Photos by Natalie....

Natalie spent Sunday afternoon taking pictures of anyone who would let her in her "kiddie kandids" studio complete with backdrop and props. The backdrop was a quilt she had just finished binding (with a little help from Gram). She also tied the quilt (with a little help from Gram and Mom). It turned out cute!
Willing victim #1.....Austin

Even more willing victim #2.....Makenna

We're ready for summer...can you tell!!!

Fun at Jumpin Jacks!

Trying to beat the winter boredom blues we headed over to Jumpin Jacks to try and burn off some energy!
Makenna hated the slides and screamed if we tried getting her near them. Oh well, she had lots of fun running around with another little girl about her age. It was cute...I wanted to take a picture but didn't want the other mom to think I was a crazy stalker or something.
I think Austin had the most fun and didn't want to leave!

Natalie had fun too until she "popped her leg".

After that she was pretty much done :)

Austin was so happy that his cousin/buddy Brock could come with us. They ran from slide to slide for over two hours pretending to be lions and were pretty worn out!

Overall a very fun day and a great way to get out of the house and get a little exercise! I for one am ready for Spring!!

Yummy Recipe to Try!

FOIL PACK CHICKEN FAJITA DINNER (kraftrecipes.com)

2 cups uncooked instant rice

2 cups hot water

2 T. taco seasoning mix

4 chicken breasts

Green & Red Pepper cut into strips

1/2 cup Salsa

1/2 cup shredded cheese

Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

Fold up all sides of 4 large sheets foil, spray with cooking spray. Combine rice, water and taco seasoning. Spoon 1/2 cup onto each piece of foil. Top with remaining ingredients. Bring up foil sides and seal ends. Place on baking sheet, cook for 30-35 minutes at 400 degrees.

I love easy recipes!! I cook with tin foil a lot because it is easy and the clean up is quick! I also like being able to get dinner ready earlier in the day, so I love crockpot recipes too. I've never thought about using rice in tin foil dinners, but it worked well and was yummy!

Way to go Austin!!

And now we are pleased to welcome: The Worst Mom of the Year!!

I think I may be in the running for the worst Mom of the year award!!

A little background…Makenna is now 18 months old and has not been talking very much. She does say a few real words here and there and she talks a lot of “Makenna language” but nothing that is too understandable. I know she understands everything we say, but if I tell her to say a word she just grins at me, or points. Like if I tell her to say nose or say Makenna, she will just point to her nose or point to herself. And although I know all kids are different, I admit I have been a bit worried that she isn’t talking as much as my others did at this age.

So..Yesterday Makenna was in the kitchen finishing lunch and Austin went to the livingroom and turned on the TV. Makenna couldn’t see the TV from her high chair, but she could hear it. Everyone’s favorite cartoon about someone “who lives in a pineapple under the sea” came on and I hear Makenna loudly and very plainly say “SPONGEBOB!”

I look over at her shocked and think did I just hear that?? I ask her “Makenna did you just say Spongebob?” She looks at me and grins.

I call Austin in and tell him “I think she just said Spongebob”

“SPONGEBOB” Makenna says again.

Austin thinks this is hilarious and can’t stop laughing. I’m laughing too, but stop when I realize that one of my babies first words is Spongebob!! The mommy guilt starts to sink in. I’m thinking she must be watching too much TV... or I haven’t been reading to her enough. It’s all my fault...we are not watching TV ever again...I don’t care if it’s winter and there is not much else to do….I really hate that stupid Spongebob...etc....etc....

My thoughts are interrupted by Makenna “DOWN” she says.

I’m shocked again, and also a bit relieved! Maybe she has decided that today's the day to start talking? Maybe I'm not the worst Mom ever after all?? I get her down from her high chair and tell her to go watch Spongebob with Austin.

OH WAIT... only one episode…then we are going to read some books!!!

Happy New Year!

The new year is here...time to make some resolutions. Maybe it's a bad idea to post them on my blog. Normally when I fail miserably I'm the only one who knows it!

1. Exercise more
(more than zero shouldn't be too hard)

2. Try to be more patient with my kids and husband(keyword: TRY)

3. Eat healthier

4. Stick to a budget and save more.

Sounds good right! OK, I promise I'll start tomorrow, or maybe I'll give myself the weeked off and start Monday! No need to rush into anything after all!

New Year's Day Bowling

Natalie
Austin
Makenna


We continued our New Year's Day tradition of bowling and lunch at Mi Rancherito with my family. (thanks G&G Warner for the gift certificates)
We all had lots of fun!