A Shot of Life

COOP: a small pen for poultry; to confine as in a coop

Every day this week we have managed to get out…but only be be ‘cooped’ up somewhere else.  Winter seems to be dragging on here, and we are certainly feeling the effects.  I try to be creative and get out so this does not happen, but it must be inevitable this time of year.

The boys have been crafting like crazy…what else is there to do?

Growing up we always had great relationships with our neighbors.  Aunt Loretta (a neighbor since the time I was born) made Eric’s baptism gown.  Then my family moved and we met Art.  He was a wonderful neighbor too…ask my friends who would leave a party to sit and have a beer with him-only to learn that he wanted us to turn the music up because he couldn’t quite hear it at his place!

When Kevin & I married we did not expect to have the same experience.  I mean, we didn’t expect trouble, but we also did not think we would find a babysitter, snow removal system, fish feeder and general maintenance neighbor to help us out whenever needed!  Our neighborhood is great we are so glad to be part of it!

The most recent thing Al asked is if he could teach Eric to skate…

here is skating lesson #1:

I think Al looks as happy as Eric!

I have to admit that I’m having a VERY hard time with the composition on Mondays!  It’s part of the reason I chose to do a “food” day, so that I can work outside my comfort zone & learn how display the food or product in a more appealing manor!

Anyway…On to the recipe!

I requested this recipe from a close friend after having for dinner at her house one night!

Marinated Pork Tenderloin…

1 cup orange juice

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tsp dried rosemary

3 cloves of garlic

Mix all ingredients together, marinate pork for at least on hour.  Preheat oven to 400, drain pork, reserve marinade.  Roast pork for approx. 20 mins (I find it does take a bit longer).  Bring marinade to a boil & serve as a sauce for over the meat!

The boys and I decided to make some Mr. & Mrs. Potato heads today.  Jeremy usually just puts the big bucket over his head the whole time saying “ta-daaa”.

Eric tries to help me…I am supposed to make the “girl” and he works away at the “Dad”…

Everything was fine until Jasper barked!

After visiting dad at work, Eric had some company over today.  Eric’s friend, Nate, is a big fan of tractors too!Nathan’s mom and I worked together at CAS.

We hadn’t met until we needed to car pool one day!  I am very thankful for that broken down car, it has fostered a nice friendship, both for me and the kids!

He can put his own pants on!