hunt club

Yesterday, my boys went hunting with the Hafer boys. They woke up in the dark-earlies without my help. (Why can't it be this easy on a school day?) With a hug and a kiss from mom, the trip began.
Marshall got a gun for his fifth birthday, but hasn't used it much. Sam is a much more experienced marksman. After some target practice, they settled in the woods and waited for their prey...that'd be the squirrels. Unfortunately, they were no where to be found :( I think they knew the big guys were coming and got outta the way!


Shucks...we'll just have to wait on that squirrel stew. Harley is sooo bummed!

seven days

a lot happens around here in just a week...

Gracie: found the perfect pumpkin at the patch
Marshall: caught the first fish off the dock, 17 in. puppy drum...not a keeper, dangit!?!
Harley: made feature's editor of the Ghent Gazette
Chris: grew loads of arugula in the fall garden
Heidi: discovered that cookies can taste ridiculously sublime...

chocolate peanut butter chip cookies
makes about 4 dozen

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 2/3 cups (a 10-ounce bag) peanut butter chips
1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (about 8 ounces)

Preheat oven to 350*F.

Into a bowl sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy and beat in egg and vanilla until combined well. Beat in flour mixture until just combined and stir in chips. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

Drop dough by tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake in batches in middle of oven until cookies are just set and begin to crack on top, about 12 minutes. Cool cookies on sheets on racks 1 minute and with a spatula transfer to racks to cool completely.

Don't say I didn't warn you;)

peace prize

Martti Ahtisaari is probably a great man. Smart, compassionate and a true hero for peace. Sure, he's the former Finnish president and United Nations envoy, but I have a small objection to his being awarded the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize. I'm sorry...whoever thought of the "Popcorn Combo" at Target may have done more to combat child abuse across this great nation than any other soul on earth. Whoever you are, stand up and take a bow. Mothers across the globe salute you and your brilliance. You deserve this GREAT and NOBLE award.

Thank you:)

birthday brunch

Come on over for brunch...you're all invited:) Allyn's birthday is Saturday, so I thought it would be fun to get together. We'll have a potluck brunch at my house on Tuesday, October 14th. Let's say 10am. Bring something DELICIOUS to share. Bring children if you need to. A bunch of us will have ours at our "joyschool" and will need to pick them up at 11:30.
RSVP right here. Tell us what you're gonna bring. Pass the word along to anyone who'd be interested.
See you there...