Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Cutest Blog?

Is anyone else having trouble accessing The Cutest Blog on the Block? I keep getting the Gateway Search page. Wouldn't you know this would happen when I have a few minutes set aside to update the PWOC blogs? ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Passports - Take One

You can always count on the local post office for a bit of fun. We headed over to get passports for the boys. We had spent the a.m. filling out scholarship applications, visiting a notary, and registering for their trip. All I needed to do was have two boys apply for passports. The fun began.

We needed a question answered. AhHa...you must wait in line to ask a question. OK. Question answered, back to filling out forms.

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NOT ANOTHER QUESTION! We sent Jared to wait in line to ask the second question. He was thrilled to be of assistance.

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Jared received a reprieve when the last sentence said that BOTH Mother and Father had to sign in the presence of someone big and mean looking. Oops.....we'll try the passports again.

We got home to find out that the trip they were planning on may have to be cancelled. The big group that was planning on going has backed out. We've asked them how many it takes to make a "group" - maybe we can find our own group. ::snort:: They offered the boys to go on one of the Mission Trips in the summer...since we'll be moving and we're not sure WHERE...it seems prudent to turn down that offer....but then again....

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Big Day For Jamin

They tried to talk him into waiting until he was 18 so he could have a "regular license," but he wouldn't have it. I finally got it all together to get down to the DPS (DMV). Jamin was thrilled to get his license....can you believe there is NO driving skills test in the state of TX. Well, they have it, but parents can waive it. AND it only cost $5 to get his license???? Amazing.

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Jared says, "I can't read ANY of these instructions!" Then we realize it's all in Spanish.
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Finally....
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Congrats, Jamin.
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When he was having his photo taken we realized that he is NOT 5'11" - he's 6'2"....and so is Jared. ::snort:: Yes, we DID have a great time at the DMV and we DID have the whole place laughing by the time we left with our fun observations.


Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

*For Margie's Mom....and the ladies that asked last night at PWOC. LOL I have a minute - dinner is in the crock pot (BBQ meatballs) - and so I'll post NOW.....

This recipe sort of adapts. It's one that my sil, Rebecca, came up with. I change the sugar to Agave Nectar or Honey (AN is better tasting) and so adjust the vinegar....adding the balsamic to a bit more....basically I make this by taste...but here's the recipe.LOL

Start with a 2 cup Pyrex measuring cup.

Mix together:

3 Tbsp sugar (sweetener of choice), 1 Tbsp Lemon Pepper (black pepper works in a pinch), 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, two pinches of dry beef bullion (I always skip), 2 large cloves of garlic (I use dried and guess), 1 scant Tbsp dry mustard

Add:

Fill to 1/3 C line with Balsamic Vinegar (remember to go a bit higher if using liquid sweetener)

Fill to 2/3 C line with Red Wine Vinegar

Fill to 1 3/4 C line with Canola Oil (I use Safflower)

Stir and that's that. I also put a bit of this in with steamed veggies....

For more recipes check out my recipe index page (and linked in the sidebar).
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Establishing Routine

I spent the vacation establishing a great new Tryst time.....but it wasn't established in "real time".

This week I'm busy establishing 2009's routine - Tryst, Workout, Homeschool, Outside activities....As often is the case, when I'm the busiest, I have less time to blog. When I'm not busy, I blog about appliances and picking noses. ::snort::

I have several posts in mind (new emphasis, physical goals, children's happenings, devotionals)...things are good....we're disciplined...we're accomplishing much....

For now (hopefully blogging tonight or tomorrow night) here's a photo I caught at breakfast....wonder who she's been watching? (Hint - they are males). This is her new favorite book...and she is sure that each baby is HER. ::snort::

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Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.