Potty Training Update

This is day number 6. We had a little setback after day 3. Leah became a little sick to her stomach which required a diaper, if you know what I mean. (No pictures with this post!) So we basically had to start over. After the experience of day 4 she became petrified of Mr. #2 and avoided the particular tile where he "landed" like the plague. Even after it was all cleaned up she remembered the incident and took the "long road" to avoid that tile. Needless to say the potty was also in the dog house. Slowly, which much bribery, she came around again and sat on the potty. When she felt she needed to go she would bolt out of the chair. Then the bribery became more intense and without a moment's notice, SUCCESS!!! She made #1 in the potty! I cheered, danced (no pictures of that either, she clapped asked for more Reece's Pieces and all is well. This morning we did not watch any of the videos, instead we watched "real, human" children on You Tube potty training. I think it helped because the examples on the videos we have are either cartoons or little furry monsters. Maybe she couldn't relate and needed real children to set the example. Whatever it was, it has been a good day. YEAH!!!!!

Potty Training - Day 1

We did it folks! Dove in head first and there is no going back now. Since I decided to keep Leah home this week, felt it was a good time to finally get it done. We attempted once before but the truth is she just was not ready. We watch all the potty training videos in the car, in the house and have read all the books. The first day was not bad. She finally went in the potty! At first she thought she had done something wrong, but we cheered and danced and gave her stickers. I think she is starting to understand. I ask her questions and she knows the answers, but sometimes she looks at me like " you want me to do what? why?" This is our third attempt. The first two times she just didn't understand but now she does and I am not giving up. I am sooooooo open to suggestions, so please feel free to share your potty training success stories. Leah's 22 and 20 year old siblings are potty trained so I know I have done this once or twice before, why can't I remember what to do?

Sunday Meal - Boliche, Cuban Round Roast

Boliche (Stuffed Eye Round Roast )

3-5 lb Beef eye round roast
4 Chorizos, quartered lengthwise
3 Tbs. capers
3 Tbs. green Spanish olives w/pimentos
1 large green bell pepper
1 large onion
1-2 heaping Tbs. oregano
6 cloves garlic
3 Bay leaves
2 packets Goya Sazon con Azafran
2 large pinches saffron
1can tomato sauce (29 oz)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbs. Goya Adobo seasoning
1 package Badia Cilantro
1 cup red wine

Cut slits into eye round roast, and stuff with quartered chorizos (follow the grain of meat) lightly rub meat with adobo seasoning. Brown the meat on all sides in a sauté pan to seal in the juices. Remove and place in a large covered roasting pan. In the same pan, as the beef was browned, add saffron, garlic, onions, peppers, bay leaves, oregano, olives, capers, and the Sazon seasoning. Sauté until the onions are translucent in color, deglaze with red wine, turn heat down and simmer about five minutes. Add the cilantro and the tomato sauce and stir well and pour this mixture over the beef, and roast at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hrs. - 2 hrs., or until meat is tender. Turn the roast over and baste with the sauce once in a while to assure full flavor penetration and even cooking. Serves 6-8

I like to serve this with white rice and maduros (fried ripe plantains) and a lettuce and tomato salad.

*Note that any brand names used is because I have not found others in my area, I am not endorsing in any way and you are free to use any brand product you have in your area market.

Let's Get Cooking!

It's officially my favorite time of the year. The anticipation of December makes November the most exciting month. Everyone keeps asking me what is on the menu, so I thought I would include some of my favorite recipes during the next few months. My kitchen is "international" but I will start with a Cuban dish at the request of my friend Norma. I haven't decided which one but I am open to suggestions. On Sunday I will post it. Stay tuned.

Trick or Treat

"Nancy Drew" solves mystery. Yes, this man did lose his head.
Leah kept up with the big girls with no trouble.
Nancy Drew finds a lost baby monkey
Leah partying started earlier in the day with David at Town Center
What do you mean its time to go home and I can't eat all my candy.

Halloween

Halloween is not my favorite holiday but seeing the smiles on the faces of my children makes all the crazy running around worth it. Why is is that the simplest of holidays come along with so much work? The week started off with Danny having car trouble, and then Michelle getting sick and having to go to the doctor for a strep test. She didn't require antibiotics but the doctor did say she was suffering from exhaustion. I'm still trying to keep up with my own job while I help Michelle with her studio in the evenings. I did get to finish Leah's costume and Michelle put her costume together and I thought I we were done. Suddenly Michelle learns she needs yet another costume for a party she was going to later. Nancy Drew was great for trick or treating with Leah and the cousins but not sophisticated enough for clubbing with friends later. So the search goes on for the perfect costume. We find it and here it is the day before Halloween and all costumes and accessories are in order. Danny was not doing anything this year as he decided to spend Saturday working on his very neglected car. Then I remember I better get to the pumpkin patch right after Leah's speech therapy for some pictures before they are out pf pumpkins. Well is was empty but I did manage to get some pictures with the costume. Our little Pocahontas was a hit at the pumpkin patch.