Happiness Dwells in the Soul....

Tiny Dancers....

2012-02-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

OK...so let's rewind to June....to Sophia and Grace's Dance recitals!!:) I love seeing my baby girls on stage...they learned so much and got to put their skills to the test!!:) They both did amazing!! Sophia was a crack up she also played the role as teacher...telling everyone else where to go and what to do! ha

Grace's class did a ballet dance to Jewel's Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Sophia's class did a tumbling routine to Bring in the Clown's

Aladdin...

2012-02-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

A new year a new attempt at blogging. I love our blog...it really is our family journal of sorts keeping track of what I couldn't possibly keep track of all on my own...but the problem is that life sometimes takes over...the demands of the kiddos my business not to mention the house the laundry...I could go on all night!! lol So i can't promise I will blog everyday, possibly not even once a week but whenever I can grab a few moments you'll hear from me. I have a ton of pictures and stories to share since I last posted...I'm thinking I may try to do a flash back Friday to share some of our favorites!!:)

Today I was able to accompany Isabelle (Grace and Samuel too but I was assigned to Isabelle's class) to the AMAZING Kauffman center for the performing arts to see Aladdin. It was such a fun morning!! Now that the kids have had a little taste of the theatre all I've heard all night is when can they go back...:)

What's For Dinner....

2011-05-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

No pictures this week...I'm just lucky to get our menu out here!! ha

Monday: Chicken Marsala....AMAZING...and that's coming from a girl that doesn't like mushrooms!!:)

Tuesday: French Onion Cubed Steak

Wednesday: Pizza

Thursday: Chipolte Chicken

Friday: The Circus!!

Saturday: Pulled Pork

Sunday: Left Overs

Easter...

2011-05-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

We always host Easter at our house....this year we kept things very small and intimate. Just our little family, my parents and grandparents. It was perfect!!!:)

The Easter Bunny came to visit....

Easter Mass is one of the most beautiful!!!

The Hunt....

Our blessings...

It was so wonderful to enjoy the day with Big Papa and GG!!

Our Faith Journey...

2011-04-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

I really feel like that's what we are on right now as a family...a journey of discovery,a journey of love and most importantly a journey of learning about God and how he leads our lives each and every day. For this Lenten season instead of giving up something we decided as a family to dedicate more time to God...we went to church each week, we prayed together, we took time out of the day to teach our children important prayers so they can better participate in mass. Our children are little sponges and I wanted to take this time to really teach them...and I thought Lent was the perfect platform to do so. Last week I took them to Stations of the Cross which brought about so many wonderful, insightful questions from the kids. I love how their little minds work!! I have since over heard them pretending that they were characters from Star Wars and they were on a *mission* to save Jesus from the Cross. There have been questions including why God always stays in heaven and we can't see him(this was a question from Samuel) Jared explained to him that God was always with us protecting us...to which Samuel said...yep he has to protect us from petting crocodiles...because crocodiles are really dangerous!" lol. Because of our journey thru Lent I felt more connected to all the events surrounding Easter then I have ever felt and for that I am so very thankful!!

Egg Decorating...

2011-04-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

No Easter week is complete without a little egg decorating!!:) Sophia's Bestest friend Maddie and the Trio's best friend Logan joined us....a FUN time was had by all!!:)

Sophia much preferred to fish the eggs out of the dye with her hands...is anyone really surprised by this!?! ha

It's Baseball Season again....

2011-04-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

Samuel is our only ball player this summer...the girls opted for gymnastics over softball. His first practice went great...and the best part is all these little boys are from our school...which means lots more boys Samuel will know going into 1st grade!!:)

Miss Grace impressed me with her made monkey bar skills!!:)

Easter Egg Hunt #1...

2011-04-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Every year it seems that the day of our church Easter Egg hunt is miserably cold...this year was no exception..but at least the rain held off so the hunt could be outside!! Despite the weather the kids always have a blast...how could they not...a visit with the Easter Bunny, candy and crafts...it was a trifecta!!:)

What's for Dinner...

2011-04-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Our Easter dinner...recipes below...

Monday: Meatloaf and leftover Easter sides

Tuesday: Dinner at the Gym

Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday...Breakfast for dinner

Thursday: Chicken Breasts on the grill and steamed broccoli

Friday: Spaghetti and Meatballs...again I need to actually write down my recipe so I can share...

Saturday: Ham and Beans

Sunday: Family day

Spinach Salad

1/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 bunch of romaine, torn
1 pkg (6 oz) fresh baby spinach
Feta Cheese to taste
1 med. red onion, sliced
1/2 lb. sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
Strawberries to taste

Poppy Seed Dressing:
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup canola oil
2 tsp. poppy seeds

1. In a small heavy skillet, melt sugar low heat add almonds and stir to coat. Spread onto a greased sheet of foil; break apart if necessary.
2. In a large bowl combine romaine, spinach, cheese, red onion and bacon.
3. For dressing, in a blender, combine the vinegar, sugar , onion, mustard and salt cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream, stir in poppy seeds.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sugared almonds.

Loaded Potato PotluckServes: 16

8 med potatoes (about 2 1/2 - 3 lbs)
Peeled & cut into 1 inch chunks
1 cup Evaporated Milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teas. salt
1/2 teas. pepper
2 cups (8 oz package) shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
Sliced green onions (optional)

Place potatoes in a large sauce pan.
Cover with water; bring to boil.
Cook over med-high heat for 15-20 mins or until tender; drain.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease 2 1/2 - 3 quart casserole dish.

Return potatoes to sauce pan; add Evaporated Milk, sour cream, salt & pepper.
Beat with hand held mixer until smooth.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese and 1/2 of bacon.

Spoon mixture into prepared casserole dish.
Bake for 20-25 mins or until heated through.
Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, remaining bacon and green onions.

Bake an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Good Salad

(one of my favorite's my Grandma Madeline used to make this each and every time I came to visit!!:)

1pkg (3oz) Vanilla pudding (cook and Serve)

1pkg (3oz) Tapioca Pudding (cook and serve)

1 can mandarin oranges

1 can pineapple tidbits

1pkg (3oz) orange jello

3 cups of water

Drain oranges and pineapple, into a measuring cup...add enough water to make 4 cups

Cook both pudding pkgs with 4 cups of liquid until thick. Add jello and cool.

When cool and fruit blend, put into a dish and refrigerate.

Strawberry Shortcake

1 box yellow cake mix

1 box French vanilla Jell-O pudding

1 large box frozen strawberries (thawed)

4 eggs

1 1/3 cup water

1/3 cup oil

1 large Cool Whip

Bake cake per box directions (adding the pudding mix to batter). After semi-cool, prick with a fork all around and pour the juice from the strawberries on to the cake. Let the cake completely cool

Cut cake in to chunks and layer in Trifle dish...Cake, Strawberries, cool whip...repeats...

If doing a chocolate cake use a devils food cake mix and chocolate fudge pudding ~ everything else is the same!

Sophia and her Daddy...

2011-04-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

All our kiddos love their daddy...but for this little girl her daddy is her entire world. When he is traveling all I hear is how much she misses and then when he walks in the door the squeals of delight that come from her melt my heart each and every time. She has this little thing she does when he comes home...she holds his face as she kisses him....and FINALLY I had my camera in hand to capture their love!!:)

and then sometimes after the kisses comes little nibbles on the nose!! ha

Sprinkler fun....

2011-04-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

In Kansas this time of the year you just never know what your going to get weather wise...beautiful 80's...Sprinkler weather one day...and near freezing temps days later...awww...we call that Spring!! :) ha We all enjoyed the beautiful weather while it lasted..hope it comes back soon!!

My Three Little Laundry Fairies...

2011-04-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

To nobody's surprise raising 4 children creates ALOT of laundry...at times I get so overwhelmed with getting it all washed, folded and put away....well that was until I found these sweet little Laundry fairies that LOVE to help with....awww ONE of the many reasons I believe God gave me three girls!!:)

Disney Toy Story 3 on Ice....

2011-04-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to treat the kiddos to Toy Story on Ice thanks to a wonderful friend. I originally turned down the tickets...the show was on one of our very busiest nights of the week, the show would keep the kids out waaay past their bedtime...with 4 kiddos I just thought no way could be go. Well after a night to sleep on it...I decided to live in the moment...STOP worrying about our schedule...I knew the kids would LOVE the show...and they deserve to have some fun out of the ordinary treats!! I am so glad that I changed my mind...all SIX of us had so much fun....we had GREAT seats, the show was so fun to watch and smiles never left the kids faces!! Completely worth it!! :)

Meeting Buzz and Woody {TLC}

2011-04-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

The kiddos and I had the privilege of being invited to meet Buzz and Woody at TLC here in Olathe. TLC is an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children from infancy through age 18. The mission of TLC is to provide opportunities that encourage positive growth and change for children, youth and families while ensuring a safe environment. TLC strives for the preservation and healing of families by providing services, to the extent allowed by our resources, that compliment existing community services while maintaining responsiveness to changing community needs.

Myself along with a few other parents/bloggers were invited to TLC not only to meet Buzz and Woody but to learn about Play Therapy. A therapy I really didn't know alot about but that I plan to learn more about. The kiddos were also able to make their very own Mr. Potato Heads while we were there!!!

It was a very fun day for us all...I would recommend if you are looking for a community service project, volunteer hours, etc that you keep TLC in mind...a wonderful program that really does make a difference!!

Mother Daughter Tea...{Sacred Heart of Jesus}

2011-04-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Grace, Isabelle, Sophia, Nana and I were able to enjoy our very first Mother/Daughter Tea together at church...I've been waiting for the year where the girls were finally old enough and this year it arrived. Well Technically you have to be 5...but we *snuck* Sophia in ...haha The girls had a blast eating sandwiches and cookies and drinking "Tea" aka pink lemonade. They also learned about manners. It was a fun day!! Love, Love, Love having girls!! :)

Coming to an end {Spring Break}

2011-04-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

Our Spring Break was just that a Break...we didn't plan anything just enjoyed our time off with NO SCHEDULE!! :) In True Kansas Fashion this is how our week off started....

But by the last day it was blue skies and warm temperatures....The last day was by far the best.....I wish we would have had 7 just like it...perfect!!:)

An American Girl Day {Spring Break}

2011-04-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

The girls have been asking for weeks to go to the American Girl Store and have their dolls hair done...so I decided Spring Break was the perfect time!! We enjoyed a wonderful girls afternoon...The looks on my girls faces and the pure joy they were having made the ridiculous price I paid for this day of beauty worth it!!:)

The dolls even got pedicures!!:)

Ruthie continued were day of beauty once we got how with a facial!! ha

A way to love Play-doh....{Spring Break}

2011-04-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

I think I share the dread of Play-doh with every mother out there. I remember LOVING play-doh as a kid but as a mom I can't stand it...there is always such a mess to clean up after all the fun is over...and with four kids I don't really have time to clean up another mess....so I very carefully hide the play-doh away...out of sight out of mind. Well today the kids found my hiding place in the garage...and begged to play with it....so I let them play with it outside on their picnic table...brilliant....they had a BLAST, I had a little time to read while keeping an eye on them...and the mess was left outside....to be washed off with the next rain!! It was a win, win for everyone!! SO bring on the Play-doh as long as the weather is nice enough to be outside!!:)

St Patrick's Day...

2011-04-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

We had such an amazingly beautiful St Patrick's day...the weather was PERFECT. For the 2nd year in a row we headed to the Parade in Lawrence...so much fun!! We were joined by lots of friends this year and met up with some family too. :)

The kids favorite part of going to Lawrence...they get to see the Jayhawk!!:)

Mr Morrow...

What's For Dinner Sunday...

2011-04-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

So we're back with What's for dinner Sunday (yes i know it's Monday..ha) We've had a crazy busy few weeks but my goal is to get this little blog up to date....I have so much to share!!:)

Blessings,

Jen

Our amazing Salad's last night at the M.O.M.S http://www.shoj.org/moms.htm celebration dinner..so good!!:)

Monday: Greek Pizza with Spinach, Feta and Olives

Tuesday: Crispy Ranch Chicken and Sweet Potato Fries..

Wednesday: I'm pretty sure this is going to be a fast food night...we have dance from 4-530 and Baseball from 6-7....awww gotta to love Wednesdays!! ha

Thursday: Asian Marinated Flank Steak and Roasted Veggies

Friday: ~Good Friday~ Crab legs, lemon garlic Shrimp and Sweet Pea Risotto

Saturday: Grilled Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Packets with Rice

Sunday: EASTER....I"m not sure of our Easter Menu....I'm still working on it...I will share as soon as we've decided!!:)

St Patrick's Day Parade....#1:)

2011-03-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

Isabelle, Sophia and I joined Aunt Amy and Taylor at the Shawnee St Patrick;s Day parade...despite the frigid temperatures...we had a BLAST!!:)

What's for Dinner "Sunday"

2011-03-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

Aww...I guess with the end of Spring Break...I should get this little blog caught back up...starting with our menu. Last week was a free for all....which was nice for a change..but I'm grateful to be back on a schedule!:) Sorry no pictures!!:)

Monday: Burger on the Grill and Sweet Potato Fries (a perfect ending to a PERFECTLY beautiful day!!)

Tuesday: Chicken Stroganoff (recipe below)

Wednesday: Ginger Pineapple Chicken, Stir fry veggies and brown rice

Thursday: Chicken Breasts on the Grill and grilled veggies

Friday: Garlic Shrimp and Scallops Pasta

Saturday: Mexican

Sunday: FREE :)

Chicken Stroganoff
(easiest Recipe ever...and my kids all LOVE it!!:)

1 Rotisserie Chicken
2 can of Cream of chicken Soup
1 8oz Sour Cream
1 tsp Parsley
1 pkg Egg noodles

Tear chicken into small bite size pieces
In a sauce pan add both cans of Cream of Chicken Soup
Stir in Sour Cream and parsley
Add chicken and heat thru.
Serve over Egg noodles.

We like to serve this with fresh cooked carrots!!:)
This is also perfect when you substitute 1 lb of hamburger for the chicken!!

Enjoy!!

Career Day..

2011-03-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

It was fun to see the wheel start turning when the big kids learned that they could dress for their future career at school last week. There was alot of discussions, alot of going back and forth and lots of promise of what the future holds!!!:) Samuel had a hard time deciding between a semi truck driver, a basketball player and a police officer...as you can see he finally decided on a Police man!! So cute!!:) Isabelle ALWAYS has a list of things she wants to be when she grows up...and an Artist and a Veterinarian are ALWAYS on the list!!:) We decided we could pull off a Vet a little easier than an Artist!! On her short list were also a teacher, a gymnast, a mommy, doctor, nurse and a princess!!

Oh my sweet Grace...A Ballerina, a teacher and a mommy is what she would like to be when she grows up....and if I were a gambler I would put my money on two of those things!!:)

Zoo...the first trip of 2011

2011-03-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

SPRING...come on Spring....the first day of March brought beautiful Spring like weather. We've learned that when we get a day of mild weather we head outside to enjoy it because in the Midwest the next day can bring snow!!:) We always enjoy a day at the zoo...and this day was no exception!!:)

Love that they will still pose for me!!:)

Hi Jen!!:)

The Ransom triplets+1 joined us..this was Miss Lily's first trip!!:)

What's for Dinner Sunday...

2011-03-07T15:10:00.000-08:00

Not my photo..but the best I could do!!:) Honey Cilantro Shrimp Tacos

This week starts the lenten season so you will be seeing lots more seafood (mainly shrimp) recipes from me....I'm most excited to bring back Bang Bang Shrimp...YUMMO!!:)

Monday: Free day...headed out to eat with the family
Tuesday: Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken
ASH Wednesday: Honey Cilantro Shrimp Tacos
Thursday: Crockpot Southwestern Chicken
Friday: Bang Bang Shrimp and Crab Legs (recipe below)
Saturday: Date Night...
Sunday: I am going to attempt to recreate Chipolte food again...this time their steak..I'll be sure to report back!!:) (yes this was on last week's menu...but it just didn't happen!!:)

I found this recipe last year I believe on My Friend Kristen's blog Dine and Dish...it is AMAZING and tastes pretty close to Bonefish Bang Bang Shrimp!!

Bang Bang Shrimp
Chili Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (such as Huy Fong brand)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar

Souffle:
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground sage
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
8 to 10 cups vegetable oil
16 to 18 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Garnish:
1 handful of mixed greens
1 green onion, chopped, green portion only
Combine the mayonnaise, garlic sauce, sugar and vinegar for chili sauce in a small bowl. Cover the and set aside.
Combine the egg with milk in a shallow bowl. Mix flour, panko bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, sage, onion powder, garlic powder, and basil in another bowl.
Heat the oil to 350 degrees F. Use enough oil to cover the shrimp when frying.
To bread the shrimp, coat each piece with the breading. Dip breaded shrimp into the egg and milk mixture, and then back into the breading. Arrange the
coated shrimp on a plate and place them into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
When your oil is hot, fry the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden. Let the fried shrimp drain on paper towels. When all of the shrimp have been fried, place the shrimp into a large bowl. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat. Layer the shrimp on a bed of mixed greens, then sprinkle the shrimp with chopped green onion.
*Serves 2 to 4 as an appetizer.

Sweet 16...

2011-03-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

Celebrating 16 with Our Nephew Jacob!!:) Were so proud of the young man you've turned into Jacob. Love you so much!!

The car his dad bought him for his big day!!:)

Our kids adore Jake!!

Rockin' with Funky Mama...

2011-03-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

My kiddos LOVE Funky Mama and are super excited each and every time we get to Rock with her and this time was no exception!!:)

Taylor even had fun rockin'!!

Nana's girls!!

Sophia was thrilled that her best friend, Madison got to join us!!:)

Grace and Isabelle colored special pictures for Funky Mama!!

Isabelle...

2011-03-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Isabelle...our little brainiac...her favorite thing to do is school work. Whether is be spelling words, working math problems, reading or anything else I can think up...she loves it all. Honestly I'm not sure where in the world she got this love for school...cause it sure wasn't from her mama!! lol But I'm so proud of her dedication...she is excelling in school and it's been a joy watching her!! :)

Down on the Farm

2011-03-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

The kids LOVE going to the *farm* as they call it. They have lots of space to run....it's pure joy!!:) We had a great day among family...can't wait to do it again!!

The girls made a Fairy House..

Papa Sarg put Jared and Brad to work doing things around the house!!:)

Uncle Brad helped the girls dunk the ball!!

...and all the kids got to pick our sea shells from Papa and Grandma's recent trip to the beach!!

What's For Dinner Sunday...

2011-02-27T16:25:00.000-08:00

First and MOST important...I have to share this AMAZING recipe with you..

Chicken Tortilla Soup adapted from Back to the Cutting Board

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

1 Can of Rotell (28oz)
1 med. carrots, peeled and chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 tsp. olive oil
5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts halves
Chipolte Tabasco to marinade the chicken
1 large onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. tumeric
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup water (plus more if needed)
12 oz. frozen corn
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup fresh cilantro, divided
Monetary Jack cheese to garnish
Thin Tortilla Chips
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 Avocado cut into chunks
Sour Cream if desired
Black Olives if desired

Process
1. Marinade Chicken in Chipolte Tabasco for at least 2 hours, when ready to cook cut chicken into chunks
2. Add carrots and red pepper to a blender or food processor and mix until blended, but still chunky. Set aside.
3. Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add in the cubed chicken and cook until it’s completely cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Remove from pan and place on a plate or cutting board. I then used my Pampered chef chopped to *shred* chicken. Set aside.
5. Meanwhile, heat another tsp. of oil in the same pan you cooked the chicken in (wiped out, but doesn’t need to be washed) over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until translucent, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Put the onions, garlic and chicken in a large stock pot or dutch oven (at least 4-5 quarts). Add in all the spices and cook over medium heat for one minute.
7. Add in the Rotel and carrot and pepper mixture, chicken broth, water, corn and beans and 1/2 cup cilantro. Simmer, partly covered for 30-60 minutes.
8. Ladle soup into a bowl and top with a handful of tortillas and a couple of tablespoons of cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining cilantro. Squeeze a wedge of lime over it just before eating. Add avocado, Sour Cream and Black olives if desired

Hands down the BEST Tortilla Coup I've ever had!!:)

Ok ..now on to our Sunday Menu:)

Sunday:...what's cooking right now!!:) Ranch Roasted Pork Chops and Red Potatoes

Monday: Crispy Ranch Chicken

Tuesday: Pizza Night...homemade Cheese for the monkeys and Greek Pizza for us!!:)

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken

Thursday: Salisbury Steak and Peppers and Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes (recipe is below one of my favorites from my childhood.)

Friday: Triplet Planning Meeting...Chinese

Saturday: I am going to attempt to recreate Chipolte food again...this time their steak..I'll be sure to report back!!:)

Sunday: leftovers

Salisbury Steak and Peppers:

ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 envelope dehydrated onion soup mix
1 egg
1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cup water
1 large green pepper
1 small onion

process:
1. Mix well the beef, 2 tbsp of soup mix, the egg, bread crumbs and salt.

2. Shape into 4 oval patties, set aside.

3. in Shallow casserole dish mix the remaining soup mix, flour and water.

4. Add meat patties, place peppers and onions around the meat.

5. Cover and back at 350 for 30 minutes or until meat is done.

Last Snow of the Season??!

2011-02-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

As our temperatures start to move in the right direction...we decided we should go have a romp in the snow for what we can only hope will be the last time this season!! The snow had melted just enough that it made it perfect for building snowman, snow balls and snow walls!!:) We really did get out there to enjoy it in the nick of time...we went from playing in the snow on Sunday...to playing with no coats and enjoying 72 degree temps on Thursday...gotta love the Midwest!!:)

by th etime we went inside this guy had meted so much he was no longer standing!! lol

..back to my roots!!:)

2011-02-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

Last week we headed North to visit family in Iowa...I've made this trip hundred of time in my life...but over recent years I am not usually the one driving I'm usually reading or taking care of kiddos. But as I was driving it gave me a good chance to look around at all the familiar sites..some of which hold sweet memories and others that hold painful memories. To be honest with you it was hard to pull into town knowing that there would be no grandparents to greet me, no cheek pinches, no knocking on the door only to hear "nobody's home" or "we don't want any" I was a bit surprised by my rush of feelings. My grandpa has been gone almost 11 years and Grandma nearly 4...but then again does the pain of losing someone you love ever really go away?!?! I think there is always a bit of mourning...I mourn for myself of course but I also mourn for my kiddos. Because let me tell you my Grandpa Stanley would have gone nuts for these kids...I wish he would have gotten that chance. Grandma was able to meet and love on the Triplets several times during their first year but never Sophia....and oh how she would have adored Sophia. I treasure the last time I saw my grandma so much I was pregnant with Sophia and I can vividly remembering her rubbing my belly as we discussed that if the baby was a girl she would have Madeline in her name...a very fitting tribute to one of the most amazing ladies I've ever known!!

So as I was flooded with so many memories I thought it would be fun to take a few pictures around Grandpa and Grandma's house (my Aunt Diane still lives there) Aunt Di has changed alot to make the house her own but they're are still a few elements that remind my of Grandma!!:)

Grandma LOVED butterfly's...

This is the same house my dad grew up in...and I love all the *old* features like the door knobs!!

My Grandma LOVED this singing flower pot...she played it each and every time we came to see her...I can still see the silly smile it put on her face!!

I adore the old pictures...

We had breakfast with my Great Uncle Bob Sunday morning, what a sweet treat!! I love this man so much!!
...and then one of the main reasons for our trip....this sweet little girl!!:)

Our Valentine's Day...

2011-02-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

Our Love Day Report...I have to be honest I've never been a HUGE fan of Valentine's Day..it's such a commercial holiday...I like to get flowers just like the next girl..but not on Valentine's day...I would much prefer them on a random day just because. But now since having kids I've fallen in love with the holiday...because at our house it's all about the kids...We fix them heart food for all three meals, they get little gifts from mom and a rose from daddy, we enjoyed school parties and a whole day devoted to those we love!!:)

The kids day started with them cute Heart Cinnamon rolls..thanks Melissa for sharing the recipe...you can find it here as well!!

Playing game at the school party...

Lunch!!:)

Jared surprised me with these little beauties...I actually squealed...lol...they were amazing!!:)

A Rose for each kiddo!!:)

Dinner on Valentine's Day is extra special for the kids..we treat them to dinner at the Mullinax Resturant complete with candle light!! This year the kids chose heart shaped pancakes and pink milk!!:) They love, love, love this tradition!!

...and because they hadn't had enough sugar!! haha

...after the monkey's were fed Jared and I enjoyed an adult dinner...crab legs and steak!! yummo!!

What's for Dinner Sunday...

2011-02-13T20:59:00.000-08:00

Pictured: Greek Pizza with Feta, Olives and Spinach...AMAZING...

Happy Love week!!

Monday: For Valentine's Day we let the kids pick the menu and Jared and I serve them their dinner by candlelight...this year the kids decided they want Breakfast for dinner. So we will be serving heart shaped pancakes. Then after the kids so to bed Jared and I will enjoy a dinner together..I'm thinking steak and crab legs!!:)

Tuesday: Crispy Ranch Chicken

Wednesday: Asian Slow Cooker Chicken

Thursday: Asian Marinated Flank Steak and Roasted Veggies (yep already having it again!!:)

Friday: Hamburgers on the Grill

Saturday: Grilled Sweet and Sour chicken packets with rice

Sunday: Family Dinner in Parsons

And another one bites the dust..

2011-02-10T21:15:00.000-08:00

tooth that is...Last Saturday Samuel ~~lost~~ I pulled out his 1st tooth!!:) It was barely hanging in there and I might have bribed him with cookies to let me pull it...I'm not sure the details are a little fuzzy!!:) lol But one way or another Samuel lost his first tooth...he was soo excited that the tooth fairy would FINALLY be visiting him (Isabelle has had 4 visits so far, Grace and Sophia still zero!!)

Sophia....

2011-02-10T20:28:00.000-08:00

Oh Sophia, sweet, sweet Sophia....how I do love you soo!!! Spunky, Sassy...and oh so Lovable!!! We had Parent teacher conferences yesterday and Sophia got rave reviews from her teachers...she is "always happy, always helpful, always a joy." The only thing that they would like her to work on is personal space..not a huge surprise to any of us that Sophia likes to hug EVERYONE. If that is the only issue with my kiddo I will take it!!:) We also discussed that Sophia has become quite the story teller...in her teachers words..."its been along time since she has had a kiddo in her class that puts so much thought and detail into her stories." Apparently she has told them at school that she's has both a baby bunny as well as a pet lizard at home!! lol....such an imagination...

And as I'm using this blog as a *baby book* as such for our kiddos..in other news Sophia has failed three hearing tests (2 at school and 1 at the dr) so we have an appointment with an ENT to look further into what is causing the problem. The doctor doesn't believe that the hearing loss is permanent but as her mommy I'm a little nervous...so if you would please say a little prayer for her I would appreciate it so much!!

...and finally a funny Sophia Story.....at dinner tonight as we were going around the table saying our mealtime prayer and whom we would like to pray for...The triplets prayed for people without food, people without money and people without toys...Sophia she would like us to pray for all the Elephants that don't have peanuts!!:) lol

What's For Dinner Sunday...

2011-02-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

Last week we finally found a recipe FAIL within the Spark Recipes...I mention this for a couple of reasons. First I think it's pretty amazing that with all the recipes I've made from Spark this is the FIRST one that I will never make again..pretty nice statistics!!:) The second reason I mention it is so you all NEVER make it!! ha It was the Crock Pot Chicken Breasts A'L Orange. I questioned the ingredients a little when I was planning our menu...but I like all the things that went into the dish...so why not give it a whirl...all I can say is YUCK...nobody in my family ate it!!

Ok so let's get on to this week's menu...it is going to be a little different..I'm doing a Beach body Cleanse...which pretty much means I'm not eating for 3 days...so our menu won't start until Thursday!!:)

Thursday: Greek Pizza with Feta, Olives and Spinach...(at my SIL, Brooke's recommendation I'm going to add chicken)

Friday: Savory Garlic Chicken

Saturday: I will be in Iowa photographing the beautiful Natalie..and I'm hoping eating at my Favorite Restaurant, Gino's!!:)

Sunday: Slow Cooker Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Chipolte at HOME...

2011-02-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

My LOVE for Chipolte cannot even be put into words...the best *fast food* ever...I was so excited to come accross a Chipolte Fan page that listed some of their recipes. I was skeptical whether they would actually taste like my beloved Chipolte...but I've happy to report that they are pretty darn close!! Especially the Guacamole...I laughed when I read the recipe..because it just seemed like their should be more in it...but it is PERFECT...less is definitly more!!:)

I didn't actually use the Chicken Marniade Recipe...because it required you to soak ancho chillies over night and I didn't look these up until the morning I was going to make it. I also couldn't find chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. So instead I followed the ingreidents excluding these two things and replaced them with Tabasco Chipolte sauce (about 1/2 a bottle) I also pounded out my chicken before marinating and then we cooked them in olive oil on the stove....SOOOOO good!!:)

Chipotle Grill Inspired Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa

2 medium tomatoes, quartered

6 medium tomatillos (use 12 if they are very tiny)

1 small red onion, quartered (for a milder taste use a vidalia onion)

2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced

2 jalapeno peppers (seeded, roasted (or broiled)

2 limes, juice of

1/4-1/2 cup fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons ground cumin (I only used 1tbsp...and I think that was even a little much)

1 pinch red pepper flakes (add more if more heat is desired)

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon Tabasco chipotle pepper sauce (more for a hotter salsa)

sea salt (to personal taste)

fresh ground pepper (to personal taste)

Chipolte Guacamole

Individual sized recipe:2 Hass Avocados (I used a mixer to mush them really good)
1/2 of a Jalapeno pepper, seeded, and minced
1/4 of a red onion, finely chopped
2 heaping Tablespoons of Cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 of a lime, juiced
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine all of the ingredients into a bowl, and mash together until smooth. Add additional lime juice or salt to taste. For extra spicy guacamole, you can leave in the jalapeno seeds!

Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe

6 Ears Sweet Yellow Corn (I used 3 cans of white sweet Corn and cooked slightly on the stove)2 Poblano Chilies (I *grilled* these on the stove)1/2 Red Onion
2 Red Jalapenos
1/3 Cup Chopped Cilantro
1 Tablespoon Lime Juice (I used more to my taste)Salt and Pepper to Taste

Roast the corn and Poblano chilies on a grill or BBQ and let cool. Cut the corn off the cob. Dice the Poblano chilies, onion, and red jalapenos. Combine all the ingredients and season to taste.

Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice (Tweaked Version)
1 tbsp oil (canola/vegetable)
2 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1 fresh key lime (or ½ regular lime)
½ tsp salt (kosher or sea salt)
1 cup long grain white rice (or basmati, if you can bear the funky smell) (I tried the Basmati rice twice and MUCH prefer just regular rice...tastes much more like Chipolte's in my opinion)
2 cups water

Sautee the rice in oil until almost translucent (as if you are making a risotto).

Add water, bring to a boil.

As soon as the water begins to boil, turn the heat down low.

Simmer, covered for 15-20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed.

Turn off heat. DON'T PEEK. LEAVE IT COVERED for 30 minutes (this is the "steaming" part.... Chipotle steams rice every hour). This is what makes the rice fluffy. You won’t be happy with yourself if you don’t do this. Be patient. Good things come to those who wait.

Remove lid, let some of the steam out. It may be helpful to transfer rice into a mixing bowl for the next step.

Mix salt and juice of key lime together until salt is dissolved.

Pour it over rice, fluff with a fork.

Sprinkle in cilantro, and toss well to evenly coat with cilantro and lime mixture

All Purpose Chipotlesque Marinade (EDITED)

1 (2 ounce) package dried ancho chiles
1 (7 ounce) can chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (discard chipotle pepper, skim out seeds)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons cumin powder
2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
6 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons salt
1 red onion, quartered
1/4 cup oil (canola/vegetable/olive)
1 whole boneless, skinless naturally raised chicken (about 3 lbs, thighs work well too)

Soak dry chilies overnight in water, until soft. Remove seeds.

Add chilies and rest of the ingredients in blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.

Stab chicken with fork to let the marinade soak in. If you're marinating overnight, you won't need to stab it too much. If you're marinating for an hour, stab it all over!

Spread marinade over chicken, refrigerate for one hour or up to overnight.

After marinating, grill on medium high on an indoor grill where the chicken can be pressed flat.

If using a skillet, heat oil to medium high. Place a foil-wrapped brick on top of chicken to press it flat.

If using an outdoor grill, use charcoal to make it ultra delicious. Place foil wrapped bricks to press chicken flat.

You can also make this on a Panini grill on medium high heat. Place something heavy on top to weigh it down.

*Using naturally raised chicken makes the biggest difference and can be found at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's or any other store that specializes in natural foods. If you can't get boneless whole chicken, de-bone a whole chicken yourself (yuck), or get boneless thigh meat, or just leave the bones in! Chipotle places emphasis on good wholesome meat that has been fed a vegetarian diet, free of hormones and antibiotics. You just will not have the same taste using typical grocery store chicken that was raised with antibiotics and hormones in their factory farms. [Please don’t sue me…. I’m just reiterating what Chipotle values. You should watch Food Inc. If you don’t believe me, prepare it with your regular chicken breast. Then prepare this with naturally raised chicken or Amish chicken (vegetarian fed, no antibiotics or hormones). If you can’t taste the difference, you may be deficient in taste receptors).]

*This works for steak too. Chipotle uses 50% naturally raised beef (they're working on getting it up to 100%) so make sure you used naturally raised, free range, grass fed beef as well!

*If you're lazy, throw all the ingredients into a crockpot (bones included), cook on low for 10-12 hours or high for 4-6. You will have meat that falls off the bone because it's so tender and the consistency is similar to a stew! You can add 2 cups water or a low sodium stock to keep it from drying out.

A Day of Beauty....

2011-02-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

Day 4 of no school this week...this time not because of the weather...just a scheduled *professional* day!! I had planned with our friend Susan to bring the kids over to the Sweet*Tart Boutique for a day of beauty...cute hairstyles, makeup and manicures for the girls and a trim for Samuel. Susan makes sweet and Sassy flower clips, headbands, jewelry and much more and has now put a Salon in her basement and will be hosting Glamour Parties for little girls!! I had a blast taking pictures of my girls as well as some other cute models!! More to come on my photography website...but for now check out how much fun my girls had and go check out Sweet*Tart Boutique!!

I can't get over how grown up Miss Sophia looks....

...in Isabelle's words..this was the BEST day ever...thanks Susan!!!

The Blizzard of Oz...Day 3...the one where we just try to survive..

2011-02-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

Thursday was a Girls only day....Samuel had a sleepover with Dillon....which was such a blessing..little man was in desperate need of some boy time!! So in starting the day with a girly theme I treated my Little princesses to PINK pancakes...

Then I spent a good portion of the day doing chores...which had been neglected in the two previous days of FUN!!:)

come 5 o'clock momma headed out for a MUCH NEEDED night out....

I started with drink and a little Sushi with these ladies....which I can't wait to do again...what a fun time!!:)

...and then I headed over to meet these beautiful ladies for dinner...gotta love Triplet Mommy Thursdays!!

A few hours of relaxation and laughter...I was a new woman ready to take on another day of NO SCHOOL!!:)

The Blizzard of Oz...Day 2...the clean up

2011-02-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

The clean up....I cannot tell you how thankful I was that I was NOT the one out shoveling....when all was said and done Olathe got between 10-12 inches of snow depending on where you were...but because of the Blizzard like conditions there were snow banks that were well over 2 feet tall...our drive way had sooo much snow on it. Thankfully our neighbor Greg came to help Jared with his snow blower!! On top of all the snow...the Temperatures were Low, low, low. I had hoped to get the kids out to play but it was way to cold for them...maybe this weekend!!

...so day two was spent making Valentine's day boxes for school...

..making Valentine's day cupcake for us and a few for Greg as a Thankful for helping clear our driveway!!

Enjoying Snow Cream...
Recipe...I LARGE bowl of snow, add 2 cups of milk (or more if needed), I cup of sugar, and 1tsp vanilla. The kids topped their Snow Cream with M&M's and Chocolate syrup!!

The Blizzard of Oz....Day 1

2011-02-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

As Kansas City braced itself for the Blizzard of Oz (love that name...we filled Snow day number one with painting and movies and playing very nicely all together. We stayed in our PJ's, cooked dinner in the crock pot...and were nice and warm inside!! We were thankful Jared was not traveling and was safe at home as well...one of the reasons it's wonderful for him to office at home!!

Making Canvas masterpieces for mommy to display!!

The finished products..

The snow was CRAZY...it just kept coming...

...at the end of the day we were all smiles....and preparing for snow day #2

Celebrate Good Times...Come on...

2011-01-31T20:16:00.000-08:00

"So bring your good times, and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you..."

Grace, Isabelle and Samuel have been learning that song at school...and each and every time they start singing it takes me back to Rollerskating rink!! Going skating with my mom, brother and grandpa are some of my favorite memories as a kid. I rocked the limbo when I was like 4...haha The kids have been hearing about school skating parties since the beginning of the school year...so we decided it was finally time to take them to try it out!! We were so thankful to have Nana, Uncle Ryan and Carly along to help with the kids...we definitely needed the extra hands!! All in all it was a successful day of fun....the girls did awesome...especially Isabelle...she was skating like no one's business...Grace and Sophia got the hang of it prety quick as well...but Samuel...he had a little trouble staying on his skates....as did Jared...but that's a whole other story!! Will we try it again??? The girls and I...for sure...we just may leave the boys at home next time!!!:)

Isabelle even tried the limbo!!:)

Skating was fun...but the Icee's may have been everyone's favorite thing!! haha

What's For Dinner Sunday...

2011-01-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

Pictured My Famous (ha) Spaghetti and Meatballs

I have found so many benefits to these Sunday menu's...cooking has become fun again,, grocery shopping is easier and is actually saving us money, we are trying lots of new fun meals. Last weeks favorite meal was the Asian Marinated Flank Steak...it was so, so good...and easy. It will be making lots of repeat performances in our weekly menus!!:)

This week on our menu...

Monday: Herb Stuffed Pork Loin and Sweet Potatoes...(this was on our menu a couple weeks ago but never got made)

Tuesday: Chipolte Chicken (Thanks for my Friend Jennifer) Recipe below...

Wednesday: Crock Pot Chicken Breasts A'L Orange

Thursday: Triplet Mama Thursday!! Leftovers for the family...

Friday: Asian Roll Lettuce Wraps

Saturday: We're having some friends over for dinner...I"m thinking Mexican....Fajitas and Margaritas!!

Sunday: Beef and Noodles

Chipolte Chicken

14 oz can Rotel
15 oz can kidney or black beans (rinsed and drained. Since I doubled recipe, I used one can of each.)
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried, crushed oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
3/4 cup canned chicken broth
tortillas
Reduced fat shredded Mexican style cheese (or your choice cheese)

Put rotel, beans, chili powder, salt, oregano, and pepper in crock pot. Stir well. Add chicken and broth. Cover and cook on low all day. Late in day, when chicken is done, take chicken out and shred with forks then put back in crock pot. Before serving, scoop out most of liquid from crock pot. (I left just a little but not too much or else your burrito is runny.)

Get low calorie large size tortillas and make some white rice. Fill warm tortilla with rice, then chicken mixture, and add salsa, sour cream or guacamole, and salt/pepper to taste. Yummy!

Our Basketball Star....

2011-01-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

Basketball, Basketball, Basketball....oh how I LOVE basketball!!! I have been so excited for Samuel to play a game both his daddy and I LOVE!! It's been a different season than I expected but I'm so proud of how far Samuel has come. Somehow Samuel was placed on a 1st grade team that played together last year...which made it hard for Sam to break in to *their* rhythm and add on top of that Samuel had never played before...let's just say his teammates don't pass him the ball first by any means. But luckily he has a very good coach that has been working really hard with Samuel and we've seem him make great strides...he can now rock the bounce pass...and on Saturday he got the ball THREE times and was able to shoot it!! I'm so proud of our little man...and the BEST part...he is LOVING playing!!

What's for dinner Sunday...on Monday!!:)

2011-01-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

So my grand plan to share our menu plan on Sunday....has already failed...but just for a moment...let's pretend it's still Sunday!!:) Last weeks meals were all hits!! A favorite was the Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken....it tasted alot like chicken and noodles but with a little flair!! The Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches were also a fun meal...I ended up put the meat into cook before bed on Friday night and we had a perfect meal ready for us for lunch the next day...it even got 2 thumbs up from my father-in-law!!

This weeks Menu:

Monday: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Roast....all my kiddos loved this...and in Sophia's words..."mommy you added the perfect amount of flavor!!"

Tuesday: Meatloaf and Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday..Breakfast for dinner

Thursday: Asian Marinated Flank Steak and Roasted Veggies

Friday: Spaghetti and Meatballs (at my hubby's request) I need to pay attention to what I put in my sauce so I can share!!:)

Saturday: Stirfry (recipe below)

Sunday: Leftovers

A Little Breakfast treat: Banana Blueberry Muffins!! YUMMY!!

Stir Fry ----The Best you'll ever have!!:)

1. Pick a Protein:
We prefer steak

2. Marinate:
Whisk 1 egg white, 1 tbsp Chinese Rice Wine or dry Sherry and 1 tbsp Cornstarch. Toss with your protein, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Pick your veggies:
We prefer,
Asparagus
baby spinach
zucchini
red pepper
red onions
water chestnuts

4. Sauce:
Mix 1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp Chinese rice wine or dry Sherry

5. Stirfry
* drain the excess marinade from protein, place your sauce, veggies and protein near stove.
* Heat 1/4 inch oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the protein; slowly and cook until done. Transfer to a plate; discard the oil and wipe out pan.
* Heat the pan over high heat, 1 to 2 minutes, add 2 tbsp oil, then 2 cloves of garlic and 2 minced scallions and a pinch each of salt and sugar, stirfry about 30 seconds. Add the veggie, starting with the ones that take the longest to cook; stirfry until crisp and tender.
* Add protein and sauce and stir until the sauce is thick about 3 minutes.

We serve this with brown rice...it is one of our FAVORITE meals!!

What's for Dinner Sunday....

2011-01-16T13:23:00.000-08:00

OK I might me a little obsessed with Spark Recipes...but so far EVERY recipe we've tried from there we've LOVED!! And that's saying alot!! I love how easy and tasty the meals are but I also love that all the calorie information is included. It's been a win, win for our family!! Pictures above are some yummy Blueberry muffins we tried this week...they turned out pretty good...I think next time I will add a little applesauce to make them just a little sweeter...but other than that they were perfect!!

Monday: Chicken Thighs & Rice with Honey Lemon
Tuesday: Homemade Pizza
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken
Thursday: Honey Balsamic Chicken
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Sunday: Herb Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

...and one other recipe I plan to try this week...Baked Oats

I will try to report back on what was a hit and what was not...as well as share some pictures!!:)

Until next time,
Jen

Making Room....

2011-01-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

I've been dreading this day hoping and praying that Isabelle would lose a couple teeth on her own...but no such luck. When we were at the dentist several months ago he asked that I make an appointment for her to have three teeth pulled (luckily she lost one on her own) The issue her poor little mouth (that she inherited from her mama) is just not big enough for all her teeth. After she lost her middle two teeth on the bottom(which were on top of each other) and the permanent teeth started to come in because of the lack of room they started to come in under her next two teeth. So to avoid any damage to her pretty Big girl teeth we had to get the two baby teeth this out of there!!

Well despite me being so nervous about the entire process...it went PERFECTLY!! I can't say enough for our dentist, Dr LeBlanc...his office made the entire process easy...Isabelle watched Barbie, got a little laughing gas...a few shots to numb and the teeth were out in seconds and the best part she had NO clue that they took them out!! :) So there were no tears and just pure excitement that she was going to have a visit from the tooth fairy!!:) I'm so very thankful that the process went so well....as I'm positive we will being doing the same thing a couple more times as she losses teeth.

her pretty new smile!!

...and the loot!! haha

What's for Dinner...

2011-01-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

Pictured above: Easy Slow Cooker Lemony Garlic Chicken Breast

2011 is the year to live Happier and Healthier...and in an effort to do so I will be posting our Menu Plans here on the blog so that I'm accountable to each of you to get it done!! (in the past I've been very hit or miss on menu planning) I'm always so inspired by food blogs...like Pioneer Woman, Dine and Dish and so many more...while I don't have time to devote to an actual food blog...this will be a little something extra for me each week..and I hope each of you will get menu ideas for your families as well!!:) We will be mixing in some of our standby favorites along with some new healthier meals. I plan to try to post these either Sunday or Monday...but this week time just got away from me so your getting it on Thursday!!:)

Monday: Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken (This was a new recipe for us and it gets Two thumbs up EVERYONE at my house Loved this...and it was great the next day on my salad at lunch) (one helpful hint thinner chicken breasts work better!)

Tuesday: Perfect Pot Roast (always delicious!!)

Wednesday: Easy Slow Cooker Lemony Garlic Chicken Breast (This was a new recipe for us and it too was AMAZING and so easy. I did add an extra 1/2 cup of water and 1tbsp of lemon juice...and about an hour before it was done I thru in some artichoke hearts...Yummo)

Thursday: Meatballs and Brown Gravy (this is an easy recipe my kids LOVE...I make just plan hamburger into meatballs cook them in the oven. I make a couple packets of brown Gravy...Place the meatballs in the gravy and serve over Mashed Potatoes or Rice..my kids scarf it down.

Friday: Roasted Chicken with Wild Rice Soup (can't wait to try this recipe)

Saturday: Date Night :)

Sunday: Chili

Snow days.....

2011-01-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

...awww snow days...I loved them as a kid and I LOVE them as a mom. I was thrilled to wake up to a beautiful blanket of snow and the news that we'd get to enjoy it all day!! The kids of course wanted to go play in it first thing this morning but we were able to hold them off a little while. We played around our neighborhood and then loaded up in the car at dad's request and went and found a big hill to sled down...wish I would have gotten pictures of that....but I was to busy sledding with the kids!! haha Such a FUN day!!

Bogey even got in on the fun..hee hee...he's looks like he's pulling the sled here...but he's actually getting hit by it..silly dog stopped right in the way!!

Snow Angels always a must!!:)

...glad to see Sophia favorite thing is still eating the snow!!

Twister Fun....

2011-01-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

The week in between Christmas and New Year's we had a Family Fun week!!:) Jared's company shuts down for that week so we had him home with us which was a fun treat....we played every game imaginable...but Twister I believe was the kids favorite...what a hoot!! Daddy even got in on the fun!!

A New Year...A New Journey..

2011-01-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing 2010...lots of new and exciting changes...Grace, Isabelle and Samuel started Kindergarten, Jared started a new job, Isabelle lost her 1st and 2nd teeth, Sophia began Ballet, etc, etc...but there was one thing missing....our blog!! I hadn't meant to stop blogging but as too often happens life took over and here we are almost a year later. I'm going to do my best to get this rolling again....we've got a new name and new energized spirit!! I truly love to blog and share the events of our lives...for family and friends that don't live near us I love to be able to share photos and stories of the kids, for other triplet mommy's if I can share just a little bit of insight into our survival I love to be able to do that...so here we go...thanks for stopping by and joining on our journey!!

Happiness Dwells in the Soul...A journey in finding more happiness in an already happy world!!

On a BEAUTIFUL December day we loaded the kids up and headed for the trails....and I'm so glad we did. I couldn't stop smiling...watching our children explore the world around them....running as fast as they could laughing all the way. It was a day in which I had to give thanks to God for this beautiful life I have been given....our lives are NOT always easy, or fun...but on days like this all the struggles are worth it!!

Hey mom..."Take our Picture"...music to this mommy's ears!!:)

More Valentine's Day...

2010-02-21T20:05:00.000-08:00

Flowers from my Valentine!! :) I always request that Jared doesn't by me flowers...now don't get me wrong I LOVE receiving flowers but just not on Valentine's day...they are so over priced it seems so silly. But my thrifty husband picked me up a dozen roses from Costco for $15.99....aww those are flowers t hat I can thoroughly enjoy!! :) Thanks baby..for the flowers and for not spending a fortune!! :)

Mommy wasn't the only one to get flowers each of daddy's girls got a Rose!! :)

Sam's new Gorilla....named *Samuel*

Grace's new Elephant *Emma*...a girl can never have to many elephants right!?! :)

Isabelle got a Unicorn she named *Uni*

For our Valentine's dinner we can a special dinner just for the kids. My friend Kristen gave me the idea last year and I am so glad we really had a blast...Jared and I made the kids *favorite* dinner...Spaghetti...broke out the real plates and wine glasses, lit some candles and we served them restaurant style. They thought they were hot stuff!! :) It really made the night special to them and after all isn't that what Valentine's day is all about?!?! :)

Aunt Amy had even brought us some of her shower cake which was the perfet dessert for our evening!!

Daddy's Red haired princesses..

Celebrating Valentine's day at Nana and Papa's...

Sophia adores baby Madison

I adore how close these boys are...they are a total riot together!!

Love week...the fun begins!! :)

2010-02-17T20:44:00.001-08:00

Laney and her trio hosted a triplet Valentine's Day party...we had so much fun she had a little craft for us and the kids got to decorate cookies!! :) I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful group of ladies that I get to share this triplet journey with!! I'm not sure I would survive without them!! :)

Love week...the fun begins!! :)

2010-02-17T20:44:00.000-08:00

Bowling + 6kids = a recipe for FUN!!!

2010-02-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

Our first bowling adventure was a roaring success....I can't even tell you how much fun it was...crazy yes...but oh so fun!! We had bumpers...check, we had a ramp...check...and we had kids that bowled so good they BEAT me..seriously Isabelle BEAT me and Grace almost did!! ha
One of the greatest joys of being a mother is being able to share in ALL the firsts of our children...this adventure was one I will always remember the pure joy in out children's voices as they learned to bowl...Magical!!

Mr Dillon was a complete natural!!

Sophia showing mommy that she just got a STRIKE!!

Piper adoring meeting Mis Maddie

Tiny Dancer...

2010-01-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

were back finally...I needed to take a little break from this blog to refocus what I want from it...so watch out I'm going to try to post way more often and let you into our life and our hearts!! :)

But for now I have our tiniest dancer to share with you!! Sweet Sophia always living just a few steps behind her sisters. She wants so bad to be their age to do what they get to do especially dance. It breaks my heart how upset she has been that she doesn't get to take dance classes...but thank the dear sweet Lord for Grace who holds her own little classes with Sophia and teaches her all the *right moves* I promise next year baby girl..but for now she has settled on wearing a leotard and tutu and dancing around the house every chance she gets!! :)

Mother Teresa

2010-01-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

This was found written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta:

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
be kind anyway.
If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies;
succeed anyway.
If you are honest people may cheat you;
be honest anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the end, it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them anyway.

Love, Love, Love it!! Wishing you each a blessed day!!

~Jen

Baby It's Cold Outside...

2009-12-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

After making our final decision to stay in town for the weekend..we decided to embrace the snow and go PLAY!! We really wanted to take the kids sledding but did not want to risk the roads...so Jared made them their own little snow hill in our driveway/yard...it was perfect!! What we learned...Grace can really do without sledding..unless she is one someones lap...Sam likes to sled but if he had to choose he'd pick digging in the snow every time, Isabelle likes everything about the snow..but was very disappointed that this wasn't Snowman snow!:( ...and Sophia is fearless...ha ha OK so we already knew that!! :) After coming in on Saturday and after getting warm with some hot chocolate..I made the kiddos Snow Ice Cream....I had never had it and was pleasantly surprised. :) The kids are praying for Fresh snow so they can have some more. To make I just mixed Milk, sugar and Vanilla together and added enough snow to make it slushy. :)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas 2009

2009-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

As usual I took waaaaay to many pictures this Holiday...so here is a little slide show of our Christmas Eve and Day. Enjoy!!
Blessings, Jen

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas...Round One...Mullinax Style

2009-12-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

Can it really be the end of Christmas weekend already...it always seems to fly by so quickly. Our Christmas plans were a little foiled this year due to 14+ inches of snow that graced us over Christmas eve, day and Saturday. So our Christmas celebrations will be extended as we hope to finally make it to Papa and Grandma's to celebrate with them next weekend. We were so sad we couldn't make it to Parsons..but after talking to several people who had attempted the roads we decided our cargo was way to precious to risk. The white stuff is BEAUTIFUL...but I have to admit you will never here me ask for a white Christmas again!! :) ha
Our celebrations started last Wednesday with part of the Mullinax Family..we always enjoy getting together with the cousins...it seems to happen so rarely due to everyone's busy schedules so we really have to enjoy the moments we can all come together!!

Isabelle is in LOVE with Blake and Julia's new puppy, Oreo. He fed her desire for her own little puppy more than I would like. ha I told her whenever she feels like she wants a puppy that I will send her to Uncle Ryan and Aunt Kelly's!! :)

Isabelle giving Aunt Kelly and Uncle Ryan and special Godparent gift!! :) She adores them!!

Sweet Hadley

Gift time..

They are a hugging group of kids...what can I say I think they like each other!!

All the boys were busy putting toys together this year...the doll beds, Grace, Isabelle and Sophia got were a HUGE hit...and I think Sean liked his parking garage too...thanks Uncle Ryan for putting it together!!

Sophia got Uncle Mark to read her a couple stories...I tell ya she has turned into a book worm the last few weeks!!

Sam LOVES his new hot wheels track!!

Julia's Special gift from Jared and I...a little album of her 8th birthday pictures!! :)

Gracie with her God Parents..Uncle Pat and Aunt Erynn. Grace is still talking about how much she loves uncle Pat!! :)

Merry CHRISTmas

2009-12-24T23:53:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours wishing you a blessed CHRISTmas. We hope that that each of you enjoy the magic of the season surrounded by those your love!!
Much love!!
The Mullinax Family

Love...

2009-12-24T06:44:00.001-08:00

Jared and I are so blessed that we have parents that are perfectly amazing with our kiddos. Whether it's making cookies, reading stories or getting down and dirty playing with the kids the kids adore having them around!! I am especially thankful this time of the year for all 4 of them!!

Weekend before Christmas

2009-12-24T06:27:00.000-08:00

Papa and Grandma came to visit last Sunday. We wanted to take Papa to Union Station to see their Christmas train display that is AMAZING!! But our first stop was Bass Pro Shop..Papa always like to go look there...and it worked out great it wasn't busy at all so we were able to enjoy their kids activities...and even got to visit Santa for the 3rd time this year!!

I love this picture...Isabelle is such a good big sister!! :)

Then after a quick lunch at our favorite Train restaurant..Fritz's we finally made it to Union Station

Then we went to Crown Center to enjoy a few of their activities...this is the Mayor's Christmas Tree

Cookie Baking Day...

2009-12-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

A Stanley Tradition..cookie Baking day with the girls...this year it took 5 women, 9 hours and a small oven fire to produce 21 different holiday treats!! YUMMY!!

Cookies Baking Day…December 13, 2009

Pistachio Bread

Yellow cake box cake mix
2 pkg pistachio pudding (instant)
4 eggs
1/3 cup veggie oil
1/2 cup water
8 oz sour cream

Mix and pour into 2 regular loaf pans or 5 mini loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes for regular pans or 30-40 minutes for mini loaf pans. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and chopped pistachios.

Poppy Seed Bread

1 pkg. Duncan Hines Yellow cake mix
1 pkg. lemon instant pudding
1 cup water
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup oil poppy seeds
4 eggs
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Grease and flour pans bake at 350 for 45 minutes (in 2 regular sized loaf pans)

*Glaze--mix powdered sugar/water to make a glaze and drizzle on top

Santa Surprises

2 Sticks butter softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cups flour, sifted
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 bag Snickers minis
1 bag Dove milk or dark chocolate gifts

Combine butter, peanut butter and sugars with mixer on medium to low until fluffy. Slowly add eggs, vanilla until combined. Mix in flour, baking soda and salt. Cover and chill dough for 2-3 hours.

Unwrap Snickers minis. Remove dough from fridge and divide into 1 Tbls. pieces and flatten.

Put Snickers mini in the middle and form dough into balls around Snickers.

Place on greased baking sheet and bake at 325 for 10-12 minutes.

Cool on rack.

Melt Dove chocolate and drizzle over cookies

Peanut butter temptations

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup real butter (not margarine)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Mix these together well and then add
1 1/4 cup flour
3/4 tsp salt
Roll into quarter sized balls and place in mini muffin tins. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Remove from oven and immediately press 1
mini Reeces Pieces into each cookie. Cool and enjoy!!!!!!

Peanut Butter Yummys
1 pkg. white almond bark
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup Spanish Peanuts
1 cup Mini Marshmallows

Melt almond bark and peanut butter. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Drop by spoonfuls on waxed paper.

Chocolate cake truffles
1/2 cup cocoa1 box chocolate cake mix1 stick butter1/2 cup powdered sugar1/2 cup preserves1 tsp vanilla1 pkg chocolate almond bark Prepare cake as directed and bake as directed,In small pan melt butter over med heat (don't let it get to hot)Add cocoa and sugar, stir until smooth. Add preserves and vanilla. Stir until smooth and glossy.Remove from heat and let cool.Crumble cake into large bowl. Stir syrup into cake, mix well. Roll into 1" to 1 1/2" balls. Makes approx. 45Melt bark and dip balls.Place on foil to try.

Best when kept in the Refrigerator or freezer!!

Cookie Dough Truffles

1/2 c butter softened
3/4 c brown sugar
2 c flour
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c mini-semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c chopped walnuts (optional)
11/2 lb semi sweet chocolate almond bark

Blend butter and brown sugar
Add flour, milk, and vanilla
Stir in chocolate chips

Chill for 1-2 hours

Form dough in to 1 inch balls, chill, dip in melted almond bark and chill until ready to serve. Keep refrigerated.

Oreo Truffles

1 pkg Oreo's crushed1 8oz Cream cheese1 Pkg White Almond Bark Mix crushed cookies and cream cheese together until coated. Roll into balls. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Melt bark and dip calls until coated. Dry.

Orange Balls

* 12 ounces vanilla wafer cookies, crushed* 1 cup confectioners' sugar* 1/4 cup butter, room temperature* 1/2 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract* sifted confectioners' sugar or coconut for coatingCombine cookie crumbs and 1 cup confectioners' sugar; blend in butter. Stir in orange juice concentrate; add vanilla and nuts. Shape mixture into balls about the size of walnuts; shake in food storage bag with sifted confectioners' sugar or coconut.Arrange orange balls in single layer on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet; store uncovered overnight in refrigerator for best flavor. Makes about 3 dozen.

White crackers
24oz almond bark
1-bow townhouse crackers
Peanut butter

*spread crackers with Peanut butter, making a sandwich. Using tongs dip in melted almond bark, place on wax paper.

Peanut Clusters
3lbs almond bark (white)
8 cups Spanish peanuts
4 cups chocolate chips

*melt almond bark and chocolate chips. Fold in peanuts. Drop on wax paper to cool.

Pecan Sandies
1 cup butter or margarine
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp water
2 cups flour
1 cup chopped pecans

*Mix and form small balls. Bake on un-greased cookie sheet at 300 for 20 minutes. While hot roll in powdered sugar.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
2 ¼ cup flour
¾ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 –1/2 tsp vanilla
½ tsp pure peppermint extract
2 cups semi sweet choc chips

For glaze
¾ cup powdered sugar
¼ tsp peppermint extract
3 –1/2 tsp milk or half and half
Finely crushed candy canes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of your mixer, beat butter with the sugars until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Scrape sides of bowl as necessary. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts. On low speed, mix in the flour mixture a little at a time. Gently mix in the chocolate chips with a wooden spoon.
Place teaspoons of dough on an ungreased cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 7-8 minutes. Cool for one minute on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle glaze over the top of the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes while glaze is still wet. Let cookies stand for 10-20 minutes until set.
Note: to make the glaze, simply mix the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk or half-and-half until smooth and the consistency desired

Snickerdoodles
1 cup shortening
1 ½ cup sugar
2 eggs
2 ¾ cup flour
1 tsp soda
2 tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp salt
Mix all ingredients together in a medium size bowl. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.

Make sugar mixture
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp nutmeg
1tsp cinnamon
mix together in a plastic bag

Roll dough into small balls
Shake in sugar mixture

Place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart, do not flatten.
Bake at 350 till done.

Lemon Snowballs
½ cup lemon drop candy
1 cup butter or margarine, Softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1 tsp lemon extract
2 ¼ cup flour
¼ tsp salt
Additional powdered sugar
1.
Heat oven to 400ºF. Crush lemon drops in food processor or blender. In large bowl, beat butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, the lemon peel and lemon extract with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour, 1/4 cup of the crushed lemon drops and the salt.

2.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
3.
Bake cookies 8 to 9 minutes or until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; roll in powdered sugar. Cool 10 minutes; roll in remaining crushed lemon drops. Cool completely on wire rack, about 30 minutes. Reroll in crushed lemon drops if desired.

Crunchy Peanut Butter balls
1 cup peanut butter*
1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
4 teaspoons shortening
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and marshmallow creme; add cereal and stir until well coated. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes or until chips are melted; stir until smooth.
Roll cereal mixture into 1-in. balls; dip in chocolate. Place on a waxed paper-lined pan. Refrigerate until set.

Chocolate Billionaires
1 (14 ounce) package caramels
3 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup crisp rice cereal
3 cups milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 teaspoons shortening
Directions
Line two baking sheets with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the caramels and water; cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Stir in pecans and cereal until coated. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared pans. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until form.
Meanwhile, in a small heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening over low heat; stir until smooth. Dip candy into chocolate, coating all sides; place on prepared pans. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container.

Oreo Cookie Bark
Ingredients
1 (20 ounce) package chocolate sandwich cookies with creme filling
2 (18.5 ounce) packages white chocolate
Directions
Line a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan with waxed paper. Coat paper with non-stick vegetable spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, break half of the cookies into coarse pieces with fingers or the back of a wooden spoon.
In a microwave safe glass or ceramic mixing bowl, melt one package of the white chocolate according to package directions. Remove from microwave and quickly fold in broken cookie pieces. Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread to cover half the pan.
Repeat process with remaining chocolate and cookies, spreading mixture into the other half of pan. Refrigerate until solid, about 1 hour.
Remove bark from the pan and carefully peel off waxed paper. Place bark on a large cutting board and cut with a large chef's knife. Store in airtight container.

Naughty or Nice?!?

2009-12-14T21:17:00.001-08:00

Our yearly visit with Santa Claus...I adore that we are able to go and see the same Santa each year..it's makes it magical to the kids that he is the same..in Isabelle's words he is the *real* Santa all the other Santa's are just his helpers!! :) This year the kids worked really hard on their lists...cutting out toys that they hope Santa will bring them!! Santa was kind enough to spend a little time with each kiddo..truly a moment I hope they remember!!

Grace would like a new baby doll and the Disney Princess piano/vanity

On Sam's list this year...diggers and dump trucks...big surprise!! ha

on Isabelle's list...new jeans, a Santa t-shirt and the Wowee White tiger

On Sophia's list..not much she really has little interest in toys...but she did cut out a GPS and put it on her list!! ha

...Sophia always the story teller..not sure what she was telling Santa...but I adore this picture...it showcases Sophia's personality perfectly!! :)

Dillon and Madison's turn..

Santa and Madison took a little rest together

There has been alot of talk this year about being Naughty or Nice....and overall the kids have been on their best behavior since our Elf on the Shelf, Jack arrived. But out of nowhere today Sophia told be she was just going to be on the naughty list because it was "waaaay to hard to stay on the nice list" God I love that child..she cracks me up!!

It's beginning to feel alot like Chirstmas....

2009-12-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

Last Monday we packed the kids up had a wonderful dinner out and then hit the town to see Christmas lights. There is nothing like the Holidays tunes playing on the radio...the site of beautiful light and the joy in our children's eyes!! It will never get old!!

Sophia Madeline

2009-11-15T13:06:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Birthday week with out Little Bit, Sophia...she enjoyed dinner out with some of her favorite people on her actual Birthday. And then 2 parties to help celebrate 3!! :) I still can't get over that our baby is 3!! She is growing up way to fast!! :) Much Love, J&J

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Birthday Eve....

2009-11-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

Sweet, Sweet Baby Sophia....it doesn't matter how many years pass us by...you will ALWAYS be our baby!! Three years ago tomorrow you came into our lives...you made our family complete and made your momma's heart explode with pride. You possess a personality that can light up a room....people are attracted to you by your sense of humor, your love of life and the pure joy that you are!! You challenge me on a daily basis to be a better mom and even though I may not always show it that's one of the things I adore about you. Your spunky, curious, smart and at times a little stubborn (which you get 100% of that from your momma) but at the end of the day no matter what has happened in the course of our day you can still melt your momma's heart with your sweetness!!

Mommy, Daddy, bubba and sissy's love you more and more each day...tomorrow we celebrate you and all that you are and will become...Happy Birthday Princess Sophia the world is yours!!

Sophia Madeline 6 days old

10 months old (I think) Still my favorite picture!!

1 years old

2 years old (picture by our friend Heather Morrow)

...and almost 3

The Rest of Halloween...

2009-11-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

Carving Pumpkins for the first time was a big hit....for about 5 minutes...ha

Getting ready to hit the streets to beg for candy....and beg they did...I have no idea what we are going to do with all the candy!!

Grace was sooo excited to meet another Glinda!!

Triplet Halloween Party...

2009-11-01T19:38:00.001-08:00

We hosted a Triplets Plus Halloween Party...it was a blast...4 sets of triplets, a set of quints..and 4 siblings...WAHOO..it was crazy but we wouldn't have it any other way!! :)

My attempt at making Forked eyeballs...AKA donut holes dipped in White chocolate!!

Greg's Pumpkin Patch...

2009-11-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

I think I've said before we LOVE our neighborhood...we are blessed with some of the BEST neighbors and friends that you could ask for!! Right next door are Greg, Patricia & Beth. Well Greg decided to grow a pumpkin patch in his backyard this year for all the neighborhood kiddos. The kids have adored watching the pumpkins grow and take over Greg's backyard over the last several months Last Sunday they had us all over for a little BBQ/ Pumpkin Pickin' Party Let me tell you this was the best patch I've ever been to...Big beautiful pumpkins...surrounded by lots of laughter...and above all LOTS of love...our children love Greg, Pat and Beth so much. Greg is by far one of Sophia's favorite people in the world!! ...and I think the feelings mutual!! Thank you Russell family for ALL you do for us...and thank you for the wonderful memories that I know our children will cherish forever!! We LOVE you!!

Grace goes no where without her purse...ha

Dillon joined in the fun too!! (FYI...tomorrow is BABY day at the Stanley house..so look for a post soon about my new niece or nephew!!:)

The kids showing Greg how much they appreciate him!!

The Russell's and the gang of kiddos!!

Happy Halloween...

2009-10-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from our little trick or treater's to yours!! :)
Glinda ~ The Good Witch....

Dorthy and Toto

The Wicked witch...she has it down what to say..."I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too" I'm going to try to get in on video..hilarious!!

...and who needs the scarecrow, lion or tin man...when you've got Buzz lightyear!! :)

Our little Soccer Stars...

2009-10-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

A VERY long over due post....I feel horrible to be neglecting this blog...but life is crazy, work is crazy...and something has to give. I promise to get better when my life gets less hectic!! ha
Grace, Isabelle and Samuel played soccer for the first time this year...they have been talking about it for awhile...so we thought we'd give it a whirl. We found a great little league that was a little more low key and we loved the experience. The kids loved going to soccer...at times you can't say that they played soccer because as they ran up and down the field they had little interest in the ball!! hee hee. But we definitely saw improvement in their game. And the very last game Isabelle even scored a goal!!

Practicing before the game

Our three little team captains

Sam got his turn at goalie

Isabelle's ready...

Getting a little pep talk from Coach Michael

Go Isabelle....

Good Game!!

Gap Casting call..

2009-10-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

If you think we are cute and Gap worthy....Please go vote for us!!! :)

Grace

Isabelle

Samuel

Sophia

Our Mini Small Children

2009-10-07T20:32:00.001-07:00

While I was *working* in Texas...I couldn't miss the chance to have a session with our kiddos....and oh how good they were to me. :) Our life is crazy...and hard and there is never a moment of rest around our house. But I look at these four little faces and I know all the blood, sweat and tears are worth it!! I've felt no greater love than I have as their mommy!!

Happiness Dwells in the Soul....

Tiny Dancers....

Aladdin...

What's For Dinner....

Easter...

Our Faith Journey...

Egg Decorating...

It's Baseball Season again....

Easter Egg Hunt #1...

What's for Dinner...

Spinach Salad

Sophia and her Daddy...

Sprinkler fun....

My Three Little Laundry Fairies...

Disney Toy Story 3 on Ice....

Meeting Buzz and Woody {TLC}

Mother Daughter Tea...{Sacred Heart of Jesus}

Coming to an end {Spring Break}

An American Girl Day {Spring Break}

A way to love Play-doh....{Spring Break}

St Patrick's Day...

What's For Dinner Sunday...

St Patrick's Day Parade....#1:)

What's for Dinner "Sunday"

Career Day..

Zoo...the first trip of 2011

What's for Dinner Sunday...

Sweet 16...

Rockin' with Funky Mama...

Isabelle...

Down on the *Farm*

What's For Dinner Sunday...

Last Snow of the Season??!

..back to my roots!!:)

Our Valentine's Day...

What's for Dinner Sunday...

And another one bites the dust..

Sophia....

What's For Dinner Sunday...

Chipolte at HOME...

Chipotle Grill Inspired Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa

A Day of Beauty....

The Blizzard of Oz...Day 3...the one where we just try to survive..

The Blizzard of Oz...Day 2...*the clean up*

The Blizzard of Oz....Day 1

Celebrate Good Times...Come on...

What's For Dinner Sunday...

Our Basketball Star....

What's for dinner Sunday...on Monday!!:)

What's for Dinner Sunday....

Making Room....

What's for Dinner...

Snow days.....

Twister Fun....

A New Year...A New Journey..

More Valentine's Day...

Love week...the fun begins!! :)

Love week...the fun begins!! :)

Bowling + 6kids = a recipe for FUN!!!

Tiny Dancer...

Mother Teresa

Baby It's Cold Outside...

Christmas 2009

Christmas...Round One...Mullinax Style

Merry CHRISTmas

Love...

Weekend before Christmas

Cookie Baking Day...

Naughty or Nice?!?

It's beginning to feel alot like Chirstmas....

Sophia Madeline

Birthday Eve....

The Rest of Halloween...

Triplet Halloween Party...

Greg's Pumpkin Patch...

Happy Halloween...

Our little Soccer Stars...

Gap Casting call..

Our Mini Small Children

Down on the Farm

The Blizzard of Oz...Day 2...the clean up