2-25-11

Today I was grateful for my brother Chris for coming over bright and early to watch the boys while I went to an eye appointment in the middle of a snowstorm.

Uncle Chris is the best, Creed didn't even cry when Jared and I walked out the door at almost the same time.

The boys and cousin Abigail played outside for almost 90 minutes. I was delighted to listen to their giggles as they built snowmen and I shoveled snow on the never ending driveway. I was even more delighted when our neighbor came over with his snowplow.

I love that Easton and Abigail are now friends. When we first moved here, they were less than friends. Now he protects her {from Creed}.

I wish I could have protected her from her fall as she lost her footing on the driveway and ended up with road rash on her cheek and a big swollen lip.

Today after Gibson headed off to school, I snuggled the boys on the couch as we watched Sesame Street. Creed and I fell asleep and Easton stayed close.

When I woke up after Elmo's world, I made some peanut butter and jam bars which I was sad I didn't love.

I washed and dried four loads of laundry. Folded none of them. They are currently in baskets next to the bed.

Today Gibson made his first phone call to a friend inviting him over to play. It was adorable. Two friends, arranging play. He then went out and waited for him to get here and they played Wii and built a snowman in the front yard. How grateful I am that Gibson has good friends.

Creed escaped down the street again. I had to run after him in my slippers. As I was trying to get him inside, the neighbors across the street got home. Our being outside was an invitation to play and for three hours they did.

I was grateful I had Costco pizza in my freezer.

Tonight I was summoned to my parents house to help my dad get some pictures off his camera in time for him to go on yet another cruise. The pictures were from last July..... I sure love those two.

Tonight Easton kept having bad dreams each time he closed his eyes. I offered to lay by him and we cuddled. He immediately laced his fingers in mine and turned his chin into my neck. Two minutes later he was lightly snoring. I lingered. I couldn't pull myself away from my sleeping baby boy.

Now, I sit. Tired but not sleepy.

I needed to write down some events of my day because I feel it's going so fast.

Gibson is gaining independence and "needing" me less and less. He dressed himself for school today without my assistance and I let him go. Even though he didn't match.

Easton is trying to keep up with Gibson yet still wants to play with Creed. He's in that tender spot where he likes sippie cups and his blankie but also wants to play with friends, have sleepovers at grandma's and sit in a booster seat.

Then there's Creed. My baby will be 2 in just a few weeks. He's talking up a storm, teething like crazy and testing his boundaries with every move.

This was my day. This is my life.

I. am. blessed.

I have two food blogs that I always turn to when looking for recipes. They are Our Best Bites and Annie's Eats. I have found amazing recipes from both of these blogs and have a few favorite recipes that I return to over and over again.

I was thrilled when Our Best Bites announced that they would be coming out with a cookbook of their favorite and most popular recipes. I love the power of the Internet but there's just something about flipping through a cookbook and having a picture of the final product stare back at you!

I found the cookbook at Costco last week {$15.99} and after the boys were snugly tucked into their beds, I sat on my bed and flipped page by page. I think I was drooling and went to bed very hungry!

This weekend we made Brazilian Lemonade a whopping three times. It was SO good and tasted just like the one you'd get at the fancy Brazilian Restaurants around here. {If I do say so myself}

Tonight I will be making Orange Chicken with Snow Peas and will be sure to report on the outcome. In the meantime, I recommend you go get this cookbook. Seriously, go get it.

What's for dinner this Wednesday?

Upside Down Spaghetti

8 oz cream cheese

1 cup sour cream

160z cooked spaghetti noodles

1 lb hamburger browned and drained

jar of favorite spaghetti sauce

cheese! Mozarella or cheddar or both

Cream together cream cheese and sour cream {I was low on sour cream so I added cottage cheese and the family never knew} and spread on the bottom of a 9x13 pan.

Layer rest of the ingredients ending with cheese on top. Cover and bake in oven on 350 for about 30-45 minutes. Take foil off for last 10 minutes.

Yummy!

I made a 9x13 pan and thought the entire time that I should split it into two pans because we'd NEVER eat an entire pan. Goodness, was I wrong! My boys devoured this and the little I had remaining they requested for lunch the next day!

I loved making this recipe because it was so simple, very inexpensive and delicious. It was a nice spin on the regular spaghetti dinner we enjoy.

Valentines 2011

I was looking for something a little different for the boys' valentines this year and came across these little doo-dads. I think they turned out darling and the boys loved handing them out to their classmates and neighbor friends.

The original version I saw used tootsie pops or blow pops and I think those would have been cuter, less wrapper so it wouldn't cover cute faces. Plus, the original one was much more vibrate than mine turned out. Next year I'll dress the boys more appropriate for a Valentine picture:)


Gibson was told by a few friends at school that he was "cute" when handing out this card. That brought smiles all afternoon!

We had a wonderful Valentines Day. It was low key all the way.

We ended the evening with dinner guests {Jared's parents} and had a yummy dinner of Beef Ribs {Gibson's choice}, Salmon, baked potatoes and asparagus. Rulon and Marylou then treated us to a wonderful FHE on the Plan of Salvation and provided a delicious FHE treat.

We concluded the evening by reading some new Valentines books and tucking each of the boys in their own beds!

It was perfectly simple, just the way we like it.

What's for dinner Wednesday???

I'm off to perform my civic duty. I've been summoned for jury duty {2nd time in 3 weeks}

I pulled out the crock-pot and started this little number that I got from Betsy's blog. I sure hope it's good!

Buy a pack of tri-tip steak from Costco. I used half and put the other half in the freezer for next time. . .and there will be a next time!

Sear the meat by frying up the steak pieces (they are cut long and thick) in some oil until all sides are just browned. Wear an apron -- it splatters!

Transfer the browned meat from the frying pan to the crock pot. Completely cover and slather the meat with cream of mushroom soup. I used two cans.

Cook on low all day long.

Before serving, remove the meat to a warm plate and use drippings/remaining sauce to make a gravy.

I served this with mashed potatoes and some fresh green beans on the side. It was awesome! The meat is so tender, you can hardly keep it on the fork!

It's already smelling delicious and it's only been in the crock-pot for 30 minutes. Can't wait!

Just in case you are wondering

this is what happens when a key is stuck in an electrical outlet.

Yes, he did get shocked.

Yes, there was a big flame.

Yes, the fuses were tripped.

Luckily, he was scared more than hurt.

Luckily, the electrical items are on a surge protector.

Happy Monday everyone!

Thank goodness for a random wooden ruler that happened to be inches from this plug. It took a few minutes to get it out of the socket but I think we've all learned from this one!

No, it was not the baby or the 6 year old. Clearly, we need to talk cause and effect with a certain child. Maybe it will be a good FHE for tonight.