Star Wars Reads 2013

A few months ago I was running a quick errand and spotted a couple of Stormtroopers hanging out at one of our local Wal-mart stores. Yes, Stormtroopers. They belonged to the 501st Legion:

“...The Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work..."

I really wanted to bring Veronica and Jacinta back to see them but we had a full schedule that day and couldn’t swing it. Ever since then I’ve been stalking the Facebook page of our local 501st chapter, the Dune Sea Garrison, so we could try to catch them at another event. Finally, it happened!

Today is the second annual Star Wars Reads Day, which celebrates both reading and Star Wars. Two things I can get behind! We headed to a nearby bookstore for the event.

 

First, we had to get past the guards. They made sure to let us know that it’s not only boys who can be Stormtroopers; one of the scouts is a girl!

 

Then we faced the dangers of the Sith. Jacinta looks understandably concerned.

 

Or maybe she just had to go to the bathroom.

 

We also met members of the Mandalorian Mercs, who specialize in Mandalorian costumes, of course.

 

There were some activities for the kids to do.

 

Jedi…or Stormtrooper? Decisions.

 

Training needs to begin early. She’ll grow into the helmet, I guess.

 

The cantina band showed up to provide some music.

 

And it wouldn’t be Star Wars without…Jedi!

 

I think I have some costume-making lessons to learn from these folks. It didn’t help that Veronica’s robe is a year old. She has grown a lot!

 

Everyone was extremely friendly and more than willing take pictures with us and to share about their costumes. And chat about Star Wars, of course. Though the girls were a little shy at first, Jacinta ended up giving a big hug to Duchess Satine by the end. A special thank you to Bookman’s for hosting, and to the friendly staff-member who took this picture for us. We’ll look forward to Star Wars Reads Day again next year.

May the force be with you!

What We’ve Been Up To Lately

I always have good intentions about posting more often. But then life takes over. Here’s what’s happening around the Greene household lately.

 

We’ve used cloth diapers on and off since Veronica was born. Coming off of a long break, I was excited to do some diaper shopping. So much cute fluff! And buying through a co-op means saving even more.

 

One of the ways I keep Ari busy while in the kitchen. What a big “helper.” She loves to wash things for me. She also loves standing on the step-stool and helping me measure and pour. Sometimes she even gets things in the right bowl!

 

He’s roasting a marshmallow. Hey, even Stormtroopers get hungry!

 

Not even sister Ari’s Snoopy could comfort this sad baby.

 

But the Jumperoo did the trick! Moira loves chewing on Busy Bee and bouncing up and down. The rate of bouncing is directly proportional to her level of excitement.

 

Ariadne taking Snoopy for a ride, with some help from Daddy.

 

In a two-week period, Veronica lost two teeth! And swallowed both of them! The conversations we had each time went a lot like this:

Veronica: Mommy, Mommy, I lost a tooth!!!!

Me: Wow, that’s great, honey! Where is it?

Veronica: I don’t know.

Me: …

 

She also started Kindergarten at home with me. Things are going great so far! She is a very eager student. We do most things at home, but she has a P.E. class once a week as well as a Little Flowers Club and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Things definitely keep us busy.

 

With Veronica we started the tradition that when potty training is complete, the trainee gets to pick out a special new toy. Looking forward to this, Jacinta had been talking about getting a mermaid for MONTHS. Finally, it arrived! Yay, Jacinta! Our second potty-training graduate.

Now we’re gearing up for fall, since it hasn’t arrived yet here on the surface of the sun. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store.

Cheater’s Chiles Rellenos

I haven’t posted a recipe in a loooooong time, but this was too good not to share. Unfortunately, there are no pictures. Maybe I will remember to take some next time…because there WILL be a next time!

Last weekend I got a 25-lb. box of Hatch green chiles from Bountiful Baskets. That’s alotta roasting! I put most of the finished product in the freezer, but I had to throw together a couple of green chile meals since I had them on hand.

I’ve tried making Rellenos before, but I can’t seem to peel the chiles without tearing them. Maybe I need more practice? I don’t know. In any case, it was no different this time as my chiles quickly became un-stuffable.

So I improvised. This is not very precise, since I kind of just threw it together. And it requires that your chiles are mostly whole, or at least in generous pieces.

Cheater’s Chiles Rellenos

• Approximately 18 or so green chiles
• 2-3 beaten eggs
• Breadcrumbs mixed with salt and cumin to taste
• Bacon grease and vegetable oil (or cooking fat of your choice)
• 2 or so cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese

Once your chiles are roasted and peeled, dip them in the eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Fry in oil on each side until golden brown. Layer in a baking dish with the cheese and broil until the cheese has melted. Serve with rice and beans, and enchilada sauce to pour on top.

Next time, I plan to layer some cubed sirloin as well, since that’s what's in our favorite Rellenos from the Original Blue Adobe Grille. Yum!

So if you can’t manage to stuff and fry chiles without making a huge mangled mess (like me), this is a very tasty alternative that is comparable to the original. Enjoy!

A Cake Fit for a Princess

It’s been a couple of weeks since Veronica’s birthday party, and I am just getting around to sharing her cake. Yikes!

On her actual birthday, she had asked for little cakes, “like from Brave.”

But for her party, we needed something a bit bigger.

Continuing with the ubiquitous Star Wars theme, I used all my skill with the Force to fulfill her request.

 

Meet Princess Leia!

 

Veronica decided that, since she is a Princess, she needed a crown. Of blueberries.

 

And fire.

I think Veronica was pleased.

The Many Moods of Moira

When Moira was first born, she spent a lot of time looking like this.

But as time goes on, she has added to her repertoire of moods and facial expressions.

 

Unhappy. She mastered this early on.

 

Suspicious.

 

Triumphant. With just a slight change of head position. Such talent.

 

Cross-eyed. Not a mood, but funny.

 

Long-suffering.

 

Skeptical. Who could blame her after the long-suffering she was just subjected to?

 

Attentive.

 

Tired, which makes frequent appearances.

 

Self-conscious. Does my hair look okay?

 

Um…hard-working. Yeah.

 

Playful.

 

Surprised.

 

Boom!

 

Eh?

 

Hungry.

 

Frustrated. True story: I once walked into the bedroom in response to a terrific bout of screaming, only to find Moira pulling her own hair, completely unable to let go. Did I say once? I meant several different times. You did it to yourself, child.

 

Determined.

 

Proud. Of being three months old!

Snotnose the Pirate

Who is the most fearsome pirate on the seven seas?

 

Snotnose, that’s who!

 

Arrrrrrgh!

 

No, Ari – do a pirate face, not duck lips.

 

What, Mom?

 

No, Ari – don’t be super cute. Be super fearsome!

 

Like this, Mom?

 

Not exactly.

 

Wait, I got it!

 

Close enough, Snotnose.