How did the time fly by so fast?! My first born is in kindergarten. Tim was so excited to wake up and get dressed 'just like mommy's 5th graders'. He got ready to go and was waiting at the door for the rest of us to finish getting ready! Once at school he waked down to his classroom with daddy, hung up his backpack, and got settled in. Words can not express what it was like to watch my baby boy walk down the halls of Messiah as a kindergartener. We are so thankful for Messiah - teachers that love and care for our kids, while teaching them about Christ's love, and great academics on top of that - I couldn't ask for more. I'm so proud of my baby boy.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Blackberry Jam
We took a trip to Costco the other day and stocked up on fruit. We ended up with way too many blackberries, so we made freezer jam. Ben was quite good at squishing the berriers, so I set him to work. Soon I noticed that my basket of berries was shrinking, yet my squished fruit was not. When I asked Ben if he was eating the berries, he said, 'Um.... yes?" Good answer buddy! It says so all over your face! It was too priceless not to take a picture of!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe:
Chicken Stock:
Take a chicken carcass (get a rotisserie chicken at Costco or Shop-n-save, carve it and save the carcass! They make the BEST chicken stock!) and cover it with water (4-6 quarts depending on the size of the chicken, for a small grocery store chicken, use 4 quarts, a 3 lbs chicken use 6 quarts). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least an hour to make stock. (The longer you simmer the chicken, the better the stock! I set my crockpot on high for 8 hours and have the best tasting stock!) Remove chicken and place into a bowl to cool. Line your strainer with a paper towel and place over a stock pot (or back into the crockpot). Pour stock slowly into the strainer, changing the paper towel if needed (if it gets coated in fats/oils you’ll need to replace it). Bring stock back to a simmer and season with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbs parsley.
Add for Soup:
Dice an onion and sauté in 2 tbs butter and 2 tbs olive oil with 2 tsp minced garlic. Once golden brown, add to soup. Add a cup of julienne carrots (or just cut some up, skins on) and 2-3 stalks of celery cut into bite-sized pieces. Simmer for 20 more minutes. While the soup is simmering, de-bone the chicken. Put meat right into the simmering soup. Discard the bones. Then add ¾ lbs - 1 lbs egg noodles (amount depends on the amount of chicken stock you made) ( OR MAKE YOUR OWN!!!!) and simmer until noodles are cooked (about 20 minutes).
Disclaimer: I cook by taste, so if you don’t like it, change it! This recipe is so very versatile! I add potatoes, tomatoes, etc – whatever sounds good and fits my tastes that day! This is how I made the soup the last time, I measured it out so I could share the recipe, so all of the spices are approximates
Egg Noodles:
Stir together 2 ½ c flour and 1/8 tsp salt. Add 2 beaten eggs, ½ c milk, and 1 tbs butter. Knead until smooth (4-5 minutes). Let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Flour counter and roll out dough ¼- 1/8 inch thick. Cut into strips to make noodles (use a pizza cutter – for a short cut, roll the dough into a log and slice off the ends, then uncurl your noodles. Make sure you’ve floured the dough well if you try this, though!). Let pasta air dry COMPLETELY before using.
Chicken Stock:
Take a chicken carcass (get a rotisserie chicken at Costco or Shop-n-save, carve it and save the carcass! They make the BEST chicken stock!) and cover it with water (4-6 quarts depending on the size of the chicken, for a small grocery store chicken, use 4 quarts, a 3 lbs chicken use 6 quarts). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least an hour to make stock. (The longer you simmer the chicken, the better the stock! I set my crockpot on high for 8 hours and have the best tasting stock!) Remove chicken and place into a bowl to cool. Line your strainer with a paper towel and place over a stock pot (or back into the crockpot). Pour stock slowly into the strainer, changing the paper towel if needed (if it gets coated in fats/oils you’ll need to replace it). Bring stock back to a simmer and season with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbs parsley.
Add for Soup:
Dice an onion and sauté in 2 tbs butter and 2 tbs olive oil with 2 tsp minced garlic. Once golden brown, add to soup. Add a cup of julienne carrots (or just cut some up, skins on) and 2-3 stalks of celery cut into bite-sized pieces. Simmer for 20 more minutes. While the soup is simmering, de-bone the chicken. Put meat right into the simmering soup. Discard the bones. Then add ¾ lbs - 1 lbs egg noodles (amount depends on the amount of chicken stock you made) ( OR MAKE YOUR OWN!!!!) and simmer until noodles are cooked (about 20 minutes).
Disclaimer: I cook by taste, so if you don’t like it, change it! This recipe is so very versatile! I add potatoes, tomatoes, etc – whatever sounds good and fits my tastes that day! This is how I made the soup the last time, I measured it out so I could share the recipe, so all of the spices are approximates
Egg Noodles:
Stir together 2 ½ c flour and 1/8 tsp salt. Add 2 beaten eggs, ½ c milk, and 1 tbs butter. Knead until smooth (4-5 minutes). Let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Flour counter and roll out dough ¼- 1/8 inch thick. Cut into strips to make noodles (use a pizza cutter – for a short cut, roll the dough into a log and slice off the ends, then uncurl your noodles. Make sure you’ve floured the dough well if you try this, though!). Let pasta air dry COMPLETELY before using.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
To the Zoo!
We took advantage of the beautiful weather in June and headed to the zoo with the Vogt girls! After a picnic lunch on Art Hill we were on our way! Ben simply adores Tori, and I think it's fair to say she enjoys Ben, too! Tim and Addison took turns pointing out different animals they wanted to see, and Alexis simply rode along in the stroller. I got them all to look at me at the same time (it took some real effort!) so I could snag a picture!
Transportation Museum
We headed to the transportation museum with Kian and Sara while they visited. It was crazy hot, but the kids enjoyed the trains!
Monkey Joe's
While Sara and Kian visited in June, we met up with Katy and Maddie at Monkey Joe's. Tim was at VBS, so I just had Ben and Alexis. Ben had no fear (once the bracelet was off his and and on his back!) and climbed the huge slide! I couldn't belive it - but he did it! He played on that slide for over an hour! He was always so proud of the fact that he did it, all on his own!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Birthday Cake
Who wouldn't love a strawberry cake made just for them with pink icing? A special cake for my special baby girl's birthday.
Happy First Birthday, Alexis!
My baby girl turned one on June 5th. We celebrated her birthday with close family and friends and a giant Costco cake :)
The boys went shopping for Alexis and were very particular about what they wanted to get her! Tim insisted that Alexis needed a baby doll with a pink blanket and a bottle so she could feed her baby. Off to the store we went. Tim and Ben settled on a cute baby doll, but it didn't have a bottle (You wouldn't believe it but Target and Walmart don't carry baby doll bottles! Nuts, I know). So, off to Toy's R Us we went. While we were there, Tim found a pink Shake-and-Go Race Car for Alexis, too. We found baby doll bottles filled with milk AND orange juice, not to mention a baby bowl, spoon, and fork.
Tim couldn't wait to give Alexis her presents. He made sure his was the first one opened. Alexis LOVES her baby doll! My parents got her a doll bed and it rocks back and forth. Tim helped Alexis put in all of her baby dolls, cover them up, then feed them all. It really was sweet.
The boys went shopping for Alexis and were very particular about what they wanted to get her! Tim insisted that Alexis needed a baby doll with a pink blanket and a bottle so she could feed her baby. Off to the store we went. Tim and Ben settled on a cute baby doll, but it didn't have a bottle (You wouldn't believe it but Target and Walmart don't carry baby doll bottles! Nuts, I know). So, off to Toy's R Us we went. While we were there, Tim found a pink Shake-and-Go Race Car for Alexis, too. We found baby doll bottles filled with milk AND orange juice, not to mention a baby bowl, spoon, and fork.
Tim couldn't wait to give Alexis her presents. He made sure his was the first one opened. Alexis LOVES her baby doll! My parents got her a doll bed and it rocks back and forth. Tim helped Alexis put in all of her baby dolls, cover them up, then feed them all. It really was sweet.
Alexis' First Spaghetti
What a mess!
Alexis loves to eat what everyone else is eating - and who can blame her? She had her first taste of spaghetti, and as you can see, it was a hit! She loved it! She worked on those noodles for almost an hour. When she was finished she went straight to the tub. It took two rounds of scrubbing to get all the spaghetti and sauce out of her hair!
Alexis loves to eat what everyone else is eating - and who can blame her? She had her first taste of spaghetti, and as you can see, it was a hit! She loved it! She worked on those noodles for almost an hour. When she was finished she went straight to the tub. It took two rounds of scrubbing to get all the spaghetti and sauce out of her hair!
Tim's Preschool Graduation
I can't believe that 2 years of preschool has flown by. I'm amazed at how grown-up my sweet baby boy has become! Tim's preschool graduation service was great! My entire 5th grade class came to watch :) Daddy, Ben, Alexis, and both grandmas were able to come, too! Tim sang all of the songs, did all of the actions, and received his preschool diploma from Ms. Mary and Ms. Carol (the best preschool teachers - we are so blessed). I held it together until the very end when the entire class sang the 'Good-bye' song...
"Good-bye, good-bye, to you and you and you.
Good-bye, good-bye, may Jesus be with you."
Kindergarten, here we come!
"Good-bye, good-bye, to you and you and you.
Good-bye, good-bye, may Jesus be with you."
Kindergarten, here we come!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Piggytails
Alexis wore pigtails for the first time the other day. She was so cute, I had to take a picture. I teared up thinking that my baby girl was big enough for pigtails.
If I'm a wreck over pigtails, what am I going to do when Tim starts Kindergarten this fall?!
My babies are growing up much to fast.
If I'm a wreck over pigtails, what am I going to do when Tim starts Kindergarten this fall?!
My babies are growing up much to fast.
Friday, April 9, 2010
"Aunt Jamie's Song"
Tim adores this song, and started to call it "Aunt Jamie's Song". We couldn't figure out why. We figured somehow it had to do with his Aunt Jamie. Well, we were wrong! He thinks it says "When Aunt Jamie's song came on" instead of "When the Jay-Z song came on"! Too bad the name stuck! Even Ben now asks for "the Aunt Jamie's Song".
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tree Climbing
Easter afternoon we headed to Grandma & Grandpa A's house for brunch. After eating the kids headed outside to play. Tim wanted to show Joe how he can climb the pinetree. Before we knew it Joe was up in the maple tree. Ben joined him. Ben was so proud to have 'climbed' the tree just like daddy and Tim.
Look Mom! One hand!
It's been a busy spring break! Ben went from a binky using, diaper wearing kid to being binky-free and underwear wearing! Alexis has made strides of her own. This week she's learned to crawl completely up the steps and to cruise from place to place. Last night she used her walker for the first time. She was a natural! As soon as she pulled up she was off! She even got brave and tried to let go and balance without hands! She made it a few seconds before falling. It's only a matter of time before she's all out walking.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Adventures in Potty Training
Well, I had the 'moment'. I had it with Tim, too. The moment I decided enough is enough and like it or not, we are potty training! I must say, with Tim it took me WAY too long to have the moment.
My moment with Ben came Thursday afternoon. I had been tossing around the idea of potty training over spring break, but I wasn't sure how well that might go over. However, after changing my 3rd dirty diaper from Ben alone I was ready.
I changed him and told him we didn't have any more diapers. Then, something amazing happened. He said, "OK, mommy. I go on potty." Off he ran to the bathroom. Then something even more amazing happened. He went.
I couldn't believe it. And other than one accident (that was really more my fault that his) he hasn't gotten his Thomas underwear wet yet! YAY BEN!
Just think, next year this time it's Alexis' turn. Then I'll be changing my last diaper. Forever!
My moment with Ben came Thursday afternoon. I had been tossing around the idea of potty training over spring break, but I wasn't sure how well that might go over. However, after changing my 3rd dirty diaper from Ben alone I was ready.
I changed him and told him we didn't have any more diapers. Then, something amazing happened. He said, "OK, mommy. I go on potty." Off he ran to the bathroom. Then something even more amazing happened. He went.
I couldn't believe it. And other than one accident (that was really more my fault that his) he hasn't gotten his Thomas underwear wet yet! YAY BEN!
Just think, next year this time it's Alexis' turn. Then I'll be changing my last diaper. Forever!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Standing Up!
Alexis loves to stand, but most recently she's learned she can pull herself up in her crib. It's only a matter of weeks and she'll be walking. I'm thinking it's time daddy lowers the crib...
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Swinging
We took the kids to the park after Tim's soccer practice the other day. It was beautiful outside. Alexis hadn't been to the park since she was 3 months old, or so. Since she can now sit up on her own, she was able to ride in the swings. Tim was so excited for her, he demanded he be the one to push her on her first swing ride.
She loved it! She giggled and laughed the entire time. Tim laughed right along with her. He tickled her feet, and pretended to grab them as she swung toward him.
I have a feeling we will visit the part a lot this summer :)
She loved it! She giggled and laughed the entire time. Tim laughed right along with her. He tickled her feet, and pretended to grab them as she swung toward him.
I have a feeling we will visit the part a lot this summer :)
Tim's First Soccer Game
Tim 'won' his first soccer game!
Last weekend's games were rained out, so Tim's opening game was pushed back to today. It was a cloudy, windy, and rainy 40 degrees by the time the game started. Grandma and Grandpa A, Uncle Derick and Aunt Kate all joined us to watch. Tim did great! We are SO proud of him!
In the picture, he and his coach were picking out someone to throw the ball to. I really have to hand it to his coach. He's fantastic! We are so blessed to have someone who understands kids and doesn't mind when a kid runs off the field because they have to go potty (like Tim did mid-game). We are thankful he's in this to have fun.
Eventhough the games are 3 vs. 3 (coaches on the field, no goalie) and no score is kept, Joe kept score (anyone surprised?). Tim's team won 6-5! Go Tigers!
Last weekend's games were rained out, so Tim's opening game was pushed back to today. It was a cloudy, windy, and rainy 40 degrees by the time the game started. Grandma and Grandpa A, Uncle Derick and Aunt Kate all joined us to watch. Tim did great! We are SO proud of him!
In the picture, he and his coach were picking out someone to throw the ball to. I really have to hand it to his coach. He's fantastic! We are so blessed to have someone who understands kids and doesn't mind when a kid runs off the field because they have to go potty (like Tim did mid-game). We are thankful he's in this to have fun.
Eventhough the games are 3 vs. 3 (coaches on the field, no goalie) and no score is kept, Joe kept score (anyone surprised?). Tim's team won 6-5! Go Tigers!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Happy 8 Month Birthday Sweet Girl!
How are you 8 months old already! Time is flying by, and your dear mommy doesn't like it. How quickly it all goes. It seems like just yesterday I held you in my arms for the very first time.
Tim's Field Trip
Off to the library! I got the oppertunity to be 'mom' and take the morning and go to the library with Tim and his preschool class. We had so much fun! He loved listening to the stories and he even sang along with the silly songs. Tim held my hand (I was the caboose of the line!) and sat in my lap. Love when I can be mom.
Firefighter Ben
In Ben's words, "I a fireman!"
He had found Tim's firecoat, hat, and boots and dressed himself up. He then went around the house fighting fires.
What an awesome kid.
He had found Tim's firecoat, hat, and boots and dressed himself up. He then went around the house fighting fires.
What an awesome kid.
Snuggles on a Monday Morning
Monday mornings aren't fun for anyone. I always find myself wanting to stay in bed just a little bit longer. Last Monday, my boys were up super early. Joe and I normally are up and going by 5:30-5:45. About this time, they were both up. Needless to say, they were cranky. I turned on the DVR to 'Chuggington' and headed back to the bathroom to get ready. Ben came in, held my hand, and started pulling. I followed and he took me to the bed. He asked (in his best Benjamin-sweet-boy-voice), "Mommy lay down and go night-night?". Oh, how I wanted to! I told him I couldn't, but Tim stepped up and told Ben he'd lay down with him. I thanked Tim and finished getting ready. When I checked on them again, this is what I saw. I'm not normally a fan of posting fuzzy pictures with bad lighting, but this was too great not to.
And, I'll admit, I climbed into bed with them for a few minutes before making them get ready for the day.
I love my kiddos.
And, I'll admit, I climbed into bed with them for a few minutes before making them get ready for the day.
I love my kiddos.
When it's quiet, be afraid.
The Sunday morning after Joe returned from his trip we were sitting in the kitchen, sipping on our coffee. Tim was watching DinoTrain and Alexis was playing in the pack-n-play next to us. Ben had been playing on the floor next to Alexis. Joe and I were lost in conversation, and suddenly we realize... It's quiet. TOO quiet. The panic set in, we ran up the steps to find Ben in Tim's room, markers in each hand, coloring his feet as if it was the most natural thing to do.
It could have been worse.
And this is why we only allow washable markers/crayons in our house.
It could have been worse.
And this is why we only allow washable markers/crayons in our house.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Joe's Home!
A huge sigh of relief came on Saturday afternoon at 4:45 when Joe's flight landed in St. Louis. He made it home safe and sound! What a greeting his team got at the airport, too! So many smiling faces ready to hug their loved ones.
From Joe's perspective the trip was amazing. A once in a lifetime experience. So many people in need. Now, to find a way to help.
From Joe's perspective the trip was amazing. A once in a lifetime experience. So many people in need. Now, to find a way to help.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
We made it!
Thank heavens we made it! I got all three kids to my mom's house and I was on time getting to school! Plus, I started my morning off with an email from Joe, so I knew it would be a good morning :)
Tomorrow brings a new challenge- carpool! Here's praying everyone is ready to go and I make my confrence on time!
Tomorrow brings a new challenge- carpool! Here's praying everyone is ready to go and I make my confrence on time!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Uganda Mission Trip
Joe's in Uganda on a Mission Trip with our church. It's something I whole-heartily believe he was called to do. We've spent (ok, I'VE spent) the last few weeks preparing, shopping, and packing for this trip (if it were up to Joe he would have hit Wal-mart on the way out the door to the airport). I don't know what God has in store for Joe while he's there, but I know it's big.
While Joe visits villages in Uganda, my challenge is surviving with the kids until he returns. So far, so good. Today was the first day that we had any behavior issue at all. But I'll be honest, it's not being at home with the kids that worries me, it's getting all of them up, dressed, fed, and out the door to my mom's house without being late. Yikes. The thought of it frightens me. I've done all I can do to prepare for our first day leaving in the morning. Clothing is ready, alarms are set, bags are packed. I'm just praying we get out the door by 7:15. Think we'll make it? I'm undecided.
So tonight I ask for your prayers. Prayers for our Uganda team as they travel from village to village. Prayers for wisdom and guidance, that God's will is carried through by our team. That they are God's hands and feet, that each and every person be touched by the Holy Spirit and be moved, drawing them closer to God every step of the way.
You can follow Joe's team here: www.januarytriptouganda2010.blogspot.com
While Joe visits villages in Uganda, my challenge is surviving with the kids until he returns. So far, so good. Today was the first day that we had any behavior issue at all. But I'll be honest, it's not being at home with the kids that worries me, it's getting all of them up, dressed, fed, and out the door to my mom's house without being late. Yikes. The thought of it frightens me. I've done all I can do to prepare for our first day leaving in the morning. Clothing is ready, alarms are set, bags are packed. I'm just praying we get out the door by 7:15. Think we'll make it? I'm undecided.
So tonight I ask for your prayers. Prayers for our Uganda team as they travel from village to village. Prayers for wisdom and guidance, that God's will is carried through by our team. That they are God's hands and feet, that each and every person be touched by the Holy Spirit and be moved, drawing them closer to God every step of the way.
You can follow Joe's team here: www.januarytriptouganda2010.blogspot.com
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tim's Track for Ben
Tim loves his wooden train set. It's by far one of his favorite toys to play with. He loves creating elaborate tracks that are elevated, have bridges and tunnels, switches and crossings. The problem comes when Ben wants to play with Tim's track. It starts innocent enough. Ben gets out an engine and starts pushing it down the track. Soon enough the fussing starts, and Tim is telling us that Ben broke the track. We always encourage sharing, but sometimes it's just hard for the two to play together.
To fix matters, Tim decided to build Ben his very own track. Ben was so excited. "Tim build track me!", he told us when he pulled us into Tim's room. Tim was so proud, too. He showed us how he gave Ben his very own engine and very own track so Ben could play and he could build his track without Ben knocking it over. It was so sweet, I couldn't help but take a picture. I was one proud mom.
To fix matters, Tim decided to build Ben his very own track. Ben was so excited. "Tim build track me!", he told us when he pulled us into Tim's room. Tim was so proud, too. He showed us how he gave Ben his very own engine and very own track so Ben could play and he could build his track without Ben knocking it over. It was so sweet, I couldn't help but take a picture. I was one proud mom.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Yummy
Tomorrow Tim brings his birthday snack to share with his preschool class to celebrate his 5th birthday. Just like last year, he based his decision on a girl. That's right. A girl. Last year he told me Lilly liked pink, so he wanted pink cupcakes. This year it's Brynley. Brynley likes pink AND chocolate, so we need chocolate cupcakes with pink icing. Sprinkles, too. I asked him what he likes and his response was "I like what Brynley likes, mom". Sigh.
What's a mom to do?
Make pink cupcakes with sprinkles, I guess :)
What's a mom to do?
Make pink cupcakes with sprinkles, I guess :)
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The View From Up Here
Tonight I found myself staring at Alexis while she was finishing her evening bottle. Feeding a baby in our house is fairly routine, and tonight was no exception. The boys were fast asleep and Joe was working and I just found myself staring. I found her studying my face as she finished the last bit of her bottle. Normally the boys are running around when I feed her and I don't really have time to look back, but tonight I did. I never want to forget what the view is like from up here, looking down on my sweet baby girl.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Big Brother Tim
Tim adores his sister. I'm not sure what it is, but they have a very special relationship. Today we had our last Christmas celebration. While Tim was waiting for gifts to be handed out, he blew raspberries on Alexis' belly and made her giggle and laugh. He's such a sweet kiddo (when he wants to be!)
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