Love My Boys!

I still have yet to post pics from vacation, but while we were in MA, my sister-in-law took some beautiful pictures of the boys.  They are FABULOUS and she did such a great job capturing my 3 favorite faces in the whole world :)  Here is a link to the pictures...check them out: http://flickr.com/gp/51376802@N07/23pp7u

Life around here has been insane lately!!  We were able to have some of my extended family from OH, NY, and Easton, PA come for a short visit.  It was so nice to see them, even if it was for just a short time.

Sooooooo, stay tuned for a possible business venture.  My sister and I are thinking of getting into a cake, cupcake, and confection type business - something we would do out of our own little kitchens :)  I've had a few "orders" from Jason's co-workers, so I'm hoping that maybe we could make something of this.  Here is a picture of the most recent cake I made:

So we will see what comes of it. Right now we are in the process of baking and decorating and taking photos for fliers/portfolios and such.  I am someone who lacks lots of confidence, so I'm afraid this will crash and burn, but what will it hurt just trying to do something small out of our kitchens?  Who knows, maybe some day we will have our own show on TLC {look out Buddy} - hey, a girl can dream, right? :)

Well, it's time to start thinking about what to make for dinner, but I wanted to post a few things since it's been awhile.

My boys make me laugh (most of the time)

I just have to share one of the funniest things of our day.  This morning, Landon brought out the little potty into the kitchen and said to Cole, "Today I am going to teach you how to go potty like a big boy."  So, he took off Cole's shorts and his diaper and told him to sit on the potty. Cole did, however nothing ever came of it (which didn't surprise me...he just turned two).  It was so cute and I thought that was the end of it.  About 2 hours later, he says to Cole, "OK, it's time to try again."  He then helped him take off his shorts and his diaper and made him sit on the potty again.  This time Cole wanted to take the diaper off himself (I'm a little worried that he is now taking his diaper off by himself all the time...afraid of what mess I might walk into).  It was pretty cute...I wish I had taken a picture of the two of them as Landon was trying to teach Cole how to go potty, but of course the camera wasn't nearby.  I love these little moments :)

GREAT DEAL!

I know it's been awhile since I've blogged and I have lots to catch up on, but for now I wanted to post a great deal that I came across...a free large photobook from Picaboo (a $39 value).  I believe it is good now through the end of August.  I have not made one yet and don't know how much shipping will be, but I plan to check it out!!  This deal is for new members only, so if you have not signed up with Picaboo before, head over to their site and check it out!

I hope to get some other posts up soon...we've been away and have had family here within the last month and it's been quite busy around here!!

Gavin's First Experience With Rice Cereal

Today I gave Gavin rice cereal for the first time.  He absolutely LOVED it!!  I have never seen an infant eat it so well their first time!!  He never tried spitting it out or anything (besides the bit leaking out of his mouth).  He even started opening his mouth as I brought the spoon to his mouth...such a smart little boy!  Here are a few pictures:

He is such a sweet boy!  I have enjoyed him so much...I'm so thankful that the transition of going from 2 to 3 kids has gone so smoothly (better than I ever expected).  I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that he is such a great baby.  Of course we have our moments and there are {several} times where I want to pull my hair out because it gets so crazy around here, but I have found it much easier transitioning from 2 to 3 than when I went from 1 to 2 kids. 

Well, that's all for tonight - it's late and I still have LOTS to do...my bedtime is getting later and later and the boys keep getting up earlier and earlier...UGH!!  Who needs sleep anyways? :)  At least all three of my boys sleep through the night and usually nap the same time during the day...I am very fortunate and blessed!!

Fun Times

With all of the "busy"ness and craziness of life now-a-days with 3 boys ages 3 and under, I often feel guilty that I can never get enough done - laundry, housework, cooking, baking, crafting/sewing, reading, gardening, etc.  But most importantly, I always feel guilty for feeling as if I don't spend enough time with all of my boys.  That is by far more important than any household chore or hobby (not to say that I don't think that "me" time is important...such as hobbies).  With Gavin so little and still so dependent on me, I miss the time that I get to spend with my older two boys and often wonder if I make enough of a point to make sure I give them special one-on-one time.  Yesterday I set aside all housework that needed to be done and we had a fun day doing stuff around the house...things that we don't do every day.  First we pulled out some of my craft/scrapbooking items and we made birthday cards for daddy (whose birthday is today...but I'll get to that in a minute).  They had SO much fun - especially Landon!!  Cole had fun for about 5 minutes and then wanted to move on to something else...ahhh, the attention span of a 2-yr old.  Anyways...it was a great bonding time for the boys and I...it was so enjoyable watching them be creative and have fun making their cards for daddy. Here are a few pictures:

Afterward, we cleaned up our mess and played a bit.  Come lunchtime, we made our own little home-made pizzas.  I rolled out little pizzas with pizza dough and let them "make" them themselves.  Landon loved being a little "chef" :)  Cole enjoyed eating everything rather than putting it on his pizza!!  Here are pictures of the boys making their pizzas:

It was a fun day - we were also able to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather outside!!  And I have to include a picture of Gavin because 1) he is just too cute to leave out and 2) he was so good and slept a LOT so that I could enjoy this time with the older two boys:

And lastly, I want to wish my handsome hubby, Jason, a Happy 35th Birthday!!  Wow, I could go on and on about how wonderful he is!  I am so blessed to have such an amazing husband who is such an incredible daddy to our sweet boys!  I love him so much...he is truly my best friend and I could not imagine my life without him!  He makes me laugh, he listens to me when I need to talk, he cares about me, he helps me out around the house, he takes the boys when I need a break...he's just a great guy!  I'm sure he won't read this, but Jason, I love you!!  Happy Birthday - looking forward to celebrating many, many, many more birthdays!

OK, this has been quite the post today (I've had to save it and come back a few times...ahhh, the life of a busy mom).  We're looking forward to the long weekend and then VACATION!!  Bye for now :)

First-Time Bowling

A few weeks ago, when Nana and Pops were visiting from MA, we decided to take the boys bowling for the first time.  We thought Landon would LOVE it, however we weren't so sure about Cole...we figured he'd just run around the entire bowling alley giving us a good amount of exercise from chasing him.  We were very surprised...he LOVED it!!  I think he was even more excited than Landon (at least he showed his excitement a little more).  They had so much fun and worked up quite the appetite (which sent Nana to the vending machine SEVERAL times to feed them).  Here are a few pictures of our fun time at the bowling alley:

I wish I was able to get some pictures of the FRONT of them rather than their backs, but oh well...it was such a fun day with lots of memories made :)

I Love Saving Money!

I have been trying to get this couponing thing down over the past few months and while I wouldn't say I am one of those people who get $150+ groceries for like $30, I do feel that I have been saving money.  I get so excited when I come home with such great deals.  Tonight would be one of those times!!  I went to Target and walked out with two bags and paid only $4.80.  This is what I bought:

Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer Shower Cleaner (reg. $8.69) - paid $.69
6 Renuzit Air Fresheners (reg. $.94 each) - paid $2.82 for all six
2 Airwick AquaMists (on sale for $1.99 each) - paid $.99 for two
1 Dental Floss (reg. $.97) - got $.03 credit

All that plus tax came to $4.80!!  Savings of $15.93 (or so it says on my receipt).  I was pretty happy :)  I love finding great deals...and I LOVE TARGET!!!!!  I also made a trip to Wal-mart for $.99 wipes, $.50 new Kraft sandwich mayo, $.50 Kraft salad dressing, plus a few other non-saving items.  Of course, I spent more time waiting in line at the check-out than I actually did searching for my list items.  Have I mentioned that I am NOT a fan of our local Wal-mart?  I was so excited to have a new, expanded Wal-mart about a mile from my house, but it has not lived up to it's expectations in my opinion!!  Thankfully, Target is just as close!!

Anyways, just had to share!

Grilled Chicken

Yesterday I shared one of my favorite summertime desserts, so today I thought I'd share one of my favorite summertime meals.  It's my favorite because 1) it's SOOOO yummy and 2) it's SOOOO easy!!  We love to grill out a lot during the summer...several times a week at least!  This "recipe" is something we eat A LOT!!  It's so simple!!  You just need chicken, Italian dressing mix, and zesty Italian dressing:

All I simply do is take the dry mix and rub it onto my chicken.  Then I put it in a large ziploc bag and pour Zesty Italian dressing into the bag.  I don't have any particular measurements because it depends on how much chicken you are using...so just eye it.  I usually use one packet of dressing mix for about 4 chicken breasts and enough of the liquid dressing to cover it and marinate.  I let it marinate most of the day.  Then I take it out and grill it!  It's so good!!  Some of the things we like to eat it with are: rolls, corn on the cob, salad, rice...lots of possibilities!

Bon Appetit!!

Fruit Pizza

Fruit pizza is one of the most delicious desserts out there - it is my most favorite summertime dessert when it's topped with yummy fresh fruit!!  We had it for dessert on Father's Day, but since it's such a favorite around here, I thought I'd post a pic with the recipe (the pic was from a previous time I made it):

FRUIT PIZZA

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Assorted fresh fruit

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Mix in egg. combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Press dough into an ungreased pizza pan. 
Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool. 
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla until light. Spread on cooled crust. 
Arrange desired fruit on top of filling, and chill. 

NOTE:  I used low-fat cream cheese and I thought it still tasted great...I may try fat-free cream cheese next time to save even more calories!!


Anyways...had to share one of my favorite dessert recipes - I wish I could eat this every day!!

Happy Father's Day

I want to wish every dad out there a VERY HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, but a special one to the three "fathers" in my life :)

To my dad, I am so thankful for such an amazing father who I respect, admire, and love so much!!  He is such a compassionate and giving person.  He is such a hard-worker and is always willing to help all of us when we need something done.  He is a fantastic "grampa" (or "gampa" as Cole would say) to our sons.  Our boys get SO excited when they get to spend time with him (and gramma too).  I love watching him and Gavin "talk" to each other in their own special little language...so funny!!  He is someone who makes us all laugh...I have many memories of laughing so hard until we are all practically crying!!  I am so thankful for such a wonderful dad!




To my husband, my best friend and man of my dreams.  He is such an incredible daddy to our three little boys.  I always have such great joy watching him with our sons...putting them to bed at night, playing with them outside, wrestling with them in the basement, reading them books, taking them to special places...I look forward to watching more of those memories in years to come.  He is so patient with them, so kind.  He loves each of them so much and cares for their well-being.  He is such a hard worker and great provider for our family.  I'm so thrilled to see the special relationship he has with each of our boys...they all love their daddy!!  I love you Jason and I'm so thankful for the amazing husband and father that you are.



To my father-in-law, someone we don't get to see as often as we like because of the miles that separate us.  When he comes to our home, I might-as-well say good-bye to my boys because they LOVE the time they get to spend with their "Pop" :)  He is such a kind, tenderhearted man who loves his kids and grandkids - they all have a very special place in his heart!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!