On the Ice

The inlet froze last week and finally got thick enough to play on. Or to skate on. I don't skate, but Summer and Reggie do. I walk and push a stroller (sometimes). Eugene likes to be on daddy's shoulder, Conrad likes me to carry him. On Saturday we had some friends over so they too could enjoy the ice. And almost every night we are out on it. It's neat to see the full moon and play on the ice.

This was last week before it was really thick. Summer and Eugene were allowed to go a little bit out. The rest of the pics are from Saturday.

Booklovers Tree

Found this on Facebook. This is my kind of tree. :)

Time with Summer

Summer has been having some issues lately, it's been hard. She seems sad all the time and isn't very nice to her brothers or us as parents. I know for a fact what she misses is time with us without the boys. When we get busy we forget to plan something. So Tuesday was my date night with Summer. We went and had our hair done, then to the mall one of her favorite places. We have fun bumming around, had dinner, laughed, and talked. She was awesome and really fun with only a few moments of being a butt. I'm learning how to handle her. I really want to yell and send her to her room for the rest of the night. But I know now that isn't working, so now I ask if she needs time to herself to think things over. She is still a pill, I didn't think it would fix anything over night. I do feel positive that we with get through this. I've been reading her verses I think might help. I remind her all the time God is with her and loves her very much. Even when it seems like no one else does. Lots of prayer. I love her so much and want the best for her. God blessed me to be her mom and I'll the best I can with God by my side.  =)

Dark Chocolate & Mint Chips

 When I found the bag of dark chocolate and mint chips I knew I would have to bake something with them. So for Teen MOPS I bakes two different cookies. They were very yummy.

Mint Chocolate Delights

2 cups flour

2/3 cup sugar

2/3 baking cocoa

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1 2/3 cups (10oc bag) dark chocolate and mint chips

Preheat oven at 325*

Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugars and vanilla in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chips. Drop by well-rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets,

Bake for 11 to 13 mins or until cookies are puffed and centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 mins; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 4 dozens cookies.

Dark Chocolate & Mint Morsel Cookies

2 1/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 large eggs

1 2/3 (10oz bag) dark chocolate and mint chips

Preheat oven to 350*

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugars and vanilla in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nut (which I didn't use). Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 11 to 13 mins or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 mins; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 4 1/2 dozens cookies

Christmas Tree

We decided to go for a real tree this year. Went to Carver's Farm with Reggies parents to go cut down our own. I was thinking small like our fake one, about 4-5 feet. We ended up with something a bit bigger. It takes up alot of room but looks so cool. It won't have a lot on it this year, because of the boys. But it's all good, I mostly enjoy the lights anyway.

Enjoying the ride.

Eugene and Reggie cut the tree down.

Summer picked the tree out and helped carry it to the side.

Conrad and I, he wouldn't let me put him or his football down.

Group shot.

This is what a tree looks like when you let 2 two year olds and a 7 year old decorate.

Merry Christmas MOPS

It's the first Friday and that means MOPS!! This meting was the famous basket raffle meeting. There were some good baskets this year. I didn't win anything, but that is alright as long as MOPS raised lots of money. Rella had a good speech about slowing down this time of year and remember what Christmas is all about. Santa is cool, but Jesus is better. I look forward to MOPS every month. :)

MOPS Queen

Andrea and her loot.

My group :)

Rella and I and our holiday shirts.

Where does the time go?

I have no clue where November went! It went by too fast, way too fast. I feel way behind, but have been getting things done. Just not on the computer. I have lots of pictures and baking recipes to post. I'll get there, right now I'm going to play with my boys and listen to more Christmas music.  =)