So that I can Remember

Here is a video of Isaac singing a couple of songs. I wanted to capture this for myself more than anyone else (though I think the Grandparents will enjoy it), so that in a few years, when Isaac has grown up a bit, I'll be able to remember what his little voice sounded like when he was almost two years old.

Here is a video of Maddie pulling herself up on her favorite toy. As you can see, she is still making her way around with her little shoulder shimmy/army crawl. I wouldn't be surprised if she never crawls conventionally because she seems to get around just fine with her tummy crawl.

She's also recently started scooting across furniture. If you listen closely, after we cheer for her she lets out her little "smoker's yelp." She has such a deep scratchy voice that she sounds like she's been smoking a pack a day for 20 years.

Before you call child protective services on me, you should know that home girl dove into the toy basket while I was snapping the picture. I got out the camera when I saw her trying to lean over to reach a toy. She wasn't making a peep--no squealing, not even any grunting. As I went to snap the picture, she made a nose dive into the basket. Even after falling into the toys, she was still so focused on getting her toy that she didn't even let out a little yelp! She may be laid back, but this little girl also has determination.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños Papá!

We're so glad you were born! We love you!

Play Group at the Fire Station

Today our weekly play group headed to the fire station. Isaac loves anything that "goes fast", and fire trucks are no different. I thought he would go crazy with excitement upon seeing the trucks, but he was really reserved and a little bit scared at first. He warmed up after a few minutes and even touched the tire of the truck before we left.

Luckily he had his BFF there to hold one of his hands (and his mama to hold the other)

Maddie hung out with me in the baby backpack. I even got her to smile for the self-portrait.

It was hard to get a good picture in the station with the all of the reflectors on the truck, so this one will have to do.

The firefighters were great--they even gave the kids a tour of their living quarters. Here the kids are lounging in their Lazy boys.

Homemade Granola Bars

These snacks are a new favorite of ours. I got the recipe from this website, but I changed it a little after some trial and error and talking to a few friends who make them as well.

Ryan and Isaac are both crazy about them, and I like them because they have more substance and less puffed rice than the store-bought granola bars. We are trying to eat a little healthier around here (I said a little--don't expect me to be giving up ice cream any time soon). Homemade Granola Bars

• 4 Cup Oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• Any dried fruit, nuts, seeds, chocolate chips,m&ms, etc.
• I have also added 1/2 cup peanut butter to the dough.

Mix all ingredients and press into large greased cookie sheet, 16 X 20. Press until dough forms with pan. Use a rolling pin to even out bumps in dough and make the bars flat. Bake at 325 for 14-20 minutes or until edges are browned. Take out and cut into strips immediately. Let cool entirely before removing bars from cookie sheet. Store in snack size bags or an air-tight container.

*Totally unrelated to granola bars, but those of you who know my dad will get a kick out of his latest blog post. Check it out here. My mom's latest blog post is quite entertaining as well.

Should it Concern Me...

...that my son frequently asks the following question to his toy cars and helicopter: "You wanna go to time-out?" and then places them apart from the other toys? Could I be using this discipline strategy a little too often?