Seven!

Happy Birthday McKinley!

McKinley's big day is here! First thing this morning (well, after inquiring about presents) I had to measure McKinley because she was sure she was taller today than she was when I measured her yesterday!

Last night we took McKinley out to dinner without the boys. She loves attention, and to have us all to herself really made her night.

This morning she requested donuts for breakfast (the old-fashioned Hostess kind)

For lunch she wants hot dogs.

And for dinner she wants crepes.

For her birthday she got her beloved American Girl doll from mom and dad. A swim suit and cover up, and webkinz from the boys.

Kent has to go out of town so our extended family party will be next Sunday.

We usually do friend parties every other year, but I think I'm even go to break down and let her have a birthday party this year with her friends in case we aren't here next year.

lunch

I have been hooked on these little concoctions for lunch for days now. They call for prosciutto, but I just spent $5 on three slices of it, and it tastes like fatty cold cuts. So I got rid of that and now it tastes awesome.

I probably smell like garlic all the time, but it's worth it- I love garlic!

Here's what you do:

Slice a nice bread. I used the french bread loaf at the neighborhood Walmart. It has a good density for this.
Brush olive oil on both sides and place on a cookie sheet.
Broil the bread until golden brown. You'll have to figure out how long your own oven takes. I have to set my timer for 60 seconds on one side, flip, then 20 seconds on the other. I burned a few figuring that out.
Take them out of the oven and rub a fresh clove of garlic across the top.
Add thinly slice granny smith apples, and top with crumbled Feta cheese.

YUM!

It's kind of like bruschetta, but the tomatoes aren't ready yet, so it's a nice variation.

Spring Soccer

This kid loves soccer.

Some nights he sleeps in his soccer uniform. He lives for Saturdays when it is finally soccer day. We are finally getting him to call it soccer instead of "kick-the-ball". We had to distinguish when he was a toddler what kind of action went with which ball. A cute little phrase when it comes out of his mouth, but let's face it he can't do it forever, at least that's when Kent tells me.

So far this season he's had one goal, but he does not stop smiling the whole time he is on that field. I love this kid.

Spring pics

Today we had a funeral to go to, so while the kids were dressed up anyway, I decided to take a few quick pictures to replace last spring's. I didn't get any alone of McKinley because it was 40 degrees outside so and she was long gone to the car as soon as the group pics were done.

The 13th Reality: the journal of curious letters

by James Dashner

Summary: 13 year-old Tick (Atticus) Higginbottom is sent a mysterious letter inviting him to solve a mystery embark on an adventure wrought with danger. If he decides not to he only has to burn the letter. That's a short summary, I know. I'm tired, and I need a nap.

My thoughts: This was the Easter book I bought for me to try. The story is based on theories of Quantum Physics and alternate realities. An interesting premise. It is on the same level as Fablehaven, Percy Jackson, and Gregor the Underlanders. So it's entertaining, interesting, and I'll probably read more in the series, but once again, it's not my particular genre. You would think it was with how many I've been reading. If you love that genre though, you'll probably love this book.

p.s. I wish I had the guts to name my kid Atticus. I love that name...and book.

The Dark Divine

by Bree Despain

Summary: The story of Grace Divine as she tries to unravel the mystery of what happened to her brother and the disappearance/reappearance of Daniel the boy she loved three years ago. It's a teen fanstasy/romance.

My thoughts: I would be lying if I didn't say I was entertained. It's not a vampire book, but it was a bit too Twilight-ish. I kept praying that the boy's skin wouldn't glitter in the sunlight. There were a couple of close calls. Edward and Bella meet Daniel and Grace. But yes, I will read the next one (there will be a next one I'm sure), because sometimes I like a cheesy teen romance.

"think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy."
-anne frank

Just a little personal reminder of what happened this week. April 28-May 4.