Trusting Teenagers

You know when your teenager is going on about how you never let them do anything? And you are trying to remind them that just a few days ago they were at their girlfriend's house for a movie party and that this weekend they had 5 friends over for a halo party. And then they say, "Mom, nothing's going to happen, you can trust me on that. Don't you trust me?"


Well, this is my response to that now, "Honey, I trust you so much that I asked you to cut my hair. I handed you scissors and put my golden mane in your steady hands. Of course I trust you!"

Of course, when I did this, one of my teenagers didn't trust himself. He backed away and said, "No way! I'm not cutting your hair. What if I mess up?"

The other teenager? He happily took the scissors and went to town. Here is the happy result:

How much do you trust your teenagers?

How do you like them apples?

Have you ever been asked what one food you would want if you could only choose one thing to eat for the rest of your life? I think I'd choose apples. (or bread, or potatoes... or rice, or chocolate... or cake. Donuts maybe...)(Don't pay attention to the obvious absence of veggies.)

I love apples. This time of year I refuse to buy them from the store. We have an apple orchard down the road and I love the crisp fall air, riding on a wagon pulled by a cool tractor, branches heavy with apples, watching my kids eat apples the size of their faces.... We often pick more than I think we'll be able to eat and in a few days I realize they are gone and I haven't made apple pie or applesauce-- we've just munched them nice and juicy!

These are last years orchard pics, The camera hasn't made it on any trips this year... Don't they all look young!

This caramel dip is PERFECT. You should make it and slice up an apple and enjoy. Better yet, slice it up, then smother it with caramel and sprinkle nuts and mini- chocolate chips on it. Heaven! (It does work for dipping whole apples in, but I have found kids just eat the caramel and waste the apple... plus, you enjoy a lot more caramel when the apple is sliced!)

1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light karo syrup
10 big marshmallows

Cook first 4 ingredients over medium heat. Stir constantly, Use candy thermometer and cook till it reads 232* Stir in 10 big marshmallows till they've melted. Dip apples!

Favorite thing of the week

My favorite thing this week is when the weather gets cool and stormy in the middle of summer. I love it. It's a reminder of the importance of opposition in all things. (which was also the topic of this week's Sunday School lesson, it was a good one.)

Robin has a cabin in Idaho. It's a little glimpse of heaven to be there, and in the heat of the summer, there are frequently late-afternoon storms. They are dramatic and impressive and then they clear up. The only drawback is running all over the yard to pick up towels, cast-off clothing and shoes, before the rain starts to pour. But when you are sitting on the covered porch, looking out across the river at Charter Mountain, and the storm is showing off it's best moves, it's awesome.

Another related favorite thing is the smell of rain when it first hits the pavement. I guess technically it's probably the smell of the dust and the pavement, whatever it is, it takes me back to my childhood and I am grateful for it.

I hope you are all having a great summer!

The "BOSSY" sisters only have one BROTHER...

...and today is his BIRTHDAY!

Find out just a few reasons why we love David here, here and here.

Happy Birthday David!

You look so handsome in these photos, I just had to share them with the world. Heh, heh. We love you and wish we could all be celebrating with you today!

(David has always had to share his birthday on the 4th of July and endure flag themed birthday cakes. And fireworks.)

Night of the Living Giant Zucchini Zombies!

By Emily

We have giant Zucchini in our garden this year (this is not a photo of our garden...our garden is much more...chaotic). It is HUGE. And, this summer we are being lazy gardeners, so it will probably continue to grow until we decide we're not too lazy to pick it.

So tonight we are eating this Stuffed Zucchini recipe found here.

Basically you slice it lengthwise, steam it in a pan with an inch of water (try 400 F for about 15 minutes or more while you prepare the rest of the stuffing). Scoop out the inside and set aside.

Fry some ground meat or tofu, saute veggies of your choice. (I went with onion, red bell pepper, garlic--I had it on hand. Mushrooms or celery would be nice too, maybe some tomatoes).

Season to your liking (tonight I went with salt and curry and cayenne pepper for a touch of heat).

Mix meat and veggies together with a grain (leftover rice, couscous, quinoa, etc.), and stuff zucchini. Top with your choice (buttery bread crumbs? I went with Parmesan cheese.)

Bake for 10 min or so at 350 F.

Recap:
-Steam zucchini
-Cook meat, season with spices & salt
-Saute veggies
-Mix together with a grain (optional)
-Bake it all together for 10 min.

Not bad!

Happy Father's Day!

by Emily

Dedicated to Dads: we love you and appreciate you. Maybe your story isn't like this, but you're needed in your own unique way. Here's to you, the way you continue to give and love year after year. We love you.

by Kristen

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you get up early, and work like a bee, and post on the blog, Bossy!?

Is that what you do? Neither do we!

All kidding aside, if Hallmark is right, and it is the thought that counts, we are golden here! But, if it is action that matters... well, we are falling short.

As Bossy! sisters, we have been talking about how often to post in the summer time, because the rest of the song is a lot more accurate. We are busy swimming in pools, swinging on swings, drinking lemonades, and watching clouds drift by. And we think that's what you ought to do too.

So take some time off the computer and enjoy summer. We will be blogging, probably once a week, but we are still working out the details, so don't forget us. In the meantime, sing this little song to yourself or with your kids while you enjoy a nice summer day!

"Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?" from the Children's Primary Songbook

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you fish in a stream, or lazily dream on the banks as the clouds go by?

Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you swim in a pool, to keep yourself cool or swing in a tree up high?

Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you march in parades, or drink lemonades or count all the stars in the sky?

Is that what you do? So do I!

Red, Yellow, Blue or White?

Do you know what "color" you are?

The Color Code introduces the following four personality "Colors," or driving Core Motives:

• RED (Motive: POWER)—These are the power wielders. Power: the ability to move from point A to point B and get things done, is what motivates and drives these people. They bring great gifts of vision and leadership and generally are responsible, decisive, proactive and assertive. 

• BLUE (Motive: INTIMACY)—These are the do-gooders. Intimacy: connecting, creating quality relationships and having purpose, is what motivates and drives these people. They bring great gifts of quality and service and are generally loyal, sincere, and thoughtful.

• WHITE (Motive: PEACE)—These are the peacekeepers. Peace: the ability to stay calm and balanced even in the midst of conflict, is what motivates and drives these people. They bring great gifts of clarity and tolerance and are generally kind, adaptable, and good-listeners.

• YELLOW (Motive: Fun)—These are the fun lovers. Fun: the joy of living life “in the moment”, is what motivates and drives these people. They bring great gifts of enthusiasm and optimism and are generally charismatic, spontaneous, and sociable.


I took this test years ago... and then again recently, thinking that years of marriage, life's ups and downs and parenting might have changed me-- I certainly feel different!

I had exactly the same scores! That shocked me.

I guess I am yellow, through and through. (With a fair bit of white and blue and not a single ounce of red. anywhere. at all.)

What color are you?

Oh dear, I rushed to find a picture, and this one says click... but clicking doesn't show you the inside. Oops.In true yellow form though, I'm off to go have fun and don't have time to bother fixing this.... hmm, I guess it is accurate! Can't wait to read what personalities our readers have!

Library!

School has been out for 1 week. Sibling rivalry is rampant, the cold cereal and everything resembling chips, candy, or white bread has disappeared (did they eat this much in school?), and we have been to the library two times already.In my hometown, Boise, the library is called the "Library!" the sign actually has an exclamation point. People scoffed at it when it first was named but those who use the library get the exclamation point. The Library! is exciting! It is full of fun things for your kids!You feel smart just driving there!It promises peace and quiet and a temporary break from rivalry! Or at least a quiet ride home from the Library! Its air conditioned! LIBRARY!!!!!

Here are a few tips for maximum Library! enjoyment and success:

• Let your kids check out what they want. Ike has 4 Calvin and Hobbes books. Noah is on an Orson Scott Card jag.
• Allow your kids to check out as many as they want.
• Make your kids carry their own books (they won't check out as many).
• Take advantage of summer reading programs and special events.
  
• Teach your kids how to use the self-checkout. Sure, it takes more time, but why are you rushing home? To make more snacks, yell at the kids to turn off the TV, make lunch, tidy up the house, make another snack?
• If you have teenagers start reading what they read and find recommendations (goodreads.com is nice). There are lots of trashy/creepy/depressing teen books. Preview what they read, work to find a list of books they might be interested in, books that make them feel good after reading them.
  
• The great thing about the library is if you don't like a book, you can return it unread. No pressure to get your money's worth.

But my number one tip is:

Use the online catalog to order the books you want. You simply log on (you might need to set up a password and stuff but it is sooo worth the 5 minutes that takes) and type in the name of the book you are interested in, put a hold on the book, and a day or two later (unless you want the #1 book on the best seller's list this week) you waltz into the library (have them sent to the branch nearest your home) and pick up your books. I often pick up 6 or more books at a time: cookbooks, non-fiction, fiction, how to, DVD's, CD's - you name it. Then, because you are online- they will send you a little reminder email informing you that your book is due and you can renew it ON LINE! so cool! No more late fees!

What books are you reading this summer?

Good for a laugh

by Sally

It's okay to laugh, because they sent the picture in themselves.

Awkward Family Photos

Enjoy. Here are some favorites:

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/?p=26

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/?p=1035

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/?p=960