family pic

family pic

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Making Memories....

On Saturday we decided to bring the kiddos up to the mountain so they could snowboard.. The three oldest had their passes from the school ski program so we wanted to let them use those before the slopes close for the year.  So we left the house with the floors needing to be washed, but I decided the kids aren't going to remember having clean floors, but they will remember hitting the slopes. So you tell me what is more important?
Danielle had spent the night on Friday and since she had a pass too we dragged her along.. For some reason I don't think she was protesting! LOL The above pic I took when I went outside to take pics of the kiddos..

Best Friends


Little Man wearing Big Bros goggles


Laban and Tyrel


Shiloh sat in the lodge with us

Tyrel in back and Laban

Tyrel

Tyrel on the chairlift

Laban sharing w/ Brandt

All tuckered out!!
I love doing fun things with my kids!!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Not your typical weekday...

1. Tim wasn't working....


2. We don't usually end up here:
















But since Tim needed to pick something up that was near the beach Little Man and I went along for the ride. So of course we had to go on the beach and see what the little guy thought of "the big water". He thought it was great!! A bit chilly going to a New England beach in March, but hey no crowds and easy to find a parking spot!! :) We stopped for lunch on the way home so it was a great way to break up the week!! We will definitely be bring Brandt (and the kiddos) back in the summer... Oh I can't wait, we will have to get Brandt some sand toys and a cute pair of swim shorts, hat, and tee!!! Making me get a little anxious, so maybe it wasn't good that we went.. LOL

Checking out the water!!

a rocky beach


he walks now, but still crawls to get places!


With his two favorite people!! :)
       

Saturday, March 19, 2011

10 Minute Zesty Salsa

We had tacos for supper on Monday and I didn't want to waste the fresh cilantro that was leftover. So I decided to make this SUPER easy salsa that I had found the recipe for during Brandt's pregnancy... Our family doesn't like big chunks of tomatoes so I dump them in the blender and give it a whirl.. Then I add the rest of the ingredients. I don't measure my fresh stuff, just kinda eyeball it and add an extra clove of garlic! It is so yummy, but beware it goes fast so you might want to make extra!




Start with all your yummy ingredients... Take a can of Rotel and either put it through the blender or just dump them into a bowl.


Add your fresh veggies

mince some garlic

 
Add some olive oil, salt and peppper


yumminess!! Stir it altogether

Then dip away!



10 Minute Zesty Salsa

1 (10 oz) can Rotel, diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 TBSP seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper
1 TBSP chopped onion
1 TBSP minced fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
1 TBSP olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips

In a small bowl combine all the ingredients except chips. Refrigerate until serving. Serve with tortilla chips! Enjoy!!!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Sooo I Lied...

But not intentionally.. Remember how I was all excited about Brandt being back to his old self? That was on Monday... On Tuesday we went with Shiloh's class on a field trip to see how maple syrup is made.. Well Brandt slept the whole time in the stroller... Once we got home he was more sleepy and clingy (I couldn't even go to the bathroom!!!) and by evening he was wheezing and just sleeping in my arms (or Tim's) NOT fun.. he hadn't been bad since October so I figured he had already outgrown his wheezing problem... guess not! So after a restless night I brought him in Wednesday morning and he had to go on a steroid and also a prescription for thrush. I have never had a baby get thrush before. I know I know, the doctor couldn't believe it either! :) He is halfway done his medication and is still a little wheezy plus coughing.. So hoping by the time he is done, he is completely better!  I am sooooooooo ready for summer to come! This year has been horrible for sickness and not just Brandt.. Just had to confess my lie.. Am I forgiven? ;)

Monday, March 14, 2011

He's Back!!

Last week I was wondering if I would ever see my busy little, happy baby again... On Sunday night he woke us up puking... All day Monday he couldn't keep anything down... Tuesday the diarrhea started and lasted for 3 days w/ no appetite and only wanting to nurse.... I was really starting to get worried, especially when I would think he was on the mend, but he would puke again... Friday was the last day he puked and I can tell you I am sooooo relieved to have that over and done with.. What a long stressful week of pretty much holding him... Today his appetite is back and he is at the moment bugging the boys while they play with Legos! :) I will take this busy little guy anyday!
       Don't mind the fuzziness it was taken with my phone!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

It's Snow Much Fun!

It was a bright snowy day so Tyrel and I took the little guy outside to play.. He loves the snow and loves to be outside so what a great combination!

In his LL Bean sled that my cousin, Lisa, gave to him! She had an extra so we gladly accepted it!

My youngest and oldest! I love my kiddos!



Snow yummy!


Look I can even crawl in it!!


My Little Man!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A Night Away

Tim and I hadn't gone away since before Brandt was born... So last weekend we went away for a night (with Brandt, of course) and it was fun... We ate out and did some shopping.. On Saturday we went to Cabela's and boy was it fun watching Brandt. He squealed, screached, laughed, kicked, and giggled at all the animals.. I think he made all the people in the store smile.. can we just say, he loves animals? Of course I forgot my camera in the motel room! I did get some pics in our room tho...


sharing a kiss w/ Mommy!(I didn't take this pic.. hehe)


Little Man


This is what he did the whole time... Climbed out of his pants, dug in everything, pulled books down.. Stood on phonebooks, pulled the phone of the hook, and giggled! Was fun... I love this little guy!




Eating Pizza Hut for supper.. a large, meatlovers, pan pizza for $10!!! Not bad!

Napping w/ Daddy! 

You would think he was our only child w/ all the pics I take of him!

Then on Sunday we went to the mall so Mommy could shop.. Didn't end up getting anything for myself, but little things the older kids needed.. I got Laban a pair of school pants from Old Navy for $5!! Was excited about that.. Anyway we had an enjoyable, much needed time away!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Coffee Icing

This recipe is waaaaaaaaayyy too good! I am not usually big on chocolate cake, but this is just so delish! It's a little more work, but so worth it.. Go on try it, I dare ya!


Chocolate Angel Food Cake with Coffee Icing



13 egg whites
1 cup cake flour
2 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt


Coffee Icing:

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 TBSP baking cocoa
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 tsp. strong brewed coffee

Let egg whites stand at room temp for 30 min. Sift flour, 1 cup sugar, cocoa and baking powder together twice; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla, lemon juice and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, 2 TBSP at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form.


 Gradually fold in flour mixture, about a fourth at a time.

Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in tube pan. Cut through the batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest rack at 350 for 45 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched and cracks feel dry. Immediately invert baking pan; cool completely. Run a knife around sides and center of tube pan. Invert cake onto a serving plate.




For icing, in a bowl cream butter, sugar and cocoa until light and fluffy. Add lemon juice and vanilla; mix well      Thin to desired consistency by beating in coffee one tsp at a time.

                   Spread icing over cooled cake. Enjoy!!