Our Little Inch Worm

Sadie is like most babies at six months. She is trying to start moving,
but her method is a bit different from what I'm used to seeing.

Watch the procession as it happens:

Then she flops on the ground and has moved over about 2 inches. Then she starts over. Very funny to watch.

FHE Bowling

This picture is in response to Jeramy saying, "Jackson, show me your shoes."

Action Shots:

Happy Birthday Sawyer

The Train Cake he wanted:

I just wanted to post some pictures from Sawyers birthday. He had a fun birthday and got the presents he wanted, though he is scared of the "Banchee" toy he got. (The "Ghost Light" from the movie Cars.) He loves to play with it as long as the sound is turned off, but cries if it 'sleeps' in the same room with him.

Internet Tracking

For those of you who think that I am overly paranoid or being ridiculous about my personal info being out there on the Internet, please go and watch this video by clicking HERE. This shows how someone who has been very careful about what information they put out there is still not safe. Just from a person's very limited profile, they were able to find her full name, entire families name, high school, home phone and address and directions to get to their home. They found all of this in less than 20minutes. Please be careful!

Our Resident Werewolf

Every month when we notice the full moon, Jeramy likes to play a little trick on the boys by telling them that he turns into a werewolf. They usually freak out and argue with him and try to get him to admit he is tricking them. He comes back with things like, "Why am I so hairy then?" or "Why else do I have to shave EVERY day?" We think it is hilarious (yes we are mean.) But this weekend, there was a beautiful full moon and as we were driving I overheard Cooper saying, "Look, it's a full moon. Lets not tell dad and stay up late to see if he really does turn into a Werewolf." Jackson replied, "Yeah, and if I get night vision for Christmas, I'll use those and check it out to see if he's lying." Dang it! I think they are on to us.

I think it's funny.

This is me:

I know I am 28 and 1/2 years old, but I love "Calvin and Hobbs". I own 4 giant books filled with the comics and will often times sit down and read them until I am laughing so hard that tears come out and my sides hurt. Recently, I was doing exactly that when I realized that different comics summed up the personalities of each of the males in my life . Here are just some samples:

Jeramy:

Cooper:

Jackson:

Sawyer:

If you enjoy those click HERE to check out this web site with tons more.

huh...what...

aftr 5 months of sleep deprivation, i am officaly going crazy. i feel like a lunatic and cant seem to summon the enrgy even to use my fnger and capitolize letrs. my brain is all fuzy and i cant reely spell write any more. i no that at 1 time i was prity intelignt-as in s-m-r-t --but now i am kind of not all thr any more. my poor kids keep askng me questns and i kind of just stare at them and dnt here wht thay r sayng to me. then, i start a thought and just end up forgettng what................ i'm not complaining, just explaynng. i'll stll taik this ovr pregnncy. but if u c me walkng down the street mumblng to myself, and my hair isnt dne and im wereng cloths tht are too baggy for me-b/c nthing fits me--jst know im stll in there somwere.

Seriously Creep Me Out

SCORPIONS CREEP ME OUT, BIG TIME!

Which is why I wanted to make sure that everyone knows that they need to keep a container of Meat tenderizer on hand. Why Meat tenderizer? Most of these products contain papain, which breaks down proteins. This is perhaps the reason why an application of meat tenderizer is effective in diminishing the discomfort associated with the sting from spiders and scorpions. I have used it when 2 of my kids have been stung. (Then called poison control, of course.) I mix it with water to make a paste and spred the paste over the bite. For it to be effective, it must be used asap, so the poison is not too far spread. When Sawyer was stung 2 weeks ago, I used it on him right away and he cried for only about 10 minutes. While he freaked out when his arm inevitably went numb, it didn't hurt him any more and he was just fine. You don't need to leave the paste on for too long because after 10-15 minutes, it can irritate the skin. But it is a wonder cure and important to have on hand in this desert!

Contemporary Santa Threats

When I was a kid, I remember how at this time of year my parents would start the Santa Threats. You know what I'm talking about, "If you don't obey, I'm going to call Santa!" In our home, Jeramy likes to start the Santa Threats mid-September. It works well for him, but he has found that in order to make the threat stick and sound--well-- threatening, he had to start changing it up a bit. So, my kids don't just get, "If you don't obey, I'm going to call Santa!" They also are treated to, "I'm going to send Santa a Text Message!" or, "I have Santa's cell phone number, and I'm going to call him." or "Santa sent me his email address and I'm going to go shoot him an email about how you are acting." It's good for the kids to see that even old Santa can keep up in this modern world. Happy Santa Threats to you!

New Template

With each baby boy that came into our family, I seemed to get more and more girly. Now, we finally have our girl and I think it has pushed me over the top with how much I like red and pink. I have a new favorite flower, the cherry blossom, and since I have decided it is my new favorite, I have started attaching pictures of it where ever I can. My email account theme is Cherry blossoms, I have cherry blossom bath and body wash and decided that I needed it to be on our blog as well. (Plus, I was really sick of the old one.) Anyway, I'm a bit impulsive when I actually make up my mind about something, and I sat down and found a template and switched it out. Before I knew it, i had lost all the blog addresses for my friends and family, again. (Sigh!) So, please, if you are reading this, leave me a comment and put your blog address on so that I can make another list of friends addresses! Thank you so much!

Another New Recipe

I haven't tried this one yet, but sweet potatoes are in season, so it's worth a try...

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Serves 4

To prevent the sweet potatoes from turning brown, do not cut them until ready to use. In step 2, place a layer of paper towels under the wire rack to collect any drippings; alternatively, place the wire rack over the sink. The sweet potatoes are fried in two batches to prevent over crowding the pot, which can lead to a reduction in oil temperature and uneven cooking.

½ t. chili powder
½ t. garlic powder
½ t. cayenne pepper
1 t. salt
2 quarts peanut or vegetable oil
1 c. corn starch
¾ c. club soda, chilled
2 lbs. sweet potates peeled and cut into 1/2 –by ¼ -inch lengths
o To stabilize sweet potatoes for slicing, cut a ¼-inch piece from one side of each sweet potato so that it sits flat.
o Cut the sweet potatoes into ½ inch planks.
o Cut each plank into ¼ inch thick fries.

1) Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 200 degrees. Combine first 4 ingredients in large bowl.
2) Heat oil in large Dutch oven over high heat to 375 degrees. While oil is heating, whisk cornstarch and club soda in medium sized bowl. Working in small batches, dip sweet potatoes in cornstarch mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl, and transfer to wire rack.
3) When oil is ready, fry half of sweet potatoes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Drain fries on paper towel lined baking sheet and transfer to oven. Return oil to 375 degrees and repeat with remaining fries. Transfer crisp fries to bowl with spices and toss to coat. Serve.


MAKE AHEAD

In step 2, the coated sweet potatoes can be frozen on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet until just set., about 15 min, then transferred to a zipper-lock bag and kept frozen for up to one month. When ready to serve, proceed with step 3 (the fries may take a minute or two more to become golden brown and crisp).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JERAMY!

HAPPY 32ND BIRTHDAY!!

Holy smokes, I have a handsome husband!

Paranoid Plea

Hey family and friends. I know some of you may think I am overly paranoid, and lets face it...I am. But I wanted to ask a quick favor of any family and friends who happen to check out this blog. We have it private because I don't want any creepy's looking at our family pictures or knowing our private life; from my kids names to where I live, to what Jeramy does for work. Anyway, I am asking that if you have a blog, facebook page or myspace page to not post pictures of our kids or family on the Internet with out asking me first. I've just read too many news stories of sick-o's who can track down who someone is just from reading that "this is my nephew..." or "At our family dinner this week, my cousins..." I know it sounds crazy, and frankly, I am a bit crazy when it comes to protecting my kids; but it would mean a lot to both Jeramy and I. Thanks for understanding!

Happy Halloween!

A Couple Kid-Friendly Recipes

I wanted to do a new post, but not much new is going on with us. Life is just busy, busy, busy, and so I thought I would post a couple good recipes that my family likes. Even Sawyer (who eats dinner only about once a month) likes these easy recipes. Enjoy!

SHEET PAN PIZZA

(this one is easy because you can make it all in the morning and cook the last 2 steps right before eating)



DOUGH:
1/2 c. EVOO, divided
1 3/4 c. very warm water
1 T. sugar
5 c. flour
2 envelopes (4 1/2 t.) rapid-rise or instant yeast
2 t. salt

SAUCE AND TOPPINGS:
2 T. EVOO
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. red pepper flakes
2 T. tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 T. chopped fresh basil
salt
1 1/2 c. grated Parmesan (I just use a bag of the preshredded Parmesan blend)
3 c. shredded mozzarella

1. FOR THE DOUGH: Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 200 degrees. When oven reaches 200 degrees, turn oven off. Grease large bowl. Evenly coat 18-by 13-in. rimmed baking sheep with 1/4 c. EVOO.


2. Combine water, sugar, and remaining oil in measuring cup. In bowl of standing mixer fitted with dough hook, mix flour, yeast and salt on low speed until combined. increase speed to medium-low and slowly add water mixture until dough is uniform in texture, about 3 minutes. Transfer dough to prepared bowl , and cover with plastic, and place in warm oven. Let rise until doubled in size about 30 minutes.


3. Heat 1 T. EVOO in sauce pan over med. high heat until shimmering. Cook garlic, oregano, and pepper flakes about 30 sec. Add in Tomato paste and cook until just beginning to brown. Add tomatoes and simmer until reduced to about 3 cups, about 10 min. Off heat stir in basil and season with salt.
4. On lightly floured work space, roll dough into 16-in by 12-in rectangle. Transfer dough to prepared baking sheet and stretch dough to cover pan, pressing into the corners. Brush dough with a little EVOO and cover with plastic. Set in warm spot until slightly risen (about 20 min.) Heat oven to 450 degrees.
5. Remove plastic and make indention's all over dough with fingers. Sprinkle dough with 1 cup Parmesan cheese and bake until cheese begins to melt, 7-10 min.
6. AT THIS POINT, WHEN CRUST IS REMOVED FROM OVEN, I LET IT COOL SLIGHTLY THEN PUT IT AND THE SAUCE IN THE REFRIGERATOR UNTIL I AM READY TO FINISH DINNER.
7. Spoon sauce over pizza, leaving a one in. border. Bake until sauce is deep red and steaming, 7-10 min.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining Parmesan until cheese is golden brown, about 12 min. Let rest 5 min, then Serve. Makes enough easily for 2 meals for a small family.

SKILLET MACARONI AND CHEESE

(I love this meal because it cooks up in less than 30 min and uses food storage and it is the only recipe of home made Mac-N-Cheese that my kids will eat. I've tried so many recipes, and this one is by FAR the easiest and creamiest and tastiest I've ever found.)

**This recipe calls for fresh bread crumbs and it really makes a difference to use fresh. I usually buy an extra loaf of french bread and chop it up in my food processor, then store it in the freezer and just use as needed.

2 T. unsalted butter

2 c. fresh bread crumbs

salt and pepper

3-3/4 cup water plus more as needed

1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

3 c. elbow macaroni

1 t. corn starch

2 t. hot sauce

3 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups Monterrey jack cheese

1. Melt butter in large nonstick skillet. Add bread crumbs, 1/4 t. salt and 1/4 t. pepper and cook stirring frequently, until deep golden brown, about 5 min. Transfer to a bowl and wipe out skillet.
2. Bring water and 1-1/4 c. evaporated milk and 1/2 t. salt to simmer in skillet over med.-high heat. Add macaroni and cook, stirring often, until noodles are al dente, 8-10 min.
3. Whisk remaining evaporated milk, cornstarch and hot sauce in small bowl, then stir into skillet. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Off heat, stir in cheeses, one handful at a time, adding water as needed to adjust consistency. Sprinkle with toasted bread crumbs. Serve.

SOOOOO EASY AND VERY YUMMY!

The Daily Dialogues

Last night Jeramy and I were discussing our kids and how each of them have developed certain traits unique to themselves. We were laughing at how every day, with each individual child, we have conversations that never vary. It cracked me up as we talked about it, so I wanted to write it down before I forgot it some day. Here is a list of the exact conversations that are repeated by each child every day.

THE MORNING ROUTINE:
6:35 a.m.- Me: "Cooper, we have exactly one hour before we have to leave for school. Please go get ready for school. Get dressed, say your prayers, put on your socks and your shoes."
6:45- Me: "Cooper are you doing what I asked?"
Cooper: "I've got my pants on."
6:55- Me: "Are you ready yet?"
Cooper: "I'm putting on my shirt."
7:05- Me: "COOPER!! Why aren't you dressed yet? We have to go in a half hour and your not going to have time for breakfast!"
Cooper: "I'm coming..."
7:15 - Me: "Cooper, we have to go in 20 minutes. Please stop chatting with your brothers and eat your breakfast."
7:25- Me: "AHHHH- Cooper! We have to go in ten minutes and you still haven't touched your breakfast! HURRY, HURRY, HURRY! Then get upstairs to brush your teeth."
7:30- Me: "I'm sorry you didn't get to finish your breakfast, we do this EVERY day and it's your own fault you took so long to get ready. And yes there is time to brush your teeth. There is ALWAYS time to brush your teeth."
7:32- Me: "Are you brushing?"
Cooper: "Yes!"
Me: "Did you use Toothpaste?"
Cooper: "........."
Me: "Cooper!"
Cooper: "I will right now."
7:35- Me: "Get your lunch, your backpack and water bottle quick and get into the car please!"
7:38- Me: "Cooper! We're all in the car waiting, you are going to be late!"
7:40- LEAVE THE HOUSE
7:47- DROP HIM OFF
7:48- Me: "(Sigh...)"


Jackson is a bit different with his approach. His dialogue is centered more around repetition.

(Some time between 5:00-5:30 a.m.): Jackson: "Dad, can I play D.S.?"
Jeramy: "What? No! Do you know what time it is? Go back to bed."
6:30 a.m.: Jackson: "I got dressed, can I play D.S. now?"
Jeramy: "No, Jackson, we aren't playing it this early."
8:00 a.m.: Jackson: "Now can I play D.S.?"
Me: "No, Jackson. Please go do your chores."
9:45 a.m.: Jackson: "Now can I play D.S.?"
Me: "Did you do your chores?"
Jackson: "No."
Me: "Then, no."
2:35 p.m. (The second he gets into the car after school.) Jackson: "Now can I play D.S.?"
Me: "No"
THIS CONTINUES ON EVERY HOUR UNTIL ABOUT 7:15 P.M.- Until I finally can't take it any more. I finally give in with the stipulation: "Only for 10 minutes, because then you are going to bed."
Jackson: "YEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!"
Me: "(Sigh...)"

Sawyer also has developed a conversation with me that never varies.
7:15 a.m.: Sawyer: "Can I have some candy?" (This will depend on what we have in the house at the time. Could be cookies, cake, or any assortment of treats.)
Me: "What? No. It's too early for any kind of treat."
Sawyer: "Can I have some candy after dinner tonight?"
Me: "Maybe. We'll talk about it later."
Sawyer: "Does maybe mean yes, or does it mean no?"
Me: "It means I don't know yet."
Sawyer: "Mom?"
Me: "What?"
Sawyer: "Can you just say yes?"
Me: "(Sigh...)"
THIS CONVERSATION IS REPEATED SEVERAL TIMES THROUGH OUT THE DAY ( at intervals of about an hour and a half) UNTIL DINNER TIME FINALLY COMES. AT WHICH TIME SAWYER FLAT OUT REFUSES TO EAT HIS DINNER, AND THE BITES HE DOES TRY END UP BEING GAGGED UP OR SPIT OUT ON THE TABLE.

Me: "OK, no treat for you."
Sawyer: "It's OK I don't want one anyway."
Me: "(Sigh...)"

New Book

I just finished this book and had to make a note that I really liked it and want to recommend it. I won't even try to explain it, because I won't do it justice. But check it out and enjoy! It's called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" and is written by by Mary Ann Shaffer (Author), Annie Barrows (Author).

Miles of Smiles