Life with Boys

Amateur attempt

2011-11-13T18:39:00.003-06:00

My feeble attempt to capture my handsome boys was a success! The caboose was a hit and they had so much fun figuring out where to sit or stand, making my job so easy! This caboose is right here in our little town, part of a little historical depot museum. It has been restored just recently making it a perfect backdrop for their pictures and a fun place to play! Here are just a few of the moments captured.

POP!

2011-11-09T22:13:00.003-06:00

So proud of Lane and his science fair project. He will present it to the judges tomorrow. He is excited! We wish him luck! An update will follow tomorrow evening. By the way Orville Redenbacher's pops more popcorn if you are interested!

Sweet to my soul

2011-10-22T10:02:00.004-05:00

I love this time of year for so many reason, but most importantly convention. My soul and my spirit are in need of renewing! But I also love baking for convention. This year we are going to be with my parents and my brother and his family at Mt. Peak. Special days are in store! These are just some of the goodies I am baking this weekend to take.

Peanut Butter Candy Bar Squares

courtesy of :

www.causeilikefood.blogspot.com

Ingredients:
1 16-ounce package Nutter Butter cookies, crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
7 & 1/2 ounces peanut butter cups (about 25 miniature cups), coarsely chopped
4 ounces Butterfinger candy bars (about 7 small candy bars), coarsely chopped
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup honey-roasted peanuts

Directions: Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13″x 9″pan with aluminum foil, allowing it to extend over edges of pan. Grease/spray foil.
Combine crushed cookies and butter. Press mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 6-8 minutes.
Combine condensed milk, peanut butter, and vanilla, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
Sprinkle chopped candy bars, chocolate morsels, and peanuts over crust. Drizzle condensed milk mixture over toppings.
Bake for 25-27 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on wire rack. Using foil, lift out of pan. Peel foil away, and cut into bars.Optional: Top with chocolate and vanilla sprinkles.
Makes 28 small or 18 larger bars.

Best dressed!

2011-10-16T22:07:00.002-05:00

the boys at Texarkana convention Saturday morning! What wonderful days we enjoyed!

Blessed

2011-10-07T21:01:00.000-05:00

I feel so honored to be their mother! Two perfect blessings!

Today's thought

2011-09-26T20:42:00.003-05:00

This quote has been with me all day.....I want to start making a list of all the little things that mean something to me now. Then one day I can look back and remember these precious little moments.

festive

2011-09-24T15:51:00.002-05:00

my mantle

splurge at Hobby Lobby

hurricane vase idea from Pinterest

pumpkins the boys made in preschool

...Welcome Autumn...

2011-09-24T12:55:00.002-05:00

The season I love best.......because it means: convention, apples, cooler weather, fires in the fireplace, colorful leaves, mums and kale, pumpkins and gourds, and relief from allergies!

School days

2011-08-23T20:57:00.004-05:00

School is off and running for the boys and I. Our first day back was last Monday. Bryce is in 2nd grade and Lane is in 3rd! I am teaching 5th grade English Language Arts this year and so far it has been a nice change from 2nd grade. I didn't request a change, but it was what I needed to do to keep a job at the school. I can move back to 2nd grade next year if I wish or stay in 5th. For now I am enjoying the student's independence and ability to have an educated conversation! Don't get me wrong I LOVED teaching 2nd grade!! This is a new adventure!

Happy 9th Birthday Lane!

2011-08-22T21:23:00.004-05:00

This handsome ladd was a babe in arms nine years ago tonight! Our first born and perfect in everyway...the poster baby for Gerber! He has changed and grown up, but he is still my first born and special in everyway! Nine more years will mean college and reality....I hope these next nine don't go by so quickly! I feel so blessed and honored to be the mother to two young boys, they are precious gifts!

Happy Birthday Lane!

We love you!

Photo courtesy of Kristen S. Photography
Summer 2011
Just one of the many gorgeous pictures captured by My dear friend!!

New car smell

2011-08-09T22:55:00.004-05:00

We have been looking for quite some time now for a bigger SUV, but not the super-sized kind. No offense I just don't need the big I have been driving a cross-over SUV for 5 year now, but just wanted a little more space to separate the boys and haul things as well. This is what fit us best! I am very happy!

Acadia Denali

Out of the mouth of Bryce.....

2011-08-07T21:33:00.003-05:00

If you have followed our blog for anytime you know that Bryce has a quirky twisted way of thinking about just about everything! Recently he has been on a roll! Here are just a few we can remember...I try to write them down in his baby book, but I have had to add a page to keep up!

......On our trip to San Antonio we saw vultures on the side of the rode near some roadkill. I told him they were scavengers or decomposers, they eat dead or dying things. He responded with "They are like the vacuum cleaners of the world, cleaning things up!" Yes, son so true!

......He came running up to me at the pool last week limping, I asked him what was wrong. He said "I have one of those horses in my feet, you know what I am talking about?" I did, a Charlie Horse I said! YES! That one he said!

.......He asked Jay to make gumbo this week, he loves his daddy's gumbo. As we sat at the table and he proceeded to devour his bowl of gumbo he remarked with these words " This stuff is so good I am going to marry it!" That must be some awesome stuff! It is delicious.

Love this boy's creative thinking! He would sure make a good writer or comedian, either way he makes our world interesting and comical!

San Antonio: Alamo and Riverwalk

2011-08-05T17:05:00.007-05:00

The boys were very intrigued by the story of the Alamo and enjoyed looking at the different artifacts and displays there. Then we walk the Riverwalk area and enjoy some good ole' Mexican food and even got serenaded by a small Mexican mariachi band! The boys requested the Chicken Dance!

Texas x 2! Two Texas flags in the picture!

Looking in the well on the grounds of the Alamo.

The eyes of Texas are upon you!

Old Glory waving high atop the building!

This picture captures the magic of the Riverwalk.

the typical sound of San Antonio

The River Center

We ate for the very first time at the Rainforest Cafe. What a fun experience!

San Antonio: Natural Bridges Caverns

2011-08-05T16:47:00.005-05:00

Our 3rd day we toured the caves....a wee bit cooler, but oh so humid! We took 2 tours and all together we climbed an estimated 30 story building all the way up and all the way down. We got our exercise and it was breathtaking to boot!

The Natural Bridge

an element of nature.....eeww

Our first tour in the first cavern called Bear Pit.

Cave draperies...yes that is their name.

These were called soda straws....the longest one in this cavern is 14 ft.

Diamond river....it just sparkled!

Pin cushion...very rare formation.

Cave bacon......

and an egg to go with it! (called a fried egg)

San Antonio: Sea World

2011-08-05T16:33:00.005-05:00

One of our favorite places.........

2 lobsters fighting

UP close and personal....look at those teeth! Eek!

Feeding the dolphins.....I'd love to swim with them..such awesome creatures.

Momma and her new pup.

seal pups

The BIGGEST walrus I have ever seen!

And of course you can't go to Sea World without seeing Shamu!

Dog Days of Summer

2011-08-04T17:12:00.002-05:00

You know it is hot when even the dog lays submerged in his pool! The mercury reads 107 degrees today.......maybe this is where they get that saying "Dog days of summer"??? I want to move to Alaska right now!

Naughty

2011-07-30T20:12:00.003-05:00

Did you know that cornbread could actually be naughty? Naughty because you can't just eat one piece. I like ordinary cornbread every now and then, but this ohh my! Mmmm! The recipe is feature in the Best Bites cookbook or on their blog. Here is the link to their blog
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/10/sweet-cornbread/

"Like father, like son"

2011-07-24T17:00:00.004-05:00

Jay enjoys shooting clays and now he is teaching Lane. Here they are trying out the new skeet shooter. Lane hit the third clay Jay threw him! That sure made Jay proud! Jay encouraged me to try.....the one who has hardly ever shot a gun....I hit the FIRST clay Jay threw!! I was amazed, maybe I can do this. Lane can join the 4H shooting club when he turns 9 next month. This could become a family sport as soon as Bryce can join in! Fun times!

Look to the far left...you can see the orange clay split in two after he shot it.

Jay showing him how it is done......his clay, dead center and in many pieces!

Delicious new recipe

2011-07-12T18:03:00.002-05:00

Spinach Chicken Stromboli from Our Best Bites Cookbook. This recipe is now on our top 10 list! If you don't have their cookbook it is worth buying. The recipes are husband and kid approved in our house! The boys love to dip their stromboli in a mix of marinara and alfredo sauce....really tasty!

13 Years!

2011-07-11T10:08:00.004-05:00

since I said "I do" to this wonderful man! Time flies when life is wonderful!

Furry friends

2011-07-10T15:11:00.003-05:00

Welcome to our newest furry friend, Midnight!

...and we can't forget Otis. He is such a great dog!

Goofballs!

2011-07-10T15:08:00.001-05:00

Silliness at Grandma and Grandpas!

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa

2011-07-10T14:56:00.003-05:00

The boys were spoiled during their stay with G and G. From the water park to Legoland they were completely entertained and loved! The highlight of the trip was Legoland......they were just spellbound and excited! we will have to go back sometime with the whole family to see it again!

Building with Grandpa.

DFW airport

Dallas skyline

Ranger Stadium

Farewell Seattle

2011-07-10T14:48:00.002-05:00

The morning I left we visited the locks nearby and ate delicious fish sandwiches at a roadside dinner! Great food with great company! Farewell Seattle and thank you Laura for such a special time!

Yes, I ate all of it! It was delicious!

Seattle Getaway

2011-07-10T14:10:00.002-05:00

Where do I begin.....my trip to see Laura and Jon was wonderful! Good company, splendid weather, scrumptious food, and breathtaking sites.....the perfect vacation all alone. Someday Jay and I will bring the boys and share the beauty of the Northwest. My pictures are somewhat out of order. Laura had the grand tour planned from the Seattle skyline, to the Public market, Sculpture park, sunset at the Cascades, etc., etc.... Thanks my dear friends for a wonderful time!

The famous gum wall.

Sunset at the Cascades.

Lula and I, love her!!

The Space Needle

Our view one afternoon for a picnic lunch....perfect!

Birthday times 2!

2011-07-07T09:23:00.002-05:00

Bryce celebrated with G and G a few days late, but none the less exciting and fun! The hamburger cake was adorable and yummy as well! Thanks G and G! The boys then spent 4 days with them while I went to Seattle to visit my best friend, Laura. Pictures to come.

A builder in the making

2011-07-07T09:16:00.002-05:00

My dad built this table for the boys several years ago to use for their Geotrack trains. It is now home to Bryce's Lego city. He has a lot more to add, we will post pictures when it is complete. In fact it has been moved to the living room because the workers stayed with us last week.

Party Time!

2011-07-06T21:37:00.003-05:00

Bryce is obsessed with Lego's, so he requested a Lego themed party. With just a few boys we enjoyed the pool, pizza and a party!

My attempt at the Lego man.

After a bite of the cake! Love those green eyes!

Building with the edible Legos, they were pretty good to eat and fun to play with.

Bryce and his friends

Happy Birthday Bryce!

2011-06-11T06:09:00.002-05:00

How could it be that 7 years ago you were born? Time stands still for no one including you. You have grown up and your looks may have changed, but you are still that same cuddly, spontaneous, creative, humorous little boy on the inside! That I treasure! Happy 7th Birthday little man! We love you more each year!

~ Momma, Daddy, and Lane

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-08T17:59:00.001-05:00

Recipe:

http://oneperfectbite.blogspot.com/2010/08/refrigerator-dill-pickles.html

HELLO!

2011-06-05T13:20:00.002-05:00

Yes we are alive and well and I know it has been almost 2 months since I have blogged anything. Summer is here and I hope to get caught up soon. Check back again and see what has been keeping us busy all this time! Hope you are staying cool, summer has come quickly with scorching temperatures here!

Puffed French Toast

2011-04-22T09:50:00.002-05:00

A wonderful, easy recipe that combines french toast and an elephant ear like you get at the state fair. Better yet you can use day old bread and it is still wonderful! I only ate 2 and it sure was hard to stop there! You can find the recipe here.

Only with boys

2011-04-09T20:44:00.002-05:00

This is what I found in the guestroom sink this afternoon. Lego's at work! It made me smile!

Double Delicious!

2011-04-02T20:39:00.004-05:00

Strawberry Cream Pie : makes 2 pies
2 reduced fat graham cracker crusts
2 cans fat free sweetened condensed milk
1 large fat free Cool Whip
2/3 cup lemon juice
1 pint strawberries
Line crust with strawberries. Mix together cool whip, condensed milk, and lemon juice. Spread over strawberries. Chill for 1 hour. 6 WW points
Alternatives:
**Use pretzels as the crust- 45 sticks only 2 WW pts.
**Use strawberries as the crust and then spread cream on top. That would only be 3 WW pts.

Beauties!

2011-04-01T13:13:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my father-in-law, these are sitting on my kitchen counter. Now what to do first: pie, jam, sliced on ice cream?? However they are consumed they will be wonderful!

Spring Break

2011-03-31T13:57:00.007-05:00

We have enjoyed a relaxing and productive break. Here are some things we have been up to this week off of school.

* Finished planting the garden.

* Slept late every morning, no rush to get dressed.

* Shopped for boy's Spring/Summer clothes, so nice to get that checked off!

* Took Otis to be neutered(poor puppy).

* Put away and organized boy's toys they no longer are interested in.

* Lunch at our new Chick-Fil-A. YUM!

* Baseball practice and uniforms purchased. Games start in 2 weeks!

* Updated my blog I have neglected for a month.

* Quiet time on the porch in my swing watching th boys play.

* Planned our summer vacation! San Antonio is the destination this year....requested by the boys! Summer begins in just 8 weeks!

Batter up!

2011-03-30T11:55:00.002-05:00

The boys enjoyed attending a Cal Ripkin Baseball Clinic sponsored by Chevy this weekend. Three hours of fun, fundamentals, and fair play! They came home pumped up with all their goodies: shirts, autographs, etc.

Final product

2011-03-29T11:32:00.002-05:00

It has been complete for awhile now, but I am just getting around to taking some pictures. I coudn't be happier with the final outcome! My husband did a wonderful job!

The good. The bad. The ugly.

2011-03-28T09:45:00.005-05:00

I have made some sweets recently. Some are more healthy than others. One could have ugly effects on your figure! I think you can guess! Both are yummy!

The good

Fresh starwberry pie

(made with sugar free jello, reduced fat crust)

The bad!

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip cookies

Spring's Beauty

2011-03-26T14:30:00.003-05:00

This season brings such beauty and newness of life! It is easy to be inspired by all that is around us!

Poppies

Dahlia

Thrift

New front porch pots

Memaw's(Jay's grandmother) irises

Lately.....

2011-03-19T15:32:00.002-05:00

* We have begun getting the garden and the yard ready for spring.
* Boys helped pick out the plants/seeds we're going to grow!
* We have enjoyed special meeting and special visitors.(a very short, but sweet visit)
* Three of us have been under the weather with strep throat and sinus trouble. On the mend though! Lane has somehow managed to avoid it all!
* Baseball season has started.....Jay will be a head coach with both boys on the team for the 1st time!
* I took a quick road trip with Mom and Dad to Chicago 2 weeks ago. A trip mixed with joy and sorrow.
* Both boys made their AR reading goals this nine weeks.
* Spring break is just one week away! We are ready for some R & R and maybe a little work around the house.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T06:01:00.001-06:00

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

2011-01-31T13:39:00.003-06:00

Last weekend, we spent time in Dallas. Mom and Dad treated us to a day at the Fort Worth stock show and rodeo! What unusual and beautiful animals we saw and watched! The boys enjoyed all the heavy equipment, trying out any that were open and available. Thanks for a great time Mom and Dad! The boys even got more John Deere collectibles...Thanks Grandpa!

Love this picture, blurry as it may be, Old Glory is focused and beautiful!

Creative Mind

2011-01-27T21:04:00.003-06:00

After learning about 3 dimensional shapes the past few weeks, Bryce has to bring a bag of things from home to create something at school. I sent him with his bag and never gave him any ideas or suggestions.....this is what he came home with! I know I am very bias, but I think we have a very talented and creative mind on our hands! This is a train or tank, it can be either according to Bryce.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-26T06:11:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday- Icestorm

2011-01-12T06:00:00.003-06:00

The Lady with Wings

2011-01-11T09:56:00.004-06:00

made a visit to our house Saturday night! This was the first tooth Bryce has lost! Talk about excited, but also a little nervous as daddy pulled it. Even a few tears, but those were quickly replaced by a big smile!

Builder in the making....

2011-01-10T19:15:00.006-06:00

Bryce loves to build Legos. He set this city up during our break and played for hours! He often builds with Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, blocks, and mixes them together too. I love to see what his imagination dreams up!

To my astonishment, he built this semi all by himself! It even has a sleeper cab, lift the top and you can see right inside!

An unwelcome visitor

2011-01-09T09:34:00.002-06:00

Mr. Flu has come to pay a visit. We didn't invite him, but he seems to want to stay for a bit. Everyone is overcome by him except Bryce and I am afraid he will be next! Tamiflu has become our best friend and hope he helps us quickly!! Spring please come quickly!

Kneed

2011-01-08T08:05:00.002-06:00

This bread is needed (kneeded) a lot around our house! I have tried several and this is by a long stretch our very *favorite*! I put the ingredients into my bread machine(according to the directions that came with your machine), so I don't follow the directions below. I posted them for those of you who may not have a machine. Use the whole wheat setting or basic bread setting on your machine.

*Half* Spelt Bread

1 cup Warm Water
1-½ teaspoon Yeast
4 Tablespoons Honey, Divided
1-¼ cup Spelt Flour
1-¼ cup Whole Wheat Flour
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 teaspoon Salt

Stir together warm water, yeast, 2 tablespoons honey, and spelt flour in a mixer bowl. Let sit for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

In the meantime, combine butter and remaning 2 tablespoons of honey in a small microwaveable bowl, and microwave for approximately 20 seconds. The butter will not be fully melted, but a little stirring will make it melt fully. You don’t want this to be super hot.

Dump all ingredients (that aren’t already in there) into the mixer bowl. Using the dough hook, mix this for 14 minutes on low speed. If you find it is very wet, you can add a little more flour, but I like the dough to be rather tacky.

Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp dishtowel, and let rise until doubled.

Punch down, roll into a smooth loaf, and put into a greased loaf pan (any “regular” size pan will do—you want to make sure the dough is still well below the top). Let rise until dough is about 1 inch over the top of the pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 200 degrees. (Taking its temperature is easy and really the best way to know it’s done.)

Enjoy!

Off to a great start...NOT!

2011-01-07T17:41:00.002-06:00

Hopefully the first week of the year isn't an indication of how the whole year is going to go! Illness has already begun in our household! (The boys and I had our flu shots too.) Lane tested positive for the FLU today and boy is he sick! From his head to his toes....poor thing! He has a nasty cough, congestion, headache, body aches, vomiting, fever...the list keeps growing. He started on Tamiflu today and we are prepared with our scripts as well if any of the three of us should get sick! With sleet, freezing rain, and snow in the forecast for Sunday as well, it is going to be a good weekend to stay right at home! Happy Weekend to all of you and hope your family is well!

Belated Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-06T18:27:00.001-06:00

Excited!

2011-01-02T13:51:00.002-06:00

Can't wait to begin this class via e-mail. Since my friend, Andrea, took the class, I have been waiting to start the fun myself! It begins February 1st and it is FREE!! Join the fun!

New year- New things!

2011-01-01T16:06:00.003-06:00

Getting closer to a new bathroom!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T23:30:00.000-06:00

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous year!

Here’s to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here’s to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold. ~ author unknown

Meet Otis

2010-12-31T15:00:00.000-06:00

As promised, we got the boys a puppy. We adopted him from a local animal rescue. He is a Black/Tan Coonhound and Cur. He weighs 19 lbs. and is only 11 weeks old, he is gonna be a big boy. He is spoiled rotten already breaking the rules, by being allowed in the kitchen! How can you resist those puppy dog eyes!

The Real Deal!

2010-12-31T12:11:00.005-06:00

After several days of sledding in the yard, we braved the frigid temperatures(real feel was 7*) and took the boys to a true sledding hill in a metro park close by. Jay decided he would be the videographer and I would go with the boys. After the steep slippery climb to the top, I looked down and wondered what I had gotten myself into. Oh well, here goes, I was there and had to be brave for the boys. WOW!! The hill was steep and just a bit icy so it was incredibly fast! I screamed the whole way down, Jay has that on video for the whole world to hear! Lane very quickly caught on and started down on his belly. Bryce on the other hand was alittle more apprehensive, he preferred going down together with me or sledding on the kiddy slope. What fun it was to sled again, but my rear was just a tad sore the next day or two. Brought back memories from my childhood in the Midwest.

There was 4 different runs

Lane at the bottom.

Lane speeding down the hill.

Bryce waiting his turn.....

...and down he comes!

COSi museum

2010-12-31T08:04:00.004-06:00

Sunday held special memories too. We enjoyed special meeting that morning and a yummy lunch afterwards at Red Robin. Then on the the COSi museum in Columbus. Still dressed in our Sunday best we spent three hours trying to take it all in. The boys loved the hands on approach this museum encourages. It has been ranked the #1 Children's museum in the US by Parents Magazine! We'd love to go back again sometime.

Skeleton made of mesh....

A little big, but he wanted to get on.

The boys playing checkers outside the market in the olden days.

Trying out the old buggy.

Gasing up the VW bug.

Lane working tediously to line up the lasers.

The picture is somewhat dark, but that is Lane looking out the submarine window. SO exciting that they got to go down inside a real sub!

Bryce in the Sub window watching Lane operate the underwater rover....wow! So cool!

Playtime!

2010-12-30T23:07:00.006-06:00

Homemade play dough and trains were a big hit for all the kids. Lane enjoyed helping Auntie Lisa make play dough and then coloring it too. Bryce and Grant enjoyed playing with the trains and Legos.

Lane's snail

Watching a video from the library.

Lane mixing colors into the play dough.

Brooke telling Uncle Jay all about the story and Grant listening in.

Trains, Trains and more Trains!

Everyone listening to the naptime story.

Grant hopped in bed with Bryce one morning.

Sledding

2010-12-30T22:56:00.003-06:00

Friday morning all the boys were outside in the snow. Uncle Jeremy joined them adding to the fun!

Lane and Uncle Jeremy

Uncle Jeremy giving Lane and Bryce an extra push!

Grant all smiles with Lane hanging on in the back!

Uncle Jay and Brooke staying on the inside.....I was outside taking pictures and video freezing myself!

Wild Lights at the Zoo!

2010-12-30T22:37:00.005-06:00

The first evening we arrived in Columbus we went to the Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo! It was very cold, but we enjoyed the indoor exhibits and the LED lights throughout the park!! What an awesome zoo, sure wished we could have enjoyed even more of it and when the weather would be a tad warmer.

All bundled up....happy cousins and one sleeping!

Lane, Brooke, Grant (sleeping), and Bryce

Pretty lights

Conch shell

Chocolate chip starfish.

Uncle Jay, Grant and Bryce at the touch pool.

Shark in the Aquarium

Giant fruit bats....a little freaky!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-29T15:03:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-22T12:52:00.002-06:00

Sugar High

2010-12-17T17:09:00.003-06:00

Our second grade aide makes the best sugar cookies around! Then decorates them tediously. Every year she gives each of us second grade teachers a decorative plate of cookies! They don't last long at all! You can see why, they not only look good but they are even better!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-15T22:51:00.002-06:00

Dear Buster

2010-12-14T21:31:00.003-06:00

You will be greatly missed by all four of us! You were a wonderful four-legged friend.

Christmas Goody

2010-12-14T20:07:00.002-06:00

These are one of my favorite Christmas treats. But what makes them even better is that they are so easy!

All you need is:

Wheat Thins crackers

Creamy peanut butter

chocolate almond bark

Spread peanut butter on a wheat thin and then cover with another cracker. Melt chocolate and then dip crackers in. Drizzle with white chocolate. Let cool.

Pippin' Hot

2010-12-12T19:06:00.004-06:00

..........Spelt bread out of the bread machine. Any takers??? I have tried several different recipes this week and even combined a few to find just the right taste. Plus learning my bread machine and which setting is best. I think I finally have it figured out! At least it seems that way because the loaf is quickly being consumed!

...and here with plenty of butter!

Recipe if you are interested:

Spelt Bread

1 1/4 cup warm water

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. honey

3 cups spelt flour

1 cup bread flour

2 1/2 teaspoons yeast

Add these ingredients in the order specified by your bread machine manual.

Borrowing from a Friend

2010-12-10T13:48:00.003-06:00

I am borrowing this recipe from a great friend of mine and her other cooking blog. They sound both delicious and different. I know she won't mind me sharing her recipe and her blogs!

Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 sticks Salted Butter- at Room Temperature
1 cup White Granulated Sugar
⅔ cups Packed Light Brown Sugar
2 whole Large Eggs
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla
3-¼ cups All-purpose Flour
4 packages (1 Oz. Packets, NOT Sugar-free) Hot Chocolate Mix
1 teaspoon Salt
1-¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
1 cup Each White, Milk, And Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. In a separate bowl, combine flour, hot chocolate mix, salt and baking soda. Add to wet ingredients in 3 to 4 parts, making sure all is incorporated. Fold in chips. Chill the dough for an hour or so. Scoop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Ravenous Appetite

2010-12-10T13:22:00.003-06:00

After 6 days of minimal eating, only soft things, his appetite has returned with a vengeance! He is eating everything from cucumbers(in the picture), to queso dip and chips! So glad he is beginning to feel better. He had a virus that went south, as they say! He developed an ear infection Monday, bronchitis and ulcers in his throat, and a fever over 103* by Tuesday. Scary to say the least. All I could think about was our stay at Sutton's Children's Hospital in January for a very similar illness(pneumonia). Luckily we avoid that this time!

He is on the counter in this picture because he is watching bread rise in my bread machine. He is ready to eat some of it too!

Spiced Orange Pomander Balls

2010-12-10T09:40:00.003-06:00

This year I helped the boys make pomander balls with oranges and cloves. I do this at school with my second graders during our Christmas Around the World unit. This tradition comes from Great Britian. They make the house smell so nice and they are pretty to look at too. If they lose their scent, you can put them in the sun for a few hours or in the oven for an hour at 110'. I remember my Mom doing this as a child with oranges and lemons, too.

Bryce's

Lane's

Sweet smell!

2010-12-07T19:55:00.003-06:00

This machine now sits on my counter making it's first loaf of spelt bread. It is a Breadman Tr520 bread machine. I found a great deal on Amazon and even free shipping. Bread pictures to come!

Fun project

2010-12-05T18:25:00.004-06:00

What a creative idea! All those scraps they sell in the fabric department have a new found use! I can't wait to make some hair clips for myself and the big and little women in my family!

Here is the link to the how-to!

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/12/tutorial-rolled-fabric-flowers.html

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-05T17:32:00.003-06:00

A dreamy, winter wonderland has taken over my living room. While Jay and Lane went hunting, Bryce helped me get everything out and in place. His favorite part is the train! Mom has bought me a few more pieces to add to our collection. It sure makes me smile looking at the twinkling lights in the windows and the train go speeding by!

Old and New

2010-12-04T16:10:00.003-06:00

I have been rearranging the living room and adding winter decorations. Plus I added our new family pictures. I love how it turned out.

The winter mantle

What's cooking in my crockpot

2010-12-04T10:59:00.001-06:00

Ingredients
1 (4-5 lbs) whole chicken
Rub Ingredients:

1/4 cup paprika
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Materials
Aluminum foil rolled into 7 or 8 one inch balls
Directions
1. Roll aluminum foil into balls and add to bottom of your crockpot.

2. Rinse and pat dry whole chicken, then rub dry ingredients all over the chicken, be sure to rub some inside the cavity as well.

3. Set chicken on top of foil balls and set slow cooker to high and cook for 8 hours or until chicken reaches 180° F.

Sweet Dreams

2010-12-03T20:19:00.003-06:00

We purchased a new mattress tonight...a Trump Luxury Home mattress! We won't have to count sheep tonight and Jay says his back is already happier!

Favorites

2010-12-02T20:58:00.003-06:00

Just a few things in my house that make me happy........

Cute white plate from consignment shop....added the writing and snowflakes with a wipe off marker!
Snowman plate

Door hanging

Pottery Barn sled, found at the consignment shop.

Wicker basket from Pier 1

Let me count the ways.....

2010-12-01T16:16:00.002-06:00

I love both of my boys and they couldn't be more different! I have tried to keep writing down the funny, quirky things they say and do, afraid someday I will forget. Lane is so literal and Bryce is very abstract, kind of like oil and water! They are each other's best friend and worst enemy often within just seconds of one another! Just a few things I have overheard and want to remember from the past little while.

* Bryce came running downstairs to tell me that the "walling" was all done in the master bath we are remodeling! I knew just what he was talking about, the drywall.

* Today in the car, Bryce told Lane, "Let's play mom and dad when we get home, I promise I won't call you Honey", but Lane still wouldn't consent.

Thanksgiving Wishes

2010-11-24T14:32:00.004-06:00

So thankful once again this year for so much~a faithful spouse, two healthy boys, family on both sides, and friends. I have learned this year to look for blessing and good in the little things in life.

Two quotes I have enjoyed..........
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. "~Thornton Wilder

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." W.T. Purkiser

New Look

2010-11-15T18:05:00.003-06:00

I am in love with our new family pictures. The mantle now displays my favorite pose! It make my heart *smile*!

Gooble Gobble!

2010-11-13T17:01:00.003-06:00

I saw this adorable idea from Our Best Bites blog and I am strongly thinking of doing it for Thanksgiving. We have 7 kids in the mix and I know they would enjoy them and best of all they could eat them afterwards! Plus they'd add some color and fun to the table!!

Fall Colors

2010-11-13T15:59:00.004-06:00

Today sure feels more like Fall, with temperatures steady at 49* and overcast with drizzle. I enjoyed taking a few pictures of our Dogwood tree that is finally turning colors and playing with my camera. As I drove to town today, I noticed just how vibrant the colors have finally become. Seems like it is later this year than usual. I love this time of year!

Progress

2010-11-10T21:18:00.004-06:00

New flooring, insulation, and 1/2 sheetrocked....moving right along. Next is the tub/shower unit tomorrow night.

Bathroom Update

2010-11-07T21:15:00.002-06:00

This is Day 3 of the destruction.....more to come this week. Bathtub/shower unit should be here by Thursday, cabinets picked out, looking for an armoire to use as a linen closet. We are going to have two sinks instead of one, plus new light/heater combo for the ceiling over the shower(we have had only one light over sink, so shower area was dim). I am going to LOVE our bathroom!!

Grandma and Grandpa

2010-11-07T16:02:00.002-06:00

We had a fun weekend with my parents here. Mom and I enjoyed some shopping together and Dad work around the yard and shed helping to organize things. We all enjoyed great company and good times!

Mom helped Bryce put together his Fire Rescue Lego helicopeter.

Dad playing Zingo with the boys!

A fun mess

2010-11-02T21:49:00.004-05:00

Remodeling has begun in our master bathroom alittle earlier than planned. A week or so ago, water began dripping downstairs while I was taking a shower, culprit the bathtub. We planned to begin this winter, but it all began yesterday evening and a lot has been accomplished in just two evenings. I am excited to see the finished project, but in the meantime it is very dusty and messy in our bedroom. It is so fun to see the boys helping to tear things apart and beating things with the hammer and crowbar!

Day 1

Day 2

Handsome Gents!

2010-10-31T13:04:00.003-05:00

The boys looked so nice this morning that I quickly got a picture before meeting. They are growing up too quickly and looking more and more grown up, especially Lane.

In uniform

2010-10-31T12:50:00.003-05:00

The boys chose Army commanders as their costumes this year. They had great fun at a classmate's Halloween/Birthday party on Thursday.

Decorating pumpkins

Bryce being his goofy self!

Hay is for Horses

2010-10-25T19:06:00.002-05:00

The boys would really love a real horse to ride, but since that isn't going to happen, they are really enjoying these new coloring books!! I ordered them from Amazon after a friend shared hers with us at Texarkana. The boys spent hours today coloring. We had no school today due to a water main break in the school parking lot. I love how detailed the boys are coloring these pictures.

HELP!!

2010-10-18T19:21:00.003-05:00

The boys had Dan all ready to go swimming this evening, with twice the life saving devices! He just stands there and cooperates! Such a great dog! Notice: Bryce is in his boxers....he is all about getting comfortable, or as he says "cuvy"!

Hunters

2010-10-16T20:35:00.003-05:00

Today the boys went squirrel hunting with daddy for the first time! We bought the boys their first gun, a 410 22 Rossi, last night! They were up bright and early ready to go. They didn't have any luck, but they learned some life lessons with daddy. It has been so dry around here, so squirrel season may be tought this year.

Today

2010-10-06T06:17:00.003-05:00

Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Hope for tomorrow.

Thankful for each new day, especially today!

We are headed to four days of rest and refreshing at our yearly convention!

Potato Chip Candy

2010-10-02T13:10:00.004-05:00

I had this candy several years ago and it was so yummy! I couldn't believe it when I found out it had potato chips in it. A great sweet and salty combination and so simple.

1 Lb. white chocolate
3 cups of crushed, ripple style potato chips
1 cup of peanuts or pecans (optional)

Melt the white chocolate in the microwave and then mix together with potato chips and spread on a greased cookie sheet. Cool in the refrigerator and then break into pieces.

Quote for the Day

2010-09-25T20:49:00.003-05:00

Home.......

is a place we grow up wanting to leave, but grow old wanting to come back to.

This had such an impact on me as I read it on a frame today. It may not be the place, but the feeling of being at "home". It made me realize again that this world is not our home, but we have a heavenly home to go on to.

Man's best friend x 2!

2010-09-25T11:39:00.004-05:00

This would be Buster, our "oh so laid back" pooch! He was our one and only until he brought home a friend. Jay says he is pretty sure this friend is somehow related to Buster! His long lost "cuz", whom we have named Dan!! He looks some like Buster and is just as easy going too. We like that he actually barks when he hears or sees something, Buster on the other hand lets foxes eat his food. I guess he doesn't mind sharing! The boys love them and the dogs seems to reciprocate that too!

Buster
Dan

House Guests

2010-09-25T11:21:00.004-05:00

Of the rodent sort that is! Lane got to bring home his classroom pet this weekend, Delilah, a guinea pig. Plus my classroom pet comes home with us every weekend, Rhino, the hamster. So we have literally gone to the petting zoo here this weekend. They are both funny in their own ways...crazy to think that a guinea pig and a hamster could have a personality, but they do!!

Delilah

Rhino

Joy and Sorrow

2010-09-19T19:33:00.005-05:00

The end of August my grandfather passed away. It was truly a weekend of joy and sorrow interwoven. So glad we have a Comforter who meets our every need. Thankful for my grandfather's faithful life and that he can be spared from earthly pain and suffering. It was special to see all of the family and be together for the first time in several years. Below is my grandfather's legacy: 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

The whole Goecke family

My grandmother and her children(left to right: Peggy, Pam, my grandmother, mom, and Greg)

My cousin Egan riding around after the funeral and luncheon still in his full suit!

There was lots of singing, something that my mom's family has done for years, and something my grandfather often requested when we were all together.

Shaylyn and the boys laying around during the singing with Ringo.

Never forgotten

2010-09-11T10:37:00.004-05:00

I'll never forget where I was when our world changed forever on 9.11.2001! Today I am so thankful for those men and women who have given their lives and those who still stand tall to protect this wondrous nation! My heart is saddened to think of all those who died that day in this terrible act. But proud today because we weren't broken by terror and we still stand tall, brave, and free. May we never forget!

Happy 8th Birthday Lane!!

2010-08-22T18:07:00.003-05:00

Eight years ago today our family became 3! You were adorable and perfect in every way! Today is no different, you are a perfectionist and strive to do your very best! When you were little people thought you looked like the 'Gerber" baby......your chubby cheeks were outrageous and so kissable. You may have grown up alittle since then, but you will always be cute and kissable to me and daddy. You are your brother's protector, friend, and irritator..sometimes all in the same breath! We love you , Lane!