Saturday surprise!

This morning I went outside to help with the planting and AJ announced to me that he can ride his bike without training wheels. I think he's been ready for awhile based on how easily he was riding and I could tell he was very proud of himself! Amazing how kids are so cute and grown-up at the same time. If our camera wasn't broke and I knew how to post a video on here I would show you him in action.

Action-filled Friday

Today we had some friends over to play and everything was going so well until Eliana came up to me with something white hanging out of her nose. I pulled it out and it was a small bean they had been pretending to cook with. Unfortunately there was another one further up that I could not get out so off we went to the emergency room. Poor AJ was so upset, he cried almost the whole time and was so worried about her until the nurses gave him a popsicle and then he felt much better. The doctor was able to get it out pretty easily and I found it amusing that it had expanded quite a bit while inside her nose. That's what happens when they get wet right? He also said we were lucky because 90% of these kinds of cases end up going to a specialist where they have to sedate the child in order to remove the foreign object. Glad this crisis is over!

A Glimpse of Summer

Every spring New England gets a few days of really warm weather. Today and yesterday were in the mid-80's and tomorrow should be as well. As you can see we were well prepared and had some fun in the sun!

You can tell Eliana is well trained to say "cheese" when having her picture taken.

On loan from our neighbor. Thanks Litttle Jack!AJ is kind of like that kid Dash from "The Incredibles."

A Relaxing Saturday

Sometimes I think we're so busy "getting everything done" that we forget to be a family and enjoy each other. We used the good weather portion of today to cut the grass, go to the zoo, eat lunch together and then hang out outside on the deck, (Jonathan and I lounging while Eliana and AJ "painted" the deck with brushes and water). So simple just to sit there and enjoy each other's company, we need to do it more often. I learned this lesson when my dad died when I was a teenager and I guess today reminded me how important it is to spend and appreciate the time we have, not necessarily doing things but building our relationships and being together.

Quote from my Kids

AJ: "I challenge you to an arm wrestling contest Mommy and if I win I get to do whatever I want."
Eliana: "The baby's growing bigger, look at your belly Momma!"
Eliana: " Is that Chuck E Cheezits?"

Happy Mother's Day to all and to all a good night!

Hi fellow moms and the husbands who adore them! I hope you had a wonderful day. Ours was nice and simple.....church, lunch at home, games and dinner with the family. Not too different from any other Sunday but that's ok with me. AJ made me a beautiful picture a with poem on it and Eliana made me a card with stickers at Sunday school this morning. Jonathan got me some house plants and they are beautiful so I hope I don' t kill them too quickly! Thanks for being such a great husband and dad and thank you to my children for kissing me every day, telling me constantly how much you love me and all the times you've made me laugh. I love you guys!

Healthier Cookie Recipe

I thought these might turn out really badly but they are pretty good. Definitely different though since we are so used to eating cookies made with white sugar. I would add a little more oats....maybe a cup and a half rather than just one cup, too watery with just 1 cup.

Applesauce Cookies

Mix in large bowl:
1 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. your favorite nuts (we used walnuts)
1 c. quick oats
1 c. chocolate chips or raisins (we used the chips)

Mix in another bowl:
1 c. applesauce
2 eggs
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla

Add to dry ingredients and mix well.

Spoon onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes at 375. Allow to cool before serving.

Baby Stuff

I know it's our 3rd kid and all but I started some registries because believe it or not there are a few thins we actually need. They aren't terribly long but just a few things from each place and I figured it would be easier for people when they ask me, "What do you need for the baby?" Now I can just direct them to the lists!

Go Jonny!!!!!!!

Jonathan ran his first road race ever today. He really pushed himself and made great time. The route went right by the top of our street so we walked up there to watch. I'm so glad we set good examples for the kids and show them the benefits of an active lifestyle. We love you Papi and we're so proud!

Overprotective Mama

Yup that's me! I kept AJ out of school today. They were doing a field trip to the local library and I was nervous about the swine flu....sorry H1N1 virus. I just figure if we can stay away from public places where many people go who I have no idea where they've been or who they've been in contact with, I will feel a little safer. Just for a few days. Not to mention our incessant hand washing, which is something I have them do all the time anyway. I know, I know I'm neurotic but oh well. I planned a special art project for our time together and look how great they did! AJ's is green and Eliana's is pink.