Nathan, September 2008, age 10 months (photos by Jana Graham Photography)
.JPG)
Same outfit, two months younger but look how it barely fits him!
.JPG)
Showing posts with label Nathan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nathan. Show all posts
Thursday, September 13, 2012
My Boys
Nathan, September 2008, age 10 months (photos by Jana Graham Photography)
Same outfit, two months younger but look how it barely fits him!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Washington, DC
Yesterday we returned home from several days in our nation's capital. We had a wonderful time with Jared's parents Stewart and Kelly, his younger sister Annie, and his older sister Katy, her husband Sean, and their three daughters: Anna, Elizabeth, and Jane. (Aren't those such beautiful, classic names?)
 |
| we were a little sad that the reflecting pool was empty |
It was so fun to enjoy time with our family while seeing all the amazing sights in Washington DC. The first day we walked around and saw all the monuments. The new monument for Martin Luther King Jr was especially powerful.
The second day we toured the Capitol and visited the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Natural History. It was amazing to see where Congress meets and to view the incredible works of art at the museum, but the Museum of Natural History was far and away our kids' favorite of course!
The third day was a little more relaxed, starting with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Then it was on to the National Zoo!
We walked so many miles overall, but our kids were total troopers and only tired and grumpy occasionally! By the end we were all amazed by how much we were able to accomplish with 6 kids, 4 of whom were ages 4 and under!
Monday, August 6, 2012
It's a Hard Knock Life...
This morning I ripped up a couple of old towels, dressed my kids in their swim suits, put on some kids music and had them scrub the floors with me.
We used doTerra's On Guard Cleaner Concentrate to make the mop water, so it was non-toxic. I loved not having to worry about their skin, their eyes, or their clothes!
I know, kind of reminds you of Little Orphan Annie a little, doesn't it? They were having fun though! In fact, I couldn't even get Hannah to smile at the camera, she was having too much fun scrubbing!
My floors look great! This may become a weekly routine.
What chores do your kids help you with?
***New recipe coming tomorrow!!!
We used doTerra's On Guard Cleaner Concentrate to make the mop water, so it was non-toxic. I loved not having to worry about their skin, their eyes, or their clothes!
I know, kind of reminds you of Little Orphan Annie a little, doesn't it? They were having fun though! In fact, I couldn't even get Hannah to smile at the camera, she was having too much fun scrubbing!
My floors look great! This may become a weekly routine.
What chores do your kids help you with?
***New recipe coming tomorrow!!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
How to make your own baby food
When my husband and I decided we were ready for a third baby, I remember thinking "This will be perfect. Nathan will be 4 by the time the baby is born. He will be so grown up and independent, it will be easy having 3 kids."
Ha! I'm not sure what I was thinking, but having three kids ages 4 and under is anything but easy! Babies are a lot of work and baby Ray is no exception. Our Hannah-girl has a mischievous streak and must be watched like a hawk or else! And as sweet and helpful as Nathan is, he is still just a typical 4 year old - a young child who needs lots of guidance and attention.
Most days I end up feeling like one of the kids is getting the short end of the stick when it comes to my attention. On the days I feel good about how much time I have given each of them, I look around and realize my house is in shambles for lack of attention to the housework!
On days like that I remember that these are the days when I will make memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I try to keep in mind this poem I read once:
Even though it takes a little extra time, I have been very excited to make my own baby food this time around. We have a great food processor this time which makes it super easy, although I suppose I could have mashed it by hand in the past. I was just always a little intimidated to make my own baby food. How silly because it is so easy!
In case any of you out there wants to try making your own baby food but is not sure how, here is a little tutorial I put together:
Homemade Baby Food
ingredient ideas:
peaches, pears, apples, peas, green beans, carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes are all good starter foods
be sure to buy use fresh or frozen foods, not canned because canned foods have a lot of extra sodium
To cook peaches, carrots, green beans, or peas, I cover them with water in a pot and boil until they are soft. You don't want them totally nasty and overcooked, but you will want to cook them a little softer than you would normally eat them yourself.
You can boil sweet potatoes, pears, and apples, or you can bake them. I usually bake sweet potatoes for 1 -1 1/2 hours at 400F, depending on the size of the potato. Apples and squash need to be cut in half, cored or seeded, and placed in a baking pan filled with 1 inch of water. Bake at 400F for 30 minutes (apples) or 40 minutes (squash).
Let the cooked food cool then place it in the food processor. If it was boiled to cook it, drain it but reserve the cooking water just in case you need to add a little liquid to get it to the right consistency for baby. Puree until smooth, adding water if needed.
Place in containers and refrigerate for up to a few days or freeze for up to a few months.
Do you make your own baby food or any other baby products at home? Is it worth the cost savings, or would you rather have the convenience of the store-bought option? I find I am enjoying the satisfaction of knowing exactly what I am putting into my baby's mouth.
 |
| Double trouble - and always in motion! |
Ha! I'm not sure what I was thinking, but having three kids ages 4 and under is anything but easy! Babies are a lot of work and baby Ray is no exception. Our Hannah-girl has a mischievous streak and must be watched like a hawk or else! And as sweet and helpful as Nathan is, he is still just a typical 4 year old - a young child who needs lots of guidance and attention.
Most days I end up feeling like one of the kids is getting the short end of the stick when it comes to my attention. On the days I feel good about how much time I have given each of them, I look around and realize my house is in shambles for lack of attention to the housework!
 |
| Ray adores his big brother |
On days like that I remember that these are the days when I will make memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I try to keep in mind this poem I read once:
Cleaning and scrubbing can wait til tomorrow
For babies grow up we learn to our sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep
For babies grow up we learn to our sorrow
So quiet down cobwebs and dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep
Even though it takes a little extra time, I have been very excited to make my own baby food this time around. We have a great food processor this time which makes it super easy, although I suppose I could have mashed it by hand in the past. I was just always a little intimidated to make my own baby food. How silly because it is so easy!
In case any of you out there wants to try making your own baby food but is not sure how, here is a little tutorial I put together:
Homemade Baby Food
ingredient ideas:
peaches, pears, apples, peas, green beans, carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes are all good starter foods
be sure to buy use fresh or frozen foods, not canned because canned foods have a lot of extra sodium
To cook peaches, carrots, green beans, or peas, I cover them with water in a pot and boil until they are soft. You don't want them totally nasty and overcooked, but you will want to cook them a little softer than you would normally eat them yourself.
You can boil sweet potatoes, pears, and apples, or you can bake them. I usually bake sweet potatoes for 1 -1 1/2 hours at 400F, depending on the size of the potato. Apples and squash need to be cut in half, cored or seeded, and placed in a baking pan filled with 1 inch of water. Bake at 400F for 30 minutes (apples) or 40 minutes (squash).
Let the cooked food cool then place it in the food processor. If it was boiled to cook it, drain it but reserve the cooking water just in case you need to add a little liquid to get it to the right consistency for baby. Puree until smooth, adding water if needed.
 |
| Yum - peas! |
 |
| These containers look small but each contain at least twice what the baby food containers in the store cost, made for less than half the price! |
Friday, October 7, 2011
Hello There!
I haven't been blogging very much lately, not really any excuse except for this little guy:
That's right, in January we will be welcoming a new baby boy into our family! We couldn't be more thrilled.
We had a great summer and our kids enjoyed every minute of it. I found myself spending a lot less time in the kitchen, first because of themorning sickness all-day nausea, then because I found it easier to stick with some of my old favorites instead of trying new recipes while we enjoyed the beautiful Colorado weather.
In July, Hannah turned two. Cake and a balloon, all a 2 year old needs, right?
Isn't she turning into such a pretty little girl? She has such a fun personality too, a little more feisty than Nathan, but we figure with an older brother already and a younger brother on the way, it's a good thing that she is able to stick up for herself.
While I haven't been experimenting too much with new recipes, I have been starting to bake my favorite pumpkin recipes. Yummy!
I've picked up crocheting again. Check out this cute hat I am making for our new baby boy! I purchased the pattern from this seller on etsy.
I also have started making my own cleaning and personal care products incorporating essential oils, thanks to a class I attended by Jenn Oldham. This is a video of her demonstrating how she makes her own laundry detergent, lip balm, and deodorant.
The secret is in the Certified Pure Therapeutic-grade Essential Oils sold by doTerra. I'm sure I will blog more on this in the future, because I am falling in love with all the uses I have found for these awesome oils, including relieving stress, nipping colds in the bud, and cleaning my house.
I hope to be back to the blog a little more consistently in the future, so see you soon!
That's right, in January we will be welcoming a new baby boy into our family! We couldn't be more thrilled.
We had a great summer and our kids enjoyed every minute of it. I found myself spending a lot less time in the kitchen, first because of the
In July, Hannah turned two. Cake and a balloon, all a 2 year old needs, right?
Isn't she turning into such a pretty little girl? She has such a fun personality too, a little more feisty than Nathan, but we figure with an older brother already and a younger brother on the way, it's a good thing that she is able to stick up for herself.
While I haven't been experimenting too much with new recipes, I have been starting to bake my favorite pumpkin recipes. Yummy!
I've picked up crocheting again. Check out this cute hat I am making for our new baby boy! I purchased the pattern from this seller on etsy.
I also have started making my own cleaning and personal care products incorporating essential oils, thanks to a class I attended by Jenn Oldham. This is a video of her demonstrating how she makes her own laundry detergent, lip balm, and deodorant.
The secret is in the Certified Pure Therapeutic-grade Essential Oils sold by doTerra. I'm sure I will blog more on this in the future, because I am falling in love with all the uses I have found for these awesome oils, including relieving stress, nipping colds in the bud, and cleaning my house.
I hope to be back to the blog a little more consistently in the future, so see you soon!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Macaroni and Cheese
Home-made macaroni and cheese, does it get any better than this? This beats the stuff in the box hands down. I actually didn't feel guilty serving this to my kids because it was made completely from scratch. It's not low-fat of course, but it isn't full of processed ingredients I can't pronounce!
This is a Pioneer Woman recipe so you know it's gotta be delicious!
printable recipe
Reduce heat to low. Whisk an egg in a separate bowl. Add 1/4 cup of milk mixture slowly to the egg, whisking continually.
This is called tempering and will bring the temp of the egg up gradually so you don't have chunks of scrambled egg when you add it to your sauce. (This happened the one time I tried to make alfredo from scratch, disgusting).
I don't have a picture of the finished product in the baking dish because Nathan high-jacked my camera. He took this picture.
And this one. My husband was trying to entertain Hannah, who was getting fussy and hungry.
Eventually we dished up the food. It was delicious.
This is a Pioneer Woman recipe so you know it's gotta be delicious!
printable recipe
Macaroni and Cheese
serves 6
16 oz box dried macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 egg
2 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp dried mustard
1/2 tsp each of salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper
1 pound cheese, I used half monterey jack and half cheddar but you can use whatever sounds good to you!
Preheat oven to 350F. Boil macaroni until it is very al dente (still firm but chewable), about 6 minutes. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium low heat.
Add flour and whisk for 5 minutes, do not let burn!
Add milk and mustard and continue whisking for another 5 minutes, mixture will thicken to gravy consistency. I had to cook it a little longer and turn the heat up to medium to get this to happen, just depends on your stove.
Reduce heat to low. Whisk an egg in a separate bowl. Add 1/4 cup of milk mixture slowly to the egg, whisking continually.
This is called tempering and will bring the temp of the egg up gradually so you don't have chunks of scrambled egg when you add it to your sauce. (This happened the one time I tried to make alfredo from scratch, disgusting).
Add egg to milk mixture, whisking constantly until well-blended. Stir in salt, seasoned salt, and pepper. Add more to taste, if desired.
Stir in all but about 1/2 cup of the cheese. I was in a hurry and accidentally dumped it all in, oops. Stir it all together until blended and cheese is melted.
Stir in the cooked macaroni. Pour into a buttered casserole dish, 2 quart or 9x13 and top with remaining cheese (assuming you aren't an airhead like me). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
And this one. I have no idea what I am doing here.
Eventually we dished up the food. It was delicious.
I just happened to have an avocado so I sliced it up. It was so good eaten with the macaroni and cheese. Who would have thought?
This recipe is featured in Menu Plan 8.
This recipe is featured in Menu Plan 8.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas Eve!
Look what my husband got me for Christmas!
I desperately needed a new bag. My old purse was one I bought at Target several years ago and was in bad repair.
We were on a tight budget this year so he used his frequent flyer miles to get this Burberry bag. Isn't it pretty? I love it.
Yesterday the kids and I had a fun afternoon in the kitchen. We made Chex Mix and Peanut Butter Blossoms (those recipes to come):
Nathan loved helping me measure ingredients and mix the cookie dough:
The best part was unwrapping the Kisses to put on top:
Although there is a teeny tiny possibility that more chocolate ended up in their mouths than in the bowl for the cookies:
The best part is sampling the end result:
While they stuffed their faces, I packaged some goodies for the neighbors. You don't think I could keep all these carbs here at my house and still be hungry for Christmas dinner, do you?
I desperately needed a new bag. My old purse was one I bought at Target several years ago and was in bad repair.
We were on a tight budget this year so he used his frequent flyer miles to get this Burberry bag. Isn't it pretty? I love it.
Yesterday the kids and I had a fun afternoon in the kitchen. We made Chex Mix and Peanut Butter Blossoms (those recipes to come):
Nathan loved helping me measure ingredients and mix the cookie dough:
The best part was unwrapping the Kisses to put on top:
Although there is a teeny tiny possibility that more chocolate ended up in their mouths than in the bowl for the cookies:
The best part is sampling the end result:
While they stuffed their faces, I packaged some goodies for the neighbors. You don't think I could keep all these carbs here at my house and still be hungry for Christmas dinner, do you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)