Fancy That…Fancy This

There is something very comforting about knowing that a problem has one solution and one solution only…and THAT is exactly why I love math.      

Back in my college days, my HP-17b financial calculator and I were inseparable because I could always count on it to help me figure out the right answer.  I only wish that my 17b could address a few of Maya’s questions, like today’s, “Mama, my pants are falling down…what should I do?”  But I have to remind myself that my calculator is only a calculator and not a miracle-worker.     

Anyway, as my main purpose in life these days is to feed and entertain Maya, and more recently to pull up her pants, I’ve had to put the precious 17b aside to do a different kind of math.      

1 Magic Eraser + 1 repentant child = A “like-new” balcony     

In Progress:     

There is nothing like cleaning tile in your pajamas and Crocs.

 The magical result:     

If only the Magic Eraser could erase all the curse words I muttered under my breath today too...then it would truly be magical.

Thank you all for your great suggestions on removing crayon from tile!  I am certainly armed with information for her next mishap. 

1 bored child + 1/2 hour of storytime = 1/2 hour of freedom for me     

Not only did Maya lead the other kids in singing "An Itsy Bitsy Spider," but she also insisted on doing a solo in Spanish. I think she really needs to work on her shyness.

I felt a bit guilty that we didn’t buy anything from Pottery Barn Kids after storytime, but I felt better when I noticed that 99% of the other kids were accompanied by their nanny.  I believe that being present is worth something.     

1 dad with a (.5) prescription in both eyes + 1 mom with a (-4.75) prescription in both eyes = 1 kid with a (+2.25) prescription in both eyes?     

There are about 10 choices when it comes to kids glasses but luckily we both agreed on these ones.

This math baffles me.  Any optometrists out there want to explain how a child can become farsighted when both her parents are nearsighted?     

1 dinner party + no caterer in sight = 1 really awesome lasagna     

Make sure your little helper doesn't sneeze, cough, or rub her nose while cooking. I am 99% mine didn't. No guarantees here.

 The Easiest Lasagna EVER    

1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce
16 no-boil noodles
1 1/2 lb. of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 lb. cooked ground beef (or omit if you don’t eat meat)
basil     

1. Cover the bottom of a 13″ X 9″ glass pan with a layer of sauce
2. Overlap 4 noodles, cover with a generous layer of sauce, layer 1/3 of the meat, and sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese.
3. Repeat 2 more times, sprinkle with basil (to make things look professional), cover with foil, and cook at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
4. Uncover and cook for 10 more minutes so the top layer of cheese browns.     

Even my dad raved about this. And he never raves about anything, except maybe the cheap socks he buys at TJ Maxx.

I’m not going to pretend this lasagna is authentic and I wouldn’t dare serve it to a real Italian, but it looks complicated and impressive and it feeds a ton of people.  I highly recommend giving it a try.     

1 compliment from an impossible to please father + 1 compliment from an impossible to please father-in-law = success