Lately

 Last week was super busy!  I made about 160 cookies last week.  I probably over committed myself because I stayed up late every night working on cookies and Matt put the boys to bed every night (not that that's a big deal but we usually switch bedtime duties every other night).  

I LOVE doing cookies but I don't want it to ever interfere with my time with Matt or the boys.  Making cookies are my outlet and my therapy.  I don't consider myself an artistic person at all but I get in the zone when I'm working and love to create.  It's very rewarding for me and I hope to continue to make lots more cookies.  

Friday night we meet our friends the Krafts for dinner before small group.  The kids had a blast and we enjoyed the company.  We had some time so we swing Graeters by to get ice cream.  Ryan was sitting with the girls but decided he wanted to sit at mommy's table.  He came over to sit down so Jillian jumped up to pull her chair up beside Ryan.  She is crazy about him.  It's so cute to watch those two.  

Saturday I went to a baby shower in the morning.  It was so fun to sit around and chat about pregnancy, babies and being moms.  I made these woodland creatures for the shower.  

Yesterday was beautiful.  Finally the temps raised above 40 degrees so we were thrilled to play outside coat-free.  The boys had the best time playing on the swing set and riding their bikes.  Colton loved pushing the mower following Ryan on his bike.  I can't wait for more playtime outside.  

We took to the boys to grab a quick bit last night and they were so good.  Ryan seriously inhaled his hamburger.  Since he ate so well we let him get a milkshake for dessert.  We had a fun time and it was a great end to a good weekend.

Love these cupcake cookies!  

I made these camo cookies for my friend Laura.  They turned out cute!

And everyone loves the sesame street cookies.  I made these for sweet little Zoey who is turning two this week.  These cookies are cute but they definitely take me longer to make.  

Cookies and a Snow Day

I have been swamped this week making cookies.  I'm working on four orders this week.  I made these pretty cakes for my friend Valerie who is celebrating her one year wedding anniversary.  

Spring is just around the corner (hopefully) and my friend Jayne asked me to make these adorable bikini cookies for her college-age daughter who is headed to spring break next week.  

 Speaking of spring....yeah we got about six inches of snow last night.  Preschool was cancelled and bonus Matt's classes were cancelled.  We hung out all day in our pi's and played.  We took the boys out this morning and they had a blast shoveling and sledding down the driveway.  

Even though I feel like I was working on cookies most of the day it was nice to have a day at home.  

This afternoon I saw this idea on Facebook of putting snow in a big bowl or bucket and letting the kids play with shovels, spoons and cups.  

I thought the boys might like it so we tried it out.  Jackpot...they loved it.  They seriously played in it after naps til dinner and then after dinner til bedtime.  They basically were just eating it but hey, whatever makes them happy.  

Such a great idea and so fun.  I'm really hoping this is our last snow day of the season

 because I am SO ready for spring!  

First Dentist Visit

Ryan had a dentist appointment this morning.  It was his first dentist appointment so I was a little worried at how he would do.  We've talked about it the last few days in preparation for his first visit.  

This morning he told me he was excited to go to the dentist. 

 At first he was a little hesitant and wanted to play with the toys in the lobby but all the cool dental stuff lured him in.  He started off brushing his teeth at the little sink with a new lightening mcqueen toothbrush and toothpaste.  

His dental assistant Miss Tracy was awesome.  She gave him the grand tour and showed him everything.  She showed him all the tools they were going to use and explained everything that was going to happen.  I totally think that helped him get comfortable and not be scared.   Ryan loved brushing the fishes teeth.  

I really thought we would go see the office, get a tour and that he would NOT go for the whole plaque scrapping and teeth polishing thing.  Thank the Lord I was wrong!  He was a total rockstar and did amazing!  He tolerated it all and sat so still.  

I am so proud of him!  Dr. Mueller said he has beautiful teeth and a great skeleton!  Yup, she really said that.  She said the spacing in his teeth is perfect and exactly what they like to see!  Yay!  Praying he has straight, good teeth just like his daddy (who hardly has cavities and never had braces).

 Since C bear was there we decided to get his teeth looked over as well.  He was not so agreeable as his big brother.  Since he doesn't have many teeth it didn't take too long and not too many tears were shed.  All four of his incisors are coming in, boo.  All in all he did well and I'm glad to have the first visit behind us.  

Dr. M did say Colton's teeth do not have that space like Ryan's so he will probably need braces later, boo!  Looks like C bear not only looks like me but has my mouth as well.  I have a small mouth so my teeth were crowded and I had braces for two years.  Thank goodness he doesn't use a paci or suck his thumb.  

I'm so thankful they did great today!  We decided to take them to a pediatric dentist instead of our family dentist and I think that was the best thing for them.  The staff were awesome!  They cater to kids and I know it helped the boys feel more comfortable and at ease.  

 

Happy Birthday Grandad

Happy Birthday Grandad!!!

Today is my sweet daddy's birthday!  I wish we could be together to celebrate today but we will celebrate in a few weeks when we get to see them!

My daddy is the most giving and caring person I know.  He would do anything for me, my brother and Matt!  We love you dad and can't wait to see you soon!

20 Months

COLTON - You are 20 months old!!!

You are growing so fast!!  I cannot believe how big you are getting!

You weigh 21 pounds and wear size 18 month clothes, size 5 shoe and size 4 or 5 diapers.

 

You are still a great eater however there are a few things that you used to eat but now you turn your nose up to.  Generally you are a very good eater!  

You are getting better at feeding yourself.  Just this week you preferred holding your banana at breakfast instead of me cutting it into slices.  You love to feed yourself yogurt and applesauce.  

You are a great sleeper and napper.  You take one good 3-4 hour nap in the afternoon and sleep from 7:30/8PM to 7:30/8AM.  

You sometimes fall asleep on the way home from preschool but you are getting better at staying awake til we get home.  

You are the sweetest little snuggle bug.  You love to give hugs and kisses.  You are so friendly and love everyone.  You are so happy and easygoing.  

You have definitely entered the terrible two's.  You want what you want when you want it.  When you don't get your want you throw yourself on the floor and throw a oscar-winning tantrum.  

Your defense mechanism is a scream.  This happens usually when your brother takes your toys or you want what he has and can't have it.  You do listen when we tell you no.  

(I pulled the camera out to take your picture and immediately you sat down right here and smiled big for the camera!  You are so cute!!!)

You are saying more words.  They aren't very clear but I can tell you are really trying to repeat and say words.  

You love to read books.  You will bring me a book and want to crawl up in my lap and read.

You are definitely a momma's boy and want me to hold you 24/7.  Though I would love nothing more than to snuggle and love on you all day but I must get some things done.  

You bring so much joy and love into our lives daily!  We love you so much and cannot imagine life without you!  You are a blessing and such a joy!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie

 I think everyone has a go-to recipe for a quick and yummy snack.  One of my favorite cookie recipe is Betty Crocker's Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies.  They are the best chocolate chip cookies.  Seriously!  They stay soft and yummy for days, even though they never last long around here.  

They are quick, easy and great for that party, get together or just for a snack after dinner!

(Recipe by Betty Crocker)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 1/2 cups all purpose unbleached flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup nuts (optional)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, stir brown sugar and butter until blended.  Stir in vanilla and egg until light and fluffy.  Stir in oats, flour, baking soda and salt; stir in chocolate chips and nuts.

2. Drop dough by rounded spoonfuls onto un-greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool slightly; remove cookie sheet to wire rack.
 

Party Weekend

 

We had a full weekend of birthday parties.  Saturday morning Ryan and I headed to our friend Bret's house for a fun circus fourth birthday party.  Bret is one of Ryan's best friends and they always have the best time playing.  (Bret is the one in the clown outfit)

When we got there Bret's dad was dressed like a clown.  Ryan was not so sure about that but he was a good sport.  He high-tailed it down to the basement to play with Bret's toys.  

The kids enjoyed eating pizza and everyone's favorite - Cake!

Sunday we went to a birthday party for our friend Cooper at Recreations Outlet.  The party was from 3-5 so I put Ryan down around 1:30 thinking he wouldn't fall asleep before I would get him up at 2:30 but surprisingly he fell asleep within 20 minutes.  Oh well, he was so excited to go to the party.  

He loves the indoor playground and his favorite part is the bouncy house.  He had the time of his life playing and running around.  He played on all the equipment and loved jumping on the trampoline.  

Colton and Matt came later since C was napping.  Colton was so excited to played and had fun jumping with Ryan.  He was a pro at climbing up the playground (which makes me so nervous) and going down the slide.  

 Are you ready for spring???  I am SO ready for spring and can't wait for it to get warm outside.  The boys are going to have a blast playing on the swing set this summer and riding bikes.  

I can tell I'm ready for spring because I've been shopping online for spring/summer clothes.  The boys are pretty much set I think, but of course I love all the new stuff coming out.  Come on spring days!