Field Day!

The boys had field day at school on Thursday. It was raining in the morning-so Lucas's class did their activities inside. It was so LOUD all morning long! I am sure that I have some permanent hearing loss but I was glad to be able to help. In the afternoon, the rain cleared and the older kids were able to do some activities outdoors. It was a fun day! Noah was able to help in the morning w/the kindergarten kids. However, when it came to participating in his own field day-he didn't find it to be too fun. He got a little too mixed up in some drama. A he said . . . but then she said . . . and then he did . . . but wait she said . . . Oh my head starts to hurt all over again! Some of the pics are blurry-sorry-just trying to keep up w/the action.
Scooters . . .

Shoe toss . . .

Volleyball . . .

Cup stacking . . .

Football toss . . .

Not sure what they called this one-but it reminded me of gerbils in a wheel . . .

High jump . . .

More volleyball . . .

More high jump . . .

Racing . . .

Hockey . . .

Tug of war . . .

Noah helping his k-buddy . . .

Tire roll . . .

Dizzy bat . . .

Scooter's boats . . .

Have a great weekend!

A family packed Mother's Day weekend!

For the first time in I don't know how long, we had a Mother's Day lunch w/the whole family for lunch on Mother's Day. With my work schedule-usually we celebrate Mother's Day w/the family on Saturday. Because the whole family went to church together for baby Victoria's dedication. It was loud, crazy and WONDERFUL!

I had Jordan as my table buddy. I was amazed when he leaned his head on my shoulder and said "I love you Aunt Rachel". Melted my heart!

The dedication.

The princess.

Nana had yummy snacks to keep little boys occupied until it was time to go to class.

The weather has been so beautiful and we decided to have some cousin time at the park. Below is one of my favorite pics of Eli and Ty. They sat on the bench for about 10-15min, talking, looking at cars and just observing the world around them. Too sweet!

We had such a good time. The boys do such a great job playing w/their cousins. Looking out for them and helping them out. It was a fantastic weekend. I love spending time w/my boys. They are the best!

Nachos

makes: 8 servings
cooking time: 1 hr
ideal slow cooker size: 4qt

1lb ground beef
1/4c diced onions
1/4c diced green peppers
1 pint taco sauce
1 can refriend beans
10 3/4oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 envelope dry taco seasoning
salt to taste
2c velveeta or chedder cheese
tortilla chips
lettuce
chopped tomatoes
sour cream

1. Brown ground beef, onions, and green peppers in saucepan. Drain.
2. Combine all ingredients except tortilla chips, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream in slow cooker.
3. Cover. Cook on high 1hr, stirring occasionally until cheese is fully melted.
4. Pour into serving bowl and serve immediately with chips, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream, or turn to low to keep warm and serve from cooker.

I took this to work and served it for the boys since it was so yummy. I didn't have the green peppers and substituted cream of chicken for the cream of mushroom. This was a crowd pleaser at work and at home. Enjoy!

Writer's Tea and more . . . .

Last Friday, the 4th graders' had their Writer's Tea. They have been writing stories/poems all year and have published their own book. They share in small groups and share their stories. Well, in Eli's case-he shares a sampling since he LOVES to write and has so many stories/poems. The budding author!

You can't have a party w/o refreshements. Cake, lemonade, and mints! Yum! Here are some of Eli's fav stories!

Here are some of Noah's artwork.

And here are some from Lucas.

Eli and his best bud. Well, more to come. Field day is today, but the way it was raining yesterday-I hope the activities don't get cancelled. Have a good day-stay dry!

R.O.A.D.

Customize your own free digital slideshow

In the first video- Eli is doing his chapter dance that he had been working on all year. In the second video is of a game where they stand in lines and then are given a theme that they are dancing like. So, Eli's friend is dancing "like a super model", then Eli danced "like a cowboy", the his friend is dancing "like a jellyfish", finally his 3rd grade teacher was dancing "like the world's worst dancer dancing like they they are the worlds best dancer". I couldn't resist that! And the 3rd video is zombies and robots dancing.

Eli's strings concert

Picture slideshow created with Smilebox

Okay, so I am way behind on updates but stick w/me while I catch up on our busy weeks. Eli did a great job. I know that it is a little tricky for him since he is a lefty but he has to play the cello right handed. He made me proud!

Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day and say a very special thank you to my Mom. Mom, I love you! You are an amazing woman. When I was growing up, I never doubted that you could do any and everything. And because of that- I never doubted that I could do anything. You taught me that God had a special purpose for me. You instilled in me a deep root of family, a love for baking, gardening ( well not the weeding part, I still hate to weed!), reading and so much more. I so appreciate all that you do for me and my boys but for everyone else in the family, too. I know that if any of us need you - You will be there. You make me feel loved and special each and everyday! You helped me through some of the darkest days of my life. And when I look back through my life- even if things weren't good between us- I am proud that you are my Mom. I can not thank you enough. But know that I am so very thankful for you and I love you.

I hope everyone has a great day and takes the time to remember their mother. And for those that don't have a mom here on earth-I will say a special pray for you. Happy Mother's day!

Robots and more . . . .

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I was able to go on a field trip w/Noah and Eli last week. We went to a technical center for the district. The robotic teams for the local highschool were showing off their current robots. The teams designed a robot to play soccer and they got extra points for their robot being able to do a pull up. This team's robot was the only one that had been able to successfully perform it during the competion. After seeing the robots, the kids were able to see different inventions, science projects, and other projects that other kids from the district had worked on. It was a fun afternoon.

Chicken Corn Soup

makes: 4-6 servings
cooking time: 8-9hours

2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 ribs of celery, chopped
2 medium potatoes, cubed
1 tsp mixed dry herbs
1/3c tomato sauce
12 oz can cream-style corn
14oz whole kernel corn
3 c chicken stock
1/4c chopped italian parsley
1 tsp salt
1/4tsp pepper

1. Combine all ingredients except parsley, salt, and pepper in slow cooker.
2. Cover. Cook on low 8-9hrs or until chicken is tender.
3. Add parsley, salt and pepper 30min before serving.

This wasn't my fav, but I think w/some adjusting-it could be better! But the boys said they liked it.

Finally!

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I have been trying since last week to update the blog w/this video from Noah's concert. His fav song was Blue Note Rock, so Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Tovo!

Today is Tovi's Birthday! But we celebrated yesterday since I have to work tonight. A coworker gave me a good idea to help him celebrate. So, we took him to Petco so he could pick out some new toys. And he took his job very seriously. Tovi loves toys, I mean really loves toys. He is forever surrounding himself w/every last one of his toys. I assumed he would take any toy offered to him. But the boys were delighted that he wouldn't and he actually choose some toys and ignored others. And then it was back home to a birthday feast of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, steam veggies (can you tell who picked that out :) ) and birthday cake for Tovi. I also got a video of the boys eating dog treats which I will be saving to embarrass the boys w/later.
Tovi always loves going in the car w/us.

Not the yellow or the blue one. Tovi wanted the green one!

Yeah another squeaky toy!

Chef Lucas quickly finished his homework and then helped w/ Tovi's cake. Tovi doesn't usually get regular food. Well, except the occasional taste of peanut butter. But that doesn't count. The boys were really set on making him a cake and we found a good recipe.

Noah turned his nose up at the carrots. I guess he didn't fully read the recipe!

Tovi was loving his new toys while we were baking.

The boys wanted to give Tovi the WHOLE cake, but I thought a slice would be just enough.

I don't think Tovi was as excited about us singing Happy Birthday as he was about the food in his bowl.

Yummy!

Noah was the only one who tried the cake. Well, I took a taste. Noah was not impressed w/the icing. I guess he expected my famous frosting. The cake was pretty good. But I had to agree w/Noah about the icing. Tovi however licked his bowl clean. Have a good weekend!