Sufferin' Succotash!

This was our supper.  I call it succotash - I don't think anyone else does.  I might make it every night from now on.  It made me think of summer-time, and my Papa Eells' garden, and of my Granny Eells.  It made me wonder why I haven't bought frozen okra before now.  This dish, my friends, gave fried okra a run for it's money (I never thought it possible!).  Delish.
***Saute some onion and garlic in a little butter (or olive oil or bacon fat).  Add in some frozen okra, frozen corn, and a can of tomatoes.  Let it simmer until it's all slippery and gooey and perfect.  Make it tonight.  Buy 4 bags of okra while you're at the store - I wish I had.  Thanks, Amanda, you always have tasty ideas.***

As I was calling this dish succotash with such confidence and certainty, it made me think of all the other things I blatantly guess about.  In the last month-ish I have been very mindful to be talking to the girls as much as possible during the day.  It develops their little brains, increases their language skills, etc.  It's HARD.  I run out of things to talk about.  Sure, we read books, but let's face it, most children's books are dumb.  I always tell them the plan for the day, just in case they're like me and like to have a plan.  But then I start grasping at things to talk about.  Since Seiling Music Festival (my NW OK friends know, the rest of you, think grade school, It's a Small World After All, fun, traditions), I have been singing my songs.  I tell them about American and Oklahoma history.  I teach them about anatomy and how the body works.  On really dull days, I tell them the names of all the articles of clothing that I'm folding and sometimes even spell (socks - S-O-C-K-S).  I make up a LOT of stuff.  If I can't think of the name, I make one up.  If I back myself into a corner in our walk into history, I incorporate what I've learned from documentaries or Disney movies (watched and loved "The Kennedy's" this week and Pocahontas must be somewhat true!). 

I vow to stop.  What if they retain some of this and argue with their teachers someday when the stories are more factual!!  I'll stick to things I know.  I'll sing "John Jacob Jinglehimer Schmitt" more often...it's one of their faves, and I know all the words!  I will NOT keep telling them semi-factual stories.

Here's some random pics that have nothing to do with this blog!!

An example of Lauren's hereditary bed head.

This makes me misty.  I wish I would have sucked in my tummy, but really, I don't care.

My favorite view.  I sometimes chew on their "back of the knee roll".

Peace out.

E