Giampapa Family

Post Christmas wrap up

2012-01-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

I should post pictures and talk about our last days of the 25 days of Christmas-but it seems like so long ago-like last year long ago!! Anyhow we had a fantastic Christmas-relaxing, reflecting and fun!! I love how into the holidays my boys are especially Joey-such a little party boy!!! He cried when we took the Christmas tree down. He really wanted to decorate for the New Year-but we told him that means cleaning out!!! Which we did. Joe had 12 days off and we went room by room-purging, cleaning, rearranging. Amazing how good if feels to get rid of items that are simply taking up space. What I can't believe is that we had a garage sale this passed summer and we have plenty for another one!!

I love cleaning out after Christmas-it makes the New Year seem brighter, happier and more promising!

I know most people don't like new year resolutions but I for one love them. I love a challenge and I love lists to me that is all they are-I don't make new year vows or promises-just challenge myself and create lists -bucket lists if you will for the new year.

Here is some of mine-not all some are a little too personal:)

1. my theme verse for the year is "a gentle answer turns away wrath"-already had lots of practice!!! I want to speak gently to my family to have grace and peace, but sometimes I can have a tone that is anything but gentle!!!

2. continue to DIY most and more of our food. last year we did away with most processed foods and began making most our own sauces, breads, and spice mixes. I want to do more.

3. Read chapter books with the boys-we are half way through the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe-joey is loving it!! We started last year and read Charlotte's Web and joey is starting to really love reading together.

4. Save more so we can Give more-we are starting January by not eating out at all-not even Starbucks. I really want to be able to give to others when I see a need and in order to do that and not put a strain on my own family I need to not waste money on frivolous coffees or snacks. Compared to many we didn't eat out that much-maybe once a week, but starbucks was becoming way too often!!!

anyhow those are some of my goals and challenges for the new year!!! What are yours???

Day twenty-two: count down to Christmas

2011-12-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

Today we delivered Christmas treats to Grandma and Papa GG-the boys great-grandparents. They were excited to visit with them and especially look at all their ornaments and the Christmas village they put up every year. It is always fun to see and visit with them, however I fear we wear them out!! Two very busy boys and lots of breakables wears me out too!!!
Today was also daddy's last day of work until next year!! Super excited to have him home for the next 12 days. We decided to celebrate and go look at Christmas lights in a local neighborhood we had heard about. It was fun, but the boys were so tired!! These long Christmas days have been catching up with them!

Day Twenty-one: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

Today we made three pans of cinnamon rolls to take to friends and my grandparents. Jack was my big helper (usually it is Joey, but he was "busy" playing legos). Jack loves sprinkling the dough-no pictures though-I had to really watch him because he is so unpredictable! I have caught him trying to add all sorts of things to our food:) Joey did come down and help with the frosting once he could smell them baking:) He really wanted to eat them! He will have to wait until Christmas for his:)

Day twenty: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas vacation-the idea of not transporting anyone anywhere makes me super happy. Today was Joey's choice-he being my little party planner-wanted a costume party. He and jack modeled most all the costumes before settling on two-joey was a pirate (surprise) and jack a monkey (surprise)-he also picked out one for me and one for daddy. I was a clown;-) Joey decorated the bonus room. He loves parties, party planning and decorating-cracks me up!!

Day Eighteen: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

Today the boys got to open one present (one I chose). Inside each present was a new game. Joey got Operation and Jack got a fishing game. They were super excited to open a present. Joey said while he was unwrapping, "Even if it is a book, I will say thank you:)" oh my!! We have been "practicing" opening gifts we maybe didn't ask for or want and still being thankful and grateful-just didn't really want him to acknowledge that while opening a gift!! I wanted the boys to open the games early since in the midst of other presents they would be "lost" and too much to try to play or do on Christmas right when they would open them. This was nice-we were able to open them and play them. The little fishing game was perfect for Jack-most games are hard for three year olds or take LOTS of parent help! This one is great for this age and pretty easy for them to try and maintain.

Day Seventeen: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-19T06:30:00.001-08:00

Today was a crazy day-we spent most of it helping grandma and poppy put things away at their new house. The boys especially Joey had fun helping grandma decorate the tree and look at all the pretty Christmas decorations.
After a busy day we new it needed to be a low key "event" we have been wanting to watch Kung Fu Panda 2-so movie night it was with "sticky" popcorn (kettle corn). It was nice to just sit and relax. After the movie the boys had to show us their kung fu moves:) Joey especially was into it- he would say, "slow, steady, now ATTACK!" oye!

Day Sixteen: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-19T06:23:00.000-08:00

Today was Jack's day to go play with Grandma Sue. Joey and I went to his school Christmas program and gingerbread house party then went Christmas shopping for Jack. Joey is my party boy-he loves a party, loves a celebration, loves Christmas. He was in heaven! He loved having the one on one time too. I enjoyed watching him get so excited to find a gift for his brother. At first he wanted to get him a motorcycle-I told him that was fine, but to also really try to think about what Jack would like and what type of present Jack would want to open. He thought for a few minutes and said, "Well then I think I need to look for a stuffed animal!" I love that he really thought about Jack-he was so excited when he found the perfect gift!!!

Day Fifteen: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-16T06:09:00.001-08:00

Today was our MOPS Christmas party so the morning was very crazy trying to get loaded up and out the door. After MOPS joey went home with Grandma sue to make cookies (his activity) and Jackers and I went Christmas shopping for joey-shh don't tell joey!!! Tomorrow we will switch:)

Day Fourteen: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-16T06:06:00.000-08:00

No pictures again today:(
The boys took money from their "stash" and we went down to the local Fred Meyer and put it in the Salvation Army bucket. The boys were super excited the man down there was playing the guitar and asked if they had a request-since he didn't know "beat it" (what in the world??) He played Away in a Manger:)

Day Thirteen: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

Today was the party!! We celebrated with some of the boys's friends. We did a craft, sang Happy Birthday, read a story and played. We had a great time! But with 10 kids under 5 I didn't even try to take pictures:)

Day Twelve: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

Monday we spent the day baking a birthday cake for Jesus, hanging streamers, prepping our craft and making play dough party favors. The boys had so much fun getting ready for our party. Joey especially loves a party and all that it entails!!!

Day Eleven: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

Today we picked up the boys and since we were at grandma and poppy's with two vehicles we helped them take over a big load to the new house. After that we came home and the boys had a "gift" left on the front porch-Two plush little elves. The boys are really into their elfs on the shelf, but they aren't allowed to play with them or touch them just talk to them. I really like this rule because they can be so hard on things and I would love for these to last and for their children to have them when they are parents. I saw a soft version of the elfs at a little gift shop in sumner that I had a groupon to!! The boys love them!! both of course slept with them last night!

We also had reindeer pancakes and bacon for dinner last night-gotta love pinterest!!!

Day Ten: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-12T05:50:00.000-08:00

Today was a big day-the boys had been looking forward to it for weeks. They were going to grandma's for a cousin sleepover!! They were so excited and it was made even more exciting when they found out all the cousin were going to make it!! Poor Grandma and Poppy!! All this on top of preparing to move this week-they really are fantastic grandparents!!

The boys had so much fun-so much when we called to check in and say goodnight joey just yelled in the phone, "I am having FUN!!" and jack could hardly be torn away to say "HI"-which honestly is much better than crying or begging to have me come get them!!

I have no pictures of the cousin fun, but joe and I went to Portland for the night for a wedding and had a great evening of walking the city and window shopping. I am putting a picture of us since I have none of the cousin time!

Day Nine: Countdown to Christmas

2011-12-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year there was a free credit to King's lane (an online shopping place) I was able to get a gingerbread choo choo kit so tonight the boys got to decorate it (after mommy and daddy figured out how to put it together-easier said then done:). The boys had a blast!! After we decorated the choo choo, Joey put on a concert for us. He had invited Grandma Sue, Poppy and Grandma and gave quite the concert. I recorded it and and will try to get it posted on here later-warning it is really one of those things that only parents actually only grandparents will love:) Jack got in on the action too, but unfortunately all he could remember to sing was one line of Frosty the snowman-over and over and over!!

Day Eight:countdown to Christmas

2011-12-12T05:36:00.000-08:00

The boys made little stained glass ornaments-these remind me of when I was a kid. You put all the little pieces in the section and then bake until the "plastic" melts. They started out really good sorting each color, but after a while they became multicolored:).

Here is also their picture with Santa from last week, I finally downloaded it from joe's phone to mine.

Day Seven: Countdown to Christmas

2011-12-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

Another day with no pics!! this time I forgot to take my camera:( It was an unusual day because daddy worked from home today. Joey was so excited because it meant daddy could take and drop him off at preschool. We decided since daddy was home to do a family trip to Starbucks for Christmas treats. It was fun to go inside (usually it's drive thru) and sip our drinks. We played "I spy" one of our favorite games. Jack cracks me up-pretty sure the boy is color blind, but he loves to play. He actually tells you what he is spying and then get SOOO excited when you guess it (repeat it). Very fun!!

Day Six: countdown to Christmas

2011-12-07T06:11:00.000-08:00

First I just have to say I love Tuesday-it's our do nothing day! We never have to be anywhere!!

Today the boys made Grandparent Christmas gifts. It was very fun and I did take pictures, but realized I can't post them since that is all who really read this blog!!

Day Five: Countdown to Christmas

2011-12-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

Today we made snowman s'mores. Very easy and very fun.

Day Four: Christmas Countdown

2011-12-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a friend of ours had 4 extra tickets to the Journey to Bethlehem in Auburn. So Joey and I went along with Josh and Noah. It was so incredible!! Joey has not stopped talking about it. It was so fun to see the kids get into the drama-very fun and interactive!! I know this will need to become a family tradition.

At the end of the "caravan" we went into a little sitting area where they had hot cider and cookies. The kids made funny faces while I took their picture-5 year olds are so funny!!

Day three: Christmas countdown

2011-12-05T07:17:00.000-08:00

Today I had a craft sale all day so daddy was in charge of all the Christmas fun! They went to Starbucks, Soccer practice and then came and visited me at the sale. The sale was fun for them they were able to make ornaments and meet Santa!! I will have to get joe to send me those pics. After the sale we headed downtown to the Santa parade. It was super cold and long, but the boys had fun. We met some super nice people who gave the boys their curb seats, a blanket and me a chair.

Day Two: Christmas countdown

2011-12-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

Today started early! We had our salt dough ornaments in the oven before 7 am!! The boys were up early and ready to go! They love making these and I am sure this will not be the only time this season. The boys haven't painted all theirs yet since they decided to go on a dump run with papa. I got mine done-thank you pinterest for the ideas on how to do mine this year! Joey doesn't want me to post his until they are all done and hanging on his tree-so his will come later!!

Day One: Christmas Countdown

2011-12-02T05:22:00.000-08:00

We actually started our 25 days right after Thanksgiving, but I decided I wouldn't start documenting until yesterday -which works out since I haven't really been taking pictures. Day one is low key for two reason, one I like it to build on itself each day and I was speaking at MOPS yesterday, I have a craft sale this weekend and earlier this week we had a MOPS leadership get together! Crazy week so low key is good. Day one I put all the little advent bags on the garland the boys got to open December 1, we also unwrapped our bedtime story for the night-it was a fun "I Spy" Christmas book.

the baby tiger and the colonel

2011-11-01T11:21:00.001-07:00

The boys had a very fun last few days. We had a MOPS family fun harvest party with lots of fun booths and a jumpy house and yesterday they got to tour the neighborhood getting lots of treats!! The boys received some extra special treats from some neighbors that seem to spoil them when ever they get a chance.

Thankfully Jack decided to wear the tiger costume I had made-seriously both boys chose items I that I had to create a pattern for so when Jack wanted to be the monkey from the dress-up bin last minute for the harvest party I was slightly irked-only slightly though because he is a pretty cute monkey!! Joey wanted to be the Calvary colonel from the Spirit movie-he saw it back in May and new that was what he wanted.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about fall is the Pumpkin Patch. We went again with Joey's Pre-K class to Marris Farms and it was fantastic. So much to do and the boys loved it!!!

Kitchen redo

2011-10-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

Before

After

For the past month our house has been a construction zone. Like the outside of the house we were at a crossroads with our kitchen counter tops. We have laminate and the part by the sink was in need of being replaced-so get laminate or granite? tile? quartz? we had a choice to make. We opted for granite-first because of the price. We were able to get a really good deal less than half of our bid from Costco, and another local private contractor bid. We picked granite because we didn't want a seam-any of the other options would have had to be seamed by our sink. Since we were doing the counter tops we decided to make a few other changes-back splash-we went with marble subway tiles and glass elongated mosaics. We also got rid of the "desk area" and had a cabinet built to match the existing ones making a long counter top and lots more kitchen cupboards-can never go wrong with that:) I am really loving it! Many of you who know me know I do not like my cupboards-never been a fan of deep grain oak, but we have had many bids on the cost to paint them or resurface and since it isn't a need like the counter tops they are staying (for now:-I can dream:) It is all the rage to paint them yourself, but on researching the deep grain oak-most are not happy unless it is done right-and that is a 2-3 month process, no thank you, at least not right now!!

I feel like our kitchen has been an evolving remodel-yearly doing what we can afford or making up grades as the need arises. I am loving the current one:) I am also so excited about the gray, whites and black-so much easier for me to change out the paint and accessories as my mode changes:)

Bye, Bye Pink House

2011-10-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Ever since we moved in Joe has hated the color of the house! Well with the age of the house progressing we were at a crossroads-either get boards re-caulked and painted or repaint the house. We opted for a whole new paint:) Economically it was the smart move since in the next year or so the whole house would need to be painted again and we would simply be buying time with our other options. I love the color! Joe has wanted gray and dark gray since he bought it and I had wanted a black door:0 so we both are happy. I am so thankful for the beautiful weather we had last week that enabled us to have it painted!!!

Awana

2011-10-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

Joey is loving Awana-between the dressing up in his Cubbie vest to the different crazy themes-it is right up his alley!! I am taking the class Love and Logic while he is there. If daddy is home then Jack gets some fun daddy time. I am really glad we waited until this year- we tried it last year, but the "late" night was too much for him then. It seems to be perfect now. He is loving memorizing his verse and "teaching" it to daddy and jack.

Master Gardener Center

2011-10-08T07:31:00.001-07:00

Last week Joey's class took a field trip to the Puyallup Master Gardener Center. It was a lot of fun touring their gardens and picking leaves and flowers to observe and look at under the microscope. Joey loved the microscope-maybe an idea for Christmas! He also loved the Peter Rabbit Garden. Jack loved the frogs-he didn't want to touch them but sat and watched them for a long time. I didn't realize how many great kid's programs they have there starting in the spring, we will definitely be going back!

End of Summer Beginning of Fall

2011-09-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been pretty crazy around here! We are slowly moving into fall ready for Awanas, MOPS, PreK and Soccer Season to start. This week the last of our fall schedule will be in full swing! I love this time of year and the order and schedule it provides, but I do miss the lazy days of summer with no hurry! I have been trying to be more relaxed and hurry less-one of my favorite blogs, A Holy Experience has a great post on this and it was quite convicting! So we are trying to have rhythm and order with out the last minute hurry!!

On another note we have been doing some kitchen remodel:) hip hip hooray!! still have my "ugh" oak cabinets, but new counter tops and a pretty back splash that makes me want to bake away!! Over the passed 5 years we have slowly upgrading different parts of the house as we can afford it-I I am really excited about this latest and I will post pictures when it is all done.

I have lots of pictures to share from our fair adventure, to school starting and even a fall swim!! Loving our crazy start to fall and temperature of up to 80!!

Camping

2011-08-22T11:20:00.001-07:00

We have been making good progress on our summer bucket list! It has been so fun to plan and do fun activities with the boys. We have ridden a train, rode horses, fished, gone to the movies, made jam, gone on nature walks and done some exciting science experiments. This past weekend we went camping and enjoyed perfect weather. The boys loved it!

summer swimming!

2011-08-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

If it gets above 75 we can be found swimming in my mom's pool. The boys are total water bugs and I am loving how independent they are this summer-so I am getting a lot of summer reading in!!! I know lots of people complain about our weather around here and think we haven't really had a summer, but I love our mild summers. To me it is perfect for evening walks, mornings are cool enough to weed and clean and the afternoons are just hot enough for sprinklers and pool time. I love it!

The boys especially love that going to the pool usually means some cousin time!! Nothing beats playing with your cousins!

Giving Thanks

2011-07-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading one of the best and most inspiring books that I have read in a long time- A Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. It is a fairly short read, but so full of inspiration and truth nuggets that I have been re-reading sections jotting down quotes and points to remember. I know talking about it I can't do it justice, but for a mom-stay at home mom it is such an great reminder to focus on living life for God, on living your life as a mom, woman for God. Thanksgiving is the main theme and crux of the book, but it is much deeper truths about giving thanks that are typically discussed or written in a book for mom. It goes far beyond the "Give thanks in Everything" we hear so often and really to the heart of the matter.

I think often at least for my I tend to focus on "working" on my job as a mom, but this book inspired me that first and foremost it is my "work" and duty as a daughter of Christ and that is where my focus should be and from that the other-mom, wife, friend things flow-naturally. Not that books about motherhood aren't important, but often the focus can be so much my kids that my heart suffers.

One point she made that has really helped my focus was the part that the apostle Paul talks in Philippians 4:11 "I have LEARNED, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."-Often for me I figured you either are or aren't I love the learned part-it takes practice to learn something. I need to be faithful and diligent about practicing contentment-it is doing! This is really helping me with the boys as well trying to train and teach them to "learn" contentment. She gives practical ways to be content the main thing is simply giving thanks-constantly about ALL things! The boys and I have been doing her July challenge of 7 thanksgivings a day. It amazes me how doing that simply making a point to be thankful changes perspective.

I loved this book. I have followed her blog, A Holy Experience for awhile, but the book makes the blog even more encouraging and inspiring.

major catch up is in order!

2011-07-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

this was my birthday cake I made-I had been wanting an excuse to try the recipe-it was yummy!

these are the cupcakes I made for my friend lisa-she threw her sister a 4oth birthday party. Really fun to do-I should post a picture of how she did the table display-it was beautiful!

sheesh can't believe how much we have done since I last posted! Lots of kodak moments but too many to post all of them:) I won't bore you too much!

Since Joe's birthday I feel like it has been nonstop. We have had jack's birthday, gone to Great Wolf Lodge, celebrated the 4th of July, planned and did the planning meeting for MOPS with my MOPS partner Renae, helped a friend with baking for her sister's surprise birthday, and celebrated my birthday!!! All in less than a month. Now I am ready for a break, but first my mom and I are throwing a shower for my sweet cousin Ali, then I think I can rest!

I really feel like Jack should have his own post for his birthday, but he is so easy going he won't care when he reads this years from now.

I honestly can't believe he is 3!! 3!! How does that happen?? He is so independent, such a dare devil and a goof-really big goof! I love how tenderhearted he is and how he is all boy at the same time. He keeps me on my toes with always, I mean ALWAYS moving. He doesn't like movies or sitting still reading he likes to go, to play ball, build sand castles, collect rocks and play dress up with his brother. He still can't decide what hand he likes best one day he right left-handed the next is right and same with eating. He has no interest in potty training-none. We have started, I call it phase one-I have a feeling it will be no more fun that it was with his brother! ugh! I feel so honored and blessed to be his mommy, despite the potty training-he is sweet, funny, loving, a good friend and a protector. He loves babies and big dogs, hates bugs and cats. He can pout like non other, but is easily redirected and get's over it. I love watching him grow and become a little man!!

Happy Birthday, Baby!!

2011-06-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

Joe turned 40 yesterday and I was going to blog about it, but never got around to it!! I thought in honor of this momentous milestone I would blog 40 of my favorite things about him!

1-kind-truly doesn't really have a mean bone in his body!

2-great daddy and loves being a daddy. The boys adore him and he loves to play with them.

3-sweet husband-he seriously would give me anything I wanted-I have to be careful about saying I like something because often he gets it! He loves to make me happy and he does!!

4-great sense of humor and laughs easy. He can laugh at himself and makes me laugh so hard I cry.

5-works hard-he doesn't do anything halfway whether his job, taking care of me and the boys, the yard or anything else.

6-he is easy to be with-I love spending time with him more than anyone else-I would redily ditch my girlfriends to hang with him.

7-good cleaner-seriously he can and does clean up after himself and us

8-super organized-he makes the fly lady look like a slob!

9-good driver, thank goodness because I really don't like driving

10-he puts joey to bed at night, prays with him and rubs his back

11-he will put off doing reports so I can run or work out

12-never once has he left cloths or towels or even socks on the floor-he puts them in the laundry basket

13-he doesn't complain that I never seem to get the trash bags into the big garbage-just to the garage, quietly he puts them out for me

14-he eats whatever I make even if it isn't his favorite

15-he often asks, "Babe, what do you need me to do?"

16-he handles all the bills

17-he takes care of the yard and makes it look really good-

18-he washes and vacuums out my car regularly and never complains if he finds cheerios or other stuff

19-he puts up with me wanting to redecorate or repaint every few months

20-he puts up with my "projects" even getting me a shed to keep them in

21-if he has a choice he always chooses to spend time with us rather than go do "boy" things

22-he loves the Lord and has grown in his Christian walk

23-he is a good friend

24-he admits when he is wrong

25-he is a peace maker

26-he gets down on the floor to build toy houses, race cars and lets the boys use his golf clubs

27-he always says, "I love you"

28-he puts family first

29-he is a good son

30-he encourages the boys with kind words

31-he never says anything if the house is a mess, but always comments when I have cleaned

32-he has never said anything mean or unkind to me

33-he always makes us a priority

34-he makes sure I get a shower in the mornings he is home-even if it means getting up really early

35-he is really good at finishing what he starts-and sometimes what I start:)

36-he often surprises me with a coffee

37-he is sweet-just really sweet even when he is being imp!

38-he has worked really hard at breaking bad habits-4 years, baby!

39-he is smart-often he has to take tests and such for work-he always passes on the first try when all his co-workers have to take the tests numerous times

40-He is HOT

The Running Bug

2011-06-12T06:48:00.001-07:00

This past Christmas my siblings and I all went on an after dinner walk. It was really fun to walk and laugh together. On that walk I told them we should all do a 5K together. Mostly I gave the challenge for myself I wanted to run one and knew I would be more apt to do it if I had some support-I had run one about 10 years ago, but since having kids-really since getting married regular runs and walks were a thing of the passed! At first everyone was "in" but as it got closer it became clear that just Brenda and I were in! Well this passed Saturday-We did it! She and I ran the Sound to Narrows 5K-not a super easy one I might add (the last 1.5 miles are all up hill)! We had a Blast! And we both are ready to do another. We both ran the whole thing, which was the first goal and my second was to at least run at a 10/mile pace. I did better-I ran under 10/mile pace!

Two other friends did the race as well-Melissa my friend from Church and MOPS and an old co-worker, Dawn! It was just fun to have friends doing the race too-It added fun energy that, "Yeah!! we did it!!"

Joe and Josh brought all the boys to cheer us on-and they were so cute! Joey wore a shirt with a number on it so he could be ready for his race:).

If you are saying you could never-believe me you CAN!! I used the couch to 5k training method and was surprised how easy and fast I progressed!! Figure by fall I want to do a 10k-did I really just say that!!!:)

Jackers!

2011-06-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Lord knew this little guy would have to be able to hold his own especially with a brother as feisty and bossy as Joey! Joey has always given us a run for our money verbally, but Jack is the opposite in so many ways!-Verbally he a typical guy not a a chatterbox, but just enough to get his point across. Jack challenges us mostly with his independence and his physical abilities. This boy has a fear of nothing unless it is a tiny ant-serious-he is not scared of large dogs or rodents, but if he sees an ant or lady bug he totally freaks!! Here are some of what he has been up to lately:

He has gotten in trouble a number of times for "sneaking" the peanut butter! First time I couldn't help but take a pic-probably led to him doing it a few more times-needless to say we have moved to more "drastic" punishments!

He want to do everything that his brother does and this includes having a mustache-His head is so round and his neck so large that he reminds me of a little hitler-ugh, but he does love his "moostache"
I love this picture of him-People always comment on how big he is-really wish I has a quarter for everytime I am asked if I have twins. Seriously he carries all his weight in his head and neck! (like his daddy). They are built like Mr.Incredible:) He really isn't very big last appointment he only weight 26 pounds-not very big for almost three.
Here he was so proud that he got dressed by himself-he put his shirt in place of his shorts!! He couldn't stop grinning-so proud of himself. He was running around saying, "I do-ed it!"

a little catch up:)

2011-05-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

since joey is done with preschool we decided to start swim lessons on Monday and Wednesday. the boys are LOVING it. Each morning they both are soo excited to get their swim gear on and are usually ready way before it is time:) one morning the were up, dressed and ready at 6:30 am-lessons aren't until 10:30!! Joey is doing really good especially at the back stroke. He is also giving me hope that parent/teacher conferences won't be too painful-he is so obedient and does such a great job listening. I also love that I don't have to get in the pool:)

The Joys of Boys!

2011-05-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

You might think with that title I have a great story about raising boys, but I don't! I have been reading, Wild Things: the art of nurturing boys by Stephan James and David Thomas. I am halfway in and it has really helped me understand the mind of a boy! It has given me new insight to the whys and whats that I find myself asking in this journey of raising boys. For instance I am a "get it done" type person, give me a list, a plan and I will follow it-from point A to point B. So is my husband-we aren't dilly dally type people. We "plan" to take the scenic route-and "plan" our spontaneity:) But I have discovered my boys are not this way!!! And that is totally normal and really age appropriate!! Phew!! But because I had expected at least one of them to be this way it had led me to get really frustrated at times with them! As an example taking a walk with small boys going half a mile can take an hour-ugh!! In reading I have discovered, that this is normal-of course they don't want to stay on the path or just walk-because walking is an adventure. For most of you especially those of you that are the more relaxed, go with the flow types this is probably a no brainer, but for me it was eye opening. I know longer think of taking walks-we are taking an adventure, anxious and expecting to find all sorts of incredible discoveries along the way! It has made me slow down my parenting-try to soak in this age of exploration. I am finding that most of the fits come when I try to "do" too much or hurry them in a way that unnecessary. Yes, there is schedule and boundaries-major boundaries, but I am learning in that to have freedom. I am learning that in structure and schedule there can be flexibility and freedom.

Easter Pics and other catching up pics:)

2011-04-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

Jack has become very good at escaping-from pretty much anywhere. We have purchased over the door alarms since he is also very "quiet" about escaping. This is after I brought him back inside from standing on the front porch (thank goodness we live at the end of a dead end).
Saturday was so beautiful we went on a family hike with Reb and her kiddos to Federation Forrest. It was a perfect hike for preschoolers. Joey loved it! He kept wanting to make sure Joe and I were seeing all the BEAUTIFUL scenery!

Friday Joey and Jack participated in Preschool BIG easter egg hunt.

Easter Morning-the boys got sunglasses in their Easter Baskets so Joey was not wanting to take them off for the picture.

Breath in, Breath out!

2011-04-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

This week has been a long week. Last week a dear friend passed away and another gal from our MOPS group lost her home to fire. It has really made me think about what matters-what is really important. It can be so easy to get caught up in the here and now-pretty things, petty things, things that really don't matter. What matters are people-souls-my boy's hearts-these are the things that will last! It has made me stop and think-what do I show them is important-am I training them to see people and relationships as the things that last?

Along with this week of deep pondering has been a crazy at home because we are having some work done on the house-nothing major, but enough that there is lost of dust, chaos, and disorder-and a break from out normal routine, which if you know me can kind of make me frazzled!

Tuesday we had to be out of the house because they were spraying items and it was a long day. The boys, especially Jack were done-ready to be at home. I told them just one more quick stop to Target and if they were good they could pick a small toy. They were good-so joey picked an army man and Jack a dinosaur book. On the way to check out Jack began to lose it-big time. Throwing a pretty good fit. I told him to stop or no book-he just got louder. So when we got to the check out I handed the book to the cashier and told her I wasn't getting it. Jack began to wail and Joey got really upset. He started begging Jack to behave, "Jack, just be good, behave it is a good thing. Do what mommy says and it will be ok, you can get the book." Jack just got louder. Joey again tried to talk him into being good-even begging me to, "Please get Jack the book, because in his heart he really wants it!" (where does he get this stuff). He also told Jack, "Be a good little Jackers and the Dinosaurs will be yours!" Jack was having none of it! Joey asked if I would get him the dinosaur book and when Jack was good enough he could give it to him.

"NO way!" I said.

Finally Joey was almost in tears too, wanting so badly for Jack to get a toy, that he turned to Jack grabbed his checks and said, "Jack, Just breath in, breath out!"

I thought the cashier and the lady behind me were going to lose it laughing. I of course bit my cheeks because being the firm momma I am-I couldn't laugh until later when I recalled the story to daddy!

Jack didn't get the dinosaur book-but he was asleep before we were even out of the parking lot!

On another note-Joey can ride a bike!!!!!! I am so happy for him-so happy!! It has been one of those delays we have seen because of his prematurity-his fine and gross motor skills have all come really hard for him. He worked hard for it and I am proud of him!!

Heavy Heart

2011-03-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today my heart is heavy. Our lead mentor mom from MOPS, Marlyn went to be with Jesus today. She was such an amazing woman of faith. She was really short, but what she lacked in stature she made up for in spunk and heart. You couldn't help but love her-she was quick witted, smart, full of laughter always making people smile and feel comfortable. And she was all about Jesus-she loved him and that was where her joy came-even in the midst of her struggles she would just say "His Will"-

She had been diagnosed over a year ago with stage 4 cancer and had over the last few months especially seemed tired, but even so it was a shock this weekend to learn she had a double pneumonia and she went downhill so quickly!

She was my secret sister and I have some of the sweetest notes she wrote to encourage me in my walk with the Lord and as a mom. She was such a special lady-the kind that is EVERYONES grandma and mom-you just can't help but hug her.

I feel in the last few years our MOPS group has been rocked with hard losses. Part of me asks-"Why, Lord?" but another part of me knows especially with the loss of Marlyn-Why? because she would want His name and His purposes to be proclaimed-she always said, "Whatever He has for me." She would want others to come to know Him through her death. She would want Him to be honored and glorified.

So that is what I am praying and hoping-it could be a really hard meeting this coming week, but I am praying and asking the Lord to honor what I know Marlyn's prayer would be-for His name to be shown and for those who do not know Him to see Him in her death.-He was evident in her Life and I pray now He will be evident in her death as well.

Glad you are home, Marlyn!!! One day I will get to laugh with you again.

To Infinity and Beyond!

2011-03-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Joey had a small party this saturday with a few friends and mostly family. The theme was a Spanish Buzz Birthday-He comes up with these themes all on his own-which makes it a little difficult, but I guess in being creative is where half the fun is! We mostly did "space" and a piñata:) for the spanish flair! The kids each made a "alien" using dollar store dusters and some foam and they got their picture in a rocket-more like a 5th grade science fair booth-but ya know! It was fun, but after this long week I am glad it is over:).

Disneyland

2011-03-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Basically this will be a major photo dump-but I thought I should give a little info:)

We left last Saturday for a birthday surprise trip to Disneyland. It was magical-magical. I actually cried on Peter Pan! So Crazy, I know. Joey LOVED every second of it. He got to go to Jedi training academy, ride all the rides he wanted, meet Woody, Jesse, Mickey, Rapunzel and more! I love seeing the wold of make-believe through you kids. Jack loved it too, especially the dinosaurs-the child is slightly obsessed! The crazy part is he can tell you the names of each different one-where he got this I could not tell you! It was the first time besides camping that we have really vacationed anywhere together as a family and it was fantastic. However I will tell you next trip we will be out of diapers, strollers and carseats. Also if I never go to LAX again it will be fine with me!! New Yorkers get a bad rap, but I have to tell you in my experience New Yorkers were wayyyy nicer than LA people! I think that be one reason Disneyland is so wonderful, unlike LA it is clean, people are kind and helpful.

We did end up being there for their record breaking rainfall, but we are from Washington-so all we had to say was, "bring it on!" Most the crowds went shopping or to lunch, so we took advantage of the rides. We didn't wait longer than 20-and that was only for Peter Pan! We heard this was REALLY unusual.

It is most definitely one of the happiest places on earth-so magical and especially magical with a 5 year old who soaks it all in!

A Birthday to Remember

2011-03-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

So today we are leaving for "the happiest place on earth"-so excited. I think maybe everyone should wait until they are in their 30's to go! I am mostly excited to share it with my boys! Joey turns 5 Sunday-FIVE!! How did that happen? I am amazed by him and so blessed to be his momma! He is growing so much everyday and becoming a little man. They have no idea where we are going-just that we are going on "bacation" (in jack language). I will post more when we get back and hopefully have a major photo dump!

A Cast

2011-03-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

I thought I better update on Jackers-We saw the orthopedic specialist on thursday and since Jack couldn't pass the tendon test they decided the best thing to do would be to cast it-to protect it and help from the stitches opening. Joey was with us and he chose glow in the dark color for Jack-it was quite traumatic. They had to clean it and he was not a happy camper. I was pretty done too, with having to hold my baby still while he screamed for the past two days. Blood and guts don't get to me, but a sad little boy tired of being poked and prodded does! We all were exhausted by friday.

Over the weekend the cast was becoming loose-so on Monday back to the orth for a new cast-this one bright orange-I should be able to find him in Disneyland:)

I am amazed at how this doesn't slow him down one bit! He still tries to go down stairs without holding on, climbs up on the top bunk bed, eat with his left hand and color. He is quite upset with his stroller-whenever he sees it he whacks it with his cast. At the dr. yesterday when they asked what happened he said, "Naughty stroller got me!"

Stitches -Again!

2011-03-09T18:54:00.000-08:00

Jack today ended up getting 19 stitches in his index finger this morning! We were at Target after dropping Joey off at preschool and Jack was having a tough time staying in the stroller-he can pretty much get out of most any contraption and he managed to stand up in the stroller. I set him back down and he began to SCREAM-not the "i want my way scream", but the "i am hurt!" (crazy how you totally know the difference). I noticed his right hand had gotten pinched in the stroller-the part that folds in half so you can pack it in your car. As soon as I got his hand out I knew we were in for stitches at the very least. He was bleeding everywhere and I could see the entire bone:( Adrenalin kicked in and I basically ran to the front of target, asked for some paper towels then got him in the car, called joe and headed to Good Sam (which by the way has been remodeled very nicely!). On the way I called my mom and she took care of Joey for me-PTL! The poor boy was bleeding everywhere and screaming the whole way. I have to say I was impressed with Good Sam-the dr. was fantastic our nurse was so sweet-really different than any other ER visit I have had there!

Everything happened really quick-meds for pain, sedated him, X-rays, and then began working on his finger. Originally the Dr thought 15 stitches would do, but reading the report he actually got 19-can't even believe his finger could hold that many!! It is pretty amazing to watch so closely them stitch the finger-the dr. kept asking if I was going to be ok and if I needed to leave-but you moms know-no way was I leaving my baby-I figured I can swallow puke and bend my knees!! I actually didn't get queasy at all-just a little after it was all bandaged up! It took him along time to wake up-but by then Joe was there.

He was brave and so cute-looked so little laying on the table:( He seems to be not in too much pain, but we aren't really letting the pain meds wear off. Poor boy is holding his hand at a 90 degree angle to keep it from throbbing:(

Tomorrow we will visit the Ortho to make sure the tendons are ok-they think they are, but with so young of patience they really want to make sure!!

A crazy day!! CRAZY-I am always amazed at how fast things can change. The whole way to the ER I was just praying that he wouldn't lose his finger!! I feel blessed to have so many friends and family close who will pray and help when these times arise!

hmm-can't think of a title

2011-02-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Joe had to work Saturday morning so the boys and I hung out with auntie Becka her kiddos and Mom and Mike. We decided since the sun was out-not really very warm, but no rain we would walk Chambers Bay. The kids did so great. Jack mostly rode (at least for the uphill portions) which was fine by me since he has a double ear infection it was probably best not to have the wind blowing on his ears. I love that walk, the view is amazing and anywhere with trains and water and little boys is good in my book!

This week ended up being a little lazier than usual due to me getting the stomach bug, jack's ears, joey getting a cold in his eye and joe getting a pneumonia!

Valentines Cookies

2011-02-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

Joey has been begging me to make cookies with him, but I keep putting him off. I have been working really hard on trying to get in shape and lose some weight-sheesh my baby is 2.5 so the excuse is getting old!!! I have am planning on running the Sound to Narrows this year so I figure I need to be training NOW!! I am using the couch to 5K training method and LOVING it-I cannot believe how fast my endurance is building and as of today I am down 11 lbs since Christmas!!!

I decided I was far enough into the process that I could give it a go without totally going all out and eating all the cookies. I did good-only a tablespoon of dough and half a cookie!!

It was really fun-I think cooking is Joey's love language-he lights up and is sooo good!! At one point however he did say to me, " Don't call me Joey when we are cooking, mom, call me Chef Joey."-ok, kiddo!

I am working on a few cute-non-edible items for the boys for Valentines. I will post those on the craft blog later tonight.

These will be shown to his future wife!

2011-02-01T10:39:00.001-08:00

Joey thinks he is half cowboy-I remember when he was about 3 he asked me why God made him a cowboy and not other kids! He is a total character and has so much drama and imagination. I wish I had a video camera because after this little kodak moment he led Jack in putting on a "movie" for daddy and I. I am not sure where he gets his moves or his ideas, but I can assure you these should make good blackmail pictures later in life:)

Such a talker

2011-01-21T18:06:00.000-08:00

Joey is my big talker-sometimes I can hear him even when he is not around because I am so used to his constant chatter! Constant! He never really went through the why stage because he already thinks he knows why-he has reasons and creates up stories for EVERYTHING. I try to keep a little journal by my bed that I fill with the funny things he says-I seriously could have a quote a day calendar filled with the crazy stuff he comes up with. Just from this week alone here are some Joeyisms!

"Mom, I think God finally got tired of the rain!"-this was on the way to preschool wednesday the only nice "sunny" day we have had in a while.

Minutes later he asked for some sun glasses. I gave him a cheap pair of mine. As we were walking into preschool he looks at me and says, "hey, momma, aren't I soo cool in these glasses?"

-me"uh yah, sure!"

J-"No, really mom I am you should let me have them forevers!"

J-"Mom, I have a sister."

Me-"No, honey you don't."

J-"I do momma, she is at college and she is coming home soon so you better get ready."

J-"Mom, do you like to pee or poop better?"

Me-"what are you talking about?"

J-"I like to pee because it is like I have my own green hose, but it isn't really green."

Me-"ok"

J-talking to jack when we picked him up from preschool. I thought his teacher was going to die laughing

-"Hey, Bro, what is going on?"
(where in the world did he pick up bro????)

Me-"Joey, you have 10 minutes then it is lights out."

J-"Oh momma, please can I have 8?"

Me-"Sure 8 it is!"

J-"Ah ha I won!"

J-to me asking me to fix him a snack, "He there be nice starving magicians need to eat too, don't you know?"-maybe we watched just a little too much Frosty the Snowman:)

Jack at 2.5

2011-01-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

Jack is two and a half and just cracks me up! He is really a little character-a lot of times it is hard to know this about him because Joey can somewhat steal the spotlight and have a tendency to take over:) One of my most favorite things about having Joey in preschool is being able to spend one on one time with Jack. He is a cuddler, a lover and most of the time really easy going. However we have noticed the two year temper starting to rear it's ugly head. When gets made-mostly at Joey he will use naughty language-his favorite phrase is, "You not nice, you a naked boot diaper!" Often I have to bite my cheeks while punishing him for this. If he really likes something he will walk around saying, "Yay baby, yah!" He also is becoming quite the little helper-if he spills something he gets a towel to clean it, often he will get the broom and try to sweep up. He also loves good guys and bad guys. If you ask him his name it can vary from, "I good guy" "I Jackarooski" "I Jackers" or "I Joey" followed by "Nooooo I not Joey, silly!" He is my one who likes to figure things out, he will spend a long time figuring out how something fits together or how to take it apart. He also loves to dance-not sure where he learned his moves, but he most definitely has some!

Family and Fondue!

2011-01-15T07:55:00.000-08:00

Last night we hosted our families first sibling dinner:) thanks to my mom who took all 6 grandkids!! We had fun, laughed, ate, went on a late night stroll and enjoyed each other's company. We had fondue and ate too much and had lots leftover! It is fun to spend time together without the kids. I am really thankful for them-even though it amazes me how people raised together can be so different I am so blessed to have siblings that I enjoy. It always makes me sad how some families don't have that and how they can allow circumstances or expectations get in the way of relationship. I am also so blessed that even though we don't worship at the same church we worship the same God and we love and want to serve Him. The older I get the more I realize how rare it is to have good relationships with family-too many have broken relationships. I really hope and pray the Lord will protect our relationships and help us to continue to build on what we have. I want that for my boys-I want them to see that. I desire for them to not just be brothers but friends. I love that my siblings (married in ones included:) are just that friends-trustworthy friends!

8 years ago today!

2011-01-13T19:16:00.000-08:00

Eight years ago today I met my best friend and 8 years ago today he signed papers on the house we live in!

So glad that the Lord brought this kind, sweet, honest and handsome man in my life. I can't imagine what life would be like without him. He is a great daddy, a sweet and loving husband and my very best friend!!

A New Year and New Goals

2011-01-12T18:38:00.001-08:00

I have to say I love January-mostly because it is an excuse to reevaluate and set goals. I love lists, calendars, and setting goals. I have been trying some new goals with the boys and so far it seems to be working out-but it's only January. One goal is chores. Joey has had chores before and it seems we have to revisit frequently a system that best works for me to manage and for him to be motivated by. I want it to become second nature to help out and do things and not help out only when a reward is given, but it is a fine line in getting him to see what to do or how to do it. Jack has also been helping out with his chores. Mostly it is simply things I want for them to do as a routine-putting coat and boots away, putting his own milk back in the fridge, making sure the toys are picked up before rest time and bed.

Another goal is getting (mostly Joey) engaging in conversation. I purchased "Kid's Table Talk" questions and they have been fun for us to do during lunch. I am reading "365 Manners every Kid should Know" and we have been working on those as well-there is a brief section to read every day. I was a really shy child and would often hide behind my mom when adults spoke to me-joey has the same situational shyness and I want him to build the confidence he needs, but also be polite even though it might be uncomfortable.

I am also wanting to post more on this blog-one of my "reevaluations" I have discovered that scrapbooking large books for the boys is just not something I can afford to spend my time on-I prefer sewing, card making and simple scrapbooks, so I really want this to be that for the boys. Pictures of them, stats, activities we are doing as a family or they are doing. Hopefully I will get more posted about them in the coming future!

Pizza, Pizza!

2011-01-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

We love pizza around here-it is my four year olds most favorite food in the world and most nights if I ask what he want for dinner he will say pizza. He is getting good at "helping" me make it too. We have tried numerous recipes and now have a crust and sauce recipe that we love. I make this is super batches and freeze. Since we often have pizza friday I love having them in the freezer so I don't have to do much thought in the making process.

My boys favorite topping is turkey pepperoni, Joe loves Canadian bacon and pineapple and I love peppers, red onion, and mushroom. Joe has learned to like turkey pepperoni and pineapple and I have learned that unless making a my pie I don't get my favorite.

Pizza Dough

(from: Baking Illustrated, pages 153-155)

Makes enough for 3 medium pizzas.

We find the food processor is the best tool for making pizza dough. However, only a food processor with a capacity of at least 11 cups can handle this much dough. You can also knead this dough by hand or in a standing mixer (see the variations that follow). Unbleached all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch, but the resulting crust will be less crisp. If you want to make pizza dough in the morning and let it rise on the counter all day, decrease the yeast to 1/2 teaspoon and let the covered dough rise at cool room temperature (about 68 degrees) until doubled in size, about 8 hours. You can prolong the rising time even further by refrigerating the covered dough for up to 16 hours and then letting it rise on the counter until doubled in size, which will take 6 to 8 hours.

1/2 cup warm water (about 110 degrees)

1 envelope (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast

1 1/4 cups water, at room temperature

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 cups (22 ounces) bread flour, plus more for dusting work surface and hands

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Olive oil or nonstick cooking spray for oiling the bowl

1. Measure the warm water into a 2-cup liquid measuring cup. Sprinkle in the yeast and let stand until the yeast dissolves and swells, about 5 minutes. Add the room-temperature water and oil and stir to combine.

2. Process the flour and salt in a large food processor, pulsing to combine. Continue pulsing while pouring the liquid ingredients (holding back a few tablespoons) through the feed tube. If the dough does not readily form into a ball, add the remaining liquid and continue to pulse until a ball forms. Process until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 30 seconds longer.

3. The dough will be a bit tacky, so use a rubber spatula to turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead by h and for a few strokes to form a smooth, round ball. Put the dough into a deep oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Press the dough to deflate it.

Pizza Dough Kneaded by Hand

Follow the recipe for Pizza Dough through step 1. Omit step 2 and instead combine the salt and half the flour in a deep bowl. Add the liquid ingredients and use a wooden spoon to combine. Add the remaining flour, stirring until a cohesive mass forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic 7 to 8 minutes, using as little dusting flour as possible while kneading. Form the dough into a ball, put it in a deep oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and proceed with the recipe.

Pizza Dough Kneaded in a Standing Mixer

Follow the recipe for Pizza Dough through step 1. Omit step 2 and instead place the flour and salt in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle. Briefly combine the dry ingredients at low speed. Slowly add the liquid ingredients and continue to mix at low speed until a cohesive mass forms. Stop the mixer and replace the paddle with the dough hook. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Form the dough into a ball, put it in a deep oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and proceed with the recipe.

Pizza Dough with a Bread Machine

Combine warm water and yeast and let sit. Meanwhile add all other ingredients plus ¼ and 2 Tablespoons more flour to bread machine. After yeast mixture has bubbled add to machine and press dough setting.

After the dough is made I typically divide the dough into three balls. One I use to make pizza using the following instructions. The other two I wrap in plastic wrap then place in freezer bags and freeze for the next time.

To make the pizza

1. Prepare the dough as directed in the Pizza Dough recipe. Place a pizza stone on a rack in the lower third of the oven. Heat the oven to 500° for at least 30 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Use a chef’s knife or dough scraper to divide the dough into three pieces. Form each piece of dough into three pieces. (this is where I freeze two) Form the remaining piece of dough into a smooth, round ball and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough relax for at least 10 minutes but no more than 30 minutes.

2. Shape the dough, then transfer it to a pizza peel that has been lightly dusted with corn flour.

3. Lightly brush the dough round with olive oil. Spread 1 cup tomato sauce (recipe to follow) over the dough round, leaving a ½-inch border uncovered. Place your favorite toppings on the pizza.

4. Slide the dough onto the heated stone. Bake until the crust edges brown and the cheese is golden brown in spots, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan, cut into wedges, and serve immediately. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 with the remaining two pieces of dough and the remaining toppings.

For the frozen pizza dough take out and place in fridge the night before you want to use or on the counter 4-5 hours the day you wish to use.

*Note this makes medium sized pizza for large pizza divide dough in half instead of thirds.

Old School Pizza Sauce

I have tried numerous sauces-apparently I am picky because none of them seemed right until I found this one about a year ago. I make this sauce in large batches and freeze in 1.75 cup portions to use for pizza.

15 ounces tomato sauce

6 ounce tomato paste

2.5 teaspoons oregano

2 teaspoons basil

2 teaspoons garlic powder (I usually use one clove pressed)

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon paprika

4 Tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons white vinegar

Mix together-works best if sits in fridge 2 hours so flavors combine. Then warm slightly to spread on pizza crust.

I like to have extra sauce for dipping-it is really yummy-I think it is the vinegar that makes this sauce so yummy!

Finally Finished . . . at least for now:)

2011-01-03T15:42:00.000-08:00

Joe had a few extra days off for Christmas this year and we took full advantage. During our pre kid days we would spend the week between New Year and Christmas cleaning, purging and getting organized for the year! It is much harder with two busy helpers, but even more necessary! The whole house has been in need of a toothbrush type scrubbing. So we did it! We went room by room sorting, cleaning, purging and getting things put back in order. My husband is seriously soo good at this-He can just see and sort so easily. I tell him all the time he needs to open a business. He is a firm believer, "A place for everything and everything in it's place." He also has no problem with purging. He is married to a sentimental pack rat-poor man. Thankfully I am organized, but as he puts it, "Honey, it is hard to organize when you have soo much:)" It is true less really is more in the area of keeping things organized. I tell him all the time that he has no idea how far I have come. I had to remind him of this when he tripped over my cheerleading uniform in the attic:) Seriously what do you do with something like that???? especially if you don't have girls????

Anyhow, it is so freeing to get rid of stuff!! I am really working on cleaning out things that I just don't use anymore or that really are just "stuff."

I love the new year and new start. Hopefully all my January motivation will help me keep on keeping on!!

The Post Christmas Clean up!

2010-12-28T13:21:00.001-08:00

Christmas is over and I am happy to say the house has been undecked! I love the feeling of getting it out and I love the feeling of putting it all away. The house seems so large and spacious-everything seems cleaner! I have been pondering a lot about some new years resolutions and some new family goals for the year.

Currently my mind has been a little preoccupied with our current situation. My mother-in-law is still here trying to heal after her back surgery and I am still trying to get new toys organized and find a place for everything. I feel like I am in limbo until the first when the New Year actually starts-for some reason I don't really want to start any goals until them-strange? I don't know, but I feel if I have a date in mind it will be easier and more realistic to implement!

One thing I have started and am excited to continue through the year is reading the Bible with the boys. We started reading a children's version of the advent each day during our 25 days of Christmas and really enjoyed it. I have been wanting to start a "family" type devotion with the boys, but it is hard with a husband that travels a lot or many nights can't make it home in time. Our evenings with daddy are precious and it seems already rushed with baths and dinner. At first I felt frustrated by this, but then after really thinking about it decided the right time of day to do it and have it been consistent needed to be lunch which means it is all on me:) So we started with the Christmas story and we will continue this in the New Year reading through the Bible. My mom gave us a children's bible a few years back that I really love-good discussion questions and really short lessons (2 paragraphs) perfect for their little attention spans-and lets me honest for mine too! Sad as it sounds it is hard to sometimes take the time to really teach and read-reading is enough then I see the floor that needs to be cleaned, dishes and laundry-so really it is more the right length for me!

What are some goals you have with your kiddos for the new year??

25 Days of Christmas: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

2010-12-27T08:30:00.001-08:00

The older I get the more I realize that expectations can be dangerous especially in regards to others- I am slowly learning that I am the only one I can control is myself. I tried to make a conscious effort to prepare my self to "go with the flow" and be relaxed and not care if exactly what I had planned or imagined happened. The Lord decided to test me and make sure I was serious about letting things go and being flexible by having my MIL go into emergency surgery the day before Christmas Eve making it necessary for me to be flexible.

I have to say it was really a relaxing and laid back time both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Due to spending time at the hospital instead of at home I wasn't able to do some of the things I had planned and wanted, but it was OK and we all survived:) It is definitely something I need to try to do in life more often-not set my expectations low, but be realistic and put relationship and people before "doing."

We spent Christmas day with my immediate family and it was really nice to not feel like we were going here and there and everywhere. We actually go to play games and go for a walk. It was really nice.

The boys did really well too-despite Jack being utterly exhausted and Joey having a really bad cough! I had practiced with Joey for weeks before Christmas on what do we say after we open a gift, how do we act-Joey can be really sweet and he LOVES presents, but he also can tell you exactly what he thinks and pitch a might royal fit-Thankfully none of that!!

The boys are enjoying playing with all their new toys and have been playing really well together. I LOVE watching them pretend play together!!! It is so fun and makes me smile.

25 Days of Christmas: Day Twenty-three

2010-12-24T08:30:00.001-08:00

We had planned today to do a gingerbread house, but grandma Sue ended up having emergency back surgery so the boys got to have a special sleepover with Grandma and Poppy Lee!! Sorry no pictures, but I am sure they had a blast!!

Sue is doing ok and hopefully coming home today:)

25 Days of Christmas: Day Twenty-two

2010-12-23T14:38:00.001-08:00

Tonight we took the boys to the movie theater! We went to see Tangled. The boys both loved it however Joey was not happy that Rapunzel's hair got cut-not happy at all:)

not the best pics, but it was a movie theater and I already felt a little weird using the flash:)

25 Days of Christmas: Day Twenty-one

2010-12-22T09:05:00.001-08:00

Christmas Cookie Decorating and Roll baking marathon! As usual the boys were super excited to help. We have done a lot of baking, but this was the first time they got to decorate!! They each chose the sprinkles they wanted to use-not Christmas ones!! and proceeded to empty them out on their cookie:) I only got one picture of them decorating because-well let's just say it stresses me out a little to let them go to town with frosting and sprinkles!! I have been decorating some too (I will post pics and recipe over on the craft blog).

We also got our "groove on" and shook our "buddy" (as jack calls it-thanks auntie becka:)

The boys LOVE Christmas music!! Rock'n around the Christmas Tree, We wish you a merry Christmas and the First "New Dell" aka Noel are their favorites.

While we were listening to music, Joey said to me, "Momma, Dance"

Me-"Not really good at dancing" Joey, "Mom all you do is shake your bum bum-see just stick it out and wiggle your whole body, that's how you dance!"

hmm where does he get this stuff!!

25 Days of Christmas: Day Nineteen and Twenty

2010-12-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Day 19 was pretty much prepping for day 20. Joey helped make chex mix and some english toffee-no pics because my hands were all on deck-trying to keep his hands sanitized and keeping him from adding some of his own ingredients. He loves to help cook-but lately has been wanting to change the recipes and add as he calls it "special" ingredients. Since we were going to be taking these to some family members it wasn't the time to experiment:) gotta love that boy, but it never fails how much a mind of his own he has!!

Day 20 I told the boys we were going to get to play Santa and deliver the gifts to Grandma and Papa GG-Joey ran up stairs and packed a bag full of his toys-he then proceeded to throw it over his shoulder. At first I didn't quite get what he was doing, but then I realized he was "packing his sleigh for his deliveries." We had a fun visit with GG and then made a few more stops on the way home.

I struggle with teaching the boys about "giving is better than receiving" It is hard to really impress upon them the whole purpose of gift giving and what it means and why we do it. They get the getting part no problem, but I really want them to be generous and see that we do not want for anything-just so hard at this age to get them to see outside themselves. I have been thinking a lot about "family" goals for the new year and really want giving and being generous and compassionate to be a goal, but doing it practically in a way that a 2 and 4 year old get is a challenge.

25 Days of Christmas: Day Eighteen

2010-12-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

Last night we went for a drive to see Christmas Lights! There were some pretty neat light displays-a few bordering on Griswold type, but the boys, Joey especially LOVED it! Ofcourse before we got too far we made a Starbucks stop for some seasonal drinks:) I realized I haven't been to Starbucks since they put up the Holiday Menu-wowzers all the money I have probably saved!!!-Love having our own machine:)

25 Days of Christmas: Day Seventeen

2010-12-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

Today Joey had a little Christmas Party at Preschool. The kids sang two songs and rang jingle bells:), then we did gingerbread houses and as a special surprise Santa showed up! It was quite the full morning! It was very fun-he was really cute and did a good job. Poor boy is the shortest in his class:( brings back memories of kindergarten-always having to be in the front row.

My mom watched Jack so it was nice to have that one on one time with Joey-I am seeing just how important that is the older he gets!

Later that day we picked up Maya and Eric and brought them over for a few hours. Joey has needed a little Maya time.

25 Days of Christmas: Days fifteen and sixteen

2010-12-16T19:54:00.000-08:00

Joe has been out of town, which always makes for some craziness. As the boys are getting older though it is getting a little easier-mostly I think because for the most part they sleep at night!! Knowing I would be needing a easy activity I saved the Red and Green Bubble Bath night for one of the nights:)

They love taking a bath and due to their eczema we don't do bubbles very often so it was a fun treat!

We also made snowman dipped Oreos-I like sweet stuff, but could only eat one bite-major sugar rush!! The boys however had no trouble downing theirs. I am glad that we were making them to give away-really don't want them eating that much sugar in one sitting!! 'tis the season!

25 Days of Christmas: Day Fourteen

2010-12-14T22:14:00.000-08:00

Today the boys and grandma Lee and I went shopping at the Super Mall. The boys were really good while Grandma and I shopped at the Rack. Afterward we were heading to the play land when we saw SANTA:) There was no one in line so we went and visited-Joey was excited, but when he gets shy and nervous he whispers everything so Santa couldn't really hear him. Jack was happy to sit on his lap and grin. I took my camera out to take a picture, but the "elf" taking pictures told me no photos allowed (because they want you to buy theirs).

However Santa told me it was slow and that was silly so to take the picture-I felt guilty, but took the picture.

25 Days of Christmas: Day Thirteen

2010-12-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

Today the boys got a special phone call from Santa (uncle Josh)!! Joey was dancing around the house afterward and Jack was really excited too. Joey told him he wanted a Captain Hook and Jack just kept saying, "Hi, Santa, Hi!!"

25 Days of Christmas: Day Twelve

2010-12-13T19:01:00.000-08:00

Today was a low-key day. We have all been fighting colds, Joe has bronchitis and the boys were going on very little sleep the last few days. We were going to go tour some "well Lit" neighborhoods, but decided instead for a quick trip to Krispy Creme instead. The boys loved it they each picked a "snowman" donut.

25 Days of Christmas: Day Eleven

2010-12-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

On the way up to the Lights of Christmas

On the way home:)

Yesterday we had a special treat for the boys. We drove up and met some good friends at the Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach. It was really rainy-really rainy and long lines, but the kids had fun! There are lights, train rides, a live Nativity, carolers, face painting and "shows". We had originally planned on staying the night, but decided to head home and sleep in our own beds:)

25 Days of Christmas: Day Ten

2010-12-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

Wednesday this week my oven stopped working-right after we had made our salt-dough cookie ornaments! We weren't able to bake them and paint them so today we got to paint them. I used gold leafing for mine and the boys did theirs with water colors. They turned out cute and the boys had a lot of fun. If you look at the pictures you can see that Jack uses both his right and left hand-cracks me up. He does the same thing when he eats and colors-can't quite decide which hand he is going to be.

25 Days of Christmas: Day Nine

2010-12-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Today was kind of a crazy day with no working oven, MOPS in the morning and then picking up my niece and nephew from school and daddy finally getting home!! Since we had some "extra" kiddos it was the perfect night to play games. First we had a "snowball" fight in the bonus room using paper snowballs (sorry no pics-I had to defend myself too much!), next we played Christmas Pictionary. It was really fun! I was surprised how well Eric, Maya and Joey did!! Joey would of course get so excited that he would tell everyone what he was drawing before he started!! Still it was fun!

25 Days of Christmas: Day Eight

2010-12-09T07:37:00.001-08:00

Today the boys and I had some kitchen fun-sort of:)

First we made Reindeer Pops for Joey to take to preschool friday-his snack and special day and the theme of the day is Reindeer:) They were fun to make and the bag of M&Ms had exactly 13 red ones-perfect!! Our taste test ones had green noses:)

Then we decided to make salt dough cookie ornaments. It was fun, we used coffee instead of water and they smelled yummy and were a nice Latte color. Unfortunately my oven decided to stop working-so they are still stitting on the stove-drying out, but not nearly as fast as they do in the oven:).

It isn't really the type of thing you can ask your neighbor to bake for you since they can take up to 3 hours;0-

The boys still had fun though!!

25 Days of Christmas: Day Seven

2010-12-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

Today we invited a few preschool age friends over for a Birthday Party for Jesus. It was fun, we ate yummy treats, did a few crafts, "tried" to read a story, sang, "Happy Birthday" and every child blew out the candle:). It is hard with this age to get them to understand what exactly Christmas means and is-especially with so many distractions, hopefully this will help a little.

I wish I would have gotten some better pictures-too hard with little ones:)

25 Days of Christmas: Day Six

2010-12-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

Today was Christmas Craft day!! Joey loves crafts especially ones that involve paint!! (jack not so much he actually spent the entire time playing with his guy over on the couch-which to be quite honest was fine by me-I was happy not to have the two year old paint:).

Joey however was totally into it, carefully planning all the areas he was going to paint. Cracks me up how much time and energy he spent and then at the end-totally mixed the paint together for his final coat. The best part was when Jack saw it he was terrified!!! He was hiding behind me saying, "Scary, Momma, Scary guy!"

25 Days of Christmas: Day Five

2010-12-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

Today Joe and Jack slept during the Christmas Fun which is fine since we were baking and they both have colds. They were just able to enjoy the end results, well as much as you can with a stuffed up nose! I feel so bad for both of them-Joe sounds terrible and it is just one of those colds that knocks you on your rear. And Jack always has such a hard time because of his asthma-just praying it passes quickly!

Anyhow Joey and I are having a little Birthday Party for Jesus later this week so we were prepping the goodies. It is fun to cook with him-he is quite the little Kitchen Aid expert. He also is love rinsing the dishes-I LOVE that!!

25 Days of Christmas: Day four

2010-12-05T06:05:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the Santa Parade in Downtown Puyallup. It was fun and Joey was so into it! It was crowed, but he found a spot down front next to some other kids (thus no pictures of him:(. Often his head was be-bopping to the music and most the time he had a big grin. It was fun, but Joe and Jack are both fighting a cold so it had been a long day for them.

I feel really blessed that this is only Jack second sniffles of the season!! Such a blessing especially considering the last two year!

25 Days of Christmas: Day Three

2010-12-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight was family movie night! We watched Polar Express and had gingerbread cookies and milk for our movie treat. It was Jack's first time watching Polar Express and he was mesmerized! Joey loves it especially the Hot, Hot Chocolate Dance which he then preforms over and over for the remainder of the movie-not too sure where this boy learns his moves!

25 Days of Christmas: Day Two

2010-12-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

Today we wrote (drew) a letter to Santa and then mailed it. Jack didn't write a letter-but he did take a good long nap:). After he woke up we walked down to the mailbox and mailed the letter. Joey drew a picture of Captain Hook and Santa-they are friends! He has been asking me if they know each other and I told him Santa knows Captain Hook because he is on the "naughty" list. Joey is convinced they are good friends and that Captain Hook actually helps Santa.

25 Days of Christmas: Day One

2010-12-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

Today started our third year of doing 25 days of Christmas and so far this was the most fun. Mostly because Joey totally gets it and is so excited!! Seriously the Holidays are Magical especially with four year olds!!

Today the boys woke up and Joey was jumping up and down shouting, "read it, read it-what do we get to do today??!!!" Makes it so worth all the prep work!! Today the boys got to unwrap a present, their Chocolate advent calendars. I love these-they remind me of my childhood-in fact I don't think the pictures have changed at all.

On another somewhat related note-Joey really wants a Captain Hook for Christmas. Joe and I have checked the Disney store and other such related places-so far not so much luck unless we want to pay crazy collector type prices!! Uh no! Anyhow I have been trying to prep him that the Captain Hook he wants may not be exactly like the one he gets. He looked and me and so matter of factly says, "Just call Santa! He can get it!"

I told him Santa had his two best elves on it, but so far it was a no go!

So he replied, "let me talk to him!"

It cracks me up because we really haven't done Santa-we go get pictures but beyond that not much else so for him to have this "knowledge" of how connected Santa is funny-It must be preschool-I had actually not even thought about that until now! He also informed me this week he is a Husky not a cat-learned that at Preschool too-his buddy Caleb will be proud!

Holiday Lane

2010-11-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we went to Bell Square and watched the Holiday Lane Parade. Besides the rain and freezing temperature:( It was Super Fun!!! In Joey's words it was SOO GREAT!!!

They had drummers, fairies, snow creatures, Santa and real snow!!! We loved it and it goes on from now until Christmas!! EVERY night at 7!! I think my favorite part is seeing how magical Christmas is through little eyes-despite the cold the boys were mesmerized!!!!

Winter Wonderland

2010-11-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

This week we got snow!! The boys are beyond thrilled!! Joey is convinced Snow = Santa and Christmas. It has been nice to have the week off from preschool and other activities. I love how it makes everything get quiet and still. I only wish non of my loved ones had to be out in it. It took both my brothers forever to get home from their jobs yesterday-I am just so thankful they both made it safe and sound, thank you, Lord!!

The boys both could hardly wait to get out and enjoy the snow-Joey especially just loves it!! It took us longer to get geared up to go out then I think we actually lasted in the snow, but it was fun! We headed to Peach Park and the boys loved going down the slide-it was so slippery that they flied off it!! I thought later to myself probably not the smartest mom to let them do that, but at that time there wasn't really ice just snow.

Crazy busy Week

2010-11-21T06:56:00.000-08:00

sunday-joey dressed himself for work:)

monday: field trip to the fire station-Joey is now quite the fire safety expert!

At random moments he will "stop, drop and roll"

or shout

"don't hide Go outside"

on a side note with that did you know according to the fire chief at the station most children that are killed in fires are killed because they hide!-surprised me

Jack enjoying a little Poppy time

Tuesday Caleb and Kenna came to play for the day. Joey had fun with his buddy!

Thursday-Joe was gone Wednesday so Jack got in extra snuggles on thursday:)

Saturday we had dinner with Josh & Brenda and Jonathon Weyer, an old friend from college-he was on his book signing tour. If you haven't read "the faithful" it is a really good read!!! Read it now and in a few years you will probably get to see the movie on the big screen! He has been approached to write the script and help turn it into a movie:)

Every week as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas I feel that it is getting crazier and busier! Our days seem to be full and short! Now that it is getting dark at 4:30 if feel like I have less time to get done everything on my list!! Anyhow this week was fun and full, but the boys and I seemed to get a lot accomplished. I am completely done with Christmas shopping-now I just have the fun homemade stuff to do. I decided that my goal was to be done with the shopping before Thanksgiving so I can feel able to focus on Christmas Crafts and activities with the boys. It just gets too crazy if I try to do them together. I am hoping to do a post each day for our 25 days of Christmas, but we shall see how that goes!!

My Boys

2010-11-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

Looking at the latest Target ad dreaming of Christmas!!

It seems that we are finally getting in a pretty good rhythm with the new preschool schedule and and the more intense MOPS year. I still feel a little like I am on a never ending treadmill and at times I want to jump off, but for the most part I love routine and I like having things to do and keep me busy. I feel like Joey is really growing up-watching him help me clean, organize and help with his brother kind of make me sad. He is getting to me such a little boy-all baby is gone and he is finally out of the major pitch a fit stage and his whining is to a minimum-now of course Jack is heading into the terrible twos. My favorite is Joey saying to jack, "Don't ask like that, that is whining ask like this, ' Momma, Pleeeaassssee!!" or "Jack that is naughty behavior! You need a time out to calm down!" hmmm wonder where he has heard those things??

Other phrases that I heard from them this week:

At bedtime joey and i trade I love you more phrases the other night he said

"I love you bigger than a monster truck"- you know you are a mom of a boy when this totally melts your heart!

Yesterday, he thought Joe had come home-he looked outside but his truck wasn't there and he said to me, "Nope not home, Are you sad, momma that your honey isn't home?"

We looked the other night and they had crawled in bed together and I told Jack to get back to his own bed, joey said, "Momma, I was just taking care of him so you wouldn't have to!"

When you ask Jack his name, "I good guy and I fight you!"

Randomly Jack will come up to me and say, "I hungee, I need food, I hungee"

Love these boys and so glad they are mine:)

Bull Rider and the Monkey

2010-11-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

For Halloween this year Joey was a monkey-George he called himself and Jack was a bull rider. I love the bull rider costume and it makes me sad that this is its last year-Jack could barely fit the shirt with his massive neck and shoulders!! It was fun to see them dressed up in outfits that so match their personalities. Joey is definitely a character and full of mischief and Jack-well bull riding in his future would not surprise me. He is such a solid little guy with short legs, big head and broad shoulders-pretty much like all bull riders. We had fun trick or treating with our friends the Millards.

Staying on top of the Holidays Part 2

2010-11-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Here is the second segment of staying on top of the holidays! My second tip is LISTS!! I love lists, I make list of my list, I have even been known to add things that I finished to my list just so I could cross them off. I am a little obsessive when it comes to list making, but for the most part it seems to work. I was once told that people who make lists are 90% more likely to actually accomplish what then want to do.

For the Holiday season I would be lost without my lists. A few years ago I made up some templates to use and put them in my "holiday binder".

1. gift list-make a list EARLY on in the season of everyone you have to buy for and ideas for that person. I keep a copy of this list in my purse. This also helps when the sales come out especially black friday-this way you can see exactly what you are wanting.

2. Family tradition list. For the last few years we have done 25 days of Christmas and most of those 25 things come off my tradition list. I write down those things I really want us to do as a family this time of the year. For example making cookies, participating in a charity, visiting Santa and so forth.

3. Handmade Gift ideas-Through out the year I always see cute ideas on blogs and think, "that would be perfect for . . ." this is where I store the idea. I make a list of people I want to make things for such as neighbor gifts, preschool teacher, MOPS moms.

4. Holiday Cooking- I make a list of all the foods we traditionally make this time of year or new ones I want to try. I then make a grocery list so I can be sure I have those items on hand. A lot of my holiday recipes call for things I don't have stalked in my pantry.

These are my basic lists, I do have one other-declutter list, but that is a post in of itself so I will post that for part 3!

Happy Halloween Part 2

2010-11-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

It seemed this year that Halloween went on and on-mostly because it was on a Sunday I think which seemed to give liberty to celebrate all weekend. I actually like Halloween-not the scary monsters or ghost stuff, but cute kids in costumes and candy! I like handing out the candy to cute little kiddos all dressed up. Our neighborhood gets a lot of trick or treaters in fact I think they might bus kids in to walk the street-regardless it is fun. This year our friends the Millards came over and the kids went crazy together.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

Friday was our big Halloween day however we will celebrate tonight by dressing up and handing out treats.

Joey had his preschool carnival in the morning (jack stayed with grandma). It was fun they did a few poems and songs before the carnival and each student introduced themselves. Joey went as superman and gave a great strongman pose for his introduction-that boy cracks me up! It was a fun morning with just him before we had a little one on one time at Starbucks for breakfast and it is just so nice to spend that time with just him.

Friday evening was the Carnival for our MOPS group. Jack has been struggling with a runny nose and since I knew Maya would love the carnival Reb and I traded kids for the night. Joey and Maya had a blast. It couldn't have turned out better. Lots of fun games, prizes and a Jumpy house-could it get any better! We had a great time.

Staying on top of the Holidays

2010-10-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that October is about over and we are heading into the holiday season with Thanksgiving around the corner and then Christmas so close to follow. It seems strange how quickly this time of year comes and goes. For me I am a go big or go home type of girl, I like to either do it all or do nothing. I like to make Christmas cookies, have bread baking, sew some gifts, make gift tags and do some new holiday crafts. However my personality can also make me crazy stressed out if I try to do and can't or if I am disorganized. I learned a few years ago that planning ahead is my friend! I was asked by a friend to post how I plan a head and get things. It is too long of a post to do in one, so I am breaking it up into different sections here is section one the Freezer:)
1. FREEZE

-I am a big fan of my freezer!!! A big fan!! Starting in September I always seem to get the baking bug-not sure if it is trying to add my extra layer for winter or what, but this time of the year I love to cook and bake. So I do, but instead of eating it all I am learning to freeze.

1-freeze onions, peppers, and other veggies in 1 cup chopped portions-makes it so nice not the have to cut when making a dish and they are so easy to freeze!

2-bread dough-I always have 4 frozen pizza doughs in the freezer along with french bread, muffins, cornbread, bagels and other "bread type" items. I started this past year freezing the heal of bread (which no one here will eat) in cubed portions to use to make croutons, bread crumbs and stuffing.

3. Sauces and soups. Right now when I make a soup or a pizza or spaghetti sauce my small family never eats the whole thing so I freeze part of it for the "next time." Also in my MOPS group someone is always needing a freezer meal so it is nice to have extra soup on hand to take as a meal.

4. Meals-we are not big on frozen meals, but we have found a few we like and seem to turn out. I like to keep 3-4 of these in the freezer for those long momma days! Our favorites are -enchiladas, baked ziti, chicken burritos, meatballs, and chicken pot pie.

5. Treats-I love to bake cookies and have them on hand if a quick fix is needed. I also love to decorate sugar cookies especially around the holidays, but making them, rolling them, then decorating while fun can take ALL day. I have found it much easier to bake and freeze then another day decorate.

What we have been up to in Pictures

2010-10-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

Joey trying to teach Jack how to do funny faces for the camera!

Joey is convinced he is Tarzan now!

"I did it!" jack shouted after climbing way too high!

Seriously I can't get a picture with both boys looking at the camera-ugh!!

We made cookies and Joey really wanted HIS name on all of them-we settled for two with his name and two with Jacks!

Not sure if I am too lazy to write or just tired of having to start and stop due to "little interuptions." :) Anyhow here are pictures from the last week.

Fall traditions

2010-10-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

The last few years we have made popcorn balls with our cousins. Yesterday Maya, Eric and Reb came over and the kids made their popcorn balls. We use the marshmallow recipe because it is much easier for little hands to handle! Our first year we did the candied popcorn balls, but Reb and I did most the work since the mixture is soo hot. This recipe is much more kid friendly and they love them!

Field Trip

2010-10-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

Friday, we had our first preschool field trip. It was picture perfect weather for the trip to Marris Farm Pumpkin Patch. I must say I was very impressed with how organized and fun the field trip was. I had actually been dreading it all week. My mom had to work so Jack was going to come with and the original weather forecast called for rain.-but it ended up being a lot of fun. Jack was busy, but there was so much to see and do that he was busy in a good way! I loved seeing Joey among his friends and watching him interact with his teacher. At one point he actually went up and held her hand-shocked me-if you know joey it will shock you too!

The farm was great-pricier than other pumpkin patches, but since joey and jacks was included in our tuition it wasn't too bad. There was a hay ride, animals to pet and feed, pumpkins to pick, monster trucks to look at and ride (if your older), a jumpy house, picture props, a corn room (like a sandbox), slides, tractors to ride, a cow train, and a preschool corn maze-seriously a great Pumpkin patch!! The larger pumpkins were quite pricey-we will get ours at Walmart for carving, but the boys had fun picking out their pumpkins. Joey of course wouldn't grab his because unlike other pumpkin patches you actually got these off the vine which meant they were a little dirty. Jack had no problem getting his and some extra mud!

Random thoughts

2010-10-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

do you think they will notice??

I have a few more bags to add to the donation pile. Yikes, can't believe we just had a garage sale! Where does all this stuff come from??

October-really?? Can't believe how fast September went. Life has been crazy around here. There is a part of me that loves the busy start to the school year and how after a pretty lazy summer we get back into the grove of structure, but I must say at times if feel as if I am dog-paddling through the structure instead of getting into a rhythm.

I have lately been feeling the weight of stuff-happens every few months I get the clean out bug-usually happens when I have numerous other items that need my attention. I have been going through things trying to figure out why exactly I am holding onto something. I really don't want to becomes someone that has stuff for stuff sake-my husband would say I am already there, but he doesn't know how bad it could be!!!:) My mom and my sister are both pros and tossing stuff and cleaning out what isn't necessary-I need more of that gene.

Also a word on Preschool-Sooooo thankful we did it!! Joey is thriving, loving the structured learning and meeting new friends. I am so glad since even as we started I just wasn't sure-I really struggled with keeping him home and trying again to do our preschool at home, but it has turned out to be so great to have him have his own "school." I am so happy with the one we chose. The Pre-K program has so much more that I could have given him here. I especially love that he gets to do "projects" everyday he is there and he is learning to stand in line, wait his turn and sit still to listen to a story. His fine motor skills have already improved and he is doing better at holding a pencil the proper way. Jack is still really struggling without brother to follow around, but he is slowly getting the fact that he can play with what he wants and have momma's undivided attention.

Lastly I have taken on the role of co-coordinator of our MOPS group and I have loved it, but it has made me more aware of just how many struggling mommas there are and how deep the need is to have a break and have meaningful conversations with women. MOPS has always been a haven for me in this way, I have made some fantastic friends in MOPS and loved the connection with those going through this season of life. But as a co-coordinator it has made MOPS less of a haven and more of a ministry. Not that it wasn't a ministry before, but now I can tell my heart and faith feeling the weight and burden of everything. I came home from our first meeting completely worn out-I explained it to a friend that it felt like I was a co-hostess of a huge dinner party or something. It is a really different feeling for me.

Anyhow I told you this was a random post!!

Crazy Grandparents

2010-10-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

Our weather this week was crazy-one day 80 and really humid-like Georgia humid, another rainy and windy, then toward the end of the week overcast and in high 70s. So my mom being the crazy grandma she is decided to crank up the pool for one last hurrah! Thursday and Friday despite cloudy skies the boys and their grandparents went swimming. Mom had heated to pool to basic bath tub temperatures and they all had a blast!

Free Your Glee!

2010-09-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

So we took time one night last week to "free our glee!" aka-did the Puyallup! Joey was beside himself with excitement-He loves the fair! We did a few rides, Jack was able to ride them with Joey, ate a little food, and toured the animals. The weather was misty and at times a little rainy, but that actually made it less crowded which is nice when pushing a stroller! Jack's face in the pictures cracks me up-he didn't get a nap that day and he looks almost half asleep on the rides!!

I think his favorite part was the cows. He kept saying, "Hi, Cow, moo!"
Joey's favorite was the elephant ear and the rides especially the motorcycles.

Preschool Conversations

2010-09-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

So each day I ask Joey how his day was, what he did, and you know the usual ride home type questions. Each day he tells me the same thing, "I played, learned and ate snack." I haven't really gotten much more-until today! Today he said, "momma I like the girl."

"the girl?" I asked.

"You know the girl, momma with circles in her hair." he says. (circles would be curly hair)

"Oh, why do you like her?" I asked.

"Mom, I don't want to talk about it anymore today, I am really worn out." he says.

"Ok"-hmm! Not too sure what I think about this!

First day!

2010-09-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was Joey's first day of PreK-I can't believe it!!! He was so excited and could barely contain himself all morning! He was dressed and ready with his backpack on (even during breakfast) long before it was time to go!

He seemed so grown up to me standing line waiting to enter his room-I chocked back tears!

I thought I was ready for him to go too, but it was so quiet without him in the car and the house. I missed his incessant chatter! Jack had just as hard of a time-He kept wandering room to room calling, "ooey, ooey, where are you?" I am sure it will get easier and I am excited to watch him bloom, but sad not to be with him!

The First of Many

2010-08-31T09:44:00.001-07:00

So last Saturday we where enjoying the evening at the Finley's looking at their new beautiful backyard when Jack decided to break it in! He fell hit the back of his head on a rock and we ended up at the ER. Can I just say I HATE Good Sam's ER!!!! The lady didn't even look at us while we were checking in meanwhile blood is flowing down the back of his head-she just told us to have a seat (in between someone who smelled like a chimney and someone else with two kids on her lap). As soon as Joe got in from parking I told him to call Woodcreek and see if they do stitches. PTL they do!! We headed over there with only 10 minutes before closing and they were soooo great! It takes a 1/2 hour for the numbing medicine to work which made it well after closing before they even started on the staples, but you would never know it-they were soo kind such a contrast to Miss Personality at the ER. Jack was such a trooper, he hardly cried just played with the stethoscope and ate a lollipop:)

not ready for Summer to end

2010-08-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe summer time is coming to an end! It has been a fun, crazy summer filled with lots of little boy adventures! We have gone to the zoo, the beach, spent mornings at the park, farmer's market, garage sales, camping, baseball games, swimming and lots more. I am a little sad now that preschool is getting ready to start, MOPS is beginning and Joe will be going back to work. I love fall and enjoy all the newness that it brings, but it has been so fun to just play this summer. I typically love routine and schedules so fall brings me that, but with young kids I have learned to love the freedom of spontaneity and flexibility. We are trying to savor every last drop of the summer and soak in every moment of play.

check ups!

2010-08-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

So this past week we finally went in for joey's 4 year well child visit and jack's two year- a little behind for joey-oops!! I actually had another appointment for him, but the dr got sick and never rescheduled. Both boys did great "showing" off all their numerous "talents" -I was just glad joe was with me to share in the joys of taking them to the dr. They are both doing great-right on track. This is the first well child visit for Joey where we don't need to follow up with a specialist-hip hip hooray!!!
Joey is in the 50% for height and 5th for weight, Jack is in the 75% for height and the 20th for weight. It surprised be that Jack wasn't in a larger percentage for weight but I think it is just because his neck and shoulders are so thick.
On another note please pray for Joe's back the pt thinks he has some major scar tissue or else that they missed something in the surgery-His back is not loosening and responding the way they want it to:( He is in a lot of pain and still has major lifting restrictions. Even though it has been sooo great to have him around all summer we wish it was under different circumstances!

Brotherly Love

2010-08-01T17:51:00.001-07:00

lately the boys have been quite affectionate. I always am telling them to hug or something for a picture, but lately they have been spontaneously putting there arms around each other or kissing. It does a momma's heart good to see! I am also loving watching them "play" fight and especially sword fight. Jack is quite good at playing dead and the sound effects. Joey on the other hand prefers to talk about what a "scallywag" jack is while trying to fight-makes me laugh! I have tried to video tape them doing it, but haven't gotten any good shots!