So I am now in charge of an enrichment group! Once a month they meet at my house and exchange recipes and samples. Tonight was the first night and what a "Sweet" beginning. CHOCOLATE:) Everything was absolutely delicious! Here are some of the recipes:
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
~Shannon Dixon
½ c. butter
½ c. oil
1 ¾ c. sugar
2 eggs
½ c. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ c. cocoa
½ tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 ½ c. flour
2 c. pureed zucchini
Optional: Chopped walnuts may be added to the batter or sprinkled on top before baking, if desired
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream together the butter, oil and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Add sour cream, vanilla, and salt, mix well. Stir together the remaining dry ingredients; baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, cloves, cinnamon and flour. Add to creamed mixture, stir to moisten, and then add pureed zucchini. Mix lightly for about a minute and then stir in the chocolate chips. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 inch pan. Bake 45 minutes.
This was WONDERFUL!
Chocolate Wonder
~Holly Goodman
2 c. fudge cookies (or oreos) crushed
¼ c. margarine melted
-Combine and press into 9x13 pan for crust
1 c. powdered sugar
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (softened)
½ Large cool whip (16 oz.)
-whip together and spread on crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2 small pkg’s chocolate Instant pudding
3 c. milk
-Mix and pour onto cream cheese layer – refrigerate.
Top with remaining cool whip just before serving.
Chewy Brownie Cookies
~Marinda Bree
2/3 c. shortening
1 ½ c. packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp. water
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 ½ c. flour
1/3 c. cocoa
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. baking soda
2 c. (12 oz. pkg.) chocolate chips
Heat oven to 375. In large bowl beat shortening, brown sugar, water and vanilla.
Add eggs and beat well. Stir together flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda. Gradually add to sugar mixture till blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake 7-9 minutes until set- will appear soft and moist – Don’t overbake. Cool on pan 2 minutes, then put on cooling rack. Makes 3 dozen.
Don't worry: I'll share the love every month:) What a fun night to just chat with the girls and indulge ourselves! I'm pretty lucky to have a husband to let me do that (he took the kids to McDonald's for CHOCOLATE chip cookies). Thanks:)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Primary Children's Medical Center
Well, it was that time again. Every 6 months Braden goes to be checked. So for those of you interested, he is still growing despite my forgetfullness in giving him his medicine. I had a little down mommy time last appointment, but this time, I'm ready to start fresh so that next appointment (March!) I can confidently say that he is getting his medicine faithfully! I learned that if I forget it will cause his legs to break down the muscle and the extra "CK" will go into his kidneys and ruin them. I didn't realize that it was that serious, but hopefully now it will be good for me to be on top of it. I did make a checklist and everytime I give him the medicines, I can "X" them off. That seems to be helping.
His medications consist of Carnitine, which he gets one dose almost faithfully, but he needs two a day. MCT oil, which is like regular oil that needs to be mixed into things (that is hard!) and before bed he needs to have cornstarch. The oil and cornstarch will help prevent the sore muscles, and also help him to grow. He is currently 20% on weight, 10% height and around 50% head circumference, so it is better than below the charts like he started. I guess another hard thing is that he seems fine. There is nothing in his body language that suggests he is hurting. He is running, jumping and active all day. He wakes up happy, and is always helping around the house. I guess I should thank my lucky stars that he is like that.
The most amazing part of the visit was at the end, he had to get a blood draw. Keep in mind he is only 3 1/2, and he watches the needle go in and does not make a peep. He thought it was "cool" that his blood was red, and that the tube sucked it out! I am always amazed at what a brave little joy he is. Since he was first diagnosed, he has been wonderful with needles. Who knows, maybe he will grow up and be a phlebotamist (I can't spell!).
I just want to shout a thank you to my mother-in-law for going with me and supporting me in trying to come up with other solutions for mixing his medications. Also thanks for the wonderful neighbors for keeping Tina in school today! I sure appreciate all the help! If any of you have some suggestions for me, I'd appreciate it:)
His medications consist of Carnitine, which he gets one dose almost faithfully, but he needs two a day. MCT oil, which is like regular oil that needs to be mixed into things (that is hard!) and before bed he needs to have cornstarch. The oil and cornstarch will help prevent the sore muscles, and also help him to grow. He is currently 20% on weight, 10% height and around 50% head circumference, so it is better than below the charts like he started. I guess another hard thing is that he seems fine. There is nothing in his body language that suggests he is hurting. He is running, jumping and active all day. He wakes up happy, and is always helping around the house. I guess I should thank my lucky stars that he is like that.
The most amazing part of the visit was at the end, he had to get a blood draw. Keep in mind he is only 3 1/2, and he watches the needle go in and does not make a peep. He thought it was "cool" that his blood was red, and that the tube sucked it out! I am always amazed at what a brave little joy he is. Since he was first diagnosed, he has been wonderful with needles. Who knows, maybe he will grow up and be a phlebotamist (I can't spell!).
I just want to shout a thank you to my mother-in-law for going with me and supporting me in trying to come up with other solutions for mixing his medications. Also thanks for the wonderful neighbors for keeping Tina in school today! I sure appreciate all the help! If any of you have some suggestions for me, I'd appreciate it:)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
10 things tag: Well 30 by the time I'm done with the kids
Christina Ann- Or as she prefers...Tina - almost 6 years old!
1. Her favorite animal is a pig (because it's pink-her favorite color)
2. She loves to play dress-up, and even includes her sunday dresses. I think she changes outfits about 3 times a day.
3. She is a wonderful big sister. If I ask her to get something for them, she does it without hesitating.
4. She is the unpickiest eater. She loves to eat everything I make. And she always remembers to put her plate in the sink when she is done.
5. She told me that Grandpa Max helped her learn how to ride her bike without training wheels...He is Dave's Grandpa that passed away three years ago. They shared a birthday and I think they always have had a special bond.
6. Tina saved Braden's life when he was a year old. She will always be my hero for doing that!
7. She has a tender heart for the kids younger than her. At preschool last year, she had a picture taken with this little girl who looked so sad, and she said, "I helped her not to be so sad everyday."
8. She has a lot of friends. People are drawn to her, and she loves playing right after school.
9. She enjoyed dance class last year and this year she is excited to try out a children's drama class after school. They are putting on the play "Enchanted!"
10. She LOVES to answer the phone, and now gets excited when her friends call her. Whenever I talk to Grandma's both she and Braden have to have a turn.
Braden Max - 3 years old
1. He loves choo-choo trains, cars, and trucks...basically anything with wheels.
2. He has dinosaur underwear which go "chomp" when he has an accident:)
3. He absolutely loves chocolate...but he gets very excited over many types of food (fruit, pizza, pasta, vegetables, etc. etc.)
4. He has been described as a "little ball of fun." I would have to agree. When he laughs, you can't help but laugh too. He is fun to tickle, and has always had a little squishy belly that's hard to resist.
5. He spends a lot of time in the kitchen with either Dave or I. He is our helper with stirring, mixing, and doing the dishes. It sure makes the work a lot more fun with his company.
6. I am learning more about his rare disorder. We learned about it when Tina saved his life. He has CPT-2 deficiency. Only 250 people have it in the WORLD. It is so rare because it has been related to SIDS. But he survived! And everyday is a gift for us that he continues to grow and lead a normal life!
7. He gets giraffes and zebras mixed up. He has a little stuffed giraffe that he calls, "Zweba." It's so cute:)
8. He is so affectionate. He will spontaneously say, "I love you" to us and even to friends that he has just met. He also kisses you wherever he can reach (which is usually our tummy or arm)
9. When he gets really passionate about something you can tell because he gets so excited. He is like that almost all the time.
10. It is so fun to watch him run. He has a little skip at the end of a stride.
Brooklyn Michelle - 15 months old
1. She learned how to say, "DAAAAAAD!" It is hilarious because it sounds so much like the kids when they are yelling for his attention.
2. She LOVES our dog Tag. She will say "da-du" when the dog runs in. It is tough love though, because she loves to "pat" it which is hit as hard as she can, pull ears and tail. Luckily our dog is so mellow and wonderful that she just puts up with the "love."
3. She never has learned how to crawl. She scoots on her bum to get wherever she needs to. She has permanently stained the backside of all her pants! When she gets going fast it is so fun to watch though.
4. She has turned into a daddy's girl and is usually the first one to greet Dave when he gets home from work.
5. She loves baby dolls, and won't let anyone else hold them. She gives them hugs. Tina has named her favorite Sarah for Brooklyn.
6. She is ALMOST walking...we can't wait! She will pull herself up to furniture and take fingers to walk across the room.
7. She is a voracious eater. She eats as much as the other kids and is very independent, refusing to have people feed her. She can use a spoon very well.
8. She has always been a very content little girl, but when she discovered her voice, she would scream spontaneously. It would startle my piano students and make us jump. It got really bad on the way home from Pocatello one night when we were enclosed in Dave's truck. She would not stop and our ears were ringing. We finally had to stop somewhere to let her get them out before continuing and getting migraines!
9. She has a courtesy laugh. She has never just belly laughed. She breathes heavy if she's entertained, and has squealed with delight, but still no belly laugh. We keep trying to get her to though. I'm sure it will come!
10. She enjoys pounding on the piano. And gets upset if we try to hold her on the bench! She loves to dance to music too. She will arch and slouch to the beat. It's fun to watch her:)
Now we tag our Chambers cousins: Lorin, Taigan, Taylor and Zach!
1. Her favorite animal is a pig (because it's pink-her favorite color)
2. She loves to play dress-up, and even includes her sunday dresses. I think she changes outfits about 3 times a day.
3. She is a wonderful big sister. If I ask her to get something for them, she does it without hesitating.
4. She is the unpickiest eater. She loves to eat everything I make. And she always remembers to put her plate in the sink when she is done.
5. She told me that Grandpa Max helped her learn how to ride her bike without training wheels...He is Dave's Grandpa that passed away three years ago. They shared a birthday and I think they always have had a special bond.
6. Tina saved Braden's life when he was a year old. She will always be my hero for doing that!
7. She has a tender heart for the kids younger than her. At preschool last year, she had a picture taken with this little girl who looked so sad, and she said, "I helped her not to be so sad everyday."
8. She has a lot of friends. People are drawn to her, and she loves playing right after school.
9. She enjoyed dance class last year and this year she is excited to try out a children's drama class after school. They are putting on the play "Enchanted!"
10. She LOVES to answer the phone, and now gets excited when her friends call her. Whenever I talk to Grandma's both she and Braden have to have a turn.
Braden Max - 3 years old
1. He loves choo-choo trains, cars, and trucks...basically anything with wheels.
2. He has dinosaur underwear which go "chomp" when he has an accident:)
3. He absolutely loves chocolate...but he gets very excited over many types of food (fruit, pizza, pasta, vegetables, etc. etc.)
4. He has been described as a "little ball of fun." I would have to agree. When he laughs, you can't help but laugh too. He is fun to tickle, and has always had a little squishy belly that's hard to resist.
5. He spends a lot of time in the kitchen with either Dave or I. He is our helper with stirring, mixing, and doing the dishes. It sure makes the work a lot more fun with his company.
6. I am learning more about his rare disorder. We learned about it when Tina saved his life. He has CPT-2 deficiency. Only 250 people have it in the WORLD. It is so rare because it has been related to SIDS. But he survived! And everyday is a gift for us that he continues to grow and lead a normal life!
7. He gets giraffes and zebras mixed up. He has a little stuffed giraffe that he calls, "Zweba." It's so cute:)
8. He is so affectionate. He will spontaneously say, "I love you" to us and even to friends that he has just met. He also kisses you wherever he can reach (which is usually our tummy or arm)
9. When he gets really passionate about something you can tell because he gets so excited. He is like that almost all the time.
10. It is so fun to watch him run. He has a little skip at the end of a stride.
Brooklyn Michelle - 15 months old
1. She learned how to say, "DAAAAAAD!" It is hilarious because it sounds so much like the kids when they are yelling for his attention.
2. She LOVES our dog Tag. She will say "da-du" when the dog runs in. It is tough love though, because she loves to "pat" it which is hit as hard as she can, pull ears and tail. Luckily our dog is so mellow and wonderful that she just puts up with the "love."
3. She never has learned how to crawl. She scoots on her bum to get wherever she needs to. She has permanently stained the backside of all her pants! When she gets going fast it is so fun to watch though.
4. She has turned into a daddy's girl and is usually the first one to greet Dave when he gets home from work.
5. She loves baby dolls, and won't let anyone else hold them. She gives them hugs. Tina has named her favorite Sarah for Brooklyn.
6. She is ALMOST walking...we can't wait! She will pull herself up to furniture and take fingers to walk across the room.
7. She is a voracious eater. She eats as much as the other kids and is very independent, refusing to have people feed her. She can use a spoon very well.
8. She has always been a very content little girl, but when she discovered her voice, she would scream spontaneously. It would startle my piano students and make us jump. It got really bad on the way home from Pocatello one night when we were enclosed in Dave's truck. She would not stop and our ears were ringing. We finally had to stop somewhere to let her get them out before continuing and getting migraines!
9. She has a courtesy laugh. She has never just belly laughed. She breathes heavy if she's entertained, and has squealed with delight, but still no belly laugh. We keep trying to get her to though. I'm sure it will come!
10. She enjoys pounding on the piano. And gets upset if we try to hold her on the bench! She loves to dance to music too. She will arch and slouch to the beat. It's fun to watch her:)
Now we tag our Chambers cousins: Lorin, Taigan, Taylor and Zach!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Potty Training
Need I say more? So we are trying to wean Braden off diapers. It's quite a fun experience having a boy let me tell you! He is so different from Tina.
I have heard that you should wait until they express some interest in going, so I have waited...and waited...and waited. I was starting to get a little worried since he has shown no interest and his younger friends are getting potty trained now. So I thought I would offer some "encouragement." Last Christmas Santa brought him "Thomas the Train" under-panties (Braden's term). I thought if Santa brought them, he might be interested in showing us how he would use them. Brilliant right? Well, he didn't. The only time he didn't like diapers is when I have to wipe him after a poopy mess, I guess I'm a little rough, but I have no idea; I'm not a boy. So my friend just told her son that once he turned 3 it's time to go on the potty. And without any previous interest, he started going! WOW! I thought I was too late because Braden is 3 1/2, but I just put him in underwear one day and said it's time to go on the potty. He went through all three pair in a matter of 3 hours. (Why do they only sell underwear in sets of three?) So the next day I went out and bought 6 pair of dinosaur underwear. It lasted one day too. I think it's just as hard on the parent (more so even) than the child. But today was a good day, he went on the potty and it was a success with only one victim pair. (Poor Stegasaurous). The best thing is that each day is a clean slate, and hopefully it will be a success in a few weeks of the torturous carpet/floor/couch clean-up stage!
Looking back, Tina was so easy. A month after Braden was born, she said she wanted to wear panties. When I put them on her and she wanted to go potty, she would urgently say, "I need a diaper!" I took that as my cue to take her to the potty, and sweet success! On the other hand, she was almost 5 when she learned not to go at night. I would put her in Braden's diapers for nighttime (I hate doing laundry). The miracle was when we did a sticker chart and she worked towards a pink CareBear. That was all it took, but then again, she was almost 5! Hopefully Braden will figure out nighttime a little sooner. Cross your fingers for me!
I have heard that you should wait until they express some interest in going, so I have waited...and waited...and waited. I was starting to get a little worried since he has shown no interest and his younger friends are getting potty trained now. So I thought I would offer some "encouragement." Last Christmas Santa brought him "Thomas the Train" under-panties (Braden's term). I thought if Santa brought them, he might be interested in showing us how he would use them. Brilliant right? Well, he didn't. The only time he didn't like diapers is when I have to wipe him after a poopy mess, I guess I'm a little rough, but I have no idea; I'm not a boy. So my friend just told her son that once he turned 3 it's time to go on the potty. And without any previous interest, he started going! WOW! I thought I was too late because Braden is 3 1/2, but I just put him in underwear one day and said it's time to go on the potty. He went through all three pair in a matter of 3 hours. (Why do they only sell underwear in sets of three?) So the next day I went out and bought 6 pair of dinosaur underwear. It lasted one day too. I think it's just as hard on the parent (more so even) than the child. But today was a good day, he went on the potty and it was a success with only one victim pair. (Poor Stegasaurous). The best thing is that each day is a clean slate, and hopefully it will be a success in a few weeks of the torturous carpet/floor/couch clean-up stage!
Looking back, Tina was so easy. A month after Braden was born, she said she wanted to wear panties. When I put them on her and she wanted to go potty, she would urgently say, "I need a diaper!" I took that as my cue to take her to the potty, and sweet success! On the other hand, she was almost 5 when she learned not to go at night. I would put her in Braden's diapers for nighttime (I hate doing laundry). The miracle was when we did a sticker chart and she worked towards a pink CareBear. That was all it took, but then again, she was almost 5! Hopefully Braden will figure out nighttime a little sooner. Cross your fingers for me!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Happy Birthday Dad!
As my Aunt Lisa pointed out, my dad's birthday is cool this year. It is on 8/28/08. Here's to a good year. He is the eternal optimist, so I'm sure that won't be hard to accomplish;) Sure love you Dad! (Enjoy the random pictures!)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Dieting, Finances, and Housework
I have decided that these three things are related in terms of my will power and endurance. I don't know if this is common or not, but I get really excited to start a new "Program" whether it be Weight Watchers, exercising, budgeting, or a house cleaning schedule. Then after awhile it gets tedious, or I get busy and it gets left on the back burner. Does this sound familiar?
Well, I checked out a book called, "America's Cheapest Family" at the Library and DEVOURED it! They had all these helpful hints to save money. I am now pumped to get out of debt and still feel like I can spend some money on things I want. They were able to pay their house off in 9 years! And on only one income of $35,000 a year!! That would be amazing. So I have started a budget and debt payoff program. Now the kicker is to keep it going.
Last June, I got really going on Weight Watchers (my own version), and exercising everyday. I ran on the elliptical M,W,F and did Winsor Pilates on T, TH, and Sat. I was excited to loose all of my pregnancy weight and get back down 6 pounds UNDER the pre-pregnancy weight, but after the cruise in Feb. we came back and lost our umph. I am now back up the 6 pounds and am pretty discouraged at myself for it. Hopefully with new motivation in one area, it will bleed into others.
Housework has never been my strong suit, but the schedule I did does help. Now the house doesn't look like a complete disaster ALL the time, but it never feels completely clean either. Maybe with the new school year starting, it will help me come up with a schedule that will allow me to work on all these areas and keep them going...Wish me luck!
Oh, I have to share the tips I found helpful from the book!
1. instead of buying $5.99 a pound lunchmeat at the deli counter, get a cooked ham from the meat section (for about 1.99 a pound) and ask the deli to slice it for you (for free!)
2. To save water, fill a water bottle (24 oz) and put it in the toilet tank
3. When you want to buy something at retail, stop and think if you can get it used first.
4. I really liked their KidSmart Money program. You set up a point system and they earn a certain number of points in a day and each point is worth like 10 cents (or more depending on their age.) Then on "Pay Day" you award them the points, but also make them divide their money into three categories, Give - 10%, Save-20% and Spend-70% (or however you think is best) Then when they have saved around $30, set up a savings account at the bank. I'm excited to start that program!
5. When traveling and staying at a hotel, the family brings a slow cooker to make dinner while they are out enjoying the sights. They hook it up to the bathroom outlet:)
6. Their budget system consists of setting up different categories and putting a certain amount of money into each category. It becomes a game for them to see how much they can save in each category! I liked their attitude;)
Hope the tips were fun. I'm sure there's more on the website. Dave's the one that discovered that hidden jewel!
Well, I checked out a book called, "America's Cheapest Family" at the Library and DEVOURED it! They had all these helpful hints to save money. I am now pumped to get out of debt and still feel like I can spend some money on things I want. They were able to pay their house off in 9 years! And on only one income of $35,000 a year!! That would be amazing. So I have started a budget and debt payoff program. Now the kicker is to keep it going.
Last June, I got really going on Weight Watchers (my own version), and exercising everyday. I ran on the elliptical M,W,F and did Winsor Pilates on T, TH, and Sat. I was excited to loose all of my pregnancy weight and get back down 6 pounds UNDER the pre-pregnancy weight, but after the cruise in Feb. we came back and lost our umph. I am now back up the 6 pounds and am pretty discouraged at myself for it. Hopefully with new motivation in one area, it will bleed into others.
Housework has never been my strong suit, but the schedule I did does help. Now the house doesn't look like a complete disaster ALL the time, but it never feels completely clean either. Maybe with the new school year starting, it will help me come up with a schedule that will allow me to work on all these areas and keep them going...Wish me luck!
Oh, I have to share the tips I found helpful from the book!
1. instead of buying $5.99 a pound lunchmeat at the deli counter, get a cooked ham from the meat section (for about 1.99 a pound) and ask the deli to slice it for you (for free!)
2. To save water, fill a water bottle (24 oz) and put it in the toilet tank
3. When you want to buy something at retail, stop and think if you can get it used first.
4. I really liked their KidSmart Money program. You set up a point system and they earn a certain number of points in a day and each point is worth like 10 cents (or more depending on their age.) Then on "Pay Day" you award them the points, but also make them divide their money into three categories, Give - 10%, Save-20% and Spend-70% (or however you think is best) Then when they have saved around $30, set up a savings account at the bank. I'm excited to start that program!
5. When traveling and staying at a hotel, the family brings a slow cooker to make dinner while they are out enjoying the sights. They hook it up to the bathroom outlet:)
6. Their budget system consists of setting up different categories and putting a certain amount of money into each category. It becomes a game for them to see how much they can save in each category! I liked their attitude;)
Hope the tips were fun. I'm sure there's more on the website. Dave's the one that discovered that hidden jewel!
Monday, August 25, 2008
First Day of School
Oh, how I long for the pictures! I took a few of Tina sleeping before I woke her up. She was so peaceful! I am about as excited as she was. We have half day kindergarten so it only goes from 8:20-10:50. About as long as preschool, but everyday. I hope I can get all of the kids up before it's time to go.
Tina said she got to go on a cookie hunt, but they were pretend cookies. She sits at the black table and doesn't know anyone there, despite the fact that she has 6 kids in the same neighborhood and primary class in her K class. She even knew two from preschool. She also said two boys got in trouble for throwing rocks. Tina is excited for ladybug sticker reward system. If she doesn't have to pull a card during the day, she will get a ladybug sticker which 5 turn into a school dollar for the school store. That starts tomorrow.
I joined the PTA, and I will have volunteered to help in her class whenever I'm needed, and I am so excited about that. I think the school year will definately be a learning experience for both of us. I'm so glad she is the oldest because I have no fear of misbehavior, or learning dysfunctions. She is a bright child who has a natural curiosity for knowledge. I hope I don't sound like I'm bragging...So that was the first day of school for Tina!
Tina said she got to go on a cookie hunt, but they were pretend cookies. She sits at the black table and doesn't know anyone there, despite the fact that she has 6 kids in the same neighborhood and primary class in her K class. She even knew two from preschool. She also said two boys got in trouble for throwing rocks. Tina is excited for ladybug sticker reward system. If she doesn't have to pull a card during the day, she will get a ladybug sticker which 5 turn into a school dollar for the school store. That starts tomorrow.
I joined the PTA, and I will have volunteered to help in her class whenever I'm needed, and I am so excited about that. I think the school year will definately be a learning experience for both of us. I'm so glad she is the oldest because I have no fear of misbehavior, or learning dysfunctions. She is a bright child who has a natural curiosity for knowledge. I hope I don't sound like I'm bragging...So that was the first day of school for Tina!
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