Koen goes to the gym...Part 2

Thank you everyone for all your advice. It was much appreciated! To update everyone, I took Koen back to the gym today. It is not a work out day for me but we went to Kids Club hoping to make some progress. He was not happy at first, very clingy. But soon he was running around playing with toys having a good time. I chatted with one of the caregivers for a moment, said good bye to Koen, then left for a morning smoothie. I hung out for about ten or twelve minutes then headed back. He was upset when I got there. The caregiver said he had just started to cry. So I picked him up and took him over to the toys. Once again he was running around playing and having a good time. A little boy even gave Koen his toy to play with. Soon more and more kids started to arrive and Koen seemed to be having a great time. He didn't want to leave! So we are going back again tomorrow and I am hoping that he does even better. Thank you again everyone. I will keep you updated on Koen's progress. Cheers!

Salmon Burgers....Delicious!

These were amazing! if you don't have time to make the patties. Trader Joe's sells wild Alaskan salmon patties seasoned and ready to go. Which are just as delicious. Give them a try and let me know what you think.


Salmon Burgers With Chipotle Aioli and Pineapple-Avocado Salsa...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite
Ingredients:
Aioli
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1-1/2 teaspoons Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
Salsa
1/2 cup diced California avocado
1/4 cup diced pineapple
2 tablespoons diced roasted red bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
1-1/2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
1-1/2 teaspoons minced Serrano pepper
1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Burgers
1 egg
1/4 cup Chipotle Aioli (reserved from recipe above)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce
1-1/2 pounds skinless salmon fillet, finely chopped*
1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs, available in Asian markets) or fine, unseasoned dry bread crumbs
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
Vegetable oil
4 hamburger buns, split
4 leaves green leaf lettuce
8 California avocado slices (optional)

Directions:
1) To make aioli, whisk together all ingredients in large bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup for burger mixture; refrigerate remainder. To make salsa, combine all ingredients in large bowl. Refrigerate, covered.
2) To make burgers, in large bowl combine egg, reserved aioli, lime juice and Chipotle Pepper Sauce. Stir in salmon, bread crumbs, green onions, cilantro and salt. Form burger mixture into 4 patties. Chill patties at least 1 hour.
3) Brush a medium-hot grill lightly with oil. Grill salmon patties about 4 minutes or until browned on one side. Turn patties over and cook 4 minutes more or until just done. Grill buns on outer edge of grill. Spread cut sides of bottom halves with 1 tablespoon Chipotle Aioli, top each with 1 lettuce leaf, 1 burger, 1/4 cup Pineapple-Avocado Salsa, 2 avocado slices, if using, and top half of bun, cut side down. Yield: 4 servings

*Tip: To chop salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes; pulse in food processor until coarsely chopped. Do not over process.

Memorial Day

 "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened." -BG

Your not my mother?

So Koen for the first time is having separation anxiety. When I go to drop him off at the gym Kids Club, I am immediately called back. When I walk through the door there is Koen, hysterical!. With that look on his face like "OMG! MOM! how could you!, you just left me here with these strange people!" He even gives me a mean mug! Good grief!. I know that this is only a phase and one I can't wait to get passed. I looked up some tips on trying to help him get use to being without mom and dad. But if any of you seasoned mom's out there would like to pass on your wisdom, I would gladly take it. I will keep you posted...

Static

Is it just me or is anyone else having a static problem? My hair is so staticy (is that even a word) that I feel like I am going to have to start packing dryer sheets in my pockets. I don't know what's causing it but I am pretty sure the Snuggy is to blame.

*Chuckle*

Folklife

OK everyone, grab your bongos, slip on those birkenstocks, and dab on the patchouli. That's right! the annual Folklife festival is happening this weekend. Since 1972 the Folklife festival has been bringing us all together to celebrate the many diverse cultures throughout the world.  Whether your going to check out your favorite polka band or maybe learn how to belly dance? there is something for everyone. Not to mention a variety of foods and booth after booth of local artistry. From kids young to old there is always good fun to be had. Have fun this weekend!

http://nwfolklife.org/

Here is a link to their website, you can check schedules, performance times etc.