10.31.2013

Halloween 2013





Easy DIY Toy Story costumes for my kiddos this year! Since Kai learned how to talk, it's always been "Kaikai Woody, Noa Buzz!" I couldn't think of more perfect characters for them to be. 

Happy Halloween!! 

10.25.2013

French Toast with something extra.


We've had a slow start to the day this morning, but sometimes that's just what I need. A couple extra minutes spent rolling around in the bed, kids waking up one by one...some happier than others...Skype appointment with our besties that live across the country, and breakfast eaten with the whole fam. Love these kinds of mornings :)

Our latest breakfast obsession has been French toast. I love it, it's the hub's favorite and the kids are slowly taking a liking to it too. So why not, right? I also put a secret ingredient in it this time and it was quite a hit. 

Eggnog French Toast
3 lg eggs, slightly beaten
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup eggnog
1-2 tsp sugar

Mix together all ingredients in a shallow dish. Soak bread slice in mixture, a few seconds on each side. Pour a tablespoon of oil (or butter) into flat skillet or griddle set on medium heat. Wait to flip until the one side is golden brown. Finished when both sides are golden and crispy around the edges. Serve with whipped cream and maple syrup :)
(Makes about 8-10 slices of regular bread French toast, this time we went with a healthy 100% whole wheat bread)

10.11.2013

play dough, please.



 Noa's "Alligator"

One of my goals while the Hubs has been away has been to have a "fun activity" with the kids every day.  It is a challenge to constantly have the kids be entertained especially with their varying interests and their differing mental and physical capabilities (even though they are so close in age). We normally read books, go to the park, do puzzles together, sing songs, go swimming, go on walks, and watch movies, but sometimes it's nice to do something a little different and change things up for them. Yeah, play dough - creative, I know...It's something that they've certainly played with before and are familiar with, but they hadn't done it in a while AND I've been wanting to make it myself for a while now. Well, it was a hit with the littles and so easy to make! Not to mention how it's practically edible, made of things found only in your kitchen, so no worry of accidental ingestion (especially when it's vanilla scented!) or having it around the baby.


Play dough recipe:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cups salt
1 Tbsp cream of tartar
1 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Food coloring (optional*)
Vanilla extract (optional)

Whisk dry ingredients together in a pan. Pour water and oil into dry ingredients and combine well. *vanilla and food coloring may be added here* Cook over LOW heat, stirring constantly using a wooden spoon or spatula. Once the dough starts to pull off the sides of the pan, take off heat and place dough on a well floured surface. Knead in extra flour if the dough feels sticky, add oil if it's too dry. 

*You can add the food coloring before you start cooking, or I added a few drops after I split the dough to make two different colors. Knead it really well until the color is well incorporated.





Next project? I'm thinking watercolor paint ;)


What are some of the activities you like to do with your kids?
How do you keep them entertained???



10.05.2013

Cookies for Conference.



This is a special weekend for us in the LDS faith. It is our General Conference where we hear from our Prophet and leaders of our Church. Special occasions call for special cookies, and baking time with my little buddy. [Best cookie recipe ever from this post.]
I invite those who want to know more about what the mormons believe, please watch with us!
Happy conference weekend!