5-4-3-2-1

Decorating Cookies on Christmas Eve

All the grandkids had a great time decorating cookies!

Sydnee ate off the icing as quickly as Nana put it on.

Ava was so proud of the giant red dot on her elephant.

"You are about to witness the creation of great art!" -- Landry

Big holes = big mess!

Why wait until after dinner?

A group effort.

Didn't I say "grandkids" earlier?

Nice jack-o-latern!

Two-handed!

Ava will audition for Blue Man Group.

A cute letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on
demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two
cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school
playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several
Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on
the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when
I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which
I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze, but are
strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the
grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of
my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant
windows and a radio that only plays adult music, a television that doesn't
broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator with a
secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to
boost my parental confidence, along with five kids who don't fight and three
pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the
living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems
to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the
dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time
to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of
eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a
Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the
holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable?
It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could
coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if
they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is calling and my son saw my feet under
the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip
and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so
you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs
on the carpet.

Yours Always,

MOM...

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my
children young enough to believe in Santa.

*Santa has asked that this gets passed on to all the mommies you know

Outdoor Fun

While moving laundry from the washer to the dryer this morning, I noticed the living room became too quiet. Upon entering the room, Toby happily greeted me and then continued looking for food under the girls chairs. Since it was raining last night the raised sandbox had plenty of water for two little girls to play with, especially when it was 40 degrees outside!

For all you fashion experts out there, notice what Sydnee was wearing:

• pink pajamas with flower print
• pink bib with bunny on it
• Ava's pink tennis shoes (the pj's already have feet)
• green jumpsuit pulled up only half way

My birthday

Well I never got around to my Murder Mystery party, but maybe we'll do it in January...too busy in December! So last night a few friends put on a little dinner for me. Here are some cute pictures of dear friends.
I had a really great birthday- thanks to all my sweet friends & family. Thanks. XOXO!

Thanksgiving with the Blackhursts

My father-in-law just sent me the Thanksgiving pictures so I can now share them with you!
Just a few pictures of our fun time together!

My girls & I made these little turkey place cards, cute huh?
Our place setting...
Even the fruit is pretty! :)
Got to have some apple pie...picture before it was baked.
I'm a pie maker but I hate posing for pictures so enjoy this one all you picture takers!

Where have I been?

In bed! We are sick...thus the lack of postings. My girls came down with the yuckies on Thanksgiving & I soon followed on Friday. I hope to have some pictures up later today- but you know how it goes having a house full of sick people & one very tired Daddy! So anyways- stay tuned!
Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was lovely!
Linz

Why I was running late Sunday morning...

Need I say more?

Random Politeness

Late this afternoon we went to HEB to pick up some groceries for next week. It was crowded not only with shoppers, but with tables of products to sample, stockers re-stocking the shelves, musicians (including a very loud bagpipe player) and employees playing Guitar Hero 3, which, oddly enough, seemed to be okay to the manager that walked right by them; maybe they were assigned to play in order to "advertise" the game?

We finally got a break in the middle of the store where there were fewer people. Unfortunately, we got blocked entering one aisle because of a pillar and a lady. I said, "excuse us" and she moved just enough, without saying a word, for us to get the cart through. Just before we finished passing her, Ava then said, "excuse us" and the lady went berserk! She said, "of course you may be excused! You are adorable children!" I was surprised and pleased with Ava's politeness, especially when she thanked the lady for her compliment, all on her own. That made it a good Saturday shopping experience, except for the fact that apparently I'm not adorable enough to be excused.

Bunny Update!

Last weekend I decided to mow down the overgrown square of a jungle in our back yard. We felt bad, though, because after I finished working, one of the parents came into the yard and went over to the recently destroyed nursery. We haven't seen any sign of the bunnies. Fortunately, I found the family had moved into the bushes on the side of our house next to the drive way.

This morning we finally had a glimpse of one of the babies! It came up to the window and looked at the girls for a good while. We waited to see how Toby would react, but he still doesn't seem to mind sharing the yard with them.


Since Lindsey is gone to her retreat for the weekend, it's just the girls and their daddy. Tonight we had movie night. Lindsey bought them a new game (Ants in the Pants, already missing a couple of the ants, which really look like grasshoppers) and a movie (Spirit) which they loved! Except for the part when the girl horse got hurt... Ava nearly cried. Sydnee was especially proud to be the one to hold the popcorn for all of us.

(Here is one of the pictures Ava took before I discovered her with the camera).

Retreat

I'm looking forward to taking off Friday to spend 2 days with my girls! Hopefully, they will both be days Sydnee will want to be.

Was it really that long ago?

So Saturday Todd & I spent the morning doing our famous "Saturday Morning Chores". One of my projects was to organize the girls clothes- meaning to get out the Fall/Winter wear & put up the summer duds (even though it's still warm outside!) It was totally a melancholy moment for me! I was putting away sweet little outfits that both of my girls had worn and it was a little sad! I'm not donating them or anything, I just boxed it up- so I'm not saying goodbye forever (although who knows if we'll have another little lady join the ranks- no I'm not pregnant- just clarifying). It just made me reflect on how fast they are going & how much I love them. Parenting is so challenging, and rewarding- emotionally, physically, spiritually...but it is 100% worth it! I love them fiercely. It really doesn't seem like that long ago...

Sydnee:Ava:

Halloween & My birthday requests

Well my wildest Halloween dreams came true- no I was bitten by a gorgeous vampire! We have over 45 trick-or-treaters!!!! YEAH! I know this b/c we have 45 whole candy bars/M&Ms and they were gone quickly. So fun! I love it! The girls also went trick-or-treating & had such a nice time- the Prices gave them stuffed animals that make funny noises...those Prices, they spoil us so!

And since my birthday is a little over a month away, I thought I would put a request out there- we are hoping to have a murder mystery party to celebrate. I haven't planned my own party since I was like 8 so this is fun! Anyhow, if you think you could come, will you let me know- it would be early December- maybe a Friday night...the more the merrier, but you'd have to commit b/c we'll do it full-out with characters and everything!

Hope everyone has had a good day, I know it's been a very busy week for most of you. I'm excited to hear about all of your adventures!

And my scrappin' sisters- 8 days!!!

Love to you all!
Linz

from the scarest house on the block...

Happy Halloween!

from last night's Boo Bash at Mars...

Please?

The last 3 days I have discovered Ava naked while she's suppose to be napping- any takers today will be different?

NOTE: She is REALLY into playing dress up right now & the Jacobsens just gave us a ton of their old costumes & shoes to dress up in...and I think that's what she's been trying to do...just leave the diaper ON!

On our dinner table...

Here's what smells so good!

Friday: Sweet & Sour Meatballs with Rice (We didn't have it last week after all)
Saturday: Jeff's Favorite- Sausage Noodle Case role
Sunday: Chicken & Green Chilies (Crock pot Recipe)
Monday: Pizza Roll-ups with salad, corn & English Toffee Bars as our FHE treat
Tuesday: Salsa Chicken with Mexican salad, cornbread, rice, & beans
Wednesday: Chicken Nuggets with Paw Paw's Taters, Broccoli & Cheese, rolls
Thursday: Frito Pie with homemade Chipotle Chili
Friday: Creamy Herb Pasta with salad & rolls

Here's a few of the recipes for you to try:

Mexican Salad
Submitted by Lindsey Blackhurst

This is a family favorite. It is a tradition to have this salad at Thanksgiving & all other permitted occasions. As a child I thought this salad looked gross & I never tried it- I was missing out!

Bag or Head of Lettuce (works best with Romain & Green Leaf)
Diced Tomatoes
1 Can of Ranch-style Beans (or Kidney Beans with liquid)
1-2 cups of shredded cheese
½-1 bottle of Catalina Salad Dressing
Bag of crushed Frito Chips

Toss all of the salad ingredients together without adding Frito's. Marinade in the refrigerator at least 2 hours. Before serving add crushed Frito's & toss. YUM!

English Toffee Bars
Submitted by Lindsey Blackhurst

2 cups flour
1 cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup butter
1 cup pecan halves
Toffee Topping
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven at 350 degrees. In large mixer bowl combine flour, brown sugar, and butter; mix until fine crumbs form. (A few large crumbs may remain.) Press into non-greased 9x13x2-inch pan. Sprinkle pecans over crust. Prepare toffee topping; drizzle evenly over pecans and crust. Bake 20-22 minutes or until topping is bubbly and golden; remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle milk chocolate chips on top. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

Toffee Topping

In small saucepan combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/3 cup packed brown sugar. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling, stirring constantly, 30 seconds; use immediately.



Pizza Roll-Ups
Submitted by Lynae Ellgen
Crust:
1 Tablespoon yeast
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons oil
3-3½ cups flour
Mix yeast in warm water in large mixing bowl. Add sugar, salt and oil. Stir well. Add flour and stir until well combined. Knead for 5-10 minutes until dough is smooth. Cover and let raise at least 30 minutes (and up to an hour) in a warm place.
Filling:
½ of 6 oz can Italian tomato paste
Garlic powder
Parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese, about 2 ozs.
Small amounts of one or more of the following: Broccoli, pepperoni, olives, bacon, ham, etc.

Roll crust into large circle on well floured surface. Spread with tomato paste and sprinkle with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese and other toppings. Using a pizza cutter, cut circle into 16 pie-shaped pieces. Roll up from outside into center. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy.

Sausage Noodle Casserole
Submitted by Stephanie Blackhurst
This was Jeff’s favorite meal, so we thought we should submit it too! Enjoy!
½ lb. ground sausage
2 TB. chopped onion
12 oz. bag flat noodles, COOKED
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
¼ cup milk
¼ tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
½ tsp. garlic salt
1 TB. dried parsley
Brown sausage with onion. Drain well. In a bowl, mix together soup, cheese, milk, and seasoning. Add to eat mixture. Stir in cooked noodles and heat through. Stir frequently because it can scorch.

Because I'm still obessed...

So I could have finished it in 2 days, but I had things to do! So I finished it in 3, so basically I finished all 3 books in 1 week. Hello? Obsessed! :)

IF you've read the books, here are my thoughts in brief...

Book 1: I love this book. It just made me happy. It made me think of my relationship with Todd & how much I love him. Sappy? SURE! I really enjoyed the "first love" feelings I felt as I fell in love with Edward with Bella. It's been 2 books ago that I read this so the details escape me now. It was just such a fun book & totally worth being behind on laundry for...

Book 2: Whoa, where did my happy book go? Sad! Hello? So this book was depressing at times, I felt SO bad for Bella. I wanted her to snap out of it, although I knew it was going to be impossible. I like Jacob, though. I just worried about him getting hurt, he's such a fun guy. I love all the legends we are learning about (more in book 3), I thought that was fun but then what? Jacob's a werewolf? Again- hello? What am I reading? But I just figured if someone was going to be in love with a vampire & his family, then her best friend might as well be a werewolf. I really thought meeting all of the new vampires was fun, the old Italian ones. Jane totally bugged me, she's weird...I'm sure we'll see more of her & them. And again, I was behind on my laundry...

Book 3:
WOW! Action packed...kinda. It was 3/4 of the book leading up to the drama & then wham! When I read the preface, I knew I had to get to that part...little did I know that was like the END of the book. I love that Edward is back & not going to leave. I actually love all of the drama & action in this book. Interesting knowing Jasper's & Rosalie's past...and I want to know more about Esme & Alice. The biggest part of this was Bella having to make her choice. I don't think there really ever was a choice, I think it was always Edward, but I think she had to let down Jacob and that was the choice- to break it off solidly. Does that even make sense? I LOVE how the werewolves & vampires joined together, somehow I knew that would happen, but only for Bella. WE did see those Italians again...but I'm sure they'll be back. Jane = evil. Interesting that she's a child vampire, huh? I'm torn at the end of this book. Where did Jacob go? My guess is that we'll find him again when Bella's a vampire & we'll have to deal with that drama. All-in-all, I'm glad to have read them all. It's fun falling in love again through another person's perspective. I'm also really glad I'm Edward in my personality quiz, because that guy is HOT! :) *LAUGHING OUT LOUD* Oh well...now I have to do the laundry...and there's A LOT! :)

Your thoughts, please....

I'm obessed

So I bit the bullet, and read the book everyone is talking about. "Twilight" was such a fun read & it just made me HAPPY! I read it in 2 days, and then New Moon in 2 days...and well I'm on day 2 of Eclipse...I am so predictable! However, I wouldn't have guessed I was Edward...I would have thought Alice, actually. I think it's funny what it says, I don't think most people would descibe me that way. I could probably do the quiz again with other answers & get someone more fitting, but I like this. I think it's funny...I do have to say this guy looks a lot like the Edward in my mind, so that's way fun! Anyhow, if you haven't read it, you should. It is a fun series- I'm hooked!

Which Twilight novel character are you?

You're Edward Cullen - You have great taste for the finer things in life, a classic style, and you understand the way people work so you can manipulate easily. You have many talents and a bit of a temper, but you are mostly level-headed and rational.
Take this quiz!








Quizilla
Join

Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code

Our spooky house

We love decorating for Halloween, come trick-or-treating here! :)

Our menu this week!

Two of my sweet childhood friends, Jenny & Mandy both publish on their blog what their menu is for the week. I think this is such a cool idea! I've been meaning to do it for a while, so today I'm going to do it!
I plan my lists Thursday-Thursday because that's when I go grocery shopping (usually). On most months I plan a month at a time, but this month I've just done a week at a time. So here's what's been on our menu this week:

Thursday: Stir Fry with Rice (okay we didn't actually have this, but I can't remember what we did instead)
Friday: Breaded Fish with Broccoli Cheese Rice & Apples/Grapes/Walnut Salad
Saturday: Monterey Chicken, Chipotle Potatoes, corn, & rolls
Sunday: Chicken Parmesan with the Prices (YUM!), green salad with homemade croutons, homemade bread, wheat pasta
Monday: Deli Sandwiches on homemade bread, chips, & green salad
Tuesday: Sweet & Sour Meatballs with Rice, & Apples/Grapes/Walnut Salad
Wednesday: Italian Chicken Breast, Corn, left-over sides
Thursday: Pizza & Salad (I'll be gone) :)

Here are a few of the recipes:

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Submitted by Carrie Baird (Our Robinson Family Reunion Cookbook)

*THESE ARE AWESOME!, My girls love them!*
1 pkg. 30-40 frozen fully cooked meatballs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1/4 cup barbeque sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

In a large skillet, heat brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce until sugar dissolves. Add meatballs, coat thoroughly and let simmer until meatballs are hot and thawed. (Especially good when made early and kept hot in a crock pot. I have also used frozen uncooked chicken thighs instead of meatballs and cooked them in a crock pot on high for 4 hours.) Serve with rice.

Monterey Chicken
Submitted by Lindsey Blackhurst

*Chili’s Bar & Grill has a recipe similar to this on their menu & I liked it so much I’ve done my own version.*

Chicken Breast (1 per person)

BBQ Sauce (we prefer Masterpiece)

Bacon

Monterey Cheese

This is a super easy recipe that can be adapted to the size of people you are feeding. Preheat oven 375 degrees. Wrap 1-2 bacon stripes around chicken breast. Place in glass dish. Cover chicken in BBQ sauce. Once the pan is full, place in the oven uncovered to cook for 45minutes-1hour. About 5 minutes before the chicken is cooked, place slices of cheese to melt on top. Sprinkle with some salt seasoning & enjoy!

I'm in print!

Here's the tiny part of the monthly magazine where they mention my name. The "full spread" will be in the quarterly magazine coming out sometime within the next few months.
You can also see what the contests are for November, I've already got ideas! :)

FHE

This was our FHE this week...too bad one of the intricately carved pumpkins is already sunken in! Oh well...I'll take a picture of the house decorated later today...Ava & Sydnee loved to spoon out the guts...Toby ate lots of seeds that night!Gee thanks Ava...The only pumpkin that we finished together...Our treat for the night...

One of those days

I am up early today & hope that the girls will sleep in just a little bit more, but I won't keep my hopes up too much. Yesterday was one of those days. Everything frustrated me. I didn't get to work on all of the tasks I wanted to get done & Ava was a terror. For those that know Ava you might have a hard time believing this or you may think- "sounds about right". She's just so adventurous & curious, I've actually always thought it was a great quality, but yesterday not so much. For example, Monday she got into my make-up- my lip gloss may never be the same. Yesterday she went to the blanket closet & pulled them all out & made such a mess- I made her clean it up which means thatif you open the door- watch out!

There was a bit of a turning point when Ava had pulled me over the top & made me tear-up (it's really not a great feat, but it doesn't happen THAT often). She looked at me & asked, "What's wrong, Mommy?" and gave me a really sad look like she was about to cry too. She gave me a hug, probably because she felt bad (at least I HOPE so!) And when I was done she said, "You happy now?" Well, no it doesn't work that fast- but I was at least able to maintain my cool for the rest of the day. (Especially since Todd got home & I had him do the night-time routine to give me a break- thank you Todd!)


*Update, they're up but eating breakfast so I'll hurry*


But I'm resolved today will be better or else I'm saying this in hopes of convincing myself. :)


I actually am really grateful to stay home with my sweet girls. They are such lovely little people. They drive me crazy at moments, but I find if I try to relax & look for the humor in the moment it helps a lot. In fact even yesterday I was thinking that maybe the "terrible twos" is only terrible because the adults haven't figured it out yet...then again maybe that was just naive. Either way, I love my girls, good choice/bad choices. So as a little therapy for me today, here's some things I love about Ava. I hope to remember these throughout the day. I'll have to write a list about Sydnee later.


AVA
1. She almost always wakes up happy. This morning she walked in gave me a hug & said, "I'm not tired"...while rubbing her eyes.

2. She loves people. I attribute this to all of my Nacogdoches "family" because when we were at church, she was always being held by someone different. They really loved her & she loved them. We often had to go looking to see who had her at the end of the meetings. She continues to be fearless in a crowd of people & has lots of friends wherever she goes. We were at a park one time, just as a family, & another family pulled into to park and she said, "Look! Friends!"

3. She loves to learn. She's so smart, I have no one to compare her to, but I like to think she's as bright as they come. She knows most of her shapes, all of her colors, tries to sing the ABCs, and I've heard her count to 11 (although I honestly think it was a fluke).

4. She is incredible affectionate. She loves kissing babies & booboos. She gives great hugs & very wet kisses.

5. She's independent. I think (most of the time) it's funny when she says, "No I do it." She says this for some pretty funny things. Such as #4, she has gone up to me, turned my face & said "No I do it" and then given me a kiss.

6. She's silly. My Mom has said that Ava is the silliest little girl she knows, which is saying a lot knowing my sisters and I. I love it when she "clears her throat", gives high fives, says "yesssss" or acts like a monster (I love these things about Sydnee too- we teach our children some pretty funny behavior).

7. She's an entertainer. She sings, she dances, she does it all...and sometimes wearing high heels.

8. She's curious. I'm determined to believe this is a good thing. She always wants to see how I'm cooking something or what I'm doing when I leave her presence for a moment. I've observed her mimic me often, including sitting at the computer where she turned to tell me she was busy. (For the record- I would only tell her that if she was suppose to be playing with her Dad & I had work to do).

9. She's a great big sister. She loves Sydnee & always makes sure she gets a straw at dinnertime too, even if that means that Sydnee will just spill her drink all over her for the 5th night in a row.

10. She's my first *little tear well-age*. She's my teacher & I recognize her as such. She was the first one sent to teach me the basics of parenting & to dispel all of my preconceived notions on what parenting was all about. She is often patient with me when I am not patient with her. I recognize her ability to mimic me could also be a curse, so I'm trying to show her a Christ-like person to follow. Yesterday was not a good one, but today will be better.



I love this picture. She's wearing her butterfly wings (which you can't see) but it was such a pretty little pose, I had to take a picture.