Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
A little something new
Parker is our funny little boy. He says the silliest things. So for some fun and so you can know some of the silly things he says, we are adding a sidebar just for his funny quotes. Take a look and enjoy!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
It is not so bad...
Well we are getting adjusted to life here. I have found that our time here has only been a 3 weeks, but has seemed like so much longer. There are so many adjustments that have been and will still need to be made, but we are hanging in there and doing a pretty good job a staying afloat...if I might say so myself.
I know that I truly and whole hearted miss all of my friends in the Lake Ray Hubbard area.
I miss when having conversation with people, knowing who others are talking about.
I miss the fact that I knew where everything was and did not know have to spend time looking up if and where something might be.
I greatly miss have a garage that is attached to my house...I mean apartment.
I missed our Saturday night ABF at Lake Pointe...
With all of that said...there are things that I am truly loving here in either Austin, the apartment, or both.
I love that the kids and I seem to be getting outside a little more...walks to the park, jogs to the club house, time at the pool, bike rides, and more...I still miss the pool in our HOA, but there the water would not be warm enough to get in comfortably just yet either.
I love that when Trooper is working here in Austin, we have been able to meet him for lunch because it is so close...We have not done that on a regular basis since I was pregnant with Paige.
I love, surprisingly, that we have those stairs to climb without a garage attached. I know that sounds a little crazy, but true in some respects. When we go to and from the car/bikes/pool/whatever we have to bring only what we need and I have to plan more in advance. It is making me be more proactive with planning for our days or outings. Oh, and when I go out and have to buy anything, I have to make sure it is something I want to schlep up 2 flights of stairs.
I am really enjoying having a different grocery store to shop at. I LOVE my Super Target in Rowlett. There is one here, but not close enough for the weekly shopping. I have really liked the HEB here. Great produce. Good prices.
I know that we are in a small 2 bed with study apartment, but I have been really enjoying it. It made us sale furniture that we were not completely in love with. It made us get ride of things that we could not fit. This floor plan also is SO open and has allowed us to just be a family is play time and relax time and not be worried about the projects for the house or yard, cleaning so much, or the bills to pay for all the 2 stories of air that were wasted in the entry/living/dining/and kitchen!!!! I do miss the size of my kitchen though.
I am enjoying the events that seam to be ongoing here. We have found something going on all the time. We already have several things we are looking into that were either not offered, not popular, or too far for us to enjoy as a family....stay toned to see what we did in an upcoming post.
I am equally excited about what plans that the Lord has in store for us in the coming days, weeks, months, and years here in Austin.
I know that I truly and whole hearted miss all of my friends in the Lake Ray Hubbard area.
I miss when having conversation with people, knowing who others are talking about.
I miss the fact that I knew where everything was and did not know have to spend time looking up if and where something might be.
I greatly miss have a garage that is attached to my house...I mean apartment.
I missed our Saturday night ABF at Lake Pointe...
With all of that said...there are things that I am truly loving here in either Austin, the apartment, or both.
I love that the kids and I seem to be getting outside a little more...walks to the park, jogs to the club house, time at the pool, bike rides, and more...I still miss the pool in our HOA, but there the water would not be warm enough to get in comfortably just yet either.
I love that when Trooper is working here in Austin, we have been able to meet him for lunch because it is so close...We have not done that on a regular basis since I was pregnant with Paige.
I love, surprisingly, that we have those stairs to climb without a garage attached. I know that sounds a little crazy, but true in some respects. When we go to and from the car/bikes/pool/whatever we have to bring only what we need and I have to plan more in advance. It is making me be more proactive with planning for our days or outings. Oh, and when I go out and have to buy anything, I have to make sure it is something I want to schlep up 2 flights of stairs.
I am really enjoying having a different grocery store to shop at. I LOVE my Super Target in Rowlett. There is one here, but not close enough for the weekly shopping. I have really liked the HEB here. Great produce. Good prices.
I know that we are in a small 2 bed with study apartment, but I have been really enjoying it. It made us sale furniture that we were not completely in love with. It made us get ride of things that we could not fit. This floor plan also is SO open and has allowed us to just be a family is play time and relax time and not be worried about the projects for the house or yard, cleaning so much, or the bills to pay for all the 2 stories of air that were wasted in the entry/living/dining/and kitchen!!!! I do miss the size of my kitchen though.
I am enjoying the events that seam to be ongoing here. We have found something going on all the time. We already have several things we are looking into that were either not offered, not popular, or too far for us to enjoy as a family....stay toned to see what we did in an upcoming post.
I am equally excited about what plans that the Lord has in store for us in the coming days, weeks, months, and years here in Austin.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Not Me Monday
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
This week while at the pool, I did not pull the lounge chair in the water so I could sit and read a magazine while P1 and P2 swam and P3 walked around the chair. No, not me.
When leaving the above pool trip, I did not watch my daughter throw a fit. She did not proceed to throw her towel into the water. I then did not tell her she needed to bring it to me. She then did not obey me. I surely did not congratulate her on making wise choices all the while not turning my head and laughing at the faces she was making while working so hard to pull the heavy towel. Not, not Paige. No, not me.
After retrieving the towel from Paige, wringing it out, and carrying it along with the 2 bags and the baby, I them did not give Paige a life jacket to carry. She did not then, about 15 feet later start to throw another fit about wanting to carry something different. She then did not proceed to pitch a fit about it for the next few minutes as I was able to get her across the street to our building, but still holding onto the life jacket I had her carry. No, not Paige. No, not me.
While at the park (the same day as above) for dinner, Paige did not decide it was the perfect time to have to go #2 in her Dora panties. Trooper and I had also not just used all the wipes up but 1. I then did not go to the car, find her panties, a sample package of 4 wipes that were stuck in Peyton's bag for over a year, and proceed to clean her put. She also did not get it on her skirt a little, so I totally did not just send her out to play for another 45 minutes in her shirt and clean Dora panties. I am also totally not thankful to MY Lord and Savior for the wipes and the fact that Paige had on a skirt instead of a dress like 95% of the time. No, not Paige. No, not me!
After putting the kids to bed (same night as above), I did not have a small glass of wine with our movie. I did not then forget to put the glass away. The following morning, Paige then did not find the glass. She then did not bite a chunk out of the glass and hand it to Trooper. No, not Paige. No, not me!
Oh the joys of children! You have to love them!
This week while at the pool, I did not pull the lounge chair in the water so I could sit and read a magazine while P1 and P2 swam and P3 walked around the chair. No, not me.
When leaving the above pool trip, I did not watch my daughter throw a fit. She did not proceed to throw her towel into the water. I then did not tell her she needed to bring it to me. She then did not obey me. I surely did not congratulate her on making wise choices all the while not turning my head and laughing at the faces she was making while working so hard to pull the heavy towel. Not, not Paige. No, not me.
After retrieving the towel from Paige, wringing it out, and carrying it along with the 2 bags and the baby, I them did not give Paige a life jacket to carry. She did not then, about 15 feet later start to throw another fit about wanting to carry something different. She then did not proceed to pitch a fit about it for the next few minutes as I was able to get her across the street to our building, but still holding onto the life jacket I had her carry. No, not Paige. No, not me.
While at the park (the same day as above) for dinner, Paige did not decide it was the perfect time to have to go #2 in her Dora panties. Trooper and I had also not just used all the wipes up but 1. I then did not go to the car, find her panties, a sample package of 4 wipes that were stuck in Peyton's bag for over a year, and proceed to clean her put. She also did not get it on her skirt a little, so I totally did not just send her out to play for another 45 minutes in her shirt and clean Dora panties. I am also totally not thankful to MY Lord and Savior for the wipes and the fact that Paige had on a skirt instead of a dress like 95% of the time. No, not Paige. No, not me!
After putting the kids to bed (same night as above), I did not have a small glass of wine with our movie. I did not then forget to put the glass away. The following morning, Paige then did not find the glass. She then did not bite a chunk out of the glass and hand it to Trooper. No, not Paige. No, not me!
Oh the joys of children! You have to love them!Sunday, May 24, 2009
Hot Potato!
What is that...4 baked potatoes? What am I going to do with 4 baked potatoes to feed my family of 5 for 3 different meals you might ask...Well let me show you!
First...of course...I baked the potatoes in foil in the oven until soft.
Day 1...baked potatoes with squash puree, cheese, S&P, green onion on Paige and mine, and butter. This evening Trooper was not home se the kids and I only used 2 of the smaller potatoes for the 4 of us.
Yes this is Paige eating green onion...a girl after her Grumpy's heart! She did it more than once too!
First...of course...I baked the potatoes in foil in the oven until soft.
Day 1...baked potatoes with squash puree, cheese, S&P, green onion on Paige and mine, and butter. This evening Trooper was not home se the kids and I only used 2 of the smaller potatoes for the 4 of us.
Yes this is Paige eating green onion...a girl after her Grumpy's heart! She did it more than once too!Day 2...brinner (breakfast for dinner you non-Scrub watching blog viewers)...we had breakfast burritos with eggs, beans, cheese, bacon, salsa, whole wheat tortillas, and one chopped up potato.
Day 3...twice baked potatoes. I was not here that evening (GNO...Girls Night Out). Before I left I used the largest of the potatoes and cut it in half, scooped out most (but not all...must leave a little around the sinks for it to hold together) of the flesh, added butter, cheese, squash puree, S&P. I topped with a little more cheese and baked until warm. I was told they were great...I did not tell Troop until later that there was squash! He did not even notice!
Yes, Paige has green onions on top and yes she also ate some straight that day as well! Gotta love her!
Yes, Paige has green onions on top and yes she also ate some straight that day as well! Gotta love her!Happy eating
Friday, May 22, 2009
"One of those days"
***FYI, Round 2 of 3 of apartment pictures at the bottom***
We have all had "one of those days" every now and then. Well today was "one of those days"...well maybe not exactly.
Usually when I talking about having "one of those days," I am referring to the day where you wish you had work to go to, wish it was a mother's day out day, wish your older kids took 2 naps still, wish your baby did not learn to crawl just yet, wish you could have a little glass of mommy juice with snack time (or lunch or at the park or...), wish that The Little Engine That Could was either shorter or the kids did not realize that you skipped a page on purpose, or what ever you happen to be wishing at the moment.
Well today I am not referring to "one of THOSE days," but I am referring to "one of those HAPPY/GREAT/WONDERFUL/FUN days." It was just an all around great day. If you must know how we spent our happy, great, wonderful, fun day...well just keep on reading...
We woke up (yes it was 7 something...better than 6 something that is for sure), ate breakfast. If you must know...cinnamon toast, bacon, eggs, banana, strawberries, and milk. After eating we had some play/get ready time. Then it was off to Hobby Lobby for round 2 this week. We went to pick up Peyton's 1 year picture from being framed. While there I let the kids pick out a craft to do...they picked patriotic pinwheels to make.
When we arrived home, Peyton went down for nap. Parker and Paige were about to jump out of their seat with excitement upon craft time. We made our craft, played with them on the patio, against the fan, waving through the air, and just blowing them to get them to turn...who knew the would be the great hit of the day!
I made lunch. If you again must know...broccoli, carrots, dip, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, avocado, the kids also had whole wheat quesadilla with squash puree and cheese, salad with this (look towards the bottom of the post...Peyton and Parker liked...Paige, surprisingly, not so much) on top for me and on the side for the kids, and a few red and orange bell peppers for myself as well. We washed it all down with milk and/or water.
Afterwards we changed, put on lotion, and gathered our things for a trip to the pool. We had a blast! No one else was in the pool...2 people were laying out, but too far for us to get them wet. We were there for an hour and a half. It was great...be sure to look for a few Not Me Mondays from that trip!
Then it was nap time! Oh great and wonderful nap time! They all went down PERFECT!!! It was greatness!
After nap we had a smoothie...banana, frozen organic peach, and V8 Fusion if you must know what kind...and Trooper came home just in time to have himself some smoothie as well.
We had some wonderful play time...a few books, stacking/knocking down/juggling of blocks, rolling of balls, and few trips on the human airplane airline courtesy of me!
Then we were off to the video store, to grab a pizza, and to head to a local park. We ate and played our tails off. Again, watch for a few more Not Me Mondays from here!
We arrived home just before 8. It was clean up for all...and kiddos to bed. Trooper and I enjoyed our movie and I am just about to hope into bed.
I just wanted to share my day...for being "one of those days" in a very great and wonderful way. I look forward to having more this weekend and days to come. I hope your holiday weekend is filled with a few of "one of those days" as well!
We have all had "one of those days" every now and then. Well today was "one of those days"...well maybe not exactly.
Usually when I talking about having "one of those days," I am referring to the day where you wish you had work to go to, wish it was a mother's day out day, wish your older kids took 2 naps still, wish your baby did not learn to crawl just yet, wish you could have a little glass of mommy juice with snack time (or lunch or at the park or...), wish that The Little Engine That Could was either shorter or the kids did not realize that you skipped a page on purpose, or what ever you happen to be wishing at the moment.
Well today I am not referring to "one of THOSE days," but I am referring to "one of those HAPPY/GREAT/WONDERFUL/FUN days." It was just an all around great day. If you must know how we spent our happy, great, wonderful, fun day...well just keep on reading...
We woke up (yes it was 7 something...better than 6 something that is for sure), ate breakfast. If you must know...cinnamon toast, bacon, eggs, banana, strawberries, and milk. After eating we had some play/get ready time. Then it was off to Hobby Lobby for round 2 this week. We went to pick up Peyton's 1 year picture from being framed. While there I let the kids pick out a craft to do...they picked patriotic pinwheels to make.
When we arrived home, Peyton went down for nap. Parker and Paige were about to jump out of their seat with excitement upon craft time. We made our craft, played with them on the patio, against the fan, waving through the air, and just blowing them to get them to turn...who knew the would be the great hit of the day!
I made lunch. If you again must know...broccoli, carrots, dip, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, avocado, the kids also had whole wheat quesadilla with squash puree and cheese, salad with this (look towards the bottom of the post...Peyton and Parker liked...Paige, surprisingly, not so much) on top for me and on the side for the kids, and a few red and orange bell peppers for myself as well. We washed it all down with milk and/or water.
Afterwards we changed, put on lotion, and gathered our things for a trip to the pool. We had a blast! No one else was in the pool...2 people were laying out, but too far for us to get them wet. We were there for an hour and a half. It was great...be sure to look for a few Not Me Mondays from that trip!
Then it was nap time! Oh great and wonderful nap time! They all went down PERFECT!!! It was greatness!
After nap we had a smoothie...banana, frozen organic peach, and V8 Fusion if you must know what kind...and Trooper came home just in time to have himself some smoothie as well.
We had some wonderful play time...a few books, stacking/knocking down/juggling of blocks, rolling of balls, and few trips on the human airplane airline courtesy of me!
Then we were off to the video store, to grab a pizza, and to head to a local park. We ate and played our tails off. Again, watch for a few more Not Me Mondays from here!
We arrived home just before 8. It was clean up for all...and kiddos to bed. Trooper and I enjoyed our movie and I am just about to hope into bed.
I just wanted to share my day...for being "one of those days" in a very great and wonderful way. I look forward to having more this weekend and days to come. I hope your holiday weekend is filled with a few of "one of those days" as well!
Here are some of round 2 of 3 of the apartment. They are of the kitchen, area from kitchen to patio doors, and Parker and Paige's room. Final installment will be of Study/Peyton's room and Master! Until then, enjoy!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Numbers
I did my numbers post a few months ago. Trooper thought it was weird. I like it and so did others...so here we go again!
4...the age of my oldest, the floor my apartment is on, the number of #2s of Peyton's I changed today before 12:30
1...days until I pick up Peyton's 1 year picture from being framed.
80, no 60, no 40...the number of nails I am in charge of cutting. I check 40 that I do not cut. Parker will only let Trooper cut them and Paige...well the girl eats anything and I have not had to cut any of her nails in months...gross!
4 1/2 the number of sweet potato pancakes Peyton had for breakfast...3 of his, 1 of mine, and Parker even shared 1/2 of his with his ever hungry brother
46...the number of inches in Trooper's new TV...I think
1...the number of days until my first GNO here in Austin
6...the days until my play date with Amy...from Rockwall
1 1/2...the hours we spent at a play date with Lynsey...friend from Belton
0...the number of things my kids broke at the play date
3...the number of happy kids after a great morning of sand, bubbles, swing, wagon ride, and playroom time after the play date, the number of loads of laundry I have done today and the number of kids sleeping...nap time...right now!
That is it for now...off to fold those clothes!
4...the age of my oldest, the floor my apartment is on, the number of #2s of Peyton's I changed today before 12:30
1...days until I pick up Peyton's 1 year picture from being framed.
80, no 60, no 40...the number of nails I am in charge of cutting. I check 40 that I do not cut. Parker will only let Trooper cut them and Paige...well the girl eats anything and I have not had to cut any of her nails in months...gross!
4 1/2 the number of sweet potato pancakes Peyton had for breakfast...3 of his, 1 of mine, and Parker even shared 1/2 of his with his ever hungry brother
46...the number of inches in Trooper's new TV...I think
1...the number of days until my first GNO here in Austin
6...the days until my play date with Amy...from Rockwall
1 1/2...the hours we spent at a play date with Lynsey...friend from Belton
0...the number of things my kids broke at the play date
3...the number of happy kids after a great morning of sand, bubbles, swing, wagon ride, and playroom time after the play date, the number of loads of laundry I have done today and the number of kids sleeping...nap time...right now!
That is it for now...off to fold those clothes!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
My Favorite Smoothie
Ever since Parker was little, he did not want to eat his veggies...he is still that way, but will eat them a little better now. Paige eats TONS of veggies. Peyton is eating his great too.
Anyways...I have always looked for ways to put more veggies and different fruits in their diets (Parker only really eats a few choice fruits well either). When V8 Fusion came out...I started buying it for Parker. I have always done 1/2 water and 1/2 juice (too many sugars otherwise). It took a little getting used to at first, but is so much better for you. The kids do not know any different now. Trooper and I drink it as well. That is all I give them as a choice. I also know it is not as good as the whole fruit or veggie and a cup of water!
When the book Deceptively Delicious came out...I bought it! We make something from the book or my own creation about 8-14 times a week. Below is one of my favorites...I will share more soon!
Here is a little recipe for my favorite smoothies...
2 ripe bananas or 2 handfulls of any berries
1 cup of frozen fruit (peaches or mango are our favorite...berries are good when they are out of season)
1 cup of V8 fusion (this has a serving of fruit and veggies in every cup) or 1 cup of carrot juice
a few ice cubes or cruched ice
Blend in the blender...serves 4 people about 6oz each
Anyways...I have always looked for ways to put more veggies and different fruits in their diets (Parker only really eats a few choice fruits well either). When V8 Fusion came out...I started buying it for Parker. I have always done 1/2 water and 1/2 juice (too many sugars otherwise). It took a little getting used to at first, but is so much better for you. The kids do not know any different now. Trooper and I drink it as well. That is all I give them as a choice. I also know it is not as good as the whole fruit or veggie and a cup of water!
When the book Deceptively Delicious came out...I bought it! We make something from the book or my own creation about 8-14 times a week. Below is one of my favorites...I will share more soon!
Here is a little recipe for my favorite smoothies...
2 ripe bananas or 2 handfulls of any berries
1 cup of frozen fruit (peaches or mango are our favorite...berries are good when they are out of season)
1 cup of V8 fusion (this has a serving of fruit and veggies in every cup) or 1 cup of carrot juice
a few ice cubes or cruched ice
Blend in the blender...serves 4 people about 6oz each
Monday, May 18, 2009
Not Me Monday
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
No, I did not let my 4 1/2 year old who usually only takes a 1 hour nap take a 2 to 2 1/2 hour nap 4 out of the 5 weekdays last week just so I could get things unpacked, hung on the wall, or put away. No, not me.
No, I did not live out of a suit case, Target ego bag, off my dresser, out of 3 different boxes, closet, and whatever happened to be clean in the laundry basket for 8 days until I had the time to unpack and put it all away. No, not me.
No, I did not in an effort to make the apartment feel more like home, take 3 kids to Hancock Fabrics and buy fabric for Parker and Paige's bed and curtains, the curtain to separate Peyton from Trooper and my room, and curtains for my room. I then did not proceed to then make curtains with said fabric before I had even unpacked my bags of clothes...see above not me... No, not me.
No, I did not let my 4 1/2 year old who usually only takes a 1 hour nap take a 2 to 2 1/2 hour nap 4 out of the 5 weekdays last week just so I could get things unpacked, hung on the wall, or put away. No, not me.
No, I did not live out of a suit case, Target ego bag, off my dresser, out of 3 different boxes, closet, and whatever happened to be clean in the laundry basket for 8 days until I had the time to unpack and put it all away. No, not me.
No, I did not in an effort to make the apartment feel more like home, take 3 kids to Hancock Fabrics and buy fabric for Parker and Paige's bed and curtains, the curtain to separate Peyton from Trooper and my room, and curtains for my room. I then did not proceed to then make curtains with said fabric before I had even unpacked my bags of clothes...see above not me... No, not me.
No, I did not take my kids to the pool 2 different times by myself. Upon finishing our pool time, I did not then put all 4 of us in the pool shower (off to the side to wash away pool water). While in the shower, I then did not pull out the shampoo, conditioner, and pre-soaped baby wash cloths (I have had those since Parker was born...finally found a great use for them!) to wash all 4 of us off. I then did not on the 2nd occasion also bring my intuition razor out and shave my legs. All of this was not done in an effort to save my time/sanity/clean(ish) apartment from having to drag 3 wet kids and myself in, bathe us off, and then try to get dinner. No, not me. ***fyi...we really did keep our suits on...we did not go that far***
No, I did not take my kiddos on a ride in the double jogging stroller (P2 and P3) and P1 on the big wheel to the club house for the sole purpose for P1 and P2 to play on http://www.starfall.com/, but the real reasons for going were not so that I could #1 get a little workout on the jog over and #2 so I could have a cup of coffee and sit and watch Peyton try to take a few steps without 3 kids messing up the living room/playroom/kitchen areas. No, not me.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
All Settled in
As of yesterday we are all settled in here. It took just over a week, but we are all unpacked, pictures up, and curtains up in the bedrooms. Plus all of the boxes are broken down, trash is tossed or recycled, and the Goodwill load is in the car. We still have a little to unpack/organize in our detached garage...in there is military and Christmas. It is supposed to be able to fit a car in the detached garage...right now, maybe a smart car, but not the suburban for sure. We just have to move a few things around to make the room though.
Here are a few pics...of our view, the living/playroom/kitchen(not pictured). More to come in following days.
Today we visited a church today and really enjoyed it. It was the second time we visited this church. Tomorrow I am getting together with some of the moms that are in MOPS together. MOPS is over, but they are having play dates every other week for the remainder of the summer/until MOPS started up again.
Well today the blog is short and not too much info...look for more with my Not Me Monday post tomorrow! Enjoy your Sunday!
Here are a few pics...of our view, the living/playroom/kitchen(not pictured). More to come in following days.
Today we visited a church today and really enjoyed it. It was the second time we visited this church. Tomorrow I am getting together with some of the moms that are in MOPS together. MOPS is over, but they are having play dates every other week for the remainder of the summer/until MOPS started up again.
Well today the blog is short and not too much info...look for more with my Not Me Monday post tomorrow! Enjoy your Sunday!
Friday, May 15, 2009
"Healthier" Sugar Cookies
Recipe below...
Well...since moving into the apartment We have had a little battle with Paige. At the old house we had door locks on several of the doors. Here at the apartment, the knobs are handles and we do not have any of those locks on just yet.
One of the doors she gets into is the pantry. If is not huge, but I keep moving sprinkles higher because she keep getting into them. Yesterday she moved the step stool over to the pantry so she could reach them. Today it was the bar stool. After that, I told her we could make cookies and use sprinkles.
While Peyton was taking his morning nap we made the dough for the sugar cookies. We then put it into the fridge to chill. After all 3 kids took an afternoon nap, we rolled out the dough and cut out our sugar cookies...yes Paige got to put on her sprinkles. Now, I have been trying hard to be sure I make the healthiest choices I can for my family. I know cookies are not the best and good for an occasional treat, but still...white processed flour, butter, sugar...not a my thighs best friend. So here is my version of sugar cookies and are "healthier." Well they do have less fat, calories, and tons on fiber for sure, plus they tasted good!
1 1/2 t of baking powder
1/2 t of salt
1 cup (Next time I am going to try less)
3 cups of whole wheat flour (was regular white flour)
1 c margarine or light butter...I use Land O Lakes (was real butter)
1 egg
3 T of milk (was cream)
1 t of vanilla
One of the doors she gets into is the pantry. If is not huge, but I keep moving sprinkles higher because she keep getting into them. Yesterday she moved the step stool over to the pantry so she could reach them. Today it was the bar stool. After that, I told her we could make cookies and use sprinkles.
While Peyton was taking his morning nap we made the dough for the sugar cookies. We then put it into the fridge to chill. After all 3 kids took an afternoon nap, we rolled out the dough and cut out our sugar cookies...yes Paige got to put on her sprinkles. Now, I have been trying hard to be sure I make the healthiest choices I can for my family. I know cookies are not the best and good for an occasional treat, but still...white processed flour, butter, sugar...not a my thighs best friend. So here is my version of sugar cookies and are "healthier." Well they do have less fat, calories, and tons on fiber for sure, plus they tasted good!
1 1/2 t of baking powder
1/2 t of salt
1 cup (Next time I am going to try less)
3 cups of whole wheat flour (was regular white flour)
1 c margarine or light butter...I use Land O Lakes (was real butter)
1 egg
3 T of milk (was cream)
1 t of vanilla
***If you are rolling and using cookies cutters, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and don't forget to roll out onto a floured counter top***
Mix all of above (sift dry to get out any chunks). Chill in fridge until cold. Roll out and cut into shapes or when you put in fridge roll into a log (or as Parker says...a big giant worm...Paige says, Oh, a snake!) and slice. Put on sprinkles if you choose. Bake at 400 for about 6-8 minutes!
Mix all of above (sift dry to get out any chunks). Chill in fridge until cold. Roll out and cut into shapes or when you put in fridge roll into a log (or as Parker says...a big giant worm...Paige says, Oh, a snake!) and slice. Put on sprinkles if you choose. Bake at 400 for about 6-8 minutes!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Challenge
Challenge...
No, I am not talking about 3 kids in a 2 bedroom apartment.
No, I am not talking about 2 flights of stairs to go to the car, park, or pool.
No, I am not talking about 3 flights of stairs to go on a walk, jog, or bike ride.
No, I am not talking about being with our Trooper during the week for 3 weeks per month.
No, I am not talking about taking care of 3 kids...one wanting to always be right or have it his way. Another wanting to push the baby over, hug him while his fast in pressed into the floor, or chew on and destroy everything. The final one wants to be held at all the hard times, gets out of his high chair buckles, and likes to play in potty water.
No, I am not talking about being a stay at home mom.
No, I am not talking about finding to workout other than going on a jog with the kids since I have to watch out for people down stairs and I do not have a gym membership with childcare and Trooper is gone during the week so I cannot use the gym at the complex.
What AM I talking about...
My Snack Challenge!!!!
Since getting pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant, and breastfeeding, I have developed a habit of snacking. It has not been a problem...until now. I have known this is coming for some time now, but that does not make it easier. Now, when I say snack, it has never been the healthiest option. What did it really matter?!!?!?! I was working out, eating well otherwise, and it was for the baby...right??? Well now it is all for ME!!! I have to keep telling myself that. Luckily here at the apartment I cannot go out and grab something to snack on as easily. So my real challenge is at the store...
Oh the joy of Kids, the snacks I ate for them, the habits I made for them, the weight I gained and lost for them and the NEW habit I must make so my thighs do not embarrass them (or me!),
No, I am not talking about 3 kids in a 2 bedroom apartment.
No, I am not talking about 2 flights of stairs to go to the car, park, or pool.
No, I am not talking about 3 flights of stairs to go on a walk, jog, or bike ride.
No, I am not talking about being with our Trooper during the week for 3 weeks per month.
No, I am not talking about taking care of 3 kids...one wanting to always be right or have it his way. Another wanting to push the baby over, hug him while his fast in pressed into the floor, or chew on and destroy everything. The final one wants to be held at all the hard times, gets out of his high chair buckles, and likes to play in potty water.
No, I am not talking about being a stay at home mom.
No, I am not talking about finding to workout other than going on a jog with the kids since I have to watch out for people down stairs and I do not have a gym membership with childcare and Trooper is gone during the week so I cannot use the gym at the complex.
What AM I talking about...
My Snack Challenge!!!!
Since getting pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant, breastfeeding, pregnant, and breastfeeding, I have developed a habit of snacking. It has not been a problem...until now. I have known this is coming for some time now, but that does not make it easier. Now, when I say snack, it has never been the healthiest option. What did it really matter?!!?!?! I was working out, eating well otherwise, and it was for the baby...right??? Well now it is all for ME!!! I have to keep telling myself that. Luckily here at the apartment I cannot go out and grab something to snack on as easily. So my real challenge is at the store...
Oh the joy of Kids, the snacks I ate for them, the habits I made for them, the weight I gained and lost for them and the NEW habit I must make so my thighs do not embarrass them (or me!),
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Oh the Joy
Well we have been here in Austin without Trooper for 2 days now. It is an adventure. The kids...wow...I know 3 kids can be a hard thing, but 3 without a break...it is all about the mindset. I know when have have (or had) my normal day in Rowlett I was ON until the moment Trooper came home. Then, I could relax in the thought that I was not the lone parent at home for the moment.
When Trooper was still doing Army Drill last year or was out of town on business, it was the same thing. The mindset had to be there for the weekend. Once Trooper was home or almost home, the pressure or my tolerance would change.
I know I have to keep praying and keep that mindset in check while Trooper is gone. Keep those prayers coming for me too!
In an apartment (as I am finding out now since the closest I have ever been to living in an apartment is the college dorm) you have to watch out for the noise you are making above for the people below...that is a hard thing to teach 2 preschoolers and a baby that is thinking about walking one day. But you know what though...when you down size the place you live from a 4 bedrooms with 2 dining, 3 living, 2 1/2 baths, and an office to an apartment with 2 bedrooms, 1 dining, 1 living, 2 baths, and a study used for the baby room...well there is a whole lot less to clean! Not that I have really been cleaning that much over the last 5 days other than under where the kids are eating.
Anyways...
In an apartment WITH 3 KIDS you must get out of here often. You cannot send the kids to the backyard...unless you want Paige going over. You cannot send them to the garage to ride their bikes in the rain...that would require me getting the bikes out of the bike lock, putting them in my car, and taking them to my garage unit near the club house...and where would my kids be?!?! If you get to the car or downstairs for that matter and forget you sunglasses, there is no putting the kids in the car and running back in to get them.
So far we have done well. Our unit is the next to farthest away from the club house. We have got on Parker's big wheel and the double jogging stroller and taken a ride/jog to the front. While there, Parker and Paige play on www.starfall.com and I have a cup of coffee or tea and Peyton plays with the pool table balls. Then we jog/ride back. We take about an hour round trip and the kids love it! I am going to keep that up as long as I can.
This is also a good little workout for me since for the 1st time since having kids I am without a gym with childcare. We have a gym here, but no one to watch my kids...here Paige, run off some steam on the bike will you? Parker, will you spot Peyton on the bench...I have looked into a few gyms to work at, but I really just want to take a little break. I remember teaching morning classes when Paige was under 18 months and still taking that morning nap...those were not always good days. So, I am going to see about getting into a gym working come this fall...about the time Peyton will drop that nap!
I know it has been forever since I have put pictures up. I promise I will by the end of the week...I need to get a little more unpacking done. Today was setting up the big kids room and making Peyton's curtain. As you read above, he is in the study. The study is in our room. There is a doorway to his room from our room, but no door. I took all 3 kiddos to Hancock Fabrics to buy fabric for the "door." It is already up!!! That was a must.
Tomorrow...clean out laundry room and hang P1 and P2 curtains. Well that and watch/read to/play with my 3 little Ps.
As for right now...it is off to bed!
When Trooper was still doing Army Drill last year or was out of town on business, it was the same thing. The mindset had to be there for the weekend. Once Trooper was home or almost home, the pressure or my tolerance would change.
I know I have to keep praying and keep that mindset in check while Trooper is gone. Keep those prayers coming for me too!
In an apartment (as I am finding out now since the closest I have ever been to living in an apartment is the college dorm) you have to watch out for the noise you are making above for the people below...that is a hard thing to teach 2 preschoolers and a baby that is thinking about walking one day. But you know what though...when you down size the place you live from a 4 bedrooms with 2 dining, 3 living, 2 1/2 baths, and an office to an apartment with 2 bedrooms, 1 dining, 1 living, 2 baths, and a study used for the baby room...well there is a whole lot less to clean! Not that I have really been cleaning that much over the last 5 days other than under where the kids are eating.
Anyways...
In an apartment WITH 3 KIDS you must get out of here often. You cannot send the kids to the backyard...unless you want Paige going over. You cannot send them to the garage to ride their bikes in the rain...that would require me getting the bikes out of the bike lock, putting them in my car, and taking them to my garage unit near the club house...and where would my kids be?!?! If you get to the car or downstairs for that matter and forget you sunglasses, there is no putting the kids in the car and running back in to get them.
So far we have done well. Our unit is the next to farthest away from the club house. We have got on Parker's big wheel and the double jogging stroller and taken a ride/jog to the front. While there, Parker and Paige play on www.starfall.com and I have a cup of coffee or tea and Peyton plays with the pool table balls. Then we jog/ride back. We take about an hour round trip and the kids love it! I am going to keep that up as long as I can.
This is also a good little workout for me since for the 1st time since having kids I am without a gym with childcare. We have a gym here, but no one to watch my kids...here Paige, run off some steam on the bike will you? Parker, will you spot Peyton on the bench...I have looked into a few gyms to work at, but I really just want to take a little break. I remember teaching morning classes when Paige was under 18 months and still taking that morning nap...those were not always good days. So, I am going to see about getting into a gym working come this fall...about the time Peyton will drop that nap!
I know it has been forever since I have put pictures up. I promise I will by the end of the week...I need to get a little more unpacking done. Today was setting up the big kids room and making Peyton's curtain. As you read above, he is in the study. The study is in our room. There is a doorway to his room from our room, but no door. I took all 3 kiddos to Hancock Fabrics to buy fabric for the "door." It is already up!!! That was a must.
Tomorrow...clean out laundry room and hang P1 and P2 curtains. Well that and watch/read to/play with my 3 little Ps.
As for right now...it is off to bed!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Not Me Monday
Back at it with McMama's Not Me Monday's
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
I did not take over 4 hours over 2 days just to get my kitchen under control after the unpack on Friday and Saturday. Not after Trooper had spent about 2 hour actually unpacking about 90% of the kitchen. No, not me.
I did not flip out when I arrived at my parent's house and they have a TV and Computer. In flipping out and finally feeling connected I then did not join facebook to feel even more connected. I also did not then wonder, "When am I going to have time for that...I already blog...and am behind in pictures for that as well." No, not me.
I did not do a little happy dance at my parent's house when Trooper called and said he already got the laptop and I was not going to have to wait until we got it at Memorial Day Weekend. No, not me.
I did not have Trooper plug in our old DVR from Rowlett to that we could catch up on Lost and Office that we did not have a chance to see before selling our old TV. No, not me.
On Wednesday, I did not forget to pull out Parker's T-ball stuff for his final game of the season. Then, I did not have to go through and open boxes that the movers had already packed that morning in order to find it. I did not, though, only have to cut into one box since the labeled well. No, not me.
I did not forget to tell Trooper that Peyton took his first step on Wednesday until Friday. No, not me.
I did not have a wonderful mother's day. Trooper did not make breakfast for me (whole wheat toast, my dad's fresh eggs cooked over medium...I think...yum-o), and take me out to lunch after church. When we got back home, he did not left me take a nap while he tried to get Parker and Paige to take one as well. While I was napping, he did not DO THE LAUNDRY!!! Then he did not let me get away and go to the gym for a little while. No, not me. No not Trooper. No, I do not love him and the kids who all helped me become a mother.
I am not sitting here after going to the gym and wal-mart and then stay up to write this post and instead of delaying that post for "Monday"...well for me it is not Monday. No, not me.
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
I did not take over 4 hours over 2 days just to get my kitchen under control after the unpack on Friday and Saturday. Not after Trooper had spent about 2 hour actually unpacking about 90% of the kitchen. No, not me.
I did not flip out when I arrived at my parent's house and they have a TV and Computer. In flipping out and finally feeling connected I then did not join facebook to feel even more connected. I also did not then wonder, "When am I going to have time for that...I already blog...and am behind in pictures for that as well." No, not me.
I did not do a little happy dance at my parent's house when Trooper called and said he already got the laptop and I was not going to have to wait until we got it at Memorial Day Weekend. No, not me.
I did not have Trooper plug in our old DVR from Rowlett to that we could catch up on Lost and Office that we did not have a chance to see before selling our old TV. No, not me.
On Wednesday, I did not forget to pull out Parker's T-ball stuff for his final game of the season. Then, I did not have to go through and open boxes that the movers had already packed that morning in order to find it. I did not, though, only have to cut into one box since the labeled well. No, not me.
I did not forget to tell Trooper that Peyton took his first step on Wednesday until Friday. No, not me.
I did not have a wonderful mother's day. Trooper did not make breakfast for me (whole wheat toast, my dad's fresh eggs cooked over medium...I think...yum-o), and take me out to lunch after church. When we got back home, he did not left me take a nap while he tried to get Parker and Paige to take one as well. While I was napping, he did not DO THE LAUNDRY!!! Then he did not let me get away and go to the gym for a little while. No, not me. No not Trooper. No, I do not love him and the kids who all helped me become a mother.
I am not sitting here after going to the gym and wal-mart and then stay up to write this post and instead of delaying that post for "Monday"...well for me it is not Monday. No, not me.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
We are out!
Signed, sealed, and almost delivered.
We were packed yesterday, loaded and signed today, and will be moved in tomorrow.
It is real, but I don't think it has hit me.
Driving the big kids to school this morning I realized it was my last time to go across the lake to FBC Rockwall. It was my last time to sit in the drop off line. It was my last time to roll down the window and tell the kids that I love them and to have a great day.
After coming home from dropping off the kids, Peyton and I cleaned, packed a few things and loaded them in my car. Peyton took a nap. I cleaned. We both ate. We cleaned again. Trooper came home and we closed things out on the house, then were off to the signing.
15 minutes later, with copies in hand, we were done with signing and Trooper was on his way to get Parker and Paige from school. They then went on toward Belton. Peyton went with me to a doctor's appointment and then we were about an hour behind them.
I am sitting at my parent's house right now. Paige and Peyton are asleep here. Parker and Trooper are in Austin getting things settled before the truck comes tomorrow. I also have word that we have our computer now...pictures coming...some time next week...
Off to Austin we go...
Roweltt/Rockwall we will not forget...and Emily, I will still call you every morning at 8:30...Carissa I know you are not until at least 9.
Thank you all so much for your prayers...please keep them coming!
We were packed yesterday, loaded and signed today, and will be moved in tomorrow.
It is real, but I don't think it has hit me.
Driving the big kids to school this morning I realized it was my last time to go across the lake to FBC Rockwall. It was my last time to sit in the drop off line. It was my last time to roll down the window and tell the kids that I love them and to have a great day.
After coming home from dropping off the kids, Peyton and I cleaned, packed a few things and loaded them in my car. Peyton took a nap. I cleaned. We both ate. We cleaned again. Trooper came home and we closed things out on the house, then were off to the signing.
15 minutes later, with copies in hand, we were done with signing and Trooper was on his way to get Parker and Paige from school. They then went on toward Belton. Peyton went with me to a doctor's appointment and then we were about an hour behind them.
I am sitting at my parent's house right now. Paige and Peyton are asleep here. Parker and Trooper are in Austin getting things settled before the truck comes tomorrow. I also have word that we have our computer now...pictures coming...some time next week...
Off to Austin we go...
Roweltt/Rockwall we will not forget...and Emily, I will still call you every morning at 8:30...Carissa I know you are not until at least 9.
Thank you all so much for your prayers...please keep them coming!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Little blog break
Well from pictures at least.
Last Friday and Saturday Trooper and I had a HUGE garage sale. We sold a truck load of stuff that we are not taking with us. In that we sold our computer. As you can see I am still trying to update the blog...I am not adding pictures though. We should be getting our laptop Memorial weekend. So until then any updates may be short or far between!
Well the movers are coming tomorrow (Wednesday) to pack our house. I have not really come to accept that this is really happening. I was leaving a message for a friend on the phone and said something about me going out of town on Thursday...I am not just going out of town...I am leaving and moving and breaking away from my comfort zone.
Some of my friends and I got together for Girls Night Out on Sunday evening. It was great to get together. As I looked around the group...all of the girls were in my very first ABF at Lake Pointe. We all spend several years together before the class split. We all had babies, scrapbooked, took food to each other, went on retreats, talked each other through miscarriages and surprise babies, and just did life. Looking around the table of girls, not many remain in the same ABF or even church, but we are all still close. When we get together it is like time has not passed. It was a special class where we met, a special night we had together, and a wonderful group of girls that I will SO miss.
Yes, I cried.
Yes, I am crying now.
I know that my time here in Rowlett is coming closer and closer to a close. I also know that this is God's will for us. We have had friends and family that love us ask out of concern about our moving now. Trooper and I prayed about this and the Lord answered above and beyond...IT IS MY WILL! That being from the kids getting into preschool to the quick house sale to the huge garage sale success and more. We are so blessed to be #1 in the Lord's will and #2 to have so many people who love and care for us. Please continue to pray for us as well.
Well...time for bed...the movers will be here to pack my home very soon...
Last Friday and Saturday Trooper and I had a HUGE garage sale. We sold a truck load of stuff that we are not taking with us. In that we sold our computer. As you can see I am still trying to update the blog...I am not adding pictures though. We should be getting our laptop Memorial weekend. So until then any updates may be short or far between!
Well the movers are coming tomorrow (Wednesday) to pack our house. I have not really come to accept that this is really happening. I was leaving a message for a friend on the phone and said something about me going out of town on Thursday...I am not just going out of town...I am leaving and moving and breaking away from my comfort zone.
Some of my friends and I got together for Girls Night Out on Sunday evening. It was great to get together. As I looked around the group...all of the girls were in my very first ABF at Lake Pointe. We all spend several years together before the class split. We all had babies, scrapbooked, took food to each other, went on retreats, talked each other through miscarriages and surprise babies, and just did life. Looking around the table of girls, not many remain in the same ABF or even church, but we are all still close. When we get together it is like time has not passed. It was a special class where we met, a special night we had together, and a wonderful group of girls that I will SO miss.
Yes, I cried.
Yes, I am crying now.
I know that my time here in Rowlett is coming closer and closer to a close. I also know that this is God's will for us. We have had friends and family that love us ask out of concern about our moving now. Trooper and I prayed about this and the Lord answered above and beyond...IT IS MY WILL! That being from the kids getting into preschool to the quick house sale to the huge garage sale success and more. We are so blessed to be #1 in the Lord's will and #2 to have so many people who love and care for us. Please continue to pray for us as well.
Well...time for bed...the movers will be here to pack my home very soon...
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