a few of em's favorite things

mY sWeEt BoYs

2011-12-12T22:07:00.000-08:00

This picture really tells a lot. My happy and obedient Andersen. Hen is caring and makes me laugh. Noah is calm and content. I LOVE these little guys. They are all perfect in their individual ways. I feel so blessed that they are here on this earth with me. Dan and I thank our Heavenly Father everyday for these sweet and active boys. Sometimes I go deep in thought and things make perfect sense but it could just really be a lack of sleep. I was thinking the other day how my babies are going to be men. Imagine 3 grown men lying head to head (to head). Why does that make me want to be a better mother? This time is so short when they are small. I want to soak them up and build up their armor for the future. I want them to know that I love them and that I will ALWAYS love them. I want to teach them that their Heavenly Father loves them and wants them to be happy and wants to help them become the strong men that they are meant to become. Sometimes it helps me prioritize to just take a step back from the laundry, dishes, chocolate handprints, squealing, and all the other things that make my days seem overwhelming and just hug my babies and look into their bright eyes and see their potential future and then do what I can to help them get there. I know kinda deep/random. It is 1am and I'm talking crazy ;)

In case you were wondering what happened to us...

2011-10-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

we've just been snuggling Noah.we love him to pieces.

announcement by: CheekyCards

The last few weeks...

2011-04-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is probably the only preggo pic you'll get. I don't know if I've told you yet but I am expecting another little boy in August! I told the facebook world but forgot that some people in my blog world are not "fbers". Everything is going well. I am over the morning sickness phase and on to the "growing at an incredible rate" phase.We think we'll stick with the name Noah, that Andersen picked out years ago, but are open if you have any suggestions.
Little Hen waiting for daddy to get home.
What a sweet boy.He was happy until we brought out the buzzer...
After. Cute smile bud, but a little fake. He wasn't happy about getting a haircut but he was a trooper.
Last week I think I used about 4 pints of heavy cream! This could be part of the reason I gained 5 lbs last week. We had fettuccine alfredo and strawberry shortcake (which should be called strawberry tallcake the way I load it on). Oh and then strawberry short/tallcake again. The strawberries from Costco were SO yummy for Easter.

RECIPE

2 pints strawberries sliced and sugared left out at room temp. for about an hour

1/3 cup shortening
2 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk

Heat oven to 450. Cut shortening into flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl using a pastry blender or 2 butter knives (I usually end up using my hands) until mixture looks like fine crumbs. Stir in milk just until blended.

Then I use a spoon and just drop 6 blobs of dough on an ungreased cookie sheet and back for 10-12 minutes. You can cool them or eat them warm. I cut them hamburger style and load on layers of whipped cream and strawberries. MMMmmm. Oh peaches are actually my favorite for this recipe. I can't wait until they are in season.
ENJOY!

shall I make cinnamon rolls for lunch?

2011-04-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

hmmm, don't mind if I do.

I have never made cinnamon rolls before. I saw a recipe on ourbestbites.com this morning and decided to give it a try. I started about 10:30 and they came out of the oven at 12:30. I thought they would take longer to rise and all that. They were really simple and really yummy!
I was going to take pictures of each step but I forgot a few... the dough was easy. Then you roll it out and spread on the yummy goodness.

Then you roll it up and cut it (with dental floss) and put them in a pan to rise for 30 min.

Then you bake them until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Then you frost them and enjoy! There is nothing better than a warm fresh cinnamon roll.

First time cinnamon roll making = yummy success :)

maple syrup and dreams of warmer weather...

2011-04-04T15:31:00.001-07:00

Here is Andersen enjoying his fresh maple syrup breakfast! It really was delicious!
Here are the trees the yummy syrup came from.

Yeah that is a tiny horse pulling some kids down the road. Awesome!!

But this is what I really want..... WARM WEATHER!!!!!

Then I would go to Kirtland...
And Chagrin Falls...

It's going to happen for me. I just know it is...

Gingerbread Waffles

2011-03-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

I thought these were DELISH. The boys on the other hand wouldn't even taste them and decided to have knock-off Lucky Charms from Costco instead.I think they look good. Don't you? Why wouldn't they even taste them? Not even a banana?
I thought he was going to love it by the way he started to dig in.
He even tried to share with Andersen but got shot down.

I guess these look tasty too? Hen preferred his without milk. I hope my next baby likes food...

Gingerbread Waffles

2 cups flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
2 eggs, separated
¼ cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
½ molasses
1 cup milk

Mix together flour , baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Set aside. Beat 2 egg whites and set aside. In large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg yolks and milk. Add dry
ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in beaten egg whites. Bake on waffle iron and serve with maple syrup or honey and whipped cream.

Would you like ice with that?

2011-02-22T06:36:00.001-08:00

Or should I say, "Would you like ice encasing that?" We are so lucky our power hasn't gone out. Many of our friends lost power all day yesterday. Brrrr!

Just last week it was in the mid 50's. Spring was teasing me or was it winter. I don't care who it was I just want winter to be gone.

Happy Birthday Henry!

2011-02-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

Henry had a big brownie at his ice cream party!
Last week all of his friends (and their moms) from The Little Gym sang Happy Birthday to him. He was all smiles until then end. Then he stuck out his tounge at them and "noont noonted". (That is the noise that Pingu the penguin makes) Awesome, that's my boy!

He loved the candles!

Yummy, he was more into the brownie than the ice cream.

Fazerbeam

Jimmers
Happy Birthday Henners! I can't believe you're 2! oxoxox

December in pictures...

2010-12-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

The boys loved to watch the snow when it was REALLY coming down.
I loved to drink hot chocolate with whipped cream and try to get the rest of my family to indulge.
Sunday dinner includes: roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, some kind of green veggie, rolls and in this case sparkling apple juice. Yes, Henry has my apron on. I did make him one though. Maybe I will post it later.
Let's just face it Christmas isn't Christmas without mint brownies, Russian tea cakes and chocolate crinkle cookies.
Before the boys came in.
Darling Sunday outfits Grandma Heidi got the boys. Henry would NOT put his vest on. Oh well, still handsome.
My new flip video recorder that Daniel got for me. I love it! I shall post a video now.

Dance recital and treats/bribes

2010-12-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I was a little nervous that Andersen would be shy and not dance. Then he would be disappointed that he didn't show his moves. He wasn't shy at all! It was awesome. I do have to let you know that I bribed him with two very good bribes. 1. He could open a present from Grandma and Grandpa. 2. He could go to Mitchells, the yummiest ice cream place ever!

He loved his super hero jammies from the grandparents and he choose to go with his friend Annie to breakfast instead of ice cream. He loves to hang out with Annie. He sees her just about everyday. They go to preschool together and we see her at church and do play dates. He told me yesterday, "I never get to hang out with Annie." Silly boy, you are kidding me.

The frog and super hero were baking some scrumptious cookies. They are pretty cute about their gender difference and giving the other one a turn to play what they want to play. Annie was playing knights with Andersen the other day. And about a week before that Annie was giving Andersen dancing lessons on how to "dip". LOVE IT!

Fall pics by Katie Blacker Photography

2010-10-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

Spicy Honey Chicken Salad - MMMMmmmmMM

2010-04-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

The picture is not the best but the salad was AWESOME!

Dan was sweet and said,"When you open a restuarant you should make this salad." The recipe was really simple too! The chicken is quick, the ingredients are delish and the dressing is amazing! Here is the RECIPE. It is Dan's cousin's delicious blog! Her button is on the side too >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Our Best Bites - Check it out!

Brunch

2010-04-12T06:15:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from my mother-in-law, who is a great cook. She makes this for brunch for General Conference twice a year. She also makes monkey bread, and other delicious treats but this is my fave.

RECIPE:
6 slices white bread (buttered on 1 side)
1 tube of Jimmy Dean sausage (sage flavored) - BROWN BEFORE
1 4oz can diced green chilies
1 package shredded cheddar/jack cheese (a little less than 2 cups)
6 eggs
2 cups milk
2 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard
- LAYER in a 9x13 glass baking dish -
Bread - buttered side down
Cheese - sprinkle evenly over bread
Sausage - browned
Chilies - try to distribute evenly on top
Egg Mixture - all remaining ingredients mix together and pour on top
(make sure all spices are mixed well or you could get a few flavorful bites and the rest bland)

Refrigerate overnight

Bake uncovered at 350 for 45-50 min.

Let stand 10 min.

ENJOY!

Big Boy Henry

2010-03-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

monkeys, monkeys and more...

2010-03-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

MONKEYS

It all began around the time Andersen turned one. He would make monkey noises and loved Curious George. So I decided to have a monkey birthday party. Here is the cake...

This also marked the time of "Baby Monk".If you have ever been around Andersen for very long you would know that he carries around this little monkey that was given to him on his first birthday. Baby Monk even dressed up for Halloween as a ghost and Peter Pan. I will probably do a whole post just on Baby Monk at a later date.

Andersen keeps picking out sock monkeys for Henry lately.

Paul Frank is so much fun! Especially since Target started carrying that brand. Andersen loves to match with Hen.

We can't forget about George! I don't know who is responsible for giving CG a makeover and bringing him back but I am really happy they did. We love all things CG: books, movies, PBS shows, stuffed animals, etc.

Happy Birthday Henry!

2010-02-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

Hen was a little angel on his birthday. He kept giving me kisses and saying "dak ooo" - which is Hen for "thank you". We had a few baby friends over for birthday soup and cupcakes. I can't believe my baby is "1" already. We are so happy to have him in our family. The other day Andersen said, "Remember when Hen wasn't here and we weren't a family?" Silly Andersen we were still a family but we do feel more complete with the Henners.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>HENRY REWIND<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Birthday Banner

2010-02-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

I went to my friend's house the other day for a surprise party and she had a birthday banner! It was SO cute that it inspired me to make one. Mine is a lot different than hers and even different than what I had in my head to make. I just kind of made it up as I went along. I had a lot of fabric scraps from a quilt I am making so it was nice to use the scraps. I got a new sewing machine for Christmas and wanted to use it for this project but just ended up using iron-on stuff. My mother-in-law calls it wonder-under. The lady at the store called it fusion and the package said something totally different. So basically it is just iron-on double-sided backing. I am just happy I actually finished a project, and it only took me a few hours (like 5).
This is the back.
I decided to add a yo-yo as the dot on the "i" at the last moment.
I am so happy we get to use it for my baby Henry's first birthday on the 16th. Yes, Hen is almost ONE! He is such a little boy. I just want to snuggle him up.

My little baby is turning ONE!

2010-02-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

Henry we are so happy you are here!

The other day Andersen said, "Mom remember before Hen was here and we weren't a family?" Well, we were a family but we do feel more complete with Henry here.

Dear Little House:

2010-01-27T19:30:00.001-08:00

I will miss you!
Today was a bittersweet day. I spent some time cleaning, de-kidding, and taking pictures of you. We are planning on selling or renting you this summer. I am really emotional about leaving you behind when we move to Cleveland for rotations. Today was sweet because I feel like I am bonding with you when I clean and polish and organize you. It was bitter because I know this relationship that we have can not continue growing with such a distance between us. You may be small and fragile and in need of a nip/tuck here and there but you were our first real home. I will always love you and remember you fondly. Andersen had his very first room to himself here. Hen was welcomed into this world by your warmth. So many memories... I will try to find you someone nice to live here.

If you are nice and interested in buying or renting my little house please contact me...

Getting ready for Valentine's Day!

2010-01-20T17:59:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Valentine's Day! Maybe it is just because I feel like I have an excuse to throw pink, girly, love where ever I want to in this house full of boys. I have big plans for this Valentine's Day. They include heart cookies, cupcakes, decorations, jewlery (I am going to try to make) and a family date.

Here are a couple of books I got for the boys. Again, I feel like I can get a little bit girly for Valentine's Day. Every now and then a little book splurge, away from preschool book orders, is needed or maybe I should say "taken".

I got this for my little Henry. I keep reading it. I love the art and even the texture of the pages. If you haven't guessed, books are one of my weaknesses.
This is the book I scouted out for Andersen. How adorable!

bebecha = darling

2010-01-08T17:45:00.000-08:00

This is my attempt at taking pictures of myself. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

One of Dan's best friends growing up lived right next door. His little sister IS bebecha! I love what she creates. It is so classy, girly and perfect! I really wish I could buy EVERYTHING! I have to limit myself though, not that they are priced too high(remember medical students and stay-at-home moms don't make much/any $) Anyway, this headband is a necessity! I get compliments on it all the time. It is really comfy too, I usually can't wear other headbands. I want to try the stretchy one too.
My wish list includes: these earrings...

this necklace...

AND this headband, for now.

Check out bebecha's etsy shop. I know you'll love everything too!

The Mint Brownie Recipe

2010-01-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

My mom makes these mint brownies every year around Christmas. Over the last couple of years I have started the tradition in our little family as well. I feel like I can post this recipe because it has been in our family for so long and we have made adjustments. I think my mom originally got this recipe from my dad's mom who got it out of a newspaper in Texas before I was born.

Lets break this down into 3 steps, although cutting these brownies is another step which I find more difficult than making the brownies.
This is the recipe I use for my pan, which is 17 1/2" x 12 1/2". It is like a cookie sheet and a half. You can try to change recipe to fit your size of pan.
Bottom: 2 boxes of Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie mix.
Middle: 1 16oz tub of Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting
1 1/2 T peppermint extract
a drop or two of green food coloring
Top: 1 1/4 C semi sweet chocolate chips
8 T butter
2 T Karo syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla

Yes! I always have something go wrong - this time 2 drips of salsa fell onto the brownies! ERRR to having a small kitchen! From experience it is better than not having a kitchen though.
Step 1: Make brownies. I use Betty Crocker's fudge brownie mix. I'm sure you could make some by scratch but I am used to these and they are delicious. I would also recommend adding walnuts if you like them because it makes them even better. I let these cool completely and even chill sometimes before the next step.

Step 2: Frost brownies. I buy Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting and add peppermint extract and food coloring (just a bit to tint frosting). Mix together well and spread evenly onto brownies. Chill before adding chocolate top layer.

Step 3: Chocolate top: Melt chocolate chips and butter on med-low heat until melted and add Karo syrup and vanilla. Drizzle then spread evenly over chilled frosted brownies. I use a butter knife but I have always wanted to try one of those frosting knives. Chill before cutting.

Cutting tips: Chill!!! Use a sharp knife and try to glide it through, if that catches the top layer then I would try to lightly press to cut. Good Luck. Oh, I always cut off sides and eat them instead of serving them.

I made this twice on Sunday...

2009-12-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

I made this to give away on Sunday. Then after dinner Andersen was so sad that we gave it away that we had to make another one. How much did he eat? One bite! Don't worry though, it didn't go to waste. Although it all went to my "waist". It has been my main diet for the past 2 days.

I would love to share the recipe but I do not know the rules of cookbook recipe sharing. SO...if you know if it is ok to post the full recipe out of my Mary Englebreit's cookbook then let me know and I will type it out. Otherwise, just shoot me an email and I will send it to you. You have to be able to share your recipes with friends, right? emline1@yahoo.com

p.s. Did I mention that it makes your whole house smell divine?

*Revised January 4, 2010
Here it is - tell me if I am not supposed to post recipes (please).

apple spice cake with caramel glaze

Apple Spice Cake
3 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1 ½ C granulated sugar
½ C packed dark brown sugar
1 ½ C vegetable oil
3 eggs, at room temperature
2 tsp vanilla
3 C chopped Granny Smith apples (about 2 ½ apples)
2 C walnuts, chopped (I have never used these in this recipe)

Caramel Glaze
½ C packed dark brown sugar
¼ C unsalted butter
¼ C heavy cream

1. Preheat oven to 325. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl beat together the granulated and brown sugars and the oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in the vanilla. On low speed, add the flour mixture in 3 additions. Using a large wooden spoon, stir in the apples and walnuts. Pou the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
4. Bake the cake for 65 to 70. Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove the cake from the pan and let cool completely.
5. Make the caramel glaze. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and cream. Bring to boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Boil, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly but is still pourable.
6. Set the cake, still on the wire rack, on a baking sheet. Drizzle the glaze slowly over the top, letting some of it run down the side. Transfer the cake to a serving plate and let the glaze set before serving.

Grosgrains and satins and sheers, oh my!

2009-12-18T19:01:00.000-08:00

I LOVE ribbon!
Once upon a time there was a fair mommy who wanted to open a baby boutique... She bought all of her very most favorite baby products and accessories and an abundance of RIBBON to wrap it all up with. She wanted everyone to feel enchanted when opening her lovely gifts.
To make a long story short - it didn't work out... BUT she did collect some beautiful ribbon. A few of her favorite kinds include:
and

Where do you purchase such ribbon?
may arts was my favorite ribbon wholesaler. So...if you happen to have a wholesale license and would like to purchase a lot of ribbon check them out(oh, and let me in on the order. I am running low and all out of my very favorites). You can also get great ribbon at scrap book stores. I don't think you can get it by the spool though. I have not found any fabric stores where I live that have "magical" ribbon but I bet some do.I have bought some recently at Michaels and it is just not the same, but will get me through for now. ha ha. I am not really that much of a "ribbon-snob", I just really "heart" it. Almost exactly the same way I love butter, only different.Ribbon just makes everything more beautiful and more special. I use it for: gifts, scrap booking, cards, hair, home decor (I have all of my Christmas cards hanging on ribbon with little clothes pins)... so anywhere and everywhere you would like to add a little love, add some ribbon.

Note to Self:

2009-12-16T21:10:00.000-08:00

DO NOT buy a Woman's Day Magazine for a recipe.
I have been eyeing this magazine for a couple weeks now because of the beautiful pancakes they have on the front. Don't they look delicious? MMmmMM, yes they do.

Well my disappointment started right after I got home from purchasing the magazine and I started thumbing through the pages looking for the same yummy picture and some intense directions. I found the recipe in a 2 inch portion of the next to last page (no pics). #2 disappointment - the first ingredient was pancake mix...wHaT tHe WhAt?
So I start making the pancakes while Dan is at scouts and the boys are both sick and Andersen tells me he doesn't want blueberries in his. You have to melt butter in a single pancake frying pan and it takes forever to make our 7 pancakes...that we only ate 3 of.
The review:
Pros - I did like the texture and flavor from the butter. The boysenberry syrup that I just purchased was quite delicious.
Cons: time intensive, ingredients were boring and pancakes soaked up too much syrup. I also forgot that I really don't like it when the blueberries pop in my mouth (for some reason I think of spiders).

The execution: I think I did ok except for I need to work on my food photography and timing (with the boys). I also forgot to add fresh blueberries to the top which would have added to the taste and the presentation. They do look kind of dark too but that part tasted the best.

The disaster: I dropped a slippery sippy cup of oj in mine and Dan's shoes.

I have high hopes for next time folks...high apple pie in the sky hopes...

My First Post - My Top Three

2009-12-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

The three most important people in my life are all boys, all very handsome and all my best friends.

The beginning...

Daniel (aka: Schman) We have been married for 6 years this May! He is in his second year of medical school, loves Volkswagens, he is also great at fixing all things. His first love - his family.
Andersen (aka: Fred) age - 3.5, loves: books, cars, tools, church, school, friends, and all things "monkey".

Henry (aka: Hen, Hen-Pen) age - 10 months, loves playing with Andersen, being held by mommy, saying, "Dah-dah", "hen"-tacking, and trying new foods (like mommy).

My Boys