Back to School

James' first day back to preschool was today. He had a blast and is so excited to be back with his friends. He has two short days this week and will be going full days starting next week after Labor Day.

Charlotte started back to Mother's Day Out today as well. She will be going 9am-3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yes, that's right... I have two days a week this year without kids from 9am-3pm!!! Can you tell I'm a little excited?!?! Well, it's not actually until 3pm though since both James and Charlotte get out at the same time. I'll have to pick her up at 2:40 to get to James' school by 3pm and then race over to Madeleine's school by 3:15. Don't worry about me being bored though - I've WAY over committed myself this year. But that's a whole other post....

My Smarty Pants Boy

So we are just driving along...

James: Mommy - you know the brown wolf?

Me: Do you mean Wylie Coyote?

James: Yes

Me: What about him?

James: He has really bad ideas. 

:-)

First Day of School

First grade, here we come!!

Asian Peanut Butter Pork

My mom made this the other day and gave me some to try - I loved it!  And both Charlotte and Madeleine ate their whole serving as well.  So here's the recipe:

Asian Peanut Butter Pork 

1 onion, sliced into rings

1 (1½ to 2 pound) pork tenderloin

¼ cup brown sugar, firmly packed

¼ cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

3 tablespoons water

2 garlic cloves, chopped

½ cup creamy natural peanut butter

2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (optional garnish)

1 lime, cut in wedges (optional garnish)

Use a 4 quart slow cooker.  Put the onion slices into the bottom of your stoneware and place the pork on top.  Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, water, garlic and peanut butter.  No need to stir – the peanut butter needs to melt before you can do so.  Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours.  One hour before serving, flip the meat over to allow the other side to soak up the peanut-buttery goodness.  Garnish with chopped peanuts, and serve with lime wedges.

Special Treat

We usually go to Sweet Tomatoes after church on Sundays and this weekend they are having a banana split celebration. So the kids had their first banana splits today. I'd say they like them!

Wet Wednesdays

For the past few weeks we have been having "Wet Wednesdays" at the Marlowe house. That means we have been going to the UP Pool in the afternoon. Some days we meet friends and some days we take a picnic dinner and eat there. The kids love it and there really is no better way to beat the heat. There is a huge UV blocking shade over the baby pool and the kids can also go to the splash pad or water slide without me having to go with them (I can see them from my spot next to the baby pool). Yesterday met some Christ the King friends at the pool and spent several hours catching up before school starts. Plus, how cute is this kid?!? Who wouldn't want a poolside playdate with her?

Birthday Girl

It has been a busy past few days or else I would have gotten this out sooner (which is pretty typical for me).... But we are proud to announce that our baby girl is now 2! And she is just as spunky as she looks in this picture. Love you Charlotte!