Madeleine's Priorities

This week was a big week for us as we found out where Madeleine will be going to Kindergarten!! I took her to visit two different schools and apparently she focused on the playgrounds (one had a slightly smaller playground).  We got her acceptance letter this week and though Rob was out of town, he wanted to tell her the big news.  Her reaction is visible in the pictures. "Where? THAT one? I don't want to go to THAT one!". Not at all pleased about the playground opportunities. Now wait till she finds out she has to wear a uniform and won't be able to ride the bus. Heads will roll. 

I've Been Told Rob is Rather Important

Rob won a fancy shmancy trophy for his hard work at Cisco. Well, this is what I call it because big words confuse me. In reality, he and his team, won the 2010 Industry Innovator Award from the Society of Satellite Professionals International. See, doesn't "fancy shmancy trophy" just sound better?

 The A-Team. Most of these guys work for Rob. And they appear to be smiling and happy. Huh.

 And all of the witnesses to such a glorious award.

Photography Class Straight out of NBC's "Community"

I signed up for a two day photography class with a great deal of excitement to learn how to use my camera outside of "automatic" mode.  This was supposed to be an "intensive" course to take me to the next level. My goals: 

1) take better firework photos

2) freeze my kids in mid-run and 

3) learn how focus on only one part of the scenery. 

But mostly what I did learn was 

1) how to watch way too many wedding slideshow set to music

2) how to determine where bed bugs are (um, in my bed?)

3) that "beach" sounds like an entirely other word when said in a Korean accent. And it must be followed with giggles. 

  

My main subjects - Tracy and Jess

And yes there was a little high school tomfoolery going on. We giggled far too much and got caught too many times. But I laughed a lot and that made the class worth it. Mostly. 

In The Kitchen. Yes I know where the kitchen is.

More ongoing changes for 2010. I am working on cooking more at home. Solid, balanced family meals with taste. I have to emphasize the "with taste" because frankly, it's just not that easy for me. Most of my meals come out bland no matter how hard I try. Bleh. So I'm gathering recipes and really learning how to put together tasty meals that everyone might like. Tonight's recipe is from Rachel Ray. Let me just say that I am NOT a fan of Rachel Ray and she is like nails on a chalk board to me. But flipping channels on the elliptical at the gym I caught her making greek chicken. I love greek food and throw in some chicken, perfect. Made it tonight and it actually turned out well. Even LOOKED like it tasted good. So I'm sharing with you - try this yourself. Really easy (trust me) and tasted great. The recipe (with video!) is here.

Madeleine took one look at what I was making, started to cry and made herself a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. Oh the drama. Rob took one look at it and asked me who I was and what I did with his wife.