better than i could have imagined

let vacation begin.

2012-01-28T21:08:00.000-06:00

So I finished up work last night and will now have 15 days off! I'm a little excited, if you can't tell.

I worked the past 3 nights and was just so exhausted. Thursday and Friday mornings I could barely stay awake on the drive home. It was miserable.

I overslept on Friday afternoon. Just kept pushing snooze for 40 minutes and had no idea I did until I finally woke up.

But this morning came and I had an extra boost of energy. It helped knowing that I would not be going back to work for a while. :)

So as a treat and to start our vacation off right....I stopped on my way home for donuts. The girls love them (and so do I)....but we've been really good about not getting them much lately.

I got my phone ready for pulling into the driveway. Parker usually hears the garage door open and runs to the door and opens it. She's usually giddy, smiling....saying "Mommy, Mommy!" and bouncing all around. It's pretty sweet, I'll have to admit. But tugs at my heart all the same.

Anyway....this was her face right as she opened the door...

Grace ate her donuts standing up. She was bouncing off the walls, too. The girls are generally happy, regardless of who is home with them. But when we are both home....they just seem overjoyed. Just as we are.

I get them chocolate with sprinkle covered donut holes. Grace likes to just eat the chocolate and sprinkles then put them back in the bag. Which is fine until she has to really start doffing for them,

An already half-eaten one...

Still searching....

"I dot {got} it!"

I slept really good until 3pm....which is a little later than I normally do when I am going to 'flip' back to days. But I just felt I really needed a little extra sleep.

And to finish off the day....we headed to Snuffer's again for dinner.

Parker and Geoff played tic-tac-toe. I'm usually a sucker and let her win. He lets her win some, but she loses, too. Although I haven't had the heart to do it...I do think it's good for her because when she does figure out how to play the game....it'll be because he didn't always let her win.

And love this one.....Parker with my sunglasses...

Just me and my oldest gal...

____________

Looking forward to some time off. I've started lists of things I want to get accomplished but feel overwhelmed because I know time is still limited and will probably only get a small chunk done. Regardless- my number one goal is to enjoy it!

Now....getting off the computer to watch Moneyball with Geoff. Should be fun!

_____________

Never before seen footage: Thanksgiving Eve 2010

2012-01-27T07:01:00.000-06:00

It's already a little hard to remember....but this was from the day before Thanksgiving of 2010. Yes- you read that right. 2010.

I uploaded these pictures not long after Thanksgiving happened that year, then never posted. But I am now. I also have a post from Thanksgiving day of 2010, but I have to find it. ;)

_________

So I saw lots of posts that year (this was before Pinterest, mind you.....or at least before I knew about it)....of these cute little turkeys made out of oreos, reese's, and candy corns. I don't know how it hapapened....but somehow, Geoff was the one that got stuck making them. Parker helped a bit.

Oh my goodness. Parker's hands are so much smaller and squishier than they are now!

Maybe this baby (Grace) is the reason Geoff got stuck making them! ;) I miss that baby! See this picture makes me want to go pick her up. She's so big now.

"Can I have this?"

I made apot of chili and we made Frito pie. It was a nice day out....not too hot or cold....so we sat outside and had lunch.

We made handprint turkeys......

It was a little challenging doing her 10 month old hand....

I did get some pictures of the finished product, but those are from Thanksgiving day. So hopefully I'll be back to post those pictures. I remember there were some good ones. And hopefully it won't be in 15 more months! ;)

This is one of the first times Grace went down the slide. She had gone down it great with Parker when only I was outside with them and I didn't have the video camera out. Then I tried to get them to do it again....this time Geoff helping and me filming....and he let her go a litle too far...

from our week- Phone Photos

2012-01-26T06:45:00.000-06:00

Posting my phone photos a little early this week.....

________________

I wrote about how Grace woke up Monday not feeling well. It took her almost the whole week to recover. By Wednedssay mid-afternoon she wasn't running fever, but sttill just took a few more days to get back to 100%. She took a few loooong naps. She's so sweet.....

___________

I let Parker play in the shaving cream one afternoon....

___________________

I worked Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this past weekend and Parker was so sweet and happy when she cam ein to wake me up on Monday afternoon. She hugged on me....then got up and told me she would put toothpaste on my toothbrush for me. So she did. Not long after she came back into our room and told me that her thumb hurt. I didn't exactly know why until I walked into the bathroom and saw this. She had rolled up the toothpaste and worked so hard to get the toothpaste out that it hurt her finger! I hugged her up and thanked her so much for helping me out.

__________

One of our friends had a baby last week and I made a chicken pot pie to take over for dinner. It's been a while since I've made one but it was easy and good. I will share the recipe over the weekend.

_______________

We've gotten some good rain over the last few days here. And while it's been sort of flooding....we are still in need of it since the drought over the summer and fall.

It was thundering and lightening SO much on Wednesday night and she was pretty frightened by it (maybe a little agged on by her sister who was also not liking the lightening that she said would 'kill her life'......I don't know who would tell her that? {cough cough- Geoff- cough cough}.. Grace would run up to me and say, "Hold me, Momma." And then she'd say, "I tared" {I scared.}.

She was sitting in my lap and would cover her face when she'd hear the thunder.

____________

This happened on Wednesday night, as well., but I wasn't able to snap a picture in time. But we had just gotten home....and I brought the girls in. Then went back out to get a few things from the car. When I back came in....this is basically how the girls were standing. Parker said, "Aawww, Mom. She's scared and I'm making her feel better." I went for my phone immediately, but it was too late and Grace wanted me to hold her.

I never told Geoff this happened, but it happened again the next morning and Geoff was able to capture it and sent it to me in a text.. I absolutely love it. Love that Parker wanted to protect her little sister and that Grace went to her. Just looking at their little arms wrapped around each other...I can't help but smile.

Anyway....moving on....;)

_____________

on my mind....

2012-01-25T14:47:00.003-06:00

So I was reading this post from a blog that I read frequently....and she linked, and made reference to, this blog post- 'Friendly Fire.' In the post- she is talking about the debate between stay-at-home and working moms.

I was glued to the computer screen the entire time I was reading it. I was kind of shocked that there was a 'debate,' per se, because- for me- since I have stayed at home, and now I work....I don't feel that anyone has judged me either way. Maybe that's just my naivety? But anyway- I just think that everyone has a different life and has different reasons and things that are better/best for their family.

So anyway- I'm not here to beat a dead horse, I just keep thinking about it and decided I'd go ahead and share and be done with it. She brought up some points I hadn't thought of...and brought out some of my thoughts in her words. Like thoughts about my friend, Guilt. ;)

So check it out if you have a chance.

Christmas Day 2011

2012-01-24T22:53:00.000-06:00

Christmas morning.....

I actually set my alarm Christmas morning so that we could go in and wake Parker up. This hardly ever happens and she loves it when it does.

We opened presents. Ate a good breakfast. And made it to church. On time. ;)

After church we headed to my Dad and Kay's.

I made the cheese balls and the toffee crack. I made 3 cheese balls because I love them. And because I never make them except for special occasions. I made this one, this one, and another one I can't find the recipe for.

Parker did not wear this Rapunzel dress to church.....but she did wear that head piece. ;)

My dad....

Aunt Kasey and Grace

Kristin and Dad

We ate delicious filets. Since Christmas....he has gotten a new grill....and is already planning to add lobster to the menu for next year. I told him that I think he should practice sometime soon and we should come to test it all out. ;)

Uncle Phil

Uncle Phil and Payton

Dad made a blackberry cobbler in a cast iron Dutch oven....then placed it in this and placed hot coals all around it.

This is what they do when they go to the deer lease. They make lots of good food.

Seems like I got pictures of everyone but us. ;)

Aunt Kasey and Uncle Brian

Papaw & Gran

Uncle Brian

THE blackberry cobbler....

Payton got a trunk of dress up clothes from us. The girls changed clothes I don't know how many times...

So this wraps up all of our posts on Christmas 2011. Yay!!! ;)

a cozy afternoon

2012-01-23T20:57:00.001-06:00

I worked this past weekend. I'm sort of going through a working 'binge'-if you will-. By Saturday I will have worked 9 out of 13 days. Meaning work 3, off 2, work 3, off 2, work 3. Taking into consideration that I have to flip between days and nights. And the days I work really take up the whole 24-hr period....with the 12 hr shift + the commute. Not much other than work gets done on work days. I'm exhausted (aren't we all though!).

Anyhow- the point is not to complain....but that it will all be worth it because come Saturday....I will be off for 15 straight days! One of the perks of being a nurse is that we can often times trade our schedules. I only took 3 days off of work....then moved my schedule around....and voila! Fifteen days off. And I can't wait. Thrilled is an understatement.

________

So I woke up this afternoon and let Geoff rest his eyes for a bit.

Parker wanted to paint...and on the way to the office decided she didn't want to paint, but to play with the shaving cream instead. Whatever is fine by me.

She said it was her snow.

Geoff wasn't down for long and got up and offered to make brownies with Parker.

Around 3:40 I went and opened Grace's door to let her kind of wake up on her own. She's usually in a better mood this way. If I actually go in there and stand over her crib while she wakes....she's usually on the whinier side.

Today- she was in a great mood! (getting this genuine smile by holding Pot-a-hontus up over the camera)

We planned to have hamburgers for dinner tonight since Geoff would be home to grill. It was a beautiful day and we had the windows open. The girls and I played while Geoff cooked....

You see- I kind of like having a dessert on hand. It's called lev-er-age. ;)

I had planned to make PW's french fries, but took a short cut and just baked ours (I did cut fresh potatos and let them soak in water for a few hours before baking)....and then at the last minute decided to add cheese since we had bacon, chives, and jalapenos, too. Oh- and the semi-homemade ranch dressing!

A variety for the kids.

Happy Monday all.

This week's menu:

2012-01-22T07:30:00.003-06:00

So I've been trying to stick with a strict budget and menu planning. This will be our 3rd week and I am so happy that we've stuck with it. I know it's always easier when we first start doing things like this....and then over time...we become lazy or too busy. But I really hope we stick with this because we have saved so much money....and eventhough we aren't eating the healthiest, I still think I have lost a few pounds. Fattening foods at home just don't seem to be as fattening as fast food. That- coupled with the fact that I usually don't place as much food on my plate as restaurants do....and I don't usually get seconds.

This week took me a little long to plan because I am working 6 out of 8 days.....so it had to be stratetigic in the difficulty and mess factor. I also have to make sure it's something that I am at least half way looking forward to....otherwise, it's extra easy for me to just say, "ohhh....let's just pick something up."

This week is also good because several of these recipes are halved and frozen for another meal to have in a few weeks or next month.

So anyway- here is our menu for this week:

Cheese and chili enchiladas (made in 2- 8" aluminum square pans..one for eating and one to freeze for later) salsa, rice, beans, salad (we just got a tub of mixed greens already washed....made ranch dressing from the Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch dry seasoning pack....and the intention is to have a little side salad with most meals....the girls even eat the salad!)

Lasagna (also made in 2- 8inch aluminum square pans, one for now and one to freeze), salad, and olive cheese bread (I had all the ingredients except for the French bread which costs just a little over a dollar.....and I will cook half, and freeze half.

Monday night Geoff will grill hamburgers....and I am going to attempt to make PW's french fries. Since he'll have the grill fired up....I am going to have him grill us some chicken to put on salads the next day.

Which brings us to the next meal....Grilled Chicken Salad. We'll use the mixed greens, hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, tomato, and cheese. The girls will probably eat some leftovers or some of our chicken and salad as well.

And a Taco Ring...served with this salsa, sour cream, and salad.

Notice: I didn't put days beside them here because it is ever evolving. It never fails....I will have each day planned out....and I still sorta do....but sometimes, depending on what's going on...it is easier to make certain things on certain days. Also keeping in mind if I need leftovers for lunch the next day or not.

And for breakfast throughout the week....I thought we'd try these egg muffins {another recipe that we already have all of the ingredients for}

If you're in a meal planning rut, I hope this helps!

Grace's 2nd birthday Day

2012-01-20T08:14:00.008-06:00

So in case there was a doubt in your mind after all that I have written about this week.....Grace turned 2 yesterday. ;) We had her small family party this past Saturday.....and made yesterday, her actual birthday, a special family day.

We slept in a bit....til about 7:30. Which would have been really great except that I really needed to be up earlier since we needed to leave the house by 8:30 for Grace's 2 year well check-up.

An hour was really plenty of time since I had Geoff's help, but we got kind of slowed down by this plan I had in my head. For whatever reason- I had decided that I wanted us to all walk in her room together singing happy birthday.

And as usual- things didn't go as planned. But they turned out better. Or at least just as good. ;)

I hopped in the shower and sent Geoff to wrap her one present she was going to open on her birthday (we're such slackers!) Meanwhile- Parker goes in to see her sister (she was excited it was Grace's birthday, too). Climbs in her crib with her (which I do not really like because Parker also climbs out of the crib and I don't want Grace to be getting any more ideas!!)

About 5 minutes in Parker comes back into our room. We hear Grace on the monitor saying, "Momma! Where are you?" So cute and funny.

We hurriedly send Parker back in there (again to keep her happy and in her crib. ha!)

I videoed it because I wanted to capture all of her faces and whatever she would say. As I turned off the camera I had started to tear up. Uhhh. Stop growing up. I don't think I am ready to officially say that my baby is no longer a baby. And I am certainly not ready for Parker to be FIVE this year. But I guess ready or not.....

She is so sweet. I don't know if you caught it all. But at one point Parker said, "do you want me to hold it for you?" And she quickly replied, "No- I will do it!" just as plain as day. Her vocabulary has grown leaps and bounds over this past month.

So we hurriedly got ready....they had pancakes and fruit in the car ride there because there was no time.

Made it there right on time. Thankful for no traffic and a safe trip!

We only waited about 15 minutes for the doctor. But oh my goodness. A 4 year old and a 2 year old in a small doctors office exam room is like having a bull in a China closet. I was sweating for sure. Keeping them off the rolling chair and out of the de-germer alone was a chore!

She did great though. As we walked into the doctor's though, she did say to me, "I not det(get) a shot, Momma." I think we can thank Parker for putting that idea into her head. Parker asked me before we even left the house if she could ask the doctor if Grace was going to get a shot. So she did. The doctor didn't know at first (because she hadn't looked)....but right before she left the room she told Parker that Grace was going to have 1 shot. Parker adamantly said, "I don't want she to have a shot! I don't want she to have a shot!" I don't think Dr. Halsell was expecting this reaction but kind of quickly said something to the effects of it'll just be one, show her how to be brave, and hold her hand....then just as quickly exited the exam room.

Parker bursted into tears. It was the saddest (and sweetest) thing. I really wanted her to stop though, because I didn't want to upset Grace.

Anyway- moral of the story- she had to get a little blood drawn for lead and iron testing. Grace did not even wimpier. But Parker bawled.

Then it was shot time. This nurse offered to let Grace stay in my lap (I have never been given this option before. I've always had to lay them on the table and restrain them.....I like this way better) but was concerned Parker might freak out (she didn't use those words exactly). I sent Parker to sit in the chair just on the other side of the nurse (so glad she listened to me and didn't argue)....so she wasn't able to see. Grace did cry after the shot but only for a minute. Parker cried a little more and said several times there and after leaving that she "....never ever wants to go to the doctor again!" I hope we haven't scarred her! ;)

To make up for the 'trauma'....we headed to Northpark for lunch and the princess (Disney) store. They have a neat little screen sitting area.

Each girl got a new doll (like they need it. but the deal is- and not that i have to justify it, but Parker has been so good this week cooped up in the house while grace was sick and then grace was so good at the doctor AND....i bought a few gifts at the disney store for christmas through paypal that i tried to return but paypal does NOT do refunds.....so we have quite a bit of store credit. long story, but moral is- don't use paypal if you think you may want to return it)

Grace with her new "Pota-hontus," as she says it.

After lunch and the Disney store....we went to Sprinkles to pick up cupcakes.

The birthday girl on her birthday!

Grace took a short nap in the car but woke up as I took our exit.

When we got home we changed into short sleeves (it was a beautiful day here...kinda warm...especially for January!) and spent some time on the trampoline.

It was 3 in the afternoon by this time and we decided to go ahead and eat our cupcakes....sing happy birthday and blow out her candles.

I love this next series of photos....

The shot to get my settings right....

In this next one she is looking at Geoff as he is carrying over her cupcake with 2 lit candles and we are all singing to her....

Patiently waiting....

As soon as we were done singing she blew them out with her first blow! So I missed it.

But we started cheering and oh how proud she was of herself.

_____________

Grace Jean-

I have been trying to come up with the words to say to you. With the actual new year and the ending of your second year coming all at the same time....I have done quite a bit of reflecting over the past few weeks. And my heart is full. Overflowing, rather.

I cannot believe how fast the time has flown since I first held you in my arms. Over the past month I have just been making such an effort to soak up your little self. So most every time you say in your sweet voice, "Momma hold me".... I've been dropping it all to do just that. Because 2 -3more years I probably won't....because you won't want me to. I try to memorize everything you say and how you say it....however impossible that is. And while sitting in my lap, I hold your soft little hand....you hold it back. I try to imprint the vision of your sweet little feet in my mind so that I will remember 20 years from now that yes- you were that small.

Although you are only 2.....I think you think you're 4! You adore your big sister and I love that your personalities, while different, completely meld together. I hope ya'll will always be the best of friends.

You are just such a joy and make our days brighter. We love you more than you'll ever know. Looking forward to all that your third year brings!

Love,

Momma

Insta-Friday

2012-01-19T15:11:00.061-06:00

As many of you know...Grace had her second birthday this week....and we celebrated last weekend. This was my first fabric bunting and it was pretty easy. I used this great tutorial and template at PinkSuedeShoe.

__________

And we even ended up with a great leftover breakfast for Sunday morning after her party!

________

Me and the girls before church Sunday morning....

___________

Then Monday came and baby girl came down with the stomach bug, bless her heart.

__________

Parker is just at a fun age of pretending. Within minutes she is in her own world pretending and playing. In these pictures it just so happens to be her plush princess dolls.

__________

I love this sweet face. This is basically the view of her face when I am holding her. I just take a moment and stare at it a lot of the time (I did this same thing with Parker, too). And then I kiss those squishy cheeks! It's like I can't kiss 'em enough.

__________

Grace loves band-aids. And when given the opportunity....she opens them up....and places them right on her head.

_________

Anytime I ask her to smile she will either a) look completely away, or b) give a half smile and look away, or c) lift her head high in the air and smile a big cheese smile with her eyes closed.

________

She started getting some of her energy back Wednesday and I had a little energy....so I decided to clean the floors. Vacuum, then steam clean. Grace wanted to help vacuum.

______________

Have you had Nutella? Geoff picked it up one day and I finally tried it this past week and oh my goodness it is so good. AND fattening. I told him there is no need to buy this again! ;)

______________

Grace talking on the ~~phone~~ calculator.

_________

Parker loves, loves, loves these little princess figurines and will play with them for an hour at a time. It's fun to sit in the same room and listen while pretending not to be listening. She has full on conversations with singing and reprimanding included.

___________

Grace's 2nd Year- a look back.

2012-01-19T07:00:00.002-06:00

At 1:19 on 1/19 {of 2010}....this little girl was born. I wanted to take a little look back at her 2nd year with us......

The first 2 pictures are of Grace on her first birthday last year. Just 1 year ago!

Eating her first birthday cupcake!

Learning to walk soon after turning one....and looking cute while doing it!

Still my baby though.....wearing her sleepers. ;)

Walking in shoes for the first time....

Swinging....

Her second Easter (first Easter egg hunt party)

A little posing.....

First fishing trip....

Lots of dressing up!

First time riding a carousel....

Cheese!

Our shadows...

Self-feeding. Lots of it all year long!

Reaching!

Wearing Momma's shoes....

Starting to do more crafts and such like her big sister...

Swimming!

Lovin' her spaghetti!

You have to really watch her with markers!

Don't let this sweet face fool you! She is into everything! ;)

That cheese!!

Her second 4th of July...

First busted lip.....poor baby....

First time in a lake! (at our 2011 family vacation)

First time on a boat!

Loves this talking/singing Elmo doll.

More cheesing!

A mess!

The beginnings of her helping in the kitchen!

First trip to the zoo, zoo, zoo! (don't know why I always say it 3 times...well- I do...it's from Dr. Seus....but still....it's like I can't just say it once).

Such a sweet face for such a sweetheart.

More venturing into the land of arts and crafts!

Another cheese!

First time participating in pumpkin activities.

One of the very few pictures of us with just her....(taken by Parker)

Swinging like a big girl...

First trick-or-treating!

Thanksgiving crafting....

First time partaking in gingerbread house decorating...

playing 'order' & counting 'money'

2012-01-18T21:01:00.012-06:00

This new 'game' we started playing was completely accidental, and I love that it happens that way.

Parker is in the stage right now where she is pretending SO much. She has been pretending for a quite some time (like Grace pretends now some, too)....but just with each day, week, and month, she just amazes us at what she does. And I know it's just your normal, natural growing, but it astounds me nonetheless. And I enjoy it so much.

So anyway- for some reason we had stored her St. Patrick's day sensory tub on top of the refrigerator.....and one day last week she asked us to get it down. Sure. Why not?

Turns out- there were all of these fake gold coins and such. One thing led to another and we were playing 'order.'

She'd drive up in her car. Order what she wanted. I'd tell her how much....

She'd have to count out how much for each item.....then, at the conclusion of her sale.....she'd have to count all of the coins....which had her counting into the thirties (which she still needs help with because I have slacked and not really done this much, if at all)....

Then she'd be off!

Little sis tried to play along. So cute how she still can't really 'drive' herself in the car. So she just hopped out and pushed it along.....

She started running out of money. So she had to go to work to make some. ;) I basically got her to pick up all of her stuff. We only played this part of the game this one time. She wasn't all that into 'earning' the money back. Ha!

Later that evening- she wanted to play 'order' again. So we did. But poor Grace wants in on the action, too. And is usually "in the way" in Parker's eyes....so we find ways for her to play, too.

So she was our grocery bagger. And loved it!

Right here she is saying, "It heeeavy!"

She's full service, too. Loading it all up in the back end of her truck. ;)

The next day I changed the game a bit. Parker had to drive to the store and park. Then use her shopping cart to go shopping. Grace was still the bagger and we still had a great time.

I'd tell her we could play quick game of order then I would need to do something (like make lunch, fold the laundry, etc).

Then I figured out she was filling her cart FULL so the game would last forever. Ha! I guess I don't blame her....

Grace's 2nd Birthday Party- Cake & Presents

2012-01-17T23:30:00.001-06:00

To see the first part of Grace's birthday post you can visit here.

______

So I don't know if it's because of her big sister or because we just had Christmas....but Grace is definitely a pro at opening presents.

She was more than excited! She even spoke very firmly to Payton and Parker at time when they would try to help her. :)

Excited about her new clothes and jammies.... (thank you Aunt B and Dave....we love them!)0

Half a second later.....she's moving on! ;)

Lot's of helpers!

Wasn't interested in her new book.... ;)

Grandad and Mimi got her these miniature princess dolls. They all love them.....but especially Parker.

Her new bitty baby...

Aunt Pauline and Granny....

Aunt B and Uncle Dave

Papaw and Gran

Grace was really into her new baby....and especially interested in her eyes that would open and close depening on if she was laying down or sitting straight up.

The girls got a trampoline from Gramma & Poppa and Papaw & Gran....

Time for 'cake'!

Acting a little shy as they sing happy birthday to her...

She blew out one candle by herself....and needed just a little help for the second one....

Grandad, Poppa, and Uncle Phil stayed around to help put the trampoline together. We are so thankful, too!

Gramma played with the girls outside for a bit...

They did get the saftey netting put up, but by that time, I was done taking pictures!

Can't believe she'll be 2 in 2 days!

Bless her heart...

2012-01-16T21:59:00.001-06:00

I worked last night. And when I came home this morning....I was greeted by a happy and cheerful 4 year old. I got cleaned up and changed. It was a little after 8am and I asked Geoff if Grace was still asleep. Just then- we heard over the monitor, "Momma! Momma!"

She sounded happy and normal. And although I was tired, I told Geoff I'd go get her and change her then head straight to bed.

Only- Parker was really excited to go see her and beat me in there. We heard her over the monitor yell, "Mommy! Come in here and look at this! Grace poo-pooed all over the bed!"

Grrreeeeat!

Only I get in there only to discover that poor baby had thrown up sometime in the night and got. it. everywhere! Everywhere. On the crib, the walls, the carpet, her hair. Bless her heart.

Quick bath and some cuddle time with Grace while Geoff ran to the store real quick to get some gingerale, pedialyte and gatorade.

I went ahead and laid down because I was going on 24 hours awake. I woke up for some reason thinking she was healed and not really sick. Just a fluke.

But she was still sick....and running fever.

Geoff said not long after I laid down she got sick one more time. She was upset and said, "Daddy hold me." He told her he would in a minute but to go lay down in the living room and he'd be right there. In her sweet little voice she replied, "ohteh Daddy" and headed into the living room.

When he made it in the living room....he found she had laid her blanket down in the floor and was just laying there. So sad.

He got her up and laid her on the couch....

And Parker was SO good today. Very thoughtful of her sister and how she did not feel well. She was a big helper and would give Grace whatever she wanted.

I hated that I had to sleep and then go into work again tonight. But thankful for a wonderful husband and father that is so good to his girlies. (And thankful he has a job where he is not penalized for calling in when he or his family is sick!)

_____

Good news! Before bed she did eat a small pancake and I think maybe fever free. Now.....here's hoping to no one else in the house getting the bug! You know.....we talk to our girls a lot about sharing. But this is the one thing I really wish they'd keep to themselves.

Grace's 2nd Birthday Donut Party- The Setup & Guests

2012-01-15T17:25:00.002-06:00

We had a breakfast brunch party for Grace yesterday. I had set my alarm to wake up for 6:30....guest would be arriving at 10:00. But, of course, I snoozed til 7:00 and was running about 30 minutes behind. Which turned out to be ok. It was family and everyone seemed to enjoy visiting. ;)

I let Geoff sleep til 7:30, and as soon as he was up....I sent him off to the donut store. When he returned, he told me if I wanted some fresh donut holes to come now. And when he said that, I didn't realize how fresh he meant. But they were still warm! Mmmmm...

A little breakfast before the party.....Grace loves donuts! Which is primarily what led me to deciding to do a brunch party.

This was our table. Complete with my $1.99 plastic-y table cloth. :)

On the table:

Rainbow fruit kabobs.

Bacon and sausage balls....

Mini quiche

The donut cake-

Some fresh flowers (and pigs in a blanket that are in the background that I didn't get a picture of)

We just filled these little favor bags with about 4 donut holes and I made these labels in photoshop and printed out on 4x2 mailing labels.....

The fabric bunting:

Also on the menu, but didn't make it on the table:

Stuffed French toast casserole...

Breakfast pizza

The guests:

Dad and Terry

Granny, Gramma, Payton

Aunt Pauline and Granny

Aunt B

The birthday girl!! I had made a cute shirt with the number 2 on it.....and had her in it, complete with leggings and and a tutu. But, of course, about 30 minutes before guests arrived- she ran to her room and found her 'seeping booty' top and insisted she wear it. I wasn't going to argue. It was her day and who really cares what she wore? And she was happy. ;)

Uncle Phil

Uncle Dave and Gran

Grandad and Geoff

Grace would dance around near Geoff....sneaking in bites of his food.

She'd says, "I unt {want} bite, Daddee!"

Starting to get excited about opening her presents!

___________

Part 2 is to come! I had originally made it all into one post, but there were over 120 pictures....so I decided to break it up. I want to document it all, though, for her memory's sake.

_______

Menu planning week 2:

We did really well last week not eating out too much and eating our leftovers. Even so- we didn't get to 2 of the meals that were planned for last week, but since we already have everything for them- we are under budget on our groceries this week.

So for this week:

Sun-dried Tomato Basil Chicken served with brown rice and vegetables
Beef Tacos
Dr. Pepper Pork- we'll make soft tacos, eat for leftovers, and freeze the rest for another week.

(I plan to order pizza one night that we both work, then we'll eat at church Wednesday night, and leftovers, Totino's or hot dogs, and maybe pancakes and bacon will fill in any other gaps we may have! Not the picture of health, but it's progress.)

our week, our day, & back in gymnastics

2012-01-12T21:37:00.002-06:00

I didn't take very many pictures with my phone this week....but there are a few. Most are from today....

________

So have you ever eaten nacho cheese Dorito's and salsa? (Amy- do you still do this?) My friends, Amy and Crystal, and I used to spend the night almost every Friday night after the varsity football games all 4 years of high school.....and almost every time we would have 'kitchen time'....and sit around on the counters...talking about 'life'....drinking Dr. Pepper and eating nacho cheese Doritos and salsa. We at Pace then....but now, if I can....I like to make my salsa. And if you're looking for a really good recipe....try here. So easy and yum!

________

We put Parker in gymnastics when Grace was just 8 weeks old. By November of 2010....Parker was starting to become disinterested and it was a little bit of a chore to get her to go each week....so we decided to pull her out. For the past few months she's been telling us she was ready to go back, but due to crazy schedules, we've been putting her off. So last week, I finally got around to setting up a trial class for both girls. I wanted to get them in classes that were going on at the same time so we'd only have to spend 1 hour there a week as opposed to 2 hours. And luckily- it worked out!

Both girls were so excited as they waited for class to start. Parker was just giddy- and would bust out in giggles and hug me. And one time she even said, "Mommy- you're my best friend." So sweet.

Grace was excited, too. I'm sure it was partly because her big sister was so excited, but seriously it was the sweetest thing and I was so excited for them.

Before class started....(Grace is reaching behind her back to rip off her name tag....and she was successful!)

I asked them to sit together....and Parker grabbed her hand. Love it. Love them.

So Grace is in Tiny Tots...which means I go to class with her and help her along. She did pretty well for most things. Her favorite was the trampoline where she was able to go 'bouncy, bouncy.' She did not like to do front or back rolls. She would tell me while shaking her head and a real, matter-of-fact face, "I not do dat ud-den {again}, Momma." And she did pretty well walking on the low beams.

Parker was by herself in Kidz Gym 2.....I snapped these 2 while passing by. Horrible pictures, but want to document them anyway.

________

We came home and had another picnic in the living room floor.

It was time for Grace's nap shortly after, but she was in such good spirits. And Parker was, too (a definite change of pace since yesterday, thankfully). And for whatever reason- I just didn't want to put her down. I missed her.

So Parker suggested we all lay in my bed. I kind of liked that idea. :) Only Parker would get up and leave and come back and Grace would toss and turn and tell me she wanted "Parter{Parker} way{lay} down too". So after about 30 minutes of this (all the while I am just laying down! ha ha).....they got up and started playing. And not long after- we headed to Costco to get a few things for Grace's birthday gathering this weekend.

About 15 minutes into the trip I started really regretting letting Grace skip her nap. But luckily.....they had an applesauce tasting station open....and this pasta that was cooked and tossed in olive oil and parmesan. They both seemed to like it, but especially Grace. And it lasted her through the checkout line and into the car!

_____

Came home. Bubble bath for the girls. Then dinner.

Then these.....

A girl at work does this fundraiser for her kids where they sell Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough. They are proportioned frozen cookies. I get the chocolate chip and they are so good. It was a nice treat to have a warm, fresh-from-the-oven cookie for dessert....sans mess.

And Parker was having fun playing in the cardboard box from Costco...

______

Parker didn't want all of her cookie. I told her we could save it for tomorrow and that I would make sure Daddy didn't eat it. She's so funny because when we order pizza....that same night before she goes to bed she usually tells me to make sure that Daddy doesn't eat all of her cheese pizza. Funny girl. (but it's true!)

Don't worry. I'm going to have some fresh-from-the-oven ready for him when he gets home. :)

_____________

Baby Fever

2012-01-12T10:35:00.013-06:00

My friend, Emily, came over for lunch and brought her 6 week new baby girl for a visit. Ahh the days when you could take them out of the car and walk into place.....clanking around....talking......and the baby would stay asleep!

Oh my. Could she be any sweeter?

And those ishy squishy cheeks?

Elizabeth slept til we were done with lunch (so nice of her....my kids could take some pointers). And then I got to feed her a bottle.

Grace was SO into her. It was so sweet. Parker was the same with Payton when she was born....but really, Grace has not been around any babies. She's been the baby. She wanted to touch her so badly. And she would even lean in to kiss her without us telling her to.

And she wanted to help burp, too. (yes- she has no clothes on. she rarely does. parker was the same way at this age. it is a bit entertaining, and trust me when i say that we do offer multiple times....because it's cold! but she loves to walk around with only a diaper!.....except when it's time to go to church....and then....and only then will she sporadically rip off her diaper....put on some underpants she found from the pile of clean clothes on the living room floor that were in need of being folded....and then proceed to tell you that she needs to 'poopoo' and sits on the potty for 20 minutes and does 'tee tee' but never 'poopoos'...and then makes you about 20 minutes late.

I digress.

Emily and Elizabeth...

No.....I don't have baby fever. Why do you ask?

Terrible 4s?

2012-01-11T22:12:00.000-06:00

Ok- so it used to be the terrible 2s.

And then it was said, I think....... that 3 was the new 2. And it was. (at least for us!)

But now. Now she's 4. And I guess I thought somehow it would all be different.

And in some ways, I guess it is. But I guess I am just coming to the realization that there will just always be something.

Lately- Parker has been very defiant and disrespectful. We will ask her to do something....only for her to boldly say in return, "No." Like the question or request was an option? ;)

She asks "why?" at every request. I have said, "Because I said so!" more than I care to admit. Because while there is a reason I ask her do something.....it really shouldn't matter, right?

We came home from church tonight. Late. It was almost 9pm by the time we walked into the door. Parker was asleep (as I expected, especially since she was up a few hours last night because she couldn't sleep). I carefully remove her from her carseat.....her body limp.

But as I carefully place her in her bed....I hear, "Mommy......I'm still hungry."

Uuuuuuhh!

I had told her in the car that she could have a snack when we got home (we normally wouldn't, but after dinner tonight she was telling me she was still hungry so I felt bad and like she probably really was hungry), but I really, really thought she'd be asleep by then and it wouldn't matter. Well, I guess it did.

So I get Grace out of the car....get them a few pretzel. While they eat, I changed and washed my face, and took out my contacts.

Ok- snack complete.

Time to brush their teeth.

Parker tells me no...that she doesn't want to. She just wants to go to bed.

So I tell her ok....you don't have to brush your teeth but just go to bed. You see- I usually lay with her till she falls asleep (because it only takes her a few minutes to fall asleep usually since she's so tired.....I don't know how this got started, but it did and it's been ok for the most part). And so tonight- I told her that she could just go straight to bed without brushing her teeth, but that I would not be laying with her.

She whines, throws her fit.

Really? All you have to do is brush your teeth and you'll get what you want. We both win.

I calmly remind her of her choices several times while I am brushing Grace's teeth.

So I put her in her bed....she ran out of it 3 times before I could get to the door, and I returned her to her bed each time. I told her if she opened the door that she would get a spanking.

I was very impressed that while I was putting Grace down- she did stay in her room. Which meant a lot in the sense that at least she obeyed that! But....she was yelling and crying...."Mommy- please open the door!"

Anyway....I guess there's not a need to give every single detail. She continued to cry and yell in her room until just now (for 45 minutes total). But I wanted to write this all down to vent...to share....to ask....is this normal???

I'm sure it is. {I hope it is. Ha!}

We try to choose our battles. And tonight would have been so easy to just lay with her. She would have been out in a minute or 2. I know she was so tired. But I am hoping {and praying} that this will make an impression on her to do what we ask....and do it the first time!

As I was keeping calm through it all (I don't always, but really feel better about the whole situation when I do).....I kept thinking...."when will this end?", "maybe it will never end because there will always be something that needs to be corrected?", "do I expect her to be perfect?"

And while, no, I don't expect her to be perfect- I do want her to obey. Be respectful of others. And I guess it's in these seasons of life where she is acting out and disobeying- testing her limits- that I really step back and examine what it is we're doing.....or not doing....what we should do differently....and if it's just something that will pass with time.

It's been a while since I've written about our trials in parenting and so I wanted to write this while it was fresh on my mind.

And here's to a fresh start tomorrow! {hopefully not too early though!} ;)

J is for Jesus, Candy Cane Pizza, & our Christmas Eve afternoon.

2012-01-10T20:35:00.002-06:00

That's a mouthful!

So after Christmas Eve brunch at my mom's....we headed back to our house. It was right smack dab in the middle of Grace's nap time....but with all the excitement and goings on....she definitely didn't want to nap....and part of me didn't want her to either because I just wanted us to all be together. I had a few things planned and basically there was no time to nap! And....maybe in the back of our mind....we were hoping for early bedtimes for the girls. ;)

________

This book has turned out to be one of my favorites this year...

In a nutshell....it's a story about how a candy maker in a small town made a new candy one year....a candy cane. When held one way...it is a J for Jesus. When held the other....it resembles the shepherds staff. The red is for the blood that He shed, and the white to show he can make us white as snow. Love it.

So anyway- I wanted to do a few candy cane things....all while throwing in things about Jesus and His birth and who first came to visit Him after He was born, etc, etc.

First thing up.... just a little J for Jesus craft. I found these glittered foam candy cane {J} stickers. I just cut out a large J for each girl and had them stick the J's/candy canes on them.

The girls played for a bit while I was getting a few things together in the kitchen.

Grace had to wear her new Little Mermaid pjs from Aunt Sis and play with her new stroller from Gramma and Poppa.

We made some cupcakes for Jesus' birthday. I have 2 great helpers!

For Christmas Eve dinner....and continuing with our J/candy cane theme....

I saw this candy cane pizza idea randomly a few days before Christmas on Delia Creates.

Geoff rolled out and cut a perfect J for us.....

I got a little carried away with the pepperonis. If we do this again next year....I will make the crust a bit thicker to withstand all of the grease from the cheese and pepperonis.....and I will do a few less pepperonis.

And just to keep it real.....between all of this 'fun' (and it was fun)....we were busily trying to fold and put up all the laundry and just clean a bit so that we could enjoy a 'clean' house on Christmas.

Our pizza! Complete with pepperonis, black olives, green olives, and jalapeños. Yumm-o!

And cupcakes for dessert.....in keeping with my 'keeping it simple' theme in life right now....I just got the spray can of cupcake icing (I think it's made by Betty Crocker)....and really- it is some of the best icing you can buy, I think. I let them 'decorate' their own. And I think we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. ;)

The evidence....clean up a mess, to make a mess, to clean up a mess, to make a mess.

Santa came....

a little menu planning....

2012-01-10T03:01:00.000-06:00

I don't do this often. Although I would like to.

But yesterday morning, I needed to run to the bank. Then decided I needed to run to the grocery store. So instead of just picking up a few things that would just 'get us through' the day and maybe the next- I decided to do a quick search of some cheap, easy, and good recipes. I didn't have much time, but wanted to have a comprehensive list....so that we were not running back to the store a few times in the week (like we usually do).

It was rainy and I had both girls, so I also wanted to make the trip quick. I tried to pick recipes that I only needed a few more ingredients for. Oh yeh- and they had to be easy. Did I already say that?

Ok- so if you are in a rut like me....need some new easy ideas- I thought I'd share. I have not tried all of them so I can't necessarily attest to the taste, but just thought I'd share what we were planning for our week.

First up- Black Bean Chicken Quesadillas- we actually made these tonight. They were pretty good- and healthy, too. We used wheat tortillas. I think next time I'll use more cheese, though. The recipe doens't call for a certain amount of anything- you just add what you want, but I was thinking a little more cheese would have made them a little better (although not as healthy, I suppose!).

For tomorrow- {and this is definitely not healthy, but looks really good!}- Dorito Casserole

We will probably eat leftovers for lunch on Wednesday and then eat up at the church Wednesday night. It's taco night and the girls ate it pretty well the last time.

Thursday we'll probably try this- Sundried Tomato Basil Chicken. This is a crockpot meal....just chicken and a bottle of Kraft Sundried Tomato Basil dressing. Then I'm going to make some brown rice, and steam some frozen vegetables. Fairly healthy. Maybe this night will make up for Tuesday. ;)

Friday we are planning to visit friends out of town....and Saturday morning will be Grace's birthday gathering...and Saturday night might just have to be a order-in night. We'll see. I also bought stuff for beef tacos, but I forgot about taco night at church, so I guess that will probably end up being a meal sometime during the weekend or next wee. Regardless-I call it a good week to have 3 meals planned. Definitely a step up from the 0-1 I usually have planned. ;)

Christmas Eve 2011

2012-01-09T20:39:00.000-06:00

We woke up Christmas eve....loaded up the car....and headed to my mom's for brunch.

Again- pictures in no particular order....and remember....it was kind of early..... :)

All these girlies love their Aunt Aubrey. Grace would have nothing to do with me, little stink! And after breakfast....they (mostly Parker, I think)...abducted her camera and took SO many pictures! I think the battery ran out before she left. Sorry Aunt Aubrey!!

We had so much food and it was so good. So good, in fact, that now I am going to have a breakfast brunch for Grace's 2nd bday party.

At least the girls got quite a bit of fruit in before all of the sweets!

Parker loves bacon. She already had several piece before breakfast began, and then I don't think she really ate anything during breakfast.

This is a breakfast pizza and I think it was the favorite of the morning. I might make it this weekend and if I do, I'll post the recipe....

Stuffed french toast casserole...

Trying to get a family pictures is always an adventure... ;)

I guess these helicopters were all the rage this Christmas. I saw/heard of several people that got them. Terry ended with this gift from the gift exchange we do with the adults.

After brunch- we headed home for naps. Ha! I wish. But no- we headed home to do a few more things before Christmas. I think once we got home it was already a little past Grace's nap time and so we just kept her up. More to come!

Christmas at Grandad and Mimi's

2012-01-08T22:16:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful, but busy holiday season. I know I have said it before- but each year the holidays just seem to get better with the kids getting older. And me, too. I feel like maybe the older I get, the more nostalgic I get.....and the more I look forward to spending time with my family. Maybe because we all just seem to be busier....we see them less. And so I really just tried to soak up our three full days of Christmas with our families!

______

Up first.....Christmas Eve Eve at my in-laws. We had both worked the days leading up to this....and Marilyn was so sweet to prepare everything for our dinner. I brought nothing. I felt kind of bad, but it was such a gift and blessing to me {and Geoff, too! Ha!....he helps out so much with these like this since I usually tend to over commit}.

I am tired and, alas, trying to write a few posts tonight so I make sure to get all of our Christmas happening in....so I will try to keep the words few...

Geoff reading Parker's card to her...

Grace is a present-opening pro!

Big sis was sure to check out what lil sis was getting...

Grandad was creative with the boxes he used to wrap their presents. ;)

This really deserves a whole blog post of its own....Grace's love for the princesses. I know most girls do....but I just can't seem to get over how much her one-year-old (I know she's almost two) self really loves the princesses. She knows all of their names and most of their songs.....she sings right along with them just like her sister. You see- we didn't really get into princesses this early with Parker because she was the first....she had to develop the like on her own, per se. But Grace thinks she is 4 and it blows us away how much she can do. And maybe Parker did this much....I don't care.....I love that it still amazes me and I hope it always does.

My camera was too slow to focus....but "Seeping Booty" is her favorite. We have to sing "I know yoo!" (aka Once Upon a Dream) to her to bed every night. So anyway- she opened this and gave off the biggest most sweetest smile....and then kissed her {which is the shot I actually got}. I am serious- it was so sweet.

And then she just gazed at her....and didn't let go of her much the rest of the night.

This is a gigantic princess art/craft box. Yeh....this has 500+ pieces that come in it! Thanks, Grandad and Mimi! ;) Hahaha.

All of the food was delicious....great cheese ball, then salad, homemade bread, and a pasta dish that I cannot think of the name for the life of me!! Frustrating.

We watched Mulan while we were there. "Reflection" is currently one of Parker's favorite songs, but she had not seen the movie, I don't think, until this night.

And, of course- didn't get a picture of our little family (not this night or the 2 that followed!).

More to come....

Goodbye 2011. Welcome 2012.

2012-01-03T21:29:00.000-06:00

I've been somewhat writing this in my head for about a week now, and so I figured I best go ahead and write it out now....or try to write it out....before the moment passes me by and my thoughts and feelings are fleeting.

So 2011.

When trying to sum up the year in a few words/phrases/sentences (ok, ok...paragraphs- you know me too well)....I guess I would definitely have to say it's been a great year. We are abundantly blessed beyond what we deserve.

But it also can't go without saying that it's been a hard year. And in a way- glad it's over. ;) I don't wish to wish the time away- this {very} short time that my girls are little. But I can't lie and say that I'm not counting the days that I am out of my contract either. ;) And I'm pretty sure Geoff is, too!

2011 brought me a new job in a new career. Something that I had been working toward for a few years prior- because I felt it was what God had called me to do. And again- last year- when every ounce of my mother's heart and soul did not want to return to work- I again felt God's hand leading me just that way.

And so here I am....1 year into working, and we survived. God know's best and I am thankful when He gives me peace, comfort, and strength when I need it most.

But in other news of 2011....Grace learned to walk (yes- that was this year- even though it seems like she has always walked). Grace turned one. Parker turned four {still getting used to this}. And umm....basically the rest was just survival- adjusting to our mostly opposing schedules. Finding our new normal.

So for 2012. I am looking forward to a new year. A new year with new joys and new challenges. We are settling in to our new 'normal'. It just took a little longer than I thought. ;)

When I began reflecting on this past year about a week ago.....and looking forward into the new year.....with new goals.....new resolutions. I came up with one. And I can't really put my finger on one particular sentence.....but it is definitely one main idea:

To slow down. Give myself a break. Don't expect to accomplish so much in such little time. Realize that I can no longer do as much as I did when I stayed home (and really- if I stayed home, I may get more of the things I 'want' to accomplish done....but my list would just be longer). Don't let this one. life. pass me by trying to do all of this 'stuff'.

And so today as I was getting ready to put 'pen to paper'....the story of Jesus, Mary and Martha popped into my head and so I thought I'd share......

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).

It seems easy enough.....to just slow down.... to get rid of the distractions.....but it has still been sort of a struggle when I come up with an idea in my head of something I want to do....then think about it for a bit- only to then step back and say 'no, that's too much for right now.'

I want to 'do it all'....but just can't. It's impossible.

And I am already happier- more at peace- just admitting it. Putting it in writing.

And just working at living this one life we've been given.

******

Happy New Year ya'll!

From my phone.

2012-01-01T15:28:00.000-06:00

I haven't taken the time to sit down and post our pictures from the phone, but as I've said many times- these are some of my favorites and I don't want to forget them. These are from the past 2 weeks {not as many as you'd think ;) }

*****

Geoff sent me this text one day at work....

Here are the actual pictures posted to be visible...

I have had the opportunity to work day shift for the past 2 weeks and I have loved it. {not the work part} but the DAY part. ;) It's allowed me to start getting these fun texts where I can see what my girls are doing while I'm gone.

******

I got this picture one night from Geoff in a text saying "We love you..."

****

Before brushing teeth....Geoff was able to get Grace's hair in an actual pony tail...that's not on the top of her head.

She liked it. ;)

*****

I had seen these knit/socks/slippers at Target and thought they were so cute, but ended up not getting them. I mentioned them to Geoff...and so one day that I was working, he took the girls and got them for me.

They look pretty cute on Parker, but not on me. I was hoping they would go over sweats. Don't know what I was thinking.

*****

More pictures from Geoff while playing at the park...

******

After Santa came.....

************

Crazy hair....

******
Love these! Also sent to me by Geoff....

Grace still has a hard time moving in her car. But I think they've got this worked out!

*******

Special treat from Sprinkles.....

______

Geoff stayed home sick most of the week. The day I was off- I decided to try out PW's chicken soup. We had nothing for it, so the girls and I went to Tom Thumb. We went down the chip aisle to get some chips for me to take to work on New Year's.....and Parker hopped out of the cart so fast and grabbed these....

I do not normally buy the things that the girls pick up because it's usually junk and we don't need it. But for whatever reason- I didn't mind these. These are probably my all-time favorite chip, but rarely get them. When I was little- and the few times we were allowed to buy a small bag of chips at the gas station- I usually picked these. And so I kind of love that Parker loves them, too.

And I think Grace likes them now, too.

{I cannot confirm, nor deny, that this whole bag was eaten by me and my girls within one hour of getting home.}

You have to try this.

2011-12-30T21:23:00.000-06:00

So I stumbled upon this recipe when perusing the blogs on my sidebar a few days before Christmas. The title of her post was Toffee Crack. It took me a while to figure out.....but she called it this because it is so good and addicting....I guess like crack is? Anyway- I didn't think much of her title.....but the recipe is SO easy.....AND I had all of the ingredients were sitting in my pantry.....AND it looked so good.

And it was.

I have some pictures missing of the entire process, but you can go here to see the step-by-step.

But anyway- you place a layer of saltines in your cookie sheet.....

Melt 1 stick of butter in saucepan.....then add 1 cup of brown sugar and just mix until combined.

Then pour the melted butter/brown sugar mixture over the crackers. Spread it around so all of the crackers get all of the goodness.

Then place in a 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes- until it's bubbly.

Take it out....pour a bag of chocolate chips over the top. Let it sit so the chocolates can melt. Then spread around until smooth.

Then place in fridge until it hardens. I just left mine over night because it was late when I made it and I was ready for bed.

The next morning I took it out of the fridge and broke it apart into pieces.

I made this the night before Christmas Eve and took it to my mom's for Christmas Eve breakfast. All but a few pieces were eaten.

So I made it again for Christmas day. We ate too much and there was a lot leftover.

So I took it to work with me the day after Christmas and it was gone! Everyone loved it. And as a matter of fact....one person even commented when I opened up the container that it was called 'crack.' That's when it all really came together for me. ;) Anyway- it was a hit.

With my first bite, I thought, "OK- this is good. But toffee crack?" But then it was like....I could not get enough. And I would go back, 'just one more time'....about 5 times!

Needless to say- this is the only picture I got of it.....

Make this soon! You won't regret it.

Parker's first Christmas Choir Concert

2011-12-18T22:26:00.001-06:00

Tonight was Parker's first choir concert at church. It was just the preschoolers (ages 3 and 4). They were just precious and did such a good job. So sweet to hear their little voices singing praises and sharing His word.

I'll keep this short, but here are the pictures for memories sake. I wasn't in the best position for pictures of Parker, and they are very pixally due to the lighting, but I love them anyway. Geoff was in a better position which was good because he was taking the video.

Parker waiting in the choir room before 'showtime'...

We had a great turnout with all of the grandparents and Aunt Sis's family.

Parker, unfortunately had her Lovey....but I guess it was the way it should be.

She did, however, put her down for the final song to do some of the hand motions.