Nap Time Hair

You know you've had a good nap if you wake up with hair like this...

Torres' Take on the Aquarium

We've been wanting to take Mase to the aquarium for a while. Originally we planned for him to go with us without little sister, but it never worked out that way. So little sister went and we are super glad she did. I think she had just a good of time as Mason. Not to mention, Mase was showing her all the 'fishees'. I still marvel at how kind hearted he is to her.

The Torres Clan taking on the Alligator...

Checking out the stingrays. Addie was very intent on trying to touch them...
My little princess having a grand ole time...

Daddy and Mase going after the shark...

This next one creeps me out.

Someone actually caught a fish this size in a lake here in OK...

Me and my baby boy.

I love this little dude...

Daddy telling Mase all about the fish...

Touching the starfish...

In other news, Addie is pulling up on everything. Her cousin Linc has been for quite some time now. It is still so weird to see them up on 2 legs. I'm praying for a little bit more time before they take off. However, both babies are getting brave. Their days are numbered and my days are getting ready to get WAY crazier!

One of my fav's...easy and delicious!

Greek Tacos

1 lb turkey meat
1 can (14-1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tsp Greek Seasoning (Cavendar's Greek Seasoning)
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 can (2-1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives
1 pkg taco shells/pita bread
1/2 cup feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion

Cook meat. Stir in tomatoes, Greek seasoning, garlic, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 8-10 minutes or until thickened. Add spinach and olives; cook and stir until spinach is wilted.

Serve with your choice of taco shells or pita bread. Top with feta cheese and onions.

Happy Cooking!

Mason Meets the Ice Cream Man

The ice cream man must have a pretty good market in our neighborhood because he's here at least 3 times a week. Up until now Mase thought it was the music man. Then he parked RIGHT in front of our house and all the neighborhood kids came sprinting down the street. We aren't heartless parents so we ran inside to get him a dollar. He was so cute standing there looking at all the pictures. In the end, Little Mase chose the classic 'Bomb Pop'. He LOVED it as you can see below...
His shirt just made it in the wash tonight. We'll see if those stains come out. I should totally buy stock in stain remover!

A Little Change is Always Nice

Right now my son is on the potty, my daughter is crying, and I am in the bedroom...ahhhhh...my own peace. Thank the Lord for husbands! He sure new I needed a break after the day we had. Trying two's (he's never terrible), teething baby, and sinus pressure that won't quit!

Now for a little announcement, our family blog is changing a little bit. You will still read probably more than you ever wanted about the kids, but I'm going to share a little bit of my domestic side too. A few posts back I challenged you to cook at home for a full week. Hard, I know! So I decided to start adding some of my favorite recipes on here.


Bacon Chicken Cresent Ring

2 tubes (8 oz each) refrigerated cresent rolls
1 can (10 oz) chunk white meat chicken drained and flaked
1-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cups mayo
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
6 strips of bacn, cooked and crumbled
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp Italian salad dressing

Grease a 14 inch pizza pan. Unroll the cresent roll dough; separate into 16 triangles. Overlap the wide end of the triangles in the shape of a ring.

In a small bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Spoon mixture over the overlapped cresents. Fold points of triangles over the spooned mixture and tuck under the wide ends. You will still see the filling. Bake @ 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Pictures to show how to lay out the cresents and fold over...

(sorry, they aren't too clear, but you get the point)

This is a great recipe to put on the same menu with the Balsamic Bowtie Chicken Pasta Salad. Just cook an extra chicken breast (if you don't use the canned chicken), chop up extra onion and bacon, and store it for this recipe. This is simple to throw together and bakes fairly quick. I usually save this one for a night filled with craziness. Happy Cooking!

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!