I made this recipe up tonight to put on some mild, white fish, to take advantage of the fresh peaches we bought from Costco. It was a hit! Here is the recipe:
2 fresh peaches, peeled and diced (you could probably use fresh frozen ones too--thawed)
1 large stalk of celery, diced small
2 - 3 green onions, sliced thin and small
1/2 tsp dried basil
2 TBS red wine vinegar
1 - 2 tsp sugar
Put the peaches, celery, onions in a bowl. Mash peaches with fork or pastry blender and blend the mixture. Add the vinegar, sugar and sprinkle the dried basil onto the mixture (crushing it between your fingers as you add it). Mix everything together. Let sit at least 10 minutes before using, to allow sugar to do its thing, or put in the fridge covered for several hours. Mix again before using.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Camping Success
We got back late tonight from a camping adventure with the kids. We left town Saturday afternoon, stayed camp site #6, loop C at Lakeview Campground at Twin Lakes. We had a dinner of cous cous and canned salmon with feta, tomatoes, black olives and Greek spices (my favorite spice mixture). We could not light a fire so we ate marshmallows along with some chocoloate in the tent. Yum.
Axel's first trip - he was a real champ. Just waking up here and there if he was too hot or too cold. It was 104 degrees in town and probably in the 80's and 90's we were, so the tent was a bit hot at the beginning of the night. Luka slept the whole night through in his own little sleeping bag. They both liked playing in the tent and around the camp site.
We also went biking with them in the Chariot (bike attachment). That worked very well and it was very comfortable for them. It is familar and they are used to it now too--their little place to sit when we go on adventures. We biked up to a lake above us and did some "fishing" with Luka's fishing pole. He can cast by himself! I can't believe it. I showed him how when we went to Echo Lake and he remembered from that! I was really impressed. It took me longer to learn how to do it than it took him!
Axel had fun too. He had a new safari/monkey hat to protect him from the sun. And, he liked exploring pine cones (trying to eat them), playing in the dirt (grabbing it while reaching from inside the tent), and other fun stuff.
We ate lunch at Erin something picnic grounds at Turquoise Lake outside Leadville. Nice set up there with water available and nice toilets, and good view of the lake, but a lot of bugs (mosquitos).
Then, we did our big bike trip, riding from Copper to Breckenride. About 16 miles. The kids did great and we both had fun, with Reynald pulling the kids.
Reynald had to go back and get the car while the kids and I ate at Kenosha BBQ in Breck and Luka beat Mommy at horseshoes. :)
Axel's first trip - he was a real champ. Just waking up here and there if he was too hot or too cold. It was 104 degrees in town and probably in the 80's and 90's we were, so the tent was a bit hot at the beginning of the night. Luka slept the whole night through in his own little sleeping bag. They both liked playing in the tent and around the camp site.
We also went biking with them in the Chariot (bike attachment). That worked very well and it was very comfortable for them. It is familar and they are used to it now too--their little place to sit when we go on adventures. We biked up to a lake above us and did some "fishing" with Luka's fishing pole. He can cast by himself! I can't believe it. I showed him how when we went to Echo Lake and he remembered from that! I was really impressed. It took me longer to learn how to do it than it took him!
Axel had fun too. He had a new safari/monkey hat to protect him from the sun. And, he liked exploring pine cones (trying to eat them), playing in the dirt (grabbing it while reaching from inside the tent), and other fun stuff.
We ate lunch at Erin something picnic grounds at Turquoise Lake outside Leadville. Nice set up there with water available and nice toilets, and good view of the lake, but a lot of bugs (mosquitos).
Then, we did our big bike trip, riding from Copper to Breckenride. About 16 miles. The kids did great and we both had fun, with Reynald pulling the kids.
Reynald had to go back and get the car while the kids and I ate at Kenosha BBQ in Breck and Luka beat Mommy at horseshoes. :)
Luka, Mommy and Axel at the camp table after out dinner (that is not our tent behind, but the campers next to us).
Axel in our tent (through bug screen)
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Axel: new word!
Axel said "done" very clearly for his lunch, after he was done chewing and wanted more. It is so fun to see what words babies pick out as important to them. "Done!"
Interesting article on Code Switching between Languages
Interesting article on what is called "code switching" between languages - what we call "mixing the languages," by bilinguals.
http://hamminkj.cafeprogressive.com/CS_paper.htm
Interesting explanation of different types of code switching (that stuff we do sometimes actually has a specific name and had been studied!).
http://hamminkj.cafeprogressive.com/CS_paper.htm
Interesting explanation of different types of code switching (that stuff we do sometimes actually has a specific name and had been studied!).
Using Skype for International Family Contact
We have been using Skype since last fall to talk with Reynald's parents in France, and now are using the newest version so that we get both voice and video, for free. It is free if you call "computer" to "computer". It is really awesome to be able to have them see the kids, and vice versa. Luka loves to show them things he has done at school, his toys, his boo-boos, etc. He loves to see them too.
The Internet is an awesome tool for things like this. I wonder what we will think of today's technology 10 years from today, but for now, it works wonders and is, in fact, better for this kind of (family) contact than the regular old telephone.
For more info on Skype, check out their website:
www.skype.com
The Internet is an awesome tool for things like this. I wonder what we will think of today's technology 10 years from today, but for now, it works wonders and is, in fact, better for this kind of (family) contact than the regular old telephone.
For more info on Skype, check out their website:
www.skype.com
Axel is really crawling now!
Axel is really crawling now.... He is now going forward on all fours (as opposed to just backwards). Go, Axel! Luka never crawled that way, so that is interesting to see the differnces between them. Luka did the special forces crawl (lay on the ground, push with one bent leg, pull with one arm). He may have crawled on all fours one day that I recall, and then went back to his (for him) more effiicient army crawl.
French TV
We finally got the French TV channel available in the US installed! It took us years...! But, they have a deal for free installation and first three months free. We got it yesterday (satellite dish). Youpi (as the French say). It is mostly documentataries, movies, French talk shows, but some kid shows. I plan to get a DVD recorder, so we can keep some of the stuff to watch when we have time. Fun, fun!
For more info on the French channel in the US, go to:
http://www.tv5.org/TV5Site/usa/index.php
For more info on the French channel in the US, go to:
http://www.tv5.org/TV5Site/usa/index.php
Friday, July 21, 2006
Axel word update
Today, in the morning as Reynald was leaving for work, Luka said, "Papa," and then Axel said, very clearly, "Papa." Luka said, "Hey, Axel said 'Papa'!" I thought so too - so I told Reynald as he hopped in the car to get to the office. Yay, Axel!
Axel has had a high temperature the last few days (up to 102.6 under his arm yesterday), but was still a happy little man and the doctor said he should be okay. We are just keeping an eye out, but looks like he is out of the woods now.
Axel has had a high temperature the last few days (up to 102.6 under his arm yesterday), but was still a happy little man and the doctor said he should be okay. We are just keeping an eye out, but looks like he is out of the woods now.
VBS & Recipe: Coconut Date Nut Balls
Luka and I went to Weekend Vacation Bible School at the church tonight. It takes place Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday mornings. They had a really nice program with lots of activities, as if we were living in Bethlehem. Luka sang songs, played games, made a candle, sampled food from Bibliccal times, helped make candy, made a pottery bowl, and other fun stuff. He is in the Judah tribe.
For the candy, the kids hand-ground (with a table-attached, old-fashioned grinder) dates and walnuts together--like they may have done in Biblical times. Luka had a good time doing that. Then, the adult in charge of that station completed the "candy" balls that Biblical people may have eaten. It was from this recipe below and it was yum!
Coconut Date Nut Balls
[updated 12/19/2008]
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (or more to taste - to make mixture a little less sticky)
1-1/2 cups pitted, dried dates
1/2 cup flaked coconut, toasted and cooled (I used unsweetened, and did not toast it and it was
good) and more for rolling
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped fine (I used 1 cup)
dash of orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
First, in a food processor, mix graham cracker crumbs, dates, coconut, the honey and just a dash of organge juice, until just combined. Add the nuts and blend till mixture forms a ball. Remove from working bowl.
Second, roll out mixture into small balls, roll balls in remaining coconut to coat. Store in an air tight container. Makes approximately 32 balls.
Note that this recipe is forgiving with the proportions; you can fudge the portions a bit to emphasize what you like best.
For the candy, the kids hand-ground (with a table-attached, old-fashioned grinder) dates and walnuts together--like they may have done in Biblical times. Luka had a good time doing that. Then, the adult in charge of that station completed the "candy" balls that Biblical people may have eaten. It was from this recipe below and it was yum!
Coconut Date Nut Balls
[updated 12/19/2008]
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (or more to taste - to make mixture a little less sticky)
1-1/2 cups pitted, dried dates
1/2 cup flaked coconut, toasted and cooled (I used unsweetened, and did not toast it and it was
good) and more for rolling
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped fine (I used 1 cup)
dash of orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
First, in a food processor, mix graham cracker crumbs, dates, coconut, the honey and just a dash of organge juice, until just combined. Add the nuts and blend till mixture forms a ball. Remove from working bowl.
Second, roll out mixture into small balls, roll balls in remaining coconut to coat. Store in an air tight container. Makes approximately 32 balls.
Note that this recipe is forgiving with the proportions; you can fudge the portions a bit to emphasize what you like best.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Axel: Bananas & Luka: Fishing
Today we came to the conclusion that Axel's first word (besides Mamamamamamamamam and Dadadadadadadadadadadada) is "banana". He eats A LOT of bananas. And, today, he said "nanna" very clearly. Got get him saying it the French way. ;) We think he said it the other day. We think he is saying other things too, but we have not figured it out yet. I am wondering if "nanna" referes to bananas or any food. Right now, I think it means bananas...
Luka "went fishin'" today with his Scooby Doo fishing pole with us at Echo Lake, on the road to Mt. Evans. He also casted a few times almost by himself. Very impressive! He then did his own version of casting that made him happy too....loosen the line, let the ball drop, click it to stop reeling out, flick the ball out in the water, reel it in. No fishies biting (no hook! but he doesn't know that part is required), but he said we will get some next time!
Luka "went fishin'" today with his Scooby Doo fishing pole with us at Echo Lake, on the road to Mt. Evans. He also casted a few times almost by himself. Very impressive! He then did his own version of casting that made him happy too....loosen the line, let the ball drop, click it to stop reeling out, flick the ball out in the water, reel it in. No fishies biting (no hook! but he doesn't know that part is required), but he said we will get some next time!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Axel is starting to crawl
Axel, like Luka was, is a "late" crawler. He has been happy sitting, though, and kind of "spinning" around to where he needs to go, within a small area. But, he just started getting on all fours and rocking back and forth. Go, Axel, go! He also has started crawling--backwards! He pushes himself backwards with his hands. He really gets going on our hardwood floors. He has ended up in the corner of our dining area, and almost under the dresser in Reynald's and my room. He will be cookin' along before we know it! Will post a video of him doing his thing soon.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Updated pictures
I have been too busy to take time to download photos from my camera and then upload them here, so haven't been many photos for a while. So, here are some of the kids:
Last day of Axel's music class in mid-May
Just before Luka's race (and then Mommy's 9K)
Mother's Day 2006
Luka kayaking (!) at Boulder Creek Festival May 2006
Axel at Boulder Creek Festival May 2006
It was very hot!
Axel having a picnic in the back yard
(eating yogurt)
Axel trying to get out of his dinosaur bath towel
(note his adorable bottom teeth)
Luka's new hair cut - photo taken June 15, one day after
he visited the barber shop called "Chez Reynald"
Last day of Axel's music class in mid-May
Just before Luka's race (and then Mommy's 9K)
Mother's Day 2006
Luka kayaking (!) at Boulder Creek Festival May 2006
Axel at Boulder Creek Festival May 2006
It was very hot!
Axel having a picnic in the back yard
(eating yogurt)
Luka in back yard playing the "fou" 
Axel trying to get out of his dinosaur bath towel
(note his adorable bottom teeth)
Luka's new hair cut - photo taken June 15, one day after
he visited the barber shop called "Chez Reynald"
Picturs of New Baby Vernon William
Born: June 3rd, here is the newest addition to the family (our new nephew)!
2 days old
4 days old hanging out with Mommy
9 days old
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
What is a baby?
Baby. What is a baby?
When Luka was little, baby mean boobie.
Then, it meant his dollie ("Where is my baby?!" "Baby has to go sleddnig with me!")
Baby meant Luka to us when he was a tiny man.
Baby then meant Axel.
Baby could mean boobie to Axel, but we don't really call it by any name anymore. ;)
Axel was the baby. Now, in the wider family, he is still a baby, but not the baby since little Vernon William arrived a week ago. Will he be called Baby Axel like Luka was Baby Luka by his cousins? That was so sweet. He is still a baby. I guess he will always be my baby (as will Luka). Helen is for sure still the baby for our generation. ;)
When Luka was little, baby mean boobie.
Then, it meant his dollie ("Where is my baby?!" "Baby has to go sleddnig with me!")
Baby meant Luka to us when he was a tiny man.
Baby then meant Axel.
Baby could mean boobie to Axel, but we don't really call it by any name anymore. ;)
Axel was the baby. Now, in the wider family, he is still a baby, but not the baby since little Vernon William arrived a week ago. Will he be called Baby Axel like Luka was Baby Luka by his cousins? That was so sweet. He is still a baby. I guess he will always be my baby (as will Luka). Helen is for sure still the baby for our generation. ;)
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Lien sur le bilinguisme / Link on being bilingual
Un article sur Wikipedia (version française) sur le bilinguisme. Très intéressant. J'adore Wikipedia - en français et en anglais !
en français : http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilinguisme
An article on Wikipedia about being bilingual. Very interesting. I just love Wikipedia - in French and in English!
in English: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilingualism
en français : http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilinguisme
An article on Wikipedia about being bilingual. Very interesting. I just love Wikipedia - in French and in English!
in English: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilingualism
Axel has another toothie!
Axel has yet another toothie coming in. His top right tooth is just peeking through. Some people get blasé about milestones for their second kid, but here I am, blogging about his third tooth. Ha ha. He is just so cute though, and such a sweetie, even when teething. The only noticeable consquence seems to be that he did not have much of an appetite today. But, otherwise, he is just as sweet and nice as always. My Axel!
Dora the Explorer en français ?!
Luka loves Dora the Explorer. When he is allowed to watch videos/TV he always wants to watch Dora. This is in contrast to the same time last year when he looooooved T'Choupi and everything was about T'Choupi. He still likes T'Choupi a lot, but as little kid fixations go, he is way into Dora at the moment (or, rather, the last 6 months or so). He first saw Dora in January or February. I take the blame - I had never lot him watch US TV before. But, one day I let my guard down and let him see what temptations were out there in American kid TVland. ;) The exposure to Dora was deadly. The Teletubbies seems that it was only a passing fancy.
In any case, because English is everywhere and we still need as much input in French as possible to keep up his great skills, we are trying to get him to watch other stuff too. But, I also don't want to deny him of his current "obsession". So, I had this great idea....
I found out that, oui, Dora does exist in French! I came across a whole entry on this (and other foreign-language adaptations of Dora) in Wikipedia. What did we ever doe before Wikipedia? For the entry about Dora, go here: DORA EN FRANCAIS. Is the Internet great, or what?!
In any case, now, I am planning to buy some Dora episode's from Amazon in France. The only thing is, I hope it does not cause a wrinkle in the way he sees things (French and English in their separate compartments). He likes structure and it is important to him that some things are "French" and other things are "English". Dora is definitely "English" right now. Sometimes, if I try to talk about Dora to him in French, he does not like it and says in English, "Mommy, Dora does not speak French." Meaning, please talk about her in "her" language, which is English.
Well, I guess it won't send him into catatonic shock. We will see and I will post the results here. It will be a few weeks though, as it always takes a few weeks to get a delivery after I place French orders. More to come....!
In any case, because English is everywhere and we still need as much input in French as possible to keep up his great skills, we are trying to get him to watch other stuff too. But, I also don't want to deny him of his current "obsession". So, I had this great idea....
I found out that, oui, Dora does exist in French! I came across a whole entry on this (and other foreign-language adaptations of Dora) in Wikipedia. What did we ever doe before Wikipedia? For the entry about Dora, go here: DORA EN FRANCAIS. Is the Internet great, or what?!
In any case, now, I am planning to buy some Dora episode's from Amazon in France. The only thing is, I hope it does not cause a wrinkle in the way he sees things (French and English in their separate compartments). He likes structure and it is important to him that some things are "French" and other things are "English". Dora is definitely "English" right now. Sometimes, if I try to talk about Dora to him in French, he does not like it and says in English, "Mommy, Dora does not speak French." Meaning, please talk about her in "her" language, which is English.
Well, I guess it won't send him into catatonic shock. We will see and I will post the results here. It will be a few weeks though, as it always takes a few weeks to get a delivery after I place French orders. More to come....!
Monday, June 12, 2006
The Yucky Song
Luka likes the Yucky Song. What is the yucky song, you ask? No, it is not a song that is bad, it is: Yucky Doodle went to town a riding on a pony....
He really likes that song, even though it is the "yucky" song!
Axel update: today, Axel had his first babysitter! And, it was all day long! Mommy had a big client visit and he had a special French baby sitter who played games and took care of him for 10 (!) hours. I thought he 'd be dying to see me at the end of the day, but he was enamored with his new playmate and sad to see her go! My man is a real social little guy. (Luka was at school so he didn't get to spend much time with the fabulous French babysitter, but she was very impressed with his level of French--in her "other life" she is a private French teacher or teaches class for small children at the Alliance Française).
Axel also eats a TON. Here is an example of what he can eat at one sitting:
- Half an avocado
- A whole Gardenburger (veggetarian hamburger)
- A whole peach or banana
- A YoBaby yogurt
(All this is plus the milk he still gets from Mommy in the a.m., after naps, at night and sometimes in between).
I think he is going to be bigger than Uncle Vernon....over 6'6"!
Eve: Been working a lot lately, so hopefully this week will be a little more "normal." Whatever that means! :)
Reynald: did a bike "ride" of 95 miles last weekend and then climbed up (biking) high near Echo Lake last Saturday.
He really likes that song, even though it is the "yucky" song!
Axel update: today, Axel had his first babysitter! And, it was all day long! Mommy had a big client visit and he had a special French baby sitter who played games and took care of him for 10 (!) hours. I thought he 'd be dying to see me at the end of the day, but he was enamored with his new playmate and sad to see her go! My man is a real social little guy. (Luka was at school so he didn't get to spend much time with the fabulous French babysitter, but she was very impressed with his level of French--in her "other life" she is a private French teacher or teaches class for small children at the Alliance Française).
Axel also eats a TON. Here is an example of what he can eat at one sitting:
- Half an avocado
- A whole Gardenburger (veggetarian hamburger)
- A whole peach or banana
- A YoBaby yogurt
(All this is plus the milk he still gets from Mommy in the a.m., after naps, at night and sometimes in between).
I think he is going to be bigger than Uncle Vernon....over 6'6"!
Eve: Been working a lot lately, so hopefully this week will be a little more "normal." Whatever that means! :)
Reynald: did a bike "ride" of 95 miles last weekend and then climbed up (biking) high near Echo Lake last Saturday.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
New Nephew Born!
We have a new nephew!
Born to Tammy and Vernon - here are his first stats:
- 5th kid in his family
- second boy in his family
- 9th grandchild to Grandma (Mom)
- 6th boy grandchild
- born on his due date: Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 11:41 pm AK time (his mommy went into labor at 7:15 a.m.)
- 8 lbs. - 8 oz.
- 20.5 inches long
name: We think we know, but we will wait for confirmation. More to come!
Update: His name is Vernon William!
Born to Tammy and Vernon - here are his first stats:
- 5th kid in his family
- second boy in his family
- 9th grandchild to Grandma (Mom)
- 6th boy grandchild
- born on his due date: Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 11:41 pm AK time (his mommy went into labor at 7:15 a.m.)
- 8 lbs. - 8 oz.
- 20.5 inches long
name: We think we know, but we will wait for confirmation. More to come!
Update: His name is Vernon William!
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Recipe: Paella Stir-Fry
This is a tasty and quick version of classic Spanish paella. If you have a half day or more, prepare the real thing, otherwise, this does a good job of imitating the basic taste and is a quick substitute. For the true flavor, use Spanish paprika with its smoky flavor, or substitute equal parts Hungarian paprika with chipotle powder.
This recipe is from the (now defunct) magazine Organic Style (so sad that magazine is no longer, but that is another story).
- 1 pkg (5 - 8 oz) yellow-rice mix (with saffron)
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 3 oz smoked chorizo sausage links, diced (I use 3 - 4 full-sized mild Italian sausages, which is a bit more in weight, and is a substitute that is more easily found in the grocery store around here)
- 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-1/2 tsp Spanish paprika (preferably sweet) - I had trouble finding this locally, so I ordered it from LaTienda.com, but try specialty or gourmet shops and you should be able to find it.
- 1 pint cherry tomates, halved (or you can substitute a can of low/no salt diced tomatoes, but fresh is better)
- 16 medium shrimp - about 1/2 pound, peeled and deviened (you can buy it already prepped this way)
- Good quality salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 TBS chopped flat-leaf parsely (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare yellow rice mix according to package directions, but omit butter and oil; use only 1-1/4 cups water (the rice shoudl be slightly al dentre when cooked). Remove the pan from heat and stir in the frozen peas; cover and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tsp oil in a wok or 12-inch nonstick skillet, over medium heat. Stir fry sausage until browned. Transfer to a plate. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and remaining oil to wok; stir-fry until onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add paprika and stir-fry 1 minute.
Return sausage to skillet along with tomatoes and shrimp. Stir-fry until shrimp are just cooked through and pink, about 2 minutes. Add rice and peas to wok and cook, stirring, until ingredients are combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with parsley and serve.
This recipe is from the (now defunct) magazine Organic Style (so sad that magazine is no longer, but that is another story).
- 1 pkg (5 - 8 oz) yellow-rice mix (with saffron)
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 3 oz smoked chorizo sausage links, diced (I use 3 - 4 full-sized mild Italian sausages, which is a bit more in weight, and is a substitute that is more easily found in the grocery store around here)
- 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-1/2 tsp Spanish paprika (preferably sweet) - I had trouble finding this locally, so I ordered it from LaTienda.com, but try specialty or gourmet shops and you should be able to find it.
- 1 pint cherry tomates, halved (or you can substitute a can of low/no salt diced tomatoes, but fresh is better)
- 16 medium shrimp - about 1/2 pound, peeled and deviened (you can buy it already prepped this way)
- Good quality salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 TBS chopped flat-leaf parsely (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare yellow rice mix according to package directions, but omit butter and oil; use only 1-1/4 cups water (the rice shoudl be slightly al dentre when cooked). Remove the pan from heat and stir in the frozen peas; cover and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tsp oil in a wok or 12-inch nonstick skillet, over medium heat. Stir fry sausage until browned. Transfer to a plate. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, and remaining oil to wok; stir-fry until onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add paprika and stir-fry 1 minute.
Return sausage to skillet along with tomatoes and shrimp. Stir-fry until shrimp are just cooked through and pink, about 2 minutes. Add rice and peas to wok and cook, stirring, until ingredients are combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with parsley and serve.
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