No School Days Fun

"No school" days brought lots of snow to our house. We didn't get dumped on as much as some of the nearby areas to our home but enough that the kids had plenty to sled and play in.
Birch, Nate, and Coop out shoveling one morning.
Nate enjoyed several afternoons building play dough creations.
One of the kids' favorite projects to do is put together wooden model kits and then paint them. I normally get the kits at Michael's Craft but this time I got the kits at JoAnns. These kits were much harder to put together so I think in the future I will stick with Michael's. Coop also put a car together after he woke up from his nap.
This picture of Chloe cracks me up. The kids found these "scientist" glasses and had a so much fun making her wear them.
Many days off of school were spent having friends over to play. Alysee's best girl friend, Hannah was moving to Idaho so she LOVED having her over to play a couple of times. I don't think the kids could ever tire of having friends over to play. We have a couple of families that we especially enjoy having over because there is a playmate for each of our kids -- makes for one loud house but very happy kids.

Go Beavs!

Then it was off to Oregon the day after Christmas. We actually were not sure we were going to be able to make the trip due to the nasty roads and weather. Birch and I went back and forth whether we should go or not. In the end we are so happy we made the trip. The roads certainly had their scary moments but the time we were able to spend with my family was priceless.

While were were in Oregon my sister Laura and her husband Jared had a little shindig celebrating their October wedding. Any party my mom puts on is always planned to the "T" and very elaborate in all the homemade touches. My brother Seth and Matt cooked up about three hundred crepes and there were probably a dozen fancy toppings to dress your crepe with. I tried to be helpful but mostly I just ran after kids and enjoyed the evening catching up with longtime friends.

One morning the kids, Birch and Poppi headed out to work off some energy. They stopped by the Oregon State football field and found that the gate was open. Boy, were the kids excited (actually I think Birch was equally as excited)!
I'm not sure there is a bigger Beaver fan than Alex!
Alex was totally embarrassed that everyone in the family was wearing the Duck's colors. He asked me to photoshop this picture but for memories here it is in its true form.
We loved hanging out with all my family. We were just missing my littlest brother Luke who is serving a mission in Paris, France, Matt's wife Jessica and their baby Sofia. Even though our trip was just over the weekend I really felt like I had some real quality time with my siblings. Lately it seems like all of our visits have been so centered around some big family event that it doesn't allow for a lot of just hanging out and visiting. What an awesome family I have! I feel so blessed as well to have had such great new sisters and brothers join our family through marriage. Way to pick some good ones!!!


Another morning when the rain stopped briefly a bunch my siblings and our kids ran down to my parent's field and had a little clay pigeon shooting fest. I tried my hand at it and found the gun way to heavy and powerful for this dainty weak girl.
We brought this Foosball table back from Oregon that my dad had originally bought for his office. After setting it up at our house we found that the base was warped and so Birch took the opportunity to convert the table into some true Beaver pride. It turned out great and the kids have really had such a ball playing it.

The trip flew by and soon we found ourselves back in the car heading back home for work and school. Can't wait for our next visit with everyone!

Oh Holy Night

This is our second year carrying on the traditions that we started with celebrating Christmas at our home. Birch worked Christmas Eve but came home in time to help the kids put together the gingerbread house.

Next on the docket was homemade pizza. This year I whipped up a half cheese/half Hawaiian pizza for the kids. The other pizza was a delicious pesto, roasted chicken, artichoke heart, and black olive pizza. The kids especially enjoyed the treat of each picking out their OWN pop to drink.
Then we reenacted the Nativity. Again, the kids got five minutes to put together their costume and then Birch narrated the biblical story.
Coop was definitely the hit this year with his awesome angel costume that Tyler helped put together for him. He did a great job acting out his part.
Christmas morning brought lots of fun. Chloe loves her new play mat from Santa.
Alysee was thrilled that Santa gave her a treasure box just like she was hoping for and a little make up kit. We continued on our tradition of having the kids choose a sibling's name for Christmas several weeks before Christmas. They each then did three gifts for their chosen sibling (one--homemade gift, two--a job to earn $5 for sibling gift to purchase at a store, and three-- a service for that sibling prior to Christmas). This year Nate drew Alysee's name and he bought her the little Cabbage Patch doll and horse. He was so excited her her to open his present.
Nate and Cooper received this great Geo Trax train set from their favorite mommy and daddy. I found the set for $25 off of craigslist and it ended up being the hit for the day. ALL the kids spent hours setting the track up in different configurations and taking turns driving the trains.

Christmas day was really wonderful. It was lightly snowing, the house was warm and cozy and we were surrounded with those we love. Couldn't have asked for a better day!

Right smack at you!

In the buzz of life my poor little blog has gotten a little neglected. We are all happy and hopping from Christmas activity to Christmas baking to School programs. My sister Leah flew out our direction for an ultra quick trip to do a couple of photoshoots and she was able to fit us in for a quick visit. Even though her stay was literally less than a day long we had a great time together. We even took advantage of her awesome talent and had some portrait shots taken of us all.
These two love birds just celebrated their twelve year anniversary on Thanksgiving day. I never would have guessed that our love could grow so much since Birch proposed on a beautiful September day at an Oregon waterfall. Hasn't been all downhill but a might wonderful ride it has been! Birch is a hard worker, keeps our house organized when I get behind, amazing father, and very thoughtful husband. One of my favorite things that he does for me is his almost daily notes that he leaves on the computer screen for me. Some days those notes are what keep me going when I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with life...motherhood.
Chloe will soon be six months old--oh my, time is just flying. She is sitting up like a champ now and flirting with the idea of eating solids. So far we've found she doesn't like plain oatmeal baby cereal or sweet potatoes but she does seem to tolerate a tablespoon or so of peaches or squash. This girl drools like a rabid dog (a cute one, though) and lights up any person she smiles at. Following our Thanksgiving trip to Spokane we started having her "cry it out." She was a bit stubborn but finally got the hint that bedtime was for sleeping in HER bed by HERSELF and their are no midnight snacks aloud--it did take about six days to figure this out. She is now sleeping quite wonderfully during the night and taking two substantial naps during the day. Love this girl!
Coop -- what do I say about this kid? He's got an infectious smile and a sailor's mouth (limited to stupid head, meanie, and this week a new one...dummy). Any ideas on how to keep the garbage words in the garbage? We've had a family lesson about "garbage words" and tried a few other tactics but so far nothing has stuck. Must be hard to be the fifth child and have several reasons that he needs to fend for himself. He says the cutest most thoughtful prayers and always remembers to bless his "daddy to come home for dinner." When Chloe took over Coop's crib Coop was booted down to the basement with the other three boys. Surprisingly the transition hasn't been near as painful as we thought it was going to be. Recently he has decided that he doesn't like eating dinner (or at least what mommy has fixed for dinner) and is quite sad when he ends up missing out on dessert. He loves having stories read to him, sucking his thumb while holding his froggy blanket, and dancing his new favorite musicians, The Beach Boys. Love this kid!
Nate is an amazing artist!!! He spends several hours each day drawing and seems to never tire of it. He often has a hard time going to preschool but always ends up having a great day. I can't believe he will be in kindergarten next year. Nate enjoys having friends over to play. He also loves playing a car racing game on the computer, riding his bike, and now looks for any opportunity to go sledding. Nate is a great big brother and often asks to hold Chloe. Love this kid!
Alysee is just having the best year at school. She has a fabulous teacher and is sad when she knows she is going to have a substitute. Almost daily when she gets home from school she makes little love notes or pictures for her teacher the next day. She recently wrote in her school journal that she would like to grow up to be a gymnastics teacher. Alysee is a great reader and is always excited to do any homework she might have. Evenings you can often find Alysee and Nate at the kitchen counter drawing, writing little books, or creating some sort of paper project. Love this girl!
Tyler is also having a great year at school. I love how he rarely ever complains about doing his homework. Tyler is wonderful at playing with his younger siblings, especially if I ask him specifically to do so. He continues to struggle with his repertoire of foods that he likes -- often a heaping pile of shredded cheese will help get his meal down. He was SO excited when it snowed this past week and declared that this was probably the best day ever to have gone sledding, drink a cup of hot chocolate, and now be so close to Christmas. Tyler is loving cub scouts and I have also enjoyed having him in my den (I am the assistant den leader). Love this kid!
Alex has been braving the 1 degree and slightly above weather this week to do crosswalk patrol. Earlier this week I requested that he wear his snow pants to do patrol because to the frigid weather but he pulled a little attitude with me and scooted off to school like a snotty teenager. But do you know what the first thing was that he said to me when he got home from school?? "Mom you're always right even when I don't think you are. I should have worn my snow pants. I was freezing." I was quick to remind him to never forget that...mom is always right. I'm recording that conversation so I can remind him the next time he forgets : ) Tomorrow is Alex's first band concert. This is his first year playing the trumpet and he seems to show promising talent. He is sure that he has inherited his dad and several uncles musical talent. I wouldn't argue with him on that--I am totally impressed. Alex is a great student and really seems to use his school time wisely so he rarely has homework. His teacher had only great things to say about him at parent/teacher conferences. Love this kid!!

Merry Christmas to all!

Irresistable

I'm not much of a dessert woman (eating or making) but I had something similar while in Philly and I just knew it was something that would be a huge hit with our Thanksgiving crowd.They really weren't that hard to make but were a bit time consuming. I altered the recipe and used Mint Oreo Cookies and added the crushed peppermint candy canes to the top.

Here's the recipe:

Some Sweet Love For Your Valentine

I am so excited to say I've found another jackpot winning recipe. I have been eying these on Bakerella's blog and finally got around to making them. She has done some amazing things with these if you haven't checked her site out yet, Yum!

These little gems are a must try! They look like a truffle but taste like a little Oreo Cheesecake. You can't go wrong with cookies, cream cheese and white chocolate! Your Valentine will be thrilled to take a bite out of these treats.

It's hard to believe something so incredibly easy to make tastes so yummy. I know I'll be making these often!

I tried the same recipe, but with Nutter Butter Cookies. Both are great, I can't decide which ones I like better. I'm going to try Chips Ahoy next time and maybe the mint Oreos.

Nutter Butter Cookie Truffles

1 Bag Nutter Butter Cookies
8 oz softened cream cheese
1 package Chocolate Bark (dipping chocolate in blocks)
1 square of the Almond Bark for drizzling (white chocolate blocks for dipping)

1. Mix ground oreos and cream cheese until well combined. Roll into 1 inch balls and place onto baking sheet or tray. Refrigerate overnight or until very firm.
2. Melt white chocolate according to package directions. Using 2 little spoons, dip balls into chocolate and place onto parchment paper to harden. Once dry, melt square of almond bark and spoon into the corner of a ziplock baggie. Snip the corner of the baggie and drizzle chocolate back and forth over the truffles. Let dry.
3. I enjoyed mine chilled in the refrigerator, but may be room temperature as well.

Oreo Cookie Truffles

1 bag Oreo Cookies, ground in blender or food processor (filling and all)
8 oz softened cream cheese
1 package Almond Bark (white chocolate candy coating)
1 square of the Chocolate Bark for drizzling

1. Mix ground oreos and cream cheese until well combined. Roll into 1 inch balls and place onto baking sheet or tray. Refrigerate overnight or until very firm.
2. Melt white chocolate according to package directions. Using 2 little spoons, dip balls into chocolate and place onto parchment paper to harden. Once dry, melt chocolate bark and spoon into the corner of a ziplock baggie. Snip a small corner and drizzle back and forth over the truffles. Let dry.
3. I enjoyed mine chilled in the refrigerator, but may be room temperature as well! Enjoy! Thanks for the great recipe Bakerella!

About 30 truffles each recipe

Two Peas in a Philidelphia Pod

I can't believe how quickly time has flown by since my wonderful escape to Philadelphia. Chloe and I made the long 16 hour trek to visit my sister Emily, husband Ryan, and darling niece Sage for just about a week long adventure.

The two of us had such a good time together. Chloe definitely enjoyed being an only child for the week. She honestly only cried once the whole week. What's to cry about when mom is at your beck and call? She got to snuggle all day with me, sleep in my arms, stay up late, and eat good food (I'm sure she enjoyed my milk after I ate that delicious meal at "Famous Daves.")
Emily, Ryan, and Sage were awesome hosts. They treated me like royalty. I even got to pick out my favorite juice for breakfast (Dole Mango, Orange, Peach juice).
Ryan was so cute with his two little girls. As you can see, Chloe loved him but Sage wasn't so sure how she felt about sharing her daddy.
Chloe worked hard at showing off for her cousin. She is getting a little more stable when sitting. You can see from the big drool coming off of her chin that she is one slobbery girl.
Chloe also loved all of Sage's cool toys. Sage had lots of stuff that made noise which Chloe doesn't usually get to play with because we have lots of kids who make noise at our house.
Yes, Chloe is a tummy sleeper. Mommy and Daddy know we are naughty.
Blurry, but cute picture of the Sunday girls.
Chloe and Sage are just three weeks apart. Currently Chloe has a little more thigh and cleavage action than Sage. Sage on the other hand has about an extra three or four inches in length. I can't wait to see these two cousins grow up together.

So what did I do all week. Just what I wanted...not much of anything. Emily and I made a list at the beginning of the week of all we wanted to do. It consisted of: watching a movie during the day, going to IKEA , Target, the Outlets, eating at Olive Garden, and laying around and reading. We were very productive and accomplished each one of those things. Most of all it was wonderful to spend time with Emi and her family. Emi and Ryan have a wonderful relationship and are such good parents to Sage.

I came home feeling refreshed but then I honestly went into a little depression once reality hit about two seconds after arriving home. I'm feeling cheerier this week, though and super grateful to my wonderful husband who took care of the kids while I was gone. The kids had half days of school while I was gone and they kept Birch busy with bowling, eating at McDonalds and lots of time playing together. For Family Home Evening the kids and Birch made me the most special book about why they love me--I know I feel bad now that I just wrote that I was grumpy for the following week after getting home. Not only was I greeted with a beautiful thoughtful book, I also came home to a spotless house. Birch scrubbed up everything while I was gone.

I am truly blessed!! Emily and Ryan, thank you so much for spoiling Chloe and I rotten. It was fun to be a spoiled brat for a week!!!

To be Eight is GREAT

October has been a really special month for Tyler. Not only did Tyler get to celebrate his birthday like five times because we were on the road to Utah but he also got baptized.

Tyler's first party was at our home. He was super excited to get all his cub scout gear.
Next Tyler celebrated his birthday in Caldwell, Idaho with his cousins. His Aunt Tavia made a super yummy cake for Tyler. They had even decorated their kitchen in his honor.

While in Logan, Utah he celebrated his real birthday he was treated to a delicious dessert at a super yummy pizza restaurant.
The parties just didn't stop there. Next we celebrated Halloween at our home with cousins and Ami and Poppi. I am beginning to realize that Halloween is not my favorite holiday. The stress of trying to please all the kids with costumes (after the kids realized I wasn't going to be buying or making anything new this year they all adapted and found something in the dress up box) plus the post-Halloween whining for candy. We had a fun night at our church Halloween party and trunk-or-treating. I didn't even have to dress up as a witch this year...I already felt like I was portraying the character quite well.
Then the next day on November 1st our house filled up with LOTS of extended family. It was so wonderful to have so many people travel to celebrate Tyler's decision to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Tyler was a little nervous but he felt really good about his choice.
Tyler asked Uncle Kelly to give the talk about Baptism. All his cousins were so enthralled in the baptism and really excited for Tyler. Grannie drove all the way to our home for just the afternoon--talk about being super supportive of her grandkids!
Somehow Ami and Poppi missed out on the group picture. I think they were cleaning up all the rootbeer floats from the post baptism party. We love it when they come visit us--the only complaint is the trips are always WAY too short. Not only did the kids have lots of fun with their grandparents but my mom also revamped my cluttered pantry, cleaned my gas top stove, and folded laundry and I'm sure lots of other things that I haven't even noticed yet. My dad took the boys horseback riding at an old high school buddies ranch on Saturday morning. They all had so much fun!
These are all the men that assisted in Tyler's confirmation--Poppi, Uncle Vaughn, Dad, Uncle Brent, and Uncle Kelly.
We are sure proud of our Tyler!!! LOVE YA!!!