MMMmmm Lutfisk!
It's that time of year again when the Christensen's kick up their Norwegian herritage and break out their traditional Christmas dish.
Lutfisk and Lefse.
What is Lutfisk and Lefse? Well it's part good, and part well... lets just say most will either love it or hate it. I'm smack in the middle. Lutefisk is made from air-dried whitefish (normally cod, but ling is also used), prepared with lye, in a sequence of particular treatments. The first treatment is to soak the stockfish in cold water for five to six days (changed daily). The saturated stockfish is then soaked in an unchanged solution of cold water and lye for an additional two days. The fish will swell during this soaking, regaining a size even bigger than the original (undried) fish.
Sounds Yummy?
It is said that the lutfisk was invented because some fumbly person happened to drop some lye on a piece of dried, soaked fish and thus discovered that the dry fish re-took its original shape and became white. Crazy Norwegiens! This is generally served wrapped like a burrito with butter, boiled potatoes and more butter inside a lefse, which is basically a potato tortilla shell.
Uf-Dah!
Maybe we should serve the Lutfisk and Lefse with Haggis next year?
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
"Do you know the name and address of the person responsible for the damage?"
"Mr. Tree...he was moving and he didn't leave a forwarding address"
What a wind storm! Our power was out Thursday night around 8:00 and came back on Saturday night at 6:30. Amazing how cold it gets when you don't have the heater on! We bundled up the kiddies and stuck it through with fondu pots, candles, and eventually we got our gas fireplace working. Thanks mom and Brad! and Thanks Kir for being so determined to get it to go!
We had several offers to have us stay at other houses and for that we all say thank you! We decided to stick it out because we just knew that the power had to come on sometime! If it would have been more than two nights we would have probably gone somewhere.
Kirsten's folks are still without power today! Everyone around their neighborhood has power. It's crazy! We've opened our doors to them since Saturday. It's like an impromptu sleep over! Maverick and Lainey are enjoying the extra Grammy and Pappy time, but I'm sure they would rather sleep in their own beds. Hopefully the folks with PSE will get their power up and running soon! I've heard so many reports with different time lines, it's rather crazy to try and figure it out. The worst of it is, there is a tree down on a powerline at a near by elementary school. It's still down today. Our guess this is a reason for their outage. You would think they would want to get the school up and running.
Besides a window that was smashed (and already replaced) we weathered the storm well. It was pretty crazy!
"Mr. Tree...he was moving and he didn't leave a forwarding address"
What a wind storm! Our power was out Thursday night around 8:00 and came back on Saturday night at 6:30. Amazing how cold it gets when you don't have the heater on! We bundled up the kiddies and stuck it through with fondu pots, candles, and eventually we got our gas fireplace working. Thanks mom and Brad! and Thanks Kir for being so determined to get it to go!
We had several offers to have us stay at other houses and for that we all say thank you! We decided to stick it out because we just knew that the power had to come on sometime! If it would have been more than two nights we would have probably gone somewhere.Kirsten's folks are still without power today! Everyone around their neighborhood has power. It's crazy! We've opened our doors to them since Saturday. It's like an impromptu sleep over! Maverick and Lainey are enjoying the extra Grammy and Pappy time, but I'm sure they would rather sleep in their own beds. Hopefully the folks with PSE will get their power up and running soon! I've heard so many reports with different time lines, it's rather crazy to try and figure it out. The worst of it is, there is a tree down on a powerline at a near by elementary school. It's still down today. Our guess this is a reason for their outage. You would think they would want to get the school up and running.
Besides a window that was smashed (and already replaced) we weathered the storm well. It was pretty crazy!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Santa's Surprise Cookies
Tomorrow is this year's big Christmas Program. Virtually the pinnacle of each year of work for Kirsten. She is supported by the rest of the McCarl and Christensen clans as the big production. One of our traditions we have is bringing Santa Surprises to the staff as a thank you for all the work they endured during the preparation for the big Christmas program. Each year we end up making a bigger and bigger batch! It's crazy! But they are SO TASTY! You should try em'!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
The Gambler Goes Down To His Knees
So last night I did what can only be known now as one of the stupidest things I've ever done. I'll start by asking this question...Have you ever met anyone who suffered an injury during a night of Karaoke?
If you haven't then ya do now! If you have please share I need to feel better!
So I'm doing "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers. The crowd is into it, and I'm enjoying the crowd and my tummy full of booze. I'm having some bar patrons sing along with me. All is good. Cut to applause and cheering and then it happened.
I jumped off stage (like I ALWAYS DO) and heard "pop! pop!" and down to the ground I go. Not wanting to look like I was so drunk I fell down I put an arm down and sprung back up. Only to find my friends helping me hop along. Something happened to my knee. It still hurts like hell today and I haven't been able to put next to any weight on it. So today or tomorrow I'll head to the doc and find out what happened. Stay tuned for more adventures of "The Gambler: Hop-Along-Karaoke King"
[UPDATE 10.4.2006] Prognosis: Torn meniscus! Wahoo! So I'll be hanging out doing some physical therapy and in two weeks go back and possibly get and MRI then possible surgery! Best case scenario would be that it heels on its own and I can never be on "Dancing with the Stars" and my future as a DDR (Digital Dance Revolution, ya know those dancing games at the arcade) folk hero has come to an end. Could've been so beautiful, Could've been so right. Say la vi.
This also messes up my exercise routine. Anyone know any good sit and be fit workouts?
So last night I did what can only be known now as one of the stupidest things I've ever done. I'll start by asking this question...Have you ever met anyone who suffered an injury during a night of Karaoke?If you haven't then ya do now! If you have please share I need to feel better!
So I'm doing "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers. The crowd is into it, and I'm enjoying the crowd and my tummy full of booze. I'm having some bar patrons sing along with me. All is good. Cut to applause and cheering and then it happened.
I jumped off stage (like I ALWAYS DO) and heard "pop! pop!" and down to the ground I go. Not wanting to look like I was so drunk I fell down I put an arm down and sprung back up. Only to find my friends helping me hop along. Something happened to my knee. It still hurts like hell today and I haven't been able to put next to any weight on it. So today or tomorrow I'll head to the doc and find out what happened. Stay tuned for more adventures of "The Gambler: Hop-Along-Karaoke King"
[UPDATE 10.4.2006] Prognosis: Torn meniscus! Wahoo! So I'll be hanging out doing some physical therapy and in two weeks go back and possibly get and MRI then possible surgery! Best case scenario would be that it heels on its own and I can never be on "Dancing with the Stars" and my future as a DDR (Digital Dance Revolution, ya know those dancing games at the arcade) folk hero has come to an end. Could've been so beautiful, Could've been so right. Say la vi.
This also messes up my exercise routine. Anyone know any good sit and be fit workouts?
Monday, September 25, 2006
Friday, September 08, 2006
First Day of School!
Today was Maverick's first day of preschool! He was so excited to go to St. Luke's afternoon preschool. This morning around 8 he was ready to go. "I'm ready to go to school and see my teachers and play with kids." Sadly Maverick had to get out of his jammies, take a bath and wait a bit before it was time to go. Below is a picture of Maverick outside our house on his first day of school. When it was time he was dragging my hand into the building as fast as possible.
Once we got in he found his name tag and ran right on in. They were singing "Five Little Monkey's Hanging From A Tree." which is one of Maverick's favorites!
I watched through the window into the classroom for about ten minutes until I realized that my little boy would be just fine. He was ready for school.
When I picked him up he told me about his day and how they read the "Kissing Hand" and he had a red popsicle. He told me that they had a prayer time and that he prayed for his kitty. I said "Which one? We have two kitties." he said "Well I prayed for Gloves." I asked him "Why didn't you pray for Rojo?" "Well he kinda gets mad and hisses at me like this..."
He also told everyone that he had one sister and two brothers. Naturally this was news to Kirsten and I. We asked him who his brothers are and he said Adrion (Friend) and Mikey (Neighbor).
Afterschool we met up with Kirsten and Grammy for a well deserved chocolate milk. A very good first day of school.
Today was Maverick's first day of preschool! He was so excited to go to St. Luke's afternoon preschool. This morning around 8 he was ready to go. "I'm ready to go to school and see my teachers and play with kids." Sadly Maverick had to get out of his jammies, take a bath and wait a bit before it was time to go. Below is a picture of Maverick outside our house on his first day of school. When it was time he was dragging my hand into the building as fast as possible.
Once we got in he found his name tag and ran right on in. They were singing "Five Little Monkey's Hanging From A Tree." which is one of Maverick's favorites!I watched through the window into the classroom for about ten minutes until I realized that my little boy would be just fine. He was ready for school.
When I picked him up he told me about his day and how they read the "Kissing Hand" and he had a red popsicle. He told me that they had a prayer time and that he prayed for his kitty. I said "Which one? We have two kitties." he said "Well I prayed for Gloves." I asked him "Why didn't you pray for Rojo?" "Well he kinda gets mad and hisses at me like this..."
He also told everyone that he had one sister and two brothers. Naturally this was news to Kirsten and I. We asked him who his brothers are and he said Adrion (Friend) and Mikey (Neighbor).
Afterschool we met up with Kirsten and Grammy for a well deserved chocolate milk. A very good first day of school.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Summer Vacation Day 1
With the summer winding down while seeming like it had just started we all decided it was time for a little R&R. So we booked a room at Ocean Shores, packed up the kids, locked up the dog (sent dog to Grammy & Pappy's), and jumped in the McVan for some fun in the sun.
We arrived right at check in time along with a crowd of families, beach combers, and moped riders...They're a fierce bunch traveling at speeds up to five miles per hour.
Once we made it upstairs and lugged the contents of our van which consisted of suitcases, bags, Capri Sun, and Wheat Thins we found that we actually have a room with a view!
We decided after a little rest (five minutes) it was time to play Lewis and Clark. We went exploring through the hotel. On the first floor we found the exercise room (which we will NOT be using) and the swimming pool. The pool was 3 to 5 feet deep and in good condition. Clear water and no Baby Ruth candies. After dinner at the finest restaurant Ocean Shores has to offer (McDonalds) we put our swimming gear on.
Several months ago we received a gift from a special populations participant that was said to be water wings. Sadly we never opened the package until it was actually the time we needed them. Try using this giant pick made out of a dolphin...or a dolphin or a stick...WHO CREATED THIS?? IT'S GARBAGE! It has yellow peace signs on it and doesn't stay inflated! Well... Really it's our fault for not opening it up. So we left the Dolph-pick in the room and suited up for fun in the pool.
This would be Lainey's first time in the water. She loves bathtime so we thought this would be a perfect match. She's lookin' great in her Spiderman little swimmers covered up nicely with this pink and baby blue two piece. She used her white tank top as her fashionable pool side purse (since we forgot her real one). She was ready to go...Until we actually made it to the pool. She whimpered and whined as we came closer to the pool. Clawing at me like I was going to take her to her nap. On top of Lainey being apprehensive so was Maverick. Whimpering, whining, and making all sorts of bizarre noises to try and swayed us from going to the pool. Maybe we should have brought the Dolph-pick. After about ten to twenty minutes of coercing them into the pool, having them cling to both Kirsten and I like baby chimpanzees being raised by humans, they finally started to enjoy themselves. We all had a good hour of enjoyable swim time. Yeah! Maverick of course being Maverick (How You Doin') met a girl. Her name was Fiona. She was five and was able to swim. Even Maverick's ear plugs did not interfere with his game. Fiona stopped for a second and said "why does he have yellow in his ears?" Kirsten told her it was because he had to have tubes in his ears and he can't get his ears wet and the yellow keeps his ears dry. Fiona accepted this answer and kept trying to play with Maverick, yellow ears and all.
Back to the room we went to dry off, I had some itching problem...Not there...On my back. So I jumped in the shower while Kirsten played with the kids. About three minutes in I hear BOOOOOM! Lainey decided to make a jump off the bed! She likes to be a daredevil. Mama took care of the bump like she does best.
We watched a Veggie Tales movie that sucked...oh well... they can't be funny all the time. Then we attempted to put the kids to sleep...not "TO SLEEP" but to bed. This was fine for Maverick, but Lainey did not want to sleep in her play pin. We attempted to wait them out by playing this sweet game http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/pig.htm but Lainey still did not want to go to bed. Eventually we decided to put Lainey in bed with Maverick who was already asleep. We went around and McGyvered the bed to be safe.
Day one is in the books...and we are ready for BED! Not exactly the peaceful quiet get away, but much better than work or working on the house! Tomorrow we'll get up early for the free continental breakfast (Kir's most favorite thing about hotels) and hit the beach for some kite flying and R&R!
With the summer winding down while seeming like it had just started we all decided it was time for a little R&R. So we booked a room at Ocean Shores, packed up the kids, locked up the dog (sent dog to Grammy & Pappy's), and jumped in the McVan for some fun in the sun.
We arrived right at check in time along with a crowd of families, beach combers, and moped riders...They're a fierce bunch traveling at speeds up to five miles per hour.
Once we made it upstairs and lugged the contents of our van which consisted of suitcases, bags, Capri Sun, and Wheat Thins we found that we actually have a room with a view!
We decided after a little rest (five minutes) it was time to play Lewis and Clark. We went exploring through the hotel. On the first floor we found the exercise room (which we will NOT be using) and the swimming pool. The pool was 3 to 5 feet deep and in good condition. Clear water and no Baby Ruth candies. After dinner at the finest restaurant Ocean Shores has to offer (McDonalds) we put our swimming gear on.
Several months ago we received a gift from a special populations participant that was said to be water wings. Sadly we never opened the package until it was actually the time we needed them. Try using this giant pick made out of a dolphin...or a dolphin or a stick...WHO CREATED THIS?? IT'S GARBAGE! It has yellow peace signs on it and doesn't stay inflated! Well... Really it's our fault for not opening it up. So we left the Dolph-pick in the room and suited up for fun in the pool.
This would be Lainey's first time in the water. She loves bathtime so we thought this would be a perfect match. She's lookin' great in her Spiderman little swimmers covered up nicely with this pink and baby blue two piece. She used her white tank top as her fashionable pool side purse (since we forgot her real one). She was ready to go...Until we actually made it to the pool. She whimpered and whined as we came closer to the pool. Clawing at me like I was going to take her to her nap. On top of Lainey being apprehensive so was Maverick. Whimpering, whining, and making all sorts of bizarre noises to try and swayed us from going to the pool. Maybe we should have brought the Dolph-pick. After about ten to twenty minutes of coercing them into the pool, having them cling to both Kirsten and I like baby chimpanzees being raised by humans, they finally started to enjoy themselves. We all had a good hour of enjoyable swim time. Yeah! Maverick of course being Maverick (How You Doin') met a girl. Her name was Fiona. She was five and was able to swim. Even Maverick's ear plugs did not interfere with his game. Fiona stopped for a second and said "why does he have yellow in his ears?" Kirsten told her it was because he had to have tubes in his ears and he can't get his ears wet and the yellow keeps his ears dry. Fiona accepted this answer and kept trying to play with Maverick, yellow ears and all.
Back to the room we went to dry off, I had some itching problem...Not there...On my back. So I jumped in the shower while Kirsten played with the kids. About three minutes in I hear BOOOOOM! Lainey decided to make a jump off the bed! She likes to be a daredevil. Mama took care of the bump like she does best.
We watched a Veggie Tales movie that sucked...oh well... they can't be funny all the time. Then we attempted to put the kids to sleep...not "TO SLEEP" but to bed. This was fine for Maverick, but Lainey did not want to sleep in her play pin. We attempted to wait them out by playing this sweet game http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/pig.htm but Lainey still did not want to go to bed. Eventually we decided to put Lainey in bed with Maverick who was already asleep. We went around and McGyvered the bed to be safe.
Day one is in the books...and we are ready for BED! Not exactly the peaceful quiet get away, but much better than work or working on the house! Tomorrow we'll get up early for the free continental breakfast (Kir's most favorite thing about hotels) and hit the beach for some kite flying and R&R!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
DIY Maverick Style
So my boss asked me to make a home made commercial for X10. He wanted me to show how easy it is to setup and use the wireless video sender kit. I think he wanted video of me... kinda creepy. But if you're selling something I thought seeing 300+ pounds of Tony isn't the best sales gimmick. I decided to turn to Maverick and have him setup the X10 Wireless Video Sender. He's young, thin, and gets all the ladies. He was able to set it up in no time and throw in some sweet ad lib! Check it out for yourself.
So my boss asked me to make a home made commercial for X10. He wanted me to show how easy it is to setup and use the wireless video sender kit. I think he wanted video of me... kinda creepy. But if you're selling something I thought seeing 300+ pounds of Tony isn't the best sales gimmick. I decided to turn to Maverick and have him setup the X10 Wireless Video Sender. He's young, thin, and gets all the ladies. He was able to set it up in no time and throw in some sweet ad lib! Check it out for yourself.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Is That Your Final Answer?
So we had a little run of excitement here at Casa de McCarl. We filled out an application for Maverick to appear on Regis and Kelly for an amazing kids week they planned. We didn't think much of it and sent it in. A few days later we received a callback from the show! They needed a recent tape sent overnight so that they could make their final pick. They even called back later to ensure that the dates would work out okay. The dates of the show happened to be the same week of Maverick's tonsillectomy and we all were okay with putting that off!
So we waited and waited for them to callback with the final answer. We finally realized that they were not going to call back. When we finally realized that...they called...with a formal rejection. Sadly they were going to go a different direction with the entire segment. Turns out they went with sports kids. I guess singing Ring of Fire isn't a sport...so we were a little distraught at our boys casting bump, but there's always Ellen! What's more amazing than a four-year-old singing Ring of Fire? Ellen dancing to a four-year-old singing Ring of Fire!! Yeahhhh Buddy!
Watch the show the week of July 24 - 28th. They said they will be showing pictures of the kids who were not going to be on the show.
Monday, July 10, 2006
A Day Of Firsts
So today was an eventful day in the McCarl household. I learned how to write captions on the pictures, I learned how to download pictures from the camera to the computer, I learned how to put those new pictures on the website, I am creating my first entry on the McCarl site, and little Miss Lainey wore her first ever ponytail! Wow what a day. Oh, and Maverick got his messy room picked up. During the summer I get to experience what it is like to be a stay-at-home mom, and let me tell you, it IS quite an experience.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Thanks For A Great Tiki-Que!I wanted to thank everyone who came by to enjoy a great Tiki-Que! We had lots of laughs and good times and I appreciate everyone who came to celebrate our home and my 30th birthday. Sadly we were having such a good time...we forgot to take pictures! Here's a picture of Maverick and Pappy before the party. As you can see they are twins here with matching hats, glasses, and Hawaiian shirts. Later in the evening Maverick rocked the house by performing for the first time Ring of Fire without Johnny Cash singing backup! Maverick really knows how to get the party moving! Thanks again everyone for a great party! No doubt Casa de McCarl will throw another bash in the future!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Tappin' Fool!So tonight was Maverick's tap recital! He looked pretty darn cute as Danny Zuko. He did a great job just as he did all year! He had the moves, the swaggar, and the look...oh yeah baby... How you doin'?
Afterwards we took Maverick to Dairy Queen with Uncle Buck, Aunt Tracy, Grammy, Pappy, and Cousin Cooper! We ran into several folks from the recital. They kept offering Maverick great compliments. Mallory was there with her family and her and Maverick ran all over the joint! When we got home Maverick declared Mallory his girlfriend!
Summer Lovin' had me a blast!
Friday, June 02, 2006
It's a
Hard Knock Life!
Tonight was Maverick's big debut on stage! Sandy the dog in Saint Vincent's production of Annie! He was off the wall with excitement. Running around like a rabid...well... dog! He was soaking up the attention and HAMMIN' IT UP! Oh yeah! One more night tomorrow then I'm sure he'll crash from this adrenaline rush. Next week he might be doing some more Annie... not as Sandy the dog but as a random dog. I hope he hasn't been type cast as a dog that sure wouldn't help when he's too big to fit into a little dog outfit.
We took a few pics! Check em out!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Mav Sings Ring of Fire
I'm pretty sure Mav is one of a very few four year olds that LOVE JOHNNY CASH! He's crazy about his music. Ring of Fire is Maverick's best Cash cover, but check out the following links for more Maverick diggin' on his idol.
My Favorite In The Whole Wide World
It Ain't Me Babe
I'm pretty sure Mav is one of a very few four year olds that LOVE JOHNNY CASH! He's crazy about his music. Ring of Fire is Maverick's best Cash cover, but check out the following links for more Maverick diggin' on his idol.
My Favorite In The Whole Wide World
It Ain't Me Babe
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