The Houston Rodeo, Take 1

/ Michaela Ingram / Leave a comment

Here’s our first trip to a Texas rodeo summed up via slideshow, which is embarrassingly short because my phone went dead halfway through the day. And after a 10 hour jaunt we didn’t even see the actual rodeo (yet) – yes, it was that big! We’re headed back next week to see more of the action.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Insider tips (if going once makes you an insider): I would say “don’t brave the crowds during Spring break” but since it’s too late for that my biggest piece of advice will be to pack your own water! Seriously, water was $3.50 a bottle or more so if you want to save a few bucks (or in our case, like $20) grab a case for $2.50 at HEB before you get there. Also, avoid the portapotties at all costs – we’re not usually wimpy about these kinds of things but by 10am they were already disgusting, and there are much better bathrooms inside the buildings. And I’d be remiss without a shout out to our pals at Lost & Found, who totally saved us from camping out at the Rodeo by finding our car keys, bag and cell phone within ten minutes of them falling off of our stroller – thank you!

I’ll Admit It, There’s Another Man In My Life

/ Michaela Ingram / Leave a comment
Ian and James like to listen to Bill Harley with their ears as close to the speaker as possible.

Ian and James like to listen to Bill with their ears as close to the speaker as possible.

He’s funny, kind, incredibly creative and best of all, helps me out with the children when my husband is working long hours. He’s come to the rescue so many times I’ve lost count, and even though we just became acquainted a few months ago our relationship has grown exponentially (those feelings might be a little one-sided). Bill – that’s his name – has stopped my kids with just one word in the middle of a wrestling match and has entertained them all while stuck in traffic, waiting in line, and during that icky before-bed-after-dinner period where everyone would otherwise be freaking out. He just starts with one of his silly stories or spooky songs and zoop-zoop,* everyone is quiet, hanging onto his every word. Continue reading →

/ Michaela Ingram / Leave a comment

This Orpington hen (front left) is one of our top breed choices for the pet chicks we're picking up in April, due to it's sweet temperament and the fact that it's too heavy for the hawks to fly away with.

We’re not in Brooklyn anymore: this Orpington hen (front left) is one of our top breed choices for the pet chicks we’re picking up in April, due to it’s sweet temperament and good laying ability (and the fact that it’s too heavy for the hawks to fly away with).

RACK Recipe #1: Pinch and Pour Marinade

/ Michaela Ingram / 1 Comment

RACK is short for Reading and Cooking Kids. When you see RACK in front of a recipe title on this site, you can assume:

1. It is a flexible, easy-to-make recipe.

2. The recipe will be easy to read with straightforward instructions and simple measurements.

3. It will still taste good if a couple of mistakes have been made (I’m pretty sure these are foolproof).

4. It can actually be made independently by your kids (except for the fire parts).

5. Your kitchen is probably going to be a mess afterward.

6. But your kids will be practicing reading and cooking at the same time!

7. This is the first step to you lying on the couch playing Word Chums while your kids make dinner on Fridays.

Our 5 year old was a budding but somewhat reluctant reader last year – she could read things along the lines of Little Bear and Frog and Toad but as soon as she got to a word she didn’t know right away, she wanted to “take a break.” After several weeks of frustration I told Margaret, my big helper in the kitchen, that she could cook dinner alone once she was old enough to read the recipes. She was immediately enthused by this prospect and RACK recipes were born. Though she has since become an independent reader and cook, we started out slowly. I used to put all of the ingredients, mixing and measuring implements, and cookware on the kitchen counters where she could find them, then would hand her the instructions I had written on a sheet of printer paper, go into the next room and close my eyes. I’m one of those “clean as you cook” types, so this was really a lesson for me as well.

Margaret has become quite skilled at preparing everything from gourmet pizzas to roast pork tenderloin but I started out with recipes that all but guaranteed her success. Below is what we call “Pinch and Pour Marinade,” meaning “2 pinches of ____” and “1 pour of ______,” in terms of measurements. Approved by Step Into Reading or Scholastic? I like to think they’d appreciate my initiative. Professional chef material? Perhaps not. Tasty with basically any roasted or grilled vegetable you could imagine? You bet. Continue reading →