Really???

I swear when it comes to cooking for my family, I just want to pull my hair out. This is what happened this morning during breakfast.

Addie: "Oh gross! What is that?! It looks like throwup!"
Me: "Addie, that's not very nice to say. Just try it, you'll like it."
Addie: "Are you serious?"

Izzy: "What is that mom?"
Me: "It's a smoothie. It's really healthy for you. Just try it. You'll like it I promise."
Izzy: "No thanks."

Me: "Here Andy. I made pancakes and a smoothie. Come eat with us before you leave."
Andy: (sees the smoothie) "Wow. Hmm."

REALLY?? I would never dream of saying anything like that to my mom growing up. And my dad would NEVER utter such words.

After informing everyone that no one was leaving without trying the smoothie, I finally had some takers.

Addie: "Oh yum, is there anymore?"

Izzy: "Oh that's good. Why didn't you tell me it tasted like a regular smoothie?"

Beck and Isaac both had refills.

Andy....his went in the sink half full.

(fyi it was a "green smoothie" with spinach. It was quite tasty!)

Family Pet...dog? or chickens? or maybe bees...

So. We decided to get some family pets after our most recent conversation with the children where Isaac decided it was best if dad died so we could get a dog...(if you're lost, scroll down a few posts and read the dog entry). We went with chickens. Oh and some bees too. Although we absolutely love our farm scenery, we are not trying to become farmers. Instead, we thought we'd get our own chickens to produce eggs, instead of robbing Brother Jones of all his eggs every week. Brown eggs are great! They are brighter yolk color and taste more rich. I hear they are better for you, but then I've also heard they are the same. I must admit that little baby chicks are super cute, and even a little fun to hold. Although extremely germy. Once the feathers start growing in place of the fuzz, not so cute. Kind of gross. I'm looking forward to full feathers. For some reason that doesn't gross me out nearly as much.

Here are some pics of the chicks, and the coop that Andy built. I do love having a craftsman at my disposal.
The only thing left to do on the coop is add an arch window (no glass) and a window box under the arch for flowers, and one under the plexiglass window. So far, it's been great having the chicks. The kids love them and are more than happy to go check on them, refill their water, fill their feed, and open the door to let them roam on the grassy part. It's kind of funny when you do open the door, they just look at it for a few minutes. Then one will be brave and take a step or two down the ramp, and then run back up. They get nervous! Soon, they'll love it when we open the door and let them run out.
Now the bees....I know it sounds totally crazy that we intentionally put thousands of bees in our backyard, but let me explain. Not sure where or when Andy got the first idea to raise bees, but after a lot of research and visiting some beehives and watching a live beehive inspection, I guess it really got Andy's attention. It's quite fascinating to watch them do their thing...when it looks like all they're doing is climbing all over each other. Andy has bad allergies and consuming local honey is suppose to help improve them. We decided to try it out, and if at any point we're not liking it, we'll just get rid of them. We've had the bees for 24 hours and they are already building honeycomb. Kind of exciting. I could see the sacks full of pollen on several bees' legs. Little creepy, but quite cool at the same time. When I was taking these pics of the bees, all I could think of was the movie Candyman! Remember the swarms of bees coming out of the guys' mouth?!??! Gross!! And for those wondering about the bees stinging the kids...we have read several places that they won't unless you're stealing the honey or you knock over the hive. If left alone, they do their work. So we'll see how it goes.

Good Friends

Tonight we went to dinner with some great friends. Derek and Taryn live here in San Diego and were so kind to pick us up at our hotel for a great dinner. We went to a beautiful restaurant on the ocean and our table was in the outdoor section facing the water. The water glistened and sparkled from the lights on all the sailboats and yachts docked just a few yards away from where we were. Absolutely gorgeous! We took our time eating and enjoying the company...what's better than friends and good food? Here's to great friends! Thanks for such a fun night!

I Want To Move...

To San Diego! We are here just Andy and I for a quick R&R few days and absolutely loving it! The weather is so beautiful. Mid 70's and a slight breeze are perfect for reading by the pool. This morning I went running along the boardwalk right by our hotel and I instantly fell in love with living by the water. There are these darling shops in a little spot called Seaport Village right near our hotel also that we explored last night. At a little book store we ate the most scruptious cupcake I've ever had. It was the richest red velvet cake that was so moist it left wet marks on your fingers, with the creamiest cream cheese frosting piled a mile high on top. Of course Mr. figure conscious scopped off half the frosting but I could not let that go to waste! He was thoroughly disgusted by my consuming a glob of frosting. But it was divine!! Today we are sunbathing and tomorrow touring a giant naval ship and riding the flight simulator. I'll post pictures later. The pool is calling!