Just Pictures

Last weekend was a bit hectic, with a baby who didn't sleep, a middle-of-the-night emergency room visit, and three of us coming down with a cold, but we still managed to squeeze in some fun.

Hayden, Stevan, Camden, Steve, (and Griff) getting ready for some rocket-launching.

Remember these? My brother Kevin use to love these rockets. So did Steve. Now, we are having all kinds of fun, launching these with the boys.

Stevan and Hayden

I made this cake for Memorial Day. I got the recipe from Pioneer Woman, who got the recipe from the Barefoot Contessa. I halved the recipe and used a 9x13 pan. Delicious!

Shopping score! I've been wanting to get a canopy for the sandbox, but they are so expensive. I got this $70 canopy for $33 at Linens 'N Things...yippee!

Kid Pleasin' Muffins

I'm always on the lookout for ways to use over-ripe bananas. We eat a lot of bananas in this house, so inevitably, we get a few brown ones from time to time. I like to sneak them into pancakes, or use them in smoothies, but the recipe I'm going to share today is a huge hit with my little guys.

Banana -Chocolate Chip Muffins

- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder

- 3/4 tsp. salt

- 1 egg

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1/3 cup vegetable oil

- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana

- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

- 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Combine the egg, milk, oil, banana, and applesauce in a separate bowl. Stir this into the dry ingredients until just moistened. Fold in the chocolate chips. Fill greased standard-size muffin tins two-thirds full. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from tin to a wire rack.

* This recipe will make one dozen regular size muffins, and one dozen mini-muffins. Griffie is partial to the mini-muffins.

New Camera

Isn't it cute? It is a Kodak Easyshare C713. I wasn't sure that I was going to keep it at first, because it is very similar to the camera I already have. However, upon closer inspection, I learned that it can do all kinds of little tricks that my old camera can't do. It is also very teeny, so I can keep it right in my handbag. Oh yeah, and it is pink, which makes me love it even more.


I've been thinking for a few months now that I wanted something really fancy. I still do, but the fact of the matter is, I have a lot to learn before I head in that direction. I have my eye on this camera, so I think I will start saving for it, and maybe sign up for a photography class of some sort.

The Graduate

My sweet Camden graduated from preschool today, so he is officially on summer vacation. Steve wanted to know why I didn't write, "Look out Kindergarten...here comes Camden" on his cake (because I didn't have enough room!), and Camden wanted to know why I didn't write, "California, Here I Come" (like Lightening McQueen says in "Cars"). Camden's class put on a nice little program this afternoon, and then we came back to the house for cake. He was happy to have his Dad, and his Gramma and Grampa there, as well as his good buddies, Hayden and Brendon. I just can't believe my little baby is heading to kindergarten - - time seems to go by much too quickly.

Camden loved his teachers, Miss Sandi and Miss Sharon, and I know he is going to miss them quite a bit. We were lucky to have such a great preschool, just one block from our home.

The Best Twenty Bucks I've Spent Lately

Griffin is currently OBSESSED with vacuum cleaners. He has always become rather excited when I drag out the Dirt Devil, but a couple of weeks ago, he decided that he was madly in love with it. If he wasn't standing next to the cleaning closet, whimpering for me to get it out for him, he was trying to push it around. The problem, however, is that the vacuum is about twice the size of Griffin, so additional whimpering would ensue. Steve, in particular, found this to be rather irritating. So, off to Target I went, in search of a play vacuum. I found one, and now Griffie has a new best friend. I only wish it really worked, because that kid spends most of the day "vacuuming". If he loses sight of it for whatever reason, he will wander through the house yelling, "CAH-COOM!!!!" When we go anywhere in the car, Vacuum sits in the back, between Camden and Griffin. When Griffin sleeps, he and Vacuum share a mad embrace. Last week, we were at a yard sale when Griffin spied a lady carrying around a vacuum that she intended to purchase. He practically went into convulsions trying to get his grubby little mits on the thing, screaming, "CA-COOM!" the entire time.

Just Pictures

Camden & Kitty, during his school field trip to Zoo Boise

Sliding
I finally got Riley a new dog bed. Unfortunately, Roy thinks it is a new kitty bed.

Sweet Griff

Camden's idea of fun: Fill clean pool water with handfuls of dirt, then use the dog's toy box as a boat. And, yes, he is holding a fishing pole.

First shot with my new camera

Reading with Daddy

It was 92 degrees here today. Frozen margaritas were in order.

Balance

I seem to be in a rut lately. Not exactly sure why, but I just am. I have so many things that I want to write about, but can't seem to steal away the few minutes I need, in order to do some typing. My mother could attest to this, because she is about the only person I email on a regular basis, and I haven't even been doing that (sorry, Mum!).

I find myself at a very odd stage with the boys right now. Camden is about to turn 5 (gulp), and Griffin is just over 1 1/2, and boy can those two go at it. I find that I spend most of the day breaking up squabbles, drying tears, trying to get to the bottom of who "touched" who first, etc. It is madding, I tell you! I know all of you moms out there with more than one child know exactly what I am talking about. I don't like this stage. I am not enjoying it. Please tell me it gets better! What I struggle with is having the patience to deal with it. I constantly find myself wanting to climb on top of the dining room table and scream, a la Rodney King, "Why can't we all just GET ALONG??!??"

One thing I am realizing is that balance plays an important part in all of this. If one of the boys is being particularly challenging, the other seems to get lost in the shuffle. When that happens, then there are hurt feelings and more acting out. So hard to keep everything running smoothly, at times. Yesterday afternoon, when I thought for sure that my head was going to explode, I realized how badly I wanted some "alone" time with Camden. I seriously don't remember the last time the two of us shared some special time by ourselves. So, when Steve got home from work, Camden and I headed for Sonic (his favorite treat spot). Then, we took off for the Big City to get new cowboy boots and Wranglers for him. We did a couple of errands to take care of while we were out, and we spent that time holding hands, giggling, talking about pirate ships, and just being happy. Gosh, I love that little boy. It is painfully obvious to me this morning that both of these little guys need individual attention on a regular basis - - something that isn't always easy to pull off, but I'm determined to make happen.

My Favorite Tony Bennett Song...

I wanted to add this to today's post, but my technologically-challenged brain just could not figure it out. So here it is an a seperate post!

Weekend Wrap-Up

Last night, we went to Rex and Kasey's for a cookout with Steve's folks, and had a great time. The little guys had a great time playing together, and got to visit with a neighbor's horse out in the pasture. It was a good day all around, and it began with breakfast in bed. Of course Steve did not disappoint - - he always cooks up a meal I would never even think of making. He is much more adventurous in the kitchen than I am. One thing he made was some delicious bacon with fresh basil and brown sugar - - may sound a little strange, but I promise you, it was to die for. My boys gave me a new digital camera (yippee!) but I'll save that for another post.
Notice the champagne glass. Oh, and the lovely glare on my glasses.

We took Camden to D & B yesterday, to try on some cowboy boots, and some Wranglers. Steve got Camden a new hat, and as you can imagine, he hasn't taken it off his head since.

**********

The Tour of Homes was a lot of fun on Saturday. The house I had was absolutely gorgeous. The owner let me take a bunch of pictures, but I probably shouldn't post them since I didn't ask her permission. Needless to say, I drooled over her antiques, her decorating, and her beautiful home. I fell in love with her china pattern, and someday...someday, I will acquire a set for myself, I tell you.

It is Royal Crown Derby, and the pattern is "Brittany". I just love the cherries. I also had the pleasure of "co-hostessing" with a local woman, who, as it turns out, knows my home very well. Our house was built for her in-laws back in the early '50's, so that was a really neat coincidence.

The Tony Bennett concert was amazing. I seriously cannot get over the beauty of his voice. I'm so happy that I had the opportunity to see him perform. I've been trying to post a video link to YouTube for like the past 30 minutes, but I can't figure it out.

The Reinforcements Have Arrived

Steve returned late last night, and it is good to have him home. So good, in fact, that I am currently holed up in our bedroom, stealing a little computer time while he feeds the boys breakfast. They are all about Dad this morning anyway, so I'm pretty sure they don't even know I am missing. It was a challenging week, what with the stomach bug and all, but it was a good week. I've got two great little boys, and I love them so very much.

This afternoon, I'm acting as a "hostess" for our city's annual Tour of Home, which is a fundraiser for our library. Each year, the Friends of the Library select a handful of local homes, and offer tours of them to the public. When I picked up my info packet the other day, I found out that I had been assigned to one of the big, mansion-y type homes, so I am pretty excited to get over there and check it out. It should be fun, and I'm glad I get to help out with the fundraiser. Tonight is the Tony Bennett concert, and I don't have to tell you how much I am looking forward to that.

And the Winner Is...

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers: 12
Timestamp: 2008-05-09 14:46:56 UTC

(check out Random.org...it is pretty nifty!)

That means Jen F., you are my winner! Congratulations! Your package (minus the chocolate) will be in the mail within the next day or so!

I can't promise I will get to the post office today, because, oh joy! I am dealing with Griffin and his very bizarre case of gastroenteritis. Ick. He's been sick since Monday, and has suddenly taken a turn for the worse around 3:00 this morning. Let's just say his bottom is pretty much a faucet, and I am going through a TON dipes and wipes. Blech!!

About That Chocolate I Promised You...

You know, the Starbucks chocolate, to be included in my giveaway? Griffin ate it.


The boys and I were in the kitchen yesterday, when Griffin casually disappeared. Things got awfully quiet, and when things get awfully quiet, that is usually a good indication that Griffin is up to no good. In the span of about 30 seconds, he'd gotten up to the dining room table, found my bag of goodies, zeroed in on the chocolate, unwrapped it, and, as you can see, went for it.

So, no chocolate for you. At least not Starbucks chocolate, anyway. And Griffin doesn't feel the least bit bad about it.

Cell Phone Photography (and a giveaway!)

Lordy Pete, these boys have been running me ragged! For the most part, I think I am pretty good at rolling with the punches, but every now and then I just want to run right out the front door, pulling my hair out, screaming as I go. Luckily, Steve had the day off today, so I was able to escape for a bit. Oh mama, was it ever nice to blast some music in the car, wander aimlessly around various stores, and just decompress. All. By. Myself. Alas, tomorrow morning Steve will be off jet-setting for some Army business, so I need to dig deep and hold it together this week. Anyway, back to my day:

First stop: Saturn of Boise, to have the car serviced. Must keep the vehicle in tip-top condition, especially when it is the only vehicle you have!

As luck would have it, there is a Starbucks across the street from the dealership, so I just hoofed it on over and ordered myself a Decaf Tall Nonfat Mocha, and a Petite Vanilla Bean Scone, thank you very much. I proceeded to park my heiny in a ginormous, squishy armchair, and read The Idaho Statesman.

Next stop - - TJ Maxx. Oh, how I use to love to shop at TJ's, before I had children. Nowadays, not so much. I don't like to be rushed when I am at TJ Maxx, and, unfortunately, small, rambunctious boys do not like to linger in the candle isle, so there you have it.

Today, however, I spent all kinds of time fondling the handbags, sniffing candles, caressing the housewares, and wandering up and down the aisles. It was glorious, I tell you!

I worked up quite an appetite at TJ's, so it was off to Hooter's for lunch. Okay, I didn't really go to Hooter's, but I swear I'm going to make Steve take me there some day. I would just like to know what all of the fuss is about. Plus, I hear they make a mean plate of hot wings.

My shenanigans ended at Target, because really, if you are going to go shopping, you have to go to Target. Oh Lordy I love that store. Soon, I was on my way home, back to a house full of boys. I didn't forget about you while I was away, though - - I brought back a few treats from my adventure, and if you'd like to receive a little package in the mail next week, then just go ahead and tell me so in the comments. I'll draw a winner at random, using Random.org, on Friday. Here's what is up for grabs:

A lovely new journal (the picture does not do it justice), a Starbucks mug, a $5.00 Starbucks gift card, a piece of Starbucks chocolate, and a handy-dandy cloth shopping bag from Target, that folds up into its own little pouch, so you can keep it right in your purse (or pocket, or whatever). As always, thank you so much for reading - - I appreciate you all so much!

*Edited to add: Okay, I know what all the fuss is about at Hooter's - - I just want to see it for myself. Unfortunately I'm afraid I'd be giggling the whole time.

First Ice Cream

It was a beautiful day here yesterday, and today is shaping up to be just as lovely. Camden thought an ice cream cone would be a good idea, and I really couldn't disagree with him, you know. So, off to Sonic we went. While we were waiting for our cones, I realized this would be Griffie's first ice cream, and I about died because I didn't have my camera with me! Thank goodness for modern technology because my cell phone has a camera, so I was all set. Griffin inhaled his cone, and at one point, I attempted to lick the dripping ice cream and "help" him. He wasn't having any of that though - - he squeezed his cone so hard in protest that he crushed it.

Speaking of cameras, I've been trying to justify buying a new digital camera for some time now. The one I have is nearly 7 years old, and it serves its purpose, but I just feel like I want to branch out a little bit. It feels like an extravagance though, so I keep putting it out of my mind. This past Friday, I left my camera in my friend Terri's car, and I have been totally lost without it. I had no idea how much I use it every single day, until I haven't had it. It's making me crazy! I really hope I can get it back today. Now, a question for all of you. If you have a digital camera, and are particularly in love with it, please leave a comment and let me know what you have, and why you love it so much. I'll consider this part of my early research into purchasing a new camera.