1st attempt at sewing

We read the book Jenius, the amazing guinea pig, after we finished Babe (same author).  The girls have been wanting a guinea pig, but with 2 dogs and 3 monkeys I figured the zoo expense was tapped.  We visited the pet store and then we found this cute pattern at Organized Chaos. 
We made ours out of felt and LE cut both guinea pigs out.  Bella needed some assistance with the stitch, but LE had no problem using embroidery floss.  I first used my 1/16" Stampin' Up hole punch to punch holes around the edge, it made it super easy to thread, plus she had a pattern.  We stuffed them with cotton balls, and embellished with slick paints. 

my girls said...

Bella listing the names of the 7 continents, North America, South America, Syrup (better known as Europe), Africa...

LE informed that fruit snacks (chewy fruit snacks that she only gets at Mimi's) are made with real fruit, so now she can have as many as she wants.

Bella asked why LE did not like girled cheese sandwiches; there made of cheese and there for girls.

chocolate-covered pretzels

Mimi got the girls a new cookbook, Paula Deen's Cookbook for Lunch-Box Set. For Girl's Game night we made a yummy treat out of the bake sale section. This was a super easy treat and it made several days worth of snacks for us.

The recipe is for a bake sale batch, so we cut it back for our needs.
15 large pretzel rods
6 ounces chocolate chips (we used semi-sweet chocolate bars)
1 T. butter
rainbow sprinkles
wax paper

Melt chocolate and butter for 1 minute in microwave safe bowl. Remove from microwave and stir. Continue cooking for 30 more seconds, stir again. Dip pretzels into bowl (I helped by using a spatula to get the chocolate higher onto the pretzel.) Lay the pretzels onto the wax paper and then sprinkle with the rainbow sprinkles while chocolate is still warm. Allow to cool (if you can) for one hour before serving.

HaPPy BIrThDay PaWPaW!

strawberry bars

Sweet and Tangy Summer Treat

1 cup granola
1 cup fresh berries (hand-picked strawberries taste best)
1/3 cup agave nectar or honey
1 T vanilla
3 cups greek yogurt

Pour granola on bottom of foil-lined 8x8 square pan.  Blend remaining ingredients and pour over granola.  Freeze until starting to harden (around 2-3 hours), remove and cut bars into squares.  Return to freezer until completly frozen. 
I cut the bars b/c they will freeze solid and it seemed impossible to cut apart.

thumb sucker

LE was a binkie baby, Bella had nothing to do with one, and now after 6 months, Read has taken to sucking his thumb (I think it could be tooth related, but it definetly soothes him, so it may stick). He also covers his eyes when he sleeps (see reflection). I cannot tell you enough how good of a baby this kid is! He has started napping, but he still sleeps through the night. If I have to wake him, he is all smiles. I put him in his bed, he smiles at his mobile. He starts singing, not crying when he is sleepy. I cannot believe how blessed we are.
I have actually had those thoughts, you know those thoughts, although I have yet to speak them aloud.

for a job well done

The girls earned all of their tokens and in record time.  This time's reward Chuck E. Cheese or Pajama Pizza Party with the Parents, the verdict - Pajama Party.  I was actually flattered we were chosen over the mouse and with such enthusiasm too. 
Party included all sorts of P's - pizza, popcorn, pink lemonade, pajamas, Babe (the pig) movie, on a picnic blanket with the parents. 
Last week we read Babe, the Gallant Pig and as part of our reward we got to purchase the movie.  Of course the book and movie were different, but I was so surprised how much of the book they actually retained.  It was their first experience with a book without illustrations.

new neighbors

We finally have neighbors, or at least some with children! They have two young boys, a little younger than the girls. As soon as we saw someone moving into the house LE declared we needed to do something for them (not even knowing they had children). Bella wanted to make them cards, and we decided we would bake cookies. The girl's first friend was our first neighbor, Connor and it has not been the same not having him across the way. I know no one will be able to replace our old neighbors, but I secretly hope for a new special friend too.

biopsy results

Frank got the results back from his biopsy and there was no sign of cancer in his kidney.  He will be meeting with his doctors next week about the cancer in his blood (it is not leukemia) to make a decision about what route he will take.  He is in great spirits and actually feels great too.  Thanks for the prayers.

wordless wednesday- cousins