You know you're on the internet too much when.......

Recently, I've caught myself from almost saying "lol!" and "J/K!" and "rofl!" in a verbal, face to face conversation with someone.  That is really sad......

The Weekly Post

I had hoped to be better at this, and do more than a weekly post.......but life gets in the way sometimes.  Still working on a routine at home (though I hear that NEVER happens with kids........and I'm starting to agree.) 

Let me just say right now that I refuse to comment on the Health Care Reform. I'm sick of hearing about it. The End.

Madelynn's imagination is so wonderful, she is a wonderful daughter and big sister. Even though she is starting to experience the pains of sharing with a sibling, she gets so worried when Annie cries and does everything she can think of to help her.
"I get toy for Annie"
"Mama, Annie needs bottle"
"Annie, don't cry! I kiss your booboo"
"You want song Annie?"
She continues to go down the list until Annie stops crying. It's so cute- she is so sweet!

Annie got her 9month check-up yesterday. She is 18lbs (35%) and 28" (65%).  Head is still ridged, but growing appropriately and no need for worry (if she ever shaves her head, I'll be worried; but not about the ridging....)  It is so hard for me to not compare her physical progress with Madelynn's at that age. Maddie was crawling on all fours, and pulling up to standing by that age.  Annabelle is army crawling, but shows no interest in being on all fours. She has learned how to go up stairs, but not pull up to standing. I think it is just a difference in personality.  Annie is a very laid back child (thank goodness) so she is just happy sitting there. Maddie was always on the move, couldn't ever sit still.  Even knowing this, I still worry.  It is my job.......or curse......

I got the opportunity to watch my nephew Ian last week. It was lots of fun! It was great to see how it would be with 3 kids.......now all future kids have to be as good as Ian. 
Here is a blackmail photo we captured:

My kids are forced to love me- bwahaha!

Time to open up the Grill!

Sorry, I've fallen off the blog bandwagon lately. I've been preparing my house for spring (more to come on that subject later.) 

With spring on the way, I can't wait to start grilling! Jake is going to start a new hobby this year: smoking! Ok, people don't get all but it causes lung cancer on me. He is going to start smoking MEAT! He is going to make the smoker using this site as guidelines:
http://www.randyq.addr.com/ecb/ecbmods.html

Should be interesting! I shall have to post pics and the results afterwards. If everything goes well, it'll be really yummy! The oncology nurse in me does want to add the disclaimer that eating lots of smoked meat puts you at risk for colon cancer- so just everything in moderation!

Jake and I love a good cold beer with chips and dip while we grill. Here is our favorite dip recipe- it's the best!


Southwest Dip

One medium sized container of sour cream
One packet of Taco Seasoning
Throw it all together in a bowl, mix, and enjoy!

Attention Homeschoolers!

A Beka Book Materials Displays/Conventions coming to Texas! March-April: check out the website for more information.  If you order at the convention, there is no shipping cost.

Website Here

Funny for the Day

Madelynn was eating her dinner of fishsticks with ketchup and ranch (such the southern girl.)
Jake says: "Madelynn, what are you going to put on your fishstick?"
Maddie: "My mouth Daddy.......my mouth"

This too shall pass

Cool music video! Just had to share!

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

If you're needing a good sweet snack and don't want to go to the store, these are the best and easiest cookies to make. I love making them with Madelynn too because she can help roll the dough and place them on the cookie sheet (and of course she gets to lick to bowl afterwards....)



Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

1cup peanut butter (sometimes I use creamy and sometimes crunchy...both are good)
1cup sugar
1 egg

Mix together and roll into small balls. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes at 325 degrees. Cookies will be soft when taken out of oven and will harden as they cool down.

Sometimes I make them extra small and add icing to them (or make an icing sandwich with them.) ;P

A wonderful morning......and then I woke up

I was lying in bed this morning just dozing and enjoying the warmth of the covers, when Madelynn climbed into bed with me and curled up next to me under the covers.
 
Ahhhh, I thought, it doesn't get any better than this....  I drapped my arm around her and pulled her in closer enjoying the cuddle time.

She then leaned over and whispered into my ear, "I poopy Mommy, need diaper change."

So this is how my mornings begin now.....

"Ok, ok" I said. "I'm awake."

Madelynn sits up and watches me stretch and yawn trying to pull together enough energy to get myself to actually put my feet on the floor; signifying that the day has begun.

She leans in and whispers again, "....and wet."

I look over at her and noticed a nice big wet spot where she was sitting.......on my pillow......

I then start to hear Annie's persistent yells through the baby monitor, as Goliath starts barking to be let out......

Sigh......guess I better make extra coffee this morning.....

Picture Time

I haven't posted any pictures in a while.....so time to torture you with my kids again!

 

Couldn't you just pinch those cute little cheeks!

 

 Always Mommy's little 'helper'!