Bits and Things

This was recently overheard in our house as I was trying to surmise why the brushing of teeth was The Most Avoided Task:
"We don't like the taste of this toothpaste" (bubblegum)
"Fine. What kind do you like?"
This was followed by a rather lengthy discussion of who liked what flavor and which flavors were Absolutely Not Liked. Problem is, apparently for every kid that liked one flavor (mint, cinnamon, vanilla ice) there were at least 2 who said that same flavor made them gag.
Frustrated, I resorted to:
"When I was a kid there was only one flavor of toothpaste, and we used it and we LIKED IT!"

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This is a purse Athena made from a Klutz kit she got for Christmas. After making potholders, capes for her stuffed animals, she got really creative and made this purse, and sewed on a button so she could close it and everything. Good job, Athena!

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In other related arts and crafts, the kids have not met a sock they couldn't use as anything other than a sock. They have used them as garages, and parked matchbox cars inside. They have balled up several of them and made balls to throw around. They have become purses and carrying cases for stuffed animals. When they couldn't find gloves to play outside, they used them as mittens. Here is their latest reincarnation:

These are "armwarmers". They cut the toes off of Paris' soccer socks and poked a hole for the thumb. Paris actually wore these a couple of days to school before I found them and confiscated them.

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Another development this month--the kids have decided to grow. All at once. All of a sudden I can not seem to make enough food to feed these kids. We have to order 3 pizzas now, and the kids menus never seem to come with enough food. I have started shopping at Costco with twice the frequency, and have doubled most of my recipes. I'm scared. They aren't even teenagers yet.

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April's Fools Day: Athena researched tricks on the internet to play on Paris (who is the king of practical jokes around here). She hid a phone under Paris' bed before he woke up, set to intercom, with the speaker phone on. Then she went downstairs and spoke into her phone. Paris woke up hearing Athena but unable to find her. He figured it out soon enough, but his confused expression as he was waking up, hearing her voice and not seeing her, was priceless! Too bad Athena was downstairs and couldn't see it!

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Ready for some recipes?? Chicken with Goat Cheese Sauce is easy and the kids loved it. I served it with pitas and a cucumber and tomato salad.
Chicken with Pecan Cream Sauce is for you Alyssa. This is delicious, creamy, and tasty but no dairy!

Finally, Spiced Chicken and Greens with Pomegranate Dressing was the best chicken salad ever!