Little Scientist

Sam is in an experimental stage of life. He loves to play with water and his food. He had his fork under his plate the other night at dinner and said, "Look, Mommy, it's a lever." He is also learning what happens when he hits or gets angry or throws fits. He is becoming more independent and trying to dress himself and put on his shoes and socks. He is growing up more every day. How we love our Sam-man!

Princess Pea

Audrey will be 7 months old tomorrow. How the time flies! Our little girl is quite sensitive (hence her nickname of Princess Pea.) She's doing a little better with solids, but we're still easing her into them. She is finally sleeping better. She can sit, roll over and scoot backwards on her belly and in a circle, but does not like to be on her knees. She laughs more often now and has a funny sense of humor--by funny I mean quirky. The strangest things make her laugh like Paul saying "the bus has guts" or a ball or balloon bouncing. She loves to feel different textures--fabrics, hair, rugs and the like. She's also developing a strong attachment to mommy and can work herself into quite a tizzy if I leave the room. Besides being beautiful, she's a sweetheart and we all just love her to pieces.

A Wintry Easter

We had wonderful Easter weekend. My mom flew in on Wednesday for spring break. The kids are always throughly entertained when Grandma comes to visit. We got probably our biggest snow storm of the season as well, so the egg hunt has been postponed. Friday night two of my brothers and my sister-in-law drove down. Then Saturday morning my sister and her family came over. We had a great time watching conference, doing a small indoor egg hunt, eating lots of food, dying eggs and just being together. Sunday I hosted Easter dinner. It was delish! If you want details you can visit my new recipe blog (still under construction). Jeremy surprised me with some lovely flowers on Easter morning. The kids loved their baskets, even Audrey, and especially all the treats. Happy Easter!

Sittin Pretty

Audrey started sitting up on her own, well today, actually. She's been close for a week or so now but today she really seemed to get it and sat for several minutes before toppling. She can fold herself in half and then sit upright. Oh to be that flexible! The boys started sitting up at this same age as well. And check out those eyelashes. She got ones to die for--just like her brothers. Lucky.

Meet Tyro

This is a picture of Tyro drawn by Sam. He lives in California, but frequently visits our house. In fact this morning he ran, bonked and got stuck on the ceiling. He ranges in age between 3 months and 5 years and in size between smaller than Audrey and bigger than Dad. He has black hair. He likes to go on car rides with us, eat dinner and sometimes spend the night on the floor. Unfortunately he gets sent home often as he brings out the violent side of Sam. He also gets blamed for almost all misfortunes at our house, but usually he provides lots of entertainment for everyone.

recipes

My other blog (my blog of requirement) has been dormant for over a year. I decided to revive it as a recipe blog (for now). I'll post my weekly dinner menus and the recipes that are especially tasty. I hope you'll post your recipes too or leave them in the comments. I'm sure we could all use new ideas.

Snowy Sunday Afternoon

Spring, Anyone?

This seriously is the worst time of the year, and I'm not meaning to be a negative Nelly, but winter has worn out its welcome and there's nothing to look forward to until Easter. Blah.

This week I'm trying some new recipes for dinner (I’ll post them on my other blog if they turn out): beef brisket and orange chicken. Last week I made a most delicious fish meal and impressed even myself. We tried my grandma's pressure cooker as well and it makes the best meat in much less time than a crock pot. I'd never cooked with a pressure cooker before and I felt like putting on my new 1940's dress (I've been doing some online shopping for spring/summer clothing), an apron and some lipstick when I served dinner.

I'm also attempting to train for a women's bike ride. If you live near, you should join me--it's going to be fun--I hope.

Plus I'm taking a digital scrapbooking class and learning all about Photoshop Elements. I’m trying to get out my new camera more and learn to take pictures. Hopefully you’ll be seeing some improvements on my blog.

And for your viewing pleasure, proof that my kids are growing way too fast. Here’s Sam after he said, “I’m too big for naps.” And Audrey in her new toy. She's trying hard to roll over as I type.

Be Mine

It's Great to be Free!

Sam turned 3 (free) yesterday! Now he thinks he gets extra treats and to go to preschool. He had a bubble gum birthday party and was spoiled with lots of great gifts: an Imaginext bat cave, batmobile, Geotrax airport, superhero action figures, Spike Jr. the dinosaur, a new big Tonka dump truck, and some clothes and cash. He started the day with balloons, streamers, presents and pancakes, then spent the afternoon at Classic Fun Center for bouncing, scooter riding, roller skating and arcade games. He ended the day with homemade mac and cheese and an early bedtime (no more naps). We love our Sam and can't imagine our family without his imagination and sweetness.