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.