Saturday Cleaning and Bruschetta

I'm not really sure what has gotten into me but I'm on a crazy cleaning spree.  I don't know how long it will last though I'm hoping I still have the cleaning bug another week or so.  I'm cleaning out closets and organizing cabinets that have been neglected since we moved in this house (yes, 4 years ago!) ... and I still have more to do!

I started in Emma's room.  That should have been enough to make me quit because her room took me two days to do.  Part of boot camp is making encouraging the girls to help me with the cleaning and organizing.  I think Emma was in shock at first - ha! - but she stuck it out to the very end and was so proud of all of our hard work.

Some of you have asked about the girls' boot camp.  I promise it's not all that detailed or harsh.  They're just spending a lot of time serving one another (helping each other make beds, fold towels, wipe down their bathroom, put away folded clothes, straightening up rooms they play in, etc.).  Plus, there's more structured time for reading, etc.  My girls thrive on a schedule.  The idea has been to help each other as well as Eric and myself and they're doing great!  Attitudes are much more pleasant (though I know they're ordinarily sweet girls).  It's a proven fact around here when they spend time serving each other, they are less likely to fight about the silliest of things.

The bickering makes me twitch.

I found both girls on Emma's bed last night.  Emma was reading Olivia a book.  I love it when they're sweet to each other! :)

I took some time away from cleaning today to make Bruschetta for lunch.

YUMMO!!

I seriously don't know how you could mess up Bruschetta - it's so easy.  This was so good I thought I may cry.  Maybe because I've been craving it so much lately.  Eric and I ate it all by ourselves :)

Here's how we made it.  Be warned though, I don't have precise measurements for anything. We just threw ingredients together until it tasted like we wanted.

Bruschetta

One large tomato (diced)
2-3 Tbs Basil (finely chopped)
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning (or Oregano)
2 Tbs. Olive Oil
Garlic powder (could use a garlic clove)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix together.  You could marinate the topping but we didn't waste time doing that ;)

Slice bread.  My friend, Amy, uses baguettes but I only found tiny french bread loaves in our bakery, so that's what I used.  Slice bread (1/2 inch thick) and lightly toast on both sides (we sprinkled some garlic on one side of our bread).

Top slices with tomato mixture and sprinkle with Balsamic Vinegar.

Eric used to travel to Canada a lot and we would go with him.  It seems like every restaurant in Toronto served Bruschetta as an appetizer.  We always ordered it.  I haven't found a restaurant since then that makes it the same which is crazy because this is ridiculously easy.  Anyway, this ...  this is exactly like what we had in Canada.

And so good!