I think that the Food Network is one of my favorite "indulgences." I learn so much without ever following a recipe. I'm definitely an eclectic cook....sorta in the same way that I'm an eclectic home-educator. Throw in a little of this and that...spice it according to taste and you're good to go.
Brie on a Bed of Greens w/ Raspberry Vinaigrette Kissed Fresh Pear & Cucumber Salad

Nana had hand surgery and is healing well....but she's out of commission as far as curling irons go. She stopped by for a quick Wash & Style.

Why did the boys clean out the garage today....never mind the humid triple digit weather?


Because they were getting ready to welcome home Bria's new car.





And here it is! Thanks Nana and Papa.

Potato knishes are one of my all time favorites. Sometimes I crave one....I'm sure a residual effect of growing up in Manhattan ....where they were sold on every corner alongside giant soft pretzels and ice cold Yoohoos.
These are super siiiiiiimple to make.

Thaw puff pastry. Fill the center w/instant mashed potatoes. Sprinkle w/salt and pepper. Fold one end over the other. Pinch closed. Brush w/ egg wash. Bake till golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve w/ spicy brown mustard.

Add hot dogs w/sauerkraut to it and you've got yourself a meal.

Jemima made breakfast this morning.

Cinammon Sugar Sprinkled Bananas & Grapes w/Drizzled Honey

Zion spent an hour playing with our matrioshka doll collection this evening.

I realized that she was practicing counting.....

....and sorting according to size. Here...they are put in pairs determined by height.


I was never they type to buy all of those pricey math manipulatives. We just use whatever is laying around...beads...forks...pennies.... nesting dolls...etc.

Evangeline Cottage

Custom Order Arizona.

Request: Copper chain. Earth tones w/ hints of turquoise.

4 Months 3 Weeks & 2 Days

Absolutely the most horrifying pro life film you may ever see. So real. So authentic. Disturbing. Powerful.

Running out of meal ideas...like me?

Try chinese dumplings....boil.... then panfry in a bit of olive oil. Serve with soy sauce sprinkled edamame.


Or.......

Baked Talapia, corn w/ herb butter, greenbeans w/garlic and a big salad w/heirloom tomatoes.

Ever since Cate went all "pro" on me in the hair area...I have had to step up my game. Long gone are the days when a brush through the knots after a tub....or two simple braids would suffice.

Suddenly, my girls are aware of hair and all it's possibilities.

Even Zion is getting in on the action.

I am addicted to cheese. I eat this for breakfast or lunch almost every day.

Three of my kids feel the same way...so we get to feel all "snoody hoitey toitey" together. We walk around Arizona acting as if we were in the South of France or something. It's fun!

What do we do w/a daughter who hands in her Math homework in this manner?

Julie came to visit. I love her so much.

It's official. Zion Evangeline is definately a princess.