Kids Pictures...November 2010

 I know, I am a little behind, but...Hey, better late than never!!

Shaelee Lynn
Kindergarten
Age 5

Tad Edward Jr.
Age 2

Emilee Rose
Age 4

Wyatt "Tate"
4th Grade
Age 9

I know, I know...Kaylee Jane is missing! Soon...I promise :)

Time to stock up... 21 weeks and counting...

So, you might remember this post back in September of 2009 "Diaper Stock Up". Well, when I started out buying all those diapers, I knew a few gals who where pregnant so I decided diapers were always GREAT baby shower gifts and always great to have on hand for gifts. Low and behold not too long after starting to buy them I found out I was pregnant with Miss Kaylee Jane. So, I decided to keep going with diapers and doing all the good sales that I could possibly find. That post showed just that...I had quite a bit stocked up in September which was 3 months before my due date. By the time Kaylee arrived, I such a supply that I did not need to buy diapers until she was nearly 7 months old. What a great feeling that was!!

Needless to say, now expecting twins, I have started again with the diapers. This time, just buying a small pack here and there, but this latest Costco Coupon Book the offer for $5.00 of Kirkland Diapers and the $4.00 off Kirkland wipes, it is really time to start buying diapers and stocking up!! So, I have started...I have a long ways to go, but I will get there!

These days I don't seem to watch the sales as closely as I did over a year ago, nor do we have any CVS around here to get great deals on diapers at...but I really need to get back on top of it! Especially when I think about when the twins get here I will still have one in diapers and no where near ready to potty train for atleast 6 to 8 months after thier arrivals... Three in diapers...HOLLY COW!!


So, Yesterday I reached my 21 week mark. I swear I am as big if not bigger than I was at 36 weeks with Kaylee. It is CRAZY how round my belly is! It just keeps growing, and growing, and growing... and will continue...



36 Weeks Pregnant with Kaylee Jane
November 2009

We finally got our 40' semi trailer here from Northern Nevada and one of the first boxes my wonderful husband got out for me was a box (or 2) of maternity clothes. After washing them all and being so excited to finally have them, I have quickly discovered that A LOT of them are not going to fit me too much longer!! I still have a ways to go, too. Scary thought that my maternity clothes won't fit too much longer. My sweet husband says, "it's ok, you can just wear a sheet, or we can make you a toga". Now isn't that GREAT!!

Last night was a picture night...





So as I continue to grow...I must say, this is like no pregancy I have ever expierenced before. This is WAY different from any of my others! With being so tired...ALL OF THE TIME, I decided I needed a little break from school. So, I am taking off through April 11th and then, back for 7 weeks and then off for 3 to 4 months. However long I decide to make it. Seven children and school full time and a home to run, might just do me in.



During this time off I plan to do some scrapbooking. Out of the 5 children that I have right now, only 3 of them have scrapbooks started! So, that is my one HUGE Goal, along with diaper shopping, and buying baby boy clothes.

 Yes, you would think that after the last boy I would have kept my boy clothes, and I did...until I found out that Kaylee was a girl, then we said we were done. We were sure that we were stopping with a baby girl. I quickly changed my mind and knew that we were not done. I had already given all of my baby boy clothes through like 12 months away to friends of mine who where expecting boys. So, now that I am having another boy...it have been shopping for good deals looking for baby boy clothes. I think I have plenty now from NB to 0-3 months, now on to the next sizes. Did I mention that we have an abundance of girls clothes...we do! We have enough girl clothes for quadruplets...(not that I would ever wish for a miracle such as that).

 Oh yes...and we have changed baby boy's name. We started out with William Joseph (will for short). His name sake would be after my grandpa, William Jay, and Tad's grandpa, Joseph Edward. But with some more concideration, we have decided on Joseph Ross. My grandpa's name at birth was Norman Ross. When he was adopted he, his adoptive parents gave him the name of William Jay. So, when he enlisted in the army he stuck with William Jay and has ever since. However, I really want to bring the name Ross back into our family (kinda wierd, I know) but out baby boy will go by Joseph Ross and nickname will be either Joey or Ross.



As for our baby girl...her name still remains the same...Natalee Marie. Sticking with the "lee" endings for our girls. Not sure what my deal is with that, but it is what it is. Our family is still in awe with the fact that there are 2 babies growing in this HUGE belly. What a blessing and a miracle :)



Felt Flowers...

Ok, I have really been wanting to make some felt flowers for my girls...but really did not want to have to take the time to hand cut all the flowers...so, I googled "Cutting Felt with Cricut". Low and behold...it can be done :) I found this blog...JoysLife.com and she has all the info about cutting out felt with her Cricut...and it works!! So, lots of felt to come from this house. Good thing there are almost 4 girls here to wear them all :) I am selling these ones...well except for the 5 layered one becuase I made more for my girls...

Check out Sweet.Bee.Bowtique blog and Etsy for all the details :)

...the VERDICT is in...and 18 Weeks and Counting...

The impatient person that I am, talked my husband into finding out what these babies are a few weeks earlier than expected. I was so excited when I contacted to ultrasound place and found out that I could find out as early as 15 weeks. I immediately made the appointment for 17 weeks and 1 day, (I was 16 weeks at the time). Remember... my doctor told me we would not be doing the next ultra sound in the office until 21 weeks and that is when we would find out the genders. Well, I am a few weeks up on him :)

So my appointment was February 12th at Fetal Fotos in Murray. Great people and extremely friendly. I cannot wait to go back and get some 3D ultrasounds done once these babies start to get chubby :) Oh yes...so we found out we are expecting one of each!! PERFECT!!! I have to say I was honestly relieved that there was only 1 boy. We were all very excited. Tate's response was "we are still out numbered". I told him to get used to it. Daddy's 1st instinct was right on!!

We were quick to find out that "Baby A" was our Baby Boy. At that same time we also found out that his sister was not going to let him get his moment in the spotlight alone. Nope...all the pics of him had her in it. Poor boy!


Baby Boy with a Half Profile Shot and His Sisters Leg Above his Head.

 

Once again...Baby Boy and his parts and his sisters head in the pic.



Baby Girl and Her Profile....Notice that she is Solo.



Baby Girl and her parts...Solo again :)



So the names are William Joseph. William is after my grandfather and Joseph is afte Tad's grandfather. We plan on calling him Will. And our baby girl is Natalee Marie. We are sticking with the "lee" ending for the girls.

NOW...

 Comes my moment in the spotlight.

Tad came home from work yesterday and insisted it was a picture day. Only because I looked bigger than ever in the dress that I was wearing. So these pictures are exactly 18 weeks. These could be the half way point :) And I REALLY am looking BIG, BIG, BIG!!

15 Weeks and Counting...

Well, no better time than now to start the pictures of the vastly growing belly. Better get as many as we can while it will still fit in the camera window. It is deffineatly getting bigger and bigger each day (or at least I think it is.) Let me just mention this...I just ate a steak dinner, with some awesome garlic roasted potatoes before taking these pictures. Not sure that that accounts for much, but no doubt about it....these babies are well fed :) 

Today we are 15 weeks and 1 day. My official due date is July 22, but my doctor has assured me that these babies will be delivered no later than 38 weeks if I have not had them before then. That was a big relief. Do women who carry twins or more really deliver on or near thier due dates? I am just seriously worried that I will not fit into much anything...not just the camera window, but the van door has got me worried. My husband has informed me he will be watching for the day that comes that I try to squeeze my way into it...camera in hand. That day, I am sure will be sooner than later :)

All the kids are just as excited as they were the day that they found out, not to mention Tad and I are too. We have all taken polls as to what we think the genders are...

Shaelee and I think that there are two little girls baking away.

Tate, Emilee and TJ think there are two boy being wild.
(Please help me if there are 2 TJ's in there.)
Tad thinks there are one of each.

Thursday I starting to feel the little fluttering movements....love it!! I really enjoyed the day and spent it not doing a whole lot. Speaking of which...I am slowing down, I think more and more everyday. There is so much I want to do, but I have to think about not just one, but two babies, and my body.

How CRAZY is this....It already hit me that when these babies finally enter this world, I will have 5 children under the age of 5. Shaelee does not turn 6 until August. Very scary thought....but even more scarier is the thought that I will have 7 children before I am 28 years old. What in the heck??

We will just ease everyone's minds now, especially my family...if we are blessed with one of each, most likely we are done, BUT if we have 2 boys or 2 girls...chances are we are not quitting there. We'll just see how well I handle 7. And lets not forget we have plenty of room....we traded in our Excursion that seated 8 for a 15 passanger van...NO JOKE!! I sometimes do not believe it, but I know when these babies arrive they will be well taken care of and we will be able to travel as a family in one vehicle...not two. Big relief.

Well....as I continue to GROW to be HUGE....I am not sure there will be many more pictures I will not want to share. That may be your clue that my belly and I no longer fit into the camera window :)

Amazing News...

So, even though it has not quite sank in yet...we are expecting TWINS!! So exciting and shocking, but such a blessing. Yesterday I went to the doctor expecting the worst and got better news than I had ever imagined. I never was expecting him (the doctor) say "you're carrying twins". They both had very health heart beats yesterday and everyone in our home is just so excited about the news.

Now we are anxiously waiting to find out what we are gaving....2 boys, 2 girls or 1 of each...

No matter what, we know that we are blessed and they will be welcomed with lots and lots of love!!

Kaylee's Birthday Cupcakes....

So these cupcakes turned out so darn cute!! And they were good. Well worth all the work that went into them. They looked like actual ice cream cones and they were good, good, good!!

I got the idea from this blog... unleash your inner cake diva. The only thing I did different was instead of baking the merguine for so long, I only baked them for like 45 to 50 minutes. I did not want the topping to be crispy, I wanted them to be soft.

Of course the little cupcake was for the birthday girl herself and she had no problems getting it down. It was quite cute ans she dug right in!!

So these cupcakes turned out so darn cute!! And they were good. Well worth all the work that went into them.

Days 3 & 4 Food Network's 12 Days of Cookies....

So day 3 of Food Network's 12 Days of Cookies is Barefoot Contessa's Coconut Macaroons. Now Coconut Macaroons are right up my ally....mmmm, yummmm!! I do have one Coconut Macaroon Recipe that I really like, but I am going to give this one a dry.

Day 4 (today) is Anne's Dried Cherry and Almond Biscotti. I do not recall that I have have tried any sort of Biscotti, and not sure that I am going to attempt to make it. I have seen it made and does not look too difficult, but maybe one day.

You Must Check This Out!!

I just downloaded the NEW Rascal Flats Album for just $1.99....yep! Check out this link to Deal Seeking Mom and you can get it too. A NEW release for just $1.99. Thats a sweet deal (to me).

Food Networks 12 Days of Cookies

I love the holidays and baking. I especially love the Food Networks 12 Day of Cookies. Great recipes. There was one year that I actually managed to make 10 out of the 12 Days of Cookies recipes. It was great. I loved it as did the kids and the hubby....Check them out and you can even subscribe to have them emailed to you everyday :)

Yesterday (Monday) was Day 1 and the recipe was
Paula's Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies.
Now, don't those sound yummy? Mmmmhmmm :)

Today (Tuesday) is Day 2 and the recipe is
Aarti's Gingerbread Cookies‏.
Who does not love good gingerbread cookies.....I know I do.

I just wanted to share this, cause I love getting new cookie recipes. Happy baking!!

Chocolate Swirl Muffin Cake

Although I am not planning to have this on Thanksgiving day, I do plan on making it one of the days during the Holiday weekend. This recipe came from a Betty Crocker Thanksgiving book 2005.

Filling -
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cake-
2 boxes (16.4 oz. each) Betty Crocker chocolate chip premium muffin mix
1-1/3 cups water
1/2 vegetable oil
4 eggs

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Generously great a 12-cup fluted tube pan. (I will be using a bunt pan.)
2. in 2-quart saucepan, cooking filling ingredients over medium-low heat 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove 1/3 cup filling for glaze., set aside. Freeze remaining filling 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir together cake ingredients. Spoon half the batter into pan. Remove filling from freezer. Carefully spoon filling in center of batter to within 1/2-inch of pan edges. Spoon remaining batter over filling.
4. Bake 50 to 65 minutes or until top springs back when touched. Cool 15 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack. Spoon reserved 1/3 cup filling on cooled cake. (Microwave filling on high 10 to 15 seconds of too thick.)
16 Servings

Raspberry-Topped Eggnog Cheesecake

Doesn't that just sound heavenly? MMMMM...Yumm! So, this recipe came from a Betty Crocker Thanksgiving book from 2005. Be sure to plan ahead for this one :)

CHEESECAKE
1-1/4 cups crushed shortbread cookies (21 cookies)
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup eggnog
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

RASPBERRY SAUCE
1 package (10 oz.) frozen raspberries in syrup, thawed, undrained
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1-1/2 cups fresh raspberries

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In small mixing bowl, mix crushed cookies and butter. In ungreased 9-inch springform pan, press cookie mixture over bottom. Wrap foil around outside of the pan to prevent drips. Bake crust about 10 minutes or until set.
2. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. In large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Beat in eggs, one at a time, on low speed until combined. Beat in eggnog, rum extract and nutmeg just until blended (do not overmix).
3. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until set but center still jiggles slightly when moved. Cool 15 minutes; run knife around edge of pan to loosen cheesecake. Cool in pan on wire rack 1 hour. Referigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
4. In food processor, place raspberries. Cover; process until smooth. If desired, strain to remove seeds. In 1-quart saucepan, mix pureed raspberries, 2 tablespoons sugar and the cornstarch. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Referigerate sauce 30 minutes to cool. Stir fresh raspberries into sauce. Before cutting cheescake, carefully remove side of pan. Serve sauce over wedges of cheesecake. Store cheesecake covered in refrigerator. 16 servings.

Granola Streusel-Topped Sweet Potatoes

I found this recipe in a Betty Crocker Thanksgving book from November 2005. It is a little different from the other one that I usually do, so I thought I would give it a try. I love sweet potatoes, but my husband is a mashed potatoes kind of guy so we will be having both :)

Ingredients:
6 meduim dark-orange sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-1/2 pieces (7 to 8 cups)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 Nature Valley maple-brown sugar crunchy granola bars
2 (more) tablespoons butter, melted

1. In 4-quart saucepan, place potato pieces and add enough water to cover. Heat to boiling; reduce to medium-low. Cook uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and return to saucepan.
2. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 8" sq. glass baking dish with cooking spray. To potatoes, add whipping cream, 2 tablespoons butter, the maple syrup, and solt. Mash with potato masher or electric mixer until smooth. Spoon into baking dish. In small bowl, mix crushed granolabars and 2 tablespoons melted butter; sprinkle over potatoes.
3. Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated and topping is crisp. 10 servings (1/2 cup each).

Thanksgiving Favorites...

These are recipes I have posted before, but I am defineately making them again this year :) and probably for Christmas too. (I love good, yummy recipes.)

Fresh Cranberry Salad

Cranberry Stuffing Balls

Thanksgiving Day Menu....and then some!!

For some reason I am really in the mood for Thanksgiving even though it is just my husband and I and only 4 of our 5 kiddos. I have been searching for recipes and then debating and thinking how I can change them. OH YUMMMM....thats all I got to say.

Of course, we are going to have a turkey. Since Turkey is such an inexpensive meat we usually cook atleast 4 turkeys over the course of the 4 Day Thanksgiving Weekend. Then we freeze the meat. It's great to pull out turkey to use in soups, casseroles, and good ole turkey sandwiches.

I have so much stuff on my list, you would think I was cooking for an army, but I just want to enjoy the COLD weather with my little family and some good food and relax...well, relax in between eating :) and unloading our 45' semi trailer. So excited to completely be moved into our house. Not to mention the Christmas decorations that will be coming out...YAY!!!

So, the next several posts are going to be recipes I have tried or ones that I am planning on trying next week. No breakfast items are on my menu cause I am not a breakfast eater or a breakfast cooker. My wonderful husband takes care of that part for me...and the turkeys :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING and HAPPY COOKING!!!