And yes, the whole video is Cas eating mashed pototoes, so if you get bored, you can stop at any time.
Me, I could watch this all day with a smile on my face :)
A bath was required!!! Obviously :)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Castiel vs. A Bowl of Mashed Potatoes :)
Note to self: A plate of mashed potatoes is much less messy than a bowl . . . but the bowl is SO much more entertaining :)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
New Meal Before the Month is Over!
February seriously got away from me. I didn't accomplish as much as I wanted this month. It all just seemed to slip away. But I was determined to make my meals, because I promised my girls. And they have definitely kept me cooking. Maybe I should put them in charge of the workout program that I haven't started yet. Maybe they could get my butt moving :)
Tonight's meal was very good. There was nothing wrong with this meal, everyone ate it. Everyone enjoyed it. I just think that chicken is no big deal in this house. My family is used to years of chicken meals, because that's all I ever really made.
So this is a great recipe. I just didn't great the rave reviews that I was hoping for. But I did get empty plates, so I still consider it a success. This is a great way to spice up chicken night, and I will cook it again. Next time I think I will wait for a nice summer day and grill it :)
Alice Chicken
Ingredients
Directions
Easy meal to make . . . I just forgot how much I hate cleaning up after the broiler pan. I think the meal took me as long to make as it did for me to clean up. I also used half of the pans and bowls in my kitchen.
I should have put KC on clean up duty. But in a way he was. He was in charge of the boys a bath. He gave the boys Honey Mustard on their chicken and Castiel decided to use it for hair gel :) And then he gave them an M&M ice cream bar to share. So it was definitely his responsibility to clean them up tonight. And Cameron jumped in too :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"Nancy's Pizza Pie"
Yikes! I only have a hand full of days left in February to make a couple new meals. Tonight we tried out a recipe from my cousin Nanny Bear :)
I guess it is considered lasagna? But no noodles involved. I guess because it's built in layers.
It is definitely the heaviest meal I think I've ever made! I only used 16oz of sauce (1. because my kids are red sauce snobs 2. because there was no way it was all going to fit in the casserole dish!) It did overflow, the cookie sheet is a must.
And I used a bigger casserole dish, because these days I make everything bigger :) So I used 1 1/2 pkgs of crescent rolls and 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, less sauce . . . everything else as written.
Huge Hit! It didn't seem like much while I was putting it together. I was a little worried that it might not go over as well as I thought when I picked it out. Audrey (my daughter hates red sauce) had seconds :)It was given 4 stars by all, but everyone agreed that it is a definite 5 star meal with personal family tweaks. Zoe wants to add pepperoni to it next time. K.C. wants me to make the mixture and somehow put it over biscuits, he wanted it breadier.
It is definitely the heaviest meal I think I've ever made! I only used 16oz of sauce (1. because my kids are red sauce snobs 2. because there was no way it was all going to fit in the casserole dish!) It did overflow, the cookie sheet is a must.
And I used a bigger casserole dish, because these days I make everything bigger :) So I used 1 1/2 pkgs of crescent rolls and 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, less sauce . . . everything else as written.
Huge Hit! It didn't seem like much while I was putting it together. I was a little worried that it might not go over as well as I thought when I picked it out. Audrey (my daughter hates red sauce) had seconds :)It was given 4 stars by all, but everyone agreed that it is a definite 5 star meal with personal family tweaks. Zoe wants to add pepperoni to it next time. K.C. wants me to make the mixture and somehow put it over biscuits, he wanted it breadier.
Nancy's Recipe
The following will make an 8 x 8 pan. Recommend a pan with high sides (2-3 inches).
Ingredients:
One tube of Pillsbury crescent rolls
1 lb hamburger
32 oz jar Spaghetti sauce
16 oz of ricotta cheese
1/3 to ½ c. grated parmesan
1 large egg
8 oz. shred cheddar cheese
8 oz shred mozzarella or pepper jack cheese
Layer 1 and Layer last: One tube of Pillsbury crescent rolls *** (one tube completes both layers)
Layer 2: 1 lb hamburger (can substitute half ground turkey or ground pork, depending on amount of grease desired)
Spaghetti sauce – I get Prego, 32 oz jar. Work with this as some like it soupy, some don’t. You can get whatever flavor you like such as garlic, mushroom, etc. If you get plain, then recommend you add some chopped garlic and maybe green peppers.
Layer 3: One 16 oz of ricotta cheese (use to use cottage cheese – this works tons better and you can get it low fat)
1/3 to ½ c. grated parmesan (if using Kraft brand, use more. If using fresh, use less)
1 large egg
Layer 4: 8 oz. shred cheddar cheese
8 oz shred mozzarella or pepper jack cheese
Assembly:
A. Open crescent rolls and carefully unroll. If you keep them connected, you’ll see that they are square. Take 4 of the triangles and line the bottom of your pan. Set the other 4 aside for later.
B. Assemble layer 2: Brown hamburger; drain grease. Add sauce to the soupiness you like. Keep this on low simmer.
C. Assemble layer 3: Put egg in a bowl; mix with a fork until yoke and white are broken up. Add parmesan and ricotta. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients. Set aside.
D. Assemble layer 4: mix shred cheeses together in a large bowl
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put "lasagna" together as follows:
Scoop hamburger to cover the layer of crescents.
Taking an icing knife and take about half of the ricotta mixture; spackle it over the meat.
Sprinkle a healthy amount of the shred cheese over this layer.
Repeat – depending on how much you use each time you might only make it one more layer of each; you might make it two. You want to end with the shred cheese on the top.
Final Layer: Set the last 4 triangles on top of the cheese layer. The more you cover, the less toasty (i.e., burnt) looking your cheese layer gets.
Bake on a cookie sheet, especially if you are close to the top of your pan. Recommend 30 minutes. I start watching it at about 25 min. to see if the top crusty is golden brown. Let sit 5 minutes before serving so the cheeses set. This is VERY hot so be careful when serving.
Thank you Nancy, your recipe passed the family test. We will definitely make it again :)
Thank you Nancy, your recipe passed the family test. We will definitely make it again :)
Twins had their 15mth checkups . . . and shots :(
I used to have the "perfect" size family. The two girls (because immediately after having Zoe, I wanted her to have a sister) and then the boy to round out the family, and make daddy happy. Then the totally unexpected came. One minute I was selling all my baby stuff at an early Spring garage sale . . . the next minute I found out I was expecting twins . . . and buying back everything times two.
Now, whenever I go out with my kids, I see the double takes. I see people visually counting my children surrounding me. I love it when I get the older couples come up to me saying "You are truly blessed", which I believe their sincerity. They lived in a different time, when families like mine were normal. It's the comments I get from the younger moms "Wow, you really have your hands full" or "How do you do it?!?". The looks I get from them, at times, makes me feel freakish.
The most common question I answer is "How do you manage with 5 children?" Really, everyone asks, and I have gotten used to answering it. Really, I do understand why they ask. I just find it funny when I get the question from a mother of four :) How different do they really think it is?
I think I manage the same as anyone with children. It doesn't matter if you are a mother of 1, 2, 5 or 7 . . . don't all moms want the best for their children? Don't we all do the best we can with what we have? We all have days we struggle, but we also all have day we succeed. Most days, I don't think my job is any harder than any other mother's job. Honestly. I think it would be much harder to have 1 child than 5. The only child thing is what would scare me.
I was meant to have these five children in my life. And I can't imagine my life without them all. My life feels normal to me and I am happy with it. And with them :) This is my perfect family.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
This morning, KC and I stayed in bed until almost 9:00am. Girls are off of school and got up on their own and were watching t.v. Cameron must have heard them and went straight down to join them. And the twins, which most people think would be a nightmare, woke up and played together in their cribs. Most mornings, they will play for quite a while before making any noise saying they want out.
When we go to get them out of their cribs, they have usually traded pillows and nuks, or some days one baby has both pillows and both nuks and the other has his hands through the bars trying to reach something :) They don't cry when they wake. Why get out when their best friend is in the crib next to them? :)
I think the most important thing I'm teaching my children is independence. I think it's important for them to be able to not only do things for themselves, but to think for themselves. I know that if I need to leave the house, both Zoe and Audrey would be okay. I know they are only 10 and 7, but I also know they wouldn't be lost by my absence. They would know what is expected of them and they would even know how to take care of their brothers. We have a routine. I think routine can be a great structure to a child's development. And more then that, I know I can trust them to do what they are supposed to.
I am raising children to make "good choices". If I can instill that into all my children, I think they will all make it far in their lives.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
And now a little of our day.
Since Cam is still not himself today (sick). Daddy stayed home with him and Zoe agreed to help me with the twins doctor's appointment. She is a great helper. I am careful to ask her instead of expecting her help. I am the mother, I know this. She is usually more then willing to help. Occasionally she has said "I don't want to", which I respect and suck it up as mother and just do my best.
Did I say how grateful I was for her? Today especially. 15 months is a hard age. They are so active, but not walking well at this point. And the last thing I want is for them to be crawling around the floor of the waiting room or doctors office. It took A LOT of distraction, but we've both learned how to keep them busy and entertained. Keys, wallet, drs pamphlets, fish tank, bouncing on the knee, tongue clucking, peek-a-boo, paper on the doctors table, more pamphlets . . . there is a lot of down time while waiting for nurses and doctor and nurses again.
So, their stats:
Emmitt is 25 pounds/6 ounces . . . 29 1/2 inches tall . . . 47.9 cm head circumference
Castiel is 22 pounds/4 1/2 ounces . . . 29 1/4 inches tall . . . 49.1 cm head circumference
It's the same as always, Cas has a big head, little body and Emmitt is a big baby but taller than Cas for the first time. The doctor says they are completely on the charts, no signs of them ever being premies. They only have a 3 word vocabulary, but he said that's normal for twins because they have their own talk. They passed the Autism test, which becomes the scary thing at this age with boys. They got their shots and as a parent, I just cross my fingers hoping that's not the cause of Autism.
The boys now are all down for their nap and the girls went with daddy and some of the neighbors to see "Gnomeo and Juliet" :) They are going to stop on their way home to pick up some groceries. We are making a "new meal" tonight. My cousins recipe for "Nancy's Pizza Pie" and we are going to give the kids they first taste of Edamame, a new favorite of KC's and he loves saying the word "Edamame" LOL.
We need to finish of all the preliminary results for Zoe's Science Fair project. Which has become a huge project. But that's the only way I like to do a project and Zoe takes after me in that, so we have both stretched this project further than a 4th grade level, I'm sure. But why not. It's great time to spend with Zoe and an opportunity to teach her about something new. And I want to make sure she understands everything, not just do it, so it's good we had a four day weekend to fit it in. I will share with everyone when are finish it, it's still a work in progress, the teacher broke it up in stages, very smart of her and for parents who procrastinate.
Today's a good day, feels like the weekend with the kids and daddy home :)
Now, whenever I go out with my kids, I see the double takes. I see people visually counting my children surrounding me. I love it when I get the older couples come up to me saying "You are truly blessed", which I believe their sincerity. They lived in a different time, when families like mine were normal. It's the comments I get from the younger moms "Wow, you really have your hands full" or "How do you do it?!?". The looks I get from them, at times, makes me feel freakish.
The most common question I answer is "How do you manage with 5 children?" Really, everyone asks, and I have gotten used to answering it. Really, I do understand why they ask. I just find it funny when I get the question from a mother of four :) How different do they really think it is?
I think I manage the same as anyone with children. It doesn't matter if you are a mother of 1, 2, 5 or 7 . . . don't all moms want the best for their children? Don't we all do the best we can with what we have? We all have days we struggle, but we also all have day we succeed. Most days, I don't think my job is any harder than any other mother's job. Honestly. I think it would be much harder to have 1 child than 5. The only child thing is what would scare me.
I was meant to have these five children in my life. And I can't imagine my life without them all. My life feels normal to me and I am happy with it. And with them :) This is my perfect family.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
This morning, KC and I stayed in bed until almost 9:00am. Girls are off of school and got up on their own and were watching t.v. Cameron must have heard them and went straight down to join them. And the twins, which most people think would be a nightmare, woke up and played together in their cribs. Most mornings, they will play for quite a while before making any noise saying they want out.
When we go to get them out of their cribs, they have usually traded pillows and nuks, or some days one baby has both pillows and both nuks and the other has his hands through the bars trying to reach something :) They don't cry when they wake. Why get out when their best friend is in the crib next to them? :)
I think the most important thing I'm teaching my children is independence. I think it's important for them to be able to not only do things for themselves, but to think for themselves. I know that if I need to leave the house, both Zoe and Audrey would be okay. I know they are only 10 and 7, but I also know they wouldn't be lost by my absence. They would know what is expected of them and they would even know how to take care of their brothers. We have a routine. I think routine can be a great structure to a child's development. And more then that, I know I can trust them to do what they are supposed to.
I am raising children to make "good choices". If I can instill that into all my children, I think they will all make it far in their lives.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
And now a little of our day.
Since Cam is still not himself today (sick). Daddy stayed home with him and Zoe agreed to help me with the twins doctor's appointment. She is a great helper. I am careful to ask her instead of expecting her help. I am the mother, I know this. She is usually more then willing to help. Occasionally she has said "I don't want to", which I respect and suck it up as mother and just do my best.
Did I say how grateful I was for her? Today especially. 15 months is a hard age. They are so active, but not walking well at this point. And the last thing I want is for them to be crawling around the floor of the waiting room or doctors office. It took A LOT of distraction, but we've both learned how to keep them busy and entertained. Keys, wallet, drs pamphlets, fish tank, bouncing on the knee, tongue clucking, peek-a-boo, paper on the doctors table, more pamphlets . . . there is a lot of down time while waiting for nurses and doctor and nurses again.
So, their stats:
Emmitt is 25 pounds/6 ounces . . . 29 1/2 inches tall . . . 47.9 cm head circumference
Castiel is 22 pounds/4 1/2 ounces . . . 29 1/4 inches tall . . . 49.1 cm head circumference
It's the same as always, Cas has a big head, little body and Emmitt is a big baby but taller than Cas for the first time. The doctor says they are completely on the charts, no signs of them ever being premies. They only have a 3 word vocabulary, but he said that's normal for twins because they have their own talk. They passed the Autism test, which becomes the scary thing at this age with boys. They got their shots and as a parent, I just cross my fingers hoping that's not the cause of Autism.
The first picture will could them together,
after getting off a number of machines.
I love looking at this picture
I can't believe they are already 15 months old!
The boys now are all down for their nap and the girls went with daddy and some of the neighbors to see "Gnomeo and Juliet" :) They are going to stop on their way home to pick up some groceries. We are making a "new meal" tonight. My cousins recipe for "Nancy's Pizza Pie" and we are going to give the kids they first taste of Edamame, a new favorite of KC's and he loves saying the word "Edamame" LOL.
We need to finish of all the preliminary results for Zoe's Science Fair project. Which has become a huge project. But that's the only way I like to do a project and Zoe takes after me in that, so we have both stretched this project further than a 4th grade level, I'm sure. But why not. It's great time to spend with Zoe and an opportunity to teach her about something new. And I want to make sure she understands everything, not just do it, so it's good we had a four day weekend to fit it in. I will share with everyone when are finish it, it's still a work in progress, the teacher broke it up in stages, very smart of her and for parents who procrastinate.
Today's a good day, feels like the weekend with the kids and daddy home :)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Our Solution to No Hot Dogs on Mac & Cheese Night
The kids asked for Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs. I said yes, and started the noodles. Then I realized we were out of hotdogs, which is rare for this house. I usually stock up on them because it's one of the only foods I can guarantee all the kids will eat.
And to my kids, Mac and Cheese can't be eaten without hotdogs.
So with Audrey's help, we improvised. She also likes to help in the kitchen :) Zoe had to be kicked out, it wasn't a big enough job for two. And the two of them don't always "play well together" these days, it always seems to be a competition. So this was Audrey's turn.
She carefully cut the string cheese into strips . . . I don't know how many times I said "Careful that knife is very sharp".
We set out the five plates for her to evenly divide her creation :)
Salami wrapped around String Cheese :) Kid-friendly, easy and fast!
I know that this one isn't going to make any cookbooks, but it served it's purpose . . . no complaints about the missing hotdogs, because there was something new and interesting on their plates :)
I haven't cooked any big new meals yet this month. But we have enjoyed one of our favorites. Corned Beef Brisket in the slow cooker with a can of Guiness and carrots, onion and red potatoes. Cabbage placed on top for the last couple of hours.
I also added Sweet Potato Chips to one of our meals. My kids love sweet potatos. Zoe actually made to mixture that she spread onto the potatoes with a brush. What's better than painting on the ingredients. The kids loved it, so did I.
The link if you are interested.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cinnamon-Sweet-Potato-Chips/Detail.aspx
I have to look at the recipes I've received. The kids have off this Monday and Tuesday, so maybe we can enjoy a new meal together on Tuesday.
And to my kids, Mac and Cheese can't be eaten without hotdogs.
So with Audrey's help, we improvised. She also likes to help in the kitchen :) Zoe had to be kicked out, it wasn't a big enough job for two. And the two of them don't always "play well together" these days, it always seems to be a competition. So this was Audrey's turn.
She carefully cut the string cheese into strips . . . I don't know how many times I said "Careful that knife is very sharp".
I haven't cooked any big new meals yet this month. But we have enjoyed one of our favorites. Corned Beef Brisket in the slow cooker with a can of Guiness and carrots, onion and red potatoes. Cabbage placed on top for the last couple of hours.
I also added Sweet Potato Chips to one of our meals. My kids love sweet potatos. Zoe actually made to mixture that she spread onto the potatoes with a brush. What's better than painting on the ingredients. The kids loved it, so did I.
The link if you are interested.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cinnamon-Sweet-Potato-Chips/Detail.aspx
I have to look at the recipes I've received. The kids have off this Monday and Tuesday, so maybe we can enjoy a new meal together on Tuesday.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Clean Cut Boys
Looking a little long. I had a couple people comment on how long Castiel's hair was getting from their video. So I knew it was time.I don't think that I've ever cut Cam's hair before? I'm not sure. He has been getting haircuts since 5 months old, he's always had tons of hair. Yesterday KC and I were laughing at how his hair was bouncing. It was getting so long it wouldn't lay flat on the top his head and seemed to have a mind of it's own.
I've always taken him to Sport Clips, but lately we've been conserving money, like everyone these days. So why not? Cutting the boys hair myself easily saves me $30. Well, I don't know about the easy part, but money is saved.I used the #9 razor attachment this time instead of scissors. I cut the twins hair last time with scissors and it took forever! I was nervous that I would accidentally buzz cut their heads, so #9 was largest and I figured that I could go shorter next time if I wanted.
I know that if someone that cuts hair for a living was watching me, they would have a heart attack from my lack of technique. But it got the job done and I consider it a learning process. And besides, they were all moving targets! I know it's not perfect, if I wanted perfect I'd pay the $30 :)
My big mistake with Cameron, my guinea pig with the razor, was not wetting his hair enough. I was smart enough to take his shirt off, but he didn't want a towel around his shoulders. So with one pass of the razor through his thick hair, I looked at his back and it resembled an ape. I was planning on giving him a bath after, but note to self . . . WET HAIR.Emmitt was the easiest. He sat relatively still and he has the least hair. He seemed to enjoy the feeling and sound of the razor. But I looked over at Castiel and saw him cringing in his highchair and whining, he knew he was next. He jumped at the sound and his eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his head. He definitely fought me the entire time but we both survived it. He may still be long around the ears, but I prefer that to missing an ear, yes, he was moving that much.
I plan on getting better at it, practice makes perfect, I always tell my kids. And in this house I have many heads to practice on . . . for many many years :)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Zoe, my gifted child :)
Needed to run errands tonight and Zoe needed to get a gift for her friend, so off we went.
We didn't leave until after 7:00pm, so I was thinking fast. Zoe on the other hand thought it was a Sunday afternoon and we were window shopping. Ugh! I kept having to drag her along "Come On Zoe"!!!
I enjoy going out with her. She is one who thinks that every moment has to be filled with words, not with everyone, I've seen her quiet, but not with mommy. With mommy it's always a mile a minute. Which if I am in the mood, it's rather entertaining, because seriously, one never knows what she's going to come up with.
So I want to share a couple of the highlights of our trip.
We were walking around WalMart, I know not a store favorite, but it's easy when I'm looking for a one shop stop. We walked by the shoes and Zoe says "Mom, I need new gym shoes." I asked if hers were getting small. "No, there are holes in the bottom of mine and water is getting in". What?!? The girl drags her feet, I constantly have to tell her to pick up her feet, but then it's like she gets confused and picks them up too far and then I'm wishing I didn't say anything in the first place because she's one who trips over her own feet a few times daily and when she over thinks it, let's just say BAD. She got a new pair for $10, dry feet starting tomorrow.
We were driving along and she looks over at the dashboard and asked "How many miles on the car?" I told her down to the exact mile, otherwise I knew that she would correct me. Then she was shocked when the number went up one. She didn't realize that the odometer counted the miles driven, she thought it was some kind of countdown to the vehicles death :) Her response "Wow, that makes Car Talk make much more sense, people having problems with cars at 2000 miles, I didn't get why people cared so much about their old cars". We giggled about that until I turned up the radio.
Almost home and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" came on. We got the Beatles version of Rock Band for Christmas, because we loved the idea of the kids learning the music. And Zoe is usually on the mic, so I sat there in the car listening to her sing almost every word. I enjoyed listening to all those crazy lyrics come out of her mouth. It was like getting my Christmas present listening to her :)
I LOVE HER. I'm hoping that somehow we skip those awkward mother/daughter years, because I just want to enjoy her always.
We didn't leave until after 7:00pm, so I was thinking fast. Zoe on the other hand thought it was a Sunday afternoon and we were window shopping. Ugh! I kept having to drag her along "Come On Zoe"!!!
I enjoy going out with her. She is one who thinks that every moment has to be filled with words, not with everyone, I've seen her quiet, but not with mommy. With mommy it's always a mile a minute. Which if I am in the mood, it's rather entertaining, because seriously, one never knows what she's going to come up with.
So I want to share a couple of the highlights of our trip.
We were walking around WalMart, I know not a store favorite, but it's easy when I'm looking for a one shop stop. We walked by the shoes and Zoe says "Mom, I need new gym shoes." I asked if hers were getting small. "No, there are holes in the bottom of mine and water is getting in". What?!? The girl drags her feet, I constantly have to tell her to pick up her feet, but then it's like she gets confused and picks them up too far and then I'm wishing I didn't say anything in the first place because she's one who trips over her own feet a few times daily and when she over thinks it, let's just say BAD. She got a new pair for $10, dry feet starting tomorrow.
We were driving along and she looks over at the dashboard and asked "How many miles on the car?" I told her down to the exact mile, otherwise I knew that she would correct me. Then she was shocked when the number went up one. She didn't realize that the odometer counted the miles driven, she thought it was some kind of countdown to the vehicles death :) Her response "Wow, that makes Car Talk make much more sense, people having problems with cars at 2000 miles, I didn't get why people cared so much about their old cars". We giggled about that until I turned up the radio.
Almost home and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" came on. We got the Beatles version of Rock Band for Christmas, because we loved the idea of the kids learning the music. And Zoe is usually on the mic, so I sat there in the car listening to her sing almost every word. I enjoyed listening to all those crazy lyrics come out of her mouth. It was like getting my Christmas present listening to her :)
I LOVE HER. I'm hoping that somehow we skip those awkward mother/daughter years, because I just want to enjoy her always.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Last Fun in the Snow! (At least this snow)
What a beautiful day! I didn't look at the temperature, but it felt like Spring, so I pretended that it was. I opened my patio door for about an hour. I'm hoping that the Spring-like weather stays!
Zoe came home with bubbles that Cameron had to try out. So he went out on the back deck with no jacket, shoes or socks and he nearly used them up. I noticed with the melting snow, there was a lot of garbage in the yard. So I offered the girls 50 cents each to make a trip around the yard and pick it up. Zoe noticed that the snow was perfect for making a snowman. So as soon as they were done picking up, they were building a snowman. Cameron got a Snowman Kit from Santa this year and this was our first chance to use it. I know, sad, it's February 16th, but it's been too cold or the snow hasn't been right. And really, besides the blizzard, we haven't gotten much snow this year.
I know that it's very irresponsible of me to allow my kids outside without jackets, but at least they have on boots and mittens.
Zoe came home with bubbles that Cameron had to try out. So he went out on the back deck with no jacket, shoes or socks and he nearly used them up. I noticed with the melting snow, there was a lot of garbage in the yard. So I offered the girls 50 cents each to make a trip around the yard and pick it up. Zoe noticed that the snow was perfect for making a snowman. So as soon as they were done picking up, they were building a snowman. Cameron got a Snowman Kit from Santa this year and this was our first chance to use it. I know, sad, it's February 16th, but it's been too cold or the snow hasn't been right. And really, besides the blizzard, we haven't gotten much snow this year.
I know that it's very irresponsible of me to allow my kids outside without jackets, but at least they have on boots and mittens.
This is when Cameron asked for mittens and decided to help instead supervise.
I was glad that they didn't make the head too big, they did it on their own and I watched from the upper deck :)
I love this picture. They are staring at the snowman and the snowman appears to be staring right back at them.
He turned out adorable. I know that Cameron will be devastated, but I'm hoping he's gone by Friday!
Monday, February 14, 2011
My Boys Blowing Kisses and Everything Else They Do Until I Get Them To Blow Kisses :)
Thought I would see how hard or easy it is to post videos :) Since my kids are so adorable, I have to show them off occasionally :) These are my twin 15 month boys, Emmitt and Castiel from this afternoon.
Ignore the trashed play area in the background, they accomplish that within the first 15 minutes of playing . . . I can't wait until they start picking up after themselves.
Hope you enjoy watching my boys, I know I do. I still find the twin thing amazing. And could they be anymore opposite?!?, lol.
And there were many more steps than I thought to loading the video and it took longer than I thought, but not hard and I will attempt this again in the future :) FYI, it took ALOT longer than I thought, but worth it in the end :) I hope. I'm going to publish this and hope it plays, because it won't in the preview. I'm crossing my fingers, otherwise back to the drawing board.
Ignore the trashed play area in the background, they accomplish that within the first 15 minutes of playing . . . I can't wait until they start picking up after themselves.
Hope you enjoy watching my boys, I know I do. I still find the twin thing amazing. And could they be anymore opposite?!?, lol.
And there were many more steps than I thought to loading the video and it took longer than I thought, but not hard and I will attempt this again in the future :) FYI, it took ALOT longer than I thought, but worth it in the end :) I hope. I'm going to publish this and hope it plays, because it won't in the preview. I'm crossing my fingers, otherwise back to the drawing board.
I Missed Half of February!
I guess I haven't missed half of February, I lived it. I'm trying to figure out how it's already Valentine's Day! This month has been flying by.
We listed our home with an agent. We had to come to the realization that we will make nothing on this house and will probably have to pay someone to buy it and bring money to closing. Ten months ago we had an offer on the table, but KC had no job at the time. It's easy to look back and say we should of, but we didn't and I don't think we were ready. We had no idea where we were going and could have messed up the job KC ended up with if we went in the wrong direction. Everything happens for a reason and as soon as the snow melts I'm planting St. Joseph in our backyard, because now we are definitely ready and waiting and hopeful.
Blizzard hits and it was definitely no joke. KC got stranded in Kenosha. The ladies on the block helped me shovel out while the kids enjoyed the snow. I was afraid I was going to lose Cam in a snowbank, but he was light enough to scale the drifts. After two hours of playing we enjoyed snow ice cream instead of hot chocolate, well the kids enjoyed it, I tried it and found it weird, wrong texture for the taste. And Brian from down the block made a pass down the sidewalk with his snow blower, BIG thanks, because I wasn't going to even attempt it!!!
Groundhog didn't see his shadow, so early Spring! Which was hard to believe after being dumped on. But I'm hoping it's true, because this house has cabin fever.
Zoe had a birthday sleepover with two friends. She wanted to do her own thing, so I let her, because sadly I have little time to think, let alone plan. They played "Just Dance" on the Wii, which I just love! And played with beads and just did the "girl thing". Cam kept telling the girls he loved them and kissing them :) He is definitely the kind of boy that will benefit from having older sisters, he's such a charmer.
Nephew Jack's 7th birthday party. We enjoyed seeing family that we've been missing since Christmas. The kids got tons of attention, which gave me a little break from entertaining them.
Packer's won the Superbowl! We spent the first half at our neighbors for a party, and they still wouldn't cheer on the Pack. We came home after the halftime show, got all three boys in bed in the same amount of time it took to clean up after the Black Eyed Peas, we didn't miss a second. And I know the halftime show was criticized, but I loved it! Nail bitter til the end! But KC and I definitely did some jumping up and down and yelling in those final seconds. Zoe woke up the next morning asking if they won and then threw on her Packer jersey, because in the land of the Bears, she's already discovered how fun it is to have bragging rights.
My Zoe turned 10 years old. Which to me was more traumatic then turning 30, or even looking forward to 35. Having a 10 year old, I'm still trying to figure out how that is possible. It's amazing to think back to when this whole motherhood part of my journey started. And I was sadden by her choice of cakes. Angel food cake with cool whip and fruit. I know it sounds silly, but I've always designs her cakes. It started with Zoe's ladybug cake with bright pink frosting (story for another time). I did the princess castles, butterflies, Spongebobs, horses . . . angel food with fruit seems way too grown up to me.
Castiel popped a molar and has been drooling and snotting over everything. I've been saying for over a month that I thought he was teething, and nothing. The kid only has his front top 2, bottom 2. And then I catch a glimpse of the back of his mouth . . . molars! I don't get it. One is through and more coming. But no signs of the rest of his front ones. Weird.
Emmitt and Castiel are starting to choose to walk a little. They definitely still prefer crawling, but we are seeing more and more steps. They both can stand up in the middle of the room. And have mastered going down the stairs on their bellies, feet first. All of a sudden they seem to be hitting lots of milestones, which is exciting and scary at the same time. They are already 15 months.
KC and I got out for a whole night. My mom came down (thank you!) and watched the kids. I got to go to a bar, a restaurant and a bowling alley in the same night and didn't have to worry about rushing home to kids and relieving a babysitter. It was a work party and I met the shop. Everyone was very nice and they seem like a fun group. I can more easily see how KC can get up and manage the drive to and from work, it's easier when there are good people to work with.
Before we came home we drove around northern Illinois, southern WI looking at possible areas to move to. We definitely crossed out some areas we didn't like and didn't feel like we'd be comfortable in and circled the ones we liked. Now I have a better idea of the areas to research schools and homes for sale.
And now it's Valentine's Day! And Emmitt blew his first correct kiss this morning :) He made the sound on his little chubby hand and then threw it. Love it! I spent the rest of the morning trying to get Castiel to do it, but he just wants to kiss my hand :)
And I just realized that Audrey wasn't mentioned in this blog, so I have to tell a story how she is all heart. She did her valentines for her class, only looking at the class list for a couple spellings. She went back and double checked the list and realized that the teacher forgot one of the boys names. She was sadden to think that he might be forgotten and was worried for him. She left saying that she would say something to her teacher as soon as she got to school, hoping that she could do something before the afternoon party. I love her heart.
And I look outside and the snow is all melting and I see the grass.
It's amazing how fast life passes by at certain times of the year. It really goes by in a blink.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
We listed our home with an agent. We had to come to the realization that we will make nothing on this house and will probably have to pay someone to buy it and bring money to closing. Ten months ago we had an offer on the table, but KC had no job at the time. It's easy to look back and say we should of, but we didn't and I don't think we were ready. We had no idea where we were going and could have messed up the job KC ended up with if we went in the wrong direction. Everything happens for a reason and as soon as the snow melts I'm planting St. Joseph in our backyard, because now we are definitely ready and waiting and hopeful.
Blizzard hits and it was definitely no joke. KC got stranded in Kenosha. The ladies on the block helped me shovel out while the kids enjoyed the snow. I was afraid I was going to lose Cam in a snowbank, but he was light enough to scale the drifts. After two hours of playing we enjoyed snow ice cream instead of hot chocolate, well the kids enjoyed it, I tried it and found it weird, wrong texture for the taste. And Brian from down the block made a pass down the sidewalk with his snow blower, BIG thanks, because I wasn't going to even attempt it!!!
Groundhog didn't see his shadow, so early Spring! Which was hard to believe after being dumped on. But I'm hoping it's true, because this house has cabin fever.
Zoe had a birthday sleepover with two friends. She wanted to do her own thing, so I let her, because sadly I have little time to think, let alone plan. They played "Just Dance" on the Wii, which I just love! And played with beads and just did the "girl thing". Cam kept telling the girls he loved them and kissing them :) He is definitely the kind of boy that will benefit from having older sisters, he's such a charmer.
Nephew Jack's 7th birthday party. We enjoyed seeing family that we've been missing since Christmas. The kids got tons of attention, which gave me a little break from entertaining them.
Packer's won the Superbowl! We spent the first half at our neighbors for a party, and they still wouldn't cheer on the Pack. We came home after the halftime show, got all three boys in bed in the same amount of time it took to clean up after the Black Eyed Peas, we didn't miss a second. And I know the halftime show was criticized, but I loved it! Nail bitter til the end! But KC and I definitely did some jumping up and down and yelling in those final seconds. Zoe woke up the next morning asking if they won and then threw on her Packer jersey, because in the land of the Bears, she's already discovered how fun it is to have bragging rights.
My Zoe turned 10 years old. Which to me was more traumatic then turning 30, or even looking forward to 35. Having a 10 year old, I'm still trying to figure out how that is possible. It's amazing to think back to when this whole motherhood part of my journey started. And I was sadden by her choice of cakes. Angel food cake with cool whip and fruit. I know it sounds silly, but I've always designs her cakes. It started with Zoe's ladybug cake with bright pink frosting (story for another time). I did the princess castles, butterflies, Spongebobs, horses . . . angel food with fruit seems way too grown up to me.
Castiel popped a molar and has been drooling and snotting over everything. I've been saying for over a month that I thought he was teething, and nothing. The kid only has his front top 2, bottom 2. And then I catch a glimpse of the back of his mouth . . . molars! I don't get it. One is through and more coming. But no signs of the rest of his front ones. Weird.
Emmitt and Castiel are starting to choose to walk a little. They definitely still prefer crawling, but we are seeing more and more steps. They both can stand up in the middle of the room. And have mastered going down the stairs on their bellies, feet first. All of a sudden they seem to be hitting lots of milestones, which is exciting and scary at the same time. They are already 15 months.
KC and I got out for a whole night. My mom came down (thank you!) and watched the kids. I got to go to a bar, a restaurant and a bowling alley in the same night and didn't have to worry about rushing home to kids and relieving a babysitter. It was a work party and I met the shop. Everyone was very nice and they seem like a fun group. I can more easily see how KC can get up and manage the drive to and from work, it's easier when there are good people to work with.
Before we came home we drove around northern Illinois, southern WI looking at possible areas to move to. We definitely crossed out some areas we didn't like and didn't feel like we'd be comfortable in and circled the ones we liked. Now I have a better idea of the areas to research schools and homes for sale.
And now it's Valentine's Day! And Emmitt blew his first correct kiss this morning :) He made the sound on his little chubby hand and then threw it. Love it! I spent the rest of the morning trying to get Castiel to do it, but he just wants to kiss my hand :)
And I just realized that Audrey wasn't mentioned in this blog, so I have to tell a story how she is all heart. She did her valentines for her class, only looking at the class list for a couple spellings. She went back and double checked the list and realized that the teacher forgot one of the boys names. She was sadden to think that he might be forgotten and was worried for him. She left saying that she would say something to her teacher as soon as she got to school, hoping that she could do something before the afternoon party. I love her heart.
And I look outside and the snow is all melting and I see the grass.
It's amazing how fast life passes by at certain times of the year. It really goes by in a blink.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Well, it definitely didn't blow over!
Wow, we have snow drifts 3/4's the way up garage doors, 4ft trees have disappeared and I am almost certain that we no longer have garbage cans. I spent the night praying that the power wouldn't go out and listening to things hit the side of the house. We even experienced some freak lightening and thunder in the middle of it. We were packed and ready to go in case the power get go out, the County kept calling with warming shelter information that was making me a little nervous. But the power stayed on, and we all slept warmly in our beds. In fact, the twins slept until 9:00am :)
K.C. is going to start trying to make his way home. It was way to windy last night for him to even try. We will probably sit tight until he gets here and rescues us. I only see one brave family out shoveling their driveway, they must have somewhere to go. There are three of them, two are taking the top layers of snow off and the third is on snowblower. Guess that means it might be too much for the blower? That's not a good sign.
School was cancelled yesterday. So what to do today? The kids keep looking out the windows excited by the snow. I'm not sure how cold it is out there yet, but I know that they'll want to venture out at some point just for the experience, so do I. And I'll be taking lots of pics and keeping an eye on Cameron so he doesn't disappear!
They've requested hot chocolate with breakfast, which today sounds perfect. And I thought that I'd share our plans for this afternoon, so others can give it a try.
Zoe's teacher sent this recipe home yesterday with her kids. I love teachers. Thanks for thinking ahead for me, now my kids have something new to look forward to today.
SNOW ICE CREAM
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
6 cups "clean" fluffy snow
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Directions: Mix all the ingredients together. Eat right away and enjoy! Compare it to real vanilla ice cream.
Serves: 6
We also have plans to make Rice Krispie treats!!!
So everyone safe and warm. Drive slow if you have to go anywhere. And have fun with your snow day!
K.C. is going to start trying to make his way home. It was way to windy last night for him to even try. We will probably sit tight until he gets here and rescues us. I only see one brave family out shoveling their driveway, they must have somewhere to go. There are three of them, two are taking the top layers of snow off and the third is on snowblower. Guess that means it might be too much for the blower? That's not a good sign.
School was cancelled yesterday. So what to do today? The kids keep looking out the windows excited by the snow. I'm not sure how cold it is out there yet, but I know that they'll want to venture out at some point just for the experience, so do I. And I'll be taking lots of pics and keeping an eye on Cameron so he doesn't disappear!
They've requested hot chocolate with breakfast, which today sounds perfect. And I thought that I'd share our plans for this afternoon, so others can give it a try.
Zoe's teacher sent this recipe home yesterday with her kids. I love teachers. Thanks for thinking ahead for me, now my kids have something new to look forward to today.
SNOW ICE CREAM
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
6 cups "clean" fluffy snow
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Directions: Mix all the ingredients together. Eat right away and enjoy! Compare it to real vanilla ice cream.
Serves: 6
We also have plans to make Rice Krispie treats!!!
So everyone safe and warm. Drive slow if you have to go anywhere. And have fun with your snow day!
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