21 Months

Graham has definitely become much more "boy" and much less "baby."  He's really into balls right now as you can see by the hundred golf whiffle balls he is playing with here.  The dude can run and jump and make his way around the circle on the plasma car.  Loves to be outside and likes to sit right under the basketball goal.  Knows tons of words and is putting phrases together--our family favorite is "booger."  Has had two haircuts.  Discovered "juice" (Capri Sun waters and gatorade) and guzzles it.  Miles is giving me a run for my money in the "favorite person" category.  

 Post-haircut.  I've also given in and started letting him have chips.  Here he's digging out every last crumb.

Many times he wants milk AND juice and alternates drinking from each cup.  These are his favorite pajamas--he calls the brown ones footballs and the plain ones are just balls.

Project Runway

The big boys and I met Grandma Jean in Topeka for some "shorts" shopping.  They are very efficient and had at least 25 things in the cart (at Dick's) within five minutes.  I had to put a limit on their "needs."  They are happiest in shorts and some athletic shirt.  Jeans have become dress clothes.  A collared shirt is absolutely ONLY for church!  Oh well, at least I have Graham that can't choose his own clothes... yet.  I love clothes, and fashion shows after a big shopping event are a must.  

 Outfit #1:  Special Occasion.  Will complain if told to wear this to school, but will be happy to put it on for church since there is no collar.

 Outfit #2:  Swimwear.  Orange is in this year people.  I dress them the same for swimming so I can easily count them up every few minutes.

 Outfit #3:  Casual.  They will wear anything Under Armour.  It was a lot cheaper when we used to call Target's C9 dry fit line "Under Armour" and no one knew the difference.

 Outfit #4:  More casual wear.  Or training gear, I suppose.

Outfit #5:  Fan gear.  My favorite.  Had to order for Owen.  Don't worry, they will still be twins.

If you are feeling sorry for Graham because it seems like he was left out, don't.  Although he wasn't invited to go shopping, he still raked it in.  He fell down (you can kind of see the bloody nose) during the first photo shoot and didn't want to cooperate after that.  Now I'm off to do some school work so I can keep my job and keep these boys in clothes!

Pinterest #11

Finally!  Something besides food that I've knocked off.  I love letters and numbers (among a lot of other things), and could easily have words, signs, etc. all over my house if I'm not careful.  I've seen a lot of kitchens with fun "Eat" signs, so I decided the "slightly rusted, supposed metal letters" would be the way to go :)  

findingfabulousblog.com

Here's a picture I had pinned.  Not sure if the "Wash" link contains a tutorial since I followed this tutorial but used metallic spray paint (because I'm lazy efficient) instead.  So, if you didn't know they were homeade, would you think they were metal?

Here's the recipe of the week.  Adam thought they were great.  The kids thought the bread was funny.  I was grossed out by the deli roast beef and felt like the crescents were too doughy (but maybe it was the cheese?).  Five minute prep.  15 minute cook time.  Make again?  Maybe?

French Dip Crescents

Life on the Farm

Oddly enough we had no games, parties, or practices this weekend so we headed to my parents' house.  I guess this is our Spring Break trip :)  It was nice to just hang out--got in my long run, kids ate like pigs, Graham stared down the cows, Miles killed flies, Owen filled out brackets, Adam got a new iPad....  The boys should definitely be worn out tonight. 

Pinterest #10

I do actually have some things that aren't food in the works, but not quite finished.  I tried to find a recipe that wasn't hamburger or chicken to mix it up a bit.  Left out the spinach because I thought the kids would gag.  I liked the flavor, but would prefer just the potatoes.  Adam liked all the ingredients but thought it was too sweet.  It's a "maybe" for future use.

Potato Kielbasa Skillet

I had some leftover white chocolate, so I popped a bag of popcorn, poured melted chocolate over it, and added some sprinkles.  Even without the M&M's and pretzels, all the boys in the house devoured it.  This would make a fun Easter treat (or any holiday/occasion if you used the right color candies and/or sprinkles).  We'll definitely make this again. 

Bunny Bait

It's A Wrap

Owen's basketball team wrapped up a very fun season with a party at the coach's house Saturday night.  The boys and families came for dinner and awards and then the whole team spent the night with Dawson.  I'm sure it was a late night!

 Hungry 8 and 9 year olds!

All of the boys were surprised with a trophy and new shirts with their season records on the back.  I'm sure Owen will be wearing this to school on Monday.  They also got a book of team and individual stats :)

Coach Todd shared a little about each player.  Here they are laughing about Owen asking (early in the season) why the ref kept calling them "blue."

When I left, shirts had mostly been discarded, popcorn was popped, movie just starting... We are happy that Owen had such a great experience not just playing basketball but making new friends as well. Until next year...

The Weird One

Adam says he's "my child".....  Here he is chowing down on some peanut butter (with his finger), sporting his new look.  

Pinterest #9

More food trials this week.  I've had really good luck with monster cookie bars, so I thought I'd try the dip version of the cookie.  Basically all the same ingredients as the cookies, but the dip has cream cheese and no eggs.  It makes a ton!  We kept some, shared some and froze some.  I would not have thought to freeze something like this but the author of the recipe did so I figured it was safe.  Make this!

Monster Cookie Dough Dip

Did anyone else love the cheese balls at the Olpe Chicken House?  Mine ended up more like cheese discs, but still good.  Maybe I cooked them too long??  Here's what they are supposed to look like.  Three-ingredient recipe.

Baked Cheese Balls

Lazy

This lazy man loves to get up at 5:00 (5:30 on a sleep-in day), wolf down a cereal bar, guzzle some milk, and then hang out with Blankie and watch "Oso" or "Little Einsteins."  Maybe I could start putting food in his bed after he goes to sleep??  By the time I pull into school, I've usually been up for 2.5 hours--and we start school early!  Sleep in dude!

Till Next Year Bramlage

Despite missing some home games this year (due to our own 3rd grade Wildcat's games) we were able to see the final home game of the season.  Hard to believe it's already March--seems like we were just going to the first game in late November.  This is Adam's favorite time of year for sports.  It must be in the genes as Owen just spent the last thirty minutes trying to talk Duke out of their slump (vs. North Carolina) while Miles repeated everything he said.  

We replaced Graham with Dayne and the boys also ran into two other teammates.  They knew at least one more player was at the game, and joked that they should hold a practice against Oklahoma State.

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.