Two Awards in One Night

Well, kind of. Ben did actually win a trophy for coming in 2nd place at the Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta last night. Yay, Ben!! His little American Pirates boat was awesome.

And I earned the Neglectful Mother of the Year award last night for leaving my third-born behind and locked out of the house. It wasn't until my neighbor Krystal showed up with her the church that I realized she was missing (and completely traumatized).

WHAT KIND OF MOTHER DOES THAT??

Me.

In my defense though, I thought Clayton had brought her with him (we drove separately), and there were about 30 kids at the event, and I was sidetracked taking pictures. I also learned that I'm not alone...this opened the door for confession among the other Cub moms. But still...who does that? That's why I say I earned an award last night too.

What a Cute Dad!

Tubby Time

This little munchkin gets so excited when I run the bath water...mouth wide open in the biggest smile ever, both legs pumping up and down, and arms like she's gonna fly away.

This Girl Loves Crunchy Lettuce

It's true, Nina likes lettuce. And celery and cucumbers. But she loves it all so much more when she's in this old bunny suit (which I wore for Halloween as a kid, haha!). She pretends she is my pet, and I have to call her "Casey the Bunny" in a high pitched voice, and feed her lettuce and carrots.

Potato Gun Fun

Clayton made marshmallow guns for the trip, and Spencer made a potato gun. We took turns blowing taters out and watching them explode on the red cliffs. A little white trashy, I know, but so funny! Plus I'm chewing on Red Vines, which makes it even more classy.

Nina The Sad Water Skiier

At Lake Powell this week, Nina decided she wanted to try the kid ski. After watching Ben, Hannah, and all her cousins waterski on it, she felt brave. Honestly, I was so surprised she asked to do it. I told my brother-in-law Spencer as he was driving the boat, "This will probably end up in a huge meltdown!" I called that one, didn't I? Haha!

But a half hour later she was smiling and telling everyone, "I liked it."

How Do You Feed 30 People Singlehandedly?

Double this recipe, then double it again. I'm taking this to Lake Powell this week for when it's my night to serve dinner...phew! Big families are the best though, especially Clayton's. Should be fun...I have a feeling some funny memories are about to be made! As always.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

1 Tbsp. oil

1 large can pineapple chunks with juice, undrained

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

3 Tbsp. vinegar

1/2 c. sugar

2 T. flour or 1 T. cornstarch

1/4 c. water

1/4 bag of frozen meatballs (from Costco-about 30 or 35)

2 green peppers, diced

In a large saucepan, mix oil and pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple). Cook over low heat for a few minutes. Add soy sauce, vinegar and sugar. In small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to the pan. Cook over low heat until mixture is thick and smooth. Add meatballs, canned pineapple, and green peppers, and simmer until heated through. Serve hot over rice.

(This freezes really well!)

Thanks Carrie for this recipe!