a tender moment!

Just wanted to share-
Sydnee has been crying for a while now because her cereal won't stay under the milk...yes, I know it makes me cry too. (WHATVER- urgh!) Anyhow, like the mean Mom I am I shut the door so I could concentrate on what I was doing- this is usual behavior for us- Sydnee cries over nothing, then she is isolated.

Finally after a while Ava & I opened the door when Sydnee stopped crying- thanks goodness! Sydnee was all red-eyed and said she didn't want to be in the kitchen eating all alone. I told her no one wants to be around her when she is crying at the top of her lungs for a silly reason. Then Ava looks at me and then Sydnee and says, "Sydnee, I will go in there with you." She then puts her arm around Sydnee- who has stopped crying (finally) and walks her into the dining room to finish her breakfast.

*Speechless*

What a sweet girl, it may mean nothing to you all- but it was a tender moment for me. Love my girls....especially when they are not crying. :)

Enjoy

Have a laugh on our behalf...

Make a Smilebox photobook

our Digital Christmas card to you!

You need an Elmer

Elmer the Elf is a Blackhurst tradition, and I think he's awesome. If we were speaking Harry Potter terms, you might call him a house elf- but one treated kindly, of course! Anyhow, Elmer encourages the children to clean up their rooms and behave the few weeks or crunch time before Christmas. If the children behave at bedtime, and have a clean room- then they can put a pair of shoes by their door. In the morning, the shoes will have candy in them. Elmer started 2 days ago with us, and the girls were so SO excited to see that Elmer had come. It's like Christmas morning every morning with the looks on their faces. Last night I woke up at 3am or something and thought...hmm, I didn't make sure Elmer came, hope Todd checked. So EARLY this morning I went to check- and he still hadn't. I "went to remind him" when we realized our candy stash was lame. So Elmer brought puzzles today. He left a tiny note, "I ran out of candy, hope you like puzzles." The girls were delighted, and they thought it was hilarious that he had run out of candy- but they didn't care- there was a Princess and Tinker Bell puzzle waiting to be put together. Ah, Elmer... I love you.

My awesome Mom

This is what my Mom wrote to me on our family blog yesterday, its too funny not to share.

December 6, 2009!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSEY!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday, happy, happy birthday,
Happy Birthday to Lindsey ken-a-dee Blackhurst!
Celebrate!
Paint the town red!
Live it up!
Party til the cows come home!
Dance like no one is watching!
Sing to your heart's content!
Run thru the streets screaming!

Oh, I forgot, it's Sunday

Daydream thru the announcements!
Sing louder than anyone in the congregation!
If ya'll vote to approve someone, wave your hand wildly with a huge smile on your face!
Take a nap if it's boring!
If called upon to read in SS, say "I'd rather not, it's my birthday!"
Invite all of R.S. to tell you how great you are, and to drop presents by later!
Spend the rest of the day lounging while those around you wait on you!
After all, this is a special day!
Have a great one!

The Famous North Texas Union Cake Recipe

This was my birthday cake yesterday, its my favorite- especially since you can eat it for breakfast! :) My Mom went to North Texas for school and she loved eating this, so we're excited to have a good recipe for it. Here are my sister's notes from making it. Todd (my hubbie) make it yesterday for me- it is so good, even when it flops. As you can see from the picture, we put nuts on half of ours since our girls aren't crazy about them.

Cake Ingredients:
4 cups flour
4 Tablespoons of Dry Milk
4 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 1/3 cup of sugar
12-14 Tablespoons of shortening (I used the butter shortening because I had it open)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla (I used the real vanilla, not imitation)
1 1/2 cups of water

Topping Ingredients:
1/2 stick of butter
3/4 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of flour
1 Tablespoon of cinnamon

Combine flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Add shortening and cut in as you would a pie crust.

Add eggs, water, vanilla, and beat (I used my paddle attachment on my kitchen aid and barely had to mix it, just mix until it is incorporated nicely.) The mixture will be fairly thick.

Pour into a greased (I greased my glass 13X9 baking dish with butter because I was out of Pam) baking dish.

Melt butter and pour or brush it on the top. Mix the sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the topping and layer on top and pat down a little. You can top with chopped pecans if you like.

Bake for about 55 minutes until a toothpick in the middle comes out fairly clean. This puffs up pretty tall, so it take a while. My instructions said to cook for 35 minutes but I found it needed a lot more, so just keep an eye on it.

This is a great cake for breakfast or a brunch. I am sure it is good with coffee as well but I don't drink coffee so I had it with milk!A piece of deliciousness! :)

Preschool today

As posted on our preschool blog:
I'd like to thank Mother Nature for ending our lesson today with some snow flurries, that couldn't have been better planned. :)

We had a great day in preschool today. We sure missed Jaden, though, and hope that he is feeling well soon. We did our usual circle time and shared our "Winter items" as Show-and-tell. Ava & Jacob brought scarfs. Samuel brought mittens and Sydnee brought a coat. We then played a little Memory game with Winter Items. The kiddos enjoyed this and Jacob was especially good at this- matching the most of the group. Then we read, "Stranger in the Woods" and talked about how the children in the story helped feed the animals in the winter. Since it was so fun for those kids, we thought we'd do the same by making winter bird feeders out of lard and bird seed. The kids thought this was fun, but I surely needed a 3rd arm/hand at times. :) We made little snowman frames before snack- because I knew we were going to get messy soon- so don't forget to add a picture and put it out somewhere.

For snack, we had Snowman on a Stick, waffles with a peanut butter /w/, and a cooled version of hot chocolate. The kiddos were suppose to decorate their snowman before eating it, but Ava was the only one who really did it to completion. Sydnee & Samuel did for a second, and then bit into it. Samuel and Jacob liked putting their chocolate chips on their waffle, which I thought was a clever idea too.

After snack, we cleaned up and then made a "W is for Winter" with glue and buffalo ice (I have no idea why it is called that). That was quick, which was good since I was so behind schedule! Then we played rescue the army men. I had frozen some army men in milk cartons and the preschooler's job was to free the men. This took a long time. :) With the help of salt and a squirt gun, and some "team work" (or lack their of) the men were finally freed. Hooray!

We finished up with a little Mitten Matching game (with gloves of course) and read "Bear Snores On" and "The Missing Mitten Mystery". And when we finished, we took a picture of the preschoolers in front of the window where it was snowing like crazy. NOTE: As soon as I got the girls bundled up and out there to play, the snow was pretty much gone. Oh well.

Next week- PIRATE WEEK!

Ranch Pork Roast

I love easy recipes- and I especially love easy recipes that taste good. :) Here is one from my favorite cook book from Better Home and Gardens. We had this last night. My only suggestion is to make sure you thoroughly cream the soup & cream cheese before pouring it over the meat. Also, if you have one of those crock-pot liners, just it! :)

Ingredients

• 1 2-1/2- to 3-pound boneless pork shoulder roast
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 pound new red-skinned potatoes, halved
• 1 10 3/4-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 0.4-ounce envelope ranch dry salad dressing mix
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Trim fat from meat. Lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray; heat skillet over medium heat. In hot skillet brown roast on all sides. Remove from heat.

2. Place potatoes in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Place meat over potatoes. In a medium bowl whisk together soup, cream cheese, and salad dressing mix. Spoon over meat and potatoes in cooker.

3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 9 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4-1/2 to 5 hours. Serve with freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

4. Creamy Ranch Potatoes: Prepare as above, except omit pork roast, use 2-1/2 pounds potatoes, and substitute one 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream for cream cheese. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3-1/2 to 4 hours. Stir before serving. Makes about 6 (1 cup) servings.

Pumpkin Crisp

This is soooooo good, we have it instead of pumpkin pie now.

1 - 15 oz can pumpkin
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 - 18.25 oz pkg. butter-flavored yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butter - melted

Directions:
Stir together pumpkin, evap. milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour into 9x13 pan. Sprinkle cake mix over mixture, then sprinkle pecans on top. Drizzle with butter over pecans. Bake 350° for 60-65 min. or until golden brown. Remove from heat, cool for 10 min. before serving. Top w/whipped cream & sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.

Memories...

Not the best quality, but it brought back many memories...

Here.

I love being an Aggie. I've never been real quiet about it, and probably a bit obnoxious at times. A&M was the only school I applied for, even though I could have made it into other schools, so I'm glad they let me in. I began as a Freshman in the Fall of 1997 as a psychology major, communications minor. Oddly enough, I graduated with those as well- it is not unusual for a student to change their majors more than once. Another odd note, Todd never changed his major either. I wonder if that says something about us...hmmm...did I mention I love psychology?

Anyhow, shortly after Todd and I began dating in the Fall of 1999- our institute group was going to camp out on campus- along with hundreds of others- to be the first to buy our tickets for the Aggie vs. t.u game (we call the University of Texas little "t", little "u" because we feel we are the real university in the great state of Texas- whoop!). Anyhow, Todd and I signed up to participate in the camp-out, and had a great time of playing cards, studying here and there, and spending time with friends.

Very early in the morning there was a lot of commotion going on on campus, noises, yelling, people running by. Finally we were told that our beloved Bonfire had collapsed. People were rushing over there to offer medical aide, to move the scattered logs, and the madness of the incident echoed through the campus. No one really knew the extent of the tragedy then. Being so early in the morning, I didn't call my family, but I did call my roommate. Cell phones weren't what they are now. I had one, even probably had it with me- but it was unreliable and died easily. When my family was awaken early in the morning by my aunt checking to make sure I was OK- they were panicked not being able to reach me. Finally, they gave the responsibility to my sister- who knew she could find me. She was able to reach my roommate a few hours before I called home to let them know I was OK. I lived off campus, so it was unusual for me to be on campus at that time of night, which added to the worry of my family.

The next day I remained glued to the TV as they announced the growing number of injuries and deaths. I had 1 class to go to that day, and it was in the afternoon. Walking on campus was like walking in a morgue. Our usual routine of "Howdys" and friendly smiles was replaced by sadness and confusion in the eyes of all Aggies. I told my Mom that it was the saddest place to be on Earth. As the days continued, so did the news...12 Aggies dead, and 1 barely hanging on. To those who don't know our traditions- 12 is a special number with our "12th Man" tradition, so the campus- and all Aggies everywhere prayed that the number would lock at 12. It was symbolic in a way, and so it stayed at 12 & the 13th lives on.

My parents & I were planning to have Thanksgiving in College Station. They had tickets to the game, and it was intended to be a fun family event for my parents, brother, and me. The night before the big game, there was a candle vigil held in memory of the 12 at the site of the fallen Bonfire. It was emotional to the core, and yet amazingly healing. The patrons of the vigil then collected at the stadium for Midnight Yell. I don't remember exactly what happened at Yell, but my most solid memory was looking around and seeing thousands of people with their candles fill the stadium of the school we loved. Amazing grace was heard beginning and ending all around us. It was a solemn night of remembering the fallen, the injured, and the school we loved.

As a small side note, years after the tragedy, I heard of a story of one of the rescue responders. Being a special breed of rescuers, he had been involved in many American tragedies- including 9/11, but that he was still haunted by the Aggie Bonfire. He said that at bonfire, he was sent to recover or rescue someone still inside the wreckage. He remembered that as he searched, out of no where he discovered the body of one of the girls whom had died. He said her face was completely unharmed, it was if she were sleeping, and her perfect face untouched by the logs that had taken her life.

The next day at the big game, our respected rival played a tribute to our school during half time. You see, Longhorns and Aggies may not agree on who is better, but there is always a level of respect for the other. I can't remember all of the minor details, but I remember how I felt. The Longhorns played Amazing Grace, followed by taps, and then marched off the field with our flags raised higher than theirs. It was moving, and healing once again. The Aggie Band marched on the field without playing a single note, just marching and showing their respect for the fallen in silence. The Aggies would go on the win that game, although we were the underdog by every stretch of the word. It was a revival of spirits, a reason to be happy again, an awaking of the Aggie Spirit.

Those that have not been a part of Texas A&M may not understand why students would spend their precious time building a big stack of wood, but there are many things that bond an Aggie to their school that are unexplainable. It is said that, "From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside looking out, you can't explain it." Naturally, Bonfire has officially been canceled- forever- and although I understand and support their reasoning, it makes me wonder if the falling of those timbers chipped away at the heart of our school. I have heard that the football games aren't attended (maybe that's because our record is lousy), and that things that were important "back in my day" have been replaced with study halls, books, and the academic side of A&M. I will hope not, though, because there is nothing like being greeted by strangers everyday with a "Howdy". There's nothing cooler than watching the Aggie band march at half-time, and there's nothing more fulfilling that being with the "12th Man" on the sideline at the football games. Yes, A&M is an academic institution, difficult to get into and even harder to stay put, but A&M used to also emphasize the importance of a leader, & the integrity of a individual.

One of the more spiritual traditions of A&M is Muster. Muster is an event that honors those whom have passed that year. Thousands gather in an auditorium and wait. When the name of someone you know is read, you answer, "Here." Meaning, that despite that person's passing, their spirit lives on in you. So once again, 10 years later. I'll respond, "Here" for the 12 that gave their lives in the Spirit of Aggieland. I thank them for what they represent to us, the Aggies, and I hope to live in a way that would make any Aggie say, she's one of us.

Gig'Em Aggies

Oh, retreat- I love you

Today has been a totally weird day and its only 2pm. Last night after a rip-roaring good time at my Scrapbook Retreat, I got home to an empty house. Todd had taken the girls up to Dallas for some fun times while Mommy was away. He was able to go to the TCU/U of Utah game with his Dad and chose to stay until after church there in Dallas. We have Stake Conference today, and I didn't go (although my heart was there) because I had had some pregnancy pain Sat. morning and was ordered by my friends and family to take the day and relax while I had an empty house. My sweet sister, Heather, stayed the night to make sure I was fine (since I was having some pain) and left in the morning. So since 7am I have had an empty house. My darling hubbie had cleaned the house- awesome. Now I have unpacked, for the most part, and have spent the day chillin. Weird...and awesome all in one breath.

Retreat was totally awesome. I decided to go into Retreat with the attitude- this is going to be fun, I'm going to be with my friends/family, and I'm going to enjoy every moment of it and not stress a bit. And I really did! Normally retreat can be a bit stressful since Leah (my scrapbooking retreat partner) and I teach classes, organize the games, run the show, etc... Not to mention the little amount of sleep we get, and all! But I had worked to make my classes simple, and my mind frame relaxed. AND it worked! Hallelujah!

There were some great moments at retreat, and there always are- but my favorite part is just being able to spend some quality craftin' time with some of the people I love most. Thanks for the laughs, ladies. See you in the Spring.

Dear Fatigue, I'm tired of you...

When I lived in Nacogdoches, there was a friend of mine who had 2 girls. I can't remember the details, but I think she had a shirt (or something) that said, "Who are these children and why are they calling me Mother?" Welcome to today.
I have had ZERO energy, I mean zero, and a big fat zero in motivation as well...not a fun combo. So anyhow, my girls played "around" me today as I laid around falling in and out of sleep. Yes, I am nominating myself for Mother-of-the-year. :) Anyhow, it seems like on days when I'm tired, or busy, or stressed that my girls search harder for those "annoy the bageebies out of me" buttons. Today there were master of it. I'm sure 75% of the problem is me, but it all of the sassiness and fighting with each other makes me want to yell, WHO ARE THESE CHILDREN AND WHY ARE THEY CALLING ME MOTHER? Been there?Oh well. Tomorrow- hopefully- will be better.
I bide my time till lights out, I was looking at all the crafty blogs out there. I find that this helps and hurts. My poor blog is suffering, and I mean big time, but the balance of life has evaded me these past few months- and something's got to give...I mean, besides my sanity. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. Did I say that already? Did I mention I'm tired?
Tomorrow better be awesome, it already has HUGE expectations!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what a post looks like when your brain is tired.
You're welcome.

Did I forget you?

I am trying to update my Blog roll- did I miss anyone?

And the winner is.......

another GIRL! :)

Yes, I did *think* it was a boy, but in 100% honesty- we are thrilled about it. There are only 2 downfalls- #1, we have to think of another name & #2 if we want a boy, I'll have to do this again. :) xoxo

Sign-on!

Let's start a petition.

I really think I have the best husband/father of my children in the world. I really do. He is one of my biggest blessings in life. Love that man.

Today I was a little bored and since I am horrible about checking out my friend's blogs- I started going through my list when I ran across this. It's the first blog started in our family, and it was started completely independent of me. So today, for fun, I read the posts about this sweet father- my husband- and his baby daughter, Ava. It brought back a lot of memories, but more than anything I loved hearing it from Todd's point of view. Since moving to Waco, Todd has stopped writing- he has his reasons, all legitimate. However, one reason he stopped was that he felt no one was interested in listening to his thoughts. You'll see if you go there that there are no comments. One reason for that is that he kept his little blog a secret from me until he decided to stop writing and I guess I commented to him in person.

Today, almost 4 years since his last post, his writing brings back vivid pictures of the life we had then and a lot of the simple details that I had forgotten. As our family continues to change, and as I wrap my head around the biggest change coming (#3) his words bring me comfort. I know that whatever life throws at us, we will work on it together. I'm grateful for his wisdom, his love, and most importantly (at the moment) his friendship.

So I'm starting a petition. Make a comment if you think Todd should write on his blog again- let him know that you'd like to hear what is In the Mind of a Dad.

My girls...oh my!

My girls just came in to the room dressed like this...they tell me they are dressed like birds. I'm not sure how that is, but its HILARIOUS! And yes, that is underwear on their heads.
PS I have my gender-find-out ultrasound on FRIDAY!!!

My silly sweet girl

Isn't she tall? I think most kiddos wouldn't fit in this outfit quite like this...raise her hands, and there's her belly. Oh well. This is one of her new outfits for preschool. Isn't she stylin'?

New table

We got one. Here's to many years of hoping my children don't fall off and break themselves.

Girls are so fun.

Sydnee getting her first curly-do with hot rollers. She thought it was quite fun.

(Looking at herself in the mirror)

2 curly-haired girls...one without much of any help. :)
Before FHE, there was a dance party...isn't this hilarious? Look at all of the animals with their partners. You might also note the hair accessories and outfits. Girls are so funny.


Sydnee loves to lead the music for FHE. It's so fun to watch.

We LOVE our zoo

The zoo on Saturday was awesome. The new Asian exhibit is HUGE and so much fun. Here are a few pictures- they really don't do the whole thing justice, though.

Look, he's waving! Mei, the baby of the group. Climb like an orangutan.The Buddha waterfall...
The bison's have a new baby. They were very protective of him and kept snorting at us and charging. It was great. Ava & Sydnee kept telling them we weren't going to steal the baby. :) We ate lunch and had ice cream after wards. Such a fun day. I can't wait to go again!