Sunday, August 23, 2009

Just Us Update

Sunday, August 23, 2009
You might have noticed I haven't updated the blog as often as I usually do...just really, really busy with day to day life.  However, I do Tweet every day.  If you're interested and want to see more pictures, be sure to follow me on Twitter.  

It's about time for Sophie to start Kindergarten this Thursday, 5 days a week.  Last week during the "Open House" at Ridgeline, we met her new teacher, Mrs. Westover.  I sense Mrs. Westover is going to be a great teacher.  Soph even told me she liked her new teacher a lot, perhaps more than Mrs. Chris and Mrs. Clark :o/  

During "Open House," Mrs. Westover had her students along with their parents go on a scavenger hunt to find specific things like their locker, cubby, garbage can, as well as slide down the slide, know how to open the gate to the playground, etc.... and last but not least find the school principal, Dr. Higgins.  And so we met with him briefly as Soph decided to put on her shy persona to avoid situations she feels uncomfortable in.  Nonetheless, he's a very nice, personable and gentle man.  

I'm debating on whether or not I should volunteer for the PTA.  It seems a bit much as I always help out as much as I can volunteering just for Sophie's class, but for the entire school, not too sure about it, especially if some of the things that have been tabled in our household spring into action.   

Initially, I had Sophie enrolled in the morning class.  Because I do not work (outside of home), I decided to give up the slot for those parents that do work and go with an afternoon class instead.

During this summer, I believe Soph had a major growth spurt.  I deliberately bought size 5 pants that were a tad too long the latter part of May.  Thinking Soph had plenty of opportunities to wear them later, they were shelved in her closet for a couple of months.  Recently, I had Soph try on the pants to see if she grew into them.  And to my surprise, she was wading in water!

When Lennie, Soph's swim teacher mentioned she's tall and skinny, I actually laughed it off. Today, I finally took some measurements and she still weighs the same as she did 2 years ago and so that was no surprise.  However, when I measured her height....that just about blew my mind.  According to the children's growth chart percentiles calculator, she falls in the 23rd percentile for weight and 62 percentile for height.  Last time I measured her, she was in the range of 60% and 26% respectively.  Complete opposite of what it is today.  When I measure her up against me, her head is right below my...ughm, bosom.  So Soph has transitioned from Sumo wrestler to Olive Oyl (well maybe not that extreme).

One final note, tomorrow, is Soph's "getting acquainted " and assessment visit with Mrs. Westover.  I sure hope she has not forgotten everything she learned from preschool.  Her memory tends to flip flop from elephant to fish.  At the same time, she does a remarkable job at reminding me of things when I'm having a senior moment.

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Saturday, August 15, 2009

I Can Read

Saturday, August 15, 2009
Lately, Sophie has become quite engrossed in reading all by herself.  Ever since we got our Far Infrared Malibu sauna, which we use faithfully 6x a week, Soph and I spend a lot of time reading while roasting.  Actually, it isn't that bad; you just sweat a lot without feeling overly hot :)  

Anyway, she insists coming in the sauna with me and so we spend the first 20 minutes reading her books, which then allows 30-35 minutes for myself. That 30-35 window all to myself in my private sanctuary is heavenly!  Listening to the "soothing music" of Zen.....well, that's what Soph calls it makes the experience, well very soothing and relaxing. 

We would like to thank Uncle Eric for the "I Can Read My Little Pony" books.   Soph sure is enjoying these little books, and she's actually learning to read.

Here is a snippet of Soph reading one of her My Little Pony books.


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Sunday, August 9, 2009

Eccles Dinosaur Park

Sunday, August 9, 2009
This past Saturday we stomped around with giants at Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden.  This was our first visit and if you were to look at the long lines, one might have considered this place a great find.  However, once we entered the park, we (hubby and me) were not that impressed, while Sophie on the other hand really liked it and wants to come back again.  So at least she found it to be worthwhile, which is why we went there in the first place...for her :o) ...mission accomplished.  Aside from the park, there is a museum which was interesting.  In the picture below you'll see rocks that resemble food; that was pretty cool.

Here are some photos (click on picture to enlarge):

Daddy and Soph

Dinner, anyone?  Notice even the cigarettes, lower right corner.

Me and Soph

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Ruth's Italian Spaghetti

I have tried a lot of different variations of spaghetti, however, I still prefer a recipe I received from a good friend when I was 9 years old.  I'll call this Ruth's Italian Spaghetti, since it originally came from the Mother of my friend.  I have modified it slightly as I'm not a fan of bacon fat and jarred mushrooms.  Even so, it still tastes just as good AND it has become hubby's favorite spaghetti sauce.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
1 lb ground beef
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 minced green pepper
3 1/2 cups diced tomatoes
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup vegetable broth or any broth you have on hand (sometimes I add 1/4 cup of red wine along with 3/4 cups broth)
6 oz sliced fresh crimini mushrooms
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried sage
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp oregano
1 bay leaf
1 cup of water

Instructions:
Cook onion until tender in oil.  Add meat and cook until it loses red color, add all other ingredients.  Cook very slow for 1 1/2 hours uncovered.  Serve over spaghetti.  Add a toss salad and garlic bread.  Enjoy!

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