The Parramores

My 30th Birthday Present from Ike

2012-01-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

Jack -- Day 3

2012-01-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

Ike

2012-01-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

After loading up the car and rolling out of the Costco parking lot, Ike said, "Dad! Let's juice this baby up!" We didn't know what he was talking about so we asked. Apparently it means to gas up the truck.
(Isaac age 7)

Baby Jack -- Day 2

2012-01-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

Sketching Jack -- Day 1

2012-01-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

Chicken Nuggets and Fries

2012-01-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

Chicken Nuggets

1 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tsp Italian seasoning

2 tsp paprika

a sprinkle of salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1/2 cup melted butter

3 large chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes

Mix all dry ingredients in one shallow bowl. Melt butter in another shallow bowl. Place raw chicken in melted butter. Transfer buttered chicken to the dry ingredients bowl. Place on greased baking sheet at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes (maybe less) or until juices run clear.

Bill's Duck

2012-01-19T16:08:00.000-08:00

Bill went hunting with his buddy right after work yesterday and shot a duck he's planning on mounting.

Sweet Isaac

2012-01-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning with a headache and it didn't take Ike long to notice. He brought me my vitamins, some ice water, and he wrote out some instructions on taking the "medicine." He also made me this cute little card. I love him.

Spinach and Chicken Enchiladas

2012-01-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

http://picky-palate.com/2008/08/11/fiesta-chicken-and-spinach-enchiladas/

Snow Day

2012-01-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

Seconds

2012-01-17T17:46:00.000-08:00

Heard some curious noises coming from the kitchen so I went to investigate. Noah had figured out how to get a second helping of dinner. Funny.

Plate Lickin' Good

2012-01-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2008/02/end-of-chicken-parmesan-as-you-know-it.html

Stuffed Peppers

2012-01-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

The Boys' Room

2012-01-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

Outfit

2012-01-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Other than the bulky shirt sides, does this go? I've been working on my wardrobe and figuring out my style. I love artsy.

Skirt: Anthropologie

Blouse: Hollister

Belt: Target

Shoes: Gap

Someday I'm Going to Miss This

2012-01-12T20:33:00.000-08:00

I'm going to miss the day when the little chairs stop lining up against the cabinets so mischievous little people can see what I'm doing. It's one of the cutest things ever.

French Food

2012-01-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Okay. So I keep roasting my chickens with their back side up. Obviously I have a lot to learn . . . Regardless of the mishap, these dishes were fun to make and fun to eat!

My Boys

2012-01-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

2012-01-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

Eager little Noah came running into the kitchen as soon as he heard the blender fire up. He waited impatiently for me to finish snapping the photos of the drink so he could have a taste. Poor little thing. I think it was worth the wait though.

Snowman Milk and Donuts

2012-01-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

Roasted Pepper and Chicken Sandwich

2012-01-11T19:23:00.000-08:00

Kitchen/Dining

2012-01-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

Blueberry Pie with Pastry Puff for the Crust

2012-01-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Cast Iron

2012-01-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

My Mom got me this cast iron pan for Christmas. It heats up so fast. It browns chicken beautifully. It's plain wonderful.

Coffee Creamer

2012-01-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

I ran out of coffee creamer so . . . I found a recipe online for vanilla creamer and made some. Technology. You've got to love it.

Our Space

2012-01-04T18:19:00.000-08:00

Chicken Pot Pie

2012-01-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

Making Ornaments

2011-12-13T18:47:00.000-08:00

Ike's Cursive

2011-12-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

Ike's pennmanship has improved greatly this school year. He's doing so well and we are so proud of him.

Santa Dinner

2011-12-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

Advent Activities -- Week 1

2011-12-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Childhood Wonder

2011-11-25T12:50:00.001-08:00

Noah climbed up to the table and rested his chin. He sat there for a long time just soaking in the magic of the snow globe and listening to it play music.

Sweetness

2011-11-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

Happiness

2011-11-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

Pure Joy (from August)

2011-11-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

Ranch Turkey Burger

2011-11-17T14:57:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling

2011-11-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Banner

2011-11-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

Baked Smores

2011-11-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit of a Pinterest fan lately and made my menu this week from the site. These "baked smores" were fantastic. They would be quite excellent served with strong coffee next to a warm, cozy fire (with hot husband snuggled in next to you:) I'm just sayin'. . .

http://www.lovintheoven.com/2008/12/day-11-smores-cookie-bars.html

Football Whoopie Pies

2011-09-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

Bill's thirty-first birthday is on Sunday so I'm just going to assume we'll be watching a little football:) So in the spirit of birthday fun and football games I've whipped up some whoopie pies with my mother-in-law's recipe.

Funny

2011-08-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we baked some bread. While putting the dough in the oven to rise, I explained to Kate (age 3) that I was putting the dough to bed. It would grow while it was sleeping. We put a towel over it, and just before I closed the oven Kate blew it a good night kiss:)

Heroes and Homework

2011-08-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ike turned seven and received a few superheroes for his birthday. It's hard to put them when it's time for homework.

Potato Harvest

2011-08-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

The potato harvest over our back fence has provided lots of entertainment for the kids this year:)

Ike and Noah

2011-07-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Kate - Summer 2011

2011-07-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

Farm Chicks Show Finds

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hmmm

2011-06-22T14:04:00.001-07:00

For a long while blogger has not let me sign in to make posts. Guess it was my computer:)

Ike's Easter Banner

2011-04-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Isaac and I made a banner for Easter. We have to get really creative around here when it comes time to practice spelling words. This guy just doesn't seem interested in the whole spelling test idea. Each time he spelled a word right, we tied an egg on the banner. Now I have to figure out something for this weeks spelling test. I'm thinking something having to do with super heroes ought to do the trick:)

Sweater for Noah

2011-04-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

So I am pretty sure that I messed up joining the ribbing with the tan portion, but there is NO way I'm backtracking! I'll just connect the front ribbing the same way! Now I'm on the neck portion and cannot figure it out! Apparently I need to get "spare needles" because this pattern keeps asking for me to put stitches on the spare sets. Being the rookie that I am, I don't have any such thing! Back to the store I must go!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

Our Crazy Little Life

2011-04-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Germs and sickness have hit our little family hard this year. January brought a nasty feverish flu which revealed itself while we were driving back from California. Illness on car rides is a treat. February brought a cough so hard that stomach juice seemed to be spewing out with each cough. March brought another flu which I am happy to report all three children came out alive and well -- we did, however, lose a few pillows to the virus. April has brought the hives to me and distorted my face for a few days. Think Will Smith in Hitch. That was me. Yikes. Good thing those marriage vows include "for better or for worse." I did remind my husband of those vows. He, of course, rolled his eyes at me for the reminder and being the wonderful Love that he is, continued scratching my arms and legs while I rubbed my eyes and ears. One simply doesn't have enough hands to manage all the scratching necessary to survive the hives.

My sisters kids managed to pick up our flu virus while visiting from Nevada and sent us spinning through another round of bodily fluid eruptions and such sad little faces.

We are SO thankful for our wonderful carpet cleaner who cleaned out EVERY nasty spot! And thanks to my Mom for ordering us a fresh bottle of thieves. We've been out since last year when Kate dumped the whole bottle on Isaac's treasure chest. His room smelled of cinnamon and cloves for a very long time:)

This blog is being ridiculous and not letting me space out my paragraphs -- hence the bullets:)

Baby Carson

2011-04-12T10:43:00.001-07:00

If your prayin' knees aren't lazy, please take a little time to send up a prayer for baby Carson! He's due to arrive into the world in a few weeks and the doctors have reasons to be concerned. If your prayin' knees are out of use, I know his Mama and Dad would be pleased if you put them back in use:)

Nighty Night

2011-04-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

Bella's 3rd Birthday

2011-04-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

Puffy Apple Oven Pancake

2011-04-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

My little chef helped me cook up this beauty and when I mean "helped" I mean LOTS of it! She managed to stir the flour mixture right into the ranch dip! While I appreciated the whole new concept of ranch dip mixed in with flour and cinnamon . . . it wasn't quite what I was going for. A few minutes later while I was somewhere in the middle cooking the apples in the golden butter and blending the batter, I managed to get poked with a dull knife -- right in the petunia! (For those of you who've never watched "Tinkerbell" petunia is the technical fairy term for "behind"). I was a bit startled to say the least. However, all the fuss and hoopla was all worth it. Our kitchen adventure resulted in quality time with my little Kate and a delectable breakfast. I strongly suggest serving drizzled with maple syrup and powdered sugar . . . Ranch dressing tastes good on many foods, but I don't recommend it for pancakes!

Cousins Kate and Bella

2011-04-02T09:29:00.001-07:00

Kitty has a cousin who is just six weeks younger than her. They have so much fun together.

My First Blueberry Pie!

2011-04-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Noah's on the go!

2011-03-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

13 months.

White Curtains

2011-03-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Oh My!

2011-03-24T19:21:00.001-07:00

Ike and Noey

2011-03-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

Coffee

2011-03-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

Why We Don't Have Pets . . .

2011-03-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

Moment

2011-03-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

This evening I had a slight (maybe that's a bit mild) breakdown. Noah was crying. Kate was crying. Isaac was asking question after question. With three wonderful children, a husband stuck in class, an influenza wrapping itself up, lack of sleep on everyone's part, there is bound to be some chaos, right? So I would like to say that my eyes filled up with tears and I moved forward. But in fact I think I went straight to the ugly cry. Does anyone really cry beautifully? That's besides the point I guess. Anyhoo, sweet Isaac looked at me strangely and stated, "Why are you crying? You're the Mom. You're not supposed to cry." He followed me around for a while, wiping my weepy eyes with a tea towel, offering words of encouragement, and a bundle of affection. I love him.

Entryway Bench

2011-03-20T15:28:00.001-07:00

Laughing Ike

2011-03-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Noah

2011-03-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Flu Bug . . . Again

2011-03-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

My Boys

2011-03-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

Brothers

2011-03-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

Most Important?

2011-03-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Bill has been reading the kids a Bible story after dinner. A couple nights ago he read them the story of Adam and Eve. At the end Bill quizzed them on what he read.

"Who was the most important man that God created?" Bill asked.

Isaac quickly responded, "SANTA CLAUS!"

Hmmm . . .

Those Who Can Not Play Mario . . . Draw Him Instead

2011-03-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Fresh Paint

2011-03-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

The Last Poem

2011-03-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

Goddesses want

to hug themselves.

The saint

flees earth to fly

forever free

in wild splendor

beyond barnstorming.

Roaring over Olympus,

touching the gods,

flirting with angels.

Seraphims gasp

and cover their eyes

as the saint

flits through sky,

vaporizing clouds,

hugging heaven.

~June M. Eggan

Bonus Room

2011-03-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Peaceful (Moment) Saturday

2011-03-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

I had to take a picture of this -- pure bliss. Everyone playing nicely, quietly . . . long enough for me to get my camera and snap a picture. Moments later a tower collapsed making the rubble free-for-all. Tears. Crying. Block throwing followed. Even the littlest joined in on the crying . . . although he wasn't quite certain what for.

Budding Artists

2011-03-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

It appears that all my children seem to have a flare for art . . . Whoever invented the washable marker, please know that you are truly, truly appreciated.

Jammy Bars

2011-03-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Williams-Sonoma's Oatmeal Jammy Bars

Diary of a Poet

2011-03-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

I knew it was coming in the mail. My sister called to tell me that while going through my Grandmother's belongings, my Aunt had found a journal I had given my Grandmother as a birthday gift years ago. Inside, my Aunt found the card I had given her along with the gift. I heard she ran it to the post office -- she knew I would want it.

I prepared myself. I was excited to receive her journal --her poetry. I have been running to the mailbox every day to see if it had arrived.

Today her journal arrived. I stopped at the mailbox on my way to pick Isaac up from school and there it was. I was so excited to get the package, yet somehow frightened by it. I set it next to me. I tried to breathe.

It set on the passenger seat the whole way to school. I contemplated opening it at every red light. I managed to wait until I got to the parking lot before ripping open the wrinkled, white envelope. Flipping through the pages, I became overwhelmed and drove home.

I knew what would be inside. I knew it would be her silly, playful poems. I knew it would be her sensitive, private heart. What I didn't expect her was her soul. I shook. I choked. I cried. I was rendered breathless at moments. I feel like I had one last conversation with my dear, dear friend. I feel I was given a gift.

Taste Tester

2011-03-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

She's at such a gloriously curious stage! If I so much as bang a pot in the kitchen I see no body, but a chair moving toward the kitchen island. Soon the chair curves around the island and situates itself where I WAS standing. Up pops this eager helper asking for a spoon so she can get right to work. How can I resist a willing spirit and hands that need to be kept busy?

Little Project

2011-02-28T11:29:00.000-08:00

Saw this guy stamped on a pillow and thought he was pretty cute. So I sketched him out and embroidered him on a tea towel. Patterns are everywhere!

Noah's First Birthday

2011-02-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

Kate's Third Birthday

2011-02-27T08:06:00.000-08:00

Otis

2011-02-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

Isaac REALLY wants a pug dog . . .

We probably won't get one any time soon.

The thought of

potty training,

bathing,

obedience training,

feeding,

giving attention

to one more body just overwhelms me.

So instead, we are drawing "Otis."

Ike is SO cute and excited about just a drawing

that I'm so tempted to give him an actual pug dog.

I can already tell that his enthusiasm would be priceless.

Hmmmm.

Orange

2011-02-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

Wonderous White

2011-02-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

The littlest is too little

2011-02-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

Little Noah's bum is too skinny (according to the 12 month weight chart). The doctor suggested a nice fattening diet -- vegetables cooked in coconut oil, ghee, or butter! He needs protein -- meat (0rganic meat). He needs flaxseed oil and cod liver oil. He's even allowed half and half and of course organic whole milk. Brain development is crucial at this highly developmental stage and fats (g00d fats) are a great way to get a nice healthy brain:) So we are stocked up on coconut oils and cod liver oil (lemon flavored). We'll see if we can bulk our little guy up a little before his 18 month checkup!

Costco seems to be a good supplier of organic hamburger and organic chickens. They also carry a good supply of organic vegetables in the frozen section. Or if your Mom is like mine, you can go to her freezer and find a stock pile of organic meats:) Yokes carries goat milk and whole organic milk by the gallon. They also carry flavored flaxseed oil.

So far, Noah has had no complaints with his new diet. He is going to be tested for food allergies next month . . . he might have some complaints about that:)

Happy First Birthday, Noah!

2011-02-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

Going to the Dance with Daddy

2011-02-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

Dancing Dress

2011-02-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

Kate is going dancing with Daddy on Saturday at a father/daughter ball.

She's beyond excited!

Laundry Room

2011-02-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

Our Isaac

2011-02-01T16:04:00.001-08:00

Sweetie Pie

2011-01-31T19:09:00.000-08:00

Chalk Labels

2011-01-25T10:14:00.001-08:00

Buzz Cut

2011-01-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

Flu Bug

2011-01-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

Giveaway

2011-01-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

My sisters started a couponing blog and have decided to do a giveaway!
Check it out: www.thecentsiblesisters.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/giveaway-2/

Time for New Jammies:)

2011-01-01T21:38:00.000-08:00

Beanie Boys

2011-01-01T21:37:00.001-08:00

Hunting Trip

2011-01-01T21:35:00.000-08:00