playing catch up

I do not enjoy going to the doctor, whether it is for me or for my kids. If I have to go to the doctor that means finding a sitter for my boys or even worse taking them with me. And if I have to take one of my boys to the doctor, I usually end up taking all three of my boys- it's easier than finding a sitter on short notice. Now since I don't take my kids very often to their well checkups they are a "little" behind in their shots. Today I decided to take Beau and Blue to catch up. Oh, what fun we had! It was rather amusing when the nurse took us back to the room because both my boys were hacking up a storm. She wanted to confirm that they were there for their well checkups and not because they were sick. I am so glad that we had another reason for coming other than their coughs because the doctor agreed with my Dr. Mom diagnosis of "just a cough that will pass". Between the two of them, ten shots were needed. Plus, they had to prick Blue's finger for some blood work. I think that was the worst part of all of it- he started wailing the minute he saw blood and it didn't help that the nurse put a barbie bandaid on his finger. Come on, everyone knows not to put a pink barbie bandaid on a little boy. I hate that my boys are still too young and that I have to hold them down while the nurse gives the shots. Why is it mothers are called the nurturers? I didn't feel so nurturing as I am trying to keep my boys hands and legs under control. Colby refuses to take the kids to get shots because he says he would have a hard time not knocking out the nurse because she made his kid cry. So, to avoid more commotion (I'm pretty sure Colby would probably follow through on this instinct) than necessary, I continue to take my kids by myself. I'm sure I was quite the sight to see when we left. All of us bundled up in our marshmallow jackets, I was struggling to carry my bag, the information papers the office handed to me as we walked out, and Beau, squirming and crying; and then trying to gently drag Blue, who was also crying, to get to our car in a parking lot that was covered in abundant slush and pot holes. What a work out for me!

genetics

So Beau has been sick for the last four days. You know, the "fever, runny nose, cough and plain cranky" sick. Let's just say these days have been sooo looong! But it has been amusing to watch Beau give some pretty crusty looks. Colby and I have been arguing whether he gets his scowl from me or from him. For those of you who know Colby, know that he wears a perm-a-scowl, not because he is angry but just 'cause. I personally think he does this on purpose so people are afraid to talk to him (he is pretty anti-social). I was convinced that Beau's scowl came from him but after finding this picture of me at an Arnett reunion I would be lying if I said that there was no resemblance. But surely Beau has more of Colby's scowl than mine. What do you think?

a baby on the way

Not really. I guess I just looked that way. This evening Colby and I went out to dinner. We went to Sakura, an amazing restaurant that I have already blogged about. It is kinda expensive and we have decided that we can only go there on special occasions. Tonight was a special occasion: Colby was gone for nine days hunting in old Mexico and I survived! Anyway, tonight was the first chance we had to get away sans the kids. Well, I totally overindulged myself. I was so full but couldn't stop eating until I finally asked my waiter to take my plate so I would stop picking. When we came home, as if I needed any confirmation; Reed, while rubbing my tummy, says, "Hey, you look like you're growing a baby in there!" Ya, dinner was THAT good!

101 things to do with oats

On Tuesday night I held a class at my house on food storage, more specifically on oats. Before I was asked to do this the only thing I ever made with oats was "poop slops", or commonly known as no bake cookies. This past week I tried so many different recipes that called for oats. My boys have never been so regular! Alas, there are a few keepers that I am going to share with you.

Granola
7 c. oats (half quick, half old-fashioned)
2 c. coconut
1 ½ to 2 c. nuts (optional)
1 c. wheat germ or whole wheat flour

In saucepan or microwavable bowl, mix:
1 c. canola oil or 2 sticks of butter
1/3 to ½ c. honey (1/2 if you like a sweeter granola)
1 ¼ c. brown sugar
1/3 c. milk
½ tsp. salt
¼ c. real maple syrup

Heat mixture till smooth and warmed through. Pour liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and wet.
Bake in 2 9x13 pans or one large cookie sheet, ungreased at 225 degrees for ½ hour. Stir halfway through. Turn off oven and let sit in oven for another 15 minutes (this is for a chewy granola, if you like your granola crunchy let it cook for another 15 minutes).


Oh Harry Bars (similar to No bake cookies, but better)
½ c. melted margarine
½ c. corn syrup
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
½ c. peanut butter
4 c. oats
1 c. chocolate chips
Mix together the first 5 ingredients. Heat until dissolved. Stir in oats and chips. Press into 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 deg. for 15 minutes. Don’t overbake. Cut in bars.
Oh harry bars are a new family favorite. You can make these without the chocolate and they are still to die for!

Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pie
1 c. margarine 2 eggs
¾ c. brown sugar 1 ½ c. flour
½ c. sugar ½ tsp salt
1 T molasses 1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla 1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 ½ c. quick oats

Cream Filling
2 tsp very hot water
¼ tsp salt
1 7 oz jar marshmallow cream
½ c. shortening

In large bowl, cream margarine, sugars, molasses, vanilla, and eggs. Combine flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add to the creamed mixture; mix in the oats. Drop dough on ungreased sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until just starting to brown around the edges. They will look moist; don’t overcook. While the cookies bake prepare the filling. In small bowl, dissolve the salt in the hot water. Allow this to cool. Combine marshmallow cream, shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla in bowl; mix on hi until fluffy. Add the cooled salt water and mix well. Spread filling on flat side of one cookie, press 2nd cookie on top.
Who doesn't love a Little Debbie snack every once in awhile?!

heidi ho

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDI! I know it is Heidi's birthday, but hey it's my blog and I can post whatever picture I want. I thought picture was indicative of Heidi's maturity level :). There we were, trying to take some pictures of a tender moment between a mother and her son (me and Beau) and Heidi is running back and forth trying to get into the picture. I never would have thought that Heidi and I would be such good friends for we fought constantly when we were kids. In fact, we had an unspoken weekly kicking match in our room every Sunday after dinner. I know I made her a better person when I would wake her up in the middle of the night to walk across the hall so I could go the bathroom. At the time she couldn't see that I was only trying to make her a better person not because I was afraid. When I finally got to high school Heidi was a senior. By then we were finally friends. And we've only grown closer since then. My boys are intrigued by Heidi and the things she teaches them (ie. who is their prettiest aunt and sports- teaching them what balls are...if you catch my drift:) Heidi, just remember who called you first this morning to leave a lovely song on your answering machine!

h. abode

love this age

Beau is infatuated with hats. He loves to put on any hat he can find. He can't get it quite right; it is either down over is eyes or just sits lightly on the top of his head. Either way, I think he looks downright adorable! The second hat is an "old school" hat from the eighties that has a flat brim and a large top. But it is a favorite among all of my boys because it was Colby's when he was a kid, it even has his name embroidered on the back.