Gumbo

Today was a good day for our household.  I played with the kids in the morning.  Ellie loves to pretend with little people and stuffed animals.  I love that she has an imagination.  Maggie, as always, was very content playing with her toys and exploring her ability to scoot across the floor.  At one point today, Ellie and Maggie were playing together  :)  That was a first!  Maggie was sitting on the floor and Ellie would back away from her really slowly on her hands and knees.  Then crawl quickly towards her...Maggie just giggled and giggled.  It was nice to see them interacting a little more. 

We also made a trip to the local goodwill store and I found some amazing deals.  I got a couple gymboree pieces for a little over a dollar per item.  I also found a girls bike helmet for a dollar, which will be prefect for our newly acquired bike trailer.  I was happy with what we found and the price tag as well.

The rest of my day was occupied with trying to get dinner prepared.  I made gumbo for the first time and it was quite delish.  It was a good thing too...we had company over.  My friend and her 4 kids came to eat because her husband was out of town.  The kids seemed to even enjoy the meal.  Sometimes they are the ones most difficult to impress.  I think it is a recipe that I will end up making again, a few times each year.  Here is the link if you would care to try some.  http://www.food.com/recipe/gumbo-32042  There was one thing that I did differently.  As a mother knows, you can't stand over the stove stirring for 15 minutes straight...the kids won't let that happen.  So, I used the Alton Brown method of making the roux.  I mixed the flour and the oil but then placed it in a 350 degree oven for an hour and a half stirring only occasionally.  Then I completed the recipe as directed. 

Suprise!!!  I got flowers from Jon for Valentine's day...They are BEAUTIFUL!  I love my husband...not only because he gave me flowers.

Another day done and one soon to follow.  Tomorrow should be good...my folks are coming into town for a visit.