Overheard

Frankie: (singing) I am a child of God, and He has sent me here; Has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear. Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way. Teach me all that I LOVE YOU...

Asher: No! Teach me all that I'M A STEW...

Frankie: (skeptically) No...

Asher: Yeah, stew. It's like a soup.

Frankie: (shrugs) Teach me all that I'm a stew, to live with Him someday.

____________________________________________

Actual lyrics: Teach me all that I MUST DO, to live with Him someday.

Iraq-Iran

Isn't he handsome?

Frankie has Celiac Disease.

Now how 'bout that, pictures and words. It's been a while, huh? I've been really busy throwing myself a formidable pity party. I hate to be a Debbie Downer (except I really don't, just ask Miss Gen) so I've thought long and hard about how to put a positive spin on all of this.

This nice old guy in Sunday School told me I have "End of the World Syndrome" (after I started bawling in response to his "hello, how are you?"). He was right of course. Sure, life without wheat, barley, oats, and rye takes some getting used to, but that's all. Just some getting used to.

And lucky for us I've got a few tricks up my sleeve! Like this one:

*Thai Noodles
(Serves 6-8)

8 oz Rice Vermicelli
1 cup Baby Corn Cobs
1 1/2 cups Carrots, shredded
1 Zucchini, coarsely shredded
1 1/2 cups Mung Bean Sprouts
2 cups Napa Cabbage, chopped
1/2 cup Cilantro, chopped
3-4 Green Onions, chopped
1-2 Tbs Fresh Garlic, minced
1 inch French Ginger Root, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 cup Vegetable Broth
1/3 cup Natural Peanut Butter
1/3 cup Honey
1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
1/4 cup Organic Tamari (wheat-free Soy Sauce)
2 Tbs Rice Vinegar
2 tsp Chili-Garlic Sauce (I LOVE Thai Kitchens Sweet Red Chili Sauce)

Cook noodles in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, drain, and set aside. Combine green onions, garlic, ginger, and vegetable broth in a non-stick skillet. Saute for 2-3 minutes, then add peanut butter, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Whisk until smooth and heath thoroughly. Add noodles and remaining ingredients to the sauce and mix well. (I like to top it all off with a little more sweet chili sauce, 'cause it's just that good!)

These noodles are CRAZY delicious. See?

a saucy post-op Asher doing well

*I didn't invent this.  I had the recipe scribbled in pencil in a notebook, but don't know its source.  If this is your recipe, thanks.

What Shall We Name 'im?

I love St. Patrick's Day. After all, Ireland itself is my namesake.

We write letters to friends (to celebrate the written word), go on a treasure hunt in search of the new shoes a sneaky leprechaun has cobbled for us, and I make corned beef with cabbage, colcannon, and Irish soda bread.

But not this year!

I dropped the ball. We even forgot to watch Darby O'Gill! Setting this creepy, albeit completely awesome, leprechaun on the kitchen window sill was about as far as I got in preparing for this year's festivities. He needs a name. Any ideas?

After dinner the kids played "hide the leprechaun" with Aunt Nat before going to bed because I had an appointment and left them mid-meal.

This morning I sent Asher to school with a Lunchables in his backpack. Yesterday it was a strawberry Uncrustables.

Lord help me keep my head above water until me-husband returns. (I totally typed that in my best Irish accent)

Literary Gangstas

Saw this guy,
sagging pants, shaved head, gold tooth,
checking out a fat copy of a book called HOMEBOYZ.

And that, my friends, is why I love the public library.

That's My Girl

Opened my e-mail a few minutes ago to find this note from Jensie's teacher in my inbox:

Hi Erin!
I just wanted to share such a sweet experience that happened today with Jensie and Cate. Cate was very distraught about her uncle's health. Several things had reminded her of his illness and caused her sadness. Jensie had her hand on Cate's back, just soothing her with "It's okay, Cate. I've felt that way before..." and sharing her own experiences with Cate. She continued to comfort Cate until Cate could calm down.
I just thought you'd be so proud of her. It was so touching to see her compassion! Great job, Mom! I know she's learned this at home.:)
Have a great week!
Lisa

Or Better Still

I think what I love most about this one is that the only thing pictured that might actually be a part of the party is the 3rd ID patch. Everything else is just wishful thinking. Really wishful thinking.

Who's Up For a Little Pillow Fight?

Your tax dollars hard at work, folks! 

A Word of Advice

to everyone getting on my nerves:

Kindly refrain from insisting that I can't ride a bike everywhere. I can, and I will. If you actually think me incapable, you don't know me at all. I am not stupid. I know it will be hard. I know it will take some planning. I know it will be exhausting. I'm looking forward to it.

to that guy at the mall selling Dead Sea salt scrubs:

BACK OFF.

to Asher:

Grow. I am tired of buying wimpy baby clothes. Did you know that once you wear a size 5 T-Rex actually has pointy teeth? Seriously buddy, think about it.

That is all.

Looking Forward

to a sweet Georgia summer.