After a wonderful winter break, the kiddos are back in school. I am amazed at how much work I can finally get done in the three hours Bode is in preschool.

I may just go into shock when he’s in school full-time.

To those mothers who feel lost when this milestone hits? Welp, ICan’tRelate.

Because these are treasured, fleeting days, I try my very darnedest to get my work done before they wake up in the mornings and while they’re in school. That way when they come home, we can delve into whatever activity we have planned.

This month, they’re doing swim lessons twice a week. My little fish Haddie is progressing toward joining the swim team next year. And Bode? Welp, he flunked the Minnows class last summer because he refused to put his face in the water.

And yep, he gets that from me.

We’ve also been spending time in the kitchen. Bode made chocolate chip cookies for the first time yesterday and I’ve been cooking up a storm from my new Indian cookbook Jamie gave me for Christmas.

Though I’m trying to figure out for whom that gift was really designated.

I remember once upon a time when I wanted frivolous presents. My, what a difference a few years make because this bureau was what Jamie and I gave each other.

Y’all can have your jewels and fancy electronics. This organizational system for our mail and miscellaneous items has given me a much needed gift: sanity.

I wish I could say my ethnic cooking is going as well. The last few years, Jamie and I have become moderately obsessed with Indian food. Every time I return home to Calgary (where there is a large East Indian and Pakistani population), I curse that I never capitalized on it in my youth. Not only are there some killer restaurants but our grocery stores are chock-full of glorious Garam Masala-esque products vs. the Mexican-heavy offerings in the U.S.

It seemed only natural to learn how to make our own so on Tuesday, I attempted Adraki Murgh Tikki (ginger chicken bites) and Naan Bread. Last night, I made our family’s favorite to celebrate back-to-school: Chicken Tikka Masala.

I pride myself on being a pretty good cook but Indian food calls for entirely different ingredients that will require me to track down a specialty market. And then there are the funky methods of cooking include cheese clothes (huh?), “Tadka” (tempering), “Dum” (steaming) and Tandoori. Normally Naan bread is made in a clay oven but knowing the book is targeted to Gringos, the author suggested broiling it on the top rack.

I don’t know if you’ve ever done this but here’s a little insight: Food gets done VERY quickly when using this method.

And yes, dinner was served when the smoke alarm went off.

Next stop: Our local Indian restaurant.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

With plenty of downtime over winter break, we’ve had plenty of Wii time (something I only allow in moderation on school days).

I was quite enjoying myself letting the kids go to town on Super Mario when they decided to adopt me as their charity project.

“Mommy, we’re going to teach you to play Mario.”
“But you’re both so good. There’s no way I can possibly keep up!”
“We’ll start with the easy levels.”

And that they did. If you ever want to be impressed by your kids, see what they’re doing on their computers and video games. I was particularly amazed at Little Bode’s aptitude.

And horrified by my lack thereof.

Whenever I would die, my mushroom would be resurrected in the form of a bubble the kids needed to pop so I could continue playing. You wanna talk about things you never thought you’d say as a mother?

“CHILDREN, GET MOMMY OUT OF THE BUBBLE…NOW!”

Though believe me, there have been days when I wished for Said Mommy Bubble.

The kids were amazingly patient but I never quite caught on. I figured false confidence would be a good strategy so I started endlessly praising every bad move I made.

Finally, Hadley had enough:

“Stop saying you’re awesome, cuz you’re not.”

Excuse while I go back to my Mommy Bubble….

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog

Hadley and Bode have been playing marvelously well lately.

Knock on wood an entire forest.

However, I’m not ignorant enough to think it won’t be long until their playtime turns back into this:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3iFhLdWjqc&fs=1&hl=en_US]

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog