French Party.

Yesterday, my sister came over for a visit, and we watched  "Julie and Julia," which just came out on DVD.  It was great, and I think I'll have to purchase it someday.  Michelle recommended it to me, since she knows I've always had a thing for Julia Child.  I agree with Michelle also, that the movie has MARRIED people, who are actually in love with each other.  There's really not a whole lot of that out there, and it was much appreciated.

I've read My Life In France, which provided all the Julia Child parts of the movie.  It is a great book, and I love her attitude towards life.  She's funny and upbeat, but also very able to stand up for herself.  I adore Julia's descriptions about French life and food.  I loaned this to Laural, along with Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  Yeah, I'm that much of a food nerd. 

If you readers (both of you!) know me at all, you have already guessed that we made a foodie day out of it as well. I made Julia Child's Boef Bourguignon,  while Laural brought the makings for her favorite risotto recipe, from Giada de Laurentiis. We spent time in the kitchen together, laughing and joking and stirring and smelling and tasting.  My family loves to cook almost as much as we love to eat.  I must admit that I didn't follow Julia's recipe exactly, as we were pressed for time and I didn't have all the ingredients.  It was all still fantastic.  We even threw in some brussels sprouts for a little vegetable action.

Failure to Communicate.

The other day, Olivia was chewing on something after dinner.  I asked her what it was, and she started signing to me, trying to finger-spell it out.

"C... Is it chocolate?  No?"  At this point, I was trying to remember what we had lying around to eat that began with "C."

"Slow, down, Liv, I can't remember that many signs!"  Okay, she finally drew the next one in the air.

"R..."

More frantic gesticulations...

"Um...Okay, is it a vowel?  Yes?  A..."  Excited nods of assent.

Finally she swallowed her mouthful.  She burst out, "Mom, I can't remember the sign for "P!"

"Livvie!  You're eating CRAP!?!"

(Actually, crepes.  Spelling lesson and discussion of French language followed.)

I'm Too Lazy to Name This.

Dishwasher:  broken.

Dishes:  filthy and all over.

Clothes:  dirty and clean mingling everywhere in unfolded piles.

Kids:  barely in bed, an hour late.

House:  cold.

Mom:  sick and cranky.

A typical day.