Monday, February 22, 2010

2 Wheels

Despite the cold and damp weather, Bryce was determined to start learning to ride on two wheels tonight. He had it down in no time. Even starting on his own. This is the very first bike we got him. We took the training wheels off and it makes for a great way to start on two wheels. He is close to the ground and the bike is light weight too. He reminds me of the clowns in the circus, riding around with their knees up to their chins. He is so proud to be riding like his big brother!! Soon he will be able to ride on his bigger two wheel bike, one that brother is passing down to him.

**** The screen is black for some reason, but if you press "play" the video will come up! I promise!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Double Trouble


We are purchasing this bunkbed for the boys. It seems recently that the two boys end up in Lane's room. Bryce on the floor after having a bad dream, because he says he can go back to sleep if he is with Lane. Nothing like a "big" brother! We didn't like the idea of a ladder, just felt like that might be dangerous. This bed has stairs instead and storage in each step, plus it has a trundle bed! I am sure there will be lots of giggles and whispering in the nights to come! Great memories for the two of them!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Woman of Strength


A friend sent this to me...thought I'd share...very nice!

A Strong Woman vs. A Woman of Strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape;

But, a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything;

But, a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her;

But, a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman walks sure footedly;

But, a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face;

But, a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey;

But, a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

Life is a journey that no one makes alone.
The more people you touch along the way,
the more meaningful and rewarding your time will be.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Half the Fat!!

Both of these recipes are very tasty(mmmm!) and a lot less in the calorie and fat department. Jay and I have been trying to trim off a little of that extra poundage ourselves. But I sure don't want to give up sweets and good flavor. I don't know anyone who does?! These will not dissapoint you! These two recipes will be made often in our household!




Weight Watchers Lemon Bars

Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
To make crust, mix flour and light brown sugar using a food processor until fully incorporated. Toss butter into flour mixture and pulse to combine using short bursts of power until butter is cut into tiny pea-sized pieces and dough appears lumpy. Sprinkle crust mixture onto an ungreased 13 X 9 X 2-inch baking pan as evenly as possible; press down with a spatula to create a packed surface. Place crust in middle of oven and bake until golden, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, to make lemon topping, beat eggs in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until well blended. Add vanilla extract and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar; mix well. Add lemon juice and remaining powdered sugar; mix until powdered sugar is completely dissolved and then add zest.
As soon as crust is finished, remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 300°F. Immediately pour lemon mixture over hot crust. Bake completely, about 30 minutes; cool, and cut into 24 bars.

Yields 1 bar per serving. 3 pts. per serving

NOTES: The crust must be HOT when you pour on the lemon mixture.
You’ll need approximately three lemons to yield the amount of juice and zest in this recipe.
You can increase the lemon flavor of these bars by adding more zest or eliminate the zest altogether for a less tart taste. You can also change the flavor completely by subbing fresh lime juice and zest for the lemon.





Low Fat Oatmeal Banana Bread

adapted from the Weight Watchers site
makes 1 loaf of 10 slices
1 serving= 4 pts.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 3 tsp canola or walnut oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 medium egg whites, beaten
- 3 large bananas, ripe
- 1 cup uncooked old fashioned oats
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a loaf pan and set aside. In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients including the oats and cinnamon.

In a smaller bowl, mash bananas with a potato masher or fork. Add oil and whole egg and mix thoroughly.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix well. Batter will be fairly thick.

In a medium sized bowl, with an electric hand mixer, beat the egg whites until medium stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions.

Pour batter into pan and bake until top of loaf is firm to touch, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes. Flip out and cool on a wire rack for another 10 minutes. Slice loaf into 10 equally sized slices.









Monday, February 15, 2010

Lunchtime fun!

When I was making the boys lunch today, I decided to get creative! It has been awhile since I made art forms with their food! They were surprised and excited and best of ALL...they ate everything on their plate!! A really accomplishment for Lane, our picky eater! That made momma even happier!
* Note: Lane is still in his PJ's on this lazy day off! His hair is even crazy too! Oh well, that is what vacation days are for, right?!






Sunday, February 14, 2010

I love....

.......this man!




Our wedding day

.......and these boys!

Happy Valentine's Day!



Saturday, February 13, 2010

More snow pictures!

A few more photo journalism shots of our winter wonderland! As quickly as it fell, it melted away! Just a little left in the shady areas today!



Notice our dog, Buster, under the tree on the left!








The view from our backyard into the pasture!







Friday, February 12, 2010

Memories of Epic Proportion!!


Yesterday it started snowing heavy here and by this morning we had a winter wonderland! The boys were up bright and early at 6:45 and we enjoyed being outside for 2 1/2 hours. Snow accumulation was about 5 inches. We did all the snow staples....snowmen, snowball fights, and even a little sledding down the hill on a piece of plastic. Last night the boys enjoyed snowball fights with Jay and even a little sliding around on the golf cart! Old Man Winter has found a home here in the South and it sure is exciting!





























Easy Treat

At work this week I tried a new recipe. I love it for two reasons, it is so yummy and it is so simple! I know I'll use this recipe when I need something in a jiffy!


Simple Pralines

24 graham cracker squares
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350°. Arrange graham crackers in single layer in ungreased 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan. Heat brown sugar and margarine to boiling; boil and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over graham crackers, spreading evenly; sprinkle with pecans. Bake until bubbly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool slightly and cut into squares.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Super Bowl Champs! Geaux Saints!

Update: BoldOur boys have brought the trophy home!!!
We are nervously watching our Saints try to win the Super Bowl! A nail biting game..they are ahead by 7!

Doggone Cute!

Celebrating the 101st day Friday, all of Kindergarten dressed as the Dalmations. I think our pup was by far the cutest one!!

Mrs. Ray, Bryce and her dog, Toby!

His outfit tail and all!


Bryce and his friends, Braden and Colton.



Back in the game!

Well the month of January has come and gone with lots of sickness for all of us. Bryce went from bad to worse the 2nd week of January and ended up in the hospital with pneumonia for three days. Jay and Lane were sick as well and when the three boys were finally on the mend momma got sick herself!! It has been years, I say years, since I have been that sick. I was in bed for three days coughing, fever, just plan yuck!! I just couldn't seem to kick it and found out I had bronchitis myself. All in all I missed two weeks of school! I felt like I might have to reintroduce myself when I finally returned. Being well is something I now won't take for granted anytime soon.
We spent last weekend with our great friends, David and Kristen Steinbrecher. I didn't take any pictures to speak of. We had a wonderful time just sitting by the fire visiting and letting the kids play. The weather was yucky and it seemed all of our plans were thwarted!! Thanks ya'll for a great time!