Siblings

Siblings can go from sweet and nice,

 to rambunctious wrestlers, 

and back to best friends in just a matter of moments. 

Dethroning Burger King

A recent visit to the Cheesecake Factory inspired me to make this meal. While leaving the restaurant my b.f.f. Jamie and I saw a waiter walk by with what looked like a super sized, gourmet, "Italian Chicken Sandwich." You know, just like we used to get at Burger King. Mmmmm, those were our favorite. Every now and again I still crave that breaded patty of processed chicken parts with an undersized slice of what I hoped was real mozzarella, toped with not quite a dollop of marinara sauce and a warm wilted piece of iceberg lettuce, slapped on a stale bun. They really were scrumptious, I swear! We were tempted to turn around and sit back down for a second meal. Time, money and full bellies did not allow. So I came home determined to make my very own Non-Burger King, and non-Cheesecake Factory, Gourmet Italian Chicken Sandwich. Peyton was thrilled to help make faux fast food. The whole family was thrilled to eat it (even though there was no side of fries and soda.) We used local and/or organic ingredients.

There you have it. We dethroned the King. 

GAK!

Gak, Flarp, Slime, Flubber-
 A fun science experiment that doubles as a great, inexpensive homemade gift for all those millions of birthday parties the kids will attend.
All it takes is some Elmer's Glue, Borax, water and food coloring. (Recipe to follow)

 

Mix together 8 oz Elmer's Glue with 3/4 cup water and add food coloring. Dissolve 1 tablespoon Borax (found in laundry aisle) in 1/4 cup warm water.

Take a popsicle stick or tooth pick and dip it into the glue, then stir it in the borax solution until no more will clump on stick. Take off of stick and repeat over and over. Mix up more Borax solution as needed. Play with Gak to blend it. Store in canning jar or other airtight container. 

Olompali Hike with Dad

 Goofy girl.....

That's some fancy fungus.

 It's getting cold, time to go home. 

Chicken and Noodles

Tom is teaching Peyton to make his favorite family recipe, Chicken and Noodles. 

It's a big hit in this house! Peyton and J.T. love it, just as Tom did when he was growing up.