Some Good Clean Fun

This past weekend we had some friends over who recently had their second baby. Their first is Mason's age, so we were stoked that their second child was born within the same year of Addie. We want our kids to be close and enjoy their time together, and I have to say they did! They are both completely WILD together...dare devils, if you will. Their behavior is almost paralleled. A little freaky in fact. Here are the two monsters (oops, I mean cherubs) playing with the car.
So mentioning about that they are completely wild together you will totally love our lack of parenting here. For some strange reason, all the adults got into a deep conversation and didn't notice all the giggling behind us. Finally, I looked back to check on them and I found...

Toddlers + Potting Soil=Dirt in every crevice.

(Yes, G is putting it down her pants)

Mason, being so well trained in chivalry, is throwing dirt on G. We're so proud :)

Needless to say, to the backyard they went. Stripped them down and Steven and Jeff went to town on them with the water hose. Nothing like seeing two naked booties running around screaming. They had a blast and I don't think Mase has slept so soundly since...well, ever!

Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad

This recipe is my new favorite recipe. It makes for 6, so you can cut it down if you need to. However, I make it for 6 and it is gone so quickly! It's easy and delicious. Such a great summer recipe.

Ingredients:
3 cups uncooked bowtie pasta
4 cups cubed chicken breast
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped red onion
4 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Cook pasta according to directions on package. Drain and rinse in cold water; transfer to a large bowl. Add chicken, tomatoes, onions, bacon, and Gorgonzola cheese.
• In a small bowl, whisk the oil, basil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

That's IT! I make it a little easier by throwing 3-4 frozen chicken breast in the crock pot with about a cup of chicken broth, salt and pepper for 4 hours. Then I always use 'ready' bacon. So much faster! I hope you enjoy. I'd love to know what your family thinks if you try this one!

Eat In...It's Easy!

Yep, just try it. Cook dinner at home for a FULL week. Including weekends!!! I've always loved to cook, and cook most meals for most nights of the week. We only eat out 3-4 times a month and that includes any type of eating out...fast food, carry-out, or dine-in. So here's how we do it. First I have an subscription to an awesome cooking magazine so I'm never short for recipes. Then, I make a menu for two weeks (I only grocery shop every other week). After the menu is made, I make the grocery list. Simple as that. So I encourage you to do the same. Not only is it a great way to save, it the best time to spend with your family. If you are a little lost for where to start here's my menu for the week. If you are interested in a particular recipe just leave a comment and I'll post the recipe for you. Good Luck and Happy Cooking!

Monday-Bacon Chicken Cresent Ring with Salad
Tuesday-Bowtie Chicken Pasta* and Cresents
Wednesday-Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Peas
Thursday-Keilbasa, Spinach, Potato Skillet Dinner
Friday-Mini Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Corn
Saturday-Sloppy Joe Hashbrowns with Green Beans
Sunday-Monterey Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

*absolute family favorite

If you are going to try and cook all week at home, leave a comment! I'd like to know what you are having at your place!

Getting BIG

Okay, so Addie's not big. In fact she's little. Recently we went to her 9 month check up. Every time we go to the doc I think, "This will be the time she hits the 15 lb mark." Well, she still hasn't hit it. She's a whopping 14 lbs 12 oz. 5th percentile for the weight, and 75th for the height...long and lean (not a fan of the skinny word).

Even though Little Miss is tiny, she's doing BIG things. I still think of her as so little, so I'm always amazed at the stuff she does. We were at the pool the other day and she can touch the bottom. She walked all over that baby pool and jumped up and down forever. Laughing the whole time. She loves being in the water and around other kids. I think she's running away from Mason in the pic below. He was trying to dump some water on her head because she looked hot. Such a great big bro. She managed to escape, and then decided it was time for a snack. The Cheerios were calling her name..."AAAAADDDDIIIIIIEEEE..."

Mason got this car when he was one. He still plays with it. Loves it in fact. Every morning when we have playtime outside he always says, "Mama, I want tricycle y four-wheeler y car." (he's really trying to say 'and', but it sounds Spanish so I'll just say my kid's biligual). Anyway, back to my original story, my mom was over and put Addie in it. Mason turned to see Grammy pushing her down the street and I thought Mase was going to freak out that sister was in his mode of transportation. He didn't. Instead he started clapping and smiled the most precious smile. Ran over to her and gave her a big kiss, and told her she was a little guy doing big guy things (from the book Hey! Wake Up by Sandra Boyton). I'm always so surprised by his love for her. He gets excited when she does something new, and tells her she looks pretty. I wonder how long that's going to last?

Reflections

I was walking through Wal-mart when -GASP- I spotted the school supplies. Now to most, school supplies are exciting, but to teachers it's a sign of the stress to come. I have to admit it got me. My heart started palpitating and a little sweat beads were forming on my temples. I took a deep breath, turned down the aisle, and contemplated how many school supply sets I should buy to start the school year. About twenty -five kids per class. Two classes. At least five kids who wouldn't have all their supplies per class. Then it hit me. School supplies don't apply to me anymore. I lit out from that aisle with such relief.

When I got home I spent a lot of time thinking about all the kids I have served over the seven years that I taught fourth grade. The fun projects, life changes that I witnessed, families I became apart of...it goes on and on.

I wasn't quite sure how I would handle 'going back to school' when I wouldn't be the one going back to school. Honestly, I'm at such peace. My life is abundantly overflowing. I have two wonderful children that God has blessed me with, and I have the opportunity to be apart of every second of their day. I get to witness and kiss every boo-boo. I get to celebrate in every accomplishment. I get to be Mama all day. Not Mrs. Torres, but Mama.

I will return to teaching someday, but now I will relish in my own children. There is a season for everything. The season to plant the seed in my own children is now. Other children will have to wait until next season.

Happy Birthday Papi!

Celebrating 51 years...

Papi with his two favorite babies...

...and his favorite Little Man...

(before the fountains)

(and after the fountains)

For Our Out-of-Town Family

To see all of our family pictures and order if you want to you can go to...

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You'll love them all. Especially the ones of Lincoln. My chunky monkey nephew is cute!