Gavin's Tail Twister #16: I'm Just One Man!

On this particular Saturday morning, I had plans for myself. I wanted to drink my coffee in peace and cross some stuff off my never ending list. Blogging was one item on that list. I think I have to blog more regularly or I fear I won't remember what all the funny details of my life are and there are lots of them. I worry that early Alzheimer is working it's way into my life. In fact I am pretty sure I could hide my own Easter Eggs. Ha!
Back to the Gavin story:
I was sipping and blogging as the children were circling the kitchen hunting for "BACON" and other yummy breakfast food. The TV was on loud and the dog was sniffing around. You know what that means! Both Gavin and his brother Sam were supposed to go to friends houses today and I wanted all weekend homework and chores completed before they left. (All of the following happened in about 30 seconds while I was barking orders from my lounge position on the couch.)"Boys if you want to get to your friends houses on time you need to get your morning stuff accomplished. Turn off the TV and report to me... send the dog outside....finish your morning reading and piano practice... eat some fruit with what ever it is you pick from the kitchen... I want all your work done before you leave this house...I want you guys to pick something and get it done and then report to me...one of you needs to unload the dishes and the other needs to load and take the trash out..." Gavin plunked himself down and picked up "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and said "I am doing my reading" as if that would excuse him from doing anything else. I think he just wanted to look at the cartoon strip pictures. I said "Fine, I'll let you know when 15 minutes is up and you can proceed to get the rest of your to do list done before you go to your friends house." He had this surprised look on his face like I am reading and that should be enough. I said Gavin you still have get dressed, brush your teeth, wash your fac....". Gavin interrupted in a slightly high pitched frustrated voice " Mom I'M JUST ONE MAN!" I just laughed!

Gavin's Tail Twister #15: You Sucked Me In

Now that Gavin is seven years old, he is fully capable of getting his own breakfast and doing some small chores by himself. On this one particular day Gavin wanted bacon for breakfast... imagine that! He badgered me about bacon for an hour. I was so irritated by the fact that Gavin would not just settle for cereal or frozen waffles. It was Saturday! I cleaned the house and deep cleaned the kitchen on Friday. We had had a long week, there were no ball games on this one Saturday and I just wanted to chill instead of wait on everyone like a Waffle House Chef.
Finally, Gavin warmed up to cereal and milk or maybe he just got hungry enough to settle. Gavin poured some cereal in a bowl and lots of it. I was not watching because I wanted Gavin to tend to his needs. He proceeded to get out the milk and poured it over his cereal. Yes! There was too much cereal in the bowl and he needed a lot of milk so he overpoured it and it spilled all over the counter. He did not mean to but he did! Those of you who know all the dog drama in our house understand why I hate cleaning. That is an entire other story. So...the milk ran down into the drawers and on the floor. This of course means MORE CLEANING FOR ME! I started fussing! "Gavin couldn't you be more careful. You know I just cleanded the kitchen. Why did you pour so much cereal. You know that is not just one serving."
Gavin with his lips pushed out and trying to move all the milk around on the counter thinking he was cleaning responded "I know mom but I just wanted bacon...I was so hungry I wasn't ..."
"What? You weren't paying attention? Now your not really helping your just making a bigger mess and by the way you have left the refrigerator door open this whole time!"
" Mom, I couldn't help that... you, you, you SUCKED ME IN the whole conversation about the mess I was making and that made me forget about the refrigerator door being open!"
"I see Gavin! You know Gavin, you are probably right. I should have just made you bacon!"

Melt In Your Mouth Southwestern Quiche

1 Tbs butter
1/2 sweet onion chopped
1/2 Green bell pepper chopped
1/4 jalapeno chopped fine
2 Tbs cilantro chopped fine
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup shreded jalapeno jack cheese
1 pie crust

4 egg and 3/4 Half and Half whipped together until frothy and set aside
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

In a sautee pan heat butter on med. Stir fry onion and peppers and jalapenos until tender. Add salt and pepper.
In one pie crust transfer the onion pepper mixture to the bottom and spread evenly.
Top with cheese and pat down firm. Pour whipped egg mixture over cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with fruit.
Servings:6

Gavin's Tail Twister # 14 : Sammy The Great

On any given day Sammy(11) is usually pounding on Gavin(7). I try to punish Sammy and Gavin always says "It is OK mommy, I don't want Sammy to go to time out. It was probably my fault anyways." This is proof that if you tell someone especially a kid that they are guilty of doing something bad, they eventually agree and confess even if they didn't do it.

This event involved Gavin being unusually mean to his big brother Sammy. I sent Gavin to the step to for time out. After a minute on the step, I thought to myself: Hitting Sammy on the head with a closed fist was deserving of a harsher punishment. So, I went to Gavin and said in a low voice like I do to the dog when I really mean something: "Gavin, I am very dissappoined in your behavior. This is something that I will not tolerate again. I think your punishment should equal the bad behavoir so you will go to your room for 30 minutes and think about what you did. Then you will come down, shower and go straight to bed without getting to watch TV tonight with your Dad, Samuel and myself.
Gavin burst into tear and ran to his room. As usua,l I forgot about Gavin being in time out until I heard a small voice from way upstairs calling "ma..a..am?".

"Oh Gavin!" I said "I am so sorry I forgot about you. Come on down and hop in the shower."

Gavin came down and hung his head down while he make his way to the shower. He sobbed as he undressed and then uttered "I wish Sam was an only child".

I responded with "I don't think you know what your saying."

"Oh yes I do! If Sammy was alone he would not have me to be so mean to him. Then he would be Sammy The Great and he would be so happy!"

I don't know why younger siblings gauge their own self worth by how happy their older brothers and sisters are. Gavin(7) thinks Sammy(11) hung the moon and Sammy would kick Gavin to the curb every single day of the week. Sweet Gavin keeps coming back wanting to hang with his big brother or just be in his presence. Occasionally I overhear Gavin saying under his breath "Sammy loves me, he just doesn't know it yet!"

Gavin Tail Twister #13 : changes Twas the night before school

Setting this up: Every night I lay on a tennis ball to work the knots out of my back. Every night Gavin asks "can I do that?" and Every night I eventually give him the ball.

Twas the night before the first day of school, when all through the house,

Everyone was still stirring, even the dog Maggie, no sign of any mouse.

The back pack were hung by the door in the mud room,

Mama was growing inpatient and about to lower the great big boom.

The children tip toed around or so they thought,

I heard every sound even the sound of that x-box we just bought.

The children should have been all snug in their beds,

They were up laughing and playing with Maggie instead.

Dad already showered and I on the net.
I could hear all the excitement over our pet.

I yelled up the stairs, "it's time to go to bed!"

"Are you listening, did you even hear what I just said?"

I finally went to see Gavin as he laid down to sleep.
I leaned over, kissed him and said " not a peep".
The start of a new school year, Gavin knew what he had to do.

As he looked up at me, I knew he still did not want to.

Longing for his mom to lay down and chat,
It was important to him that I do just that.
So, He reached behind his back to get a special present,
And asked with such sweetness, "mom don't you want to get in the tent?"

He scooted over and gave me most of the bed
Even offered to share his pillow with my head.
And "here you go mom, it's a ball for your back.
It will make you feel better now let's hit the sack."

Recipe #17: Avocado Salad Dip

1 ripe avocado (soft to the touch like a peach)
1 tsp red onion, chopped fine
1Tbs cilantro, chopped fine
¼ tsp minced jalapeno
½ juice of lime, seeds removed
¼ tsp sea salt
Dash of pepper

Cut around avocado lengthwise taking care not to cut through the seed. Split apart half of the avocado and scoop the seed out with a spoon. Then scoop the inside of the avocado out with a spoon and put in a serving bowl. Cut the avocado in small chunks. Add the remainder of ingredients. Toss with a fork and slightly mash some of the avocado. Top off with a sprinkle of sea salt and garnish with cilantro.
Serve with chips and salsa or as a side with Mexican food. Do not make too far in advance or it will turn brown. If you have to prepare ahead squeeze additional lime on top of finished salad and cover tightly with saran wrap.
Yields: 2 servings

Recipe #16: Mom’s Indian Yogurt Rice (Musiru Anah)

1 uncooked rice (long grain rice) I use Mahatma brand for this recipe
2 cup water

1 tbs corn oil
2 tsp Split Urid Dal, also called Matpe Beans (hulled and split)
10 curry leaves (if available)
½ tsp black mustard seeds
½ tsp cumin seed
1 medium Serrano or jalapeno chili finely chopped
½ large red onion chopped fine
½ cup fresh cilantro chopped fine

2 cup non-fat plain yogurt
1 cup butter milk
¼ cup sour cream

Cook ahead the Rice- in a double boiler:
If you don’t own one you can easily set one up by putting a metal mixing bowl that fits inside a covered pot. Fill covered pot with 1-2 inches of water. Heat water on medium heat so water gets hot and creates steam but not so it is boiling. Put uncooked rice and 2 cups water in the metal mixing bowl. Set metal mixing bowl into the pot of heating water. The water should not come above the half way point of the mixing bowl. Cover and cook for 40 minutes. It should appear wet but cooked when you uncover lid. Turn burner off and let rice cool completely in the pot with the lid on.
Prepare Yogurt:
Combine yogur, butter milk, and sour cream and set aside.
Prepare Masala:
Heat oil on med-hi, add Urid Dahl, stir 1 min. Add curry leaves and mustard seeds and cover immediately so oil does not splatter. Turn heat to med . Add cumin seeds and stir. Add Serrano chili and onions. Cook 2 minutes and turn off burner. Add cilantro and stir.
Final Preparation:
Combine Cooled Rice with Prepared Yogurt. Then fold in prepared masala. Sprinkel ½ tsp salt and fold in. Garnish with cilantro.
Variation: Add diced red bell peppers and more urid dahl if you like the hard crunch. After sitting over night the dahl is not crunchy. I like crunchy.
Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve later.
Yields: 4 servings

Recipe #15: Usha's Grilled Spicy Jack and Tomato Sandwich

2 slices seedless rye bread
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup grated Jalapeno Jack Cheese
2 slices firm but ripe tomato

Heat griddle to medium high. Spread butter on rye bread and seer the bread on the butter side. Turn griddle on Low. Divide cheese on each piece of bread . Lay the tomato slices on top of the cheese on one piece of bread. Once the cheese starts to melt, flip the second piece of bread over onto the tomatoes. Heat until cheese is completely melted. You may need to flip the sandwich 2 or 3 times to prevent burning. Sharp cheddar works well if you don't like the spicy Jalapeno Jack.
Serve with a cup of tomato soup.
Yields: 1 Sandwich

Recipe #14: Salsa Good Enough to Drink

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO

1 Cup Fresh Cilantro, divided in half (washed and 1/2 grossly chopped, other 1/2 chopped fine)
½-1 large Jalapeno, seeds removed (taste the Jalapeno if it is spicy add 1/2 if mild add whole)
¼ medium White Onion, grossly chopped
1/8 medium White Onion, hand cut into small pieces and set aside
1 (11.5oz) can Original Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies drained
1 (14 oz) cans Whole Peeled Tomatoes drained (reserve 2 Tbs juice)
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

2 Tbs reserve juice of tomato from the can of whole peeled tomatoes can
1 fresh Lime Juice, squeezed (about 4Tbs)

Set aside in 1/8 white onion with 1/2 cup cilantro chopped fine in a plate. Squeeze 1 Tbs lime over onion and cilantro.

In a food processor add cilantro, jalapeno and 1/4 onion. Pulse 4 times until all items are chopped into small chunks. Transfer into serving bowl. Pour drained Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies into food processor pulse 3 times until tomatoes are in small chunks (but not pureed). Transfer into serving bowl with the cilantro jalapeno onion mixture. Pour drained whole Peeled Tomatoes into food processor pulse 4-5 times until tomatoes are in small chunks (but not pureed). Transfer into serving bowl with the cilantro jalapeno onion mixture. In a small microwavable dish combine 2 Tbs reserve tomato juice with the sugar and salt. Heat in microwave until sugar and salt are dissolved (about 15 sec). Pour over tomato mixture. Fold in the set aside finely chopped onion and cilantro. Squeeze lime about 3 Tbs. over tomato mixture. Stir to mix. Serve with chips. I use Tostito Scoops. If salsa is too spicy add additional 1/4 tsp salt and 1Tbs lime. You can also serve with sour cream on the side.
Salsa will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Yields: 4 Cups Salsa

Recipe #13: Really Good Spaghetti Sauce -Simple and Spicy

4 tablespoons Olive Oil
½ large Sweet Onion, Chopped
1 tablespoons Garlic Minced
½ teaspoons Dried Basil
1 tablespoons Dried Oregano
1 (11.5oz) can Original Rotel Tomatoes
2 (14 oz) cans Petit Diced Tomatoes

In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil on Medium High. Add onion and stir for 1 min. Add Garlic and stir for 1 min. Add Basil and Oregano and stir for 1 min. Add Rotel and stir for 1 min. Add Diced Tomatoes and stir for 1 min. Reduce heat to Med-Low for 20 min. stirring occasionally. Serve over pasta. Garnish with Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese.
Yields: 6 one cup servings.

Recipe #12: Chicken Enchiladas "The Best You Will Ever Have!!!!"

8 flour tortillia shells

2 Chicken Breast Baked or Grilled and chopped
1/2 Zuccini Cubed
1/4 Red onion chopped
16 0z Pepper Jack Cheese divided in half
1/4 cup Cilantro chopped fine

3 Scalliions thinly sliced
1 16 oz can Ole Elpaso Red enchilada Sauce
1 16 oz can Ole Elpaso Greene Verdes sauce

Fill each tortillia with chicken zuccini onion cheese(reserve 1/2 cheese for topping) and cilantro.

Roll and Place in baking pan
Cover in Reserved cheese, sprinkle with scallions and top with green and red enchilada sauce.
Bake for 30 min at 400 until warm throughout and bubbleing in the middle.

Recipe #11: Sweet and Spicy Breakfast Rice

If have left over corn on the cob from last night summer cookout, this is a great way to use up that corn.

4 Tbs 50/50 Smart Balance (butter and olive oil) Heat in Stir fry pan on Med -Hi
1/4 Cup Red Onion Finely Chopped Add to oil
1 Jalapeno seeded and chopped fine Add to onions and Oil
Stir 2 min

3 Cobbs of corn cooked and cut off the cob Add to pan and stir 1 min
1/4 tsp paprika add and stir
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper(optional) add and stir til golden
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped fine add and stir 1 min

4 Cups cooked Rice Fold in rice until well mixed
4 Eggs and 1 Tbs milk whipped together Pour over Rice mixture
and fold in once or twice.
Let Eggs cook in Rice for 3min.
6 oz Jalapeno Jack Cheese Shredded Sprinkle over Rice Mixture
(If you like less spice use cheddar) Fold into Rice once or twice.

Makes: 6 One Cup Servings
Serve: With Fresh Fruit For Breakfast Lunch or Dinner.

Gavin's Tail Twister #12: That's So Easy Mom...

One evening when William(husband) was working late, I was laying in bed trying to do some computer work and of course Gavin(6 1/2 years old) comes in and says Mom I can't sleep can I get in bed with you? I of course say Yes if you will lie quiet while I finish my work.
(Gavin) "OK Mommy."
I knew that would not last long. After 5 minutes of Gavin's eyes wandering around he finally asks: "Mom, What does TELEKINESIS mean?"
I put down my papers and say "Where did you learn a word like that Gavin?"
(Gavin) "I don't know but what does it mean?"
(Me) I means if you use your brain and think on something really hard, you can make that something move with your mind."
(Gavin) Like I could move that TV with my brain?
(Me)I am now figuring that Gavin is not gonna stop asking questions so I laid down a piece of paper on the mattress and dropped a paper clip on the paper and said to Gavin "Gavin, let's start small. Use your brain and try to move that paper clip without touching it." I thought to myself 'that ought to take some time and maybe he'll fall asleep.'
Gavin immediately responded as if I gave him a 2+2 question.
(Gavin) "AH MOM, THAT'S SO EASY!"
GAVIN PROCEEDED TO TAKE THE PALM OF HIS HAND TO THE TOP OF HIS HEAD AND RUBBED IT AS HARD AS HE COULD. HE RUBBED HIS HAIR SO HARD IT LOOKED AS IF THERE WAS A BIRDS NEST ON TOP OF HIS HEAD. HE THEN TOOK THE PALM OF HIS HAND AN WAVED IT OVER THE PAPERCLIP AND PAPER. BOTH THE CLIP AND THE PAPER MOVED DUE TO THE STATIC ELECTRICITY GAVIN CREATED IN HIS HAND.
(Gavin) TAADAAAAA!
(ME) CAN'T GET ANYTHING PAST YOU CAN WE GAVIN!
(Gavin) "Ask me another question Mom."
(ME) Good Night Gavin.
Smarty pants!

Gavin's Tail Twister #11: My Gut Is Telling Me...

One afternoon, I stopped at the local drug store. While I was there, I noticed they had tracing paper tablets in-stock. There were two left on the shelf. Back up a day or two...William (husband) had been looking all week for tracing paper for our oldest son Sammy (10) who loves to draw and trace and had been unsuccessful finding any. Apparently everyone in Macon was tracing. Out of stock everywhere. As a result, I bought the two right in front of me.
Knowing that Gavin would have a conniption if I gave them both to Sam, I decided to give one to Sam and one to Gavin. I figured Gavin would loose interest and the second tablet would end up in Sam's hot little hands. I got in the car. Sam and Gavin immediately asked... what did you buy us and my response was of course....TA DAAA (as I held the two tablets in the air)!
(Sammy) "Whoa Mom! Where did you find those?"
(Gavin) "For Me!!! Mom how cool are you?"
I could see in the rear view mirror Sammy's eyes shifting back and forth from Gavin to the tracing tablets. With his mouth hung wide open Sammy shifted from thankful sweet son to angry greedy Purana.
(Sammy) "He doesn't even draw!"
(Gavin) "Thank you Mommy, I always wanted tracing paper. How did you know."
(Sammy) "Gavin, Mom did not buy that for you and you know it."
Gavin was hugging his Tracing paper and smiling with his eyes closed and in sheer bliss rocked from side to side. It didn't even phase him that his brother was trying to guilt him into giving up his tablet.
(Gavin) "I love my tablet mom and I love you!"
(Sammy) "OK Gavin I'll give you all my candy if you let me have the tablet."
(Gavin) "Huummmm...NO...I don't think so." Still hugging the tablet.
(Sammy) "OK fine I'll let you play with my Nintendo DS anytime you want."
(Gavin) "and I get all your candy too?"
(Sammy) "Fine both candy and playing with my DS...now give me the tablet."
(Gavin) Gavin was Holding on to the tablet with the same hugging grip and his eyes up in his head weighing his options.
(Gavin) "MY GUT IS TELLING ME 'WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? LET SAM HAVE THE TABLET. BUT MY BRAIN IS THINKING SOMETHING ELSE! WHAT DO YOU THINK BRAIN SHOULD WE LET SAM HAVE THE TABLET?'" "SAM MY BRAIN SAYS NO! HOW ABOUT YOU LET ME PLAY WITH YOUR I-TOUCH ANYTIME I WANT TOO?"
(Sam) "Only if I am not playing with it. Take the candy and give me the tablet before you get all your germs on it."
Gavin gladly gave up the tablet he really didn't want and he got to watch his brother work himself into a tizzy over the whole ordeal.

Lesson Learned: Even a six year old knows right from wrong and when it comes to siblings, it is always nice to see your older brother beg every now and again.

Recipe #10: Mung Bean Salad

This is a fantastic salad, light, tangy, crunchy, but filling because of the high fiber and high protein content in the Mung Beans.

2 Cups Mung Bean (split and hulled) - Rinse, then soak in water 6-12 hours,
drained well.
4 Tbs Red Onion (chopped fine) - Add
2 Cups Cucumber (peeled, remove seeds,finley chopped) - Add
4 Tbs Fresh Cilantro (chopped fine) - Add
4 Tbs Lemon Juice (1 small fresh squeezed lemon) - Add
1 tsp Sea Salt - Add
1/2 Tsp Cracked Pepper (fresh cracked) - Add

Spice it up by adding 1/2 Jalapeno (chopped fine)

Combine all ingredients and store in refrigerator (up to 48 hours) until served.
Serving suggestions: Great as a salad on it's own. Great on top of fresh hot rice. Awesome as a side item with steak, chicken or seafood.