The other day I had to get 2 cavities filled. When I came home, the top half of my mouth was still numb (and continued to be for another few hours!). Hudson is really big into giving kisses on the lips. He does not count it a kiss unless it's on the lips. So, he kissed me and then pulled back and looked at me funny and then pointed at my mouth trying to open it. He opened up my mouth and said "teeth" and took a good look trying to figure out what was wrong with my lips.
Yesterday Ryan took the boys along with him to get his car's oil changed. While they were waiting they took a look around the Mazda showroom. Brooks spotted a Miata and wanted to take a closer look. He looked inside and pointed at the two seats and said "Daddy sits here, and Mommy sits here and Brooks and Hudson stay home." He then looked at the RX-8 and liked the fact that it had a back seat and cool little doors to get back there.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Chocolate Cake Lover
Memaw and Pawpaw paid us a visit yesterday. The boys were really excited to see them and had a great time playing with them.
Since we were doing a late celebration of my birthday, Mom brought a cake along. Hudson was very interested in the cake. Mom had gotten the cake out to cut and left the kitchen for a second, and Hudson had already snuck a chunk out of it. He thought it was the best thing ever.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Likes and dislikes
They have a chart of likes and dislikes at Brooks' preschool.
Brooks likes rain.
He dislikes rain in his ear.
Brooks likes rain.
He dislikes rain in his ear.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Recipes for the week
Here's a few simple recipes. The boys love baked oatmeal. I love it too. It's a quick, healthy breakfast. I usually double the recipe because they scarf it down and usually have a couple pieces for breakfast.
The beer bread is awesome. If you've had Tastefully Simple's beer bread, this tastes just like it. We recently purchased some beer that we didn't really like, so this was the perfect use for it.
This Italian Salad dressing is easy to make, and you probably have all the ingredients already in your pantry. It is such a simple blend of ingredients and has a great flavor.
Rich and Creamy Baked Oatmeal
1. Heat oven to 350. Spray a 1 1/2 qt casserole with cooking spray.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Mix in the wet ingredients. Let stand for about 15 minutes.
4. Pour into prepared casserole. Bake 35 to 45 minutes until the center is dry and firm to the touch.
Beer Bread
3 cups flour, sifted
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
12 oz beer
1/4 cup butter, melted
1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Mix dry ingredients together and mix in beer.
3. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
4. Pour melted butter on top.
5. Bake for 1 hour.
Notes: Do not scoop your flour into the measuring cup. You must spoon it into the measuring cup or you will have a hard rock that resembles bread.
Italian Salad Dressing
3/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 TB water
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp Parmesan cheese
1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Shake before serving.
The beer bread is awesome. If you've had Tastefully Simple's beer bread, this tastes just like it. We recently purchased some beer that we didn't really like, so this was the perfect use for it.
This Italian Salad dressing is easy to make, and you probably have all the ingredients already in your pantry. It is such a simple blend of ingredients and has a great flavor.
Rich and Creamy Baked Oatmeal
- 1-1/2 cups 2% low-fat milk
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2-1/2 cups QUAKER® OATS (quick or old fashioned), uncooked
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- Optional toppings: fruit & skim milk or yogurt
1. Heat oven to 350. Spray a 1 1/2 qt casserole with cooking spray.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Mix in the wet ingredients. Let stand for about 15 minutes.
4. Pour into prepared casserole. Bake 35 to 45 minutes until the center is dry and firm to the touch.
Beer Bread
3 cups flour, sifted
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
12 oz beer
1/4 cup butter, melted
1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Mix dry ingredients together and mix in beer.
3. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
4. Pour melted butter on top.
5. Bake for 1 hour.
Notes: Do not scoop your flour into the measuring cup. You must spoon it into the measuring cup or you will have a hard rock that resembles bread.
Italian Salad Dressing
3/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 TB water
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp Parmesan cheese
1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Shake before serving.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Fun packed weekend
We decided to take a last minute trip to Indy for the weekend to celebrate Family Day. After we ate a tipico Guatemala breakfast (scrambled eggs with tomatoes, refried black beans, corn tortillas, and fried plantains) we loaded up the car and headed to Indy.
We hit a few thrift stores and then headed to Guatelinda for some great Guatemalan food. We had pupusas, empanadas, chile relleno, tamal, and sopes. Brooks loved his papaya milkshake. We left stuffed (as usual). I stopped into a panaderia to pick up some tres leches cake and some other pastries for dessert later that evening.
I had Pricelined us a hotel and ended up with the Residence Inn in Carmel. We checked in and headed down to the indoor pool for some swimming. The boys loved showing off their swimming skills, Brooks especially.
Later that evening, we headed to old downtown Carmel for a Gallery Walk. 10 years ago, I lived near downtown Carmel for a summer while I did my internship. It has changed! Ryan wasn't even sure if the apartment complex I lived in was still there, it was, but what a difference. We all enjoyed walking around and checking out the art and having snacks. I think we were the only people there with kids. Of course, it was Valentine's Day. The boys have been to Gallery Walks in Lafayette with us before and Brooks' favorite part is the cookies. Since they hadn't taken a nap, we stayed clear of places with breakables in reach and stuck to the places with stuff on the walls. There was some really nice art. Really nice, like you could buy a car or two for the price of some of it.
Sunday morning we hung out at the hotel, enjoyed our free breakfast, and watched some HGTV. Ryan wanted to try out a 90 minute cycling class at one of the Y's, so we dropped him off and ran some errands. I told the boys we could go to Barnes and Noble. We went to the one in Clearwater Crossing, I gathered up some magazines to read and we headed back to the kids section. Guess what....no Thomas Train Table?! The boys were so dissapointed (as was I). So I loaded everyone back up in the car and we went to Target.
After we picked up Ryan, we headed to Red Robin to get my free Birthday burger. We love Red Robin (yeah, I know we're kinda breaking our "rule" since it's a chain), the closest one used to be in Schaumburg, but now Indy has a couple. The boys split a chicken fingers meal and Hudson really liked the honey mustard. I think he just about drank it.
We then headed south of Indy to Mike and Robin's house for their annual Daytona 500 party. We had a fun time seeing them and meeting their new baby Caleb for the first time. Brooks and Hudson loved playing with Gabe and his cousin and didn't want to leave. The last half hour of our drive home Hudson was screaming over and over again about "tractor book" that he had dropped. Of course he then fell asleep 5 minutes before we got home. And we all slept well last night...
We hit a few thrift stores and then headed to Guatelinda for some great Guatemalan food. We had pupusas, empanadas, chile relleno, tamal, and sopes. Brooks loved his papaya milkshake. We left stuffed (as usual). I stopped into a panaderia to pick up some tres leches cake and some other pastries for dessert later that evening.
I had Pricelined us a hotel and ended up with the Residence Inn in Carmel. We checked in and headed down to the indoor pool for some swimming. The boys loved showing off their swimming skills, Brooks especially.
Later that evening, we headed to old downtown Carmel for a Gallery Walk. 10 years ago, I lived near downtown Carmel for a summer while I did my internship. It has changed! Ryan wasn't even sure if the apartment complex I lived in was still there, it was, but what a difference. We all enjoyed walking around and checking out the art and having snacks. I think we were the only people there with kids. Of course, it was Valentine's Day. The boys have been to Gallery Walks in Lafayette with us before and Brooks' favorite part is the cookies. Since they hadn't taken a nap, we stayed clear of places with breakables in reach and stuck to the places with stuff on the walls. There was some really nice art. Really nice, like you could buy a car or two for the price of some of it.
Sunday morning we hung out at the hotel, enjoyed our free breakfast, and watched some HGTV. Ryan wanted to try out a 90 minute cycling class at one of the Y's, so we dropped him off and ran some errands. I told the boys we could go to Barnes and Noble. We went to the one in Clearwater Crossing, I gathered up some magazines to read and we headed back to the kids section. Guess what....no Thomas Train Table?! The boys were so dissapointed (as was I). So I loaded everyone back up in the car and we went to Target.
After we picked up Ryan, we headed to Red Robin to get my free Birthday burger. We love Red Robin (yeah, I know we're kinda breaking our "rule" since it's a chain), the closest one used to be in Schaumburg, but now Indy has a couple. The boys split a chicken fingers meal and Hudson really liked the honey mustard. I think he just about drank it.
We then headed south of Indy to Mike and Robin's house for their annual Daytona 500 party. We had a fun time seeing them and meeting their new baby Caleb for the first time. Brooks and Hudson loved playing with Gabe and his cousin and didn't want to leave. The last half hour of our drive home Hudson was screaming over and over again about "tractor book" that he had dropped. Of course he then fell asleep 5 minutes before we got home. And we all slept well last night...
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Family Day!
In our house, February 14th is a very special day. Not because of Valentine's Day, but because it's Family Day! 3 years ago today, we were united with Brooks forever. We can still remember rushing around the day before, trying to get ready for our trip. We found out at 4pm on the 13th, that we needed to be in Guatemala the next day! Ryan called hotels and made reservation using his Spanish skills. We were at the Indy airport bright and early the next morning, anxiously awaiting our reunion with Brooks.
We are so blessed to have Brooks as our son. We are so thankful that his birthmother made an adoption plan for him. We pray for her every day and we hope that she knows that Brooks is loved.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
One Year Older
I had a nice birthday yesterday. It started out with Ryan bringing me a bagel for breakfast. The boys got me some pretty daisies. I had a meeting at church, so he gave me some money to stop at Starbucks to pickup a Frappuccino. They sang to me at the meeting and had donuts, but I skipped those since I figured I had enough sugar in my frap.
After the meeting, the kids and I met the girls from our small group for lunch. We enjoyed our food at Camille's. I was treated to a smoothie (which the boys drank most of).
I headed into work for the afternoon. My coworkers had got me a chocolate cake and it wasn't too crazy of an afternoon.
I headed home for dinner, Ryan grilled steaks and we had twice-baked potatoes and spinach salad. My birthday gift arrived that afternoon, Ryan got me some new Converses and a Sansa mp3 player. I'm really excited about using the Sansa for my water aerobics class since the cd player in the pool area is always dying.
The boys had swimming lessons so I dropped them off at the Y with Ryan. I headed to Target to get a couple things. I was able to spend part of my gift card stash (I got them from both sets of parents!) on some weightlifting gloves and a water bottle. Exciting right? I was tired of my hands getting so sweaty in BodyPump and I needed a BPA free water bottle.
I headed back to the Y to pickup the boys. I was almost blown over in the Target parking lot, it was sooo windy! As I was driving down 18th street I thought it seemed really dark. I then realized the power was out! Ryan said the power went out about 20 minutes into the lessons. Brooks wasn't scared at all, although many of the kids in his class were. I had forgotten to pack Hudson's swim trunks, so he missed out on his class, but it sounds like a blessing in disguise. Ryan wouldn't have had too much for with 2 wet kids in the dark. I've been back in the pool when the power goes out and it's a spooky place, even with the emergency lights on.
The power turned back on just as we were leaving to head to Bible study. Pam had made a yummy cake and cookies for the kids. It was a good day.
This morning I headed down the hall to see if Hudson was awake yet when I was met with the lovely aroma of puke. I opened Hudson's door and found he had puked all over his crib sometime in the night. He didn't make a peep all night, so who knows what time it happened. I got him all cleaned up and he seems to be fine today. I have a feeling it was the 2 snickerdoodle cookies he had before bedtime last night. I don't think the poor kid has ever had more than one cookie before!
After the meeting, the kids and I met the girls from our small group for lunch. We enjoyed our food at Camille's. I was treated to a smoothie (which the boys drank most of).
I headed into work for the afternoon. My coworkers had got me a chocolate cake and it wasn't too crazy of an afternoon.
I headed home for dinner, Ryan grilled steaks and we had twice-baked potatoes and spinach salad. My birthday gift arrived that afternoon, Ryan got me some new Converses and a Sansa mp3 player. I'm really excited about using the Sansa for my water aerobics class since the cd player in the pool area is always dying.
The boys had swimming lessons so I dropped them off at the Y with Ryan. I headed to Target to get a couple things. I was able to spend part of my gift card stash (I got them from both sets of parents!) on some weightlifting gloves and a water bottle. Exciting right? I was tired of my hands getting so sweaty in BodyPump and I needed a BPA free water bottle.
I headed back to the Y to pickup the boys. I was almost blown over in the Target parking lot, it was sooo windy! As I was driving down 18th street I thought it seemed really dark. I then realized the power was out! Ryan said the power went out about 20 minutes into the lessons. Brooks wasn't scared at all, although many of the kids in his class were. I had forgotten to pack Hudson's swim trunks, so he missed out on his class, but it sounds like a blessing in disguise. Ryan wouldn't have had too much for with 2 wet kids in the dark. I've been back in the pool when the power goes out and it's a spooky place, even with the emergency lights on.
The power turned back on just as we were leaving to head to Bible study. Pam had made a yummy cake and cookies for the kids. It was a good day.
This morning I headed down the hall to see if Hudson was awake yet when I was met with the lovely aroma of puke. I opened Hudson's door and found he had puked all over his crib sometime in the night. He didn't make a peep all night, so who knows what time it happened. I got him all cleaned up and he seems to be fine today. I have a feeling it was the 2 snickerdoodle cookies he had before bedtime last night. I don't think the poor kid has ever had more than one cookie before!
Recipes of the Week
It's time again for crockpot craziness!
I made this Cranberry Barbecue Chicken and Garlic Rice for dinner Sunday evening. The chicken was great, I used bone-in chicken breast (I removed the skin) that were not quite totally defrosted. I cooked them on low for around 6 hours. The rice was a perfect pairing. The chicken made a lot of sauce and you need to have something to soak it all up.
Did you know you can make baked potatoes in the crockpot? Yes, you can! It's so easy. And what to do with those baked potatoes? How about Twice Baked Potatoes!
Crockpot Cranberry Barbecue Chicken
3-4 lbs chicken pieces
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 onion, chopped
salt & pepper
1. Throw it all in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-8 hours, depending on the cut of chicken and if it's frozen or not.
Easy Garlic Rice
2 TB olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
1. Cook the onion and garlic in olive oil until golden.
2. Add the rice, broth, and spices. Bring to a boil.
3. Cover and simmer 25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
Crockpot Baked Potatoes
Potatoes, 4 or more
1. Scrub the potatoes and dry them thoroughly.
2. Poke them with a fork and then wrap in foil.
3. Place in the crockpot and cook on low for 11 hours or high for 6.
Twice Baked Potatoes
4 Baked potatoes
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
garlic powder
salt & pepper
1. Slice a 1" strip across the top of each potato.
2. Carefully scoop out the pulp from each potato, leaving the skin intact, and place it in a large bowl.
3. Mash the pulp along with the butter.
4. Add the milk, sour cream, cheese and seasonings.
5. Place the mixture back into the potato skins, piling high.
6. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes.
I made this Cranberry Barbecue Chicken and Garlic Rice for dinner Sunday evening. The chicken was great, I used bone-in chicken breast (I removed the skin) that were not quite totally defrosted. I cooked them on low for around 6 hours. The rice was a perfect pairing. The chicken made a lot of sauce and you need to have something to soak it all up.
Did you know you can make baked potatoes in the crockpot? Yes, you can! It's so easy. And what to do with those baked potatoes? How about Twice Baked Potatoes!
Crockpot Cranberry Barbecue Chicken
3-4 lbs chicken pieces
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 onion, chopped
salt & pepper
1. Throw it all in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-8 hours, depending on the cut of chicken and if it's frozen or not.
Easy Garlic Rice
2 TB olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
1. Cook the onion and garlic in olive oil until golden.
2. Add the rice, broth, and spices. Bring to a boil.
3. Cover and simmer 25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
Crockpot Baked Potatoes
Potatoes, 4 or more
1. Scrub the potatoes and dry them thoroughly.
2. Poke them with a fork and then wrap in foil.
3. Place in the crockpot and cook on low for 11 hours or high for 6.
Twice Baked Potatoes
4 Baked potatoes
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
garlic powder
salt & pepper
1. Slice a 1" strip across the top of each potato.
2. Carefully scoop out the pulp from each potato, leaving the skin intact, and place it in a large bowl.
3. Mash the pulp along with the butter.
4. Add the milk, sour cream, cheese and seasonings.
5. Place the mixture back into the potato skins, piling high.
6. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Weekend update
Baby Beck needs your prayers, he's back in the hospital tonight with jaundice.
We had a fairly quiet weekend. Ryan and I had a date Friday night while the boys played at church. We had a nice dinner out to celebrate my birthday a few days early.
Saturday morning Ryan took the boys on a few errands. They went to Menards and Barnes and Noble, where Clifford the Big Red Dog paid a visit. They liked seeing Clifford, but didn't want to give him a hug. Brooks thought it was pretty funny that Clifford tripped when he stepped off the stage.
Saturday evening we went to a game night with our friend Asa. We all had fun and Brooks liked playing dominoes.
Sunday afternoon Brooks and Hudson helped Ryan clean our horribly filthy cars. Well, I'm not sure how much help they were, I think they mostly just rode their bikes around.
We had a fairly quiet weekend. Ryan and I had a date Friday night while the boys played at church. We had a nice dinner out to celebrate my birthday a few days early.
Saturday morning Ryan took the boys on a few errands. They went to Menards and Barnes and Noble, where Clifford the Big Red Dog paid a visit. They liked seeing Clifford, but didn't want to give him a hug. Brooks thought it was pretty funny that Clifford tripped when he stepped off the stage.
Saturday evening we went to a game night with our friend Asa. We all had fun and Brooks liked playing dominoes.
Sunday afternoon Brooks and Hudson helped Ryan clean our horribly filthy cars. Well, I'm not sure how much help they were, I think they mostly just rode their bikes around.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Baby Beck is here!
Happy Birth Day to Baby Beck! He arrived at 8:30ish this evening. He weighs 7lbs 11oz and is 20.5 inches long. Pretty big for being a few weeks early! I'm told he has a head full of dark hair. Jess was very concerned that he would be born bald like Dan!
Brooks and Hudson are very excited to have another cousin to play with and share their outgrown clothes and toys with.
Congratulations Jess and Dan and welcome to the exciting world of parenthood!
Brooks and Hudson are very excited to have another cousin to play with and share their outgrown clothes and toys with.
Congratulations Jess and Dan and welcome to the exciting world of parenthood!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Recipes of the week
I made bagels! I made them once before, but they didn't turn out that great. This time they did. I sprinkled poppy seeds and dried garlic on top. Everyone loved them!
Here is the recipe for my "famous" snack mix. I like to use Tapatio brand hot sauce, but you can use your favorite. I made it for the Superbowl party. Brooks was very concerned that I was leaving the leftovers there. He was very relieved when our hosts said we could take the leftovers home. Don't be scared by the hot sauce and cayenne, no one has ever complained about it being too spicy and we had 1 year olds eating it last night.
The Slow Simmered Spaghetti and Meatballs was a huge hit, especially to Hudson. That boy just inhales spaghetti. I had gotten some frozen meatballs on sale for .94 and the pasta sauce for .39, so it was a really cheap meal, especially considering we ate this for dinner for 3 days! I had a little bit of Merlot left in a bottle, so I threw that into the sauce too.
Bread Machine Bagels
1 cup water
2 tsp cooking oil
3 cups flour
1 TB sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp yeast
For the tops:
1 egg white, beat with some water
Poppy seeds
1. Add the ingredients to your bread machine. Run the dough cycle.
2. When the cycle is done, remove the dough, punch down, cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
3. Divide dough into 9 portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
4. Punch a 2-inch hole in the center of each ball.
5. Place dough on greased cookie sheet. Let rise for 20 minutes.
6. Bring 6 cups water and 1 TB sugar to boil.
7. Simmer each bagel for 1 minute, flipping over at the halfway point.
8. Place bagels on cooling rack to drain off the excess water.
9. Place bagels back on cookie sheet and brush with egg white and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
10. Back at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
Texas Trash
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1 1/4 tsp seasoning salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 TB worceshire sauce
1 TB hot sauce
1 cup Cheerios
6 cups Chex (any combination)
1 cup pretzels
1 cup peanuts
1. Mix the first 6 ingredients together in a glass measure cup.
2. Mix the dry ingredients together in a large roasting pan.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until well coated.
4. Bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
5. Place on paper towels to cool.
Slow Simmered Spaghetti and Meatballs
1 26 oz jar Pasta Sauce
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1 TB minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
16 oz frozen meatballs
16 oz spaghetti
1. Mix all the ingredients, except for the spaghetti, in your crockpot. Make sure the frozen meatballs are well coated.
2. Cook on low 7-8 hours.
3. Just before serving, cook the spaghetti according to the package.
4. Serve sauce and meatballs over the spaghetti.
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