Caught Up!

I know I just posted yesterday, but this is something I need to "blog about."

I AM CAUGHT UP WITH MY SCRAPBOOKS!
Yes, Kate's, Bruce's, Jane's, and our Families books are all up to date.
I thank my mother in law for coming into town. She is my motivation. I love her and I know that it doesn't matter to her if the scrapbooks are "current," but I like to have them ready to show her when she comes. So happy!

In other news: It snowed a lot yesterday, but now the sun is shining.

Bruce and I played outside together for a long time
and our neighbor even let him try out his snowplow. He was so excited.

Kate is liking snow, but not loving it yet.

Kate's Escape...

I am so thankful for my family. I love my husband and our children and I'm so glad we're all healthy and happy.

This weekend has been a "fun" one with Kate and her crib. She knows how to get out and does it quite often. Yesterday I put her down for her nap and came to check on her later and found her crib looking like this :

(2 slats missing)
and she was behind the door asleep like this:
So tonight so family night we took off the front and now we have even more fun putting her back in bed, but at least we know she's not going to hurt herself or the crib.

*Also, my friend had this link to this video about the church giving people wheelchairs. It's beautiful and I feel so grateful for good people and also that I am healthy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcHQ8LOdmYM
"Since 2001, the humanitarian services of the Church have distributed more than a quarter of a million wheelchairs in 95 countries.

The wheelchairs have been designed for various terrains and needs so they can be used in homes, on paved sidewalks or on rough roads with potholes."

One night Jane was complaining and I told her "Aren't you happy you have legs and a healthy body?" Then we talked about things we were grateful for. A little later I heard Bruce complaining and Jane told him what I had told her ;)

Fancy Nacy soirée

On Monday Jane and I went to a Fancy Nancy Soiree- a fancy word for party.

It was a fun idea and she had a great time.

They read some books and then did a craft.

Totally unrelated- this is apparently how Kate likes to drink her hot chocolate.
Also last night I was gone giving blood and B told me that Bruce got in trouble for coloring on Kate. Yes, her whole back and legs had black marker all over, sadly they couldn't find the camera to take a picture.
1 More Week Until Grandma Comes!!!

Haircut and "Kisses"

This week went fast & it was freezing (single digits.)

I started running again- thanks Alexis- and that's been great.
Preschool was fun, playgroup was fun, and today we had another baby party here that was fun too!
Kate got a haircut on Wednesday morning- Oh Katie I wish you were here to have cut it. It's cute, just don't look too close. It will all grow again right?

Jane wanted to take pictures of our pet fish "kisses" to show her bus driver so I found this on the camera.

Also Food Storage seems to be on my mind right now and thanks to Tara for her blog entry. My friend Liz also put this site on her blog for all you who live near Maceys, Smiths, etc...
It's www.myfoodstoragedeals.com
(Liz- so happy for you and you're beautiful children)

*Also I've continued doing the challenge this week and it's been great to have so much fruit and vegetables put back into our meals. Tonight I had this and it was delicious!
Two Bean Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, ribs and seeds removed, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 can (14. 5 ounces) stewed tomatoes in juice
• 1 can (19 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (19 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving
• Directions
• In a Dutch oven or 5-quart saucepan with a lid, heat oil over medium. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add squash, bell pepper, and chile powder; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup water. Cover and simmer until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 7 minutes.
• Stir in tomatoes and their juice, breaking them up with a spoon; add chickpeas, black beans, 1/4 cup cilantro, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, partially cover, and cook until lightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper. Stir in remaining cilantro and spoon into serving bowls. Serve with lime wedges.

"Bruce"

Kate said "Bruce" today and it's so cute!!
(We're working on Grandma)

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa Damstedt
for all the tools and accesories:

Kate LOVES the hat and won't let anyone else near it

Bruce is used to his plastic tools that don't hurt when he bangs them on his head- the real one did. He was really sad.

So happy!

HE's 4!!!

Today our Brucey-guy turns...

Not 1
Not 2
Not 3
4!

He came in our bed around 5:30, snuggled up, and whispered "Am I 4 now?"

He LOVES his birthday!This morning we opened some presents and he got an electronic toothbrush from Jane- loves it!

and a wooden work bench from B and I (we'll post more pics later.)

We had a Hot Wheels party with fun friends and he got totally spoiled by all the fun gifts.
We watched a little movie and each kid got popcorn & licorice.
We played games, ate lunch, and blew out the candles.

We LOVE our Bruce so much.
Happy Birthday baby!

"More" pictures

On Saturday a friend and I took our kids to a really fun Children's Museum (Explore and More) while our husbands were in Toronto at a football game.

Kate liked the little playground

Bruce liked building

Jane liked everything, but especially the animals.

Body and Soul Challenge

My beautiful friend Amy told me about this great 5 week challenge.
I'm starting today. Anyone else want to join?
Click here for details:
http://www.wholeliving.com/