4 months old

Just saying hello!

Pass the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Please, It's My Birthday!

Dear Megan, You are 3 years old today! Happy Birthday sweet girl! For your birthday dinner you asked for Macaroni and Cheese, red jello, broccoli, and chocolate cake with chocolate icing (definitely my daughter when it comes to the cake part). I can't stand Macaroni and Cheese from a box but a birthday wish is a birthday wish.

I can't believe you have been mine for 3 years already. I love your silly songs about ravioli and spoons. Your curly hair is way out of control most of the time but strangers will stop us in the store to say how much they love your curls. I love them too, but from my own experience I know that someday you will want your sister's straight hair. You will always be a middle child and your sister is bossy but you know how to hold your own. You give great hugs and kisses. I love how you marvel at your own swiftness as you run down the sidewalk but always rush back to hold my hand. Sounds like a good analogy for life. Be your best friend and don't let anyone tell you what you can't do, but don't forget to come back to me once and awhile.

Love, Mom

Way down in Mexico

We tried this Mexican Rice recipe last night and it is definitely a keeper. We though it was very much like what we remember from our missions. Now we don't have to go to Mexico after all. It was on the Homebased Mom blogspot so I can't take credit for it. Enjoy!!

Mexican Rice

Ann Bowman

2 Tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil
1 C long grain white rice
2 C chicken broth
1 small can tomato juice
salt and pepper

Heat oil in a skillet. Add the rice. Stir frequently and slightly brown the rice (more like, make it tan) over a medium high heat. Add the chicken broth. Add the tomato juice. Add some salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly. Reduce heat to simmer and cover tightly with a lid. (I ’stir’ the mixture several times while it’s cooking by just shaking/moving the skillet back and forth so that I don’t take the lid off.) Simmer/cook for about 20 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed. Once the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat and leave mixture alone with the lid on it for another 10-15 minutes or so.

A Sunday Afternoon

How Sweet It Is

I barely got this picture before the strawberry was eaten. I know the first strawberry of the season would have been more symbolic but that one is long gone and was eaten before I had a chance to take a picture of it. We planted about 20 plants last year and this is the first year for them to bare fruit. They are the sweetest, best tasting strawberries I have ever had! Store-bought does not even compare to how sweet they are and how red they are inside. If you have never had a fresh strawberry, let me tell you, you are missing out. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by, you might get lucky and taste one. But you might have to fight a couple cute little girls for them.

Two and a half months

Jacob is starting to smile and sleep longer at nights. I feel like he rewards me in these small ways. I wouldn't say we have much of a routine yet but there is hope on the horizon and I don't feel like I will lose my mind due to my lack of sleep.

WANTED: PUDDLES

After much searching, we found the perfect rain boots. So cute! The boots were rewards for different things that have happened in the girls' lives recently. Anna endured her pre-K shots really well and chose the sassy pink set. Of course Megan wanted a set when Anna's came in the mail. She opted for the purple ones since she is a big girl now and doesn't even wear pull-ups to bed. We are so proud of our girls! Now we are ready for the rainy season.