Goal: Update

The area we live in was hit with a nasty blizzard. This has killed my training. Since I haven't been able to run outside, I had to hit the gym. Normally I only go to the gym for Zumba so the thought of going to get on treadmill was exasperating. I LOATHE the treadmill. It makes me feel like a hamster running a wheel. You don't go anywhere, and the scenery stays the same.
B-O-R-I-N-G!!! My attitude was horrible about starting, but I remembered the whole reason why I started this goal of running a half marathon...to get my mental toughness back. I set that treadmill for an hour. I ran, and ran, and ran. It felt so good to get over the hump of doing more than my mind wanted to do. I'm definitely sore today, but I'm way ahead of where I wanted to be at this point in my training. Originally I wanted to be able to run for an hour by the end of January. Here it is not even January, and I've already accomplished my January goal. So here's the new goal...keep on, keeping on!

I sure hope you have set a goal for your life in some way. I loved reading a fellow blogger's post on her goals for the future. You can read about it here!
Happy New Year!

Not Too Many Sides of Mason

I would have to say out of the two kids, Mase is way easier these days. That's not to say he doesn't have his days, but he's learning the boundaries quickly. He is my biggest helper. When he's not helping, you can find him doing one of two things. Playing with his cars/trucks, or with his guns.

Forget shooting his eye out. He's going to shoot YOUR eye out.

The Many Sides of Addie

For the most part, Addie is such a happy little girl. She likes music and LOVES to dance. She likes to play with Mason and gets all of the games he plays with her. By far, chase is her favorite. However, she can change her tune on a dime. Christmas morning was the perfect example...

Here she is so happy to play with her brand new baby doll and stroller.

Not even a second later, Mason got too close to her baby.

I wish I had this on video so you could hear her scream.

Both Daddy and Mommy got onto her for screaming at her brother.

The pout begins.
Even with her playing, screaming, and pouting I still love her to pieces. Below are two pictures that capture even more of her personality. She is really loving and will snuggle into you with such ease. Such a sweetheart...

On the other hand, she thinks she is just as big as Mason. Therefore, she wants to do everything he does. So of course, she had to try out Mase's new gun holster and pistol. If anybody got near it, in attempt to take it off she'd throw a fit.

Annie Oakley

Homemade Crescents

This recipe is from my Aunt Pam. She makes these every Thanksgiving and everyone eats them up. You would think she spends all day preparing the dough, but it's very simple.

Aunt Pam's Homemade Crescents

1 pkg yeast
1 cup very warm water
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs, beaten well
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 tsp salt
4 1/2 cups flour

• Dissolve yeast in 1 cup of very warm water
• Add sugar and all other ingredients at once
• Mix well
• Place in a greased bowl overnight in the refrigerator

• Separate dough into 3 sections
• Roll out on a floured board 1/4 inch thick. Cut 6-8 pizza slices
• Roll large end to small end and curve into the shape of a crescent
• Place on greased baking sheet. (Each crescent can touch)
• Let rise for hours
• Bake @ 400 degrees fro 8-10 minutes

Happy Cooking!

Dump Truck

What do you do with the brand new dump truck you got from your Papa?

You ask your sister if she wants a ride.

A New Goal

Steven and I have always been goal oriented people. At least once a year, we evaluate where we are in all aspects of our lives and discuss where we want to be in the future. However, there has been one area in my life that has lagged behind, or just been plain forgotten. And that area my friend, is mental toughness.

I didn't even realize I had a problem in this area until I was watching The Biggest Loser (love, love, love this show). I was sitting on the couch (probably eating cookies) watching these once obese, and still overweight individuals run a MARATHON! I mean, really? What kind of psycho chooses to run a marathon. Then it dawned on me. These contestants never saw themselves doing this either. This was a real challenge for them.

After the show was over, I started reflecting on the last time I really challenged myself beyond my physical limits. The answer to that was back in high school! I do work out regularly, but it's the typical workout. Nothing too much. So I began entertaining the idea of running a half-marathon. Now, I loathe running, but this is one area that would take major endurance and training on my part. I have purchased some new (and very flashy) running shoes, and recently started training. I'm up to 3 miles, but need to get to 13.1 miles by May. I'll keep you updated as the training continues.

There are two reasons why I posted this (I was planning on keeping this private until I accomplished my goal).

Reason #1-You now know what I'm going to do so it keeps me accountable.
Reason #2-I'm super curious what kind of goals you have for yourself. Tell me, tell me, tell me (which means you are required to LEAVE A COMMENT, you lovely blog lurkers :))

Peanut Butter Clusters

Parties, luncheons, parties, kids getting ready to be home for Christmas Break, more parties...What do all these have in common? An event where you need some snacks! Here's a delicious, and easy snack that can be made and ready to go in 20 minutes.

Peanut Butter Clusters*

2 cups peanut butter chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
1 cup crushed ridged potato chips

• In a microwave safe bowl, melt peanut butter cips and chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
• Add peanuts and chips. Stir until coated.
• Drop level tablespoonsfuls onto waxed paper lined baking sheets.
• Refrigerate until firm.
• Store in air tight container.

Happy Cooking!

*If you are planning on using this recipe for your child's school Christmas Party, please check with the school/teacher for any Peanut Allergies. These delictable treats could be deadly to a child with an allergy.

A Total Mess

Addie is a mess. A complete mess. From her hair to her little toes; she is a mess! Every night we make sure her hair is smooth and combed, but by the time she wakes up in the morning it looks like an owl made a nest on her head. If you know anything about owls, you know they don't make neat nests. They grab a couple of things here and there, and throw it together. It takes forever to get it tamed, and it will stay that way for a total of 5 seconds.

Now for her behaviors. She finally has started walking. She's been crawling, climbing, and standing for a while, but has refused to walk. She's still a little unsure of herself, but is doing well. Below is Addie practicing her climbing skills. She has figured out that she is tiny, and can fit in compact spaces. So while I was cooking dinner, she emptied out all the drawers so she could squeeze herself in. She was sitting in there for the longest time and then stood so she could reach the top drawer.
One reason why Addie is such a mess is because of her Daddy. He treats her like a princess (and I really don't mind). It is so neat to see their relationship. She adores her Daddy, and he adores her. Steven dresses her up. Mostly in my accessories. Here he took my lovely scarf and made her the little fashionist that she is!

I never thought I would enjoy having a little girl as much as I do. For a long time, I thought I would be a mom to 3 boys. Whew...glad I got my girl because I could not imagine my life without her now.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

So I had some of this and that in the cupboard and I didn't want to go to the store so out came this recipe. It turned out well. If you're brave enough, try it and let me know what your family thought. My kids ate it up!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
1 cup cooked rice
2 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
16 oz frozen broccoli, thawed
1/2 medium onion diced
1/4 cup milk
1 cup fried onions

• Add Velveeta, soup, and milk to rice until cheese is melted.
• Add remaining ingredients to rice mixture.
• Pour into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
• Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Super easy, and really delicious! Happy Cooking!

Ladies, Watch Out!

Well, Mason is looking more and more like Steven which has me a little worried. Steven is a very handsome guy and I'm just not ready for the girls to be calling my house asking for Mason. At first I contemplated always answering the phone, and simply hanging up if it were a girl asking for Mason. That seemed a bit rude so I came up with Idea #2. I would just act a little nuts on the phone before turning it over to Mase. That would really scare them off. BUT, then Mason's was sporting this outfit around the house and I knew I had a solution to a future problem...just flash this picture around of him when he's older. That's sure to be a chick repellent!

Why in God's Green Earth did he choose to take his pants off, put on his flip-flops, and pose? I do not know, but I love him anyway!

HELP!

Okay, the girl who posts recipes needs your help. I have yet to find a stuffing recipe that my family enjoys. So unless someone helps me out, it will be Stove Top Stuffing for you microwave oven....Stove Top makes it easy...just push a little button... (anyone else remember that jingle???). Anyway, it needs to not have too many ingredients as I have to buy here and transport to Springfield, MO. The car is already going to be full because I have the little tikes and all their 'necessities'.

Bacon Chicken Roll Ups

I found this recipe in one of my magazines. It looked good, but after checking the ingredients, it seemed a little bland. So, I changed it. The family LOVED this one. Hopefully, you do too.

Bacon Chicken Roll Ups
12 pieces of cooked, but not crispy bacon
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup diced sweet onion
1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
salt and pepper to taste

• Mix together the cream cheese, sweet onion, and pepperoni in a small bowl.
• Flatten chicken to about 1/8 inch thickness.
• Spoon in about 2 Tbsp of mixture into the center of the chicken.
• Roll up chicken and secure with a toothpick.
• Wrap two pieces of bacon around each chicken breast.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake @ 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until juices run clear.

Happy Cooking!

Making Crackers from Egg Roll Wrappers

I promised Steven's Tia Lily I would put this recipe on the blog. It is super easy. Since Mason's party was a fall theme I wanted the food to go with it too. I had seen a friend do this, so I experimented until I got it right.

Leaf Crackers
1 package of egg roll wrappers (found in the produce section)
assorted cookie cutters (I used leaves)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp salt
3 Tbsp Italian seasoning

• Using the cookie cutter press out desired shapes into egg roll wrappers.
• Place on cookie sheets, and brush each one with olive oil.
• Sprinkle on salt and seasoning.
• Bake @ 350 degrees for about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them because they will burn fast!

I served them with assorted cheeses, but you could do any kind of dip. Whatever you normally need crackers for. Bring these to your next luncheon or special occasion and you will be a big hit!

Happy Cooking!

Little Man Turns THREE!

I was excited when Mason turned one. We had survived his first year of life despite his first time parents. When he turned two, we were excited for all the changes that would come with him being a new big brother. Now that he's three, I'm saddened. He's getting WAY too big, WAY too fast. All parents say that, but you cannot fully understand what they mean until your baby turns into a toddler...a preschooler...elementary student...middle schooler...UGH!

Even though my heart hurt seeing my little man turn three, I was also very excited. This is the first year he has really understood the concept of birthdays and parties. We started his birthday off right with some # 3 pancakes (the 3 is backwards in the pic. it was early. i was tired). He was so excited to blow out candles. Truth be told, he had candles with every meal. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. I have pictures of all of those, but I'll spare you!

We had Mason's party tonight with family and Mason's closest friends. He was so excited that Graci and Logan were coming to HIS party. He stood by the front window waiting for them to arrive. It was so cute.

Here are some of the pics from his party...
I have to do a little husband bragging here. I asked Steven to take care of the cake for the party. He did a great job finding a cake place called Icing on the Top. Then he took the owl stamp I used for Mase's invitations for them to use on the cake. His party was a fall theme, and here's what they came up with. I looooooooved it! It was beyond yummy too!

Since Mase's friends were coming, I decided to have them make some owl cupcakes. The kids did such a great job making theirs. It was so adorable to watch them try to make it the best they could, and they were SO tempted to eat all the little pieces.

Mason doing a little cheating off Lauren's cupcake.

I going to justify it as collaboration, not cheating.

His finished product. I was proud. He did it all by himself! Iced it and all. As you can tell he did a little icing test tasting on his own.

Blowing out his candles.

Mason, Graci, and Logan enjoying some yummy cake.

Mason got LOTS of really cool gifts this year, but the one his father is most excited about is the remote control car. Steven spent most of the evening playing with it while Mason was distracted with his other toys. Here he is with his Papi teaching him what to do.

Graci and Mason. Are they not so gotta eat them up cute?

Thank you to everyone who made Mason's birthday so special!

We love each and every one of you.

Halloween & Fall Festival

This past weekend was jam packed with some good ol fashion family F-U-N. It started with my nephew's first birthday party. It was at a local inflatable games place. Mase had a blast. We got so busy playing with all the kids that we didn't take any pictures. Oh well, glad we were IN the moment instead of taking pics.

After the party we rushed home for naps and got everything ready for trick-or-treating. Our good friends and old neighbors came by for dinner. The kids all looked so cute in their costumes and had a blast together. Here's some pics from the evening in no particular order...

Our Little Handyman

(very suiting since he fixed my camera)

Everytime Mason went to a door he said, "Trick or treating." I'm thinking something got lost in translation when explaining what to do.

Mase and Shaeli getting their trick-or-treat on.

Love the scruffy beard.

Mindy and I waiting on the kids (and Matthew too).

Our little Snow White.

Fall Festival at Camp Dry Gulch USA

Sunday evening we loaded up and went to Dry Gulch for the first ever Fall Festival. We all had so much fun. It was amazingly beautiful out there. I was super bummed when the camera died within the first 10 minutes of being there. C'est la vie!

Mase so stoked to ride the carousel.

Addie really enjoyed the ride too.

Daddy and Mason enjoying the ride.

A Great Toy

I think many parents wonder why they even invest in toys. That thought crosses my mind multiple times in one day. Little guys always want to play with the 'big' stuff; cell phones, remotes, keys, and laundry. Laundry? Yep.

Yesterday I was working on a couple loads and pulled out the kids' laundry basket. When I walked to my room to start sorting I heard little guys in the hallway. They were sorting too. Except not in any way that was helping me. They were sorting in and out.

Take the clothes out. Done. Put the clothes back in. Done.

Unfortunately for me they stopped at the take the clothes out stage. It was cute nonetheless to see them so intrigued by my chores. Have I ever mentioned I LOVE these little guys???

Meat Loaf Miniatures for Now and Later!

I have a friend who I taught with who says there are three things in life that she hates...

1. Willie Nelson
2. El Caminos
3. Meat Loaf

Everyone at school would joke with her that we one day we would show up at her house in an old El Camino playing some Willie Nelson, and have some yummy meat loaf waiting for her. You could almost see her vomit right there.
If you are like my friend Shari, you'd better skip this recipe. However, if you are a meat loaf lovin' fool, this one is for you! Personally, I have never been a meat loaf fan until I came across this one, and tweeked it a little. It is now one my brother-in-law asks about frequently.
Meat Loaf Miniatures

• 1 cup ketchup
• 3 to 4 Tbsps packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 2 eggs beaten
• 4 tsp Worchestershire sauce
• 3 cups saltines crushed
• 3 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp seasoning salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 3 lbs lean ground beef

In a large bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Remove 1/2 cup for topping; set aside. Add eggs, Worchestershire sauce, saltines, and seasonings to remaining ketchup mixture; mix well. Let stand for 5 minutes. Crumble in beef and mix well.
Put a cookie cooling rack on top of a lipped baking sheet (this allows the grease to drain off the meat while cooking), or use a muffing pan. Begin to make inch thick hamburger patties. Set on cooling rack. Bake @ 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with reserved ketchup mixture; bake 5-10 minutes longer. Serve what you like, and allow other meat loaves to cool; freeze. Transfer to freezer bags. Will store for up to 3 months.
Using frozen meat loaves: Completely thaw in the refrigerator. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Happy Cooking!

Party Time!

It's seems too fast to have already celebrated Addie first birthday with a party, but the time came and it went (sob, sob). We had a great time with all of our family at the party. She was spoiled with WAY too many clothes. Seriously, the girl could wear one outfit everyday for the entire Fall season and never repeat an outfit! Her Papi also found some killer girl toys for her...her first purse and her first tea set. Which this is all too perfect because he bought her the very first baby doll too. Below are some pics from her party...

Addie is generally a sweet, sweet girl, but she will let you know if she's not happy. Brother was trying to take her balloon, so she HAD to let him know it wasn't okay.

I love these people!

Lincoln and Kate trying to get in on the cake action.

Present Time...

Daddy pouring his little lady her first cup of tea.

Showing Addie how to check her hair do with the new mirror from her purse...

Helping her with the lipstick...

Do you think Daddy is a little smitten by her?

We went for Addie's 1 year check-up and surprise surprise, she's still tiny! Only weighing in at a whopping 16 lbs 7 oz (less than the 3rd percentile for weight). She average for her height at 29 inches. Long and skinny...yep, sounds like my kids!

Good Girl Gone Glad

So a fellow blogger Good Girl Gone Glad (http://jessekpeak.blogspot.com/), sent me a blog award and there are some rules that go along with it...

• Recognize who sent the award and add a link to their page (check out Jesse's if you like to look at all things beautiful while listening to soothing and calming music)
• Tell 10 things about yourself.
• Award 7 new fellow bloggers.
• Seems like there was something else, but I already forgot and I don't want to toggle between two screens.

So here goes nothing...

All Things Amanda

1. This is my first year to be a stay at home mom. I find it much easier than being a working mom.
2. I was a fourth grade teacher for 7 years, and never saw myself doing anything but that until the day I retire.
3. My passion in life is God, my family, and my church.
4. I have entered the world of couponing and I am addicted. I have always been a pretty frugal shopper, but this has really sent me over the edge!
5. I love to cook, and enjoy meal planning for my family.
6. I would really like to someday to start a business of cooking for other families. Kind of like having homecooked meals, take-out style. Weird, I know.
7. I find it much easier to deal with children than to deal with adults. They don't play mind games often, and when they do it's pretty easy to figure them out.
8. I depise clutter.
9. My husband is an identical twin so I sometimes feel like I have 2 husbands.
10. My dream home would be one of those houses out by Woodward Park...1950's style with a total remodel on the inside. But until God decides to dump a couple million dollars on my lap, it will remain a dream home.

Blogs I would like to award are...

• Perryman Adoption
• Growing with the Gambills
• What's New with the Kueny's

I know it's supposed to be 7 people, but I'm tired and going to bed!

Addison Elisabeth is ONE!

Well, I dropped the camera and broke it this week, so this is the most up to date photo of my one year old. A little ironic that on her one year post picture she's sleeping. For her first year of life she has spent very little time sleeping. This girl loves to be with her mommy...day or night! Even right now she is crawling in and out of my legs as I type.

Her first year has brought so many memories and blessed me beyond measure. I never new what a special bond you could have with a daughter so early on. I'm told she is a mini-me, and I guess that's all right as long as she makes some better choices during her teenage years!

So for Addie's one year here are some things about her...

• She gets into everything, and if she can't reach it she'll climb to get it.
• She isn't walking yet, but sure has the crawling down...and the climbing!
• She thinks she is just as big as her brother and will do anything he does.
• She's a cuddler. Major cuddler. After her naps, she likes to lay down with you for about 10 minutes before she's off to play.
• She loves taking things out of boxes or purses only to put them right back in.
• She likes to clean (Lord, please let this continue!). If you give her a rag she'll start wiping stuff down.
• Her favorite word is "no", and let me tell you it is VERY clear.
• She has her Daddy wrapped around her little finger.
• She has her Mommy wrapped around her little finger.
• She is LOVED by so many.

Happy Birthday Little Mama!

We LOVE you!

Spinach Pizza

1 refrigerated pizza crust
1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
4 cups chopped spinach
2 chicken breast, cooked and cubed
1 cup mozzarella cheese
4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

• Roll out refrigerated pizza dough onto a 13 x 9 greased baking sheet. Spread Alfredo sauce onto dough.
• Sprinkle on spinach, chicken, bacon, and tomatoes evenly.
• Top with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake @ 450 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until crust in golden brown.

This is one of our favorite homemade pizzas. Both kids eat it up, and it's great with all that spinach!

Happy Cooking!

Top 5

Top 5 Mason Funnies for the week...

5. Addison says, "No". Mase responds, "You don't say no to me Addison!"

4. "Shhhhh! I'm trying to watch tv guys. You too loud!"

3. In reference to the lady in front of us in line, "That lady has stinky booty."

2. "I want to go outside and ride my cooter." (That would be his Scooter)

1. "Mama, turn it. This is a stinky song."

Yummy Lasagna

1 lb Italian sausage
1 16oz container of ricotta cheese
1 egg lightly beaten
9 ready-to-bake lasagna noodles
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 can (26 oz) Spaghetti sauce

• Cook Italian sausage of medium heat until no longer pink, drain.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
• After sausage is drained, add Spaghetti sauce.
• In a greased 13x9 baking dish, pour 1/4 cup of Spaghetti sauce/sausage. Layer with 3-4 lasagna noodles. Spread ricotta cheese mixture over each lasagna noodle until all are covered.
• Add another layer of Spaghetti mixture, cover with mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
• Continue layering as listed above until you exhaust your ingredients. Final layer will be Spaghetti sauce mixture topped with mozzarella.

Cover and bake @ 400 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover, bake 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 15 minutes.
Sounds complicated, but it's really simple! Oh so tasty too. If you want to kick it up a bit, substitute the parsley for cilantro and use a spicy Spaghetti sauce. That's our favorite way to make it.
Happy Cooking!

Pumpkin Heads

Both kids were taking a bath last night and I made Addie's hair stand straight up. Mason took one look at her and said, "Addie, you a pumpkin head." It's funny to hear what your kids are picturing in their own little minds. Since Addie had a pumpkin head, Mase wanted one too. Geez, I love these kids!

Fall Has Arrived!

We had a huge storm yesterday for the last day of summer. BUT, that huge storm brought in our first day of Fall. The temperatures were just perfect. Days like this make me so glad I get to spend time at home with these little cherubs (I say that now because they're all sleeping soundly). So in celebration, we had waffles for breakfast. For the babies, this is their first first day of Fall. Both Linc and Addie were still bakin' in the oven this time last year.

Addie, Mase, and Linc eating breakfast.

Mason Update

Mason's little personality is really developing, and is very true to form for an almost 3 year old. His emotions run wild throughout the day, but here's a little glimpse of his funny side. He was practicing making faces. The first one is his 'funny guy' face. The second is his 'tough guy' face.

Addison Update

Now for my Little Addie. She has never been a big eater until the day she started feeding herself. She is something else. Addie's absolute favorite would have to be pancakes/waffles and bananas. She would probably eat that everyday if we let her. She even makes little "mmmm" noises when she eats. Pretty cute!

It's still so funny to me that she is almost a year old. Time has gone by so fast. She is still so tiny, but continues to do big things. Anytime there is music on, she dances. She loves to dance! I absolutely cannot wait to take her to her very first dance class. Oh wait, yes I can! That would require her to grow up. So I can wait...