Happy Tuesday Morning

Well I guess it's not morning anymore...but it's pretty close. I really had a great morning this morning. Things seemed to go as planned (although there was a brief episode of biting). The kids ate all their breakfast and put in a movie so mommy could do some devotions. I love doing my devos in the morning, but have found it rather hard to fit it in lately. Anyways, I was able to do a great devotional and even start reading a book. Cooper was entertaining himself for the first time in a while and Kylie was really enjoying sleeping beauty. At just the RIGHT moment, Kylie asked if we could go outside. SOOO..everyone went for a walk. Let me start by saying, I love where we live. The way the sun hits the hills in the morning is a present from God. I was able to think about some prayer requests while I walked and only had to break up one fight and pick up one flying shoe. Lunch went well and the kids went down for a nap and that is where I am now...

I don't want to bore you all with my pleasant morning but I need to remember these times when the kids are (ripping each other's heads off) misbehaving. SOOO along with this, I am making a list of enjoyable mommy moments I have had over the past week:

~Kylie saying during mealtime prayer, "Jesus, be MY faithful friend".

~ Kisses from Cooper...open mouth and all.

~Watching Kylie help Cooper with undoing his seatbelt and telling him, "Love you buddy boy"
~Picking "flowers" with Kylie at the park and bringing them home for a great bouquet

~The kids wanting to take a bath in the sink together

~Waking up to Cooper saying, "Too Too...Too Too" as his drove his hand along the top of the bed (translation, choo choo)...note: he was sitting on my head at the time.

I will try to add to this as I go this week...especially during those times when I feel like going to time out myself.

On another note...I FINALLY completed the curtains for the office...I will post pics soon.

My puter is broke :o(

Our computer has been acting up lately and not turning on properly and yesterday it decided to just not turn on. This being said, I am confined to the laptop and not able to download any pictures...so sorry.

I just want you all to check out this AWESOME blog . I am addicted to it and have learned SOOOO much from this crafty lady. I do need to give credit where credit is do and thank my dear friend Andrea for this addiction. She was the one who found this blog and stalks it herself. Anyways, this girl is amazing. She has two small children and manages to blog step by step directions on how to do her crafts. My new favorite is her recipe for a pistachio torte I will check it out and let you know what I think.

On another note, I have decided I would really LOVE a single cup coffee maker...you know, the ones you just put a pod in and hit, brew cup. No yucky grounds in your cup and no worries about measuring! My in-laws have one and have been gracious enough to let me make a few cups. I felt like I was at Starbucks drinking a delicious cup of strong coffee.

As I have said before...we have had a CRAZY CRAZY summer. This past weekend we were at a wedding in Rochester. It was great to see some people I haven't seen in a while and spend some time with the fam. Candice was in town too so we had a GREAT, CRAZY time! Thought I would post some pics for you all.

Zach and I

Carbice and I
me and my daddy

So we are back...for now! This weekend we have a wedding in Rochester, but should be around after that! We had a great time at the cottage again and are sad we aren't going back up this year. The kids swam and played a lot outside (despite the timid weather). Zach and I both read a book and got some much needed relaxation. I would love to report that we got a lot of rest as well, but you all know how well kids sleep when they aren't in their own bed ;o) ANYWAYS...here are some pics!!!

Cooper having fun in his airplane

Kylie loved to run and jump off the end of the dock

Another beautiful Canadian sunset

What we love to do most...sit and watch the sun set on the dock!!! (this is my dad and Shawna by the way)

I will post more when I get them!!!

Snow in July

I know it has been a while since my last post. We have been at KidQuest all week learning about Jesus. The kids had a great time and I was able to teach the 4 and 5 year olds. We WILL be going back again next year!

Anyways...we got a surprise hail storm this week. Although the kids had fun...it did some damage to my plants. Not too fun for mommy. Here are some pics..

Notice my plants underneath:o(

Note: this is the hail about 30 mins after the storm...so imagine how big it really was???!!!


On another note, we are looking forward to spending the week at my parents cottage. It is always nice and relaxing there and much needed after a CRAZY few weeks!

Dance Camp

Kylie is attending Dance Camp this week for the first time. Let me tell you...she LOVES it! She is too darn cute in her little ballet outfit and watching all of the 3 year olds try and dance is hilarious. Thought I would include a pic from her first day.


And this is what Cooper thought of dance class....


A "cute" one of Ky and Mommy last Sunday before church...

NOTE: the following is NOT for those with weak stomach's....

Cooper decided to paint a picture on the stairs for me yesterday...if you are interested in the details you can ask me...otherwise, I will leave them out! Wish I could have got a picture him, but he was in the tub at this point.

Oatmeal Raisin Muffins

These are very yummy and pretty nutritious...

3/4 C whole wheat flour
3/4 C white flour
1 C oatmeal (uncooked)
1 Tbls baking powder
3 Tbls sugar
1 Egg
1 C milk
1/4 C oil

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Combine dry ingredients
3. In separate bowl, beat egg. Add milk and oil.
4. Add liquid mixture to flour mixture. Stir until just blended; batter should be a little lumpy. Add raisins.
5. Place mixture in muffin tin.
6. Bake 15 to 20 mins