Letting a Preschooler Entertain Himself

I don't remember where I got this idea, but it's pretty dang brilliant. I found a pack of pipe cleaners in the dollar spot at Target yesterday. So, this morning, I put Bronson to work with a colander. He occupied himself for a good hour and a half.

Uh... the twins are here.

I went to my pre-op appointment on November 18th and after seeing my blood pressures from the night before, the doctor sent me up to labor and delivery.

I was asked when I ate lunch and told them that I had eaten at 11:30. They then told me that I would be having surgery around 8pm.

Whew!

I had the van and was at the hospital by myself. Todd was able to get a ride to the hospital and went to pick up my Mom. My friend, Becky, was awesome enough to take the boys so Mom could be there with us.

Abigail Kathleen

11/18/11 10:18pm

6 lbs 4 oz 19 3/4 in

Rowena Alice

11/18/11 10:20pm

6 lbs 8 oz 20 in

The girls had some blood sugar issues, so they spent some time in the Level II Nursery. Here is Rory with one of the amazing nurses.

Halloween 2011

Here is the obligatory Halloween costume post.

We found Garrett a sweatsuit at Walmart and bought it a size bigger than he needed, so we should be good for next year, too. Bronson wore his Marine uniform to our church party last weekend, but decided to wear his karate uniform for Trick or Treating. Oma and Daddy took them around the block. Garrett lasted about half an hour before Daddy brought him home.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday - pan seared tilapia, rice & green beans

Tuesday - chicken broccoli casserole, rice & fruit

Wednesday - Garrett's 4th birthday! pizza, salad & cupcakes

Thursday - salsa verde tacos




Friday - hamburger helper with green beans and fried onions

Saturday - free for all!

Sunday - chicken pot pie

Check out more Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie.com!

Oatmeal Toffee Chip Cookies

I tweaked a recipe from my Kitchen Aid Instruction and Recipe manual.

Oatmeal Toffee Chip Cookies

1 c. sugar

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. butter, softened

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

3 c. flour

3/4 c quick cooking oats

8 oz bag of milk chocolate toffee chips

Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until light yellow - almost white. Slowly add flour, salt and soda. Mix thoroughly, then add oats. Stir in toffee chips.

Bake at 350 degrees for 14 minutes.

Steve Jobs and his "something wonderful"

When I learned that Steve Jobs passed away last night, I didn't really react. It was kind of a "oh, sad" moment and that was all.

Then, this morning, I found this quote and it moved me to tears.

"Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me.… Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful—that’s what matters to me." Steve Jobs

Steve's "something wonderful" has touched our lives in unexpected ways. I'm sure he had no clue that his ideas would eventually mean the world to the autism community.

Grill Master

On Sunday, I was craving carne asada.

So I made some.

I used the recipe from HERE.

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup lime juice
1/3 cup orange juice
1 cup water
2 tablespoons peeled fresh garlic - crushed (I pressed 2 large cloves)
1 tablespoons white pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder (I used 1/2 tsp chipotle powder)
1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (omitted)
1/2 orange, sliced
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped (I used 1 Tbsp dried cilantro)

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
To use with beef, place beef in gallon sized freezer bag or in the bottom of a shallow baking dish
Pour carne asada marinade on top of beef, cover dish or close bag, and marinate for at least 1 hour (more is better) before grilling

I'm the grill master around here. And the flank steak was cooked to perfection.

It made some pretty yummy tacos.