My New Favorite Cookie!

I have so many perks at work, and one of them is that there is always some kind of "goody" in the coffee/break room.  It's no wonder why I NEED to use the stationary bike at home!

One day, the secretary, Victoria, brought these awesome, chocolate chip cookies that had oatmeal and chopped nuts in them. In my opinion, they totally blew away the Nestle Toll House cookies that I normally make! I don't even want to admit how many I ate because every time I "had" to walk past the room, I took one!

Well, she could tell that I really, really liked them, so she gave me the recipe!!

I was so worried that it wasn't going to come out the same, but as soon as I opened the oven door, I almost jumped up for joy! Plus, these were the easiest cookies to make, and it made 4 dozen!!

I'm going to make sure I copy this for backup!

All this equals love. Or extra calories!

This was the first step! Easy peezy!

And then the second. It almost seems like it was too dry, but it's supposed to be that way.

Yummy goodness!

And 15 minutes later...voila! Can you see how they poof up?


Who's got milk?

I brought these to church the next day, and I'm glad that I brought home an empty platter!

Scripture Sunday

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."-Romans 8:23

SOOC-Week 4

I'm really excited to join this Saturday meme, "Straight Out Of the Camera Saturday."

Amy @Marvelous Mommy says, "Whether you are a professional photographer, an amateur photographer, or just someone who likes taking pictures, I encourage you to link up! This is a super simple weekend meme that doesn’t take up much time! Please join me! I’d love to see your shots."

Here is an updated picture of some of the puppies.  They are already three weeks old! There are two boys and three girls! We've already found homes for them (with our friends). Aren't they adorable? They are growing so fast! It's so hard to not get attached to them.

If you would like to join SOCC, or to see other participants, just click here!

 

Friday Photo Flashback

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

Mother's Day-2004

I know this "flashback" isn't too far back, but I always loved this picture of my mother in-law with my kids (and my niece on her left). We were visiting them in Nevada at the time, and we all ate at Claim Jumpers before we drove back to California. This was also the beginning of my obsession with Custom Handmade Clothing that I would buy for my youngest daughter! Her ruffle pant jeans received so much attention!!

Let's Get Physical!

I haven't been so motivated to exercise...until now!

Not that I didn't have any reason "not" to, but seriously, going for a walk after working at my kids school all day does not seem too appealing to me. I'm on my feet practically all day, but I know it's not burning enough calories!

Well, just the other day, our neighbor blessed us with a stationary bike for just $40! It has all those options where you feel like you are bicycling up a hill. But, for now, I'll ride it like I'm taking a stroll down the street.

And let me tell ya, walking and bicycling are totally different things! I don't think I've worked my thigh muscles in a LOOOONG time! I literally wanted to stop after ten minutes. I know, how pathetic! But, I kept on going and made it to twenty.

So, my goal is to do it EVERYDAY, for at least twenty minutes! I'm not a morning person, so I can't even imagine myself getting up any earlier than I do now. Now, don't expect any before or after pictures. Well, maybe after..lol. 

Of course, my son totally blew me away by being on this for 42 minutes (and 42 seconds to be exact).

I Believe I Can Fly...

My 4th grade son's class had the COOLEST field trip last week! 

They went indoor skydiving at this place called iFly! 

All the kids were so excited, of course!

Each turn lasts a little over a minute (I know, not that very long), but they had a a blast! The instructor is in there with them the entire time to make sure they are not just banging into the walls! You can't tell by the picture, but they went way up there. They didn't just stay in one spot.

See how my son is smiling? Well, because he smiled the entire time, he ended up with his spit all over his face afterward! Everyone was all, "Ewwww!!" LOL!! Thank goodness he's not overly sensitive!

At the end, they all received DVD's, which has their entire class on video, and even better, they emailed all the parents a copy of their kids picture!

 Go, Eli!!!!

The Funny Things Kids Say!

One part of my job at my kids school is being a yard duty.

I love it! I get to know their little (or big) personalities, and listen to their stories about home, or just "whatever!" I thought I would just share a few each week, and maybe you'll get a laugh out of them like I do!

For instance. I was talking to a couple of 1st grade girls, and I had to warn them about the dog poo on the blacktop so they wouldn't step on it on accident.

Girl #1-"My dad said that he would eat dog poo if there were spiders on it. Chocolate covered spiders."

Girl #2-"My dad told me that when he was younger, he farted and burped at the same time. He said it was a life changing moment. Isn't that weird?"

There's a 2nd grade boy who hardly EVER talks. I probably only heard him speak ten words, at the most. Out of NOWHERE, he comes up to me and says, "Have you heard about general testing, and how it's ruining the atmosphere?"

"WHAT?????"

And just the other day, another 1st grade girl asked me if the "dried white stuff"  on the playground is bird poo or bird pee. I told her it was bird poo. She said her mom told her it was bird pee. Her friend jumps in and asks, "I wonder how birds even go pee?"

I was helping out in the pre-k room, and I was having my snack with the kids. I was eating trail mix when one of my favorite little girls asked what I was eating. When I told her I was eating nuts, she then asked "why" I was eating it. I told her they gave me energy. Then she said, "Oh, and what about the M&M's?"

And finally, it was the end of the day, and one of the pre-k girls stopped me and asked where my daughter was. I said, "Which one? The older one or younger one?" Finally, she says (matter of factly).."Mrs. M..you have alot of kids." I replied, "I know. And sometimes I forget their names."

And it feels weird to post without a picture..so here's one of my 8 year old today! I know it's dark (we were under a car port), but I love his rosy cheeks from being out in the sun today!

Scripture Sunday

"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."-Galatians 6:1

SOCC SATURDAY-WEEK 3

I'm really excited to join this Saturday meme, "Straight Out Of the Camera Saturday." Amy @Marvelous Mommy says, "Whether you are a professional photographer, an amateur photographer, or just someone who likes taking pictures, I encourage you to link up! This is a super simple weekend meme that doesn’t take up much time! Please join me! I’d love to see your shots."

We were all at the park last Sunday, and she was showing off her monkey bar skills!

If you would like to join SOCC, or to see other participants, just click here!

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!

1975-ish

Just looking at the kitchen decor, would you be able to guess that this was the 70's era?

I never realized how yellow everything was. And wow..I even match with it!

One memory that sticks out when I look at this picture is that I used to love sitting on my dad's lap. I still remember him wanting to carry me even when I knew I was past that "toddler" age. It kind of makes me sad too, because when he remarried in 1980, he changed so much.  He wasn't as affectionate with us. But, I'm just thankful that I know that I have a father who is loving and kind. It really goes to show how we can remember even the smallest details of our childhood.

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

My son's friends give a new meaning to "playing at the playground." 

They use the play structures to test out their physical abilities!

Whatever happened to just seesaw's and swings?

Visit Angie & Amanda to see more Wordful Wednesday's!!

SCHOOL IS COOL!

I have to confess, that when my kids first started school, I was a little apprehensive. Not for the social reasons though. Just the academic part. Up until this point, "I" was their teacher. Everything they knew (or lack of) was really a reflection of me, their mom/teacher. Then I realized how prideful that was. Even if they weren't up to speed with their classmates, this would be a new beginning for us, and I really did have faith that they would be just fine!

It was a huge adjustment from going to no set schedule, to being totally, 100%, on someone else's time. Just learning to raise your hand to ask a question was a biggie. No more talking when you felt like it! But, little things like that was a smooth transition for them.

I'd say that my two younger ones were the most challenged, however you would never be able to guess that. They work hard, listen in class, and are striving tremendously! They just ended the 2nd quarter, and they are getting all A's!!

This was one of Daniel's most recent Phonics test! He was so proud!!

And I just love Veronica's cursive! Her and Daniel have almost identical penmanship.

And as far as my other kids, the two Junior Highers are doing well. Miranda is still learning when and when not to be sociable (meaning she talks too much), and Isaiah needs a little push (shove) along the way. But, he is doing so much better than he was if I was still homeschooling!! And, finally, Eli, my 10 year old, is doing wonderfully too. His teacher just told me that his grades improved from the 1st quarter as well. He's also getting A's & B's!!

I LOVE FRIENDS WHO BAKE

Because I get to enjoy the fruit of their labor!

These were delicious! They look like they would be sweet, but they weren't. They were perfect! It was different types of glazed nuts on top, and the bottom part was a like a moist pie crust!

Everything is better when it's dipped in chocolate! Especially these peanut butter cookies!

And more goodies!

I know this is a salad, but it was so pretty that I had to take a picture!

SCRIPTURE SUNDAY

 "A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape."-Proverbs 19:5

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK

I started "Friday Photo Flashback" because I have so many pictures from my PRE-digital camera days. I thought it would be fun to scan them and share them here with you. I'm having so much fun doing this, that I would love for you to join me, too! So dig out the photo albums and put your scanner to good use! Don't forget to link up so we can all visit and comment on each others blogs!1

SUMMER 1995

This was one of the funnest vacations I've had! I went to Virginia because there was a big 50th Anniversary party for my grandparents. It was so nice to reconnect with my cousins, aunts and uncles. The only downside was the extremely humid weather. I could do without that. But, I wish we could visit again soon. The last time we were there was ten years ago!

I'm right there in the middle (with the black baseball cap). To my right is my uncle, and then my mom on his right. My grandparents are the two on the far right. My funnest aunt is hunched down right in front of me, and my other aunt is standing next to my grandma.The rest are cousins, and their friends!!

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

It's amazing to see these newborn pups grow more and more each day. 

Today, they are one week old, and are as sweet as ever! 

I wish we could keep them all, but I know that's not possible.

I'm so thankful to have friends that want them.

They will all go to great, loving homes!

Visit Angie & Amanda to see more Wordful Wednesday's!!

THEY'RE SO OVER ME...

Taking their pictures.

Actually, I take that back.

All of them, but my youngest. She's usually ready to pose for the camera.  Even if it's her fake smile.

I'm "lucky" if I even get a decent shot of my older kids.

They ask "why" I have to take a picture of them.

Or they'll say, "Is this for Facebook? Is this for your blog?"

Pfft..of course it is! 

See that barely there smile on my son's face? And he's the one who is always smiling!!

Wow...HAPPY CAMPER! I mean the one on the right!

I couldn't even get his whole head, but you can just tell he wasn't in the mood either!

Ha...I'm assuming my kids aren't the only ones who get like this, right?