Proud?

Aren't you proud of me? I think I set a new personal record for amount of posts in a month. I told you I would try to be better.....and I did!!! YAY.

Now off to watch the news. Trying to see if Earl is going to ruin our Labor Day Party. Take your turn already, Earl, would ya?

Happiest Toddler on the Block

I have been reading Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp. I am trying to come up with some discipline that works for Sawyer. This book is too funny. He likes to compare toddlers to cavemen....which I guess is somewhat accurate. It is just helping me to put perspective on why my toddler behaves like he does. Is he a bad kid? Absolutely not. He just likes attention and to be honest he doesn't really care if it is negative or positive attention...as long as he is getting it he is happy. And really do you blame him? He is fighting with 2 other kids, a hubby, and 2 dogs. I am spread thin. I hate it. I need more time to devote to everyone in this house. Am I in over my head?? Absolutely! But I have no choice.....it is either sink or swim....and I chose swim. It would be oh-so-easy just to pop in a dvd and let them be. But no....I choose to entertain them. Coloring, playing, creative activities, outside activities, taking them places. And well, that just creates opportunites for chaos, meltdowns, fighting, and drama. But that is ok for now. Kids will be kids. I just want to make sure that they turn out to be good people. Loving, caring, helpful, hard working adults. And I do have the sweetest kids ever. They love to kiss and hug and that makes me happy.

Favorite Food Friday

Back to another sweet....because that is what I love. Mmmmmm....I could seriously forfeit all meals and just eat sweets all day, every day! This one is easy and so yummy and I haven't met a person who doesn't LOVE it.

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Ingredients


2 (3 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (16 ounce) package graham crackers
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and 3 cups milk; mix well. Fold in whipped topping and beat with mixer for 2 minutes.

In a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the dish.

Spread 1/2 of the pudding mixture over crackers, then top with graham crackers. Spread remaining pudding over crackers; top second pudding layer with another layer of crackers.

To make topping: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1/4 cup milk, cocoa and sugar and allow to boil for 1 minute; remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Mix well and cool.

Pour sauce over graham cracker layer and refrigerate until set; serve.


Y'all are going to love this one. It is seriously yummy!!

It's a .......

We went over to Ashley and Nick's last night for dinner for her to share the news. She sent me a text after she found out and I had made a cake and put filling in the middle of the cake- pink for girl, blue for boy. So when we cut the cake everyone would know if it were a boy or girl.




 

Jesse and Granny looking at ultrasound pictures.

Ashley and Nick (17 weeks pregnant)

Cutting the cake.

Surprise.Surprise. It is BLUE!!

And Danner didn't mind. She just wanted some cake.

So a BOY it is- which Porter was quite excited about. He wanted a partner-in-crime.

Big Day....

Today I will be finding out if I am going to have a niece or nephew. To say I am excited would be an understatement. Danner is hoping for a girl cousin. She is sick of all these boys playing with trucks and dinosaurs. She wants someone to paint her nails with, dress up, and play dolls and barbies. I will keep ya posted on the news.

New Blog

Well I have been having so much fun with my Favorite Food Friday that I decided to start a new food blog. I have so many recipes that I wanted to include that Fridays were just not cutting it. I am including some of my all-time favorite recipes and would love to hear some of your favorites. I love trying new recipes and can't wait to share some of them with you. Head on over to My Rockin Recipes and check it out. I am so excited to have my favorites in one spot. No more flipping thru recipe cards, cookbooks, and websites.

Discipline

This is a hard one for me. It is hard to decide what is appropriate discipline for 2 year olds. I have tried a wide range of things....most of which don't phase them. I have read all kinds of books on discipline....and I honestly think the decision has to be based primarily on the kid.

For example, a time-out works for Danner. I threaten a time-out and she immediately changes her behavior. She is a Mommy-pleaser. So I can threaten a time-out, count to three, and her behavior has instantly improved. If she does something to hurt someone or herself she automatically gets time-out...which hurts her feelings and results in a massive amount of tears and apologies and kisses.

Sawyer is not so easy. In fact he is quite the challenge. Time-outs are pointless with him. He will sit there...not bothered...apologize...and five minutes or less later he is back to the same behavior that got him there in the first place. I have tried other things.....a "popping" which I never ever wanted to be the "spanking" momma. But I do admit that there are days where I KNOW he most definitely deserves a nice hard pop on the behind. But I don't.....I give him a pop on his leg or hand. Not hard enough to even cause a reaction....which of course, makes me mad. Today he took a car and threw it right at Porter's head. Why? Jealously, maybe? Who knows? Well, it obviously hurt Porter and pissed me off beyond belief. So I marched his little butt right up to his room and closed the door. And left him there screaming, crying, and kicking the walls.He sounded quite miserable up there and I did feel bad for him getting so upset. But after a few hours  minutes later when I went in he was sorry and hugging me and apologizing and genuinely happy that he was free. Could this be my new discipline procedure for him? Don't know how long it will last but for today it works.

Any suggestions for the strong-willed, hard-headed little boys??

Ten....

Ok? Are you kiddin me? 10 months already?? How did this happen, guys? How is it that my little man is 10 months old? Cliche to say, but time is going by too fast!! Slow down already!!

Porter is such a big boy now. No more Mr. Baby. He is practically running now. He loves.loves.loves his brother and sister and likes to copy what they are doing or be right in the middle of their activities. He really loves when they pay attention to him, talk to him, play with him, or share their toys with him.....which doesn't happen too often. They can be downright mean to the little guy.

He loves to eat....favorite food being pasta noodles. He can suck those bad boys right up.....and it is to.die.for.cute!! He is doing good with actual finger foods too. He loves those baby puffs, cheerios, macaroni and cheese. He really isn't picky. I haven't found a food that he won't eat.

He weighs 17 pounds and according to the doctor is "underweight". Can't tell it from those chunky thighs. I almost laughed when she told me that. He seriously eats all the time, still getting breastmilk, and sleeps great. But apparently he is more active than most 9 month olds which means he may be burning more calories than he eats. He is wearing mostly 6-9 month clothes and some 9-12 months. Still in cloth diapers...which I love.  Still only has his 2 bottom teeth.

Ok....I must admit, he isn't perfect (close though). He has 2 really bad hobbies. First he likes to pull ALL the toliet paper off the rolls. I find that horribly annoying but he is too darn cute to scold. If I leave the bathroom door open he is running in there to pull the paper. Then he drags it around the house. Note to self.....close bathroom doors. The twins never found that too entertaining. Second bad hobby is dumping the doggies' water bowl. Seriously, if this kid sees the bowl he takes off running towards it, dumps it over, sits in the puddle, and splashes away. So this results in a new pair of clothes and diaper for Porter, a big towel and mopping, and moving the dog bowl to the counter. Poor dogs are getting thirsty around here. But if this is the worst trouble he can find....I will take it!!

He is the sweetest, happiest baby you will ever meet and I am so incredibly lucky to have him.

Love you Lil Man!!

Favorite Food Friday

Ok so this weeks favorite food is one of Jesse's favorite. Meatloaf.  And before you go gagging about how horrible meatloaf is.....you should try this recipe. I am not a big fan of meatloaf, but I can scarf down some of this. The kids love it too. It is one of those dinners that you always have the ingredients on hand- so easy to fix in a pinch.

Best Ever Meatloaf

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or Healthy Request®)
1 envelope (about 1 ounce) dry onion soup and recipe mix
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup water
Directions
Thoroughly mix the beef, 1/2 cup tomato soup, onion soup mix, bread crumbs and egg in a large bowl. Place the mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan and firmly shape into an 8 x 4-inch loaf. Bake at 350°F. for 1 hour 15 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through. Let the meatloaf stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Heat 2 tablespoons pan drippings, remaining tomato soup and water in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Serve the sauce with the meatloaf.

Let me know what ya think.

It's a Par-tay!!!

We are having a Labor Day/ Birthday party for Jesse on September 4th. We decided to rent an inflatable waterslide for the kids to enjoy. I sent out evites, but used Jesse's account. So not sure how many people were left off. Everyone is more than welcome to join us. Let me know if you want to come and I will make sure to get you the evite.

Baby It's Cold Outside....

OK...well NOT exactly cold...in fact, it is miserably hot outside, but don't tell these guys. They were having too much fun playing dress up in their winter hats and mittens and socks...and ahem....underwear. Yep, that's how we roll around here. Don't judge! I really do try to keep these kids in clothes. They just prefer not to keep them on. And...well....some days I just have to choose my battles.....clothes is not one of them....unless, of course, we are in public.

 Danner in the red hat. Sawyer in the blue.

 High fiving.

How funny?!

Keep in mind when it is actually cold outside I will have to fight with them to keep their hats on......they will be wanting to sport their bathing suits. :)    Kids!!

Ahhh the sweet smell of.....

stinky blanket. Seriously, guys, this thing smells. I can walk past the twins bedroom with the door closed and can smell Sawyer's blanket. It is disgusting. Why don't I wash it? Well as a matter a fact, I do. Quite regularly. Only it is a chore in itself. I have to sneak it away from the little man....hurry to throw it in the wash and get it dried before naptime. And heaven forbid he sees it in the washer....it causes the worst melt-down in history. But he loves it and that is all that matters, right? And he might have gotten that from me. I have a security blanket that is actually a pillow. And it is old and downright disgusting looking but it doesn't smell too bad. Can't sleep without it. So, see, I can't complain too much.

And that face is what happens when I tell him that "bankie" needs a bath. FYI.....Danner's doesn't smell.

Monday, Monday

Yep, just another Monday at the Harrison house. Long weekend of NO naps, lots of tantrums, and toy gathering. And here comes Monday....back to the grind of NO naps, lots of tantrums, and toy gathering. See a trend? Me too.  Gone are the days of peacefully sleeping babies........

during nap time, at least.

Favorite Food Friday

Okay. We all know how I love to cook, right? Although I don't have as much time for cooking and baking as I used to. I have decided to start my Favorite Food Friday with some of my favorite recipes. And although I have a soft spot for sweets I am going to include a wide range of all my favorites. If you get brave and try something, let me know what you think. Starting with a sweet, of course.

This one is so delish. Seriously, every time I make it there are NO leftovers. Add a dollop of whipped cream and it is to die for. Yum!!!

Blueberry Cobbler.


Ingredients


2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 cup white sugar, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons white sugar
5 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons sugar
1 pinch ground cinnamon

Directions:
Lightly grease an 8 inch square baking dish. Place the blueberries into the baking dish, and mix with vanilla and lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of flour, then stir in the tablespoon of melted butter. Set aside.


In a medium bowl, stir together 1 3/4 cups of flour, baking powder, and 6 tablespoons sugar. Rub in the 5 tablespoons butter using your fingers, or cut in with a pastry blender until it is in small pieces. Make a well in the center, and quickly stir in the milk. Mix just until moistened. You should have a very thick batter, or very wet dough. You may need to add a splash more milk. Cover, and let batter rest for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spoon the batter over the blueberries, leaving only a few small holes for the berries to peek through. Mix together the cinnamon and 2 teaspoons sugar; sprinkle over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the topping should come out clean - of course there will be blueberry syrup on the knife. Let cool until just warm before serving. This can store in the refrigerator for 2 days.

Enjoy.

 

Thoughts

and prayers for Papa today. He is having triple bypass.

Pure Craziness

Ok. I received an email today from Aunt Miriam that totally cracked me up.  It also made me feel 400% better about my little hoodlums. They ain't got nutin on these munchkins. These parents are seriously bonkers for taking their six-3 year olds on a t.v. show without help. Talk about outnumbered. However, I am completley sure that if I had 6 kids they would behave just like this.
Check out the craziness.

Sorry about that!!

Did anyone get an email from me? Yeah, one that was trying to get you to buy some viagra? If so, sorry. Apparently some one hacked into my email and sent them. Seriously, y'all, it wasn't me!! I don't have that kind of time on my hands. Wish I did though........(have time, not viagra)

It's been one of those days.....

Yep...one of those super-fabulous days.  It all started with this little cutie....

who decided to get up at the butt-crack of dawn (aka 4:30 am). Good news is he went back to sleep.....thank God. As the twins were eating breakfast this same little cutie decided to sneak up the stairs and proceeded to fall down the stairs...ouch. Now we usually have the baby gate locked at the bottom and top of the stairs....however the twins can open it and they left it open. It wasn't all the stairs. He was on about the 3rd step...but still. Poor guy. And it doesn't stop there. I was mopping the floor (dog puke) and Porter stepped on the floor and slipped and bumped his head. Ugg. Poor guy again.  Don't worry. He is fine, but I feel awful for the little dude. He has had a bad day...and the day is still young. And while I was tending to my sweet one....the terrible twos got a hold of some markers......and colored.....not on paper....but everything else.....including, but not limited to: wall, floor, table, chairs, windows. And this was in a 5 minute (or less) time span. Luckily a good hour of scrubbing and a sore arm later- all is clean.....for now. NEVER. NEVER turn your back.

Back on....

the market....that is. I changed realtors....well....I got a realtor. We were trying (not too hard) to sell by owner. But we decided on someone to sell our house. I took it off the market for one day....by 7:30am the next day I was receiving phone calls from realtors wanting to list our house. Really? 7:30 guys? Even the kids are still in bed at 7:30.....needless to say, none of them were the chosen realtor.

So if you are out there, buyer, please buy our house. We need something a bit bigger. Jesse is bringing home too much junk stuff from work and it is taking up ALL my closet space.

Before I was a mom...


Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

-Author Unknown

Figures....

Yea so I decided today to put Danner's toddler bed back together adding the rail for the mattress. I had it all put together except the rail when I realized that I was missing a couple of pieces. I called the crib company so they could send me some bolts when they ever so politely informed me that there was a recall on the cribs.  GREAT.... She told me to quit using the cribs ASAP, fill out some paperwork, and mail in the model numbers. Then wait for the new cribs to arrive. Seriously? Seriously! That is just totally my luck. I just need 4 friggin bolts lady. Well...good news is that the twins are used to sleeping on the floor.

Love is in the air....

I was doing some cleaning while the twins were watching Dora. I peeked around the corner to find these two being extra sweet to each other. Holding hands, hugging, and even kissing. Grabbed the camera quick and got some cute shots. Have you ever seen anything so precious? It makes up for all the fights I have to break up. Good to know that deep down they really LOVE each other.

Lookie. Lookie.

Doesn't my blog looks super cute?? Special thanks to Erin for the new look. Check her out here.

Prayers...

Please say a prayer for Papa (Jesse's g-pa) who is not doing so well after being admitted to the hospital Saturday.

Beach Day

We had a great day at the beach on Saturday. Aunt Ashley joined us and helped us built sandcastles. No one tried to escape and the twins are starting to enjoy the water a tiny bit more. They really love it when we hit the tide right and there are tidal pools to play in. Of course, that didn't happen on Saturday but they were enough people and kids down there to keep them entertained. Enjoy the pictures.....

Sawyer up to no good.

Crazy boy.

Aunt Ashley and Sawyer heading for the water. Doesn't she look great to be 14 weeks pregnant?

Danner

Danner sipping on some juice.

Danner and Daddy and a seagull passing by.

We buried Porter. He thought is was hilarious.

Aunt Ashley and Porter playing in the water. This kids loves the water. If you turn your back for a second he is up and heading straight towards it.

Daddy and Porter