See this video for our trip to the zoo yesterday (12/13)
Amelia’s Preschool Conference
I had my first conference with Amelia’s teacher, Ms. Tara, yesterday. We sat in miniature chairs at a small, round table and Ms. Tara asked “Do you have any concerns or questions about Amelia at preschool?” Since Amelia usually says something like “I’ll tell you later” or “nothing” when we ask her about her days at school, my first question was, “What does she do here?”
According to Ms. Tara, Amelia usually has a smile on her face, is one of the more sensitive children (Dave interpreted this as “Amelia tells on others”;)), enjoys playing dress up, and is usually an active participant during tasks and projects. She also spends a little time each day sitting by herself looking at books because “she wants to be alone”. Another teacher, Ms. Jaimie, left a note saying “Amelia is a strong negotiator.” I would agree! In summary, she is doing great at preschool, even if her days are a mystery to us.
Amelia and Jack, now and forever?
On our way to the zoo this morning, where we joined Helen, Vera, Eryn, Jack and Evvi, Amelia had lots to tell me about her future. Here is an excerpt of the conversation as I remember it:
Amelia: “Mom, when I’m as big as you I’m going to be 11. Is that old enough to marry Jack?”
me: “Not quite, you need to be 25 or 30. Are you going to marry Jack when you’re older?”
Amelia: “Yes, he’s going to be my husband because he’s my best friend forever. We’re going to build a wood house that’s purple. Our bedrooms are going to be right next to ourselves (each other) so I can snuggle him.”
At this point Helen and Vera joined us in the car.
Amelia to Helen: “I’m going to marry Jack.”
Helen: “Really, what kind of cake are going to have?”
Amelia: “A chocolate chip cake. Jack and I are going to sit at a little table, with Evvi, to eat it. I’m going to wear a white dress with sparkles and we’re going to live in a wood house that’s purple with Evvi and Will, they will be our children.”
The conversation continued with the conclusion that Amelia is going to have all her friends and their parents live in the house too. This is not the first time Amelia has talked about marrying Jack. A couple weeks ago Amelia went to a play with Eryn and Jack and at one point Amelia got frustrated and told him “If you don’t stop doing that I’m not going to be your friend or your wife!” Eryn couldn’t stop laughing when she told me.
Gunflint Lodge Chili
1 lb ground beef
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced green pepper (I use red if I have it)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes, crushed
1 (14 oz) can tomato puree
1/2 cup hot water
2 T Worcestershire sauce
1 T salt (0r less)
2 T sugar
5-6 T chili powder, or to taste
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
3-4 (15 oz) cans of kidney beans, drained (I sometimes use a combo of kidney and black beans)
In a dutch oven or large saucepan, brown ground beef with celery, onions, peppers and garlic. Drain fat. Add tomatoes and tomato puree. In small bowl, combine hot water, Worcestershire sauce, salt and sugar; stir to dissolve salt and sugar. Add water mixture to beef and tomatoes. Stir in chili powder, oregano and cumin. Bring to a simmer; cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Add additional seasonings as needed to taste. Stir in kidney beans; reheat to a simmer and serve. Makes about 3 quarts.