The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Window

A Room Newly Void of Adolescent Angst

February 2, 2010

Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad. I had a hard time concentrating on things, though, with the kids bickering in the background, so I banished them all to their rooms for the rest of the show. They hauled themselves off up the stairs, making as much noise as three young people can make, muttering under their breaths and closing their doors loud as they could without a Slam.

They must know I love them. How can they not? They're counting on it. The whole time they're figuring out who they are, they're trusting that Mr. Sundberg and I are going to love them through it, even when I want to lock them in the pantry. We're not their enemies even though it feels like it sometimes. But we're not their friends, either, and nothing in the world is as painfully refreshing as a room newly void of adolescent angst. Mr. Sundberg looked up from his book and gave me the thumbs-up sign. Let me tell you. I don't know what it is, but the last few weeks have been a trip through Hormone Hell. Multiply that by three and combine two genders, and you've got yourself a challenge. Fasten your seatbelts, lady and gentlemen. Re-surface your helmets and get some acetaminophen. Stock up on vitamins and carbos and mineral water and gear. You've yourself an adventure and there are storms in the forecast. A carabiner or two and some good solid rope might be smart. You just never know.

You're their Most Qualified Guides on The Most Dangerous Journey. Thing is, no one has been on this particular trip, and there are no maps and no instructions worth anything. There's really only common sense and gut instinct and faith, and a fair amount of wisdom you can tap into if necessary. You do the best you can, and the rest of it is a crapshoot. And if you're blessed, there will be laughter along the way, and the thought, now and then, "Look at them. Just look at them."

Mexican Lasagna

This recipe is popular with the kids and their friends on Friday nights when everyone
shows up for movies and general hanging out. Serve it with cornbread and Mexican rice
or a salad on the side.

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

2 1/2 cups chunky salsa

2 1/2 cups water

1 can refried beans

1 pkg lasagna noodles

1 pkg taco seasoning

1 8 oz carton sour cream

black olives as you wish

chopped onion as you wish

1 pkg shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz)

1 cup shredded mozzarella

Mix raw beef, beans and taco seasoning. Grease 9x13 cake pan or casserole and alternate 1/3 meat mixture with uncooked noodles, using 3 layers of noodles. Add water and salsa on top. Bake covered at 350 for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from oven. Spread sour cream over, and sprinkle with cheese, and olives and onions if you choose. Bake uncovered 10-15 minutes until it looks about right.

Enjoy!

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