Give It Up

We are a week into Lent now and so far we've been successful.  We decided Owen was old enough to give up (or take on) something.  He chose to go without desserts.  Adam's choice is really unusual.  He gave up worrying--yes, it's hard to measure, but definitely something he needs to work on!  I'm not officially Catholic, but may as well be since that's where we've gone to church for 12 years.  I gave up all carb snacks--crackers, chips, etc.  I didn't realize how often I walk by and grab a handful of Cheez-Its.  I could live on these.  

In modern times, you can take on something extra or do good deeds rather than just eliminate something.  The kids are going to help me do something nice for a friend, family, neighbor, coworker each week of Lent.  We'll keep you posted on our projects.  Good-bye (for now) Cheez-Its!

Pinterest #8

Made these snicker doodle bars this week.  Friends at school said these were great, especially if you are a snicker doodle lover!  Easy enough, although they barely made the cut since they called for cream of tartar, an ingredient I've never bought.  

Snicker Doodle Bars

Finally, Some Real Cows

I took Graham, Miles and Newman to Lebo this weekend so that Adam and Owen could go to the basketball tournament free of a one-and-a-half year old :)  I knew Graham would LOVE to see real cows since he says "cow" at least 20 times per day.  He stood there forever, but they wouldn't come any closer.  

 He got a close up from the truck during feeding time.

Meanwhile big brother was cool enough to ride in the back and supervise.  I love the scrunched up face!

When he wasn't stalking the cattle, Graham was chasing Barney (and saying his name over and over).

We didn't stick around too long--not sure what he was trying to dig out of the culvert.  Most likely something gross or alive.

Pinterest #7

A couple more recipes this week.  I made the taco salad with turkey burger (which creeps me out a little) and of course, no tomatoes.  It was good, but throwing together whatever taco type stuff we have on hand and making our own version is just as good.  Graham ate a couple bowls of the bean/meat mixture, but the other boys pretty much ate the chips I gave them to dip in it.  

Healthy Taco Salad

Actually my mom made these potatoes while I was there this weekend.  VERY tasty.  I assume they weren't too difficult since I had pinned them, but I had no part in preparing them--just eating.  Add ketchup and you have a perfect side.  You should definitely try these!

Smashed Potatoes

PT Conferences

We took advantage of the $1 per kid childcare offered during parent teacher conferences, and both Adam and I attended the boys' conferences.  Both boys are doing great academically.  Owen is still reading as many books as he can in order to take quizzes for points.  As you accumulate points you move into different levels (for recognition).  We are trying to find a balance between challenging books that take a week or two to read and the easy ones that he can fly through and take a quiz over right away.  He is learning cursive and preparing for his first year of state assessments. 

Miles' teacher showed us how his writing, drawing, reading, counting, etc. has changed/improved through the year.  It's amazing how much they learn in the first year of school!  He remains popular with the ladies--not sure if this is good or bad :)

Pinterest #6

More adventures from Pinterest... 

White Chicken Enchiladas

Besides tacos, Mexican food is something I rarely fix.  This was an easy recipe to make, and it went over pretty well with the kids.  I thought it was good, not great, but I don't ever have the craving for enchiladas in the first place.

Crack Potatoes

I thought it was funny that the creator of this dish called them "crack."  The only food/drink that I would liken to crack is Diet Pepsi!  Anyhow, these were really good and SO, SO easy.  In fact, I could give you the directions off the top of my head.  From one set of ingredients I made one big pan (froze these) and one small pan.

Friendly Exchange #1

Sharla and I have always sent each other fun gifts for holidays, but usually just for no reason at all.  This year we decided to send each other something every month.  It can be anything--hand-me-downs, homemade goods, books/magazines you've already read, etc.  Store bought only if you run across a "must have" item.  Neither of us have girls, so it's nice to have someone who appreciates our crafty genes :)

I sent her a shirt that I wore once (not my color I guess), a ruffled scarf that I made, and a free gift subscription to Real Simple magazine.

She sent me this cute bag that she made, a fun card, a skirt pattern, some pass along magazines and two cows (since taken and hidden by G) for Graham's collection.  Great stuff!

Tasty Toothpaste

Graham can often be found hanging out in his bathroom eating toothpaste brushing his teeth--not necessarily with his own toothbrush.

 "I know how this works.  I wish I could squeeze more out.  Who's toothbrush is this anyway, not mine?!"

 "Nice and clean.  This is the fifth time I've brushed my teeth in the last ten minutes."

 "Maybe I'll just have a little snack."

"Can we put a couch in here?  Somebody take these dirty pants off me."

Pinterest #5

This was a great Pinterest trial week--two great dishes and a workout app...  I made the Greek dip for a Super Bowl party and it went over well.  I thought it was great--something I could eat as a meal even.  Definitely a different take on the normal cheesy or ranch-type dips.  Highly recommend, and you know it was easy or I wouldn't have made it :)

7 Layer Greek Dip

This spaghetti dish made two meals for all of us, plus lunch leftovers.  Five thumbs up at this house!

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

I came across this app on Pinterest and tried it out this week.  Tons of workouts.  You can choose from things like "Get Lean" or "Get Toned" and then within each of these menus you can choose beginner, intermediate or advanced.  After that it gives you a whole list of workouts that meet these criteria.  I tried "The Heartthrob" and found it to be a good workout.  The girl tells you what exercise to do and for how long.  The timer runs automatically.  If you need to see the exercise, you can.  You can also set your own music to play.  I didn't do this since I was watching TV at the time, but would be a nice option.  Plus it is a free app.  Try it out!

Nike Workout App

Kindergarten Program

Miles had his kindergarten music program last night.  Lots of fun songs.  You could tell he was about to pee his pants the last five minutes.  I told him he shouldn't drink a huge bottle of gatorade right before the program.  His class was supposed to wear yellow.  Luckily Target had spring shirts out.  Notice we had to fix his hair for the program.