Jahn Junction

Cake Pops--The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2011-12-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

So, I decided to try my hand at making cake pops. I saw them online and I thought, "Oh those are cute! I bet I could do that!" Silly me for thinking I am more adept in the kitchen than I actually am!

The first part was relatively easy. Bake a cake (from a mix, after all I'm no Bakerella!) Check. Crumble said cake. Check. Mix in some frosting (from a can, see cake reasoning.) Check. Form into little balls. Check. I'm feeling pretty confident at this point, rocking the whole cake pop thing, go me! I stick the cake pops in the freezer and begin melting my chocolate chips. I start by trying to make a make-shift double boiler. (Insert metal mixing bowl into a pan with some water at the bottom. Yes, I am definitely no rocket scientist. Thank you for asking.) The chips begin to melt but they are really thick and not a good consistency for covering cake balls. Crud. Okay, plan B. Stick them in a microwave-save bowl and start melting. But not thinking straight I have forgotten to melt them at a lower power level. The results? My white chocolate chips have turned brown. Not so good. I dump the chocolate mess in the garbage, put the cake balls in the fridge (I was warned not to freeze them too long in one of the online baking sites), and go to bed.

After a run to the store the next day for new chocolate chips I try again. This time I go straight for the microwave but at less power. I successfully melt the chips take my cake balls and sticks and attempt to dip them. The first ball falls off the stick into the chocolate. I salvage it from the chocolate, manage to get it back on the stick, sprinkle crushed candy cane and voila! I have my first cake pop.

I spoon the chocolate onto most of them but like a dunce I try dipping every now again after my first attempt. (What is the definition of insanity again?) Anyhoo, I finish them and notice some interesting things happening. First, there are little brown cake snakes coming out of some of them.

Second, some have what look like icicles hanging from them.

Third, some slid down to the bottom of the stick.

But despite my set backs, they turned out pretty good.

All those baking websites that tell you cake pops are easy are LYING. But then again, if I am able to do it in spite of my clear culinary deficiencies, then you probably can too!

Happy Baking, my dear readers . . .

Old Navy Workout Wear

2011-10-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

So, I recently had the great pleasure to receive a coupon for me (and one for a friend) for free workout wear from Old Navy! We tried out several of the options and finally picked these! I've worked out in them a few times. One word . . . LOVE! The pants hug nicely and are amazingly comfy. And the shirt is made of that fabric that wicks away sweat! I highly recommend this line, Compression tanks and pants. Cute and well-made! Now, maybe I'll work out more! lol!

Five and Fabulous!

2011-05-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

My sweet Aubrianna turned 5 years old today! This morning while waiting for breakfast she said to Matt, "Am I really five today? 'Cause I don't feel like it. I feel like I'm still four." But by the end of the day she was feeling much more like a five year old. That may be because to every person she saw today she said, "I'm five today!" And her teachers gave her a special crown (pictured below) with a glittery #5 on it. :)

She enjoyed a wonderful birthday starting with a yummy breakfast (blueberry muffins), a trip to McDonald's for lunch, sharing chocolate cupcakes with her preschool class in honor of her birthday, a special birthday dinner (complete with all her special requests: "chicken bones," corn on the cob and raspberries), birthday presents and ice cream for dessert.

Happy Birthday, my beautiful daughter, we love you more than you could possibly know!

*More pics on the dropshots account from today and the past couple weeks!

And it's out!

2011-05-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

Nettie's tooth has finally come out. She wiggled it all during soccer practice on Thursday and pulled and twisted it on the way home and . . . SUCCESS!

The funniest part to me is that she still hasn't put it under her pillow for the tooth fairy. Guess she'd rather have the tooth than the money . . . :)

Chasing Seagulls

2011-04-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

I took my four lovely girls to the Natural Bridges State Beach today. It was simply gorgeous! The girls had so much fun. Betsie didn't want to leave and made a terrific display of showing me how she felt about leaving (otherwise known as a tantrum.) But even with the kicking and screaming that was our departure, the trip was just blissful. There is nothing quite like watching your children play at the beach. Nettie spent the entire time working on her sand castle kingdom.

Aubrie played in the sand for awhile, chased seagulls for awhile, played on the waves crashing on the shore for awhile and huddled under her towel warming herself in the sun for awhile.

Betsie was probably the most fun to watch. She loved running and jumping in the water, digging in the sand and most of all chasing the seagulls. She would point to the gulls and say, "Birds, Mommy! I catch them!" in her super cute little voice and then she'd run after them.

I couldn't help but muse about the chasing of the seagulls. Kids just love chasing birds. I wonder what age they grow out of that seemingly irresistible urge. They run after those winged creatures never imagining that it is a futile venture. All they can see is how amazing it would be to catch one and that thought keeps them running even after the birds elude their grasp time and time again. And the joy and complete abandon they exude while attempting this feat is a sight to behold. What a lesson to be learned from chasing seagulls. Whenever a task comes upon us that seems overwhelming, even impossible, approach it like a child approaches the seagull. Run after it with all your might, laughing hysterically the whole way and imagine the feeling that would come from catching it!

Easter Blessings

2011-04-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

I love Easter. I love celebrating our risen Lord. I love knowing that I get to spend eternity in heaven because God loves me so much that He sent His Son to die for me. Jesus conquered death and I get the prize. God's grace is so amazing to me. I pray that my children will come to understand what has been done for them.

We also enjoy the silly traditions that secular Easter brings. Every year the girls get an Easter basket filled with candy and trinkets. Below is a picture of the girls with their baskets/buckets.

The Oosterhouse family did something different for Easter this year; they went camping. They graciously invited us to join them Easter Sunday afternoon for fun and food. We did a little Easter egg hunt with the kids. Below are some pictures of the fun!

Until next time, dear Readers . . .

Learning to Ride

2011-04-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

We recently took off the training wheels on Nettie's bike. Below are a few pics of the first attempts!

Until next time, dear Readers . . .

Even our teeth are stubborn!

2011-04-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Nettie has her very first loose tooth. It has been loose for quite some time now. Her adult tooth is even growing in underneath the loose baby tooth and yet it just doesn't want to fall out! Nettie is very concerned about this. Recently she wrote the tooth fairy a note about said tooth. Below is what was written in her note:

"Dear Toothfree,

I have a wigly tooth. It has not bleded evr. I'm vry skared. What shood I do?

Forever yours,

Lynnette and her dirry. (diary)"

The poor girl's tooth fairy is a bit over extended at the moment and did not write back immediately and so the next note was written:

"Dear toothfary, I have a loos tooth. Y did you not (the not was circled) ansr The last letr? I wont it to come out! forever yours

Lynnettie Jahn"

With this note there was also a lovely picture with a girl with three missing teeth, a tooth in her hand and the following talk bubbles around her: "My Birthday!" "Tow tethe cam out!" "Three Teth came out!"

The tooth fairy finally responded but I fear our young Lynnettie will not be satisfied with her answer, which put simply is, "Be patient, your tooth will come out when it is ready." We may have to resort to some string and a door knob if this silly, stubborn tooth doesn't fall out soon!

Until next time, Dear Readers . . .

First of First

2010-08-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Nettie started her first day of first grade today! I'm just thankful I wasn't the only crazy mom with a camera and separation issues. The school founder actually had to shoo us all away so the kids could get started! Poor teacher, dealing with all of us silly parents . . . Anyway, here's a pic of our pretty girl! More on the dropshots account!

As you can see, Nettie has some pretty intense curls in her hair! The sponge curlers worked overtime last night! :)

i heart faces: purple

2010-07-26T10:50:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge on IHF is "purple." I remembered that I recently took some pictures of Aubrie in a little purple & white stripped dress. She looked so sweet, so I thought I'd add that picture. :)

There are many more fabulous purple-icious entries on the i heart faces website! Check them out be clicking the logo below!

Swimming Lessons

2010-06-24T18:10:00.001-07:00

The older girls have started their swimming lessons and are really enjoying them! This year we are taking them at Springwood. Today I grabbed the camera and, while attempting to keep Betsie out of the pool, took a few shots! Check them out at the dropshots account and see the preview below!

Nettie Graduates!

2010-06-05T10:35:00.001-07:00

It's official! Nettie has graduated from Kindergarten. I am officially the mother of a first grader! *Gulp* It was a very cute ceremony with some singing and little speaking parts. Go HERE to see her say her part and see some other videos from the event! (Thank you, Shelley, for taking these great videos!)

More pics from this event too at the Dropshots account.

Until next time, Dear Readers . . .

i heart faces: faces & flowers

2010-05-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at iheartfaces is "Faces & Flowers" and here you see one of my favorite faces with a flower. :) Although, Aubrie didn't find the prettiest flower to smell, I still love this picture!

Find more incredible images at iheartfaces.com!

The Function of Weeds?

2010-03-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

Nettie is in Kindergarten this year. She is really enjoying it and doing very well. Although, sadly, sometimes she comes home and when asked says she isn't learning anything, occasionally she comes home and tells us about something she's learned. A few days ago she was sharing the process of sanitation. Please be aware, that if you are offended by "bathroom talk" this is not the post for you! :)

Nettie: "Mom, did you know that when you flush the toilet the water and potty go down and go through the weeds to get clean and then comes back to our house again."
Mom: (a little confused) "Through the weeds?"
Nettie: "Yeah!"
Mom: (the light goes on) "Do you mean it goes to a plant?"
Nettie: "Oh yeah . . . that's what I meant."

Until next time, Dear Readers . . .

Betsie's One!

2010-03-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

Our youngest turned one today. It is difficult to believe that one year ago today I gave birth to this amazing little girl. Elisabeth Marylin Jahn is a very happy, stubborn and yes, dramatic child. (Because everyone knows we can use a little more drama in our house.) :) It has been a fantastic year; we've enjoyed getting to know our Betsie as she's developed her personality. And we greatly look forward to seeing the beautiful woman she will become. We praise God for giving her to us and thank Him for the blessing of Elisabeth in our lives.

My Little Mathematician

2010-03-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

Aubrie: How many am I now?
Mom: You're still three.
Aubrie: No . . .
Mom: Okay, you're three and three quarters, you'll be four on your birthday, May 11.
Aubrie: And on my birthday I'll have four quarters!

Nettie's Future

2010-02-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

Nettie came home from school recently with a paper that said, "When I grow up, I want to be _______________." Nettie's stated, "When I grow up, I want to be Nettie." And she drew a picture of herself . That's my girl!

One Step at a Time

2010-01-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

Elisabeth loves to climb the stairs. We have a gate at the bottom to attempt to keep her from doing it on her own but with two other children, keeping the gate closed is not so easy. We decided to let her practice and I took some pictures for your viewing pleasure. :)

And she's off!

This is hard work!

So proud!

Thanks for looking!

Until next time, Dear Readers . . .

Playing Outside

2010-01-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

I know all my cold-weather family are going to be cursing me for this post (okay, not really) but today was a GORGEOUS day in the Bay Area. I took the girls outside for some fun in the sunshine and also it allowed me to play with my new camera! The pictures below are ones that I took today of the girls! Enjoy!

Find even more (many, many more) pictures (although most unedited) on the dropshots account!

Testing the Waters

2010-01-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

Been loving playing with my new camera and a little overwhelmed by how much more I have to learn! A fabulous photography site is celebrating a birthday and I decided to throw my entry into the ring.

This pic was taken over the Christmas holiday at my parents' lake house in their hot tub.

Happy Birthday, I Heart Faces!

For many, many more gorgeous entries, please visit I Heart Faces!

Pearly White

2009-12-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

Although not easy to see, Betsie has sprouted her very first tooth! (Nevermind the dirty face, she had been gnawing on a biter biscuit right before I discovered the chomper.) No matter, it is a milestone that must be celebrate and thus . . . congratulations Miss Betsie on your first tooth! It won't be long now and you'll be eating that steak you've been eyeing! :)

Until next time, Dear Readers . . .

Grandma Got Run Over By A . . .

2009-12-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

Aubrie has a very creative and imaginative mind right now. This morning the girls were eating breakfast and she sticks her gloves on the chair back and declares, "I'm sitting on a reindeer chair!"

And although this has nothing to do with this post, I leave you with a picture of my youngest princess (since it's been awhile since I posted a picture of the girl!) ;)
Until next time, Dear Readers . . .

Savin' the World

2009-12-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Aubrie (as seen above) was dressing up as Bat Girl today. She announces to me: "I'm Batman! I help hurt people. I give them band-aids!"

Oh, if only all the hurts of the world could be fixed with a band-aid.

Until next time, Dear Readers . . .

'Tis the Season

2009-12-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

Of crazy busyness! December has begun and with it all the insanity of one activity after another. Don't get me wrong though . . . I LOVE the Christmas season with all the twinkling lights, cinnamon scents, gift-giving, joy-filled, family-time that comes with it! However, there is no busier time of the year either.

On December 1st Lynnette had her Kindergarten Christmas program. It was very cute. Below is a video of the first song they sang.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

For more videos and a few pictures, go to the Dropshots account. I didn't have my new camera yet for this event, so I couldn't take very many pictures (and they weren't that great either!) Sorry!

This past weekend was Faith Christian Fellowship's third annual Operation Childcare event. Matt and I both volunteered at the event and so our kids, of course, had to come with us. It is a great event; free childcare for two evenings in December for our community. At the first evening we had 30 kids! They had a blast!! I helped with the registration and once all the kids had arrived, I wandered around taking pictures.

Today was a "Flip 'n' Flash" event at Encore Gymnastics where Aubrie takes classes. She LOVES her gymnastics class and always has fun at the other events we sometimes participate in! Below you will see her flippin' out and, as usual, there are more pictures to be found at Dropshots!

Until next time, Dear Readers . . .

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2009-11-18T21:35:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking for awhile that I should share some of my favorite things that Aubrie says. Aubrie, being 3 1/2 is a fountain of hilarious word blunders. So, here are a few favs:

Pap: no we're not talking the smear kind, this is Aubrie's combination of pat and burp, in context, "Mommy, let me pap baby Ewisabif."

Wong: Ahhh, the "l" that sounds like a "w", not the wrong without the "r". Today, she says, "Mommy, my banana is wong!"

Wittle Wamb: Mary has a wittle wamb, wittle wamb, wittle wamb . . . (Betcha didn't know that!)

Today & Tomorrow: Aubs hasn't quite got the concept of today and tomorrow so every day she asks, "Mommy is it tomorrow?" And I respond, "No baby, it is today." And she looks at me all confused. :) (BTW, I am not exaggerating, this is a DAILY question in our house right now.)

That's all for tonight folks!
Until next time, Dear Readers . . .