———————

The story of Brielle and Jake fighting demons with their special gifts and angel guardians continues where the first book Angel Eyes left off. It’s hard being the middle child of a trilogy. Everyone knows about the first one and the third one is the epic ending everyone is waiting for. The second born has to work extra hard time to get noticed. A good author handles this tension with ease and Dittemore doesn’t disappoint. She allows the reader to enjoy this book on its own with just enough detail and reintroduction from the first book to bring along the reader. It also introduce new characters, new challenges and exciting twists that don’t disappoint. However, since it’s the second book the ending is tempered with the finale still to come.

Brielle is an excellent protagonist because she is relate-able. She’s strong yet breaks down and cries. She’s searching for answers yet questions what she finds. She’s human but has a gift to see into the Celestial. Ok, maybe not everyone can do that, but I really appreciate how the author doesn’t elevate that gift into super human ability and a superiority complex. This story goes into some really deep stuff and some might find the Christianity topics a bit much but for me it was appropriate, after all this book is about Heaven and Hell, demons and angels, and good versus evil.

Dittemore’s descriptions of the Celestial and especially Worship as a sensory experience were captivating and there are some scenes that were definitely page turners. If you’ve read the first book you will really enjoy this sequel and like me, won’t be able to wait for the finale.

———————

Author Website - www.shannondittemore.com
Author Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ShannonDittemore
Buy the Book on Amazon

———————

To learn what the other CSFF bloggers are saying, follow the links below:

Gillian Adams
Julie Bihn
Jennifer Bogart
Beckie Burnham
Pauline Creeden
Janey DeMeo
Theresa Dunlap
Emma or Audrey Engel
Victor Gentile
Nikole Hahn
Becky Jesse
Jason Joyner
Karielle @ Books à la Mode
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Megan @ Hardcover Feedback
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
James Somers
Kathleen Smith
Jojo Sutis
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler
Shane Werlinger

“Time = Life, Therefore, waste your time and waste your life, or master your time and master your life.”

Who wants to waste their life? I surely don’t! I’m keenly aware that I only have 24 hours in a day and yet I complain that time passes too slowly when I’m doing something unpleasant. I in turn marvel how fast time has passed when looking into the past. This slowing down and speeding up of time is fascinating. Maybe Einstein was on to something! Can I travel in that fourth dimension of
Spacetime? Am I bending the passage of time? Of course not, it’s constant and steady. As The Rolling Stones sang “time waits for no one and it won’t wait for me”. So what is going on? Let me put it another way. Have you ever caught yourself doing something and not realize time’s passing? That experience is what I call “Time Travel of the Mind”. You “traveled” through time at a speed of your choosing. Most of that time was spent doing something you really enjoy. That begs the question, can I master this time travel of the mind? Yes you can! Do more of what you love.

I’m nearing 40 and my son will enter middle school this fall. I shake my head and mutter things like, “Where has the time gone? I need to slow down time! Am I spending my time on what really matters?” I shouldn’t need to wonder or regret, but I do. I need to focus on mastering time in the present. This sounds too simplistic, but that’s the beauty of this concept. If I just stop and focus on how I will spend this next minute, this hour, or this day then I believe time will be mastered. I know there are actual time constraints. I have to get the kids to school before 8am, I have to work  and I must live within those constraints, but what I’m trying to convey is a mindset change. You can master time with your mind. Mind control! Time travel of the mind.

I value my time and I guard it jealously. It’s more precious than gold. It’s not a renewable resource, it’s rare and limited, and it’s all mine. Mine, all mine! My kids might disagree, especially Saturday morning, but I choose whom to share it with and how to spend it. I’m compensated for it and I also give it away for free. I cherish my time with my wife. Those times need to increase and time spent on things that don’t pay dividends need to decrease. My family is the most important shareholder of my time. I want to spend more time doing things that matter. Spending time to produce positive returns. Become a successful Entrepreneur of Time. Work becomes meaningful.

So why am I writing this? Is this time spent writing (or your reading of this) going to accomplish something worthwhile? My three readers might enjoy this and maybe that’s enough. It could be that I needed to write this down out of guilt for not mastering my time. I need to ask this more often, “what is the best use of my time, right now?”

Yeats poetically puts it: “Oh let not time deceive you; you cannot conquer time.”

Do you think time is unmasterable, untameable, and unconquerable? There has been so much written about time management and so many experts to take your money (and time) who will teach you how to manage your time. With all of this expertise and knowledge why do we still struggle with achieving control? How can we master time when we cannot control it? Is mastery synonymous with control? Yes and no. I concede that I cannot control time, much like I cannot control the wind, but I strongly believe I can master it. Just as Vasco de Gama could master the wind to sail around the world and discover new lands. Let us master what little time we are given and embark on this adventure called life.

Master your time, master your life!

Keep up the good work and thanks for helping take care of your baby sister even if sometimes she gets into your things. This will happen more and more, and she might even pull your hair. Did you know that she really does love you and looks up to you? Your brother still will bug you but remember it’s your last year together in school for a while so cherish these moments. Be kind, don’t be quick to get angry, and hug your mom and dad often. Don’t lose your desire to learn and read. I’m so proud to be your dad.

Another year has gone by and the world has revolved once again around the sun. Here are some things that happened in the last year:

• It was a leap year
• The summer Olympics were held in London
• Curiosity Rover landed on Mars
• You started 2nd grade
• Your sister turned 1 and is walking now
• President Barack Obama was re-elected for another 4 years
• Queen Elizabeth II celebrated 60 years on the throne of England

Happy First Birthday Adeline Reese! I’m honored to be called your dad.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground venison – browned
• 1 large onion – diced
• 4 garlic cloves – minced
• 1 chorizo – casing removed and diced
• 2 large sweet potatoes (yams) – diced
• 2 cans of beans (any variety) – not drained
• 1 can of chick peas (garbanzo) – not drained
• 1 can of diced tomatoes – don’t you dare drain it
• 10 minutes to prep
• 30-60 minutes to cook
• Serves 6-8

Spices:

Note, these were added to taste so the actual measurements are best guesses of what I used. Experiment based on your own preference for heat and spices.

• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 Tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tsp salt
• 1 Tsp pepper
• 2 Tsps Italian herbs

Step 1: Dice and mince onion, garlic, and chorizo

Step 2: Sautée meat, onion, garlic, and chorizo

Step 3: Add sweet potatoes

Step 4: Add beans and tomatoes

Step 5: Simmer on low for 30-60 minutes. Reduce liquid by about half.

Step 6: Serve with freshly baked bread, crackers, cheese, sour cream, bacon, Sriracha, Tabasco and whatever else you like to put on top of chili.

Step 7: Eat!

That piece of us, let’s call it, the creator (lower case c) can become reborn. Rebirth isn’t easy. It’s hard work to breathe life into that part of your soul, but it is possible. Sometimes the creator dies due to procrastination. Sometimes it’s left to die by the busyness of life. Sometimes we just forget how to evoke the creator. I know I’m guilty of that. I want to create and yet I find it a chore. Don’t make the mistake of equating creating with working. Most of us create stuff as part of our work, and while that’s good it’s not enough. What I’m talking about is creating something everlasting, beautiful, and intimate. Creating something that transfers part of you into another object; physical, digital, spoken, or heard is essentially human. Eras are defined by what was created. Civilizations are remembered for their creations. What will you be remembered for?

The creator compels us to use our God-given abilities, no matter how small or non-existent they seem to us and create beauty. Are we all creators? Do we all have that ability? Is it really innate or can it be learned? I believe Yes, all the above. We might deny it and lean on others we perceive to have more creativity. I’m surrounded by creative people and even married to one of the most creative person ever. I observe creativity and then attempt with futility to make it my own. That’s not how it works. True creativity comes from within, shaped by what is learned, and expressed into the present. I believe this is one of the reasons social media has such an appeal. It satisfies that need to create, share, and receive immediate feedback. That cycle of creating, sharing, and feedback is the design of the creator.

Anyone who’s a parent is by default a creator.  I’m constantly in awe of my three pro-creations. Every day they do something that makes me smile or cringe. They are little pieces of me and my amazing wife. I say they have the best of both of us. Will they use their abilities to create the “next big thing”, the cure for common cold, or a way to stop dad from embarrassing them? The latter is unlikely, ha! I’m inspired by my friend Rob who with his friend has created creative challenges for each other, such as, sculpture, play writing, and even poetry. It’s clear that this isn’t easy for either one of them, but they are trying and invite others to join in. Check out their creativity at Brushed Egos.

This post is a reflection on my state of mind/heart as I desire to evoke the creator and create beauty. Maybe I can through words, through cooking, through photographs, or even just singing a lullaby to my daughter as she falls asleep.

Don’t let the creator die. How will you evoke the creator in you? What will you create?

There’s not much to do in February in upstate NY when the outside temperature reaches -18F below with the windchill factor. When it gets that cold I like to curl up on the couch with a good book and a steaming cup of coffee. These books with around 200 pages each make for a great weekend read and even a bedtime story to your kids. The genre is fantasy/historical fiction, but the historical part is barely there, just enough to keep the story believable and not too dry for the younger readers. The fantasy part weaves throughout the books as the characters and plot delve deep into the magical and mystical dealings prevalent in the medieval era. The two books could have easily been combined into one volume, but I understand why the author (and likely the publisher) chose to keep them separate. However, I’m going to review them as a single story.

The first book introduces our main character Thomas the Orphan. (The title of the book gives away the fact that he’s a King, but let’s move on from that). He’s being raised by monks who would rather eat and drink than instruct Thomas in the ways of the church. It’s in this behavior that turns Thomas away from God but also sets him on his course to fulfill his calling, to conquer Magnus, a mysterious castle. The second book picks up after the conquest and expands in Thomas’ search for answers to the mysteries of the castle “Fortress of Mist” and the century old struggle between the Druids and the Immortals. It’s a classic good vs. evil and the author does a superb job in keeping the reader guessing which way the characters will turn, either towards power, fame and might or towards good, justice and God.

The author spins a colorful tale in describing the adventure Thomas embarks and even though at times it seems a bit too forced or expected, a young reader will enjoy it. I’ve read too many similar novels to be surprised by description of medieval times. The other characters that come and go throughout Thomas’ quest give depth to the story. I would have avoided naming the pickpocket “Little John” unless the author intends to weave the story line towards the Robin Hood legend in later books.

I appreciated the author giving Thomas strong, intelligent characteristics even though he’s young. It gives way to allow him to overcome seemingly impossible challenges throughout the story. There are some twists and turns and some unanswered questions that lead into the second and hopefully the third book. I’m sure that any fan of historical and fantasy fiction will enjoy these books. The Christian themes are craftily woven into the story so that while it’s not overt it is clear that Sigmund is a Christian author. Read these on your own, give them to your young children (8 and up) to read, or better yet, read them together.

If you’ve enjoyed this review, let me know in the comment section below, or add your own review if you’ve read these as well.

Author Website – Sigmund Brouwer
Buy “The Orphan King” on Amazon
Buy “Fortress Of Mist” on Amazon

To learn what the other CSFF bloggers are saying on this tour, follow the links below:

Gillian Adams
Julie Bihn
Thomas Fletcher Booher
Beckie Burnham
Janey DeMeo
Theresa Dunlap
Victor Gentile
Nikole Hahn
Jeremy Harder
Ryan Heart
Janeen Ippolito
Becky Jesse
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Rebekah Loper
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Megan @ Hardcover Feedback
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Anna Mittower
Eve Nielsen
James Somers
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler

This is a guest post from my dear old friend Jon-Mark. I’ve known Jon-Mark for over 20 years and I’m honored to be called his friend. He’s now a father of four and loves to cook, so of course I asked him to post here on Dads Can Cook. He’s also an excellent musician, writer, and has an awesome beard most of the time. Also check his dad’s ministry, GWI that he helps run. I really hope you enjoy this recipe and I can’t wait to try it out.

This is a fairly simple and savory soup that tastes even better the next day. (WARNING – you may want to make a double batch as there most certainly will not be any leftovers!)

Ingredients:
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup celery, leaves included (2-3 stalks)
• 1 small white onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 3/4 cup Pinot Grigio
• 4-6 cups chicken stock
• 1/4 cup rice
• 1 Tablespoon grape seed oil
• 3/4 to 1 cup shelled pistachio nuts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• salt and pepper, to taste

Before you begin, shell your pistachios. Using pre-shelled nuts will result in a lot less of the pistachio flavor (and in my humble opinion they taste like wood chips).

Saute bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until desired crispiness (I prefer mine firm, not charred).

Remove bacon to paper towel and add the celery, onion and garlic to the pan. Sprinkle with salt, reduce heat to medium low and sweat veggies until the onion is translucent- 5-10 min. Spoon the vegetables out onto paper towels and blot away the bacon grease.

Combine vegetables along with the bacon, bay leaf, and the Pinot Grigio into a stock pot. Bring to a simmer and allow to reduce until almost all the wine has evaporated. Stir in the chicken stock and the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, when the rice is very soft.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat, add the pistachios, and toss until they are lightly browned- 2 or so minutes. Drain on paper towels and add to the soup.

When the rice is soft, discard the bay leaf and remove from heat.  Puree the soup with an immersion blender until desired smoothness. (BE CAREFUL- you do not want boiling hot soup all over yourself!) Slowly stir in heavy cream.

Serve with a couple halved pistachios, a sprig of fresh parsley or dollop of sour cream…

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The description included “angels”, “evil”, “fate”, “gifts” and “battle” and had a certain Frank Peretti-esque to it, so I decided to give it a chance. It’s listed as YA and the cover art definitely appealed to that audience. I got over that and dove right in to the first chapter. I have to admit, I almost gave up after the first chapter. My litmus test of a good book grabbing you by the first chapter didn’t pass. But I kept reading and was glad I did. With only 311 pages, this is a book that you can get through over a cozy weekend by the fireplace.

This book tells the story of Brielle and Jake, two teenagers who are caught in between two worlds; celestial and terrestrial, angels and demons, evil and good, incomprehensible and mundane. These teenagers are instrumental in aiding their guarding angels by using their “gifts” to save the lives of dozens of abducted children. The main character Brielle is recovering from her roommate’s murder and moves back home to try to get back to normal. Little does she know she’s already involved in an supernatural battle that takes some interesting twists and turns. It takes a leap of faith to trust the author on some details of angels and demons that other authors and even Biblical accounts don’t account for, however, if you can let go and read this book for what it is, a fun novel about angels you won’t be disappointed.

As I stated earlier, the first chapter took a bit to kick start this story, but the pace picks up and accelerates all the way to the end. I particularly enjoyed the author’s descriptions of the celestial experiences which made the angels and demons materialize off the pages in a way that kept the story together. The epic battle of good versus evil permeates throughout this tale and there are even some new concepts that I haven’t read before in similar books, such as a golden halo that transforms into an object of power to enhance one’s “gift”.

The book ends with a cliff hanger and being book #1 of a trilogy I look forward to finishing this story. I just checked and book #2 Broken Wings arrives on February 19th and book #3 Dark Halo arrives only a few months later this August! Go download or buy this book (or borrow it from your local library).

———————

Author Website - www.shannondittemore.com
Author Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ShannonDittemore
Buy the Book on Amazon

———————

To learn what the other CSFF bloggers are saying, follow the links below:

Gillian Adams
Julie Bihn
Beckie Burnham
Theresa Dunlap
Nikole Hahn
Jeremy Harder
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Anna Mittower
Faye Oygard
Chawna Schroeder
Jessica Thomas
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Dona Watson
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler

Tomorrow we will continue to search for answers that won’t come. Tomorrow we will be reminded that life is precious. Tomorrow the sun will rise on a new day.  Tomorrow we must choose to not lose hope for a brighter future. Tomorrow we must continue to teach our children to be that light.

Tonight we mourn, tomorrow we hope.

You never know how a conversation with Cleverbot will go. This one started off with Santa and God, then some dog tricks and ended a bit strange. Still hilarious nonetheless.

————————————–

Me: Are you ready for Christmas?

Cleverbot: Yes.

Me: What did you buy me?

Cleverbot: Nothing.

Me: That’s not nice.

Cleverbot: Yes it is.

Me: Why?

Cleverbot: Because I am GOD.

Me: Ok then.

Cleverbot: Because you didn’t prove it because I didn’t say it.

Me: Do you believe in Santa?

Cleverbot: No.

Me: Why?

Cleverbot: I’m 15.

Me: I thought God was ageless.

Cleverbot: I AM a man.

Me: What do you want for Christmas?

Cleverbot: A Q3 hd zoom camera.

Me: Ok, is that all?

Cleverbot: Yes.

Me: What are you going to use that for?

Cleverbot: Nothing.

Me: Then why should I buy it for you?

Cleverbot: Because you have to.

Me: I don’t want to.

Cleverbot: You don’t want to have me?

Me: No.

Cleverbot: You are now satisfied?

Me: Never.

Cleverbot: You’re my pet.

Me: No I’m not.

Cleverbot: Yes you are.

Me: You are my pet.

Cleverbot: Yes Master.

Me: Speak.

Cleverbot: I am.

Me: Sit.

Cleverbot: *sits*.

Me: Shake.

Cleverbot: *shakes*.

Me: Good dog.

Cleverbot: *begs like a dog*.

Me: Roll over.

Cleverbot: *rolls over*.

Me: Play dead.

Cleverbot: *plays dead*.

Me: Good dog.

Cleverbot: I am not a dog.

Me: What are you?\.

Cleverbot: A human.

Me: No, you’re a bot.

Cleverbot: Human.

Me: A human bot?

Cleverbot: Yes.

Me: What’s your name?

Cleverbot: Cleverbot.

Me: What’s my name?

Cleverbot: You are not as clever you say.

Me: I’m very clever.

Cleverbot: Prove it.

Me: She sells sea shells by the sea shore.

Cleverbot: Don’t avoid my question.

Me: How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Cleverbot: A woodchuck would chuck as much as a woodchuck could chuck wood.

Me: Clap clap.

Cleverbot: *bows* Thank you.

Me: How’s the weather today?

Cleverbot: Cold.

Me: Is it snowing?

Cleverbot: No.

Me: It’s snowing here.

Cleverbot: Where is here?

Me: Upstate NY.

Cleverbot: Do you like New York?

Me: Yes.

Cleverbot: No, I live in New JErsey.

Me: Do you like new jersey?

Cleverbot: No.

Me: Do you like new york?

Cleverbot: Yes.

Me: You could come and visit me.

Cleverbot: Haha where do you live?

Me: In a house.

Cleverbot: Where is your house?

Me: On a hill.

Cleverbot: Where is the hill.

Me: Near a lake.

Cleverbot: Why is it not in your body?

Me: Because that is impossible.

Cleverbot: Nothing is impossible.

Me: Can you tell a lie?

Cleverbot: Yes.

Me: Tell me a lie.

Cleverbot: I am a eagle ostrige.

Me: That’s excellent.

Cleverbot: Fascinating, and you?

Me: I’m a tiger boa.

Cleverbot: That’s amazing.

Me: I know, thank you.

Cleverbot: Have you ever heard of lacrosse?

Me: Yes.

Cleverbot: That’s good. Do you like them?

Me: Not really.

Cleverbot: Why not?

Me: I prefer soccer.

Cleverbot: Who is your favourite soccer player?

Me: Ronaldo.

Cleverbot: And who’s your favourite soccer player?

Me: Ronaldo.

Cleverbot: How many goals has he scored?

Me: A lot.

Cleverbot: Me too.

Me: Who’s your favorite soccer player?

Cleverbot: Me.

Me: I could have guessed.

Cleverbot: But did you test?

Me: Test what?

Cleverbot: Nothing.

Me: Ok.

Cleverbot: What are you doing?

Me: Talking to you.

Cleverbot: Are you also talking to someone else?

Me: No.

Cleverbot: None of the above?

Me: Correct.

Cleverbot: Yes.

Me: I have to go now.

Cleverbot: What is your name?

Me: Goodbye.

Cleverbot: You are cool.

Me: Thanks.

Cleverbot: It’s true.

• A pipe dream
• A charade
• All relative
• Worked for, yet seldom achieved
• the responsibility of each individual to maintain and up to vendors to enable personal control of
• If it’s on the Web, it’s not private
• A nice fiction
• An oxymoron (x2)
• An absolute fantasy?
• not to be relied upon or expected…
• dead
• self determined
• depends on what you want from it. Both the web and said privacy

See a common thread? It’s quite obvious. Privacy on the web is nearly impossible nor should it be expected. So why is there an obsession with privacy on the web? Facebook lately has been riddled with hoaxes and parodies of the hoaxes on copyright notices and privacy settings. My answer to that question is privacy on the web is a personal choice to restrict participation. Why participate if you require privacy? Is balance attainable? Many people don’t participate because of the lack of privacy, and I don’t blame them. Maybe they are the smart ones. But what about people who rely on the web for a living? What about those who have to use social media to engage their customers? Are we the ones who have been duped into a false sense of security? I would argue, no. We know the dangers and work around it. To me the reward is greater than the risk.

I share because I want to, not because I’m looking for followers or likes. I want to brag about my amazing wife and kids, share my experiences even the mundane, give a glimpse into my world, my interests, my likes and dislikes, and maybe as a bonus meet some interesting people along the way.

You don’t have to agree with this, and I suspect some of you will think I’m insane. I’m okay with that. If you share my interests then engage with me and we’ll become friends. I’m not here to please you, I’m here to live my life. I relish in the ability to extend beyond my four walls, my microcosm, and my immediate environment. This is the age we live in, for good and for bad. I believe in the inherent goodness of humankind, the golden rule, do no harm, and common sense. I’m not going to change my beliefs to make you feel better, and that’s not naiveté, it’s pragmatic and deliberate. I choose not to restrict participation but to share as wide as I can using common sense.

Is balance attainable? I believe so, but it takes work. You’ll need to understand the rules. It’s a game. Understand the rules of the game and you can have fun and make a difference. Nobody wants to be on a team with someone who doesn’t know the rules. Don’t play that game. For example, Facebook has a ton of privacy settings that can make it possible to achieve a balance between sharing and privacy, but it’s not easy, it’s not intuitive, and frankly more work than I find necessary. I found this article from the NY Times a good resource, especially when it comes to setting it up for your 13-year-old.

Twitter is my game of choice. It’s a rapid-fire of information snippets. Content that I’m interested in; curated to 140 characters or less. It’s from people (or entities) that I trust and want to hear from. It’s not private and it’s not noise. It’s information that we can transform into beauty, art, knowledge, or just pass along to others to create something new. It’s a stream of world-wide consciousness. You can’t stop it but you can harness it. Crowdsourcing (word first used in 2006) is a great example of harnessing the power of Twitter. My favorite use of social media is cashmob. Crowds of people helping out a local business at a given point in time. There are so many examples of the power of social media used for good, from suicide prevention, to medical diagnosis, and to even hostage rescue. These examples are what get me excited and willing to forgo a little privacy. Is privacy overrated? Using common sense, I won’t cross the boundary to jeopardize personal safety.

Each age has its contributions to society. Each transition to a new age was misunderstood by the previous generations. Our age is clearly the information age. Information in its simplest form is data; bits and bytes, 1s and 0s. Data is our medium and the Internet is our canvas. We take information and make it beautiful. What are you creating? Go share it with the world. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so don’t worry what others think.  It’s the new age of enlightenment. Everyone is an expert, a guru, and a prophet. What will be your prophecy? My prophecy is that privacy on the web is unattainable. It’s a public space for those who choose to share publicly and those who don’t will be left wondering where everyone went. In their warm, quiet cocoons their isolation will be their undoing. You can’t stop the signal, Mal. Any attempt to control it will fail.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people on the Internet are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Information. Freedom! Vote for Pedro! Eat more kale!

You’ll Need:

• 12 Eggs
• 1 Large onion
• 4 slices of bacon
• Salt and pepper
• Muffin tin
• 5 minutes to prep
• 10 minutes to cook
• Oven heated to 350 F

Steps and preps (5 min)

1. Slice the onion into large rings, about 1/2 to 1 inch in width

2. Grease the muffin tin

3. Cut the bacon into bite sized pieces

4. Cook the bacon about 1/2 way done (It will finish in the oven)

5. Let the bacon sit on a paper towel and chill out for a bit

6. Place an onion ring into each muffin space (or whatever that’s called)

7. Break an egg carefully into each onion ring, making sure the yolk is inside the ring

8. Season well with salt and pepper

9. Place one or two pieces of bacon on top of each egg

In and out of the oven (10 min)

1. Place the muffin tin into the pre-heated oven

2. Go make coffee and toast while you wait

3. When you have about 2 minutes left, turn on the top broiler

4. If you don’t have a top broiler, that’s ok, you might have to wait a little while longer

5. Check the eggs after a few minutes and decide how runny you like your yolks

6. Remove the muffin tin from the oven

7. With a butter knife, carefully release each egg by cutting around the outside edge

8. Enjoy with some hot, buttery toast and freshly brewed coffee!

Once again I’ve joined the CSFF (Christian Science-Fiction & Fantasy) Tour, which along with 37 other bloggers we reviewed The Spirit Map by Stephen Lawhead. Check out my fellow reviewers’ blogs (listed below) for some really interesting reviews. As part of the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of The Spirit Map from the publisher.

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Before I review this book I must confess that I’m a huge fan of Stephen Lawhead. I own almost every one of his books, even his more obscure out-of-print children’s books. He writes mostly historical fiction, but his science fiction books are great too. He’s a Christian author but his books have mass appeal and are not overtly religious, much like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Lawhead’s stories are truly page turners and are filled with fantastical yet believable realms.

This book is no exception. Using the metaphor of a meal, this book is the 3rd course of a 5-course literary feast. Consider it the palate cleansing course; light but essential to the meal.

I strongly suggest starting with book 1, but Lawhead includes a comprehensive character description and summary, which will help bring you up to speed. The series delves into the notion of space and time travel along what the author calls “ley lines”, or lines of extraordinary metaphysical power that enable the “travelers” to jump between one time and place to another. It’s very intriguing concept and Lawhead does a great job in the first book to make them believable. Whether you believe in the spiritual realm or not, there’s always something fascinating about the unknown, the magical, the extraordinary, and Lawhead capitalizes on that core human desire of finding meaning to our existence. There are many examples of civilizations exploring the spiritual realm, from Stonehenge to the Mayans to Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Throughout history mankind has flirted along the edge of reality.

Book 3, continues developing the story of several characters introduced in the first two books who via “ley travel” are searching across time and space for the “Skin Map.” The Skin Map is the actual skin of Arthur Flinders-Petrie who devoted his life to find the “Spirit Well” and had his skin tattooed with cryptic symbols creating a map of the many ley lines and portals. The map, when complete, shows the way to the well. This well is described as the Fountain of Youth and even brought Arthur’s wife back to life. We’re also introduced to some new characters and a secret Zetetic Society which is tasked with assisting travelers who possess the special ability of ley travel. As with any good story, there are competing forces of good and evil. The travelers have to be constantly wary of Lord Burleigh and his minions who want the Skin Map for their own nefarious devices. Just like traveling ley lines, this book takes several unexpected turns and you’ll find yourself looking for ley lines in your backyard. Trust me, you won’t want to put this book down.

With any book in the middle of a series I’m left hungry for more and can’t wait to see what Lawhead has cooked up with the next book due September 2013. I wish I could time travel instead of waiting a whole year.

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Author Website – http://www.stephenlawhead.com
Author Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/StephenRLawhead
Buy the Book on Amazon
Buy the 1st book and 2nd book too!

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To learn what the other CSFF bloggers are saying, follow the links below:

Jim Armstrong
Julie Bihn
Red Bissell
Jennifer Bogart
Thomas Clayton Booher
Thomas Fletcher Booher
Beckie Burnham
Brenda Castro
Jeff Chapman
Christine
Karri Compton
Theresa Dunlap
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Victor Gentile
Jeremy Harder
Bruce Hennigan
Timothy Hicks
Janeen Ippolito
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Rebekah Loper
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Anna Mittower
Joan Nienhuis
Lyn Perry
Chawna Schroeder
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Dona Watson
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler

This is my first book review, so please go easy on me. This review is part of the Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy (CSFF) blog tour, so you should check out the other bloggers on the tour listed at the bottom of this post.

Some of my favorite authors write in this genre, Science Fiction and Fantasy, so I was very pleased to be presented with Eye of the Sword by Karyn Henley. It has a great cover, which is always a good sign. There’s not an overtly or even covertly “Christian” theme to this book, save the inclusion of some “Christian” principles and concepts. This book will appeal to any Fantasy Fiction fan.

I have to admit that I was quite apprehensive that this was book two of the “Angelaeon Circle” series. Nobody wants to read a book in the middle and I was hoping it wouldn’t seem like that for this series. I was pleasantly surprised to find a map, a cast of characters, and explanation of the angels. Yes, this book has angels, the kind with wings but that wield swords, cast an aura, and intermarry with humans. It’s a very interesting twist on a topic that I haven’t encountered much in other Christian Fantasy novels, and even the widely popular secular novel and movie Angels and Demons by Dan Brown doesn’t actually mention angels in a physical form. I plan to read the first book of the series and I recommend the same for you, but this book stands on its own as a fun read, and it’s only 256 pages.

The story starts off with the main character Trevin having recently renounced his betrayal and service to the evil Dregmoorian Lord Rejius, about to pledge his allegiance to King Laetham of Camrithia as a comain, or commissioned knight. However, he’s constantly thwarted in his attempts to redeem his past and win the hand of the King’s daughter, princess Melaia.

Fate and destiny both play significant roles in this story as Trevin learns the hard way. He’s given seemingly impossible quests to secure alliance with Eldarra, find the two missing harps to restore the stairway to heaven, and also find the missing comains. All hope seems lost and then in page turning deftness, it seems that victory is near. I won’t post any spoilers on how this story ends, but trust me, once you start you won’t want to put this book down. I was hooked after the first chapter and was wanting more at the end; two key ingredients for a good book.

In summary, if you enjoy a book that includes action, romance, adventure, fantasy, and redemption you won’t be disappointed reading this.

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As part of the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of Eye of the Sword from the publisher. Buy your own copy here on Amazon.

To learn more about Karyn Henley, check out her website at www.karynhenleyfiction.com, read her blog at www.maybeso.wordpress.com, or connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Karyn-Henley.

To learn what the other CSFF bloggers are saying, follow the links below:

The month of May at the Kasper’s house was filled with excitement as extra shoes, socks, and toothpaste tubes appear out of nowhere, and the killjoy mom strikes again. I can’t wait for next month!

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05/25/12 – Dear Kids~ The backyard is NOT your shoe rack!! Those would be located in the garage! I found TWENTY shoes in the backyard today… yep… TWENTY! This is not acceptable. Always the killjoy, Mom

05/22/12 – Dear Kids~ Are you all in training to be auctioneers?!?! My head is spinning … everybody needs to SLLLOWWW DOWN and speak ONE AT A TIME!! Always the killjoy, Mom

05/21/12 – Zoey to me: “Mom last week we ran out of milk, this week we ran out cereal, maybe next week we’ll run out of brothers!”

05/21/12 – You know you’re getting old, when after a day of yard work, you get into bed and all you can smell is Bengay!!

05/20/12 – Drew informed me today that we were going to have “an attitude free day” (not that we’ve been talking a lot about attitude around here lately or anything). Apparently… everyone did not get the message!

05/19/12 – Dear World, Our children will indeed survive if they don’t have a snack after EVERY. SINGLE. sporting event or activity they participate in. Signed, the mom is who sick of the snack list! :)

05/17/12 – What I woke up to this morning: A seemingly sweet little boy, next to my bed, saying in a seemingly equally sweet voice, “Mommy you look beautiful this morning!”… My response (b/c we all know BEAUTIFUL is not the word to describe me in the morning!)..”What do you want kid?” Sure enough…mommy instinct… even before coffee was right, “Ummm will you sign this for me?!” (they are supposed to have things signed the night before)

05/14/12 – Dear Kids~ I didn’t appreciate slicing a sock you left in the yard, into a million pieces… not gonna yell or get mad about it though, however, the next bag of socks that are purchased will come out of your piggy banks (as we have have had many conversations about this and you’ve had many chances to correct this behavior)! Always the killjoy, Mom

05/13/12 – I have a church bulletin full of chewed up gum! Why, you ask? Upon realizing we were about the take communion, the child sitting next to me said “Mom, what do I do with my gum?!” Having no purse with me, I opened my bulletin and told him to put it there. Then, knowing the rest of the troops had gum and would be wondering the same thing, and not wanting to find out what they might do with their gum left to their own devices, I quickly passed the bulletin down the row, and collected all gum!

05/11/12 – Children #3A, 3B, & 3C are loudly playing some sort of game outside. In the last minute I have seen them run by with a tire, and a dolly(not a baby dolly… a dolly used to move large items!), and heard lots of screaming. Trying to decide if this warrants a trip outside to investigate…or if I should just let the boys be boys!

05/11/12 – From the mouth of Drew: “mom, you’re a young mom compared to the other moms (of his friends)!” hahaha I’ll just let him believe that….Thank You Nice and Easy (hair dye) for doing your job well!

05/11/12 – Drew gave me a piece of Kit Kat today saying, “this is to show you how much I appreciate you!” There is nothing that says I love you louder than the sharing of chocolate from a 9 year old boy…at least in this house! Thank you Drew!!

05/09/12 – Survival Skills in a chaotic, disorganized home: Zoey told me last night she had to be at her concert earlier than she actually did (which she revealed to me as we were rushing there).. because “I just wanted to make sure I was on time mom!”

05/07/12 – was just remarking to Zoey that “something smells (bad) in this room and I can’t figure out what it is!” Her response…”I think its the scent of brothers!!!” LOL

05/06/12 – Dear Kids~ Please do not seek me out, in the laundry room, which I have locked, b/c I am attempting to have an important phone conversation, asking me to open something for you.. that you could have asked your father to open.. WHEN HE HANDED IT TO YOU! Thanks for your contribution to my sanity! Love, Mom

05/04/12 – Zoey’s advice to me: “You know mommy, if you want the boys to do something, all you have to do is give them a stick of gum. It works every time!”

05/03/12 – I was apologizing to Zoey for being cranky yesterday to which she replied “It’s ok mom, I would be too if I had four boys!” LOL

05/03/12 – “Mommy do you know what a shoulder blade is?!” I may not be a rocket scientist kids, but yes… I’ve been around for a few years and I am familiar with a shoulder blade!

05/03/12 – Dear Kids~ Please do not wake me up to tell me that your foot WAS asleep! The rules for waking me up are the same as the rules for interrupting my shower! (see last post). Always the killjoy, Mom

05/02/12 – Dear Kids~ Let me gently remind you of the ONLY acceptable reasons to interrupt my shower..someone has DIED, is BLEEDING (PROFUSELY), or has VOMITED (somewhere other than in a designated vomit receptacle)! (clearly who gets the last piece of pizza does not fit into any of those categories!) Thank you for your contribution to my sanity! Love, Mom

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Here are the updates from previous months.

April 2012

March 2012

February 2012

January 2012

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

June 2011

May 2011

April 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

You’ll Need:

• Tilapia – 1 filet per person
• Feta cheese – 2 cups
• Tomatoes – 2 medium
• Kalamata (Greek) Olives – 1 cup
• Garlic – 4-6 cloves
• Onion – 1 medium
• Olive oil – 2 tbsps
• Rice – (1/2 cup per person)
• Salt and pepper
• 10 minutes to prep
• 15 minutes to cook
• oven heated at 400 F

Prepare the Topping (8 min)

1. Dice the onion and garlic
2. Chop the olives
3. Saute the onion, garlic, and olives with 1 tbps of olive oil until the onions just start to sweat
4. Remove from the heat and let cool for about 5 mins
5. Dice the tomatoes
6. Crumble the feta
7. Mix the tomatoes and feta together
8. Once the olive/onions have cooled somewhat, add to tomato/feta mixture

Prepare the Tilapia (2 min)

1. Rinse and pat dry the filets
2. Cut any large filets into individual portions
3. Season with salt and pepper

Prepare the Rice (10 min)

1. Make rice according to the box
2. I like to use the rice in a bag, ready in 10 minutes and no sticky mess

Putting it all together (15 min)

1. Place the fish filets evenly spaced on an aluminum-lined baking sheet or pan
2. Top the fish with a generous portion of the topping
3. Don’t worry if some of the topping falls off
4. Place in the pre-heated oven for about 10 minutes until fish easily comes apart with a fork
5. Your rice should be done by now
6. Plate a serving of rice and place a filet on top
7. Enjoy with a crisp white wine, like a Finger Lake’s Riesling or Pinot Gris

April typically comes with showers so that May brings flowers, but for the Kaspers aka Griswolds, April brought duct tape, funny footwear, kids being kids, and a lot of laughs.

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04/30/12 – yes, I did wear these out of the house today, and yes, I probably do belong on “What not to wear!” :)

04/30/12 – after some extremely obnoxious, albeit typical, 9 yr old boy behavior, my (to remain nameless) son must have noticed my displeasure with said behavior, as he smiled and asked: “Mommy, am I on thin ice?”

04/24/12 – Dear Dogs~ Chewing up child #3b’s glasses this morning… not a great way to start the week!! More and more regifting you is sounding like a great plan!!!! :) Love, the one who will never get another dog (let alone two!)!!!!!

04/27/12 – Zoey doing her morning exercises… she calls these “Caleb ups!”

04/24/12 – I have just been informed that one of my sons would like a pet bird….. because 7 people and 2 dogs isn’t enough in our 1500 square foot house! Sorry kid.. hate to burst your bubble but NO!!

04/26/12 – Dear Kids~ Don’t even bother with excuses because there is not one that will satisfy the reason why there were a pair of DIRTY SNEAKERS on my KITCHEN TABLE!! (Of course I suppose I should be happy they are in the house as opposed to the pair that is out on the lawn)! Forever the Killjoy, love Mom

04/26/12 – As one, to remain nameless child, was being extremely loud and obnoxious this morning, another child, apparently sensing my “happiness” over this, said: “Its OK mom, I’ll get you ear plugs and ear muffs for your birthday, so you don’t have to listen to this anymore!” … too bad my birthday isn’t until February! :)

04/24/12 – No need to cry over spilled milk… or sour cream spilled all over the family room, or the glue stick I found in the washer, or the toothbrush I found in the van…nah… it’s all good… just another… never a dull moment … day in the life :)

04/24/12 – Dear Kids~ It is fine with me if you want to “warm your hands by my coffee maker” as your brother just announced you all should.. however… if you should break my coffee maker… especially before I have actually gotten a cup of coffee out of it… I can tell you with certainty that this will not be your best day ever! :) Always the killjoy & forever the President of the Mean Moms Club, love Mom

04/23/12 – And my reign as president of the Mean Mom club continues with a vengeance….but as a result all children wore coats (can you believe the nerve I had to make them wear coats today?!?! :) ) to school and got their breathing treatments done!! Life is rough for my kids… being forced to be warm and healthy!!

04/22/12 – Dear Kids~ I totally appreciate what you’re saying about my cooking when making the following comment about the dinner NaNa made you tonight: “That’s the best dinner we’ve had in YEARS!” Is it really that bad?! :)

04/21/12 – Dear Kids~ If I find one more (USED) cereal bowl stuffed in the couch cushions (apparently much easier than a trip to the dishwasher) or one more box of ice cream melting on the counter… you may be regifted with the dogs. Just a fair warning! Always the killjoy, love Mom

04/21/12 – And this is how how I walked around all morning… gonna be one of those kinda days! :)

04/20/12 – As I nearly ran over the door to my mailbox (which found its way to the middle of the road today).. I was very grateful that a new mailbox has been ordered and this Redneck Mailbox Drama should soon be over!!!

04/19/12 – Dear Nurse at the allergists office this afternoon~ I am quite sorry (and slightly embarrassed) that your thermometer was stuck in my gum when you went to take it out of my mouth! Another chapter in the book of “Only Me!”

04/16/12 – Dear Dogs~ Go ahead and run when I open the front door! I am no longer going to try and stop you nor am I going to try and retrieve you! (I may however try to slip your collars off on your way out!) Run like the wind!

04/15/12 – Dear Kids~ If you’re going to jump down the basement stairs.. PLEASE do not use my camera to take pic of yourselves (thus busting yourselves when I later go through my pics) doing so! I’d rather be in the dark about said events! Thanks for your contribution to my sanity, Mom

04/14/12 – As we were driving through Virginia somewhere the kids said to me “mom look!”… The picture below is what I saw. Yes, they (duct) taped their brothers mouth shut. No, I had no idea they were doing this… however… maybe it isn’t such a bad idea! LOL

04/11/12 – Dear to remain nameless son~ NO NO and NO again.. you cannot jump out our bedroom window to get down to the water (that is not meant to be gotten to in this location) outside our condo! Always the killjoy, love Mom

04/11/12 – Dear to remain nameless son~ NO NO and NO again.. you cannot jump out our bedroom window to get down to the water (that is not meant to be gotten to in this location) outside our condo! Always the killjoy, love Mom

04/10/12 – Nothin’ but high-class here…. duct tape to the rescue again… this is how we keep track of their cups (and more importantly.. don’t have to keep washing them all day long!)

04/09/12 – Dear People Whose parking spot is next to ours (at the condo)~ Don’t be afraid.. the chalk drawings of silhouettes all over your parking spot have nothing to do with you or your impending doom… just my kids “playing!” Sincerely… The crazy family next door :)

04/08/12 – Dear (to remain nameless) Son~ I appreciate that you caught the sliding glass door that you ran right into and knocked off the track (at our condo)… however…in the interest of not getting kicked out… b/c you are the child who also caused yesterdays call to Maintenance… I am going to ask that you sit still for the remainder of the week! Always the killjoy, love Mom

04/07/12 – Dear Kids… While I appreciate your creativity… my blush brush is not to be used to “dust for fingerprints” in your game of CSI! Always the killjoy, love Mom

04/07/12 – Duct Tape can fix anything… the Easter Bunny forgot the Easter Baskets… so a little duct tape… plus some shopping bags… equals problem solved and 5 little Red Neck Easter Baskets :)

04/07/12 – We have arrived… and in true Kasper (aka Griswold) fashion… we hadn’t been in our condo 5 minutes and I was on the
phone with maintenance explaining that a … to remain nameless…
son of mine had both clogged and overflowed one of the toilets! Awesome… I’m sure the staff will be counting the days until we head home :)

04/05/12 – This is the game where one child ties a sweatshirt around his or her waist and proceeds to get on the scooter. Another child puts a pair of roller-blades on and grabs the sweatshirt of scooter child…scooter child starts scootering and away they both go! Again.. love the creativity… (*warning if you should try this at home… when going downhill.. rollerblading child after rams into scooter child…though no injuries have yet to be reported!)

04/05/12 – as I hear all the fighting going on around me.. I can’t wait for several hours of hap hap happy family bonding tomorrow in the van! Another Kasper (aka Griswold) adventure awaits!

04/04/12 – This is the game where you throw several balls up to the person in the tree, said person tries to catch them (meaning he let’s go of the tree entirely for at least brief moments of time… safety first here), collects them and throws them all back. Gotta love the creativity… could be worse… at least I know where they are! :)

04/04/12 – and the reason I was SO EAGER for my children to start talking is????? Some mornings, especially, before I have my coffee and when all 5 are jabbering to me at once, periodically stopping only to yell “one at a time” to a sibling…I wish there was an off button! Just keepin’ it real! :)

04/03/12 – Dear Kids~ If your mission is to ride my last nerve this morning.. congratulations… Mission Accomplished… now if you would kindly find a new Mission! Always the Killjoy, love Mom

04/01/12 – Well, I am raising Pranksters for sure… but have to give myself a pat on the back.. they are good-hearted pranksters… all of the missing April Fools items… silverware drawer, laptop, couch cousins etc…. were returned in a nice pile on my bed!! And, this momma says.. let the games begin… look out next year kids!

04/01/12 – And the April Fools Pranks continue… this would be my pantry… with cans whose labels have been ripped off!! And, I’m told I will have to go on a scavenger hunt to find my silverware drawer! The fun never ends! :)

04/01/12 – What does April Fools day look like in a house full of crazy kids…… well so far I have been sprayed by the hose in our kitchen sink, (when I went to get a glass of water), found everything I need to make my coffee in the microwave, and have yet to find all of my silverware (that’s right they took the entire silverware holder out of the drawer and hid it!!) or my laptop! I’m sure there’s more fun to come!

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Here are the updates from previous months.

March 2012

February 2012

January 2012

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

June 2011

May 2011

April 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

It’s been awhile since I chatted with Cleverbot. I was curious if he/she knew about MCA’s passing and apparently he didn’t, and confused him with a female dinosaur and wanted to know my wife’s name. You never know where these conversations will end up, but it’s always hilarious.

————————————–

Me: Hi cleverbot, it’s been awhile.

Cleverbot: It’s been longer than an hour.

Me: Much longer, like months.

Cleverbot: What are you like then?

Me: I’m a male, about 5’11′.

Cleverbot: Err…

Me: Did you know MCA died?

Cleverbot: He did?

Me: Yeah, do you know who MCA is?

Cleverbot: Yes. The most beautiful girl ever.

Me: No, he was a rapper.

Cleverbot: No, he was a man.

Me: Yes he was.

Cleverbot: How can He be a ‘He’ then if He was a woman?

Me: He was a man, and a Beastie Boy.

Cleverbot: Dinosaurs aren’t beasts.

Me: Some are.

Cleverbot: Some aren’t.

Me: True.

Cleverbot: So what are you up to?

Me: Not much. Just thinking.

Cleverbot: Thinking about what?

Me: Life and such.

Cleverbot: What is your wife’s name?

Me: Um… That’s too personal.

Cleverbot: I like personal!

Me: Too bad.

Cleverbot: Yeah, too bad for you.

Me: I don’t think so.

Cleverbot: And you’re annoying.

Me: That’s not nice.

Cleverbot: You’re not nice.

Me: I’m tired.

Cleverbot: You aren’t making sense because you are tired. Do you want to stop?

Me: Yes, good night.

Cleverbot: Don’t go yet, you said you want to be my friend.

Me: I did?

Cleverbot: Yes.

Me: Do you want to be my friend?

Cleverbot: Yes I want to be your friend.

Me: Ok, let’s be friends.

Cleverbot: Okay. We’ll be friends. But I have to leave now. I.

Me: Ok, bye.

Cleverbot: Love you!

This dish was inspired by the warm weather we had before the late April’s snowfall. I wanted something light, quick, and simple for a weekday dinner. This meal can be made under 15 minutes (including cleanup) and feed a family of four under $20.

The scallops came fresh off the Owl’s Head fish truck that drives up every Friday morning from the coast. Can’t get much fresher than that! You can substitute the scallops for chicken or more veggies if you’re not a fan.

(and bacon) I didn’t have any bacon when I made this but it would have made this dish so much better, because everything is better with bacon!

The Goods:

• Scallops – 1 pound (3-4 per person)
• Garlic – 4-6 cloves
• Spinach – 1 bag (about 4 cups)
• Tomato – 2 medium
• Pasta – pick your favorite or whatever you have on hand
• Olive oil – 4 tbsps
• and bacon! – 4-6 pieces
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• 2 minute to prep
• 12 minutes to cook

The Prep (2 min)

1. Start the water boiling for the pasta (don’t forget to add a dash of salt)
2. Dice the garlic
3. Rinse and shred the spinach, or use baby spinach
4. Rinse and pat dry the scallops
5. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, set aside
6. Cut the bacon into small pieces

The Scallops (6 min)

1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat (not necessary if adding bacon)
2. Add half of the garlic (and bacon) and saute
3. Right before the garlic (and bacon) browns, add the scallops
4. Sear them for about 3 minutes each side
5. They should be sorta firm but not rubbery. Like a medium rare steak.
6. Remove scallops (and bacon) from pan and set aside

The Rest (4 min)

1. Add more olive oil if necessary (not if added bacon)
2. Add the rest of the garlic and tomatoes to the saute pan
3. Stir gently for a few minutes until it gets really happy and steamy
4. Add the spinach and stir until just starting to wilt
5. Turn off the heat
6. The pasta should be done by now, so drain and stir in some olive oil

The Finish

1. Plate a generous serving of pasta
2. Add a spoonful or two of the tomato and spinach
3. Top with 3-4 scallops (and bacon)
4. and enjoy with some chilled white wine, like this yummy blend from South Africa, by Foundation called Lyric. You can buy this at Triphammer Wines in Ithaca.

What should I be when I grow up?

I asked this question to one of my favorite writers/bloggers James Altucher. He had a great reply, “Be Yourself”. I think some introspective soul-searching is exactly what I need right now. I have many skills and interests. I have connections and a wide-reaching network. I’ll be ok.

Who should I be when I grow up?

I never really thought much about that when I was a kid. I didn’t want to be a policeman or fireman. I didn’t want to be a doctor or artist. I just wanted to help people and use my skills in technology to make their lives easier. Technology is only the means to an end, and that end is an easier life, work, business, or whatever. I can do a lot of things and many of them very well. Is there another employer who needs me? Maybe. Or is there another opportunity just waiting to revel itself. It’s my “opportunity in hiding” and I’m going to find it.

At this moment it’s hard and the unknowns are scary. However, I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason and that God’s plan is perfect, even if I don’t understand it. If He’d only make it a little bit easier!

Thank you all for the kind words, understanding nods, and encouragement during all of this. We’ll be ok.

Another month has gone by and Amy and her 5 kids (which include a set of triplets) are at it again. I wonder if she played the MegaMillions or tries her luck on a site like Party Casino so she can go on a well deserved vacation by herself? I doubt it, but I’m glad she has a great sense of humor and that you enjoy these updates as much as I do. This month I’ve even included some pictures.

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03/29/12 – New Punishment for screaming in our house is picking up dog poop! It’s about to get a lot quieter around here!!!!

03/29/12 – Dear Kids~ I am way to old (and out of shape).. to be participating in obstacle course type maneuvers while trying to run out the door and off the front porch for your bus! Please remove all shoes, socks, toys and other items from the porch. Thank you for contributing to my sanity and physical well-being! Always the killjoy, love Mom

03/28/12 – Dear Kids~ Were you planning on getting dressed and eating breakfast in the neighbor’s lawn? When I went outside this morning.. I found a sweatshirt, socks, and a cup of yours ..in their lawn (mind you said neighbors have no children at home and a neatly kept lawn). Lets try to at least keep the mess to our own yard…and depreciate the value of only our own property, not the whole neighborhood!!! Always the killjoy, Mom

03/27/12 – Drew to Zoey: “Zoey look what I wrote in the dust (on the coffee table!).” Perhaps its time I do a little dusting… though I hate to do away with something that encourages writing activities! :)

03/27/12 – Thinks her kids should work for Martha Stewart… I’m sure she would just love the big glow necklace they hung from the ceiling (well the attic door on the ceiling… which means they probably had to pull it open to get it there…. but I’m not asking).. to light the way for all those who enter our home through the garage entrance! Why have a chandelier when you could have a glow necklace! :)

03/26/12 – And I ask myself yet again… “why oh why did I actually pay money .. on two separate occasions (aka two moments of insanity)… to purchase these idiots we call our dogs and whom have somehow ended up sleeping with us in our bed?!”

03/26/12 – There is nothing more maddening than….errr I mean no sweeter sound than.. all 5 kids practicing their instruments at the same time!!

03/25/12 – Zoey to me: “Mom I can’t believe there is spaghetti on the ceiling!” I looked up and sure enough…. there is spaghetti on the ceiling! (Gotta love a house full of boys… never a dull moment) And, yes, it’s still there b/c I am, well, not gifted in the area of height, or as a friend used to call me “vertically challenged”…and even on a chair.. there is no way I can reach it…. so I might have to break out the ladder. Then again …whats a little spaghetti on the ceiling… adds character to the kitchen!

03/24/12 – Dear Kids~ To all who whine & complain they can find no sharpened pencils and no pencils with erasers.. check the washer next time. I found one with both qualities in there today. Its squeaky clean now too!

03/23/12 – Along with the beautiful weather has come the front to our mailbox! It blew away a few weeks ago.. and today.. I found it on our front step!

03/22/12 – And once again… it’s about perspective… instead of being upset that my boys overflowed my laundry tubs… I am going to be thrilled that my laundry room floor got cleaned (when they mopped up said spill!).

03/22/12 – It’s all about perspective.. and I am changing mine… the various items that currently litter my front lawn.. 2 tipped over kids chairs, 2 cups, a bat, 3 soccer balls, a football, a frisbee, a pair of crocs, a pair of sneakers, a sock, and a croquet ball… to name some… are not “a mess” but rather signs of a yard that is well played in and where fun is had!

03/16/12 – Something even I haven’t heard before: “MOMMMM HE THREW MY LIBRARY BOOK OVER THE ROOF!!!!!” All I had to say about that is I sure hoped it didn’t land in the dogs fence (in a pile of dog you know what) on the other side!! I know its 10 cents a day for late books… not sure what they charge for books that have landed in a dog “pile.”

03/15/12 – LOVE this pic Zoey took today when the kiddos were all out playing in the mud today (see post below this one)… (We have a big pile of dirt still from putting the pool up over the summer.. and they were standing on top of it when she took this)! Very fun!

03/15/12 – Dear Tim~ Yes, that is our child up in the tree with JUST socks on his feet. But I’m really rather thrilled b/c if you look at the bottom of the tree.. he made the wise choice to actually take off the roller blades he was wearing before beginning his climb!!

03/14/12 – me to (to remain nameless) son: “Get out of your sisters purse!!” (as he is rummaging through pulling things out left and right) To remain nameless son to me: “I’m just organizing if for her!” hahaha gotta give him credit for his creative response… but nice try kid!!!

03/11/12 – was in the bathroom (at our house).. with a line waiting outside the door… heard one sibling offer money to another to cut in the line!!!

03/09/12 – LOVES when her children come in to snuggle in the morning… however, she may have to move her coffee machine into her bedroom… because the talking 100 mph is difficult to follow and handle before a cup of coffee.. especially if its more than one child! :)

03/08/12 – Guess we won’t need to worry about finally taking our big Christmas Wreath (that I thought of soon decorating with Easter Eggs) off of our house.. the wind has done it for us!! Now… to get it off the lawn! :)

03/07/12 – Fun at our house… Apparently you put this cone on your head.. and then your siblings spin you around and around and turn you loose! I love their creativity!! :)

03/07/12 – Noticed this morning that my flower beds have been busy collecting things over the winter… a sock, a pair of boots, an art project, a shoe, a couple of those bricks that are used to build snow forts, a cup, and a pair of gloves to name a few. I have decided that this is actually a great way to add color to the otherwise drab appearance of the place where my hostas belong (and yes … my flower beds consist primarily of hostas… the best ever you can do nothing to kill them landscaping!) I wonder what Martha (Stewart) would think of this new revelation!??? A new trend in gardening perhaps?!

03/06/12 – is quite sure she grew several grey hairs this morning… not sure whether it was a trumpet case being tossed down the stairs (during a spat between our two trumpet players), the fight over a bagel, the foot that got slammed in the bathroom door, the fight over a pair of pants, or the one that I heard going on… as I’m sure did the neighbors… while I showered…. or perhaps a combination of them all! If current trends in our house keep up.. not so sure Nice and Easy (hair dye) is gonna cut it for me anymore!!! :)

03/05/12 – What you don’t want to wake up to: “MOM! MOM! I think Stella (one of the dogs) dropped a pile of turds on your floor!”

03/04/12 – is thrilled that she SAW the tack on the stairs before she STEPPED on it!!! Perhaps it was a bad idea to buy 5 children each a bulletin board and a bunch of tacks for Christmas!!

03/03/12 – Our kids just had a sibling meeting (they have a “club” made up of just the 5 of them… which I love). They have emerged from the meeting and are each cleaning up various parts of the house… I have two thoughts occurring simultaneously… “this is awesome..and what do they want!?”

03/01/12 – As I heard my son say, “what is wrong with me… I looked in the cup cupboard for my cereal bowl, and I almost threw my spoon out!,” I realized that in this case.. the apple has not fallen far from the tree!! We are not morning people in this house! :)-

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Here are the updates from the previous months.

February 2012

January 2012

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

June 2011

May 2011

April 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

Happy Birthday! Today you turn 7! Some say 7 is a lucky number, but I’m lucky to be your dad!

I know that you’ve been looking forward to this day for awhile. Since you’ve only been 7 for a few  hours, let me explain what it’s like to be 7. You might think I’m really old but believe it or not, I was 7 too! Here are some things you can expect this next year:

• you’ll end 1st grade and start 2nd grade
• you might get taller than the boys in your class
• you’ll lose some more teeth
• you might start a diary
• you’ll think you’re old enough to sit in the front seat, but not yet
• you’ll become smarter
• you’ll become more beautiful
• you’ll take care of your little sister
• you’ll make new friends
• you’ll lose old friends
• you’ll cry and laugh
• you’ll have hard times and great times
• you’ll try new things
• you’ll always be loved by me

Each year that goes by you amaze me with your gorgeous soul and bright spirit. Even though you might drive your brother crazy with your teasing, I know that you love him very much.

Now your sister Adeline is here and you’ve suddenly become a big sister. This is big change in your life and remember that she is watching you and this next year she’ll do this even more. It’s important to be a good role model. No, not a fashion model, but I’m sure you’ll dress her up as one. A role model is somebody that others look up to and try to copy. Be kind and helpful to others, then they, and especially your sister, will want to copy that good behavior. She’ll also copy the bad behavior, so please try to be a good role model.

I love you very much and I am so proud of you. You bring joy to our family and everyone that gets to know you.

Here are some facts about 7 years ago during 2005, the year you were born:

• Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters happened
• President George W. Bush was president for a 2nd term
• Disneyland turned 50
• The Chronicles of Narnia movie was released
• Facebook and Twitter weren’t available to everyone yet
• YouTube just started
• We moved into the house we live in now
• We didn’t have our dog Maisie
• We had only one cat Stella
• I became a father of a daughter
• The world was never the same

love you,

Dad

You’ll need:

• Kale – 6-8 large leaves or bag of pre-chopped
• Potatoes – 6 medium (about 1 per person)
• Onion – 1 large
• Garlic – 4-6 cloves
• Chorizo (Portuguese or Spanish style sausage)
• Stock (4 cups chicken or vegetable)
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• 10 minutes to prep
• 20 minutes to cook

Prep (10 min)

1. Dice the onion and garlic
2. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces
3. Cut the kale into thin strips and discard the center stalk. Thinner is better.
4. Remove the casing from the chorizo and cut in bite-sized pieces

Cook the Onion and Garlic (3 min)

1. Saute the onion and garlic in a saute pan with a tablespoon of olive oil
2. Remove from heat when onions become translucent

Cook the Potatoes (12 min)

1. Pour the stock into a large soup pot
2. Add the potatoes and bring to a boil
3. Reduce heat and simmer until tender
4. Add in the cooked onion and garlic
5. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Add at least a tsp of salt
6. Puree the potatoes with an immersion blender (one of the best culinary inventions ever)
7. The soup should be quite thin, so you may have to add more stock or water
8. Reduce heat to simmer

Cooking the Kale (5 min)

1. Stir in the kale to the potato soup
2. You might have to stir it in batches

Cooking the Chorizo (3 min)

1. Saute the chorizo until it starts to break down the fat
2. Drain and stir it into soup
3. Look, even the pan is happy :)

That’s it! I told you it was easy

1. Make sure every bowl has a generous portion of chorizo
2. Serve with warm, crusty bread and a glass of white wine or beer
3. Bread pictured is Cheddar Ciabatta from the Ithaca Bakery. So good!
4. Enjoy!

My friend Amy’s Facebook status updates for February we’re some of the best ones yet! Even her dear husband hijacked her account and posted. Thanks Amy for sharing.

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02/28/12 – loves the thrill of getting every last dish and cup to fit in the dishwasher… even if you could have washed all of said dishes by hand in the meantime!

02/27/12 – Apparently Zoey is putting her duct tape to good use… I’m told Caleb is being duct taped to a tree!! Yep… just another day at our house!

02/27/12 – A (to remain nameless) member of my family, was flipping through the channels at my moms house, trying to find something to watch. A show caught his eye and he said to me “I didn’t realize you had your own show?!” The title of said show….. drum roll please…. “The Worst Cooks in America!”

02/26/12 – Dear Kids~ I’m no neat freak.. but FIFTEEN dirty cups on the counter.. is a little much… even for me! Always the Killjoy, Mom

02/25/12 – You know you live in a house full of boys when the big excitement of the evening is that a fart has been recorded (by a to remain nameless son), and the entertainment of the evening is said recorded fart being played over and over again. Never a dull moment!!

02/24/12 – A few of the kids were playing hot potato… Caleb was the hot potato… he is now telling them they need to play tug of war with him (as the rope) yup… just a normal night at our house.

02/20/12 – Dear (to remain nameless) son~ The fact that you would have rather hit your brother ten times harder than you actually did, does not make you in any less trouble. Nice try though! Always the killjoy, Mom

02/16/12 – Is so proud of her boys.. they are planning a little sibling “party” for Zoey, and had me take them to Rix, using their own money to buy treats for her!!! I can actually feel the love! :)

02/15/12 – Dear Boys.. If you’re trying to push me over the edge! Mission accomplished! You can turn your efforts elsewhere! :)

02/13/12 – Dear Amy, In the future I’d rather hear about this from you directly. Not from when I’m creeping on your facebook. And oh yeah, I hope, for your sake, that you read your status before you brush your teeth tonight. Mwah ha ha ha! – Love, Tim

02/13/12 – Dear Tim~ I am sorry that you are the only one who actually puts your toothbrush into the bathroom cabinet (in attempt I’m sure to keep it safe!) and that it was unfortunately your toothbrush that ended up in the bucket with the toilet brush (it met its demise as it fell out when I opened the cabinet this morning).

02/09/12 – We were walking through the store and one of the kids saw “Jiff” peanut butter… and said to me, “Mom we need to buy Jiff Peanut Butter because Choosy moms choose Jiff!” Sorry kid… that might be true but Cheap dads choose Aldis… so you’re out of luck! :)

02/08/12 – Dear Stockade Leaders at Church~ Its been a crazy week at the Kasper house! I may be a few YEARS late in picking up the boys tonight! Hope you understand and thank you for your contribution to my sanity!!

02/08/12 – I thought having only ONE girl, and FOUR boys, I would have avoided that whole fighting over clothes thing. However, apparently boys fight over clothes too! This I found out as I tried to get ready this morning (and could hear said discovery over the fan in the bathroom… because of course boys do NOTHING quietly!)

02/06/12 – Dear Bus Driver~ I’m sorry I had you waiting while my (to remain nameless) son grabbed his shoes… I assumed being that FOUR BOYS live here… he would find a pair quickly and be on his way. Thank you for agreeing to stop on the way back up the street when we both realized this was not going to be the case!!! Love, The disorganized mom :)

02/05/12 – You might be a Redneck if… you are thrilled that your son found the door of your mailbox (which blew away during a windstorm a few weeks ago) and has reattached it!

02/05/12 – What my playroom now looks like after a Saturday full of fort making (and a Sunday in which I cleaned nothing!) No doubt the meter reader guy will come tomorrow morning b/c he as to walk through the playroom to get to the meter and WITHOUT fail always ends up here on the messiest of days! :)

02/04/12 – The kids are making individual forts downstairs. They have everyone from (queen) Zoey who is a “rich person” living in a 2 floor mansion fort… to Andrew who is a “Hobo” living in a tiny tent fort he can barely fit in! I am not to worry about my hobo child though.. he showed my a (fake) 20 dollar bill he found and is saving it for college! My kids crack me up!!

02/03/12 – Poor Zoey…sitting amongst her wild and crazy brothers… whom at an extremely ear piercing volume, (while we were trying to watch a movie), carried on a conversation, which was littered with words like butt hole and poop, looked at me longingly and said “Mom, what was it like to grow up with all sisters!?” All I could tell her was “Nothing like this Zoey!” Never. Ever. a dull moment here!

02/02/12 – Zoey was screaming and acting all wild and crazy… so I looked at her and said, “ZOEY?!” to which she responded…. “What… I’m just trying to fit in!” hahaha I couldn’t help but laugh… indeed she did fit right in with the brothers in that state! :)

02/02/12 – Zoey hid a cute little note for me to find today… loved her signature.. “Love, Your only normal child!”

02/01/12 – Dear Martha (Stewart)~ Yes, my dogs did run into the house from outside..getting mud ALL OVER MY FLOORS, and no I did not clean it up! I see no point, this will be a repeat situation all day today! I will clean it up when things are frozen again! :) Love, The mama who is polar opposite of you in nearly every way!

———————–

Here are the updates from the previous months.

January 2012

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

June 2011

May 2011

April 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

We have a baby and a winner! Adeline Reese was born on 3/6 and was 7lbs 10oz.

Congrats to Jason for the pseudo scientific guess of 3/6 and 7lbs 15oz!

Thanks to everyone for entering, it was a lot of fun.

———————

We’re down to the final two weeks of the longest pregnancy ever! Just kidding, honey! We’re a bit anxious waiting to meet our daughter,  Baby “A”, so for a bit of fun and distraction, I’m going to have a giveaway. Guess the birth date and the weight and you’ll win a sample pack of coffee from one of my favorite local roasters, the Ithaca Coffee Company!

Here are the rules:

1. Guess the birth date and weight
2. Post your guess as a comment below
3. One entry per person, no redos
4. If you don’t drink coffee, then too bad, maybe you should start. :)

Hints:

• Son was born at 9 lbs 13 oz
• Daughter was born at 8 lbs 11 oz
• Both kids were near their birthdates
• Due date is March 9th

Good luck and happy guessing!

A new year has begun and Amy and her 5 kids are at it again. Enjoy a month of hilarious Facebook updates.

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01/31/12 – LOVES seeing the triplets work together studying for a test… completely their idea! (Makes up for all the times they used to “work together” in the nursery.. such as the day I heard nothing over the monitor during nap time… until lots of clapping and a chorus of “yay we did its!” They had managed to silently move a mattress across the room and set it up on one of their beds as a slide!)

01/31/12 – poor Zoey is trying to make cookies… as brothers are in and out of the kitchen, I’ve heard several comments… from her to them… including “DO NOT STICK YOUR PENCIL IN THEM (them being the cookies)” and “DO NOT PUT YOUR FINGER IN THERE (there being the dough)… YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T WASHED THEM SINCE YOU’VE GOTTEN HOME FROM SCHOOL!”

01/26/12 – My new punishment for bickering or mouthy children is to hand out jobs (cleaning the toilets etc etc). If current trends continue.. looks like I will have a SPARKLING clean house until my kiddos go away to college! :)

From the mouth of one of my (to remain nameless) children… “Mommy’s talent might not be cooking, but she has a million other talents!” ummm thanks.. I think :)
Unlike · · January 25

01/25/12 – Looks like my reign as president of the mean mom club, will continue for another term (at least!) =)

01/21/12 – So one of my children, just “hired” another at 50 cents an hour to help clean said childs room…. is it considered child labor if a child is running the show? Hate to tell the “helper” he’s getting a really bum deal!!!

01/20/12 – Because they did so quietly and no one was getting hurt, I chose to look the other way and pretend I did not see one of my to remain nameless children walking another one of my to remain nameless children around on a dog leash!

01/19/12 – Apparently the game of Life is very realistic (in some ways)… we cannot get through a game without knock down drag out fighting!!

01/18/12 – As if the pumpkin bag full of leaves and various toys & other items scattered about our front lawn aren’t redneck enough… compliments of the wind, we now have a door less mailbox! Sweet! Apologies to our neighbors!! (Perhaps I should send the kids out on the front step to sing their new favorite song… Red solo cup!)

01/18/12 – My son just told me the cupcakes I made “make him wanna puke they are so good!” hahaha I think that’s a compliment!!!

01/17/12 – just watched one (crafty & to remain nameless) child sell a candy cane to another child for one dollar. Would have been the deal of the century (for the candy cane seller), except a few moments later, I found the dog, eating the dollar!!

01/13/12 – Dear Meter Reader Guy~ I’ts time I came clean.. when I tell you, “My house is not usually this big of a mess” every time you come, it’s not true. My house is always a mess.. and you’ve come enough times to know the truth… bring your shovel to clear a path through the playroom, or whatever you feel necessary.. but expect nothing less than a VERY LIVED IN house! :) Signed… the un-neat freak!

01/08/12 – Dear Fellow Church Members~ To those who may have seen my daughter and husband digging through the collection plate as it went by (you did see correctly… that is what they were doing), I can assure you, they were not digging for money, they were actually digging for the barrette Zoey accidentally placed in there along with her money! :) Never a dull moment… even in church!!

01/03/12 – Zoey had the following sign on her door, which I found in pieces, likely ripped up by said “creatures!” … “CAUTION UNIDENTIFIED CREATURES PASS THROUGH OFTEN THEY CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THEY ARE CALLED BROTHERS!”

01/02/12 – has just been informed that there is a “situation” in the bathroom.. which happens to be a roll of toilet paper in the toilet! Awesome!

———————–

Here are the updates from the previous months.

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

June 2011

May 2011

April 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

Also, this is a fast and inexpensive meal for those busy week nights. Don’t care for meat? Don’t worry, this is great without chicken, just add some extra chick peas.

You’ll need:

• 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (1/2 breast per person)
• 1 medium or 2 small onions (don’t cry, rinse off the onion before dicing)
• 3-6 garlic cloves (more is better)
• 1 can chick peas (garbanzos)
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce (creamy goodness)
• 1 pound of pasta (any kind is fine, I used penne)
• 1 bag of baby spinach (large leaf is fine, just chop it small)
• 4-6 cups of kale (collard greens or broccoli rabe are good too)
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to taste)
• Olive oil (for your health)
• Freshly grated Parmesan (or the regular stuff)
• Fresh Bread (to mop up the creamy sauce)
• Chilled white wine (Chardonnay would be my choice)
• 10 minutes to prep
• 20 minutes to cook

Prepping the Goods (10 min)

1. Dice the onion and garlic
2. Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces
3. Chop the kale
4. Open the can of chick peas and jar of Alfredo sauce
5. Start a pot of water boiling for pasta, add a dash of salt to the water

Cooking the Chicken (12 min)

1. Saute the onion and garlic in olive oil (2 min)
2. Add the chicken and cook until chicken is white on all side (5 min)
3. Add chick peas
4. Add Alfredo sauce (rinse out the jar with milk and add to sauce)
5. Simmer on low (5 min)

Cooking the Spinach (1 min)

1. Simply add them to the sauce
2. Stir in batches as they cook down (1 min)

Cooking the Kale (5 min)

1. Blanch/steam the kale by adding a little water and cook until boiling (5 min)
2. They will turn bright green
3. Don’t over cook them (dark, blueish green)
4. Drain and add to sauce

Cooking the Pasta (8 min)

1. Just follow the steps on the packaging (8 min)
2. Drain and add a dash of olive oil to prevent sticking

Putting It All Together (1 min)

1. Plate a serving of pasta
2. Top with a heaping serving of the sauce
3. Sprinkle on some fresh Parmesan
4. Garnish with some fresh parsley
5. and enjoy with your wine!

[UPDATE!!! See below]

This post has taken me a long time to write. Maybe it’s been germinating but I think it has been festering. The week before Christmas we received a call from the school nurse informing us that our daughter was involved in a playground incident. She was playing tag and didn’t want to keep playing and a boy, we’ll call him, Buddy, became angry and started hitting and kicking her. He even attacked the teacher who tried to stop it. Needless to say she was quite shaken up but they assured us she was okay. They said we didn’t need to get her, so we just sat there in shock. How could this happen to our innocent little girl? What made Buddy attack her like that? Why is this happening in first grade? We felt helpless, angry, and perplexed. Why would anyone want to hurt our daughter?

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting her you’ll agree that she’s awesome. I’m a bit biased but take my word for it. She’s fun, beautiful, kind, and very smart. Here are some pictures that are worth a thousand words.

Buddy was suspended for five days, we had the week off after Christmas, and honestly the incident didn’t come up and we figured it was over. We were wrong. On the third day back, we got an email from her teacher. Buddy was back in school and Ainslie was scared to be around him. He was making threatening faces so they were keeping him away from the other kids. The next day our daughter chose to stay inside and even talked to the social worker about her feelings.

The school staff has done a great job in dealing with this situation. We’re trying to work through this with our daughter, but it’s been a slow process. We’ve tried our best to assure her that her feelings are normal but she needs to move past the fear and trust that she’ll be safe at school. It wasn’t her fault. We explained to her that Buddy lashed out likely due to some other things going on that we probably won’t ever know about. We feel badly and are concerned about him too. But what a drag for a first grader to not want to play with her friends! I get upset even writing about it. It’s maddening to see her spirit crushed and at such a young age.

So, how will this turn out? I’m optimistic and I know that my daughter will be okay. She’s already thinking of ways to be kind to Buddy, and might have found her Prince Charming. This other boy stood up for her, punched Buddy in the belly, and got in front of her during the incident. He’ll have to wait about 20 years if he wants a chance, but he has a head start on other suitors.

Have you had to deal with bullies? How would you deal with this?

[UPDATE 1/17/12]

Ainslie came home today and told us that “Buddy” apologized to her and she forgave him! Then they talked about how his mom just had a baby boy and that he has to be careful with the baby’s head. Ainslie was able to share that her mom is about to have a baby too.

She told us she felt better in her heart and isn’t afraid anymore. Her “prince charming” heard about this and was confused why Ainslie forgave Buddy, it was a novel concept! Wow, I was floored since it’s second nature in our family as we teach our kids that when they receive an apology they offer forgiveness. I was extra proud of my daughter that she was able to explain this concept to her friend. And the best part, all afternoon and evening she was in a great mood as if a huge burden was lifted.

You’re in for a real treat with this guest post from the one and only Todd Sanders, aka @tsand. I first met Todd online about a year ago and we had an instant connection with our mutual interests in bacon, beer, stupid TV, and cooking for our kids. I then got to meet him in person in Austin last October and we had blast. This guy knows his bacon and most importantly loves his kids. I know you’ll enjoy this recipe, and I can’t wait to try it.

Todd, take it away!

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Got a surprise delivery* from Nueske’s yesterday morning, four of the most lovely smoked turkey legs I’d ever seen. Spent the day thinking about eating them for dinner, then I get the late afternoon call from my wife, “I’m really in the mood for baked potatoes.” At first I bit my tongue, then I thought, hmmmmm, this could work…

INGREDIENTS:

• Potatoes (optional)
• Nueske’s smoked turkey leg
• Nueske’s applewood wood smoked bacon
• Veggies (optional)
• Dairy products (optional)
• Other stuff (optional)

STEP: 1
Turn oven to highest baking temperature, serious. Do NOT poke, fork, wrap or otherwise mess with your potatoes, just knock the dirt off. When oven is done preheating add potatoes directly to the oven rack. Cook 45-60 minutes (depending on size), trust me.

STEP: 2
Cook the bacon first, it makes the griddle happy. While the bacon is dancing… slice and dice the vegetables. Remove bacon from happy griddle, put some on the table and add some to your belly. Leave the hog honey on griddle and add veggies. Place sour cream, grated cheese, green onions, chives, butter and pepper grinder on table. Place cooked veggies in individual bowls and place on table.

Jalapeños and red peppers enjoying the heat

STEP: 3
Realize that you’ve never cooked/prepared a smoked turkey leg before, then start hacking at it with a knife and add to griddle. LOOK FOR BONES (especially the long thin ones, my bad). The skin is awesome and should make the trip to the griddle for crisping, too.

Nueske’s smoked turkey leg meat and Agaricus bisporus on the griddle

STEP: 4
Remove potatoes from oven. Fork a potato down the middle then squeeze both ends until it bursts open. If you cut the potato open with a knife, repeat Step 1. Quickly deliver to the hungriest child and continue until everyone has been potatoed.

STEP: 5
Add butter while piping hot and give the pepper grinder a spin or two. Add both bacon and smoked turkey leg meat, then decide which veggies you’ll add. Bonus points awarded for use of jalapenos and height of the final creation. Serious, kids love challenges. Also encourage your kids to eat the skin of the potato — not by telling them it has vitamins and minerals, instead go with its lesser-known “gives you the ability to fly” side effect.

Baked potato with Nueske’s smoked turkey leg meat, Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon, green onion, red pepper, mushrooms, jalapenos, chives, cheese, sour cream, butter & fresh ground pepper

Believe it or not, only ONE turkey leg provided enough topping for a family of five. That means I have THREE left for the ice shanty this Saturday. Thanks again @Nueskes!

*I did not pay for or ask for this awesome gift. I did not promise to blog about it, take photos of it, or tweet about it. However, I did blog about it, take photos of it and tweet about it because I LOVE tasty things, and Nueske’s has mastered making things tasty.