Happy Halloween 2014 {dinosaur style!}

In some ways, I cannot believe Halloween is over for another year!
I still feel like we should be wrapping up summer, but yet, here we are. And Thanksgiving is heading our way- and fast. Doesn't having kids make life go quick?!
Last year, we did Thing 1 & 2 costumes. The boys decided they wanted to go as dinosaurs this year, so David offered to sew them up. We saw a few cute ideas on Pinterest, but David ultimately ended up designing his own pattern and staying up late a few nights to sew them up. I made the feet that cover their shoes out of craft foam, but David took on the rest.
We had two nights of family fun: 1. Cub Scouts 2. Church Fall Festival
We're not really into Halloween all that much,  but the kids have fun playing the games for candy, so it is always a great time. I made a big dinner tonight, per usual, and even being as organized as I could, we were still almost an hour late to church. Thank goodness the kids can at least sleep late tomorrow morning! Yay for Fridays! {and I think next year, we will just eat out! Ha!} : )

And this little miss had her first "Boo!"

She was quite content to sleep in her Bjorn through most of the noise and activity of the bounce house, the ball pit, the game stations, and the cake walk {where Harbor and I both each won cupcakes!}

And other than a few pumpkins on the porch, 

the only other Fall decor out is on our dining room table and mantle.

Next on my list of to-do's is Harbor's party next weekend and then I can start hammering out our annual Christmas cards. We had our photo shoot last weekend and "the picture" has been chosen!  Whew!

Always glad to have that part taken care of.

: )

We also plan to stay here in Colorado again this Thanksgiving instead of traveling home to Arkansas.

We've invited a family to eat Thanksgiving lunch with us, and I'm excited about putting on a nice spread for them!  We've even discussed going up into the mountains after Thanksgiving lunch, so that is always exciting for the kids.

Lots of fun coming up in the next few weeks!

The calm before the storm!

But, boy, how I love these busy holiday seasons.

Kids make everything more special!

Kid Friendly Mexican Beef and Rice

Stopping in to share one of our kids'  favorite dinners! Harbor typically doesn't care for Mexican food-  he won't eat tacos or nachos or enchiladas, but he does love this kid friendly version of a Mexican rice.   We are hoping he outgrows this aversion to good food soon because we sure do love Mexican food in our house!
You need: A box of Mexican style Rice A Roni A small bag of frozen corn One can of diced tomatoes {undrained} An onion hamburger meat, ground Rotel {we barely use any since it makes it really spicy, but follow your own taste!} Mexican style cheese 2 Tbsp of margarine 

Start by sauteing an onion until clear and browning your meat.

Drain off any extra fat.

Add to your skillet the entire box of Rice A Roni and seasoning packet with 2 Tbsp. of margarine 

Add 2 1/4 cups of water and your can of tomatoes, undrained.

This is where I add a small amount of Rotel.

Again, our kids can't handle the heat yet, and I'm nursing, so I try to be cautious.

But if you like it hot, go for it!

: )

Turn up your fire and add your frozen corn

Bring to a quick boil, cover and reduce heat.

Simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until most of the liquid is gone.

 Top with cheese and serve!

 This is the meal where I can confess to standing over the stove after the kitchen has cleared....

and eating right out of the pan!

{You all do that, too, right?}

It's good stuff, Maynard! : ) {I've added this to the recipe tab up top!}

Easy Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes

This recipe is super easy! We like it because it is cheap to purchase and everyone gets full! Potatoes are just known to be a food that makes you feel warm and wonderful, right? {Or maybe that's just me?!} : )
You will need: a few boneless skinless chicken breasts, thawed out and ready to go EVOO {extra virgin olive oil} mini red potatoes {a small bag feeds about 4} a bag of frozen green beans {these are from Sam's Club} and not pictured are the spices 2 tsp of paprika 1 1/2 tsp of crushed rosemary leaves 1 tsp dried minced garlic {or garlic powder} 1/2 tsp pepper 1 tsp salt

Wash and chop your red potatoes in half

If you have a helper like I usually do, they can toss them into a greased deep baking dish.

Add your bag of frozen green beans

and cover with a few tablespoons of oil {2-3 roughly}

Toss those to coat in the oil and add your chicken.

Have your helper dump all the spices on top, 

sprinkling over the entire dish to cover the vegetables, too.

Use a spoon to spread the seasonings out.

Drizzle another tablespoon of oil or two on top of your chicken.

Cover with foil tightly and bake at 425 degrees for roughly 40 minutes 

or until potatoes are soft and chicken is done.

It is a wonderful one-pot meal with virtually no clean up!

It is a perfect winter time dinner when you'd rather spend your night having fun with your family instead of slaving in the kitchen!

It's one we make quite often and love!

{I'll add this recipe to my recipe tab at the top!}

Hollin {1st & 2nd months}

Hollin is eight weeks old! She will technically be two months old on Tuesday, but close enough for a photo shoot. Because, let's face it.. If I can find a pocket of time with three little ones all five and under for a photo shoot,  I take it! : )

Hollin is: -Nursing every three hours- much less than the boys at this age. In fact, she is much less vigorous and interested in nursing period.  She likes to snack here and there and is already starting to sleep long periods of time at night. She does love to nurse and cuddle though, and I love that special time spent with her.    

-Still sleeping lots during the day!  She rarely seems awake and alert, though around dinner time she perks up and stays awake until I put the boys to sleep. She is making better eye contact and has attempted a few coo's here and there.

-a very easy, quiet baby. She rarely makes her presence known, but has had a few crying spells that have been emotional and dramatic. {grin!}  When she gets upset, she will let you know, but thankfully, we've only seen it a few times thus far.

- an absolute joy for our family!  Harbor and Henry LOVE their sister.  They want to hold her and keep me informed if they suspect a dirty diaper or a lost pacifier. Harbor, especially, being older {5 years old} loves to try to make her smile. He has taken to calling her Miss Muffet.

- loves her pacifier and has been seen sucking her thumb on occasion.

- Starting to smile a bit! She is just showing a few grins, but, oh! How we get excited when she does! Her eyes look very blue, much like the boys. Her hair is still dark, but it is growing in a very reddish blonde. The boys never kept hair this long, so it has been quite a change to see that hair poking up over bows!

- sitting with us at the dinner table in her new high chair seat. We all like being able to see her face instead of having her in the floor in her swing. Henry has climbed in a few times. He has adjusted very well considering they are fairly close in age {19 months a part.} He likes to push her swing and put her paci back into her mouth.

- wears a size one diaper and 0-3 month clothes, though she is still quite little for most of the three month stuff. She is a tiny little thing, much daintier than the boys, for sure!

- a perfect addition to our family!  I love having a girl, a daughter. I love being a mom to three children. The Lord sure gave us a perfect fit for our family!

And even though I find myself with no time to fold laundry, no time to clean bathrooms, and no time to sit down and eat during breakfast or lunch, I wouldn't trade these days. This season is fast! I know it won't last forever. And I love these baby days.

They are busy though- and I've found myself praying for patience and better time management as I keep the road hot driving my crew all over creation for school drop off and pick-up {half day is a killer for trying to plan anything!} and for joy in my heart when children are all crying at the same time. : ) But at night, when the house is quiet, I feel the Lord refill my cup. And I look forward to the next day. This season is fast. I know it all too well.