thescottfam

Dancing Raisins Experiment

2012-02-11T11:10:00.000-06:00

We tried a science experiment and made "dancing raisins".

You turn on your favorite music (for the effect), pour 7-up into a tall glass, then throw in a few raisins. Then watch them "dance".

Here are more details and the science behind the experiment...

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/dancing-raisins-the-bubble-lifter

Puddle fun....

2012-02-11T11:02:00.000-06:00

We have had an amazingly mild winter. On January 31st, it was 60 degrees! The kids got to go out in their rain boots and jump in all the puddles. They had a BLAST!

VIDEO of all the jumping!

Superbowl!

2012-02-09T17:05:00.000-06:00

We had a pretty low-key superbowl Sunday. The kids did a few football worksheets. (They really liked this one - http://www.printactivities.com/Mazes/Math-Mazes/Football-CountingBy1s.shtml

We played "pin the football in the goalposts", a play on the classic pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey game.
We ate football brownies. And, of course, we watched the football game - the most important part!

French Toast Rollers

2012-02-04T12:57:00.000-06:00

The Sneaky Chef tried this kid recipe with her children and they loved it.
I finally tried it on mine and they loved it too!
It's a fun twist on french toast - rolled up style!
Here is the recipe (with a few alterations)...

French Toast Rollers

3 large eggs

¼ cup milk

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp vanilla

6 slices bread

In a large shallow baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Set aside. Using a rolling pin, roll out each slice of bread on a cutting board until flattened. If desired, spread 2 tbsp filling on each flattened bread, keeping about ¼ inch away from edges. Roll up each slice of bread, pressing to seal the edges. Dip each log in the egg mixture until saturated on all sides, then cook in a well greased skillet over moderate heat, turning to brown each side. Remove from heat and dust with powdered sugar.

Optional fillings –

- 1 tbsp peanut butter,

- 1 mashed banana, nutella,

- 1 tbsp cream cheese + 1 tbsp jam,

- granola (to make a crunchy rollup).

Fancy Nancy Tea Party at the Library

2012-02-01T17:00:00.000-06:00

Caroline had a "Fancy Nancy Tea Party" at the library. She got to wear her favorite dress up dress and bring her favorite doll.

Here she is with school friends Grace and Emma.

They played games, had cookies and "tea", and made paper plate/bowl fancy hats.

Home improvements!

2012-02-01T16:48:00.000-06:00

We don't do a lot of home improvements at our house. Not for lack of wanting to, but more due to lack of time, lack of funds, lack of research, lack of spaces that aren't touched by little hands, etc.
I do, however, have 2 new updates that I love!
I finally have a desk! No longer do I have to sit in a dark, cold basement to go on the computer! I have a new desk in the living room. I LOVE it! Thank you Ballard Designs for having a secretary desk that doesn't look totally out of place in a living room!

And the super cool feature of the desk...it closes up! Ta Da!

I searched a local thrift/Antique shop and found a cool, antiquey (is that a word?) chair.

Two coats of cream paint, and voila! A matching desk chair!

The second update...I finally found time to sew Caroline some curtains for her room. The pink walls she has requested may have to wait until spring.

South

2012-01-30T09:25:00.001-06:00

So, I have a mini obsession with the South. I named all my children "southern names". I like southern style (dresses and big bows on little girls). I like southern cooking. I just read "The Help" and loved it.
I still have it on my list to try to cook collard greens, okra, gumbo, black eyed peas, real fried chicken (the real deal, not the healthier baked kind), biscuits and gravy, and all that kind of good southern fare.
I guess a popular casserole in the South is the tater tot casserole. (OK, laugh all you want food-snobs!)

So, I tried it. The verdict? I didn't mind it. I didn't love it, but I thought it was alright. Unfortunately, I was the only one. The kids didn't like "the sauce". So after trying to wipe the tater tots and the sausage clean, I decided this was the last time I would make it. Oh well. It was fun to try and I can now say I know what tater tot casserole is! Now if only Minnie could come to my house and teach me a few classic Mississippi dishes...

Tub paints!

2012-01-30T09:16:00.000-06:00

Last week, I made tub paints (with food coloring, dish soap, and cornstarch). The kids had a blast painting in the tub!

Big Boy Bed!

2012-01-30T09:06:00.000-06:00

We took the crib down (sniff...) and moved Austin to a "big boy bed". It is so crazy to walk into the boys' room and see 2 beds and no crib! My baby is becoming officially "not-a-baby"! (Now if only we could get rid of the diapers....)
Last nap in the crib...

First sleep in the big boy bed!

(We have since put up those safety bars on his bed after a few tumbles out and head knocks against his bedside table.)

He is loving his big boy bed. And Mama is loving that he actually has been staying in it for naps and bedtime! I was worried he would take advantage of this new freedom and get out of bed at night or naptime, but so far so good!

Snow!

2012-01-23T14:30:00.000-06:00

Enjoying the first big snowstorm of the winter. (This was from a few weeks ago. Yes - still trying to get caught up!)

Then, it was back inside to build cool train tracks and fun lego towers. The best part of having 3 kids so close in age - they all enjoy playing together and doing some of the same things!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-17T19:18:00.000-06:00

We celebrated New Year's Eve at our good friends, the Harveys. (All of my kids will say that each of the Harvey children are their absolute BEST friends, eventhough their boys are at least 5 years older than my boys!) So cute!
They graciously hosted an amazing meal, a fun "ball decorating" activity, and a lot of fun. We all had a blast!

Happy New Year 2012!

Christmas day part 2 & 3

2012-01-17T18:52:00.004-06:00

We spent lunchtime in Glenview with The Scotts/Yagelskis.

The girl cousins

Then we went to my parents house for a Christmas dinner with our extended family. It was so wonderful to have so many family members together for Christmas! We are unbelievably blessed!

Special present from BB - the American Girl Doll bed she asked Santa for! (Santa gave the doll robe and fuzzy slippers instead.)

BB loves Caroline!

"I like big bows and I cannot lie..."

BB and Papa and their grandchildren!

Joan, Grandma, Jimmy, and Mom

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Morning! (finally!)

2012-01-17T17:33:00.000-06:00

Um yeah...it's January 17th and I haven't posted Christmas pictures yet! My old computer ran out of memory and I couldn't upload any additional pictures. Now, I am finally able to catch up. I have a new computer (a VERY generous Christmas present) and a new desk. (Photos to come soon.)

And on to Christmas morning...

Waiting at the top of the stairs, like I used to do on Christmas morning when I was little...

Austin LOVED the wooden parking garage

Clayton was thrilled with his Light Brite

Caroline was so happily surprised to get her favorite book, Dancing with Katya

Austin loving his choo choos and train gates!

And Clayton got what he asked Santa for...his own strand of Christmas lights

We had a quick Christmas breakfast (including Pioneer Woman's homemade cinnamon rolls) and then got ready to head to Glenview.

Tornado? Robbery? No...just Christmas morning. A very, very blessed Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-03T16:54:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve Services at Christ Church It was the first year where the whole family sat together and no one was in the nursery!

Christmas Eve Dinner - grilled filet mignons, twice baked potatoes in crispy potato boats, and creamed marsala mushrooms.

Leaving cookies for Santa

and a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Oh, how I love thee, Christmas Eve! Delightful anticipation, great food, family togetherness, and faithful hearts looking toward the celebration of Christ.

Gingerbread House Party

2012-01-03T16:47:00.000-06:00

We had a great time with the Cordovas, Harveys, Mitrans, Eglites, and Highfills at our Gingerbread House Decorating party.

Unfortunately, an earthquake struck the next day...

Oh well. The kids didn't mind eating chunks of Gingerbread carcass!

Elfin' Fun

2011-12-30T23:30:00.000-06:00

My friend Steph posted a hysterical video of her family that she made. We laughed so hard that we had to make one for our family too.
Here ya go... http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/pb6ZEZGWfKRLKw3B

Christmas Party at Preschool

2011-12-28T15:06:00.000-06:00

I was one of the "party moms" for Clayton's preschool Christmas party. We had 2 crafts, games, Christmas stories, and a fun decorate-your-own-sugar cookie snack. I was (big surprise) in charge of the crafts. We made baby-in-the-manger ornaments and lace-up stockings.

Spreading some Christmas Cheer

2011-12-28T14:50:00.000-06:00

I took the kids to the Winchester House Nursing Home to spread a little Christmas cheer. They handed out candy canes and sang a few Christmas carols. It was very sweet to watch, and nice to see the eyes of some of the elderly light up when they saw young children ...something I don't think they get to see very often.

Cookies and Crafts Childrens Party

2011-12-20T13:42:00.000-06:00

Last Friday, I hosted a "Cookies and Crafts" Childrens Party. It was lots of fun and not nearly as chaotic as last year! What a difference a year makes! Thanks to Steph for taking some great pictures.

We started off making a baby-in-the-manger ornament.

We then moved on to cookies. I've learned from experience - it works best when dealing with little kids and frosting , that they each get their own cup of frosting and spreader!

Steph and 2 of her 3 - Cooper and Jackson

Steph and Grant

Kate and her twins, George and Patrick

Lindsey and Caleb

Laura and her daughters, Sophie, Charlotte, and Senya

And me and my three!

Lessons and Carols

2011-12-19T16:19:00.000-06:00

Our family got to light the Advent candle at church during the Lessons & Carols service. The whole service had such beautiful music. I wish I had a video of at least parts of it! Sean Harris, a blind singer, sang beautiful renditions of O Holy Night and Little Jesus Boy.

My parents joined us at church and then we went to Kevin's Place in Deerfield for brunch. It's definitely one-of-a-kind!

BB took Caroline to "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel theatre.

And we've been BAKING for the holidays! Peanut blossoms, Almond butter blossoms, chocolate crinkles, frosted sugar cookies, and frosted devils food cake cookies.

The kids donned their holiday aprons to help out!

What's more fun than rolling dough in sugar?

Poppy Seed Bread for teacher gifts this year (with ornament cards that the kids decorated.)

And Saturday's activity was making (and playing with) gingerbread playdough! Here's a link on how to make it! Gingerbread Playdough

Preschool Christmas Shows

2011-12-19T15:47:00.001-06:00

Both Clayton and Austin had their preschool Christmas programs last week. I love seeing little children singing Christmas carols with their sweet, baby voices!

And here they are in action...

Clayton sings Baby Boy

Austin "singing" Jingle Bells

Oh Christmas Tree...

2011-12-15T11:28:00.001-06:00

Searching for the perfect tree...

Decorating the tree. I LOVE this part! The kids had so much fun decorating. And I love to see the bottom of the tree where they hang like 6 ornaments on the same branch!

"Show me the star up close, Daddy!"

Video of us decorating the tree!

Decorating their own little tree

2011-12-13T22:31:00.000-06:00

I have a little fake Christmas tree in the family room that the kids get to decorate, and redecorate to their hearts content. They LOVE it!

Making a glitter angel tree topper

Clayton, showing off his paper chain garland

Happy Thanksgiving?

2011-12-12T18:01:00.000-06:00

I neglected to get our "pilgrim and indian" shot at Thanksgiving, so I needed to do a post-Thanksgiving one for a certain project...

Chicago Botanic Garden's Winter Wonderland

2011-12-12T15:50:00.000-06:00

My mom and I scored free tickets to the Chicago Botanic Garden's Winter Wonderland. (Note - Tuesdays are free! Just go onto their website and register for a Tuesday. Hurry though, because the free spots fill up quickly!)
The kids loved seeing all of the holiday lights and decorations, and most of all, the electric trains!

Caroline - loving the sparkly butterflies on this festive tree

My favorite girl!

Austin got SO EXCITED when he saw the moving trains.

Austin - eyes a-glow

The Scott children LOVE BB!

The Nutcracker

2011-12-09T18:05:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday, I took Caroline to The Nutcracker ballet at Libertyville High School. We got to go with my friends Annette and Laura and their daughters Charlotte and Sarah. It was so much fun! I love this tradition we are creating.

Cordova Christmas party

2011-12-09T18:02:00.000-06:00

Kevin and I got to attend the Cordova's annual Christmas party. We had a great time! They had a wine-tasting and then we all made fondue. Yum!

Tree Lighting in Libertyville

2011-12-09T17:55:00.000-06:00

We attended Libertyville's tree lighting ceremony. At the end, Santa comes riding up in a fire truck. I think if you asked Austin about Santa and his sleigh, he'd correct you and tell you he drives a firetruck!

Deerfield WInter Wonderland

2011-12-09T17:52:00.000-06:00

We went to Deerfield's Winter Wonderland fest this year. They had horse-drawn carriage rides, free festive food, and live music. Unfortunately, we went a little too late and the line was too long for the sleigh ride. But, the kids did get to see "live reindeer", eat a few snacks and watch some musicians. Caroline even got to try playing the dulcimer/

Filling stockings for the soldiers in Afghanistan

2011-12-06T16:28:00.000-06:00

I love reading to and snuggling with my boos!

2011-12-06T16:04:00.000-06:00

Daddy wins the doubles tournament!

2011-12-06T16:00:00.001-06:00

Kevin won the doubles tournament at his tennis club over Thanksgiving. Yeah Daddy and Mr. Jared!

Advent workshop

2011-11-29T16:14:00.000-06:00

We attended an advent workshop at our church where the kids (along with Mom and Dad) put together an advent tree, watched a Christmas play put on by the high schoolers, and decorated cookies. Such a great way to start the holiday season!

Thanksgiving Day!

2011-11-25T11:41:00.000-06:00

I am so thankful. I am so thankful for my wonderful family, for my health, for my loving husband, for my beautiful children, for my home,... The list goes on and on. I am truly blessed. :)

We spent the morning preparing food and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Our Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving Turkey place settings

The food - Roast Turkey with truffle butter and white wine-truffle gravy, sausage-herb stuffing, mashed potatoes, dijon green beans, and cranberry sauce. I was a little nervous about trying a new turkey recipe, but it worked out alright. I can't believe I cooked a 13 and a half lb bird in less than 2 hours! I swear - it wasn't raw. In fact, it may have even been cooked a little too long. Crazy, right?

We hosted my grandma, my Aunt Joan, and my cousin Brady.

Brady was a big hit - playing with the kids and giving Caroline shots of whipped cream. After dinner, Clayton even whispered in Brady's ear "You're the best!"

The kids put on a little show for the adults ...

Thanksgiving Video 2011

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Thanksgiving...

2011-11-25T11:21:00.000-06:00

Making "I'm Thankful for You" turkey cards for their teachers...

Thanksgiving Feast at preschool

Great free educational website

2011-11-17T17:43:00.000-06:00

I just found a good (and free!) website that has educational games that kids (kindergarten - 5th grade) can play. I haven't looked at the games for the older grades, but really liked the kindergarten ones. They help kids sequence their ABCs and numbers, along with other similar skills. I would say the K games are good for kindergartens and pre-kindergartners. (Clayton, age 4, was able to do the K ones too). The website is http://www.abcya.com/
Check it out!
I'm sure there are apps out there like this, but we don't have a smart phone and have to rely on the computer!

Sneak peek at ballet and tap class!

2011-11-16T16:37:00.000-06:00

It was parent watch week at Caroline's dance school, so I got to watch her tap and ballet class!
Here are a few videos if you want to peek too!

Tap class 1
Tap class 2
Tap class 3
Ballet class
Ballet class 2

Drawing!

2011-11-15T16:58:00.000-06:00

Caroline has been obsessed with coloring and drawing lately. She could draw all day, if she could. She even told me she wants to be an artist when she grows up. I just taught her how to draw stars and she loves practicing drawing them.

And Clayton now loves to write numbers. He doesn't like writing letters, but when it's numbers, he gets so excited. (?) He is not very into drawing, but did want to try drawing a monkey. Here is his first monkey creation...

Clayton's latest funny question...

2011-11-15T16:45:00.000-06:00

"Why do they call them sweatpants? They're not sweaty."

Apples for the elderly

2011-11-15T16:41:00.000-06:00

For our latest service project, we took a wagon of apples and handed them out to the elderly residents (and staff) at Winchester House. (Oops - I didn't think about the fact that a lot of the residents don't have teeth to eat apples!) Luckily, a staff member took us around to all the residents that had teeth!

Family Picture

2011-11-12T15:09:00.000-06:00

We always take pictures of the kids, but I never remember to take a picture of the 5 of us. Well, here we all are...the Scott family in November 2011. I am so grateful for our family!

matching nightgowns

2011-11-12T15:02:00.000-06:00

I got Caroline a new nightgown with a matching one for her doll, Elizabeth. Can you tell that she was just a little bit excited?

The reason why...

2011-11-12T14:59:00.000-06:00

And this is the reason why Clayton was a Wet Vac for Halloween. This is what he likes to play with when we're outside...ALL the time...

Trick or Treating

2011-11-02T20:30:00.001-05:00

Halloween 2011

Trick or treating in our neighborhood

Add caption

Trick or treating with Sarah and Annette in downtown Libertyville

Pumpkin Carving

2011-11-02T19:16:00.000-05:00

All our jack-o-lantern creations

Halloween worm punch

Ghostly lunch

Halloween parties...

2011-11-02T19:07:00.001-05:00

Caroline and Sarah - Best Friend Belles

Clayton in his custom costume - a wet vac!

Preschool Costume Parade

Clayton and his preschool class at their Halloween Party

Trick or Treating at the Elderly home

Kindergarten class Halloween Party

Costume Parade

Crafts and games

Making oreo pretzel spiders

Halloween Activities...

2011-10-26T14:31:00.001-05:00

I love celebrating holidays by doing fun holiday things with the kids. So far we've...

decorated pumpkin and apple sugar cookies with the Goetschs

decorated cookies with our neighbors, the Highfills

made old fashioned pumpkin cookies

had jack-o-lantern bagels for lunch

made and decorated our "haunted house"

made lots of different jack-o-lantern faces on our felt pumpkin

and made oreo-pretzel spiders.

Balloon Walk #2

2011-10-26T13:16:00.000-05:00

We went on our second "balloon walk" around the neighborhood. The kids LOVED it and got some great exercise. The only bad part? Austin got quite upset when his balloon popped!

Teacher Appreciation

2011-10-26T12:12:00.000-05:00

We had a bounty of apples after apple picking, so each of the kids brought one to their teacher to thank them for teaching.

Stade's Farm and Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-25T10:11:00.000-05:00

Two weekends ago, we took the kids to Stade's farm and pumpkin patch in Spring Grove, IL. It was awesome! Despite being windy and a little cold, the kids had so much fun.

Here are Caroline and Austin having a blast in the giant sandboxes filled with corn.

Climbing on a giant spider web.

Running and jumping through a hay bale maze. Behind her is a cow tractor (or whatever you call it) that they turned into a maze. You climb up and down and go around tight corners this way and that. All 3 loved it so much they wanted to do it again and again.

Tractor barrel rides

Frank, the combine

Giant slide

We ran out of time and didn't even make it to the pumpkin patch! We will definitely be back next year!

Clayton

2011-10-24T15:34:00.000-05:00

invents a paper towel holder...

goofs around...

and is all smiles with his little brother.

Apple Picking at Oriole Springs

2011-10-19T14:57:00.000-05:00

We took our annual trip to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin to go apple picking at Oriole Springs. It was a beautiful afternoon in the seventies. (Pretty amazing for October!) All of the kids had a great time picking apples, running through the orchard, and eating fresh doughnuts. I LOVE this tradition and look forward to it every fall. :)

I love my sister!

2011-10-19T09:23:00.000-05:00

Happy 5 month birthday Makenna!

2011-10-18T21:55:00.001-05:00

We miss snuggling with you already!

And, of course, we miss you too Kellan!

And who doesn't love playing in the leaves...

2011-10-15T14:42:00.000-05:00

especially when it's like, seventy degrees out!

Favorite quote of the night...

2011-10-15T14:33:00.000-05:00

My favorite quote of the night was Clayton (while pitching a major fit at the dinner table)..." I don't LIKE broccoli! It tastes like toilet talk!" I had to look away to conceal my laughter!

Nature Walk and picnic

2011-10-15T14:31:00.000-05:00

This October has been very sunny and mild. We took advantage of that fact and went on a nature walk in the Rollins Savanna. We saw lots of grasshoppers...or wait, are they crickets? I'm not so up on my bugs. In any case, there were TONS of them jumping all over as we walked along the grass. Luckily, we found a nice bug-free bridge to set down our picnic.

Flashlight Walk

2011-10-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

I mentioned to the kids that we could do a "flashlight walk" one night with our flashlights. On a warm, fall October night, we finally got our chance. We met our friends the Neelys, ate a few cookies to get energy for our walk, and then strolled through the dark park, down a path, and around a few blocks. As a bonus, some houses had their crazy halloween decorations up, so the kids got to take a look up close. It is such a simple concept, but the kids LOVED it! I was worried Austin might get scared walking in the dark, but he loved every minute!

Tot Co-op

2011-10-12T21:56:00.000-05:00

I got to be the parent helper at Austin's tot co-op preschool class last week. It was so much fun to see Austin's class in action!

Clayton's latest invention and question

2011-10-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

Clayton emerged from the basement with a mop bungee corded to himself. "Look Mama! If you get tired of holding the mop, you can just do this!" He was very proud of his invention. :)

His latest question..."Mama, how do skyscrapers scrape the sky?" Gosh, how I would love to get inside his head for a day!

Fall Rainbow leaf rubbings

2011-10-07T14:38:00.000-05:00

For one of our fall projects, we made leaf rubbings with different colored crayons.

Lake Geneva Walk

2011-10-07T13:50:00.000-05:00

Some friends and I went to Lake Geneva for our 2nd annual hike around the lake. We made it about 8 miles, saw some beautiful homes, shopped, and ate some great food. It was a well needed day trip away. Thanks girls!

I found my dream house on Lake Geneva. Does anyone want to buy it for us and move it to Libertyville? Ha ha!

Date Night at Blufish!

2011-10-05T14:57:00.000-05:00

Phyllis and Ray took the boys and Kim and Jim took Caroline for the night so Kevin and I got to go on a date night. We had an absolutely amazing time and have found a new favorite restaurant. We had a sushi night at Blufish in Glenview. Every single thing we ordered was delicious.

Brookfield Zoo

2011-10-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

I took the kids to Brookfield Zoo last week. We haven't been to a zoo since last summer and the kids really liked seeing all the animals. Thank God for strollers. Brookfield Zoo is a really big place and it requires a lot of walking. I definitely got a workout!

Austin LOVED seeing the giraffes. He exclaimed "Look! It's like Raffy!!!!!"

Watching the polar bear swim and dive for a toy was another highlight.

And Clayton loved seeing the monkeys swing from branch to branch.

Cousin bonding

2011-10-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

My sister and her almost-2 year old son, and 4-and-a-half month old daughter are here visiting from San Francisco. We decided to have a sleepover at my mom and dad's house so the kids could spend some fun time together. We loved it! And everyone got to practice holding baby Makenna. (Most of the good pictures are on my sister's camera, but I thought I'd post the few I got.)

Austin turns 2-and-a-half!

2011-10-02T21:37:00.000-05:00

Mother-son campfire

2011-10-02T21:28:00.000-05:00

Clayton and I attended a mother-son campfire a few weeks ago. It was so much fun spending some special one-on-one time with Clayton. We played games, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, told ghost stories around the campfire, and then concluded the evening with the highlight - a walk in the woods with flashlights! Clayton actually loves playing in the dark (he does it at home all the time with colored nightlights plugged into extension cords for cool effects). So instead of being scared, he loved every minute of it !

Makenna's Baptism

2011-09-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

Meredith, Dan, Kellan, and Makenna flew in from San Francisco for a visit. Makenna was baptized on Monday. Congratulations little Makenna!

Lunch with Uncle Taylor and Jess!

2011-09-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

Uncle Taylor and girlfriend Jess came for lunch on Sunday. The kids LOVED playing with them! (Watching the Bears lose...not so much.)

Firepit

2011-09-21T20:52:00.000-05:00

We had our first firepit of the fall last week. Who doesn't love roasting marshmallows and eating smores????

Clayton started Quick-start soccer this past week. It's a parent-child activity and he loves the special time out with Daddy.

This is how Austin felt about being left behind.

All 3 love playdough!

2011-09-21T20:45:00.000-05:00

One of the great things about having 3 kids so close in age is that they can all now do certain activities together. They all love to play playdough.

Feelin' French

2011-09-20T10:25:00.000-05:00

Last week, I was inspired by my love of anything french and decided to make crepes for dinner. Savory mushroom-spinach stuffed for me and Kevin, and nutella stuffed for the kids. They were delicious and oh so messy!

Garden bounty...sort of.

2011-09-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

I learned an important lesson this year. You can't really grow vegetables in the shade. We just don't get full sun anywhere in our yard because of mature trees and neighboring rooflines. We tried to grow tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and carrots. We got a few beans, and about 3 tomatoes. The cucumbers started off OK, but could never grow to full size because of the lack of sun. Oh well. It was fun making the attempt!

I'll have to research "shade vegetables" next year...or maybe just go for herbs.

My little hamburger

2011-09-16T15:10:00.000-05:00

Austin plays hide and seek

2011-09-14T18:30:00.000-05:00

VIDEO of Austin playing hide and seek.

Go Bears!

2011-09-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

Cheering on the Bears for their first game.

Independence Grove in a boat

2011-09-14T13:09:00.000-05:00

Kevin and I took the kids to Independence Grove and rented a rowboat again this summer. It was a beautiful afternoon and we all had a really good time. We made our 2nd attempt at fishing, but alas, no fish were caught. Hmmm...maybe we should enlist the help of someone that knows something about fishing...

The ever popular "rice box"

2011-09-12T12:58:00.000-05:00

The kids can dig and scoop to their hearts content and I just have to sweep up a little rice afterwards. It sure beats the mess of sand!

First day of tap class!

2011-09-12T12:56:00.000-05:00

First day of Preschool!

2011-09-09T17:34:00.000-05:00

Clayton's first day of "Fours" preschool!

Austin's first day of Tot Co-op!

My Pie Pizza

2011-09-08T21:17:00.000-05:00

We spent last Friday night at My Pie in Northbrook with the Sontags for pizza and train-watching. The kids had a blast making their own pizzas and watching the metra trains go by every 15 minutes or so. (The train tracks were a few steps from the restaurant and in full view of its front window. When the first train went by, Austin stood up and screamed TRAIN! in the loudest, most excited voice he could. It was a huge hit and we'll definitely do it again!

Labor Day picnic with BB and Papa at Westmoreland

2011-09-07T14:30:00.000-05:00

Bouncey houses, finger-lickin'-good ribs, brats, sweet potato tater tots, cotton candy, a loaded dessert table,...What's not to love?
Thank you BB and Papa! We had a blast!

Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread

2011-09-03T11:43:00.001-05:00

I made pepperoni pizza monkey bread with the kids. It was really good and a lot of fun to do with them. I highly recommend it to families with kids that like to help cook!

Here is a link to the recipe and instructions --> http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/7195

Church Picnic

2011-09-02T12:31:00.001-05:00

I took the kids to our church picnic this past Sunday. (Only ended up with a picture of Caroline and me, but the boys were there too - probably running away somewhere.)

Sarah and Caroline - 2 princesses in a pod!

I entered the pie contest with a banoffee pie (banana toffee cream pie). My kids loved it, but it didn't win :(

The winner was Sheri Woodruff's snickers pie. Hmmm...I might have to get the recipe for that, as it beat out 2 dozen pies!

Pool, outdoor fun, and out-to-dinner with Gamma, Sarah, & Alyssa

2011-09-02T12:21:00.002-05:00

Aspen Family Night

2011-08-31T09:40:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, Caroline's new school had a family night for all the kids in the elementary school and their families. There was ice cream, a band, and lots of excited kids!

Note to Caroline's best friend, Sarah

2011-08-31T09:13:00.000-05:00

It's a little sad when you don't get to go to school with your best friend :(

Wildlife Discovery Center and Middlefork Savanna

2011-08-31T09:10:00.000-05:00

We met some friends at the Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest last week. The kids got to see little crocodiles, iguanas, snakes, and turtles.

Afterwards, we played at a cool playground, picniced, and took a nature walk through the middlefork savanna.

Dancin' Sprouts at the Botanic Gardens

2011-08-29T08:51:00.000-05:00

My mom and I took the children to "Dancin' Sprouts" at the Botanic Gardens. We walked around and looked at all of the beautiful flowers and plants. The kids had a blast finding all the fountains and waterfalls. Then we headed over to the Esplanade for a picnic blanket dinner and dancing to a kid-geared band. Such fun!

smile

2011-08-27T20:44:00.000-05:00

How can you not smile from ear to ear when your five-year-old surprises you with a picture she has drawn of the two of you?
I love you Caroline Elizabeth!

Photo Memory Game & family tree

2011-08-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

Several years ago, as a "party favor" for Clayton's birthday guests (which were basically just his relatives), I made photo memory games. It's just like the memory games you can buy, but with the faces of loved ones which little kids LOVE. You collect pictures of all your family members. Go to Staples or OfficeMax and color xerox them, reducing and enlarging where necessary so everyone is about the same size. Then copy each picture using the special xerox feature that produces a least 8 of the image on one sheet of paper (it's much cheaper than just xeroxing the same picture a dozen times. ) You can either xerox the images on cardstock or glue the paper onto cardstock after xeroxed. ( recommend a glue that works well with paper - like rubber cement. Some glues will make the paper all wrinkly.)Laminate the front of the pictures (you can buy laminating sheets at Staples). Then cut them out into individual cards. Each memory set will have two of each picture. I bought little pencil cases to house all the cards.

As a variation, you can use the cards to put together a family tree. Just cut some strips of index cards or paper and then you can help your child lay out all of their family members in a family tree. I just did this with Caroline and she loved doing it. It also helps kids visualize how everyone is related to eachother.

First day of kindergarten

2011-08-25T09:21:00.000-05:00

Today marked a significant landmark in our family. My first baby went off to kindergarten. On Tuesday, I got to take Caroline to her new school, take a tour, see her classroom, and meet her teacher. I have to say - I was not ready for this. My comfort level with her going to preschool was just fine. But kindergarten - FIVE days a week (thankfully half days), and in a whole new school with all new kids, without her best friend Sarah (who I adore) - I didn't feel ready. She's only five! She's my baby. A small christian preschool seems so safe. A crowded public elementary school with much older kids and tons of different languages being spoken seemed so ... different. (And it was nothing like the small, friendly neighborhood elementary school I attended in Winnetka.) Loosening my apron strings has never been easy and this proved to be especially difficult.

I didn't share these feelings with her, of course. We talked about how exciting it would be to go to kindergarten and learn all kinds of new things, meet new friends, do new things.

The morning of her first day, we gave her a little silver heart necklace to wear. "This is to remind you how much God loves you and how much Mama and Daddy love you, even when we're not with you. If you ever feel scared or nervous, just hold onto the heart and remember how much we love you. " She smiled and proudly put it on. I tried my hardest not to cry, and luckily, succeeded.

The night before her first day, as providence would have it, we were reading Anne of Green Gables (a beginner version) and read about Anne's first day of school. The book explained how Anne was both nervous and excited. On the car ride over in the morning, she exclaimed "I'm just like Anne, nervous AND excited!" . It was comforting to her to be able to identify with and be in the same situation as Anne. We got out of the car and took our first picture against her new school sign - Aspen Elementary. I walked her to the door and she told me "Mama, if I get nervous or sad, I'll just hold onto my little heart. " I smiled and gave her a hug. Then the teachers whisked her off to her new classroom, luckily quickly enough that she didn't see my eyes start to tear up. It's a big moment for us. My baby is growing up...but hopefully not too fast. I want to enjoy all of her "little girl" moments for at least a little while longer!

4th Annual Ice Cream Social

2011-08-24T09:14:00.000-05:00

We hosted our 4th annual ice cream social. 30 adults and 40 kids - record turnout! (In fact, I was too busy to really take pictures! Here are the few I managed to take.)

After the ice cream social, our neighbors put on a firework show for us and the Sontags. Austin absolutely LOVED it. He was grinning from ear to ear, laughing, and shouting "I wanna dude it again!" I can't wait to take him to the 4th of July fireworks next summer!

The last few weeks...

2011-08-24T09:04:00.000-05:00

What have we been up to in these last few weeks of summer?
Playing at the pool, riding bikes, going to different parks, and...
Rehabbing a mirror. From gold...

to shabby chic for Caroline's bedroom. Next project? Mmaking her curtains...hopefully this fall.

Dinner at our favorite family's house - the Harveys! Adults and kids alike had a blast! (We forgot to get a picture so the picture is at our house.)

Outdoor painting

Trips to the Farmer's Market

At Libertyville's "Out to Lunch" Friday picnic

Exploring firetrucks

Listening to a very loud band

and Clayton finding cords...

Caroline and Clayton helping out the band with a tambourine and some maracas.

Caroline turns five and a half! Miss Pinkalicious requested pinkalicious cupcakes, of course!

Doing some learning worksheets to get ready for school. Caroline is doing really well learning to read, and Clayton can write his name independently. Yeah!

Dinner critique

2011-08-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

When I was changing Austin's very poopy diaper the other day, he blurts out "it smells like dinner!" If that's a critique on my cooking, then I have serious issues.

2 superheroes at a football fireman

2011-08-19T09:59:00.000-05:00

Little House on the Prairie Play date

2011-08-17T15:03:00.000-05:00

I had a "Little House on the Prairie" day with Caroline and her 2 cousins, Sarah and Alyssa. They are all at an age where they are really interested in pioneer days. (It was my absolute favorite unit in elementary school.) It was so much fun!

The girls all wore the prairie bonnets I had made them this spring. We did a lot of things pioneer girls would have done to prepare for lunch (with a modern twist for convenience sake!) We made our own butter from cream (with the help of a cuisinart. My butter churn is out of service.)

We made our own bread (from a Krusteaz mix).

Here are the girls stirring the bread ingredients and kneading the dough.

The girls went strawberry "picking". (Of course, we had to improvise since we don't have any strawberry bushes in our backyard!)

We did some quilt work while we waited for the bread to bake (with paper. No sharp needles to worry about here.)

Then we sat down to a pioneer lunch of lemonade, fresh-baked bread, fresh butter, strawberries, and bacon on tin plates.

The girls then watched an episode of Little House on the Prairie in their "covered wagon".

What a FUN day!

Summer Reading Program at the Library

2011-08-13T14:56:00.000-05:00

Both Caroline and Clayton completed the summer reading program at the library and each read (or had read to them) 20 books. Yeah Caroline and Clayton! I love that you love books!

Clayton's actual 4th birthday

2011-08-13T14:54:00.000-05:00

So after a day full of parties on Sunday, Clayton's actual 4th birthday was on Monday. We celebrated by going out for pizza at Michael Salerno's.

I'm FOUR!!!!!!

Surprise brownie and a restaurant singing "Happy Birthday" to him!

For his birthday, we got him a fort-making set called E-Z-Fort.

We also got him the one thing he had been asking and asking for - over and over again. Christmas lights! (And for anyone who knows Clayton, are we surprised? No!)

Just a little bit excited about the christmas lights.

As a birthday treat, he got to sleep with them decorating his room for the night. He was in HEAVEN!

Happy birthday Clayton! We love you!!!!!!

Clayton turns 4! Party #3

2011-08-12T09:16:00.000-05:00

The last party of the day was when Kevin's parents, sister, brother-in-law, and 2 nieces came over for dinner.