Winter Fun

I definitely think that summer is much more fun than the long winter months but we have been trying to make the most of the snow. Trying to find outdoor activities you can do with a 7 month pregnant wife a 6 year old, 4 year old and an almost 2 year old has its challenges but we have had a lot of fun the last couple of weekends. We are all just so happy to be outside enjoying the sunshine.

Ice Fishing

Four-Wheeler Sleding (our new favorite)

Blueberries

I found a sale on Blueberries this weekend at Reams they were 50 cents a pint so I bought a whole case of them for $6! They taste so good and the kids love them.......maybe a little to much, lets just say everyones systems have been cleaned out :) I found the best recipe for Blueberry french toast, it is so good and could easily pass for a dessert.

1 loaf of french bread, 4 eggs, 1/2 c. milk, 1/4 t. baking powder, 1 t. vanilla extract, 41/2 c. fresh or partially thawed blueberries, 1/2 c. sugar, 1 T. (heaping) cornstarch, 1 t. cinnamon, 2 T. melted butter

Slice the bread diagonally into 10 - 14 (I only did 8 slices) 3/4 inch thick. Arrange in a single layer in a 9x13 dish.

Whisk the eggs, milk, baking powder and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth. Pour gradually over the bread, turning to coat completely. Chill, covered with plastic wrap, for 8 hours or longer.

Combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in a bowl and mix well. Spread evenly in a buttered 9x13 baking dish. Place the bread wettest side down over the blueberries. Brush with the melted butter.

Bake at 450 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown garnish with confectioners' sugar.

( I got this from the "Always in Season" cookbook)

Dancers

These are my cute little dancers. Lately our afternoon routine includes a lovely little dance and rock concert by Savannah and Kaitlen while we anxiously await Samuel's return from Kindergarten.

Kaitlen loves to wear sunglasses and talking on the phone, she makes me laugh :)

Back

Two weeks after christmas and I'm finally back in the swing of things. I'm afraid blogging is the last on my list of things to get done so here we are. Like so many of you we really had a great holiday season I love going to stay with family for the long break we always have the best time.

Its a Girl!!

We were so excited to find out yesterday that we are having a healthy baby girl. I think that Samuel is warming up to the fact the he will be the big brother to three sisters! Savannah can hardly wait to have another "gul" (she can't say her R's) I was just so grateful to see that everything is developing great.

DestructO

Is it because she is the third child and my parenting has become somewhat less attentive, or is it because she has two older siblings who have more interesting toys to get into, or is it just the way Kaitlen is? Whatever the reason I always have to keep one eye on her. The funny thing is if she knows she is doing something naughty....(like unraveling all of the dental floss) she will shut herself in a room so she won't be discovered. If things are quite for even 5 minutes I know she is up to something. I really hope she grows out of this before the baby comes or our house is in for trouble.

You might be asking yourself, "why doesn't she just hide the markers and crayons?" Oh I do! the markers that did the artwork on her face were up on my craft table, she slide a box over to the table, got them down, undid the zip lock bag and began creating the masterpiece on her face.

The kids found her one evening licking the bathroom door when I went in to see what was going on sure enough the kids had gotten some toothpaste on the door days before and she'd found it and thought it was a great little treat.

Gingerbread Houses

I decided making gingerbread houses would be a fun tradition to start with my family and since you can buy a kit for $8 why not? Nothing to spectacular but we had a good time doing it. Does any one make their own gingerbread anymore?? Does anyone know how to make good soft gingerbread cookies?? I really want to make some this season but want a good recipe.