Introduction to the Finer Things

On Valentine's Day I made chocolate fondue for the kids. In the end we were elbow deep in the fondue dish.
The best recipe I have found for chocolate fondue was in Food and Wine (where else, right?).

1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 Tbl. sugar
6 oz semi-sweet to bittersweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
2 Tbl. unsalted butter

In a saucepan, mix the milk, cream and sugar and bring to a boil. Add the chocolate and remove the pan from the heat. Let stand until the chocolate melts, about 5 minutes; stir until smooth. Stir in the butter.
Serve it with fruit and pound cake (THE best).

A sick day for Quinn

and more Dora The Explorer than any one should be subjected to - there just isn't enough wine for over 10 journeys to gooey geyser, the tallest mountain, Benny's barn, mi abuelas, chocolate tree...
And please, I beg you Swiper, no more effing swiping. Why must I keep saying it?

Let's just all hope that the fever dissipates before tomorrow morning. I'm not sure I can handle one more day of Dora, Boots, Benny, Isa, Tico, Abuela, Diego, Baby Jaguar, blah, blah, who cares, save me please, more wine - of course.

Where are we going...insane asylum, Where are we going...liquor store, Where are we going...medicine cabinet...Where are we going...

Don't tempt me...

to pick up my pen.

100 Days Smarter

Yesterday the kids school celebrated the 100th day of the school year. There was pizza, counting games, rootbeer floats and the presentation of each kids 100 things (that they personally counted out). Pretty cool way to make just another day of school fun and exciting. The kids were excited and Quinn even wanted to wear her party dress.
It's amazing how much they have learned during those 100 days!

When Connor and I were about to count out his 100 things to bring (Legos of course) I said, "We can make 10 rows of 10, because that adds up to 100." I was trying to be helpful as the child was supposed to do all the counting, with only supervision by the parents. He replied, "Or, I could just count to 100."

Yeah, or we could just do that.

Even if he could, he wouldn't.

Last night as we were winding down for the night, hanging out and COMPLETELY out of the blue Connor commented with a smile, "Even if I could I wouldn't trade Quinn." And some days we all feel like that.

Too quiet means trouble...rookie mistake

I knew Quinn was being too quiet, too good upstairs playing by herself. So, I don't know why I was even surprised when she came out of Connor's room and announced, "I have Connor's underwear."

Oh my dear, you don't just have his underwear - you're wearing it, inside out. This picture will resurface around the time of your wedding rehearsal dinner. Mark my words.

Happy New Year!

I keep reading about resolutions, what we should resolve to do from the experts and then something similar coming out of everyone's mouth. Don't get me wrong, there are PLENTY of things I should resolve to do. Those things I'll keep to myself and try like hell to really do. (Repeat under breath, patience is a virtue.)

But, for all of you I hope you resolve to have more fun, laugh as often and loud as possible, and enjoy many great meals and even better bottles of wine with those you love. My mother-in-law always says, "I like having your feet under my table." Why don't you also resolve to come to Denver and spend some time with your feet under my table. I promise it'll be fun, we'll laugh a lot and I'll cook up a warm meal served with an even better bottle of wine. Please, come visit.