Pillow fights

Grandparents are allowed to teach bad habits and then leave right? It's the rule.

Doesn't look like it but he was LOVING it!

The recital

The boys have been taking piano for about 6 weeks. Turns out that it was piano recital time and the piano teacher really wanted both boys to play in it so they practiced hard and did AWESOME! The only picture I got of Linden he either had his eyes closed or was looking at the keys. It was a little difficult to take pictures and video at the same time. :)

Setting the timer

Thought I'd get a pictures of the three who were home while three were out camping.

Camping Trip

Stefan took the boys camping a couple of weekends ago. They went to Garner and loved it. I missed being there since we normally take a trip in the spring or fall to Garner but the cabins are closed. I was proud that he actually took pictures though this one was from Greg. (Thanks Greg!)

A mess

This guy was proud of climbing on the chair outside by himself. I'm pretty sure he's dirty because he was eating dirt.

Playing hard

Last night as a family before the boys headed out camping. How about some family fun on the court.

Getting ready

Stefan was planning on taking the boys camping and it's been awhile. We wanted to make sure that the boys still fit in their sleeping bags. Looks like it's just right.

A sweet moment

I think Stefan had to work in the yard so the kids and I were eating by ourselves. Channing REALLY wasn't into the delicious quiche. (Gibson ate probably half of it!) Anyway, Hadley offered to help Channing eat her dinner. He told her to open her mouth because the airplane was coming in. She got it done without complaining and I was thankful for the sweet gesture on Hadley's part. He didn't have to care and did which helped me and made Channing happy. My big boy. He sure has become extra helpful recently.

Beauty shop

It's nice to have at least one brother who doesn't mind playing beauty shop.

He sure is cute

The birthday girl

I realize this week was a lot about Channing and really I missed a bunch this week. Somehow being on Spring Break you would think I would be on top of things but I wasn't and got lazy, enjoying the week off.

Here she is in her early morning, having cake for breakfast splendor. She slept the latest she has ever slept this morning. Channing was the last one up and I don't think she got up until 8:15. She came out a little shy. I think the anticipation of her birthday was a big deal and then it FINALLY being here was a little much. It took her a while to warm up but once she did, it was all about her. Here she is, singing happy birthday dear Channing.

To make things even more exciting my parents were here for her party which meant they got to share in the the sugar high for breakfast. I didn't get a picture of it but what's better than a little cake and ice cream at 8:30 in the morning?

The best part

The best part about it being your birthday is that you get to lick the beaters for your cake and don't have to share.

It's that time again.

We lay sod down in our backyard almost every year. Last year was the first year we had pallets delivered instead of just buying lots of pieces at Home Depot. This doesn't look like much but it was a lot of work.

A new baby

We let Channing open up one of her birthday presents early. Grammy got her the Addy American Girl doll and we were all pretty excited about it.

The tree

We are getting ready to pour a concrete slab in the backyard. The first thing that had to be done was have this large tree chopped down. I didn't realize Hadley was a tree hugger until I told him to take a picture next to the tree.

The best part about having it chopped down was getting to watch the guy take it down from Channing's bedroom window. The kids had a good view and it kept them busy for awhile. Even better we have almost enough firewood for all the camping Stefan plans to do this spring. :)

I couldn't resist

I saw this on someone's blog and I began dreaming about these cookies. Seriously, oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies. How could you not?

Here's the deal though, they were kind of a let down and I think I know of a couple of reasons why. I used the chocolate chip cookie recipe the blog used and it just wasn't as good as the one on the back of the nestle chocolate chip bag. Also, the recipe called for Double Stuffed Oreos and I had bought the regular ones. I think if I were to try it again, I'd use my own recipe and stuff them with Double Stuffed Oreos.

If you are going to splurge on calories may I suggest this.

Oh my stars! Fabulousness! Thanks, Vicki.

Mississippi Mud Cake


2 sticks margarine
½ cup cocoa
1 ½ cup flour
2 cups of sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts

Melt butter. Mix sugar and cocoa. Add to melted butter. Add eggs, beat well. Add flour, nuts, and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into greased and floured 9X13. Bake at 350 degrees, 30-35 minutes. While hot, top with mini marshmallows. Ice immediately with:

Icing:

1 box powdered sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
½ stick margarine, melted
½ cup evaporated milk

Family Time

We are in the process of getting our yard ready for spring and summer. Does everyone else do that too? Ignore their yard all winter then work their tails off after for shirking their duties? To add to the workload we have decided to pour a cement slab in the backyard that we can use as a basketball court. On Saturday Stefan took down the fence and the dog pen that we no longer need to get the yard ready. While he was slaving away and I was supervising, Hadley asked if this was family time. Sad. Is that as good as family time gets? Looks like we need to make more of an effort.

We're having fun

That's what Linden told me the other day. I could hear them all screaming in Gibson's room but no crying so I figured everything was ok. Linden came in to tell me they were having so much fun rocking on G's chair.

Cupcakes!

Can I explain to you how delicious this cupcake was? For $3 it better be, but boy, was it good.

O-R-E-O

There's not much that is better than an oreo cookie. This boy did thoroughly enjoy his.

Getting his sister

How long do you think it will be before he's sitting on her tickling her or torturing her?

Winter's last hurrah

I can't say there was a definite need for a fire Sunday night but Stefan wanted to give winter a going away party. He does love the cold (cooler) weather. He built a fire and let the kids have hot chocolate. Stefan will miss you winter but we know you'll be back.

Linden's last game

He worked so hard! I've never seen that boy hustle the way he did during this game.

Not a cereal eater

Normally that is. Channing normally wakes up in the morning and asks for a "money bar" (aka granola bar). The energy bars I have started making are at least a little healthier for her but still I'm working on breaking her habit of JUST eating granola bars. This day she decided to eat cereal and she was LOVING that raisin bran.

How about a concert?

Hadley played guitar, Brooks played keyboard and Linden was the dancer. Channing really want to be a part of it but she wasn't awake when they practiced so they didn't have something for her to do. She was happy at the moment just being on the "stage".

The "helper"

Gibson is officially driving us crazy with the dishwasher. He likes to take out every piece of silverware while we are loading or unloading. I've given up trying to do dishes while he's around and just do it when he's sleeping.