Warm enough for...

CROCS!  With the steady warming trend, it was time to sort through Thompson's next box of hand-me-downs for short-sleeved shirts for William.  In doing so, I uncovered T's first pair of crocs and figured, if the shoes fits, then might as well wear them.  He's ready for summer!

Peek-a-boo!

Fisher Park, Greensboro

Natural Science Center, Greensboro

A few snapshots from our morning excursion to the Natural Science Center (preceded by breakfast at Smith Street Diner, of course!).  Note the boys' new Guilford College hoodies courtesy of Papere.

WY at 15 months

Our jovial second son loves for his voice to be heard! These days he knows what he wants and is certain to make enough noise to get our attention. We try to remind him to "use his words" at which point he'll usually back off the volume and attempt to sign or speak what he wants.  His sign language is coming along as is his attempt to sound out words.  His newest (and most favorite) phrase these days is "uh-oh". I think sometimes he purposely drops things on the floor so he can practice. He has also taken to coloring in his big coloring book. We're continually amazed at how observant he is and his attempt to repeat/try things after what seems like only one-time observation. His 8th tooth cut through last week and his hair is still slowly, but steadily growing.  Now that it is beginning to get warm we're spending more time outside, and William, like Thompson, enjoys being outside.  He's taken to playing with the golf club, stomp rocket and soccer balls.

Unconditional Love

Our lessons must be taking root in Thompson's heart as he told William this morning over breakfast "I love you even when you make mistakes." Talk about stopping me in my tracks! Think he's heard that a time or two from his parents? And he went on to remind me that he loves me and daddy even when we make mistakes.

On a similar note, earlier in the week during Computer Pals at school, Thompson's class was asked to make a Valentine's card for anyone they wanted (family or friend)...and T made his card for William.

Bread Baking...Making Mom Proud

I enjoy cooking, but the urge to make homemade bread hasn't stuck me...until now.  I'll make scones, biscuits and sweet breads, but rarely do I tackle loaf breads.  I have vivid memories of my mother baking all the bread consumed in our home.  I wasn't too fond of it and considered it a delicacy to get white grocery store bread a couple times a year.  I can even recall asking friends at school why their bread was white while mine was brown.  Of course, striving to eat healthy and provide healthy foods for my family, all my boys know are brown, whole wheat breads. Anyways, thanks to Jackie Brown, I was inspired to make bread last week.  It was quick, easy and healthy!  I surprised myself and think I've probably surprised mom as well.

100% Whole Wheat Artisan Bread Dough
7 cups white whole wheat flour
1 1/2 T granulated yeast (or 2 packets)

1 T kosher salt

1/4 cup vital wheat gluten

3 1/2 cups lukewarm water

1/2 cup EVOO

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl (or plastic show box).  Let it sit out for 2 hours.  (No kneading required!)  Place it in the refrigerator and wait until ready to make bread.  Dough will remain fresh for one week.  To cook bread, preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Shape dough into desired shape and allow to rest for 15 minutes - 1 hour and bake from 15-30 minutes depending on size and shape of loaf. (for example, 1 pound loaf - let rest for 1 hour, bake for 30 minutes; sandwich things - let rest for 15 minutes, bake for 15 minutes)

That's right...easy, easy...and you can make fresh bread whenever you want!  From this one batch, I made 8 sandwich thins on Saturday, 4 sub rolls yesterday afternoon and 1 flat bread this morning (which I'm transforming into a pizza tonight).  The picture shows a sample of each.  I've still got some tweaking to do, but all-in-all, I'm proud of my first effort and imagine you'll find working dough in my frig most weeks.

T's Pre-K Assessment

We met with Thompson's teacher this morning to review his results from the Kindergarten readiness test he took a couple weeks ago.  Thompson did superb on all levels.  Ms. Dana said "Thompson exhibits a high interest in learning whatever we may be talking about in class.  He consistently uses good manners and follows classroom rules.  Thompson gets along and works well with his peers.  He is very helpful and cooperative.  Thompson is a pleasure to have in class!"  Ms. Dana also indicated Thompson has a good understanding of early phonics and knowledge of several sight words, and with such, anticipates he'll be reading before Kindergarten in the fall.  We're so proud of you T-man!

T's Weekend in GSO

It's been relatively quiet around the house the past few days...or probably better described as the quantity of noise has been reduced by 25%, but the volume has stayed the same thanks to William's eagerness to make his voice (and words) known.

Anyways, we're on our way to meet Mamere and Papere in Marion to pick up Thompson. Papere picked him up Thursday and took him to Greensboro for his 5th birthday experience with Mamere and Papere. From pictures and phone calls, it sounds like T has had a fabulous time (despite 2 days of rain) and experienced all the makings of a GSO weekend...the human body exhibit (birthday experience), children's museum, Yum-Yum's hotdogs (2 please) and ice cream (oreo), Stamey's BBQ and hushpuppies, homemade pizza with Mamere, movie matinee (Yogi Bear), church, breakfast at Smith Street Diner (the building with the coffee cup), Natty Greene's alongside the railroad tracks, the Depot and church. And, I have no doubt many other great memories were made. I know we'll get an ear-full on the drive home (and days to come).

This weekend has reminded me and made me keenly aware of the special relationship grandchildren have with their grandparents. I have fond memories of mine with my mother's parents and my dad's great aunt. We are so blessed T and WY have four grandparents who love and adore them, and it's especially neat to see T mature to the age where he came begin to spend quality time with them, making memories that will last him a lifetime.