Richardson Report

If you're following me on Facebook you'll know by now that on Tuesday Kenna and Natalie had their first day of school (2nd and 1st grades).  What a big change for our family!  They've been pretty happy. This was precipitated by lots of frustration on my part with getting Logan to STAY FOCUSED on his schoolwork.  He is a super smart kid but he has been struggling since September with getting his work done, asking for help, staying on task.  His schoolwork is harder this year than he's used to (the last two years at the charter school were way to easy) and he is having to spend more time on it.  I think that's part of it.  Plus he found everything I did with the little girls way more interesting than challenging coursework.  He's a great big brother, but he really does have to work on his education and not worry so much about helping me, or reading to the girls.  Finally this last Saturday I was complaining to Josh, again, that Logan was driving m...

Tonight I pulled out my old Michael McLean songbook that pretty much got me through high school.  Sappy, I know.   But there were some tough years in there where I pretty much came home from school, plopped down at the piano, and sang these songs to remind myself that the hard times weren't going to last forever.  I hope my kids have music that speaks to them and lifts them during their challenging times. Here are the two that were probably my absolute faves  if you're in the mood for a return to LDS music in the eighties!! You're Not Alone Will He Really Answer Me Good Times.  Good Times.

First, a recipe recommendation.  I've made this Creamy Root Vegetable Soup twice now.  It's super easy.  Peel and dice a slew of root veggies (that will test your skills in the produce section of the store - how often do you even buy celery root and parsnips??), but otherwise you toss it in a pot and cook it.  If you have an immersion blender that makes it easy.  If you don't, be careful blending it.  I'd let it cool for 30 minutes first so you don't burn yourself.  This is a dairy free recipe and the soup tastes AMAZING.  My kids all eat it and enjoy it because it is naturally sweet.  It has the texture of a baked potato soup, but the taste is totally different.  Plus it uses veggies that are totally in season right now that probably aren't in your normal rotation.  GREAT way to expand your palate without feeling like you're eating bitter veggies.   This one gets two thumbs up from all my kids! January 2, Kenna was so, so ...

Ward Christmas Party Christmas Dresses 8th Birthday I just have to take a quick moment to say how delightful this girl is.  Kenna is a spunky, sweet, thoughtful girl who takes delight in serving others.  She asks what she can do to help and comes up with ideas all on her own.  She loves to make things for others, plan events, decorate, and snuggle babies.  She is my mini-me and what a gem she is.  She tries very hard to do the right thing and is quick to apologize and accept correction.  She was super excited to turn 8 and become one of my big kids!  Can't imagine our family without this girl.  Happy Birthday, Miss Kenna! Quick party with a few friends, old and new New scriptures! Mom's favorite spot in my new house.  No, she's not spying on the neighbors.   The birds are fascinating.  That's what she says, anyway.  Our first snow of the season! ...