Sunday night conversation

Me: "I've been looking into adoption."
Geoff dear: "oh yeah?"
Me: "yeah- I think we should check it out. It'll cost between $4000- $10,000."
Geoff dear: "do you think they have a layaway plan?"

Oh so yummy!

I found a new recipe and thought I'd better share it! I've never had dumplings before so this was fun to do something new. It was a bonus that it was delicious! It's so easy too, guys.

It's called Blueberry Dumplings and I found the recipe on FoodNetwork.com. It's one of Laura Deen's recipes.

First combine 4 cups of blueberries (fresh or frozen) to 2 cups water and 1 and 1/2 cups sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.

While you are waiting for the blueberries to boil, sift 1 cup flour with 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder and a pinch of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of butter and mix with a fork or pastry cutter. Add 1/4 cup milk and mix well.

After the blueberries boil turn the heat to low and drop the dumpling mixture by the spoonful into the blueberries. DO NOT STIR. Shake the saucepan a touch to get the dumplings to sink. Cover with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes on low. Do not remove the lid until after 20 minutes.

Serve hot with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. Love those dollops!

I was thinking that I might try some cut up fresh peaches instead of blueberries and put some cinnamon in the dumplings. Yum! I'll let you know how that goes!

A little discovery!

I'm a mom who believes in natural consequences. I'm also a mom who is trying to teach modesty. Yes, even for boys.

This morning we were all working on chores. My oldest son (12), Wes is out back mowing the lawn. He's got no shirt on.
Me: "Wes, get a shirt on"
Wes: "It's too hot"
I go back to cleaning out the garage. We were all going to meet up in the kitchen to clean. We get our chores outside done and go into the kitchen. There's Wes without a shirt on still. Hmmmm, I think to myself. How can I teach this kid modesty?

ok seriously guys- It bothers me to see grown men outside working without a shirt on- call me weird but that's who I am. So yes, I'm trying to impose my belief system on my sons.

So we meet up in the kitchen, all of us. I'm busy doing the dishes with Ashlyn beside me, Wes sweeping and mopping the floor- still without a shirt on and a great idea comes to mind! The idea is instantly repulsive and I think to myself........no, I could never do that! But oh yes, I can do that! Wes leaves to go get some cleaning rags. Yeah- you got it! I take off my shirt- yep! Clear down to my nothin's. I'm stark naked from my waist up doing the dishes.

Ashlyn: "MOM!!! What the heck are you doing?!!!"
Me: "making a point"
Tyler: "Oh my gosh!"
Caleb: says nothing but tries to divert his eyes

Wes walks in and doesn't immediately notice my naked state and all of a sudden...... it hits him!
Wes: "OH MOM!!!" and quickly turns his head and walks immediately into the laundry room and puts on a shirt!
Me: "I was hot today while I was washing the dishes so I decided to get cooled off. Must be ok if you do it"
Wes: "hmmmm" shaking his head.

WHAT A DISCOVERY! I was secretly sweating it the whole time hoping that nobody walks by in the backyard since I was backyard facing! Yes, me, an ex RS pres!
It worked!

Let me be clear..... I was in a position where my kids did not see a frontal view.

I have a friend who has a 12 year old daughter who is experimenting with makeup. She puts on way too much black on her eyes (in my friend's opinion). I wonder how she would take it if you came down one morning with as much makeup on as she puts on! Try it!
Oh I love being a mom!