New Year's in the South

Let's face it, Southerners can be a bit superstitious- especially about food. We've got all kinds of rules and sayings about the goings on of the kitchen. So, like many cultures across the nation and around the world, we have a special New Year's Day meal that is supposed to bring luck and prosperity: black eye peas (to represent coins), greens (to represent paper money), and pork (because it tastes good, I guess).

Every year I attempt a new preparation of this tradition and this one is no exception. So while waiting for signs of a coming baby, this is what I whipped up today- just in case I'm in no condition to cook on Tuesday. I love my husband, but he is a true Yankee.

Ashley's Black Eye Pea Burgers
1 10 ounce container of real black eye peas cooked in stock- Please don't use the canned ones that are all mushy unless that is all you have available, bless your heart
1 Tbsp ground flaxseed soaked with 3 T water, or you could use an egg
1/4 oatmeal, cooked rice, breadcrumbs- whatever binder you like for meatloaf and such
1 Tbsp dried greens, I used some kale powder from my garden. You could use fresh and wilted, too, but adjust your binding ingredients accordingly
garlic to taste, more is better
chili powder to taste
salt to taste

Mash it all together in your food processor, with your mixer, or a pastry blender. Form into 4 patties and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Cook over med-high heat in a sprayed pan until warm throughout. Serve with some bacon or as a side to some pork chops or on a bun with some mustard and hot sauce- whatever tickles your fancy.

Hope your 2013 is great, y'all!

Halloween ... finally!

Yes, it has taken this long to post Halloween pics. Here's a summary of the insanity ...

Friday night we had Trunk or Treat at our church. Charlie's costume fell apart and Elly wouldn't go to any of the other vehicles.

Monday we had our All Saints' Day party at co-op. Two different costumes for the kids, of which I have no pictures. But trust me, they were cute and easy.

Wednesday, Gram and Popi arrived. All four grandparents were here to help with Trick or Treat, plus Charlie's best friend Wilson came over. I think they went to about 10 houses total. Definitely worth all the effort I (and my friend, Elizabeth) put into making the Charlie the Engine costume.

Signs We Are In Trouble

Yesterday, Charlie told me he was going to stop playing with Gary so he could play with Ava and Taryn because they are pretty. Fathers: lock up your daughters.

Earlier this week, Eliana got into the pantry and opened one of those shrink-wrapped containers of juice boxes, removed and opened the straw, correctly put it in the little foil circle, drank the whole thing without spilling a drop, and placed the box in the garbage. 16 months.

Don't Call It A Comeback...

Yes, friends, it's been 2.5 years since I regaled you with stories of my offspring. In that time I've tried to keep people updated through facebook. I even attempted digital scrapbooking. But, guess what ... I'm not great at either. And we still have some family who have not joined facebook. And some friends who are not all that entertained by stories of potty training and such.

So, we're back here at Witty Baby!
Here's what you may have missed: Charlie learned to use the potty and ride a bike. He goes to homeschool co-op weekly, where he takes a kindergarten chemistry class. He still really loves trains and Cars, but is also interested in construction and maps. He tried his hand at fishing, and loves to cast and reel. However, he does not care for the actual catching of fish.

Elly was born in May of last year. She's frighteningly competent for such a tiny Peanut. Doesn't say anything except "hi" and "uh-oh," but she can get herself a juice box, complete with straw, and dress herself for bed, mostly. She knows what she wants and will let you know under no uncertain terms.

The Gruesome Twosome have recently earned the nickname Shadow Monkeys for the way they follow Double-Oh-Daddy around and climb on him. We expect to add to their ranks around Christmas this year.

Notable funnies of the day: When asked if she has pooped, Elly drops her chin and sniffs. Sometimes she responds with "shooo!" or just walks over to the changing table. At co-op yesterday, Charlie told one of his classmates during an art class, "I'm doing a great job- that's what my mom tell me." His teachers find him hilarious. I agree.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

In the car, listening to the radio the other day I started singing along with Def Leppard:

"And I want
And I need
And I..."

from the backseat I hear a little voice sing "Animal."

No, he doesn't sing along with Elmo or the ABCs. He picks The Lep for his singing debut. Way to go, Buddy!

Ladies and Gentlemen...

We have a potty-er!

After much discussion, prompting, pleading, etc. Charlie has decided that going peepee in the potty is awesome! Today he picked out a brand new Elmo potty and some matching underpants.

This must have been the magic ingredient. Within a few minutes of stripping from the waist down, he stopped playing and walked over to use the potty... standing up!

He's very proud of himself and the stickers he earned. I'm pretty proud, too.

The Indomitable Snowman

Or perhaps that's Adorable Snowman... regardless, The Boy had fun in the recent snowfall. This is the most accumulation he has been able to get into, about 8 inches. He really enjoyed pushing it off the planters and such.

Yes, I realize he's wearing sneakers in the snow. He's got a pair of boots, but his big ol' feet won't fit in them, even after I cut the tongues, and they don't sell them here after October apparently.
waving hello to the camera (sorry, Auntie, he even said "cheese")

and then he lost his mitten. As soon as he touched the snow, the tears began and we had to go inside for some heat and "mucklit muck."
Toasty again in his gorilla jammies.