
9/23/08
We are BINKY FREE

9/2/08
Our little Helmet Head
Andrew had to get a little helmet to even out his head (he used to sleep on one side of his head only and it got a little flat back there). It’s nothing major, he just has to wear it for 6-8 weeks. Well, it did cost us a major penny, but we’re past sulking about it.


That's right, that's Ben wakeboarding. It's not the greatest picture, but you get the idea. Ben had the time of his life.
7/7/08
4th of July weekend
Jamie
Ben jumping off the boat - his favorite thing to do
That sun is exhausting
Ben being silly behind the glass door
Sunday: Andrew's baby blessing. It was such a special moment. Andrew was so handsome in his little outfit. He got to wear the same one that Ben wore for his baby blessing that grandma Elaine made. We had lots of family there. I had no idea my little house can fit so many people. It was a little crazy to say the least. It was fun, though. I didn't take many pictures.
6/30/08
Cuban-style black beans
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (can put more if you like it really spicy)
1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 scallions, finely chopped (I rarely have scallions in my house so I just put in extra onion)
3-4 strips of bacon, minced (or Canadian ham)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 - 2 cups chicken stock/broth
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Heat the oil over medium heat. Add pepper, onions, scallions, bacon, garlic, cilantro, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft but not brown. Stir in the beans. Cook for another couple minutes over high heat. Stir in the sugar and 1 1/2 cups of the stock or broth. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Puree one-quarter of the bean mixture in a blender (or mash it with a fork). Stir the puree into the simmering beans. Simmer for 2 minutes more, or until thick but still soupy. If the bean mixture is too thick, add more stock or broth. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve it over rice and enjoy!!! We like ours with some fried plantains.
*** this recipe is very forgiving. I substitute and add stuff to it all the time. I don't measure anything anymore, just eye ball it. I often add some sort of meat to it as well. In the picture above I happened to have some little smokeys, so I added those in. It tastes great every time.
6/23/08
Catching up

Scott showing off on the wakeboard
Me showing off...hardly
Scott skiing. He puts on quite a show.
Ben ready to go tubing
And last, but not least, it was grandpi's birthday yesterday. We had a little Brazilian party for him (he served his mission in Brazil). Parabens a voce, grandpi!!! We love you.







Me







