October 12th, 2012

I want my kids to be willing to experiment with food as they get older.  So I mix up different cold cereal concoctions just for fun.

Cheerios and Corn Chex.  Yumm!


Joe's preferred culinary weapon.


One of my Weight Watcher approved breakfasts of choice is the egg salad wrap.  One medium boiled egg, 1 medium boiled egg white, 1/2 tbsp light mayo, some mustard, salt and pepper, wrapped in a carb conscious whole wheat tortilla.  I really loved it the first 20 times I ate it.


Doug's parents came up for a visit.


They brought Doug a project.



I don't know how many trips to the DI were made in 2012.  But, I know some kids that were happy to play with my loot.  I bought used games and upscycled them into ornaments for the tree. Has anyone ever played Bandu?


Joey has.


Mousetrap was one of Rachel's absolute favorites.


I was happy when she broke one of the pieces because I could use it as an excuse for dismantling the game.  She was sad but understanding.



Rachel enjoyed some TV time while Joseph napped.


Nothing like a post nap stretch to invigorate you.


"This is my bashful face."


Bath and bed.  It's one of life's most perfect combinations.

TV Time

I confess that we watch too much TV in this house.  But I think the love portrayed in these pictures is priceless.  Sometimes some cuddly TV time is just what is needed.

How do you watch TV?

February 12th

Good Morning!  It's February 12th. 


Rachel wore braids for the first time.
 

 
This little smock from IKEA has been a lifesaver for me.  I wish I had known they existed a year ago.


Most of you know that I hate slime.  I hate slime so much that Rachel gets double bibbed on days where breakfast consists of oatmeal and applesauce.


It allows her the independence to feed herself and me the freedom to know that it's mostly contained.


My breakfast:  a protein shake and a banana.  I read a couple of verses of The Book of Mormon to Rachel when I'm finished with my feast.


Doug attended the LDS Church Worldwide Leadership Training broadcast.  He is so handsome in his shirt and tie.


Joseph spent a good part of the day kicking me in the spine.  The pain was awful.  So I laid on the couch and watched my very own darling source of entertainment.
 


Rachel has a lot of fun playing with her truck and her other toys.


 

She has figured out how to turn on the loud toys all by herself.  Batteries may have to be removed for parental preservation.
 
 

Rachel was thrilled to see her dad come home.  They practiced the ABCs on her keyboard.


Then daddy played one of her favorite games.




We looked at some old home videos.  Rachel LOVES seeing herself on TV.  I love the interaction between her and her TV persona.


During Rachel's nap I spent a few minutes doing a stuffed animal photo shoot for the blog.  Then I took a nap.


Doug took the opportunity to take some stuff to the DI and run to Lowe's.  We were so blessed.  He happened to go on the day that 3 different deals converged.  He bought the vanity, counter top, mirror, and cabinet fixtures for the bathroom for $650 instead of $950.  My hero.  He's trying to get the basement bathroom usable before my family (and the new baby) comes.




 

Rachel woke up pleasant from a long afternoon nap.
 

She helped me put away her books.



Zoe retrieved her toy in hopes that I would play with her.  I was sorry to disappoint.

Doug finished taping and painting the new basement office and bathroom. 


Once dinner was over and Rachel was nestled in bed, Doug and I enjoyed some time alone.  Neither of us could move so we sat together and watched an episode or two of "Eureka" then crawled off to bed.