Have a Nice Fall

First of all, my computer is busted, broken and out of order so the posts are infrequent. Our neighbor, Ted, was supposed to order me new software but he forgot.

Until the new software arrives, Clay and I are sharing his computer.

Tonight after getting three kids to bed I was busy ordering stuff on Amazon when I heard something large drop from upstairs.
I was irritated and fearful that he had woken up three sleeping children and loudly whispered to Clay in my angriest whisper, "Clay! What was that?"

His response, "Me falling down the stairs."

My response?

Loud cackling.

Editor's note: Robin is actually still cackling at this very moment. In Robin's world, nothing is funnier than someone stumbling or (preferably) falling down. It seems even merely HEARING someone stumble and fall is a non-stop laugh riot. -anonymous.

PS: The anonymous editor, er I mean Clay is fine and resting comfortably, if a bit irritably. Not sure if that's because of the horribly embarrassing fall, or the fact that's I'm using his mishap for comic fodder or that I'm using his computer. It could be many things...

Buy Lemons, and FAST!

Last night I made these lemon bars again because George requested them. I wasn't sure I should share the recipe because I may invite you to my house and then you'll know my top secret recipe.

These are so incredibly good you'll want to buy me expensive gifts in gratitude. And I'll graciously accept them.

Easy, Easy Lemon Bars

Ingredients
For the crust:
1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar (I used powdered)
2 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
For the filling:
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup flour
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.(The lemon bars that is.)

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature, if you can.

Dust with confectioners' sugar.
Eat until you get a stomachache.

I'm a Lucky Lady

Let me tell you about my great sunday afternoon. 'Twas a quiet and rainy Sunday. The kind where the kids were perfect angels.

Here's my proof:


Clay decided he wanted to make dinner. I wanted to let him be "creative," so I didn't say anything about the fact that the blender seemed a tad overstuffed.

Here's my proof:


And I didn't comment on his questionable choice of ingredients.

Proof:


It actually turned out to be a lovely and delicious meal. Thanks Clay!



Now get out of my kitchen! ...Unless, of course, you're coming to clean up.

I Live With Freaks

Clay was home ALONE wearing a black headband and these odd rolled up jeans. Not sure if the goofy grin was part of the getup.



And George thinks he's Lasagna Man. Complete with red fingernails.

That Curly Haired Girl

This morning we had buttered bagels. Before taking a bite, George dipped his finger in the melted butter, took a taste said "The butter is old." The butter wasn't old. My friend brought it over yesterday aternoon so we could use it for baking. After nearly finishing my bagel, I realized we were eating unsalted butter, which makes sense for baking but not for eating on bagels. It took me nearly a whole bagel to notice the difference, but ol' eagle-tounge Martin detected the difference immediately. That's my boy! He has a great future as a food critic.

And Milo has two teeth, waves bye-bye and thinks it's hilarious when people fall down, or pretend to fall down. (See following video of Milo's response to Mike pretending to stumble and fall trying to pick up a balloon.) He's the sweetest ever and still our little Smilo.

And Goldie, that little Goldie... Three-year old Mateo was visiting from Yakima with his dad this weekend and after spending a little play time with the kids upstairs, he marched into the kitchen and adamently proclaimed "I don't care if I never see that curly haired girl again!" It was very diplomatic of him not no name names, but we're pretty certain who he was refering to (and probably said it for good reason).



By the way, if you are thinking of buying me a birthday gift, please don't buy unsalted butter or low fat dairy poducts.

Princess Toes

My parents and Clay had the oddest conversation about me the other night, as I was sitting with them eating dinner.

The conversation started with a discussion on our bathroom remodel and the heated floors I demanded for my ever-so-sensitive feet. (Since most of my spare time is spent being barefoot and pregnant.)

Clay and my parents were trying to blame the other over who had made me the delicate flower that I am.

"We didn't make her this way," my dad claimed.

To which Clay replied, "She was this way when I found her. It was a preexisting condition."

No one seemed to notice or care that I was sitting there and could hear every word.
However, I'm not bothered by it 'cause I got me some heated floors and they are glorious!

Happy 2010

2009: our year with pictures.

January 2009

We welcomed political changes

February

Goldie turned two


and celebrated with yellow cake and pink frosting.

March

George turned 4 and


we waited to meet the baby cooking in my belly

April

We planted our garden


and met our 5th family member


who was welcomed immediately.

May

We ate Leora's meringue booties at Milo's bris and


celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.

June

Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary came to visit and met Milo for the first time.

June

We visited Camano and kicked off the beginning of summer with good friends.

July

We celebrated our friend Nate and that he was cancer free.

July

Our garden flourished.

August

George learned to ride a bike.


Our dear friends Henley and Kevin moved to Austin


and took with them George's favorite superhero.

September

Auntie Donna met Mr. Right


and Grandpa LaLa came to visit again.


October

Milo celebrated his first Halloween


and we kicked off the night with a parade.

November

Superman ate waffles at our house

December

and George learned all the Hanukkah prayers at school.

Looking forward to 2010.