Surprise!

Have you ever had one of those moments that just caught you off guard and you find yourself sitting in a puddle of tears? Okay....maybe not a puddle, but certainly tears trickling down your cheek. Steadily. For 10-15 minutes. Well, that's me right now. Yeah, yeah, I know. "Real men don't cry." Bunk! I've spent the last few minutes of nap time looking through old pictures of our family, our kids, us and am being flooded with memories, thoughts and emotions of the last several years. It's been a long time since Mrs. S has posted anything new and like many other well intentioned husbands, I originally supported the capturing of life's moments via blog. "Sure, babe....I'll write a few posts too." Ha! That half-hearted gesture to support what was new and exciting at that moment never came to fruition. So here I am looking back at the pictures and posting Mrs. S shared over a roughly 2 year period of time and I'm wishing that I had been more active in the process. You should know that I'm not one to sit down and spend time writing blogs or other such things, so this is BIG for me. : )

We recently took an early anniversary trip (the BIG 10th) in Coshocton thanks to mom and dad. As we moseyed through the quaint old-timey stores and their knick-knacks, one quote just kept showing up.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." - Robt. Brault

I just haven't been able to let this go and looking back through pictures of our children, slightly smaller mind you, just continues to hammer this point home.

I can't say that I've ever been disengaged from our family....at least that I am aware of, but I can point out periods of time, days and moments where I haven't been fully engaged, supportive, involved, etc. There's a bit of a melancholy feeling that I haven't experienced often yet my mind drifts to thoughts of "what would things would be like if..."questions. I love my wife and my children, but as a parent I suppose I'm experiencing one of those moments of regret mixed with nostalgia.

They really do grow up quickly you know. Children. Point in case:

My sweet little Pea is 6 now. I remember that "O.S." moment when Mrs. S told me she was pregnant. Then bringing home this beautiful baby girl from the hospital that I had no idea what to do with. *Que tears....again* Now, she is an amazing little girl (big in her estimation) who is strong, loving and nurturing, but not too big come crawl into daddy's lap and cuddle (Thank You God!).

Grunt, well....he has been going full steam ahead since birth. What a change from our sweet and timid Pea! This kid never crawled the traditional way. He bear crawled, moved straight to running and hasn't looked back since. Ok, that's figurative. He looks backward all of the time while running and that typically doesn't end well. : ) He's our clumsy puppy that is more the size of a moose with a heart just as big. He's almost 4 and is learning to ride his big boy bike in between demonstrations of how we can pump his legs to make his swing go.

Our youngest, Munchie, is now 2 and a little bit. Imagine Grunt with Pea's body shape, except more fearless. There. You've got Munchie. He wants so badly to be big like Pea and Grunt, but wants nothing more than "B" and mommy. He's a persistent little scrapper (read: our only hitter and hair-puller) and sweet as can be. I'm not sure that those always go together, but somehow he is both.

In the interest of catching up, God had blessed me with a job much closer to home that starts tomorrow. I know that God has a plan for each season in our lives and while I don't know why he allowed me to work an hour away from home for the past 2 1/2 years, I'm convinced it was at least partly to bring me to today (and other times like it). I am fortunate to have a patient, supportive and loving wife who is willing to experience life together with me. Why she chose me, I'm not always sure, but I'm thankful. I have been blessed even further by her in sharing our three little blessings (Pea, Grunt and Munchie). These three are amazing little people to come home to. No matter how my day has been they can always make me smile by running to the door and yelling "Daddy" with their arms wide open. Mrs. S stays home with our babies to care for them, nurture them and teach them. Yes....she homeschools Pea and soon to be Grunt. How she does it all and keeps it together I'll never know, but she does it with more grace than she will ever know. Oh...did I mention she still has to deal with me day in and day out to top it all off? I'm not sure that's something I would do, but I'm certainly grateful that she does. So many wonderful things are happening and God has blessed us in such amazing ways over the past few years. I can't wait to see what all He has in store for us.

Pea, Munchie, Grunt and Me

 Our Little Family

The Beautiful, Talented and Amazing Mrs. S

I can't wait for nap time to be over now. I need to give my babies a squeeze before they get any bigger!

Why don't you do the same?

~ N (Mr. S)

He will never be potty "train"ed

While at Target in the undies/socks aisle, Grunt sees a package of Thomas the Tank Engine undies...
Grunt: "I NEEEEEEED Thomas! Mama- Look THOMAS!"
Me: "Those are Thomas undies- if you're going to have Thomas undies, you have to poop and pee on the potty."
Grunt: "Ok! I poop on potty."
Me: "You can't poop on Thomas. Thomas doesn't like being wet or dirty."
Grunt: ::giggle:: "I poop on Thomas face. Funny."  ::LAUGH::
Me: "No, we don't poop on Thomas's face. That's not nice or funny."
Grunt: "Yes, funny."

Delaware County Fair

After apple picking, we decided to go ahead and make a day of it and head to the Delaware County Fair. Last year, we went to the Richwood Fair (post here), and the kiddos loved it. This year was no different. Grunt and Pea had so much fun running around, looking at the animals, eating fair food, playing games, and riding rides! It is going to be even more fun next year when all 3 of the kids can enjoy in the fair fun! Here are some pics of our fun family day!

Grunt just kept calling the sheep horses or dogs... we really need to move out to the country ;)

Grunt wasn't too sure about the pony.



Pea petting the calf.

Grunt loved moo-ing at the cows... after he stopped barking at them.

Daddy and his big kids

Pea and her first fair ride- she LOVED it!

Apple Picking- 2011

For the last 3 years, we've gone to Fruit-ful Acres (a local you-pick) to enjoy some family fun picking apples. This year was the first year I wasn't pregnant! YAY! It's so much nicer to go apple picking when you don't want to curl up under the apple tree and take a nap. We were surprised to find that they had some pear trees that were still producing, so we got some pears and a ton of apples. With Munchie and Grunt still being little, we decided to turn all of the apples into applesauce. So, easy peasy, a bushel worth of apples turned into applesauce is sitting in our deep freeze. Look for a post featuring my favorite recipes that use applesauce coming in the next week... or so. But, for now, enjoy these pics! And to see how much my kiddos have grown, check out last year's apple picking post here.

 Mommy and Munchie- 6 months old already!

 My sweet Pea- loves her apples

 Munchie screamed and threw the biggest fit when we took his apple away! So cute :)

 Grunt- too busy eating his 100th apple to smile

 Pa showing Grunt how to twist the good apples off the tree.

Grandma and the family- Pa was taking the picture... next year we need to have someone else take it :)

Mathias is 2!

I can't believe that my sweet baby boy is already 2! We bought him a balance bike for his birthday, and he loves it. Here are some pictures of him when we gave him his bike on his birthday. Can't wait until Springtime so that he can go outside and ride to his heart's content.

 His first glance at the bike- he threw everything else down and came running!

 "Cheese! My Bike! Ride it NOW!"

 Looking so much like his daddy.

Dino Poops

Mathias: "Mommy, look! Dino eyes!"
Me: "Yea, those are the dino's eyes."
Mathias: "Dino's mouth. Teeth. Bite me. No, no, Dino. Go to corner, now!"
Me: "Oh, what a bad dino!"
Mathias: "Dino, Poop!"
Me: "Ew, stinky dino poop."
Mathias: "Dino poop in the tub. My poop in tub. We poop in tub." ::chuckles::

Hours of Cheap Fun.

Thank you Pinterest.... You rock my world!

 Love the mess. So worth it. An occupied (and not getting into trouble) 2 year old! Yes, Please!

 

I know, I know. We should start breaking the binky habit, but hey, it's his birthday. :)

Food-Lover, Go Figure

Here's Munchie's first taste of sweet potatoes... note the progression. :)

 Tastes the first bite

 "Oh WOW! Yum!"

 "Where is it!!!??"

 "Put that in my mouth!"

"What are you laughing at?"

Update on Munchie

This kid is ridiculous- he's lucky he's cute. He doesn't like to sleep; day or night. It's horrible. But, God knew what he was doing by making him cute- or he may have been dropped off on your doorstep.

He's getting so big. Such a lovey. What a blessing... even if he decides to bless me every hour of the night.

Menu Plan Monday- Sept 12-18

Monday
B- Oatmeal and Yogurt
L- Leftovers
D- Delish Casserole

Tuesday
B- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
L- Out with the sister <3
D- Leftovers

Wednesday
B- Egg and Sausage Muffins
L- Cooked Carrots, nectarines and cheese... random... i know.
D- Clife- burgers and sides

Thursday
B- Honey and Oat Pancakes
L- Lunch out- COSI :)
D- Veggie Soup with Ground Beef

Friday
B- Homemade Granola bars and Kefir
L- leftovers or chicken and cheese quesadillas
D- Veggie Lasagna

Saturday
B- on the go! waffle and PB sandwiches? going apple picking with the grandparents
L- apples... apples... more apples??? and maybe a PB&J thrown in there
D- chicken and noodles

Sunday
B- at church
L- clean out the fridge or grilled cheese and veggies
D- Roast with veggies

Fun with Rice

So, I found this fun idea on a website.... that I can't find anymore... but, I'll share this idea with you as long as you remember that it wasn't my idea--- :)

Dyed Rice=hours of fun... and a kid-free potty break for momma :)

Here's how to do it:

Combine in a LARGE ziplock bag and smoosh around until all the rice is dyed-

2 TBS Food Coloring

3 TBS Rubbing Alcohol

4-6 Cups White Rice (I used more and it still turned out great)

Then allow to dry in the sun, or in a place where no one will bother it until it's dry. That is unless you just enjoy having your children, and their clothing/hair/shoes/your new couch/carpet, etc, dyed various colors... I'd advise you keep it away from little hands.

Once it's dry, place it in a tote with lid so that it can be easily transported to stay out of the elements. I'm guessing that soggy, wet rice wouldn't be as fun to clean up.

HAVE FUN!

Menu Mondays- Aug 29- Sept 4

Monday
B- Yogurt and granola
L- Chicken Un-nuggets
D- Chicken and veggies over biscuits

Tuesday
B- Tim Hortons (I know... horrible... but it tasted soooo good, lol)
L- Leftovers
D- Braut Burgers with Sweet Potatoes and Raspberries

Wednesday
B- Homemade Quaker-style Granola Bars (recipe to come soon!)
L- Packed lunch for COSI
D- Clife- Puerto Rican Rice

Thursday
B- Eggs and Toast
L- Leftovers
D- Meatloaf with Stewed Tomatoes and Green Beans

Friday
B- Eggs and Bacon
L- Leftovers
D- Italian Marinated Chicken with Acorn Squash

Saturday
B- Oatmeal and Honey Pancakes with Sausage
L- GreekFest Food!
D- Leftovers... probably too full from all the Greekfood!

Sunday
B- At Church
L- Four Bean Chili Mac and Cheese
D- Steak and Grilled Veggies

Menu Plan Monday

Monday
B- Yogurt, Eggs, and Toast
L- leftovers
D- Kiddos and I are on our own- Daddy has a late meeting :(

Tuesday
B- Steel Cut Oats with fresh fruit
L- At a friend's house
D- Honey Lime Chicken with Brown Rice and Mixed Veggies

Wednesday
B- Oatmeal Yogurt Smoothies
L- Chicken and Noodles (from freezer) with veggie sticks
D- Carolina style pulled pork bbq

Thursday
B- Homemade Egg "McMuffins"
L- Leftovers
D- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Friday
B-Buttermilk Waffles with Yogurt/PB dipping Sauce
L- Leftovers or homemade mini-pizzas
D- Catching up with old friends!
Saturday
B- Oatmeal Honey Pancakes with Bacon
L- Clean out the fridge!
D- Cheesy Beef and Rice

Sunday
B- at church
L- Clean out the fridge or Grilled Cheese and Soup
D- Pulled Pork Tacos with Chipotle-like cilantro lime rice

Menu Plan Monday- Aug 15-21

Monday
B- Zucchini, Banana, Cranberry Bread with Yogurt
L- At a friends house  :)
D- Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Tuesday
B- Greek Yogurt Smoothies
L- Leftovers
D- Bacon Burgers with Sweet Potatos

Wednesday
B- Crockpot Soaked Oatmeal (recipe to come if it turns out, :) )
L- out with friends
D- C-life

Thursday
B- Eggs and Toast
L- leftovers from C-life
D- Tacos with Guacamole

Friday
B- Oatmeal and Yogurt Smoothies with Fruit
L- Health(ier) Mac n Cheese
D- Veggie White Lasagna

Saturday
B-Soaked Pancakes and Bacon
L- Chicken Salad or Egg Salad Sandwiches
D- Coming Home Party for my Brother :) Home safely after serving our country in Afghanistan

Sunday
B- at Church
L- Leftovers
D- Out

Menu Monday- Aug 1-7

Monday
B- Yogurt and Whole Wheat Granola Waffles with PB
L- Packed lunch for COSI
D- Tatertot Casserole

Tuesday- our 8 year anniversary!
B- Egg and Sausage Bake
L- Burgers and roasted zucchini
D- Roast with honey glazed carrots

Wednesday
B- Leftover Casserole
L- Honey Glazed Chicken Unnuggets
D- Clife

Th ursday
B- Smoothies and Banana Zucchini Bread
L-leftovers
D- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Friday
B- Soaked Pancakes
L- Egg Salad with veggie sticks
D-Out! probably pizza!

Saturday
B- Eggs and Bacon
L- Leftovers
D- Out! Celebrating our anniversary!

Sunday
B- at Church
L- Leftovers
D- Steak and Sweet Potatoes

Black Bean Brownies

YUM!
These brownies are AMAZING! They are very rich, but incredibly good. Perfect with some homemade vanilla ice cream, maybe a caramel drizzle. I brought them to a family gathering, and they were devoured by my picky niece and nephews... and they didn't have a clue they were good for them! (in the grand scheme of things. :) ).
The picture isn't the greatest, but I was trying to take it while the kiddos were chomping at the bit to dig in. But, even though the pic isn't the greatest, I promise you won't be disappointed by these. I honestly prefer these to the real thing. They are THAT good! (Plus they are GF, and can easily be dairy free if you switch out the chips.)

Black Bean Brownies

1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed very well
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup sucanat (or other sweetener)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use less to make them less rich)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt (can omit)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Directions:
Add ingredients (except chocolate chips) into food processor in order listed, making sure that the beans are finely pureed and all ingredients are well blended. I had to scrape the sides several times to make sure that everything was encompassed. Once everything is mixed, blend in 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips. I allowed the chips to become chopped up somewhat- almost like mini chocolate chips.
Pour batter into GREASED 9x9 pan. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 chips on top. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the middle.

Enjoy- I'm sure that this recipe will surprise you. It is delish!

Chocolate Chip Blondies

In an effort to add in healthy foods, but still allow treats (probably more for mommy than the kiddos ;) ) I altered this recipe and came up Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies.

1 1/2 cups chickpeas (1 can, drained and rinsed)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup applesauce
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup oats or 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (can omit if you are GF)
1/4 cup ground flax (optional)
1/4 cup peanut butter (or nut butter of your choice- can omit)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:
Using a food processor, add ingredients in order listed above and blend after each addition. Make sure you whiz it enough to get all the chunks of chickpeas ground- it's one thing to eat chunky hummus, but chunky hummus blondies? ew.
After the ingredients are all well blended, pour into greased 9x9 pan. Bake at 350 for about 40 min. The top of the bars begin to crackle a bit once they are finished, plus the edges are brown. Enjoy!

Menu Plan Monday- July 25-31

I can't believe that the last week in July has already arrived! Where is the summer going? We have 1 lone surviving zucchini plant, but it is giving us an abundance of large, yummy zucchini, so we have some fun recipes that we are going to be trying and sharing on here over the next few weeks. Also, this week will be "Bean Week" here at Trail Mix Family. Beans have incredible amounts of nutrition, plus they are cheap! All the recipes posted this week will have hidden beans in them- and I promise- your toddlers won't know!

Here's the plan

Monday
B- Steel Cut Oats with Berries
L- Grilled Cheese
D- Marinated pork tacos

Tuesday
B- Eggs and Toast
L-Leftovers
D- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Brown Rice

Wednesday
B-Smoothies with Greek Yogurt
L- Egg Salad and veggies
D- Italian Meatloaf

Thursday
B- Homemade Crunchy Granola Bars with Yogurt
L- Turkey and Cheese Rollups with carrot sticks
D- Sausage Gravy with Eggs and Toast

Friday
B-Banana Muffins with Coconut Flour
L-leftovers
D- Ravioli Lasagna

Saturday
B- Yard Sale Day- Daddy's in charge of breakfast
L- Out! Chipotle probably- YUM!
D-Honey Lime Chicken

Sunday
B- At Church
L- Leftovers or Chicken and Noodles from the freezer
D- Steak on the Grill and Smashed Zucchini- fresh from the garden!

Oops, I Did It Again... and again...

"Mami, I did it. My climb!!"

"Mami! My Climb! Play Water!"

I Did It!

Within an hour, life, as I knew it, ended. My entire world came to a halt... all within an hour. Grunt said, "I did it!" Not once, not twice, not even thrice... but fourice (lol). For those of you who have wild toddlers, you are already laughing. Me, not so much. Pea was/is a pretty calm and quiet kid, so I had NO idea what I was getting myself into with Grunt. (and I'm guessing Munchie too). Back to the story.

The First "I Did It!"- I'm in Munchie's room, putting away laundry and I hear Grunt and Pea laughing and squealing. I leave the laundry to investigate- ready to have a heart warming picture of my two kids playing trains together and sharing so sweetly. WRONG. I walk in to find Pea in Grunt's crib helping Grunt climb out (which means that he had already climbed in!). Grunt, "Mami, I DID IT! My Climb!" NOT a picture I wanted to see.

The Second "I Did It!" - I move to our room to grab Pea's laundry and I hear "Mami, I DID IT!" coming from Munchie's room. Once again, leaving the laundry to investigate... I find Grunt ON TOP OF THE CHANGING TABLE- standing up, ready to jump off, just to make it even more fun for me. So, I take him down, tell him not to climb the furniture and CLOSE Munchie's door behind us. I put Grunt in his room to play while I finish the laundry.

The Third "I Did It!" - Pea and I were putting away her laundry, and I hear "I DID IT!" I almost started to laugh hysterically, or cry... who knows at that point- almost needing the looney bin. I walk into the hall and see Munchie's door- WIDE OPEN and Grunt back on top of the changing table. ::take note... my 1 year old can open doors. shoot me.::

The Fourth "I Did It!" - After the third "I did it" I sent the kids outside with Daddy. Only to have him tell me to look out the window at my 1 year old at the top of the pirate's ladder... which happens to be about 7 ft off the ground. SERIOUSLY???? Because I needed more to do and worry about during the day.

Who woulda thunk it... this sweet faced little man.... could be so wild!