I've got to be honest, I've been a little concerned with Cooper. He just isn't talking. There, of course, are lots of reasons to justify this. Things like he doesn't need to talk because his sister talks for him, boys take longer, he's only 20 months, etc. So, I know I shouldn't worry, but all other little kids his age seem to be speaking sentences and I can't get him to even try to say things. He's much more content to make babble/grunting noises.
Well, it seems that in the last few days Cooper has decided he is ready to talk. It started in Utah when he decided he could say "bompa" and "bomma". Then, he decided he could repeat random fruits and veggies in the grocery store. He decided his brother had a name; "lan-yon". And Kameryn would be "bam bam" and of course we have "ew lu" (conveniently, since we no longer have an "ew lu", this just serves to bring up regretful feelings...oh the betrayal)
Brandon taught Cooper how to say spongebob. (Perfect, my son can't say please or thank you, but spongebob comes out clear as a bell. This is especially great since I totally looooove spongebob: so not.) I found out this morning that Cooper can say juice and milk. He's been holding out on me.... Honestly, I'm pretty sure this kid could talk all along, how else to you explain his vocabulary jumping from 2-3 words to 20+ in just one weekend.
"Look guys, uh-huh learned a new word"
"Actually, I've always had a rather extensive vocabulary, not to mention a phenomenal grasp of grammar and a superlative command of syntax. I simply chose not to employ them."
(Side note: How great is Little Rascals?! "Then the clouds opened up and God said, 'I hate you Alfalfa!'" He, he.)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Let's Share...or Not.
Sharing is such a wonderful asset. Especially if it involves sharing beautiful things such as excess money or yummy food. (Or, in the case of my children, candy and fun toys) However, somethings are better left un-circulated amongst the American public. Take for instance, disease, pestilence, and my favorite, the flu bug! (Or is it strep, or a cold...we never know) Either way, if it keeps multiple children up in the middle of the night, subsequently keeping multiple parents up in the middle of the night, let's just make a pact right now not to share it. Okay?
By the way Gwen, sorry. (Imagine me saying it with a Canadian accent "Sorey", it might make the blow a little less harsh to take..."sorey")
Here's hoping the extended Hatch family recovers before we cause an epidemic. (Seriously, what is our deal) Once again, "sorey" Gwen.
By the way Gwen, sorry. (Imagine me saying it with a Canadian accent "Sorey", it might make the blow a little less harsh to take..."sorey")
Here's hoping the extended Hatch family recovers before we cause an epidemic. (Seriously, what is our deal) Once again, "sorey" Gwen.
{Memory Monday}
On time once again. I am on a roll. (Yes, two weeks in a row is totally a roll)
What subject/class did you like the most in school?
This is an easy one for me: MATH - All the way!! I am such a math nerd, it has always been my favorite. I have always just "got it". I was a math major in college, but I wasn't exactly a diligent college student, so don't be too impressed.
Honestly, I think math is exciting. I remember getting to help my siblings with math, it was all I could do not to beg them to let me do the assignment for them. Not because they were a pain to tutor, but because we would do one problem and then I would want to do the next and the next, regardless of whether the teacher had assigned them or not, or if they needed my help anymore, I would kind of just hover over them continually asking if they got it. They'd be like "It's okay Brittany, I get it now, you can go do your homework." And I'd be "Are you sure, I can always just stay here in case you need more help or something." Yeah, sad. I often contemplated stealing their math books and just going through them working out all the problems, just for fun. Yeah, I have issues. (Even now the thought of an algebra book excites me! Algebra is my favorite.)
So, yeah, that pretty much sums up the fact that I'm a complete loser. I can't wait until Kami's in math. That will be the best!
By the way, as a side note, I totally loved school. Math was my favorite, but I also loved music/choir, and English, and government, and theatre, and zoology in college...
What subject/class did you like the most in school?
This is an easy one for me: MATH - All the way!! I am such a math nerd, it has always been my favorite. I have always just "got it". I was a math major in college, but I wasn't exactly a diligent college student, so don't be too impressed.
Honestly, I think math is exciting. I remember getting to help my siblings with math, it was all I could do not to beg them to let me do the assignment for them. Not because they were a pain to tutor, but because we would do one problem and then I would want to do the next and the next, regardless of whether the teacher had assigned them or not, or if they needed my help anymore, I would kind of just hover over them continually asking if they got it. They'd be like "It's okay Brittany, I get it now, you can go do your homework." And I'd be "Are you sure, I can always just stay here in case you need more help or something." Yeah, sad. I often contemplated stealing their math books and just going through them working out all the problems, just for fun. Yeah, I have issues. (Even now the thought of an algebra book excites me! Algebra is my favorite.)
So, yeah, that pretty much sums up the fact that I'm a complete loser. I can't wait until Kami's in math. That will be the best!
By the way, as a side note, I totally loved school. Math was my favorite, but I also loved music/choir, and English, and government, and theatre, and zoology in college...
Thursday, March 27, 2008
wii
wii would like to play! Since my family will be at our house in a matter of days, we borrowed their wii. My kids love it. Cooper has been asking to play all day, since watching us play last night. So, I let him. He thought it was great. So cute. That is the best thing about some of these games, they can play them even without knowing what buttons to push. So, fun times had by all.
Choo Choo
We got out the train set the other day for Cooper and I to play. So much fun! He is so adorable. I often forget how fun it is to just be with them. It gives me motivation to keep my house clean so I can spend more time playing with my kiddos.
Monday, March 24, 2008
{Memory Monday}
Hey guys, guess what today is...MONDAY!!! He, he. I'm totally awesome. You can sing my praises if you would like to, I won't mind.
What personality trait do you most admire? Why?
I like this question. I most admire kindness. Of course, there are a lot of admirable personality traits (the "I want a husband who is..." list comes to mind) Things like a sense of humor, conviction, work ethic (I do consider this a trait), integrity (this came in at a very close second), etc.
However, I once again have to say kindness. I believe I have only had 2 pet peeves ever in my life (3 if you count "topping off the tank". Please, when the tank is full, it's full. Don't round off the number, just pull the nozzle out. Especially when your paying with a debit card. You're not going to get back change. I love it.) So, my 2 pet peeves: un-tweezed eyebrows and mean people. Isn't it just as easy to be kind as it is to be mean? Maybe not... Mean people make me angry, and sad.
Anyway, I think kindness is important because there are a multitude of unpleasant personality traits that kind people just don't do. For example, kind people don't steal, murder, lie (with the exception of "lying to make you feel better"), gossip, poke fun, disobey, say or do cruel things, etc. Kind people do give compliments, they tend to control their tempers better, they are more enjoyable to be around... We are talking about true genuine kindness, not the two faced kind. People who are truly kind are kind not only to strangers, but also to family and friends. They are also kind to enemies and telemarketers. They are kind both in front and behind your back. Kind people smile more, laugh more, serve more, and give more. People who are really kind, are kind even when no one is watching.
So, there you go, for me, the most important personality trait to me is kindness. Followed closely by integrity. (Which I won't divulge into because my kids need help out of the bath.)
What personality trait do you most admire? Why?
I like this question. I most admire kindness. Of course, there are a lot of admirable personality traits (the "I want a husband who is..." list comes to mind) Things like a sense of humor, conviction, work ethic (I do consider this a trait), integrity (this came in at a very close second), etc.
However, I once again have to say kindness. I believe I have only had 2 pet peeves ever in my life (3 if you count "topping off the tank". Please, when the tank is full, it's full. Don't round off the number, just pull the nozzle out. Especially when your paying with a debit card. You're not going to get back change. I love it.) So, my 2 pet peeves: un-tweezed eyebrows and mean people. Isn't it just as easy to be kind as it is to be mean? Maybe not... Mean people make me angry, and sad.
Anyway, I think kindness is important because there are a multitude of unpleasant personality traits that kind people just don't do. For example, kind people don't steal, murder, lie (with the exception of "lying to make you feel better"), gossip, poke fun, disobey, say or do cruel things, etc. Kind people do give compliments, they tend to control their tempers better, they are more enjoyable to be around... We are talking about true genuine kindness, not the two faced kind. People who are truly kind are kind not only to strangers, but also to family and friends. They are also kind to enemies and telemarketers. They are kind both in front and behind your back. Kind people smile more, laugh more, serve more, and give more. People who are really kind, are kind even when no one is watching.
So, there you go, for me, the most important personality trait to me is kindness. Followed closely by integrity. (Which I won't divulge into because my kids need help out of the bath.)
Jack Be Nimble
Dear Brandon,
(Everyone else can read this as well. I am just addressing it to this child's father because I'm pretty sure he missed this.)
As we both know, Cooper has recently discovered his size status in comparison to his smaller cousins. He has begun to use this to his "advantage" in games such as: knock 'em down, push 'em over, make 'em cry, and sandcastle (this is where you build a sandcastle on the other participant's head...sorry Kinners)
Well, late last night, Cooper discovered another game that takes advantage of his heightened ability to run, jump, and pester. Said game is entitled "Jack Be Nimble". The way you play this game is to lay one player on the ground (in this case, said player would be Payslei) and then you run your fastest and jump over the top of them. There is a extra added thrill/challenge, you might say, in that one tries not to land on one's opponent/teammate/participant. In this case I am not sure which of the following Payslei was suppose to be. (opponent or teammate) In fact, I'm not even sure if the challenge was NOT to land on her...that might have actually been the purpose for which the game was created. Maybe the game was Sqaush 'em flat, not Jack be Nimble.
Regardless, Cooper demonstrated the expert skill with which he played the game at poor Payslei's expense. I'm wondering if there is a limit on how many "Come to Jesus" talks a kid can have before he actually comes?
By the way, I'm pretty sure this little Jack be Nimble game was something you taught him. I believe you were playing it with him just yesterday.
Sincerest Regards,
Your loving (albeit exhausted) wife
You know Brandon, this game doesn't concern me nearly as much as the one where he takes Payslei by the hair and bangs her head repeatedly into the wall. I just don't understand, that obviously is not a fun game. "Is this a good activity??"
(Everyone else can read this as well. I am just addressing it to this child's father because I'm pretty sure he missed this.)
As we both know, Cooper has recently discovered his size status in comparison to his smaller cousins. He has begun to use this to his "advantage" in games such as: knock 'em down, push 'em over, make 'em cry, and sandcastle (this is where you build a sandcastle on the other participant's head...sorry Kinners)
Well, late last night, Cooper discovered another game that takes advantage of his heightened ability to run, jump, and pester. Said game is entitled "Jack Be Nimble". The way you play this game is to lay one player on the ground (in this case, said player would be Payslei) and then you run your fastest and jump over the top of them. There is a extra added thrill/challenge, you might say, in that one tries not to land on one's opponent/teammate/participant. In this case I am not sure which of the following Payslei was suppose to be. (opponent or teammate) In fact, I'm not even sure if the challenge was NOT to land on her...that might have actually been the purpose for which the game was created. Maybe the game was Sqaush 'em flat, not Jack be Nimble.
Regardless, Cooper demonstrated the expert skill with which he played the game at poor Payslei's expense. I'm wondering if there is a limit on how many "Come to Jesus" talks a kid can have before he actually comes?
By the way, I'm pretty sure this little Jack be Nimble game was something you taught him. I believe you were playing it with him just yesterday.
Sincerest Regards,
Your loving (albeit exhausted) wife
You know Brandon, this game doesn't concern me nearly as much as the one where he takes Payslei by the hair and bangs her head repeatedly into the wall. I just don't understand, that obviously is not a fun game. "Is this a good activity??"
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
{Memory Monday}
Late once again. At least it is Wednesday and not Thursday... slow improvements.
Describe any special collections you have right now:
I do not collect many things. I really like kitchen things, pots, pans, bowls, ceramic ware... but I don't have nearly enough to consider it a collection. (he, he)
However, there is one thing that I do collect religiously: Pottery Barn Catalogs. I've been collecting since college. We DO NOT throw away Pottery Barn catalogs in our house. In fact, whenever we move, my PB catalog "subscription" is always the first thing that gets an address change. It is so bad, I have often not the least bit subtly hinted to Brandon that the perfect gift for me for Christmas would be if he called Pottery Barn and asked them to send me every catalog they've ever made. He thinks I should do it. (That would take the romantic factor out of it)
I keep my PB catalogs in a prominent place on my bookshelf. Every few months I pull out my boxes of PB catalogs and spend hours flipping through them, taking notes, circling cute things, etc. When a new PB catalog appears in the mail, my day is essentially shot. It literally takes me HOURS to look through a catalog (I'm kind of thorough...)
I remember back when I had just Kami. We had just moved here, for the first time. I didn't really have friends, or much to do. My husband had a "real" job and was gone from 7:30 - 6 everyday. I had no vehicle... So yes, Kadon, I had no life. The day my PB catalogs came was the best day of the month. (I didn't get much mail, and we didn't have long distance on our phone...) Anyway, thats really sad... But, Pottery Barn and I, we have a connection. Once I went through my catalogs and actually threw some away. Brandon was shocked. They were duplicates, so I didn't die, but it sure made Brandon proud. (If he only knew) I guess this really isn't considered a collection, it's more like an obsession...
On a more healthy note, I do like to collect crayons. Does that make me less crazy?
Describe any special collections you have right now:
I do not collect many things. I really like kitchen things, pots, pans, bowls, ceramic ware... but I don't have nearly enough to consider it a collection. (he, he)
However, there is one thing that I do collect religiously: Pottery Barn Catalogs. I've been collecting since college. We DO NOT throw away Pottery Barn catalogs in our house. In fact, whenever we move, my PB catalog "subscription" is always the first thing that gets an address change. It is so bad, I have often not the least bit subtly hinted to Brandon that the perfect gift for me for Christmas would be if he called Pottery Barn and asked them to send me every catalog they've ever made. He thinks I should do it. (That would take the romantic factor out of it)
I keep my PB catalogs in a prominent place on my bookshelf. Every few months I pull out my boxes of PB catalogs and spend hours flipping through them, taking notes, circling cute things, etc. When a new PB catalog appears in the mail, my day is essentially shot. It literally takes me HOURS to look through a catalog (I'm kind of thorough...)
I remember back when I had just Kami. We had just moved here, for the first time. I didn't really have friends, or much to do. My husband had a "real" job and was gone from 7:30 - 6 everyday. I had no vehicle... So yes, Kadon, I had no life. The day my PB catalogs came was the best day of the month. (I didn't get much mail, and we didn't have long distance on our phone...) Anyway, thats really sad... But, Pottery Barn and I, we have a connection. Once I went through my catalogs and actually threw some away. Brandon was shocked. They were duplicates, so I didn't die, but it sure made Brandon proud. (If he only knew) I guess this really isn't considered a collection, it's more like an obsession...
On a more healthy note, I do like to collect crayons. Does that make me less crazy?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Pajama Rama
Kameryn has a new and latest obsession: Pajamas. Everyday, the second it begins to hint at getting darker Kameryn asks to put on her pjs. Want to know what's even better, every morning it is a struggle to get her in real clothes. This morning, for instance, she has gotten dressed 4 times. However, she is on her fourth pair of jammies. Yea, every time she gets dressed she conveniently ends up in more pajamas. She just informed me that she is going to go get dressed (it is 10 am) lets see if she ends up in jammies. (By the way, I am not allowed to help her get dressed)
Enjoy the pics. (Complete with scary hair and posing) I tried to get a pic of my 3 kids in their jammies...yea, it was a nice thought.
Enjoy the pics. (Complete with scary hair and posing) I tried to get a pic of my 3 kids in their jammies...yea, it was a nice thought.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
{Memory Monday}
Okay, I know its Thursday...I have a good excuse. Just kidding, I don't. My blog stalker "friend" (the lady I blog stalk, but she says its okay) didn't post a {memory monday} for this week so I had to go searching. While on sugardoodle I came across a "life in a jar" they had linked to their page. I have included it here in case anyone else wants to do this (Mom, Grandma Mere). Anyway, here is the question for today:
What are you frightened of? Why?:
Most people already know this, but oh well. I'm not really writing this for most people. Honestly, I don't really have much that I am frightened by. I'm okay with snakes and bugs, mice (I don't like mouse traps though), heights...you know, the typically phobias. I am a bit concerned by bees and wasps. I don't so much like them. I think that comes in part from being allergic to them. However, I am not so sure I am allergic to them. I don't seem to swell up beyond recognition or ...die, so I'm pretty sure I'm not allergic. I think I just freaked myself out about it as a child. Now, back from that tangent.
The one phobia I definitely have is: I am afraid of the dark, dreadfully afraid. I'm not exactly sure how long I've been afraid of the dark, but I know it's been at least 10 years. I remember back in high school my best friend, John Wheeler, used to sing this song to me that went "Brittany's afraid of darkness. I mean, she sleeps in it but still, she's afraid of darkness..." (It's adapted from a song from Songs for a New World. In other words, it's a show tune)
You would think as I got older it would get better. I think it got worse. I remember the biggest fight Brandon and I ever had was over getting Kameryn to sleep in her own bed. I had a hard time (to put it lightly) over putting her in her own room. I was hysterical that she was afraid of the dark and that was why she kept waking up. Yeah, hysterical. Truth was, I was afraid of the dark, and I was afraid to walk down the hall to her room in the dark, and then sit in the dark in her room, all alone, while I fed her. Hysterical.
I think I am afraid of the dark because I am afraid of what could be hiding in the dark. We had to ban CSI in our household when I was nursing Kameryn because I would get in her dark room and floods of scenes and scenarios would race through my head as I fed my daughter. Not fun. (Maybe my real fear of the dark stems from my overactive imagination...)
Now, just one more example to share how irrational and totally out of control my fear is. I am afraid to play hide and go seek. It scares the pants off me. I'm okay to hide...sometimes, as long as it's not dark. But I hate to go seek! Hate, hate, hate it! Even in my own house. I am afraid of the things lurking in the shadows. (Mindful, those "things" are my family members) I just hate it. Scares the bejeebes out of me. Ugh!
Randomly, do you remember playing night games? The thought of it makes me want to cry. Talk about REALLY scary. Oh, it's the worst. Especially hide and go seek as a night game. Could it get any more torturous? Yeah... I usually thought of an excuse when people wanted to play night games.
What are you frightened of? Why?:
Most people already know this, but oh well. I'm not really writing this for most people. Honestly, I don't really have much that I am frightened by. I'm okay with snakes and bugs, mice (I don't like mouse traps though), heights...you know, the typically phobias. I am a bit concerned by bees and wasps. I don't so much like them. I think that comes in part from being allergic to them. However, I am not so sure I am allergic to them. I don't seem to swell up beyond recognition or ...die, so I'm pretty sure I'm not allergic. I think I just freaked myself out about it as a child. Now, back from that tangent.
The one phobia I definitely have is: I am afraid of the dark, dreadfully afraid. I'm not exactly sure how long I've been afraid of the dark, but I know it's been at least 10 years. I remember back in high school my best friend, John Wheeler, used to sing this song to me that went "Brittany's afraid of darkness. I mean, she sleeps in it but still, she's afraid of darkness..." (It's adapted from a song from Songs for a New World. In other words, it's a show tune)
You would think as I got older it would get better. I think it got worse. I remember the biggest fight Brandon and I ever had was over getting Kameryn to sleep in her own bed. I had a hard time (to put it lightly) over putting her in her own room. I was hysterical that she was afraid of the dark and that was why she kept waking up. Yeah, hysterical. Truth was, I was afraid of the dark, and I was afraid to walk down the hall to her room in the dark, and then sit in the dark in her room, all alone, while I fed her. Hysterical.
I think I am afraid of the dark because I am afraid of what could be hiding in the dark. We had to ban CSI in our household when I was nursing Kameryn because I would get in her dark room and floods of scenes and scenarios would race through my head as I fed my daughter. Not fun. (Maybe my real fear of the dark stems from my overactive imagination...)
Now, just one more example to share how irrational and totally out of control my fear is. I am afraid to play hide and go seek. It scares the pants off me. I'm okay to hide...sometimes, as long as it's not dark. But I hate to go seek! Hate, hate, hate it! Even in my own house. I am afraid of the things lurking in the shadows. (Mindful, those "things" are my family members) I just hate it. Scares the bejeebes out of me. Ugh!
Randomly, do you remember playing night games? The thought of it makes me want to cry. Talk about REALLY scary. Oh, it's the worst. Especially hide and go seek as a night game. Could it get any more torturous? Yeah... I usually thought of an excuse when people wanted to play night games.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Captain Underpants
Okay, Cooper is not potty trained yet, and this post doesn't really have anything to do with that, but I couldn't think of a different title for this one. So, here goes the story:
Cooper came into me today with a pen stuck down his diaper. He is really into sticking his hand down his diaper lately, but this is the first time he has stuck a pen down there. I guess he figures it works like a pocket. Well, I decided it was finally time to get my son dressed for the day. Guess what I found in his diaper when I changed it (not poop, remarkably)? I found a piece of yarn, stored in his diaper. So, maybe he was sticking the pen in his diaper to try and fish out the yarn. Now if I could only figure out why he stuck the yarn in his diaper... I'm actually glad that was all I found in his diaper. I will take random objects over poop any day, as long as they aren't random objects covered in poop. (Okay, I know that's gross.) Boys!
Cooper came into me today with a pen stuck down his diaper. He is really into sticking his hand down his diaper lately, but this is the first time he has stuck a pen down there. I guess he figures it works like a pocket. Well, I decided it was finally time to get my son dressed for the day. Guess what I found in his diaper when I changed it (not poop, remarkably)? I found a piece of yarn, stored in his diaper. So, maybe he was sticking the pen in his diaper to try and fish out the yarn. Now if I could only figure out why he stuck the yarn in his diaper... I'm actually glad that was all I found in his diaper. I will take random objects over poop any day, as long as they aren't random objects covered in poop. (Okay, I know that's gross.) Boys!
For Greg
I know Greg doesn't read our blog, but Gwen does and she will pass the message along:
So Greg, do you remember when I asked you if a shop vac was a good birthday present for Brandon and you said you thought it was a stupid idea...Yeah, guess who was wrong? Not me.
It was definitely a good idea. I guess that since we needed it today on my birthday, it was a good birthday present for me. But, either way, not a stupid idea.
Brigitte and Thad think it was a good idea as well.
So Greg, do you remember when I asked you if a shop vac was a good birthday present for Brandon and you said you thought it was a stupid idea...Yeah, guess who was wrong? Not me.
It was definitely a good idea. I guess that since we needed it today on my birthday, it was a good birthday present for me. But, either way, not a stupid idea.
Brigitte and Thad think it was a good idea as well.
Happy Birthday Baby
Don't be confused, this is actually still Brittany writing this post (even though it is my birthday). But I am not lamely putting my own birthday wish on the blog. I wanted to blog about my sweet baby boy.
Landon has not been sleeping well at night. I don't think I've gotten a "good" night's sleep (remember, a good night's sleep is relative when your a mom) for at least a week or so. Last night when I went to bed at 11 (yawn) I was fully expecting to be woken up in a matter of minutes. Well, guess what time I got woken up at? 3 am! Awesome huh? Somehow Landon ended up in my bed around 1, but I didn't even know he was there until I fed him at 3. After he ate he fell right back to sleep. (Never happens, he usually squirms and fusses for a good 45 minutes) He didn't wake up again until a little before 8. How awesome is that? Talk about a good birthday present for a tired mommy.
But the cutest thing, when he did wake up he stretched out his little arm and tapped me on the shoulder. I turned and looked at him and he flashed me this great big smile! (well, big for a 6 week old) It was almost like he was saying "Happy Birthday mom."
So absolutely adorable. I am so incredibly in love with my baby.
Landon has not been sleeping well at night. I don't think I've gotten a "good" night's sleep (remember, a good night's sleep is relative when your a mom) for at least a week or so. Last night when I went to bed at 11 (yawn) I was fully expecting to be woken up in a matter of minutes. Well, guess what time I got woken up at? 3 am! Awesome huh? Somehow Landon ended up in my bed around 1, but I didn't even know he was there until I fed him at 3. After he ate he fell right back to sleep. (Never happens, he usually squirms and fusses for a good 45 minutes) He didn't wake up again until a little before 8. How awesome is that? Talk about a good birthday present for a tired mommy.
But the cutest thing, when he did wake up he stretched out his little arm and tapped me on the shoulder. I turned and looked at him and he flashed me this great big smile! (well, big for a 6 week old) It was almost like he was saying "Happy Birthday mom."
So absolutely adorable. I am so incredibly in love with my baby.
Your Baby
I don't know if this happens in your house, but when someone (say the kids) get in trouble or do something naughty, when you retell the story to your significant other it is always THEIR children, or THEIR dog that did it. Ex: "Hunny, YOUR dog is chasing after the neighbors." or "You would not believe what naughty thing YOUR kids did today" Do you ever notice that? We never say "our kids" or "my kids". I don't know if it is that we are trying to pass ownership off, it just come semi-naturally.
So, funny story: Kami was playing with Landon earlier today, she comes to find me to say, "Mommy, YOUR baby smells like throw up." She never calls Landon "your baby", he is always Landon or my brother.... However, I guess since he was stinky/undesirable he became my responsibility, aka "my baby". She didn't want to claim him anymore.
It's okay though, I will take my stinky throw-up baby any day.
So, funny story: Kami was playing with Landon earlier today, she comes to find me to say, "Mommy, YOUR baby smells like throw up." She never calls Landon "your baby", he is always Landon or my brother.... However, I guess since he was stinky/undesirable he became my responsibility, aka "my baby". She didn't want to claim him anymore.
It's okay though, I will take my stinky throw-up baby any day.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Little Piggy
Okay listen guys, I will be the first to admit that I have been absolutely AWFUL at posting new recipes on the little piggy blog. (I am about to remedy that, check it out for an absolutely awesome group of new recipes) But, at the same time, with the exception of a few, everyone else has been slacking as well. Here is my challenge, I would like everyone to do their own {Memory Monday} and post a favorite family recipe on the food blog.
If you haven't yet been invited to join the food blog, count this as your invitation. And if I don't currently know you, all the better. If you send me a request to littlepiggyfood@yahoo.com I can send you an invite and then you can become a little piggy (contributor). We are ALWAYS looking for new recipes and new friends. If I was awesome I would offer a prize drawing for everyone who participates...and do you know what, I just might do that. So, I dare you, go to the little piggy blog and post your favorite family recipe, you just might win a prize!
Now, here is my promise to you, as contributors: I promise to post at least 2 new recipes a month as well as a "tips and tricks" post and a "favorite things" post. So there you go, the little piggy blog will become a happening place!
If you haven't yet been invited to join the food blog, count this as your invitation. And if I don't currently know you, all the better. If you send me a request to littlepiggyfood@yahoo.com I can send you an invite and then you can become a little piggy (contributor). We are ALWAYS looking for new recipes and new friends. If I was awesome I would offer a prize drawing for everyone who participates...and do you know what, I just might do that. So, I dare you, go to the little piggy blog and post your favorite family recipe, you just might win a prize!
Now, here is my promise to you, as contributors: I promise to post at least 2 new recipes a month as well as a "tips and tricks" post and a "favorite things" post. So there you go, the little piggy blog will become a happening place!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Whoops...
Today we were doing some "spring" projects. I naively told Brandon to rip the green carpet off our front steps. That was a mistake. Apparently that carpet is what was holding our steps together. Whoops. Wish I would have known that one before. We have already put a call into my father for aid. (Do you know what would be really sad? If my front steps got finished before my mom's...sorry mom.)
Look How Big!
I sure love this kid. He is definitely a keeper. Sorry for the excess in photos...I just thought they were all too cute not to include. Some are cuter than others...but I still had to keep them all.
I can't believe how big he is getting (and heavy, relatively speaking) It was so nice this morning just to lay next to him and stare at him....not productive, but very nice. What a miracle.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Favorite Things
So today I'm in the mood to post some random things I am currently loving.
- Family Home Evening: How fun is that!! Last night we had a great lesson and really enjoyed the time with our family talking about the gospel. We also played a very fun game, which is my next favorite thing...
- Red Light, Green Light! Do you remember this fun game? It was AWESOME. I think next week we should play red rover (that should prove interesting with only the 5 of us, 3 of us being significantly small...)
- My blog music. I haven't had music on the blog for a while now, but decided with the new change to include some this time. I am really loving the choices.
- Bureau of Communication.
Okay, you HAVE to check this out. It is absolutely hilarious! I kind of wanted to save it just for me, so that I could be the only spectacularly awesome one, but... I decided to be nice. So, check it out. Hilarious!! - Primer. Okay, I have been painting my front porch now for 5 months (not exageratting) It has taken so long because, one, I've been out of commission with not very many good days. And two, the trim/woodwork (which there is a lot of) takes 6+ coats of paint (once again, NOT exaggerating) Guess what, primer is awesome. I was able to cover more with 1 coat of primer than I was with 3 coats of paint. So the best! I may actually finish painting my porch. YAY! Love primer. (Kind of feel like an idiot for not thinking of it sooner...)
- Chocolate, especially dark chocolate. WEIRD! I have never been a chocolate fan, let alone dark chocolate. Now, I can't get enough of it. I am always craving chocolate.
- Costco. Guess what, Costco is coming. It is in the newspaper everyday. (We live in a "boring" community. Whether or not Costco is coming has been front page news for the last week and a half...I think that is someone's entire job at the newspaper; researching the progress of Costco. Again, I'm not joking, I really think it is someones only job at the newspaper) Costco should be here by mid summer and my life will be complete. Guess what else, Craigo's is coming too. (Be jealous brothers)
{Memory Monday}
First a little precursor to let you know what is going on. I frequent this blog (yes its blog stalking but not exactly, because she knows I do it, but not exactly. Okay she knows a lot of people do it and I happen to be one of those people) Anyway...She does this thing called "Memory Monday" where she pulls a slip of paper out of her memory jar (A while back a lot of enrichments made these, it is a jar full of little slips of paper that ask questions to help you make a life history, blah blah blah) So, each Monday she pulls out a slip and does a post with the answer. (Much like myself, her blog is a journal of sorts for her)
So, my little self thought "Self, you should do that" So I am going to. I'm stealing my mom's memory jar and will start pulling out little slips. But until that time I am stealing memories from her blog. (As you are welcome to steal them from mine if you would like to participate. Which I recommend because it will be awesome! Come to think of it, I recommend certain family members, grandparents, aunts, sisters, MOTHER, who do not have a blog to get a blog just for the sole purpose of memory Mondays. Think of what it can do for your posterity: MOTHER and GRANDMOTHER!!)
By the way, I am perfectly aware that today isn't Monday. Just overlook that fact as I am sure "Memory Monday" will frequently not be on a Monday..but you can't call it memory Friday...you just can't. Its not cool.
So, without further ado, today's "Memory Monday"
DESCRIBE ONE OF YOUR SPOUSE'S FAVORITE RECIPES (or friend, significant other, etc.) SHARE THE RECIPE
Brandon served his mission in Argentina, and fortunately, he LOVED the food (most of it) He is often retelling stories of eating alligator or armadillo, you know, fun things like that. However, what he talks about the most is empanadas! (Well, empanadas and milenasa. The milenasa recipe is on the piggy blog so look there)
So, together Brandon and I searched and searched for the perfect empanada recipe. We tried out several different fillings and doughs and finally came up with the perfect empanadas. At least, perfect for us. I even went over to some family friends who are Argentine and made authentic Argentine empanadas with them. While our empanadas are not entirely authentic, they are entirely and authentically us. What I love about this recipe is it was a labor of love. We worked together to perfect it and we work together to make it EVERYTIME we make it. (We don't usually cook together, so this is special)
Brandon's job is always to make the dough. I always make the filling. And we always eat way more than necessary...
Empanadas
Dough:
4 cups unbleached flour
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
½ tablespoon salt
So, my little self thought "Self, you should do that" So I am going to. I'm stealing my mom's memory jar and will start pulling out little slips. But until that time I am stealing memories from her blog. (As you are welcome to steal them from mine if you would like to participate. Which I recommend because it will be awesome! Come to think of it, I recommend certain family members, grandparents, aunts, sisters, MOTHER, who do not have a blog to get a blog just for the sole purpose of memory Mondays. Think of what it can do for your posterity: MOTHER and GRANDMOTHER!!)
By the way, I am perfectly aware that today isn't Monday. Just overlook that fact as I am sure "Memory Monday" will frequently not be on a Monday..but you can't call it memory Friday...you just can't. Its not cool.
So, without further ado, today's "Memory Monday"
DESCRIBE ONE OF YOUR SPOUSE'S FAVORITE RECIPES (or friend, significant other, etc.) SHARE THE RECIPE
Brandon served his mission in Argentina, and fortunately, he LOVED the food (most of it) He is often retelling stories of eating alligator or armadillo, you know, fun things like that. However, what he talks about the most is empanadas! (Well, empanadas and milenasa. The milenasa recipe is on the piggy blog so look there)
So, together Brandon and I searched and searched for the perfect empanada recipe. We tried out several different fillings and doughs and finally came up with the perfect empanadas. At least, perfect for us. I even went over to some family friends who are Argentine and made authentic Argentine empanadas with them. While our empanadas are not entirely authentic, they are entirely and authentically us. What I love about this recipe is it was a labor of love. We worked together to perfect it and we work together to make it EVERYTIME we make it. (We don't usually cook together, so this is special)
Brandon's job is always to make the dough. I always make the filling. And we always eat way more than necessary...
Empanadas
Dough:
4 cups unbleached flour
4 tablespoons vegetable shortening
½ tablespoon salt
Combine flour and vegetable shortening (just like making a pie dough) Dissolve salt in a cup with warm water. Add enough water and salt mix to flour and shortening to make a dough. Roll out thin (1/8”-1/4” – we like to use a pasta roller) cut into circles about 4 – 4 ½” in diameter place 1 tablespoon of filling inside (recipe follows). Press and crimp the edges together. Bake in a 450 degree oven or pan fry. (we prefer them fried) A mix of oil and lard works the best for this, as it the lard helps the oil fry hotter.
Filling: Be sure to make this the night before. But, Brandon says if you have a sudden urge for empanadas you don’t have to make it the day before. The overall empanada is just more juicy and flavorful if you do.
1 bunch green onions diced
2 onion diced
1 green pepper diced
½ lb ground beef
Cumin
1 can diced tomatoes (put through the food processor so the chunks are smaller. The tomatoes aren't authentic, I just like them.)
Salt & pepper
Paprika
¼ cup green olives finely chopped (optional)
Garlic powder
Sauté onions and green pepper, add beef, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin (only add a little right now, no more than ½ tsp of each) and cook thoroughly. Then add the tomatoes. It doesn’t really take the whole can of tomatoes, you just want to add enough for flavor and color, being sure to cook it long enough that the majority of the liquid cooks out. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and place in refrigerator over night. Right before assembling the empanadas add some garlic powder (not much) and green olives. Taste, adding additional spice to your taste. Some people like to add golden raisins or hard boiled egg slices to their meat mixture (we don't). We ALWAYS add chunks of pepper jack cheese (we are SO cheese people).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)