Stolen Kisses

We had a wonderful evening with family this past weekend. Studmuffin's brother and his family came out. My sister-in-law Anita's mother, sister and her sister's family came too. Do you follow all of that? Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures. I was too busy saying "hello" to everyone, then, swimming with the kids (hey, somebody's gotta lifeguard!)

Then, I had to scramble to throw some food in front of them. I'm afraid it was a very ill-prepared discombobulated sort of meal. Studmuffin started grilling while I was in the pool. Then, when the burgers were nearly ready, I flew into the house to grill some poblano peppers and onions for toppings, and make a cole slaw salad. The recipe is fabulous. I always thought I hated cole slaw, but this is unlike any I'd ever tasted.

Anyway, we ended up celebrating my nephew's 7th birthday. Anita's sister is a good aunt. Instead of just playing around with the kids, she actually made sure he had a real made from scratch cake with candles and everything! It ws wonderful! Wouldn't you love to see a picture of it? Well, too bad. By this point I had actually thought to grab my camera. Alas, my memory card was full. The girls had been using it to make movies. Of course, I couldn't just start deleting them, because I simply must watch them to see what they recorded for all posterity!

Here's a picture of the birthday boy from Bookworm's birthday last year.

My nephew was walking by me, and I dropped a quick peck on his head. Anita said, "Aunt Andi stole a kiss!" He looked at me kind of funny. She then said, "You should give her a kiss. She got you those walkie talkies, and you should kiss her to thank her." He quickly moved out of kissing range.

"I'm not one of those medical!" he said as he began to flee to the front door.

What? We all expressed bafflement at this statement. He came back and said, "You know, I'm not a...a....a...doctor!"

We all burst out laughing. However, I must admit I'm rather disturbed by the revelations that followed. It turns out that he never realized I was a nurse until that day when I was asked to inspect a burn on his arm and see if it was healed enough to swim. His mom watches soaps. Apparently the nurses on General Hospital go around kissing a lot of doctors.

Is that what my nephew thinks of me?

Well, here is a recipe for you today, Dear Reader

NOT Cole Slaw Salad

16 oz pkg cole slaw mix
1 c sunflower seeds
1/2 c almonds
1 pkg ramen noodles (chicken flavor)

Toast nuts and noodles to enhance the flavors. Toss with slaw mix.

Dressing
1/2-3/4 c sugar (I always use 2/3 to split the difference!)
1/2 c oil
1/3 c vinegar
packet of seasoning from ramen noodles.

Pour dressing over salad just before serving to prevent soggy noodles and slaw.

You will love this, I promise. You will no longer be able to imagine eating a burger without it!

Oh! And guess what? I pawned my kids off AGAIN!!! They are at my parents until Thursday. Then, they will come home in time for Bookworm's 9th birthday party. I can't believe the summer has flown by, and before I know it the girls will be starting school again. Bleck. There goes my excuse to swim every day!