50 After School Snacks

I love to cook. I love to eat. I love to make my family and friends happy with food. In my quest to make yummy food I watch Food Network and subscribe to their magazine. One of the best things in their magazine is a monthly pull-out booklet showcasing 50 recipes in a certain category. The booklet I went through from cover-to-cover was 50 After-School Snacks. It was a goal of mine in August to make all 50 and do it this school year, mission accomplished! We had mostly hits and one major flop... banana chips. The second those nasty little things hit my tongue I acted like a crazy two year old searching for a place to spit it out. Otherwise, yum!!

Here is the booklet that put smiles on the kids faces after school!

I circled the recipes we made, dated and rated them.

I'm a visual cook - the booklet includes photos of all 50 recipes!

They're smart at FN, they know we eat with our eyes first!!

See that graham cracker treat, #36? Simple pleasure... vanilla frozen yogurt between two grahams, roll in chocolate chips, smile.

Any variation is bound to be a amzing.

More notes!!

One worn cook booklet!

Where the booklet lived for the last 9 months as a constant reminder!

Some of our faves!

This all inspired Reagan to create something of her own!!

Our finale ~ Mango Salsa!

We even had Whitney's friend join in the celebration!

I DID IT!

One of my favorite things to ask the kids is, What is the secret ingredient? It usually isn't so secret as it is fun to get them thinking about the flavors. If you want to try some of the recipes, click on  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/50-after-school-snacks/index.html 

One last thing, we have loved to watch The Next Food Network Star as a family. The next season starts June 5th, so set your DVR! I still can't get the concept of Turducken out of my mind from 2 seasons ago.

Happy cooking, Happy eating!

My Baby Girl Graduates

Today was the day, Whitney's big graduation from elementary school. We have watched with joy as Whitney has ventured through her pigtailed days of kindergarten, right on through to 5th grade. She has learned how to read and do some high level math (sorry Whit, go ask Grandpa!), made some cool class projects, brought home amazing artwork, and killed it in P.E. making it to the district track meet. Beyond the academics Whitney has grown into a sweet girl who makes friends easily, cares deeply for their feelings and has a heart for others. She is ready to take on middle school, if only a smidge nervous. We have no doubt she'll do great.

Here is a snapshot of the day...

This is Whitney right after she went across the stage.

The kids created a slide that was shown when they each walked across the stage. It included a little kid photo and one of them now. They put their favorite memory of elementary school along with what they want to be when they grow up. Whitney said she wanted to be "a teacher and travel the world." Sounds fun!!

Whitney & her good friend Koryn!

The proud parents!

The big joke is always, "So Kris what grade did you, I mean Whit, get on that project?" We put so much time in ourselves it's almost like we're repeating elementary school. I'll tell the kids, "You have to do it, I already did 1st grade."

Dining al fresco with the entire 5th grade.

What a great day of celebrating... followed by none other than FIELD DAY!!

Scott joined in the fun as the P.E. teachers do-boy...

GIRL DOWN!!

 Whitney we are so proud of you!! Always remember you're free to be you!

Baby Joy!

Reagan made this video in class today. I had to share her heart with you. Click on Baby Joy! and Enjoy!!

Baby Joy!

Mural Painting

It has done nothing but rain for an entire week... and I love it. We rarely get rain and the heat will come, so I love the craziness of running in and out from the rain. However, on a very rainy Sunday where I was once again trying to figure out what to do with the kids, I had an idea. I let the kids paint on the wall, something I have been thinking of doing. Are you serious Mom? It is always fun to shock 'em. The girls sketched out their ideas, showed me the drawing, and off they went to pencil it in.

Side note: While the girls drew it out, Ten and I took Moka for a walk. We're getting closer to home and Ten says, "Oh look, a baby bird." Cute. "NO MOKA! Drop it!" I wanted to hurl right there. With gloves on I got behind her, opened her mouth, and shook her head to let it loose... while it is cheeping in her mouth. Gag! Tennison was so upset, "Mom, she speared her with her teeth." I know buddy, just keep walking. With tears in his eyes, "She squished her like a lemon." You're not kiddin'. To this Moka looks at us panting... with feathers on her tongue. Never a dull moment.

Once we got home and shared the baby bird story with the girls, we got to work! Check it out, I was so amazed at their creativity!!

The sketch.

Our blank canvas.

Ten's one and only job, painting the sun. He was proud!

The artists hard at work.

The Closet Genius in her hundred year old painting outfit.

Reagan, the squiggles can't touch the sun, it won't look right. - Ten

The finished project!

Welcome to Moka Park, how sweet!

I've always called the kids my 3 ducks in a row,

they wanted it to be part of the painting.

The girls wanted so badly to have it done in time to surprise Scott when he got back from the men's retreat. I was amazed at how hard they worked for 5 1/2 hours straight. We still have a little work to do, I'm sure we'll find time over the summer to add some details.

My Fine Feathered... Girls

This fall the girl who cuts my hair asked if I had heard of hair feathers? She tells me all about these colored feathers girls are getting in their hair. "If you want to be the cool mom you could get them for your girls." I told them about the feathers and they were a little reluctant, the craze hadn't really hit. It only took until yesterday to get excited about the craze and this long for the mom to cave to colored feathers. I surprised them on their day off...

Oh the choices!

Our friend Rachel put them in for the girls!

Can you see the one she is wearing? So fun!

We ended the day with Whitney's chip of the month...

Ben & Jerry's Late Night Snack with Jimmy Falon on it.

Chips you say? Chocolate covered chip clusters!! Oh the things

you can discover on the eliptical reading People magazine. It was goooood!

Love it!

Now who is the cool mom? Yep, that'd be me.

My Little Bookworm

Ever since I can remember, Scott and I have been reading to the kids and taking them to the library. Our first book we read was before they were born, Oh Baby The Places You'll Go, A Book to Be Read In Utero, by none other than Dr. Seuss.

They each participated in the Mother Goose story hour at 9 months old. Last summer Reagan was a Library Pal where she volunteered in the kids area. The coordinator was their Mother Goose teacher, she said Reagan was the first child to go from MG to Pals, so cool! It paid off, they all love books! Here is our newest reader in action:



On the way to school Tennison is catching me up

on the story he's enthrolled with.

Mom, guess what page I'm on now?

It has done nothing but rain today. When Ten got home he went upstairs to his room and created his own reading nook, space heater and all.

Isn't it cozy Mom?

It sure was cozy! I joined him to finish a book he started yesterday. It was about Mrs. Wigglesworth... the "lady" next door. The main character, a little girl who loved mysteries, snooped and found out she was a he who was a jewel thief.

Ten was shocked, it was awesome!

Reading opens up a whole new world! Where will the stories take us this summer? Can't wait!!