Jack's Big Day

Yesterday we had Jack's baby blessing.  He was probably the oldest one getting blessed out of the 5 that did!  It was a fun day.  A great opportunity to catch a couple good pictures of jack with great-grandmas.  We had everyone back to the house after church for lunch.  Of course both grandpa's Thompson decided to stay for Sunday school.  Shanna and Brandon thought it started at 12:30 so they were late.  Shame shame!  Mom, don't be mad that i put this picture up.  You look good!

quinoa

So tonight for dinner i made some quinoa.  I'm trying to make it more often because it is the only grain that is also a complete protein.  A much healthier choice than white rice or some other carb.  Here's what i did to make an easy side  dish.  

In saucepan bring 2 cups water or broth and 1 cup quinoa to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 min till all water is absorbed and quinoa is tender.  

Meanwhile,  in skillet, add 2-3 Tablespoons of olive oil.  Add 1 chopped onion and 2-3 cloves of garlic, salt and pepper.  Cook on Med. heat till soft and caramelized. 

When quinoa is done, add onions to it and mix.  Right before serving, grate some parmesan cheese over top.  

My kids actually really like this.  You can buy quinoa in bulk at Sprouts, or in a box at Trader Joe's.  I'm not sure if other stores carry it, i haven't looked.  This is a very versatile and healthy grain that can be substituted for rice any time.  

Easter Weekend

                 Jack, looking smashing in his new shirt and pants, which are not on him.

                                               Anny, Clarissa, and Ellie

What another great holiday with the opportunity of giving children more candy.  Anny ate all of her easter candy within a few hours, and then some of Ellie's.  Luckily the easter bunny didn't give her very much!  Saturday was an early start.  We went to Grandma Tyra's for breakfast and an easter egg hunt.  Grandpa puts numbers in some of the eggs, and then those numbers represent a prize to be won.  Ellie got a dollar.  Anny got 50 cents and a little pretend makeup kit.  I didn't get anything.  Boo hoo!  That's ok, i wasn't really looking that hard.  We stayed at grandma's for most of the day.  Anny and Ellie got pretty dirty playing outside with Clarissa.  Sunday we went to mom's for dinner.  Shanna decided not to come and expose her babies to my disease laden kids.  Can't blame her.  But she missed out on some good food.