Healthy(er) alternatives

Try this next time you need something sweet.

Healthy(er)Brownies:

1 Package brownie mix
1 can black beans

Puree the black beans with juice in a blender. Dump into the brownie mix and cook as directed on the box. That's it! Tons of fiber and protein.

Healthy(er) Cake:

1 Package Cake mix
1 can Diet Coke

Mix the two ingredients together and cook as directed on the cake box.

Sounds crazy, I know, but YUM!

A run down of last night

The boys went to sleep just after seven last night. It was great. Alexis wasn't too far behind falling asleep at eight. Wayne and I cuddled on the couch for 10 minutes before we both decided that we were beat! Wayne has been battling the flu, the real flu. He was even sent home from work, which goes to show just how sick he was. I was super tired, so we went to bed. I know, LAME. At 8:30 last night we were out.

All I have to say is thank goodness. Alexis woke up at 10:00. I fed her, but she wouldn't go back to sleep. We just hung out together until 12:00 when I heard Trevor crying for me. He kept saying, "Mommy, I'm cold." I ran into his room to find Jacob VERY unenthused and Trevor shivering. I picked him up and immediately felt a hot head and goosebumps on his legs. As soon as he layed his head down on my shoulders he threw-up on me. Alexis was still awake and now crying. Wayne had gone downstairs to get some decent sleep at 10:00 because he's on long call today. Trevor was acting fine after vomitting, so I took him downstairs to be with Wayne. We checked his temperature (101.8) and gave him Tylenol. I ran upstairs to a screaming baby and got her to sleep by 12:30.

At 1:30 Wayne ran upstairs with Trevor again, vomitting. We threw him in the bathtub which woke him up completely. Wayne stayed awake with him until 3:00 and came to get me so that he could get a few hours of sleep. As soon as I went downstairs Alexis started crying. I told Trevor that I had to go upstairs to get Alexis back to sleep. He followed me and layed in my bed making car noises. I told him that he had to be quiet or Alexis wouldn't go back to sleep. Within five minutes he was snoring. After I layed Alexis back down I moved Trevor to his bed praying that he would not wake up again.

At 4:00 Jacob came into my room to tell me that he had an accident. Thankfully it was just a tiny bit on his underwear. We took care of that and all got back in bed. At 4:30 I was finally able to fall asleep. It was uninterruped until 7:15. Hallelujah.

Needless to say we're staying home today.

This is kinda fun

90 words

Speed test

Easter

I felt like it was the night before Christmas last night. Jacob wanted to go to bed at 5:30 because he was so excited. He went to sleep around 7:30, but woke up at 6:30this morning (I guess that's only 1/2 hour earlier than normal). Like Christmas, everything is found/opened and now we're playing. I'm going to post quickly while they're having fun with their bubbles.

Yesterday was a very busy day. Wayne had to go to work, but when the kids were awake we headed straight to the gym and I busted out nine miles on the treadmill. I was so surprised the ladies at the Kidzone didn't need me for Alexis. She fell asleep for an hour while I was exercising. It was great! The boys always love it there. Jacob always finds a friend and it's been fun lately to see Trevor interact with kids other than Jacob and his friends. Yesterday, he found a friend and kept calling him boy because he didn't know his name. All I could hear was, "Come on boy!" and "Let's go boy!" The time before than he was tromping around with a boy named Eric. It's nice that Trevor has changed his tune there. He used to cry everytime I would leave. It broke my heart. I felt like I was leaving him for 10 very long hours.

After the gym we raced home and stuffed eggs for our community Easter Egg hunt. You get as many eggs as you bring. I think Trevor was beat after that. He did not want to run and get eggs! Jacob was going for the gold and Trevor was running the wrong way! He threw his bucket down and shuffled around. I grabbed his hand and raced with him to the very last section with eggs. Once he figured it out he loved it. I was exhausted! Thank goodness for the Baby Bjorn! Alexis was talking about a storm to all of the kids running past her. I think the hunt ended in about five minutes.

As we were walking back home I saw a very handsome guy in scrubs and a long white coat walking toward me. HOORAY! It was 1:00 p.m. and Wayne was HOME! We decided to enjoy a nice afternoon bowling. We went to the bowling alley around 3:00 and there weren't any lanes until 9:30 p.m. The boys were crushed. So we went and rented Mickey and the Three Musketeers. The boys adore this cute little movie. I just finished the fifth Harry Potter book so Wayne and I enjoyed watching the Harry Potter movie when the kids went to bed and we prepared for Easter morning. I think Wayne read the entire Harry Potter series in two weeks. No, he was not on vacation. He is just a crazy fast reader! I'm excited to read the last two.

Lounging around in our pajama's

I don't know if the running is making me tired or the fact that Alexis is not sleeping well at night. I'm pooped! So here we are in the middle of the afternoon playing in pajamas. At least we've brushed our teeth, right?

From Kristin, to Riv, and now ME!

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The Can-Can

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Which Disney princess are you?

http://www.greatestjournal.com/quiz.bml?Q=16354"><> size=+1>You Are Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which'>http://www.greatestjournal.com/quiz.bml?Q=16354">Which Disney Princess Are You?

On the menu . .

I found this recipe online and am super excited to try it out. It looks easy and yummy!

Stovetop Chicken Pasta

1 lb boneless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
3 cups chicken broth
1 1/4 cup orzo pasta
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
2 pinches rosemary
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 c sliced green onions
1 cup frozen peas (or brocolli)
1 cup Asiago cheese, grated
Fresh parsley for garnish

Place chicken broth in medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add chicken and pasta and cook for 6 minutes. Add herbs and cook until pasta is almost done. Add tomatoes and green onions and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and stir in frozen peas and 1/2 of the cheese. Mix well, season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve, adding additional cheese and parsley if desired.

Chef Patti Battista suggests doubling the recipe and freezing one for another day. She also makes a note that this can be made with shrimp in place of chicken. Just add the shrimp to the end as to not overcook it.

Playing and grandma's quick trip

We've been playing a lot inside. The past few days has been cold, but sunny, so we've at least gotten outside for a little bit. Trevor was jumping on this pillow sham and told me that they were his exercises. Jacob was getting Lexi to smile. We've been acting like kitty cats, dinosaurs, and puppy dogs at different times throughout the day. Jacob is into stenciling and has already started to make things for his upcoming outer space party (who knows when that's going to be). Trevor told me yesterday that the garbage truck that was driving down the road was very frusterating. I was just holding in my giggles. He just cracks me up.

Alexis has been little miss grabby lately. She is still figuring those cute little hands out. She waps and waps at things until she finally is able to hold onto it. It immediately goes into her mouth. She is so much fun.

My mom made a quick trip the last few days of February. She caught a red-eye Wednesday night, flew in here Thursday morning and flew back home on Saturday. It was so much fun to have her here. The kids LOVED it and so did I. We found some killer deals at the mall. I'm surprised she was able to fit everything in the luggage she brought. Thanks mom for making time for us!

Wayne is (as always) very busy. He averages right around 80 hours per week. I can't believe that it will only be a few more months until intern year is over. Yay!

I'm busy training for my half-marathon next month. I'm so excited to get out there and race!

All the pictures of Lexi

Here is a link to all of the pictures Jaime took of Alexis. http://homepage.mac.com/jaime.lea/New%20Album/

Thanks again, Jaime!

We are getting dumped upon! I mean dumped upon! I think we have a foot of new snow from yesterday and 5-8 inches more today. It just keeps coming and coming. I'm glad that I made a trip to the store before this all started yesterday. I feel nice and stocked up!

Alexis, baby model

Alexis was a model for Jaime yesterday. She has a new backdrop and great setup. For those of you looking for great pictures check her out!

Buttermilk Honey Wheat Bread

This wheat bread is so soft and delicious. I've tried quite a few recipes and they are just dry! The kids eat this one up.

INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup white bread flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature

DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine the yeast, whole wheat four, bread flour, baking soda, salt, honey, oil, and buttermilk into pan of bread machine or kitchenaid (for manual).

2. If baking in bread machine use medium temperature setting.

3. If baking in an oven, use manual or dough cycle to knead dough. I use my kitchenaid dough hook and knead until the dough has formed into a ball around the dough hook. Remove and place in a greased loaf pan. Let rise until doubled in size. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

The kids

Jacob is definitely my BIG BOY. He's been into making Valentines for his friends and cousins. We'll see how far we get, but we have the best intentions to make a Valentine for everyone (we'll see).

Two days ago I made sprinkle pancakes for the boys (I know, mother of the year). Jacob LOVED them and ate 2 1/2, but Trevor (in typical Trevor fashion) just picked at his. After everything was cleaned up I walked into the kitchen to find this. He was just going to town on the sprinkles.

Alexis has almost gained two pounds in one month! I am so excited for our family in Utah to finally see her in April. Her eyelashes are getting so long (just like her daddy's). I finally caught a picture of Alexis in her favorite sleeping position. She loves to sleep on Wayne's chest. He can get her to sleep in less than five minutes. Sometimes she's knocked out as soon as he picks her up and she lays her head down. It is the sweetest thing and I have told Wayne many times that he's in trouble with her! He just adores her.

I'm busy training for my half marathon in April. I am so excited to run it with Kristin in her new hometown of Nashville. My friend, Jaime, is also coming to run it. GIRL POWER! Hopefully we can make destination races together. I'm debating running the Richmond marathon again in the fall. It is HARD to train in upstate NY in the winter. WHEW. I miss being able to run outside all year in Virginia.

Wayne is busy, busy on the Cardiac Critical Care Unit right now. He loves what he is doing and I am so thankful that after a VERY long day in the hospital he comes home content and happy. He is such a great husband and daddy. The kids adore him. Jacob and Trevor's favorite thing to do with him . . . . WRESTLE. They say it the minute he walks through the door.

My little man

My little Trevor is so sweet. I thought this picture captured his personality so well. Yesterday Jacob was coming toward him. He immediately took the defensive and said, "Jacob, no swiping! No swiping Jacob!" It was hilarious. A few nights ago I was really frusterated with the boys. They would not go to bed! We did the whole routine and after getting out of bed at least five times I started to get angry. Trevor said, "Mommy, I want to make you happy." I said, "Then go to bed!" He immediately started singing Twinkle twinkle little star and yes, it instantly made me happy.

Pumpkin pancakes

If you love pumpkin and pancakes you'll definitely love these. My boys seem to go in and out of like with them, but Wayne and I love them. I normally half the recipe and it still makes a good chunk for our family.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar (I add a little more 1-2 TBSP's)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons vinegar

Add dry ingredients together then milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Stir until just combined.

YUM!

Alexis blessing pictures

Thank you, thank you, thank you Shelly for the beautiful pictures of Alexis!

I was worried that she wouldn't fit in her blessing dress much longer. She's officially out of her newborn clothes and has graduated to 3-6 month outfits. I can't believe how fast she's growing up. Just don't grow up too quickly. I love you baby girl!

Heaven, they're in heaven

My parents sent the boys new sheet sets for their beds for one of their christmas presents. They know that they are obsessed with anything transportation. If I would have known their response I would have washed the sheets as soon as they opened the present. As soon as Trevor saw it he rolled around his bed stuffing his head into his pillow like he had just delved into thousands of down feathers. Jacob couldn't get enough either. I think he talked for an hour about the much cooler bed and how he needed to call his friends so that they could come over and see the updated do. It was so fun to watch. I don't think I could adequately explain their exitement. Alexis was less than amused and decided to opt for some beauty rest.

I am amazed how fast my little girl grows! She is more than loved! These pictures were taken this morning.

Me and my man

How long have you been together? 10 years May 15th.
How long did you date? We dated for four months -- all through the summer right after high school and his mission.
How old is he? 32. He is almost exactly three years older than me.
Who eats more? He does.
Who said "I love you" first? Wayne.
Who is taller? Wayne -- he's 6'4".
Who sings better? Wayne would say me, but he has a beautiful voice.
Who is smarter? Wayne, hands down. I guess I have some chops in the business field.
Who does the laundry? Me, but he helps fold and put away.
Who does the dishes? I do it most of the time, but if he gets home and there are dishes in the sink that is the first thing he'll do before he eats, sits, sleeps . . . anything -- no complaints, he just does it.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Wayne, we switched the first time I was pregnant and had to sleep on my left side.
Who pays the bills? Me.
Who mows the lawn? Neither -- HOA baby.
Who cooks dinner? Me.
Who is more stubborn? Definitely me, he yields 95% of the time. If there is something he really wants I let him have it :).
Who kissed who first? Wayne -- my mom was across the street at the neighbors house when he brought me home. She didn't think we'd get there that early and hid in the bushes so we couldn't see her (they were sitting on the porch). So funny! It's a good thing it was short and sweet.
Who asked who out? He asked me. We had a BLAST!
Who proposed? Wayne
Who is more sensitive? Hmmm, we are both very sensitive.
Who has more friends? Me -- only because he works so much.
Who has more siblings? Me by one, I have 6. Wayne has 5.
Who are you tagging? Ali, Kara, Kristin, Sarah, and Danielle

New Year

Let's see . . . we've been up to a few things since Christmas.

Wayne's work party was Saturday evening. We had a great time! A huge thanks to Katie for coming over to the house. We were able to get the boys to bed before we left, but Alexis would not take a bottle and was a little high maintenance while we were gone. The party was at a country club here. I was surprised how incredibly nice it was. It's been a long time since I've seen tuxedos and gowns. It was fun to get out and we had a blast.

New Year's Eve the kids and I went to the Richardson's for a party. The kids had a ball. I love talking with friends. It was nice to not be by myself. Wayne was working late and got there just in time to get everyone home.

It is 61 degrees today! I think that it is a new high in Rochester. We are eating it up and have been outside a ton. By the weekend it's supposed to be in the 20's again. I'm hoping to get outside for a run before it turns ugly.

Alexis had her two month doctor appointment today. She was a trooper! Trevor, on the other hand, screamed and screamed the entire time we were in the room because he wanted to play with the fabulous train table in the waiting area. Needless to say, I will not be taking him with me to the next appointment. Alexis is now 11 pounds 12ounces. She is 55% in weight and 81% in height. She's growing like a weed. When we brought her home from the hospital she was 6 lbs 9 oz. It's amazing to see the changes that happen in a few short months.

Jacob is back to school and swimming lessons. He really wants to take Karate and I'll be looking into that for him soon.

Oh yes, and lastly, Wayne and I are going to see Wicked when it comes to Rochester in June! We are stoked with our early 10 year anniversary present!