Its Coming!!!

Spring!! Can it really be close?? Yesterday we hit 50 degree weather for the first time in who knows how long! Our Crocus bulbs are starting to come out of the ground and yes, believe it or not, the snow is melting!! Which leaves us with lots of mud and puddles to splash in.


Here is Annabelle with our neighbors the DeRues' splashing in the mud.

We were all fun and happy until she slipped and got a little muddy!

Annabelle

Annabelle is just so much fun. She thinks she can communicate just like everyone else. Her face expressions are so funny. She loves entertaining everyone! In fact, when she is showing you something, she will yell your name over and over until you look at her and then she puts on an innocent looking face as she does her "tricks." She loves to say prayers and likes to take a turn reading her scriptures out loud just like everyones else.

I'm going to be a Kid Forever Today

So, I know most people saw our pictures on facebook, but here is another pic of the house with the garage so people quit telling us it looks like our place now!

Today, James told me that when he gets older to be a Daddy he is going to kiss me all day.

"Awww, that's so nice, James!"

"But where is the other Daddy going to sleep when I get bigger?"

I had to explain to him that he would have to find his own wife to kiss all day, but that I would always be his mommy.

"I'm going to be a kid forever today, Mom!"

He is so cute!

Lucy's 6th Birthday

In all the excitement of the last week, I have neglected to report on a very special girl's 6th birthday! Last Tuesday was a snow day (of course - I don't remember what a regular week of school feels like!), so to make Lucy's day special, we invited a bunch of friends over for a party! It was snowing like crazy, so I think the kids (and the moms!) were excited for something to do! We had a photo scavenger hunt, ate rainbow cupcakes, did balloon games and watched a movie. Everyone had a great time!

Then, later in the afternoon, Aunt Michelle arrived for the week! We ate crepes for dinner (Lucy's choice), went to gymnastics, and returned for some serious birthday present openings. It was so fun to give Lucy a special day. It was hard on the other kids because she got to do "whatever she wanted." Isn't that how birthdays are supposed to be???

Another Snow Day

Well, snow day number two for the week will occur tomorrow, so why not throw a last minute birthday party for Lucy!! (Am I crazy???) We whipped up some pinata balloons and a batch of these rainbow cupcakes for Lucy's friend birthday party tomorrow. Wish me luck . . .

Weather Report

For my sister, Michelle, who is flying here tomorrow and appears to be a little concerned about the weather, I have taken these photos just moments ago of the our present weather condition. Sunny and melting. No worries at all. :)


No really, we are buried, again! The kids have not been sledding this time, but working on a birthday Lucy snowman. Should be a fun week! Can't wait for Aunt Michelle to get here!

Homemade Hummus

I have tried and failed (really failed!) to make homemade hummus before. It just never seems to turn out the way restaurants make it, and I haven't found a good store-brand that I like. The last recipe I tried, I ommitted the Tahini because I couldn't find it at my grocery store. But a friend just emailed me this recipe and it is really yummy (tahini or not)! I put in way too much garlic (I did one HUGE clove instead of the suggested 2), but other than that it was great! Even Annabelle ditched dipping the pretzels and dipped her fingers instead!
Hummus
2 c chickpeas, drained but liquid reserved
1/2 c tahini, optional
1/4 c olive oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled
salt and black pepper
1 T ground cumin
juice of 1 lemon, plus more as needed

Blend ingredients, adjusting seasonings as necessary.