Apple Prints

This afternoon Benjamin and I went to storytime at the neighboring town. We hadn't ever been to this library before. The lady did a great job, and it was a bit rambunctous with a parachute and all for being at the library. Benjamin really liked it. One of the stories she told was about a house with no windows or doors and a star inside. She then cut the apple to show all the children the star inside. I remember how fun it is to make apple prints with the star. We came home after a quick trip to the park to make our own apple prints for the afternoon project.

First Day of School!

Benjamin started preschool today. I signed him up awhile ago and then totally started doubting my decision. I just kept thinking that he was still so little and once he starts school, he's in school for many years. On the other hand, he really wants to play with friends on a daily basis and always asks me "where are we going today." I followed through on the original decision, and he is in a co-op preschool two days a week for two hours each day.

I had been prepping him all summer for preschool to start and all the amazing things he was going to get to do. I went to parent training last week, and we have talked about the great things they have at preschool~ his cubbie, green nametag, a carpentry center with real tools, wooden blocks, easels with paint always available, playdough, snack, a great playground, etc. Just in case he did miss us, we put his little "arf, arf" in his backpack and told him he could go visit him in his cubbie for a minute. Fast forward to this morning, he was clingy for so long to go to nursery that Stephen and I totally expected the worst. Instead, I got the "goodbye mom-see you later" treatment after circle time was over. All of the other mothers were staying with their children, and I really wanted to stay for the first day which was encouraged by the teacher. I very sadly left because I felt like he was bidding me farewell on his terms and didn't want him to think that there was a problem and that I needed to stay. I got home to a very empty house and jumped into doing housework so I could be occupied until it was time to get him again. I greeted a very happy Benjamin on the playground when school was over. He loved his first day and told me all about it. He can even sing the new songs that he just learned. I heard all about snack (banana chips and raisins), the firetrucks, washing hands while singing ABC song, the scooper on the playground, and the slide on the hill. After all my debating and worrying, the verdict is in: Benjamin loved his first day.

New Recipe

I tried a new recipe last night. I read someone's review for it and had to try it. The original recipe was from a NY Times article, but it was also on Smitten Kitchen. It was cool enough here, high 60's and cloudy, and just the perfect day. I am not the biggest fan of macaroni and cheese, but after reading the recipe it was all I could think about. Benjamin couldn't wait until Dad came home so we could eat it. There is a picture of him not so patiently waiting. You will not be disappointed if you try it, even if you aren't the biggest macaroni and cheese lover like me!

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

NY Times, 1/4/06

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup cottage cheese (not lowfat)
2 cups milk (not skim)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch cayenne
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked.

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to butter a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

2. In a blender, puree cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper together.* Reserve 1/4 cup grated cheese for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated cheese, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.

3. Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

The Fair

Here are some photos of our annual pilgrimage to the world famous fair in our area. Here is a link to larger pictures.

Happy Birthday Rebecca!

Benjamin and I wanted to make this day special for Rebecca because she does so much for our family. We love her so much, and we wanted to make sure that Rebecca had a special birthday. The day started out with strawberry crepes for breakfast in bed. Later for dinner, Mommy got two of her favorite foods: loaded baked potatoes and crab legs. Benjamin gave Mommy a necklace, and Dad gave Mom the DVD of BBC movie "North and South." We ended the day with ice cream and cake. Happy Birthday Mommy! We love you!

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