Slow January

Slow January.

There is not even snow around here up until a couple of days ago. So we have been hanging around, trying to not get bored.

 I guess the boys can find excitement anywhere!

 There was that game....i still can not get myself to talk about it...ugh. Still unsure if I am going to cheer on the Giants in the Superbowl, that should have been the Pack.

Then there are games....we like our games.

The boys earned their ipods...so this is how you see them quite often. It is more quiet around the house...that is until they start singing. We all had a fantastic weekend away...the boys up at Gma Gpa Jill and Don's, ice fishing, hot tubbing at -10°, Pat ice fishing with coworkers and I up in Minneapolis catching up with friends. No pictures to share but we all had a great time. THANKS Don and Jill for watching the boys!.

Jamison created his own version of Pokemon-like cards. He plans to sell them this summer...so you are going to have to watch for the road-side stand. He is going to make millions!

Peter joined in, he has some crazy entrepreneurial idea also. We have a little snow but nothing to write home about. I am kind of hoping for 12+ inches...but only on a day where we dont have to go anywhere. I think what jinxed us was Pat buying the snowblower....it could really use a work out.

i dont know....genius?

Winter is coming. They say5-7 inches. We realized that it would be a good idea to get what dog poo we could before it comes but there was one problem. It was super dark. Pat is resourceful... but wishes that his dad did no take down the back porch light. With lights on the barn, car and a flashlight in the mouth...he got what he could. Let the snow fall! (and then he can use his new snowblower)

Is this Jan?

Pat's company holiday party included a dessert contest in which Pat was focused on winning! And he went ALL out to try to win.

There were many variations of booze and chocolate...two things that go well with each other.

And a theme, who can go wrong with Calvin and Hobbs snowmen!

His work paid off! 1st place! Way to go Pat! and the best part is we get dinner and a movie as a reward! Whoohoo!

Pat works with another Dolphin fan....who thinks Jamison is a super smart boy. (I on the other hand feel that I have failed as a Packer mother) As a surprise he gave Jamison Dolphin headphones and a calendar. Jamison is SO exited. Thank you Giancarlo!

This has been a wacky winter, one that Keiko would love! There has been no snow! and warm, warm enough for me to hang some laundry. Who knew that that could be done in Jan!

Jamison has also found a new interest in fitness....he has started on the treadmill and has been lifting weights. I guess this is his off season training for soccer...or basketball...or football. The boy wants to do it all!

Iron Chef Cullen

The second annual Iron Chef Cullen was Jan 1, 2012. (I think  another new cullen holiday tradition).

Welcome to Iron Chef Cullen. A delectable Japanese tradition has taken root on American soil. We have been graced with our own kitchen stadium where our mother has brought together the pugnent flavors of east and west. It is here where the best of the best meet for the ultimate challenge. Today's secret ingredient is........

  PECANS! And now America, in an open heart and empty stomach, I say onto you in the words of my Uncle (or of the uncle of the chairman in tv's Iron chef)......ALE CUISINE!

 The boys finished in record time and then "rock paper scissor"-ed for the chance to present first. The judging categories were: Taste, Originality, Plating and Cleanliness

 Peter's appetizer- a hand tossed salad with pecans, cheese, croutons, wheat thin crackers, cucumbers, red cabbage and carrots (from the bag), and bacon bits. He forgot he also wanted pomegranits and sunflower seeds but he was in such a hurry. He went with the two dish approach when plating so he could add color and texture by circling the bowl with carrots. His main course was pan seared steak with seasoning and pecans. Note the super fancy plate.

 Jamison's appetizer was nacho cheese dip with pecans for texture also plated with a bowl/plat combo. His main course was his pecan, cheese and lettuce wraps. When he learned that he needed a protien he chose chicken strips with pecans sprinkled on the top fisnished with herbs de provence.

 The score and the title of Iron Chef Cullen 2012 is.....Peter! The score was again a close one 52-50. Peter inched Jamison out in the plating and originality but Jamison scored better in the cleanliness dept. Overall it was a fantastic battle and the boys are tied 1:1.

 Peter got the game of Stratego for christmas. And although we love our games here....we are on about out 20th game and I would like to play something different. Peter LOVES this game and has challenged each one of us.

 One of his strategies...he has many. Watch out!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!