution in January would be just too depressing, I decided to make my own version.

Here's the inspiration (in teeny tiny format):

And here's my not layered, less fluttery, but more weather appropriate for Valentine's Day version:

I used a shirt Katie already owned, bought on clearance last year for $3.33.  I had all the other supplies on hand, so if you don't count time as money; I saved $24.67.  Not bad, and Katie got to choose the fabric for the hearts.  This gave her some ownership over the design, which means she will actually wear it :) 

Think I'll make this one next (so little.  why?):