Valentines

Today, Emily's class had their Valentine's Day party. She said it was a fun "ball party" and that she got to throw and blue ball with white polka dots for one of their games. Good stuff. Here are the Valentine's we made together. Yes, I wrote MADE. I'm really trying to be crafty. So, here are two very simple and inexpensive ideas for homemade valentines! (Courtesy of Family Fun magazine.)

Also, Emily got an early Valentine's Day surprise in the mail the other day. A month ago, we checked out the book, "The Lima Bean Monster" from the library. She was a little wary of it at first, but, was very brave and we brought it home. It is now her favorite book. Eventually, we did have to return said book to the library, but she missed it. So, it was decided that it must become a part of our collection and we ordered a copy from Amazon. Needless to say, she was very excited when it arrived! Hurray! (I am hoping that by reading this book over and over again, she'll be more prone to eating her vegetables.)

They call 'em Rainy Mondays...

The kids had some fun putting on their rainboots and jackets today (well, putting on Emily's boots and jacket). Nebraska sure is funny about its weather...maybe this truly is an early spring! (However, I know from growing up here to watch out for the late-March, mid-April snowstorms!)

Also, here are some funny little pictures of Christian eating. I'm not sure what exactly he was trying to do w/his Cheerios (maybe blow them across the table?). However, he did enjoy wearing his yogurt. Such a silly little guy!

What month is it? And, my "major award"

Yes, it's February and I had the windows open! Both yesterday and today were just gorgeous. I hope everyone within its reach was able to get outside!

Also, I finally won a prize! This morning was another "fun run" (I know, an oxymoron) out at the base. This time, Amber and I were joined by Jenn, Jessie, and Hannah. It was a much better run this month and what made it even more fun is that we all won prizes! They had a drawing and gave away gift certificates and such. Mine is to Old Navy. (Great timing too b/c the kids are totally outgrowing their clothes!) Last time, Amber and I didn't win zilch. This time, we all came away with stuff...even Jenn, who was the last one drawn, and "won" a big box of chocolates! Ha!

Two Extremely Simple (and Tasty!) Recipes

Here are two of my favorite recipes...not only are they tasty, they meet the requirements of normal, on-hand ingredients and extremely quick and simple! 'Can't go wrong with that, right?

Main Dish: Lemon-Baked Chicken (EVERYONE in my family eats this...a VERY rare thing!)
-1-1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I split the 3 breasts into halves)
-1/2-1 tsp. softened butter per breast half
-salt
-paprika
-lemon juice

Place chicken in an ungreased baking pan. Spread butter on each piece. Sprinkle pieces with salt and paprika. Drizzle with lemon juice.
Bake, uncovered, for 35-45 mins at 425 degrees. (Optional: sprinkle w/2 T of snipped parsley)

Dessert: Swedish White Brownies
2 eggs, lightly beaten
add: 1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 c. flour
1 tsp. Almond extract

Mix together--pour into greased 8" square pan--sprinkle sugar on top. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 min.

Enjoy!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning...

....Oh what a beautiful day! Wow, I so want spring to be here after Saturday! Talk about gorgeous! We took advantage of the warmer temps and headed out to the zoo. Emily has been begging to go for weeks and she was just so excited to go and visit "her" sharks and rays! Here we are, soaking up some of the sun's rays!After Christian's nap (and a Mommy-daughter date to Target for Emily and me), we headed back out for some more fun right in our own driveway! Cubby was a sweetie and vacuumed out all of the cheerios, fishie crackers and fruit snacks (courtesy of Christian) of our van, while Christian "washed" the Cozy Coup and Emily and I played some baseball. I sure hope that Groundhog doesn't see his shadow tomorrow---I want an early spring!

Vacuuming...

So this is what we (and I use this as a collective "we") accomplished today! I think I'll keep these pictures handy for when the children are teenagers. That way, they'll have a reminder that they did enjoy cleaning at one point! "Train up a child in the way he should go..." We insisted upon vacuuming the entire upstairs...with minimal help from Mommy. So independent!

"My turn!" (or "ME!" from Christian) was the common phrase when vacuuming the couch!
Everyone loves a newly vacuumed couch! (Especially Mommy! Happy sigh....)

Thanks, kids! Mommy loves you!

Choices and a "New" Car

Tonight, Emily and Cubby had the following conversation while we were trying to persuade Emily to go and clean up her room:

Daddy: Emily, please go clean up your room--remember, Choose the Right!

Emily: Daddy, I'm going to choose....something different. I'm going to choose the LEFT!

Can you argue with that while keeping a straight face?

Also, yesterday we went over to my mom's house for dinner. As we were coming into the house, the following conversation transpired:

Mom: Who's white van is that?

Me (looking across the street for a white van and not seeing one): White van?

Mom: Yes, the one you pulled up in!

Me: Mom, that's our silver van; you just don't recognize it because it's clean!

Hmmmm....maybe I should get the car washed more often!