Little Man..

Sanitation Grade ??

We never said what our sanitation grade was when we cooked together... <3

Monkey Joes and Blows!

The other day, Nicholas and I were both off, so we decided to do something fun.. We took Jalen to Monkey Joe's and he had a blast. At first, he is always hesitant and wants me or him to do everything with him, then he warms up and is gone with the wind. He's climbing and bouncing and sliding (sometimes in ways he shouldn't slide). It's amazing because I remember the first time he went and we had to help him up everything and almost break your back to throw him over the humps to the slides. He's so cute and it is so fun to watch him smile and enjoy the simplest things.


and after it was all done, he got a little car sick from all the bouncin' and pouncin'...

Meal Idea #2 - Bagel Bites

Since we are all in this economy crunch together, I stole this meal idea, as well. Jessica and AJ had some going-old bagels one night and decided to make their own bagel bites. We stole the idea and it is so easy and yummy!!

Just take some of the mini-bagels and split them in half. Lay them on a tray (I line it in foil b/c I hate dishes!). Take some pizza sauce and spread it around the bagel. Tip: Get a jar with a lid, not the can, and leave the extra in the fridge b/c you won't use a ton. It is an easy snack or meal to prepare for the kids! I did this for Jalen when I didn't feel like cooking, but knew he couldn't eat anymore noodles or quesadillas!)

Next, throw some of your favorite toppings on. We just use pepperonis. Then, top with cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and slightly brown.

They are so mmm, mmm good!

Meal Idea #1 - Meatball Subs!

A good couple of months ago, my Dad made Jalen and I meatball subs. They were delicious and the other day I bought a bag of frozen meatballs for New Years, but Jessica made some so I didn't use them. So, since we're on a budget and I'm really trying hard to not eat out, I stole my Dad's idea!

For about 40 minutes I simmered the frozen meatballs with a jar of pizza sauce on the stove. After about 40 minutes I turned the heat up and made sure they were cooked all the way through. In the mean time, I cut open some sub rolls from the HT bakery and toasted them on broil.

Once they were all done cooking, I pulled the toasted subs out, placed some meatballs and sauce in them. Then, I threw some mozzarella cheese on top and broiled them until the cheese was melted. They were so tasty! (even Jalen ate them!)

Thankful Tuesday.. Oops Thursday!

Well, as always, I am very thankful for my family and the ones I get to be around daily. We are very blessed and I wish people really looked around and saw how blessed they are...

* I am thankful for Jalen. I know I seem to say this every week, but he really is the reason I keep going when days are hard. He always pulls me through when I see that little smile or 'Mommy, it's ok!' Sometimes I wonder how a 3 year old can pull you through and I'm 21 years old and can't pull myself through some days.. Whew, I am so lucky God blessed me with him.
* I am thankful I was able to go to church with my Dad last Saturday. It was nice to have someone to go with and plus, I think he really enjoyed it.. This Saturday I will see if Jalen will go with me or not.. I'd love for him to like going, plus it is only a hour!
* I am thankful that I have heat! It is so cold outside and can't imagine my house without heat. Oh what we take for granted! I love my mear 70 degree house and especially when I'm snuggly sound in my bed...
* I'm thankful Jalen's first week of preschool went somewhat smooth. On Tuesday I had to work so I couldn't take him. Nicholas said he did well. Cried a little bit, but nothing too terrible. Today I took him and I had Ry. He did okay. He cried and the whole 'Mommy, I need you...' and broke my heart, but he did well. He calmed right down and brought me home a beautiful snowman and snowflake!!
* I am thankful for a new year of new beginnings! This year is going to be exciting and I am looking forward to it. I can't wait until August :)

I'm blessed and thankful...

New Year

Every time a new year sneaks up on us, everyone is always talking about what their new year's resolution is. This year I really laughed at the idea that people make new year's resolutions. How many times do you hear someone say that their resolution is to go to the gym 5 days a week? By February 1st, the gym is empty. Seriously?? If you didn't go at all and then all of a sudden you decide to go 5 days a week... really?? Last night we were watching one of the shows and someone asked the girl what her new year's resolution was. She said 'to give back more.' Really? Why are you going to say it? Just do it! From all of this, I feel like people say they are going to something new to make the new year better, but never stick with it. Why? I don't know. Maybe too far fetched or too far out of their norm.

This new year I'm not making a 'resolution' or what ever they call it, but rather taking my beliefs one step further. I don't want to change my current mindset completely, but yet, expand them. This year I want to grow closer to God. He's been there for me so many times and honestly, I realized this not too long ago. He was always there and helped me through situations, but it wasn't until I found myself really between a rock and a hard place that I knew He was the one keeping me going. I want to continue to grow closer to my family. I want to learn more about my relationship and work on it. I want to get together more with my family. I want to go closer to my beliefs rather than further away from them.

I hope 2010 is a year of new beginnings, growth, and happiness. I hope it allows me to become a better person. I hope 2010 is not a far-fetched year full of resolutions that never happen.

Here's to 2010....