Friday, December 30, 2011

LEGO and toys.


This year has been a banner year for Matthews getting Lego's. He has gotten and bought many sets of them for him self. I was not allowed to have them my self. I will tell you I have enjoyed playing with them my self. Its OK to play with toys and enjoy them. I liked putting together spin art and also making the metal dump truck with you.  My word of advise is to stay young on the inside.  Enjoy what you are playing - don't fake it - kids can tell. Thats the key to having fun with kids. Just find what you like doing together.   There are certain thing that I don't like playing - things with too many lights or sounds (thats usually after work though) , but Lego's and art things I have fun with.  I just learned about the LEGO store and how they sell them in bulk. I am looking forward to putting together sets but more excited to just have fun with your imagination and having fun.  Some parents need to always have structured play time with specific things to do. Kids just need  kid time. Remember when playing its about their time not yours.  I wish I had more time to just play. Sundays go buy too quick to do everything and play....
As always ,
With Love,
 Dad

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas gifts

Christmas ..... what to say about Christmas. The best gifts mom and I ever got from you two were the hand made ornaments. The photo frames and tin nutcrackers we put on the tree. These things I knew you made with your hands at school mean so much to me and mom. Its a snapshot of you at Christmas. Everything else is just stuff you bought. Not that I don't appreciate it but its the things you put your hand on are the best!
   I always loved getting up and turing on the coffee and watching your faces as you opened your gifts.  It did not matter how tired I was or how early it is but your faces were what kept be going.  The noise didn't matter the cleaning of wrapping paper didn't matter. All that mattered was your smiles and that you were happy.
     We didn't have much but we always made sure you had a little here and there. Something small but nice to open.   You don't have to go over the top and give crazy toys. Give your kids love and your time. These are things that matter. I wish I wish I could have more time to spend with you too, but you have to work when you can.   Sit and play with your kids, Lego's, cards, checkers, chess and just watch TV together. Its nice for both of you....... I'll remember my time with you 1000 longer than what toy I gave you. I hope you remember this as well ..
Merry Christmas and please remember that I love you both.
 
With Love,
Dad.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Turkey flautas

Post thanksgiving leftovers. While I do enjoy the traditional Turkey sammich afterwards or a simple turkey Cheddar biscuit I love turkey flautas. They are not hard to make and you boys have always loved them. One of the first years mom and I were married we went downstate and make thanksgiving at Papa's house. The next day I made these and he loved them Your Nana not so much but so what? You boys loved them... My mother taught me how to make them. I wish there were more things that I can give you from your grandmother , but I guess that recipes of her great food are the best things I can give you. The smells and tastes of great foods can keep memories forever.
 
 
... Here y a go ...
 
You will need:
Cooked turkey
corn tortillas one or two packages
corn or veggie oil
wooden toothpicks
2 frying pans
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shred the cooked  turkey (yes you can use cooked chicken too)
in a frying pan pan a touch of tomato sauce
salt
pepper
a dash of cumin
a dash of hot sauce
** all this is optional and to your taste
warm it all in the pan just enough to lightly moisten the turkey and to add flavor - if your serving w/ salsa - skip it.

Microwave the corn tortillas *** important!!!!!
- if you don't the tortilla will crack and spill turkey in to the oil
now fill and roll the tortillas - don't over fill !!!!!
secure with one or two toothpicks
 
make them before you start frying or have some one else making while you fry them.

in a large pan heat corn oil
now fry till crispy shell - golden brown
the oil does not need to cover - just enough to roll them in
only fry up to 3 three at a time so the oil does not cool to fast and make the tortilla gummy

drain on a plate w/ paper napkins

serve w/ salsa
guac
sour cream and a dash of salt
cut limes
refried beans or anyting else you want to put with this
and beers
 
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Remember boys , I love you like nothing you can imagine and I hope this reminds you of your grandmother.
 
With Love,
Dad.

DO NOT FORGET TO REMOVE TOOTHPICK BEFORE EATING!!!!!!! 
 - it may sound silly you you can bite in to it if you are not thinking.