You need this recipe!

So here is the BEST sugar cookie recipe ever! (special thanks to Susan Welch for this one)

We have made this recipe every year since Benton was born. It is a must try!

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup butter softened

1 egg

1tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1tsp baking soda

1tsp cream of tartar

granulated sugar

Mix powdered sugar, butter, egg, vanilla and almond extract. Stir in flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough into halves. Roll each half 3/16 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board ( I sprinkle my clean counter top with powdered sugar and roll out dough) . Cut into desired shapes with 2- to 2 1/2 inch cookie cutters; sprinkle w/ granulated sugar. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake until edges are light brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Makes about 5 Dozen

Frosting

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

about 1 tablespoon water or 1 to 2 tablespoons half and half (better)

assorted food colors

Mix powdered sugar, vanilla and salt. Beat in water until smooth and of spreading consistency. Tint parts of frosting w/ food colors as directed. (use liquid food coloring for light colors, paste food color- avaliable through mail-order baking equipment stores or maybe Michaels crafts- for deeper colors

Feeling trapped?

This was what I saw as I drove up to my house yesterday! I am sure everyone in our neighborhood thinks since he is our third we just lock him away in a closet!

Yummy Fall Desert

This has to be the easiest and yummiest deserts I have had this fall- try it- you'll like it- I promise!

Apple Dumpling Cobbler- Southern Living

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls

2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and quartered

1 cup orange juice

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter or margarine

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation

Unroll crescent rolls, and separate. Wrap each apple quarter with crescent roll dough, and place in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Bring orange juice, 2/3 cup sugar, and butter to a boil in a saucepan. Pour over apple dumplings. Stir together 2 teaspoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle over dumplings.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Vivian Abbott, Molino, Florida, Southern Living, JANUARY 2004

It's Monday, Let's have pumpkin pancakes!

Here is a super easy and super yummy recipe for pumpkin pancakes. I think I found it online, but I can't remember where and it was so long ago that I can't give the proper credit. So, we will pretend that I came up with these absolutely delicious pancakes!

Here is what you need:

2 Cups dry pancake mix

1 egg beaten

1 1/2 Cups milk

1/2 Cup pumpkin

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Mix the above ingredients until all are wet. Very important- do not over mix pancake batter. According to Alton Brown on the Food Network this breaks down something very important and the pancakes will not be fluffy. I use and ice cream scoop to make uniform pancakes. My kids love them with vanilla yogurt instead of syrup. Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Goodbye Passy, Hello Big Girl

This week marks the end of an era- or 3 1/2 years really. Clara gave up her passy. It was really by default. Wednesday evening it was nowhere to be found. She made it to sleep after a few tears. So today we celebrated what a big girl she was. I had promised to take her to Build-A-Bear for being such a big girl.This tradition was started when Benton gave up his passy at almost the exact same age. I know what you are thinking- She is 3 1/2, you are a dental hygienist, how could you let this go on?? Well the real answer is, I need peace and quite. Three kids under five- enough said. Back to the celebrating! Anyone who knows her won't be surprised to find out she picked a Hello Kitty out as her new friend. Hooray for Clara!

John Michael

Happy Birthday John Michael

Only nine months after we had our little girl we found out that God had decided to expand our family once again. The thought of having two 'babies' - one 17 months and one a newborn- left me a little nervous. God gave us the perfect ball of love, cuddles and laughs rolled up in one. The last two years have been busy, crazy, exciting and exhausting all at the same time. Now my baby is turning into a true toddler. Mommy is not so sure about this. To celebrate his day, I thought you might want to know more about the baby of our family.

- John Michael is named after both of his grandfathers.

- He was born at 36 weeks, 6 days, and 20 hours- which meant he got to go to the NICU because he was under 37 weeks. So at 6lbs 14 oz he looked like a giant.

- He loves baked beans- probably his most favorite food in the world!

- He could care less about stuffed animals- his only true attachment is the tag on his blanket.

- He has outweighed his sister for months, but she still bosses him around and he listens!

- He loves his big brother.

- He loves being my baby!

- He is definitely the clown of our family!

It's Monday, Let's go on a picnic

Normally our Monday evenings are crazy. I rush home from work, we eat, Mark goes to play basketball and I get the kiddos to bed. Tonight we decided to head to the park as a family. It was great! The weather was perfect. And everyone was ready for a bath and bed when we got home.

The first Day

He held my hand as we walked down the side walk toward the school. We talked about what he was looking forward to- coloring and playtime. He assured me he wasn't nervous. When we reached the school we entered on the green hall. He knew where to go to reach the red one. We reached our 'good bye' spot under the sky light and he told me "alright Mommy we are here!" I told him how proud I was, that Jesus would be with him, and that I loved him. Then I kissed him and he was off with a quick "bye Mommy". Moms all around me sobbed. Strangely, I didn't feel sad. I was thankful. Thankful that he was so excited and that I felt he was ready.

Seven hours later I sat impatiently in the carpool line. Finally he climbed in the car. He buckled up and we headed home. I asked him about his day. He started to tell me and then remembered something. This was the conversation:

Benton, "I have to tell you what I learned"

Me, "What is that, buddy?"

B, "What color is a banana?

Me, "Is this a joke?" (we are all about knock-knock jokes in our house right now)

B, "No Mommy, I really learned something!"

Me, "Okay...yellow."

B, "No, it is white- on the inside!"

He was so proud of himself that he knew something I did not. I was proud of him too, not just for knowing about bananas, but for just being him. He and I both made it through our day without any tears. Ice cream was in order. I don't think I will ever forget today.

Super Duper Buffalo Chicken Dip

I had someone ask me to share this yummy one. I first had this at a bridal shower for Darcie Addy -now she is expecting her first baby :) Great to take to a party- I have cut this recipe in half for a smaller group.

2 Large cans of chicken- drained and separated

2 Cups Marie's blue cheese dressing- I have used other but this one is best

2 Cups shredded cheese- I like sharp

2 8oz blocks of cream cheese- softened

5 oz Franks Durkee hot sauce- this brand is best

Combine all ingredients in a large pyrex dish.

Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour.

Or combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low all day.

Why do I love vacation?

1. Time with my family, uninterrupted by work.

2. The laundry loads are small because we could only pack so much.

3. Not feeling guilty about spending time reading a magazine.

4. A chance to FORCE my children to eat food that family members have made special for them.

5. I get to try and control my 2-year-old's outbursts.

6. I can watch my daughter dance on the beach while my youngest

boy darts straight for the waves.

7. There are always outlet stores involved.

8. I get to watch my children change before my eyes from new experiences.

9. The feeling I get when I pull into my driveway.

10. The fact that my bed feels totally amazing when I get home.

Monday is for Mexican

Here is one of my favorite easy recipes- credit goes to Kevin Porter for this yummy one!

Easy Mexican Casserole

1lb ground beef

1 pack taco seasoning

1 can enchilada sauce

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1-2 cups cooked corn

2 Cups shredded cheese (I like Mexican blend)

8-10 small round soft tortillas

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Brown ground beef and add taco seasoning by following directions on taco seasoning packet. 3. Mix meat, enchilada sauce, beans and corn. 4. Spray 13x9 glass baking dish with cooking spray. 5. Lay out several tortillas to cover bottom of dish. 6. Spoon meat half of mixture over tortillas. 7. Sprinkle with cheese. 8. Repeat. 9. Place layer of tortillas and sprinkle the rest of cheese on top. 10. Bake 25 minutes- you should see bubbles and top should brown.

Serve with sour cream and salsa if desired. Enjoy!

A Quick Update

A dear friend told me it was time to update my blog. I then started think, 'why haven't I updated in so long?' Then I realized, the last couple of months looked like this:

What is hard to tell is that there is something written on almost EVERY day! I realize everyone is busy these days but the last few months for us have been crazy! I have enjoyed every minute that I am not at work with my precious kiddos! I hope the next few aren't as crazy but I am sure it will. I will try to keep you updated on what is happening :)

Clara

Meet Clara

Two weeks ago my daughter Clara turned 3. Our celebrating included chocolate cupcakes- at her request and everything Ariel. I am so amazed at this precious bundle of energy the Lord has given me. All who know Clara, know how spunky, sassy and sweet she is. Today she had total meltdown because I said she could not watch Mickey Mouse. Last week however she said the most precious prayer I have ever heard from a 3-year-olds' lips. She keeps me on my toes. Here are some of her favorite things: her pink kitty, any one of her five Ariel dolls, fancy dresses, grapes and singing. She is always singing. I so enjoy having a girl in the middle of my precious boys.

My future self

Recently, I read the one billionth article in some women's magazine about how to organize your life. It listed fifteen original ideas from readers for making your life easier. I read the article intently, trying to soak in every idea. I am always looking for a way to make my crazy life easier. Also with three kids and three days of work, I can't seem to catch up with all I need to do. Now several days later, I can only remember one of the ideas- my future self. The idea is every time I do something, ask myself what will my future self think about this. For instance, in the evening before going upstairs to bed- ask myself 'What will my future self think when I come downstairs in the morning?' So far this has prompted me to take a couple extra minutes with everything I do and do it more completely. It has made it nicer to walk into my bathroom in the morning and find a clean floor instead of the kids clothes from the previous night's bath time. So this has lead to a lot of thinking about this future self of mine. What will she be like in a month? a year? Am I doing things now that when I wake up a couple years I will be happy with what my 'past self' did to get there? Just some thoughts......

Hooray for the Crockpot- Mac & Cheese

This is the easiest and best mac and cheese recipe ever! Here is what you need:

8oz package of macaroni- cooked and drained

2 TBS oil

13 oz can evaporated milk

1 1/2 cup milk

1tsp salt

3 cups shredded cheese (I like Velveeta best)

1/4 cup melted butter

- spray crock pot with cooking spray

- toss cooked macaroni in 2 TBS oil in crock pot

- add all other ingredients into crock pot and stir well

- cook 3 to 4 hours on low, stirring occasionally

This has become a staple to a family dinners and everyone loves it! It is easy to double and will easily fit into a large crock pot. Hope you enjoy :)

Things I have been reminded of this week....

1. taking a 17-month-old to a restaurant is still not fun- I have 3 children- I should have learned this already
2. when I tell my 5-year-old that I will punish him if he does something, I must follow through
even if it is hard on me
3. I am still surprised by patients-especially when a 50-something-year-old man decides to become a flosser
4. I still love to laugh with good friends
5. I am not living for the weekends, but I am really glad to see them come around
6. 4 and 5-year-old basketball has to be the most interesting hour of my week

7. God uses the people in my life to bless me and I need to tell them when He does

Horray for the crock-pot!

Mondays are always hard, so when I can, I love to have something cooking away in the crock-pot while I am working. I absolutely love walking in the house and smelling dinner waiting on me. So here is the easiest crock-pot recipe EVER!! Special thanks to my dear friend Jenn for this one ;)

Salsa Chicken

Lightly spray the bottom of crock-pot with cooking spray.
Place 1lb frozen chicken (I like to use tenders) in the crockpot.
Cover with 2 cups of your favorite salsa. It is important that you use a salsa that you like. My family likes Wal-mart brand mild salsa.
Cook on low 7-8 hours. (you do not need to stir)
Remove chicken and sprinkle with cumin powder and a splash of lime juice. That was not part of the original recipe, but I liked what it added to the flavor.
Shred chicken. Perfect for chicken fajitas or with rice and beans.

I know it sounds too easy and like it won't be good- but my family loves it! The chicken does not dry out and we actually fight over the left overs! Hope you enjoy!!

Daylight savings...already?

So next weekend is daylight savings time, but for some reason my children thought it was today! At 5:45 am, my precious 5-year-old was up and wanted me up too. I said absolutely not, in the nicest way possible and told him to lay back down. Shortly there after, my 2-year-old was yelling from her room "I want up!"So we were up way before 7:00 am- I was not a happy mommy. My thoughts immediately went to "don't I deserve to sleep in just one day a week" Then gently the Lord reminded me of Proverbs 31. Now, I know he doesn't expect me up at 3:00 am making my own bread and sewing my own clothes, but Saturday or not He does want to spend time with me. He also wants me to be ready for the day. I am really glad He does give some days to catch a few extra winks of sleep though. Maybe next Saturday my precious kidos will decide to sleep in even though it will be daylight savings time, and maybe I will get up and have some that much needed me (and Him) time :)

'She gets up while it is still dark' Proverbs 31:15a

It never seems to get done...

So I am finally blogging. I am not sure where this will go, but I want to give it a try. Several friends have encouraged me to get going and so here I am. My life is crazy. I work one job three days a week and the other twenty-four hours a day. I love my job as a wife and mom and I truly enjoy my job as a dental hygienist. The problem is the one job that no matter how hard I try, is not ever finished...the laundry. There is always more to do. It haunts every woman- single, married, children or none. In my house though, it seems to multiply. How is it possible that five people can create so many dirty clothes? I guess the answer is that three of them are under the age of five and one of them is over the age of thirty-five and has three different jobs. So it is my job to sort colors, check pockets and collect change. As I type this, the washer and dryer are both full and stopped- ready to be unloaded/reloaded. The laundry room floor can not be seen and my crafty sorting system is overflowing. So as I blog away about the craziness that makes up my life, one thing is for sure- I will always be doing the laundry!