NEW RECIPES....

Exploring new recipes, mostly because I am growing tired of the same ol' meals, but also because it cures boredom for a bit and also because I needed a pinterest fix -- with selling and constantly cleaning the house... any other project is quite out of the question. 


Finally took a picture! -- June 2012 -- these are
one of our favorites!

So tonight we had apps for supper... better than breakfast for supper?  I think yes... I should have opened a nice cold beverage to accompany them, but I will be making them again... so next time!  I made the recipe under my "Yummies" on Pinterest "Buffalo Chicken Bites YUM!!!"  (http://joelens.blogspot.com/2010/06/buffalo-chicken-bites.html ) and that they were!!!.. They are a bit time consuming, but I love to make fresh bread and this helped that craving too... I will probably double the batch next time... as they seemed to disappear quickly... and I usually do double recipes on everything.  Items freeze so well, but I wasn't sure if I would be the only one eating them.  And I wasn't... Joe stated "They have a kick to them!"  And that was good thing.




For the sweet tooth... I created Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (Wow!)  ( http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2010/02/24/peanut-butter-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies/ ) But the title is simply stated as the ingredients are all expressed on the tastebuds = delicious... from other pinterest ideas I succeeded with great batches. 

The Thick and Chewy Cookie Method was used on the LEFT cookie...
The Pampered Chef cookie scoop was used for the RIGHT one!
SOOOO decide for yourself!  (I think my batch could have
used more flour, but Joe always gives me a hard time about hard cookies!)

1st -- I "softened"  butter to room temperature, in the microwave (YES butter, not margarine.. as that wrapper would be dangerous in the microwave!!)  The pin stated... place the refrigerated wrapped butter stick in the middle of your microwave for 4 seconds on each side and it was perfection!!!  I am using this when I am short on butter for grilled cheese sandwiches, cuz I always seem to be??  Why is that?  -- (one commenter gave the hint -- after the 1st 4 seconds, rotate it 180 degrees and then 90 after that and 180 after that... then you can keep track of what sides you have left!!!--so that is what I did!) 

Then, I compared the "Thick and Chewy" method for forming cookies to look bakery style from the same blogger as the recipe... Check out her blog for an illustartion for the method,( http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2008/06/21/thick-and-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies/ ), but basically you roll your cookie dough into a perfect ball and tear it in half... then place the 2 halves together to create one jagged edge which is now the top of the cookie..  Place on cookie sheet with jagged side up and bake as directed....You can use this on any cookie!!... It was more time consuming, but they do look nice.  (I should have had this great tip when I was presenting cookies in 4-H!!!)  BUT, it is MUCH quicker to use one of the best tools in my kitchen -- the Pampered Chef Large Scoop!--Cookies are a breeze and alot less messy.  (Plus, the boys LOVE that part of baking!) So if I am just feeding my family, I will continue to use the scoop method, but if presentation is ever an issue... I will give the Thick and Chewy Method a try again!!!

May try some more recipes soon!!!  Will be heavier as a result, because so far sooooo good!

Board Games and Embarrassment...

So on my little break (which is MUCH longer than expected...) we have really gotten into board games... it is either that or iPad all day long... wish is were summer, we would be swimming, and/or at the park all day! 

Anyways... Isaac, Trevor, and I have had quite the adventure into EVERY board game we own (the Easter Bunny may need to bring more, for a variety--at least for Mommy!)  I attempt to make it a fair game and even win myself sometimes... the boys still BOTH don't like that ;)  --  I will say... who gets to go first?  The youngest or the oldest?  Isaac has caught on that he isn't included in any of that... Both boys usually just answer with a loud, "ME!"  But Isaac had much more figured out than I had realized....



Our version has America looking $10 Bills... But the best
picture I could find!!

 It was Trevor's nap time,  so we were ready to play a more challenging game... "Signs Up"  Not sure if it is even available anymore, but it is from my childhood... my sister remembers it, but my mom doesn't???  It is worn a bit, so we must have played it??? --Anyways, Isaac was setting up the game while I was getting Trevor to nap... you mix up the store signs in the town's Main and Market Streets and you add or subtract from the rhyming cards to see how far you move!!!!!! (I have stopped reading the cards and Isaac just performs the equations, he has even told me, "Mom, don't read it yet!"  Cuz that way he can figure out the answer without cheating... ha (Proud Moment!!) -- while trying to put the signs back in their proper places!... You get rewarded $10 when you do so... Isaac likes to be the banker too!... We are working on counting by tens... but he isn't getting that yet....So, I came downstairs and he was almost ready... he doesn't want me to see the board until it is "COMPLETE" and ready for me to play!!  So he was hiding over it and was giggling!.. so cute... because the signs make silly words like -- TO-ST... half signs from the House of "TOys" and The United States "poST" Office --SEE!   Some do make real words--other than the actual signs-- and he tries so hard to make sure they aren't and needs to fix them before we can start (He is just too smart sometimes!)  Like -- PE-ST --from Fuzzy, Furry, & Feathery "PEts" Store and "poST" Office... So he changes it so they are equally funny!!!... So we are FINALLY ready to start after a few minutes of the dedicated preparation!  and he grabs the instruction sheet......

He says, as if he were reading it ..."If only Grown-ups and 5 year olds are playing --then the 5 year old goes first!"   lol!!!!!! So funny... I couldn't stop laughing... wow... seriously a great little boy with alot of wit about him!!

So, I have retold the story to at least 4 parties... and he is so embarrassed that he gets really mad at me and goes and hides... I am just trying to share how smart he is!!!!!!... Isn't that what Moms are supposed to do anyways -- embarass their kids!!

Peek - a - Boo!!  I see you!!!

We are also big into Forts (and Swords too --working on saying that word with Trevor--it's a tough one!)... I was busy with supper and Trevor wanted a fort...so he made one himself, he just couldn't wait for me I guess, and even when I tried --I got a big, "NO MOMMY!"  OK.... Here is the mess... I mean fort that he created by himself... he was also so shy and almost embarassed about it.. because I was looking at everything he picked out and it all had its carefully chosen spot... "Why is that chair on it's side?"...."BECAUSE!"  ... Everything is Because or I don't know -- 

So the best part and most tiring of my break is...entertaining the boys... Daycare providers need alot more credit than we give them! 

Phone, Fish, and OFF

What do these 3 words have in common??????

Finally received something upbeat this week...I became unemployed along with about 25 other people around 2 weeks ago (Our small hospital--on the verge of opening-- was bought by the larger one in town)... so it has been rough.  Trying to accomplish all those little projects around the house (YES -- I even started scrapbooking!! BUT it is rough putting it away all the time, because--like there isn't enough stress in the house right now-- we have our house on the market and are having quite a few showings!!)  So everytime the phone rings--my heart skips a beat.  I am hoping for either the Realtor, or the Job Opportunity.  Neither with great news yet... still waiting. 

Anyways...It has been my privilege to bring Trevor and the boys to their appts and all over.  (They are still attending daycare for most days, because we can't lose her --she's great-- and I WILL FIND a job SHORTLY!!!)

So, Trevor received a progress report from Speech on Wednesday morning... So what do those 3 amazing words have in common??  They are all "F" sounds that Trevor has nailed!!! She stated that she probably wouldn't be doing "F" worksheets/projects with him anymore because he has "CONQUERED" that sound!! Seriously ----  amazing words to hear!

In the Progress Report it states... "Do not anticipate reaching goal by said date" (Which is fine --he still needs speech therapy and that would mean he is done)  But -- Trevor has shown great progress with the final "t" "d" and "k" sounds.  He has MASTERED putting ending sounds on words AND they carry over to sentences and conversation!  (I LOVE THAT STATEMENT!)  He is an EAGER learner (Let's hope that sticks around) and she appreciates his "willingness to work" during their sessions.  (YES that is a 3 year old, who struggles with speech)  So I am very proud of that progress report. 

He has named "targeted vocabulary words" (I believe that means --words on his own without her saying them first with 54% accuracy.  !!!! (He still repeats/imitates almost every word--often times not clear...but 54% is a huge percentage for a boy who didn't even want to attempt to talk, just a few short months ago.  That is amazing as there were very few at the beginning of the school year. !!!!

He is getting REALLY good at animals, he has always excelled at "What does a ______ (animal) say?"  He is actually really good at that, and yes -- those sounds do count towards speech therapy points!!!!!  (not that there are actually points!  But there is in my book!)  He can even differeniate the sounds of a jaguar versus a tiger.. it is so cute, he does it better than me... but can't say "jaguar" well ...

It sure lightens the heart, knowing how Trevor has progressed!  I have noticed it, my family and friends have noticed it -- but to see it actually written out on a piece of concrete paper, I am speechless on how that feels. 

P.S. Fish Oil works well in Oatmeal too.. not sure if I have mentioned that before! 

"T" is for.......

Toot -- or this could be labeled "$#!+ my kids say".....

So obviously with Kindergarten on our minds we have turned into a household of "What does ____ start with--- followed by slower word pronuciation-- although I try to do that for Trevor often (especially the ending sounds!!!).  Isaac was rolling around in the living room and ppppssstttt....."T" is for Toot right Mom?"  Yes, that is right Isaac.....

But ufffffff... is there a lot of "toot" in my house -- or is it the house, because it (the house) still gets blamed a good majority of the time!--it must have alot of gas!  It is funny what the kids blame when they toot in the vehicles --  Other vehicles we are passing, the snow... ha ha.... "That one Mommy!"  That one what Trevor..."It tooted."

One day we will learn manners in this house -- I am very proud that my kids use please and thank you often, but they need a bit more work in other areas ;)  One day I will have the energy for that task (Well probably not.)  Often, Trevor walks up to us and says, "Pees, Isaac?"  And we don't even know what he is asking for, cuz he starts with that...everytime.  Sometimes he says, "Pees, Isaac...Sit by you?"  Oh it melts my heart sometimes, especially when Isaac says "NO -- Go away Trev."

The boys were "hidn" (Hiding) from me the other day and I "found" Trevor first...I proceeded to ask him if he knew where Isaac was?.... Hmmmm.... I can't see him (plain as day) anywhere???!!!! Where is he Trevor? -- After many attempts for him showing me right where he was, although I already knew (Don't we all do that, with our kids -- OR other people's kids-- they just LOVE IT!!!)  He told me "I can see him with my own eyes mommy---see!"  Followed by Isaac of course getting frustrated with Trevor, cuz he gave away his great hiding spot and helped me find him!!!....

Yesterday we met at McDonald's after Joe was done with work -- (we are selling our house and had showings at 5:15 and 7:00 -- so what to do... They played for a long time in the playarea -- Yes my kids were the ones hacking away!!-- Like there isn't enough germs in there anyway!  lol)  So it was finally time to head home in 2 vehicles.. Daddy and Isaac in one and Trevor and me in the other...(that is the way they picked it.) We pulled into the drive way and Trevor started yelling at Daddy (even though we were all still in the vehicles) "Daddy you Winner...Mommy Loser...but not me!"  (YES first of all he said all of that-- maybe not so clear, but I figured it out) BUT he was mad that I drove into the driveway second and Daddy had beat us, but in the end it was clear that I was still last!  Not Trevor --

My routine boy, Trevor, has finally broken out of the "Carry you downstairs." (Asking to be carried) at daycare, but now before we are even out of the car he says, "Carry me your hand Mommy."  He wants to hold my hand all the way inside... I sure hope his innocence can stay around forever!!????  It really does melt my heart when these full sentences/questions come out of his mouth and they are so sweet...he probably has the best manners in the house... well until his persistance kicks in and there is no stopping him then. 

When Trevor grabs your hand -- only give him one finger to hold on to... just a warning, as it's the right way!! ;)  "Like this Mommy, see?" 

Uff between the continuous competition and passing of gas in this house I could never win anyway.  Why try!? 

My Love, My Valentine...

We created a few fun projects once again!!!  for those we love... and just to have fun!
Pinterest is addicting... proceed with caution!!!..

So Isaac is really into writing any letter now... like copying ones you wrote, or Mom... what letter should I write!!.. So he took charge of the inside "This Much" but after 12 little strips -- Mom was awarded finishing the project's "I Love You" on the front!!!  He was done... but did very well.  We improved greatly from beginning with a "W" for the first letter of Much.. to its real "M" !!!! 

I highly recommend, if your child allows --to trace around his hand each time (per amount you want to produce!)  Isaac (5) cooperated wonderfully with this, but we barely made it around once with Trevor (3).  It took alot longer to trace around a thin piece of paper than it did a solid hand.  (just a little hint!!)

Trevor was cutting and drawing away next to us!!!.. it was quite the mess by the time we were through!!! But that's what making memories is all about... right? 

Then we made treat bags for the valentines at daycare...Trevor helped fill the bags with balls while Isaac wrote his name... They knew there were a few extra balls... so they accomplished this even faster!!  Trevor loves to "Me help, Mommy?!"  The Valentines are:  "Have a Ball this Valentine's Day"--a bouncy ball as a treat, and "You're O'FISHally My Valentine" --Goldfish crackers!!  I hope their friends love them as much as we do!

A bit of a love story... my husband and I have been married for 11 years (on the 10th), but we have been together 16 years on the SAME day... Yes we got married the day he asked me out!... Oooooohhhhh.... RIGHT???!!!

The boys are in desperate need of towels.. so is what they received from their parents. ....Isaac's is a hooded shark towel, and Trevor is a Lion... there were no Tigers--He loves to be a tiger... so close enough ;).

We were highschool sweethearts and when we got married 20% of our class got married on that day... yep.. there were only 10 people in our class... so I guess we were kinda close!!! 

For that reason,  I like to make Valentine's Day a big deal, for all the people that our special to us.  Valentine's is always about making SOMEONE feel special and having someone to share it with... Make them feel special, and you will be rewarded with pride!

Smile.... Show Your Teeth

So Isaac finally went to the dentist (Maybe that is why he is having nightmares!!), well I guess he has been there 2 other times, but he actually participated and got his teeth cleaned this week!!!

I brought him with me... so I went first (we tried this once before and failed), but he seemed very interested during my portion that day. In fact, he had to back up a bit or the hygenist may have poked him in the eyes with her tools. (Maybe he will be a dentist/hygenist one day -- I doubt it!)  I was opitmistic that his session would be of much improvement. 

He jumped right up in the chair and was a very wiggly... but content with being in it.....little BIG boy throughout the process!  The hygenist did a wonderful job too!  The prior visit "Grandma Buzz buzz" aka the tooth polisher (in layman's terms -- I have no idea what it is actuallly called.), anyways she scared him right out the door... there was no way he was letting that Grandma Buzz buzz near him. 

They "polished" his teeth with the special toothpaste, but used a cool crayola crayon toothbrush to apply it.  (The hygenist knew exactly what she was doing!!)  Later into the process she had him sucking some water out of her hand with the suction/vacuum device (I obviously don't know the correct terms either!)  and touching/operating Grandma Buzz buzz on his hand.... NO neither actually made their way into his month, but maybe next time, because he thought they were pretty cool. 

The good news is he told me he is going to continue brushing his teeth well, and as he stated, "I am not scared of the dentist anymore."  (Hmmm I am.. I still have nightmares... so good for you buddy!!)  AND they got the brown line removed from around his bottom teeth -- affects of too much chocolate milk?  So they sure look pearly white!!

The dentist noted that his 2 front bottom teeth are loose.... so I am looking for a crafty sew'er for a tooth fairy pillow!!  Maybe Grandma will be pitching in on that project!!?  I am sure a consult with pinterest will pull off too!  We have to be creative with everything, RIGHT?  (and I wonder why I have no time to BLOG!!)

AND she already noticed that he has a horrible overbite... I know who doesn't, but you can't even see his bottom teeth when he bites down... so all I can see was $$$$$$... already!

Other the other hand.. Mr T is NOT doing so well in the tooth department.  I haven't attempted the dentist for him yet, I am not pushing for it... my outgoing 5 year old had a hard enough time.  I am not sure when the appropriate age is anyway?  Some people state BEFORE 1.. are you kidding me?  DO they even have teeth... ha ha... Don't answer that either, because I know... I have been up with 2 teething babies in my lifetime. 

But the most difficulty is the absolute refusal of putting a tooth brush in Trevor's mouth except to suck water out of it... uff.... he is seriously... SOOOOOO stubborn and persistant.  No, no, no, no... no... Like this Daddy...... like this Mommy... NO TREVOR LIKE THIS!... So I tried to stick a washcloth over his front teeth the other day.... I almost lost a finger, but I reduced some of the visable plaque....YUCKY.  Or as Trevor would say, "Ucky, Mommy." 

Just another fight I can't win, but need to... or he will be scared of the dentist -- FOREVER. 

So we accomplished something for once!!!... Well for 1 of the kids anyway!

Sweet Dreams....

Oh how I miss those... sweet dreams.  I should just as well stay up until 1 a.m. and get something accomplished around the house.  I just can't seem to settle my mind lately. I am thinking of ideas for the new house, I am planning my weeks ahead, I am overthinking and debating work, and of course I have a TON of pinterest projects I want to do!!!...(Ha-- Those I actually enjoy thinking more about, but I would like some sleep.)  and finally I am laying awake waiting for Isaac to whine and moan.  When I do finally fall asleep I am awoken by his rolling around in his room with another nightmare. 

He has been having nightmares on and off for over a month now.  It is usually at the beginning of his rest or just as he is waking up..... so about 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.  And I don't get to sleep until 1 a.m..... that makes for a long night. 

During our parent time at Gearing up for Kindgarten a few weeks back... I was more than excited about making a dream catcher for Isaac.... (It is a most difficult project -- yes even for me!  But I did it!!)  The project includes yarn, feathers, beads, and a small circle as a hoop to hold it all together.  I am sure you can imagine it... but they decided to use those glow in the dark bracelets you "pop" to make them glow.  (They did work well for the project & cheap too!!)  Isaac loves those., well normally!  We bring them camping and he always gets excited when we bring them out.  So I thought it was perfect!!!

AND a perfect solution to help resolve his nightmares??? RIGHT??  (the parent project was actually to teach us the importance of sleep for our growing child...and how worn out they can get from learning and the experiences they have in Kindergarten.)  So on the way home after I heard about his time with "My Teacher."  I told him about the exciting project I made for him!  How it works...good dreams go through it, and bad dreams get caught in its web.  I told him it glows only for the first night, and it probably won't after that.  I was anticipating him being mad/frustrated that it wasn't glowing in the next few days, but instead I must have scared him more. Something that was glowing in his room and would keep him up all night, was not what I anticipated. 

The going to be Kindergartener was staring at the glowing dream catcher way past my bed time... "Mom, it is STILL glowing."  "Is it working?"  "How does it work again?"   Ufffffff, why did I open this can of worms? 

So a few days later... he admitted to me, "I think that spiderweb is working, Mom."  lol!!!!  So ok great, but last night I was up 3 times with nightmares.  I have heard not to ask the child what they are dreaming about, so I haven't yet...but I am curious enough that I want to resolve the issue.  I am sure that I can't stop them for him, but I feel so bad for him.  He is just all out of sorts when he wakes up.  Whinning and no control of his body.... so we have went from bed-wetting to nightmares...my poor boy just can't catch a break.

Another nightmare???... I just sorted through the piles of pictures laying around in the basement... The nightmare part being... my kids grow too fast, I can't figure out some of the dates (my previous computer crashed), and the horror of starting in on the scrapbooking project.... My goal is = finish those newly developed piles before we move out of this house ... and I am already procrastinating.

I guess I should attempt another dream catcher for myself (or sleeping pills??!!!--just what I need?) AND a snore reducer of some sort for the other half of the bed?