Thursday, August 28, 2008

Brooks is a big brother!
Brooks is a big brother. His mom, Heather, just had a baby boy. Congratulations Heather. We were lucky to have Brooks come play with us. We ate popsicles (pa pas as Brooks calls them), played outside in the rocks, and watched Lilo & Stitch. We had a great time! Come play again Brooks.
Beater Eater
Today Jack experienced his first beater. He is in love. Tyler was in preschool when the cookies were baked, so Jack devoured every morsel on both beaters all by himself.
When I was a child the beaters were a coveted item. Whenever mom baked cookies the beaters were always the treat to have. I usually liked the beaters better then the cookies. Looks like Jack takes after his mom on this front.

Bribery

I have resorted to bribery. Tyler has been a little pill lately. Maybe it's just me but three year olds are harder to handle than two year olds. About once a week we go to the mall to burn some energy. We always go in the toy store. Tyler loves to look at the all the toys. He desperately wants another Spider-Man toy (like he doesn't have enough action figures already). I decided to use his desire to my advantage. So I made a chart and if Tyler is good all day he gets a sticker, when he gets 8 stickers he gets the Spider-Man toy. Bribery has been working pretty good so far. Tyler isn't fighting me when I ask him to brush his teeth, and bed time has been much easier as well. There haven't been as many temper tantrums and Tyler's been in fewer fights with Jack. I don't know how long this will last, but for the time being it's pretty nice.


Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Inspired to Cook

Lately I have been extremely unmotivated when it comes to preparing dinner for my family. I know I am not the only mother out there who often feel uninspired to cook. I catch myself being board with eating and cooking the same things all the time, so I just don't make anything. Which results in frozen hot dogs, frozen nuggets, and Peanut butter and jelly for dinner. These foods are just fine, but really not the most healthy foods for two growing children. Sunday I received some inspiration... a stake cook book, full of fun new recipes. Tonight I got out my apron and actually cooked dinner, Basil-walnut chicken rolls. Really I cooked something new, and it turned out really good. Tyler even gave it the thumbs up.

Here is the recipe.

8 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
8 very thin slices prosciutto
Basil-walnut pesto (I used basil pesto)
1Tbsp. olive oil
8 very thin slices of fontina cheese
1/2 c. whipping cream
Place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a flat side of a meat mallet pound meat lightly into a rectangle 1/4 in thick. Remove plastic wrap. Remove and reserve 2Tbs. of the pesto for the sauce. Spread each chicken piece with remaining pesto. Place a cheese slice and a prosciutto slice on each chicken piece. Fold in bottom and sides. Roll up: secure with tooth picks.

Place chicken rolls in a very large skillet. Cook with salt and pepper. Add olive oil to skillet. Cook chicken over medium-high heat for 5 min. or until all the sides are golden brown, turning to brown all sides. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot and heat for about 20min until chicken is no longer pink.

For sauce, beat cream until soft and thick, about the consistency of a thin mayonnaise. Fold in the reserved pesto. To serve remove toothpicks from chicken. Serve with sauce on the side for dipping.



Thursday, August 14, 2008

Tyler's first day of preschool
I woke up to Tyler's face up close to mine. "Lets go to school mom" he excitedly exclaimed. Needless to say he asked me all morning long when we were leaving for school. He is excited to play and learn with all the other kids. School went well no crying or fussing he wasn't the least bit scared. Tyler's friend Colton is in his class, so he wasn't too shy. Tyler's teacher is Mrs. Fitzsimons. He has been practicing her name, he says "Mrs. Fitz and Simons". When we left school Tyler told me he didn't want to leave and that he wanted to play all day. I guess preschool is more fun then being home with mom.

Say cheese Tyler and Colton


Mrs. Fitzsimons and Tyler

Monday, August 11, 2008

Congratulations Dave and Stephanie!
My crazy little brother is engaged. I can't believe it. I really don't know what to say. Congratulations.


Swimming at Nate's house
Aunt Jessica is the best. Tyler loves her.


Two little monsters. Best buddies.