Day Thirty-Five: Chocolate Avocado Mousse

I love avocado, and I love chocolate, but I have never really thought of blending the two flavors. However, when you've put your family on a dietary regime which prevents almost any "fun" foods from entering the house, and you have a dessert craving, you start to get creative! I came across a recipe for chocolate avocado mousse and decided to give it a go. It is actually very good and quite simple, so it may become a new staple around the house to satisfy that nagging sweet tooth.

Day Thirty-Four: Quilling

I went to Hobby Lobby today specifically to look for inspiration for Firsts. That's one of those deceptive stores that makes the average person feel as if she can do anything just by choosing to shop there, and it was tempting to pick out projects that were not currently realistic for me. (Though maybe someday I'll have all the crafter skills and make a fortune on Etsy.) Ultimately, I discovered the quilling kits (on clearance!) and my mind was made up for my afternoon project. Thankfully, it was not too difficult, and Clay and I found it to be very enjoyable. (As soon as Clay found out I had returned from the store with art supplies, he was 100% on board!) Maybe with a little more practice, I'll be able to open that Etsy shop sooner than expected!

Tools of the trade and first fruits

I love spending time with my people as I work on my Firsts

The front of a card I made

Day Thirty-Three: Self-Portrait

I have never considered myself to be very artistic, particularly in the field of drawing, but everyday Clay insists that I do the drawing with him in art class. And, though the artistic ideas may not be original, I find that I am quite capable of following simple step-by-step instructions, especially when they are accompanied by pictures. (Not to brag or anything!) Several of the projects have been the same ones I did with Ruth, back when she was in first grade. But today we did an entirely new project, which allowed me to create my first self-portrait.

Day Thirty-Two: Soccer Mom

For years I drove a minivan, and for even more years I've been hauling kids around to various sports' practices. But tonight, for the first time, I truly owned the moniker "soccer mom." What's more, Clay's soccer practice was held in our neighborhood park, and so I think it's also the first time I've walked one of my kids to practice instead of driven them, which makes the stereotypical minivan perception of a soccer mom ridiculously ironic. Clay is one cute little soccer player, and I'm sorry I didn't capture a picture of him practicing.

Day Thirty-One: Grilling

I have prepared countless meals for my family and have employed a variety of methods and techniques to do so. However, I have always left grilling in the capable hands of my guys. "Cook something on the grill" was one of the first items I put on my Year of Firsts list, and I'm proud to say I got to check it off tonight. As a bonus, I got a thumbs-up from the family on the steaks, and I couldn't ask for more than that.

Showing off my new skill

Dinner is served

Day Thirty: Basket Weaving

This summer, when we visited Mesa Verde, I picked up a little basket weaving kit because I thought it would make a good souvenir as well as a good first when the time came. I finally had some time to work on it this afternoon, and while I tried to follow the instructions closely, I didn't exactly nail it. Still, it was a fun first, and I think it turned out pretty cute. Plus, it's just the perfect size to place some of my other summer treasures in, so I'm happy.

Studying the instructions, which weren't too clear at first

My teeny handmade basket

Perfect for my treasures

Day Twenty-Nine: Scouting

We have a couple of boys in our household who are fired up about scouting at the moment. Weston has joined the Boy Scouts, and Clay just became a Cub Scout. Jeff has signed up to help with the Boy Scout group, and I checked a box on a form that says I am Clay's "Tiger Adult Partner," which I suppose makes me an honorary Cub Scout. I was a Girl Scout when I was a kid, but I can honestly say, I've never been a Boy Scout (or a Cub Scout), so that's a good first. The BSA requires that parent helpers attend online training in youth protection, so I completed my training tonight, which counts as another first. I also helped my Tiger partner with painting his boat for the Raingutter Regatta, which will take place on Sunday. Because I'm a pretty awesome Cub Scout, and I'm also killing the firsts!

My Tiger partner working on his boat

Wonder if I'll get a merit badge for this?!