Weekend Wrap Wednesday ~ Christmas Pictures and House Happenings

This weekend was a slow then busy one as usual!

Thursday was meet the teacher day! I was SO freaked out! But it was good the only thing she commented on was his noise. That boys makes animal and train noises when he's bored! UGH but overall he was so good! He has improved on this letters and numbers! The Jumpstart game and those workbooks I've picked up at the dollar store are really helping!

Friday was a great day after work I picked up the boys and headed up to girlfriends house that I haven't seen in probably 9 years! I had a wii game I need to try out put a call out on facebook and their she was. Isn't that amazing and so nice to open her home! And get this the boys were on their best behavior. She actually commented on how good they were. I actually choked on my wine and had to really look at them and say wow really they are ... LOL.

Saturday I had a big plan get the house clean and get ready for Thanksgiving that will be here. Well that was a plan ... LOL. Instead I ended up working the morning then got sucked into answering my emails! I had over 300 of them ... ugh sorry everyone I just haven't had extra time to comment and read blogs. I think I've caught up on almost all of them! If not do worry I'll be by!

I did it I went back to McDonalds with the kids but it was ok, no bling butts like last time and the boys played and I was able to read a little. Very soothing, now I know we could stay home but there is just something about a room with a HUGE toy in the middle that draws the boys in!

Sunday we went to church and pastor Lonnie asked me about being baptized that I wanted to do this weekend but I'm having a hard time getting Rick to go. I'm working on him and really would love him to be there for that special moment. After church we went and met my parents at the mall where we walked around, they bought lunch for the boys and then we saw Santa. Who knew Santa was out before Thanksgiving! And guess what my mom had outfits for the boys in the car!!! I know she rocks and even better my dad bought the $32.95 CD of the pictures. Can you believe that for 10 pictures on a CD you pay $33!!!! Or you could pay $20 for one sheet, heck go for the cd and take it over to Costco for 17 cents and print like no tomorrow. I think I'll use the Santa and the Christmas Tree ones from last week for our cards. I hope to get those over to Costco (LOVE their Cards and so cheap) so I can get out this weekend.

And then you have today the do more road work and guess what they put in a new water line so that means no water from 8am to 5pm!!!! Yup no flushing the toilet either, thankfully Rick filed up so pots so we could before they shut it off! And they still aren't done with our road either ;( or soon we'll be back to normal!

So I know you've been waiting so here are the pictures!

Here are some of the pictures for the nursery

This place rocks!

Momma even got in for a few

Along with Monnie and Bapa

Things that drive Rick nuts

I was just complaining about running out of books

... then I open my door to this!

Yup all audio books!!!!

And I finally finished the books for Cole's Teacher

Then Monday I open my cabinet to find it was wet!

Guess what my roof was leaking :(

Crap ... thankfully it was just the plate for the hood of the stove

it slipped over but it's been happening a while

Now my ceiling now ... double crap!

And Caden-nator!

this week I've decided that I needed to rival Cole!

So I built a train track and wall in the hallway (yes all by himself)

Pull books out and make a book trail

Hide in the bedroom when I hear mom coming to see what I did (see my head)

Then mom makes a PB&J and I eat the inside

Then I smile because I love a Jelly face!

Yup that is a hole the whole length of my street!

And yes that is a man in that hole!

Caden and I had to walk to the car to pick up Cole

So we had to bundle since it was raining

Check out his turtle hat my MIL made!

And the Santa Pictures

I was so proud, last year Caden cried so hard!

I ended up standing behind the chair and holding him.

Yes my mom spiked Cole's hair ... LOL

One more day and I better get my butt in gear!

I've only cleaned the oven and my closet so far.

Crap my parents are coming over!!!

Love them but man they will always point out the dirt!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday ~ K.A.F. Kids - ABC Twists

Today for TMTT I'm going to share with you the second product we were asked to try from King Arthur Flour. This is the one Cole has been dying to make, he's been asking ever since the package arrived. K.A.F. Kids - ABC Twists is so cute and easy, Cole had a blast making it, you can see from the pictures! The only problem we had was the rolling out like a snake that was a little hard for him. Over all I must say this was an amazing product that was a great thing for Cole and I to do when Caden went to sleep. Cole has now learned all his letter and their sounds so this was perfect timing for him to make!

Yes you see two C's one if for him and the smaller one is for brother. He even made the B for the neighbor boy! They come with a cinnamon sugar package you sprinkle on, they said to do after you bake but you know me easy so I did pre-bake and it was wonderful! Mom got the F ... Hmm wonder what secret meaning is in that statement!

K.A.F. Kids - ABC Twists is super easy all you need is water (the yeast, flour and cinnamon sugar are included) and butter to brush the bread. EASY!!

Make sure to head over to my King Arthur Flour Giveaway that ends 12/01 you'll receive a bag of flour of your choice and one of these mixes! Enjoy these were super easy and yummy!

Cole making his dough

(Yes he did all this one his own, I just supervised)

Now I had to help with the rolling but ...

Cole made all the letters!

He even brushed the butter!

Thanks for stopping by!

I want to tell you how thankful I am for all of you!

You make my day with your comments and emails.

Thank you for making me want to get out of bed each day.

But then I make more food .... hmmm maybe this isn't such a good idea ... LOL

MSM ~ Healthy Bread in Five Minute a Day

As many of you know I love books! I know who would have guessed that? But my favorite are cook books and I love sharing them with my food post! Nothing is better than cracking open a new book and find something new. It may be a new style of cooking, a new twist or something you just have never heard of before. It's the most exciting part putting it together and then waiting to see how it turns out!

Something else you'll know by now is I LOVE bread, now yes I usually always use my breadmaker but this time around I made it in the oven like it called for. I know no rule breaking this time! Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day is a wonderful book with 100 New recipes featuring Whole Grains, Fruits, Veggies and Gluten-Free Ingredients! Yes my Gluten-Free friends you too can have bread! I don't know how you do it I would go nuts!

So a few are you are saying I just don't have time to make fresh bread. First off have you had fresh bread ... LOL just playing really it's so much better than store bought. And take it from the girl that uses a breadmaker these recipes were super easy and yummy! And the best part hello is these are healthy (I know I didn't tell the boys what they were eating was good for them). If you're looking for healthy, weight loss, cut back on cholesterol or because this is your life style then you won't be let down. Who says we need to serve the same boring wheat bread for lunch? I say spice it up and make it something everyone wants to eat!

So last Monday I featured the Pumpkin Pie Brioche in my King Arthur Flour Giveaway (Make sure you enter). I saved 1/4 of this bread mix for this next recipe I tried from the Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day book. Ok I must admit I went threw the book and found the pretty glossy pages and this recipe caught my eye! For the bread part it called for the Pumpkin Pie Brioche so I made that recipe and this one also. Yup a two for one deal! Yes I'm on a pumpkin kick! I just love it and pretty soon I won't be finding it everywhere and on sale so you're going to get overloaded with it for a few food post ;).

Pear Tarte Tatin with Whole Wheat Brioche (I used Pumpkin Pie Brioche)

1/2 pound (orange-size portion) of Use any of those refrigerated pre-mixed doughs or a brioche (I used the Pumpkin Pie Brioche recipe - See last Monday post King Arthur Flour Giveaway)

3 tbs unsalted butter, or zero trans fat, zero hydrogenated oil margarine

1/3 c brown sugar

1/4 c honey

1 tsp lemon juice

1 cinnamon stick

Two 1-inch round slices of ginger

2 whole cardamom pods (optional)

1 star anise (optional)

5 Large firm pears, peeled, stemmed, cored, and quartered

1. In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat, and then sprinkle the sugar, honey, and lemon juice over it. Drop the cinnamon stick, giner, and optional cardamom pods and star anise in the middle. Arrange the pears in a circular pattern, cut side up, in the sugar.

2. Cook slowly over low heat until the pears start to absorb the caramel and the juices are bubbling around them, about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the size, ripeness, and firmness of the pears. Spoon the sugar over the pears as they cook. Move the pears around slightly so that they are cooked evenly. If you are using a softer pear, it will go much faster.

3. Once the pears are coloring nicely and the caramel is bubbling, turn off the stove and let them cool while you prepare the dough.

4. Preheat the oven to 350 F, with a rack placed in the center of the oven. The baking stone is not essential; if you omit it , the preheat can be as short as 5 minutes.

5. While the pears are cooling, dust the surface of the refrigerated dough with flour and cut off a 1/2 pound piece. Dust with more flour and quickly shape it into a ball by stretching the surface of the dough around to the bottom on all four sides, rotating the ball a quarter-turn as you go.

6. With a rolling pin,k roll out the dough until it is a 1/8-inch-thick circle that fits the pan and extends about 1 inch beyond to make room for any shrinkage while baking. As you roll out the dough, use enough flour to prevent the dough from sticking to the work surface but not so much as to make it dry.

7. Drape the circle of dough over the pears, and tuck the excess between the pears and the edge of the pan.

8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the tarte to cool in the skillet for about 5 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving platter that is large enough that the hot caramel juices don't spill out. Serve warm or cool.

*NOTE* I didn't have any cinnamon sticks so I just used a little ground cinnamon same with the ginger. As for the pears I didn't have fresh so I used can and they turned out great! Also instead of doing this on the stove I popped it into the oven along with the bread that was baking. Why not use the energy to the max benefit!

BUY IT: Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day Hard back $27.99 on sale at Amazon for $18.47.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day

by: ~ Jeff Hertzberg MD (Author), Zoe Francois (Author), Mark Luinenburg(Photographer)

Make sure to check out my King Arthur Flour Giveaway that is great for these recipes

Day 1: Make the Pumpkin Pie Brioche

Day 2: Make the Pear Tarte Tatin

Enjoy I promise this book should be on your Christmas Wish List!

(CLOSED) Exergen TemporalScanner Giveaway

I don't need to tell you we are in the cold season, for some reason it hit my family (or more me) for months a while back. Now we know mom is never suppose to be sick but even we're we are sick we still need to function. What is worse then mommy being sick is when the kids are sick too!

Picture this you're sleeping in bed when you hear your child screaming you run in there and touch there sweaty forehead and just know they have a fever. I must admit I think I've tried every thermometer out there and have not been a fav of many. You have the under the tongue but really what kid you know loves having a poky (usually cold) item shoved under their tongue? I mean come on I even hate those when I go to the doctor and they make me do it (my mind wanders and I want to rip the thing out). Then you have under the armpit, this always gets giggles and a bunch of no's from the boys. Let's not even go there with the one that goes in a different regein of the body I'm sorry that is just wrong! Unless you are Melman from Madagascar this is not the option you head right for.

So what do you do? You can go out and be like me buy these cheap ones that are small you loose (buy a new one and find the other one in the couch). You start with the baby one and the infant one and then you work your way up to the one we remember as kids (or parents weren't crazy like us they didn't get into the hype of buying for each age group). Why do we do this to ourselves?

Instead check out Exergen TemporalScanner™ it really is the most amazing gadget that is sturdy (yes the boys put it to test) and is a good size that it doesn't fall into the couch cushions and get lost for months ... or ok years! It's so simple and can be done even on a sleeping child. You know those nights that you're up late watching them as they sleep when they don't feel good! You simple take the Exergen TemporalScanner™ and gentle slide it over the forehead. I know isn't that easy? It captures the heat from the skin over the temporal artery, takes 1,000 readings per seconds. Yup no doubts now about it being more accurate than an ear thermometer now. Ok Some of you are asking what is the temporal artery it is the same temperature as the blood flowing from the heart. It's the best way to determine the bodies temperature.

I told you this will be a life saver when you run out of bed for the screaming kid (even the big kind we call husband) and trying to dig threw our medicine cabinet along the way stubbing our toe, turning on the lights blinding ourselves all the way thinking where the heck is that small little thing? So for a little sanity along with your mental health knowing you're getting an accurate reading check out the Exergen TemporalScanner™ I promise your toes and eyes and oh yeah the love ones in your life will thank you. Nothing is better than a happy mommy while others are sick :).

The best part is I get to share one with you! One lucky reader will win a Exergen TemporalScanner™ for themselves or hello it's almost Christmas what a great gift!

Simply glide it over the forehead to get a quick reading.

BUY IT: TemporalScanner™ at select stores range from $39.99 to $49.99.

WHERE TO BUY: They are available at Wal-Mart, Babies R' Us, www.babiesrus.com, Walgreens, www.walgreens.com, Toy's R' Us, www.costco.com, and www.baby.com presently. Contact Exergen at 1-800-422-3006 or medical@exergen.com if none of these are convenient for you.

WIN IT: Tell me a thermometer story. Yup an easy one.

1st Entry MUST be done before any of the extra entries. SUPER easy.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Do as many as you like just leave a separate comment for EACH:

1. Follow my blog
2. Have my button up on your site
3. Subscribe via email (2 Extra Entries)
4. Sign up for Networked Blogs (facebook - located on the right side) (3 Extra Entries)
5. Head over to TemporalScanner™ and let me know something you learned
6. Enter my Edens Fantasys $25 GC by 11/22/09
7. Enter my How to Score Book Giveaway 5 Winners by 11/22/09
8. Enter my Seduce Me Book Giveaway 5 Winners by 11/22/09
9. Enter my Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind 5 Winners by 11/22/09
10. Enter my Fierce Style Book Giveaway 5 Winners by 11/22/09
11. Enter my Connected Book Giveaway 5 Winners by 11/29/09
12. Enter my Make it Fast, Cook it Slow Giveaway by 11/30/09
    
13. Enter my King Arthur Flour Giveaway by 12/01/09
14. Enter my C.Belly Belts Giveaway by 12/07/09
15. Blog about the giveaway or on your side bar (3 Extra Entries)

Giveaway ends 12/07/09 Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.

FCC Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review these are my opinions and experiences, I received products to try and to tell how I liked them. No monetary or any other form of compensation was given to me. I review products free of charge to give my experience and opinion

(CLOSED) C.Belly Belts Giveaway

As many of you know both my boys have the hardest time with pants staying up. Yes I know where the heck did they inherit this from not from mom or dad! Believe me we have plenty to hold up our pants ... another story!

With Cole I have the HARDEST time finding pants he likes and that stay up. That boy is so flipping skinny and then you add in tall! So his slim little body needs a 6 in length but a 5t in the waist (sometimes smaller). We have a hard time finding those pants with the elastic tabs inside and when you do find them they are so expensive. I even thought heck for $10 extra per pants I could sew in some elastic and buttons. Yup it's a great thought but really do you see me doing this? No so I give in and buy the expensive jeans that he then wears out in 3 months and I start the headache all over again!

That was until I saw on another blog C.belly belts and was so impressed! Don't you just love blogs really they lead me to the coolest things that help my life! C.belly belts are a the answer to my prayers, they save you money and time (all that time trying to find those pants that fit!). Now most of you are going I've tried belts before but either my kid has problems with them to go the bathroom or just get upset because they can't hook them back up. That is what is the cool part about C.belly belts they have the be design with an open front and easy velcro closure! Don't you just love Velcro? Whoever invented that rocks! C.belly belts goes in the loops really easy and when it comes to the front loops you fold the belt backwards so the cute patterns shows.

Talk about being a lifesaver for potty training, little ones that don't like tight things on their bellies and you know how it goes they love their independence! What I loved is you can help them put it on in the morning (or you can put it on the pants before they put them on) and leave it! They come in the cutest colors and prints. I was so lucky C.belly belts sent me one for each boy! They sent me for Dinosaur Cole and Funky Monkey for Caden, they were so cute and well made!

What I love is they come in 5 sizes from 12mo all the way to clothing size 14! Make diaper changing to potty training and independence a breeze!

BUY IT: C.belly belts are $12.99 each or for the best bang for your buck you can get 2 for $19.99!!! Free Shipping on orders over $30.00 (USPS Ground Service Only)

WIN IT: C.belly belts has generously offered 1 of my readers 2 C.belly belts! To enter head over to C.belly belts and tell me what 2 styles you would choose. Pick carefully these will be what you get.

1st Entry MUST be done before any of the extra entries. SUPER easy.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Do as many as you like just leave a separate comment for EACH:

1. Follow my blog
2. Have my button up on your site
3. Subscribe via email (2 Extra Entries)
4. Sign up for Networked Blogs (facebook - located on the right side) (3 Extra Entries)
5. Enter my Stepmonster Book Giveaway by 11/15/09
6. Enter my Giggle Bug Toddler Tracker by 11/15/09
7. Enter my Edens Fantasys $25 GC by 11/22/09
8. Enter my How to Score Book Giveaway 5 Winners by 11/22/09
9. Enter my Seduce Me Book Giveaway 5 Winners by 11/22/09
10. Enter my Close Encounters of the Third Grade Kind 5 Winners by 11/22/09
11. Enter my Fierce Style Book Giveaway 5 Winners by 11/22/09
12. Enter my Connected Book Giveaway 5 Winners by 11/29/09
13. Enter my Make it Fast, Cook it Slow Giveaway by 11/30/09
    
14. Blog about the giveaway or on your side bar (3 Extra Entries)

Giveaway ends 12/07/09 Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.

FCC Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review these are my opinions and experiences, I received products to try and to tell how I liked them. No monetary or any other form of compensation was given to me. I review products free of charge to give my experience and opinion

Cole Showing off his C.belly Belt

The two C.belly belts sent to us
Check out all the styles!

Yummy Fancy Fortune Cookies Review

As many of you know I have a slight addiction to food .... hmmm yes it explains my fluffy waist :). I really do enjoy good foods and every once in a while a nice treat. I must admit my dad got me hooked on fortune cookies, he would buy a bag of them whenever we went out for Chinese. Yes I said a bag not just a few cookies ... and they wonder where I get my munchie habits from. Now I can't say all these cookies we've bought in the past are good they are ok but they have a nice crunch so you like them. Believe me our house does not have snacks in it anymore I've thrown them all away. But every once in a while I do let some treats come in (it's the fear if they are too good I'll eat them all). That is why when our Fancy Fortune Cookies arrived I knew I was in trouble and kept them until we had a party so I could put them out and share. They went like hotcakes and I was so relieved, they tasted to good I stopped by that bowl too many times ... let's just say I'm glad others did too because they were gone quick!

Let me introduce you to Fancy Fortune Cookies that give you not only a good "normal" fortune cookie but choices of different flavors! We were so excited (yes the boys too I shared) to receive assorted package that included such yummy flavors as: Black Raspberry, Blueberry, Lemon, Strawberry, Vanilla and Mint. I don't think I could pick a favorite but the Mint was on top of the list!

Not sure of what flavor you want to try order a sample pack for $10! Looking for some exotic flavors? You'll find them there too! I can't wait to try Cappuccino Fortune Cookies you know how I love my coffee! Even better they have SAME day shipping on orders before 3pm by Fedex! Have a special party or event coming up, want a special way to spice it up. You will be the talk of the party!

Head over to Fancy Fortune Cookies to pick out your own flavor!

BUY IT: Fancy Fortune Cookies run between $41 to $48 for 100 cookies (Yes between41 and 48 cents a cookie). The Chocolate Covered Fortune Cookie run $105 for 100 cookies (Only $1.05 each)

Phone Orders Mon - Fri 8:30a - 5:30p ET
Order 1-888-776-661
or online @ Fancy Fortune Cookies

I love the little saying also!
My two favorite on the fridge
Coles Cookie (perfect for him):
You have an active mind and a keen imagination :)
Mine:
Behind an able man, there are always other able women!