Such a big heart

Today Kai was going through our wedding pictures. He came across a picture with Johnny, a family friend, in it. Johnny is in a wheelchair and has Muscular Dystrophy.

Kai "who is that?"

Me "that is Johnny"

Kai "can he talk?"

Me "yes he can talk"

Kai "I think I want to give him a kiss"

My heart melted as I heard that Kai wanted to kiss him because he saw that he has a disability or "owies". So very sweet!

Pretzel Salad

This recipe is so yummy because it mixes salty and sweet! Seriously it needs to be made by you at least once!



2 c. Crushed Pretzels 1 (20 oz.) can drained Crushed Pineapple
½ c. Melted Butter 1 (12 oz.) Cool Whip
½ c. Sugar
1 (8 oz.) box Cream Cheese ½ c. Sugar

Mix together crushed pretzels, melted butter and ½ cup sugar. Spread in a pan and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Cool and break into small pieces. Beat together the remaining ingredients and chill. Just before serving mix in pretzel mixture.

ENJOY

My three parenting struggles

If I could snap my fingers and change things right now these would be it:

*Kai would go potty on his own and be completely potty trained

*Kai would eat new foods, veggies, and stop wanting just chicken nuggets

*Nash would sleep through the night


These are the things that stress me out as a mom. They are so frustrating and there is no real answers but time. Can you offer any insight? What are your three things?

Christmas Day

(Getting our Christmas tree) We had to go in the 20 degree weather to saw down our own tree. After walking a few miles to find the "perfect" tree we settled on a crooked tree. Well we didn't know it was crooked until we got home and put it up and it leaned entirely on the wall for support! I was devestated that our perfect tree has such a handicap. Devin got out the saw (we didn't own one so he went to Menards to buy one) and took our 8 foot tree to 6 feet. It's still crooked but it will do. We made the educated decision to buy a fake one for next year to avoid the frost bite and frustrations during our pleasant tree outing as a family :)

The kids opened their gifts. 3 each representing the three wise men. They played with them for a whole 10 minutes maybe....it was worth it.

Christmas 2008

This would be our street on Christmas. One word-ICY!

Makeup Tip

As I was applying my makeup I realized that I needed a new eye shadow brush. As you may know, eye makeup brushes can be very expensive! I always look for deals and ways to cut out expenses and I remembered an idea that I had a few years ago. I am a licensed cosmetologist and I learned alot about makeup. I Love MAC makeup but it's expensive. The brushes especially! So if you want a flat brush for the highlighting, a brush that goes to a point for the dark shadow in the crease of your eye, and any other......go to the craft department! Yes that is right. Instead of spending $15+ on each brush, I get small paint brushes at Michaels for around $4 and they work just as good! So there is my makeup tip, enjoy!

Recipe of the Week

Artichoke Dip

People are always looking for a good artichoke dip and this is one that is requested by family and friends A LOT. I've eaten so much that I'm sick of it but that shouldn't stop you from getting sick of it too ;)

1 can of artichoke hearts chopped and drained
1 1/2 cups of fresh parmesean cheese
1 cup of mozzarella cheese
1 cup of mayonaisse
1 small can of green chilies
1 dash of tobasco sauce

Mix it all together and bake it at 375 for 20 minutes or until lightly browned on top. We serve it with Wheat Thins but you can eat it with your favorite cracker or pieces of bread I suppose.

Enjoy!