Wintertime

It has been *cold* around here. Seriously cold. Maybe it's always been like this, but I don't remember it as a kid. Maybe living in Colorado for 3 1/2 yrs turned me into a 'winter wimp' (even when it snowed, you hardly needed a huge ol' winter coat....it was very mild where we lived).

Anyways, cold.

~My sweet Selah~

So cold, I have been chicken to really let my kiddos play too much outside. The other day, even with really low temps, the sun was shining brightly - so outside my two older ones went. And they didn't seem to be bothered by the cold - I ended up having to call them in for a cup 'o' hot chocolate. I'm really glad they got that time outside - I just love winter and want them to love it as well (okay, well, I love it except for all the bundling and un-bundling of many small children).

~can you see that big ol' gap of missing teeth? Go Isaac!~

With all this cold weather, I have also been baking more (does that happen with everyone else?). Here is a loaf of my Cinnamon Raisin Bread - a big hit with my kids & my dh! Btw, the small, white microwave in the background ~ it was a gift from my mil. I believe it was a 'camper-size' microwave - it's pretty small. Yet it's *perfect* for us! We really only use it for reheating foods, leftovers, etc. It doesn't take up huge amounts of counter space either - which is seriously lacking in this house.

Well, lacking if you are trying to cook from scatch while entertaining/teaching four small children who all want to "sit up there and SEE!!". Adorable!

Here's my newly found Bluetooth. It has become my bestest friend. It may seem weird for a SAHM mom to use a Bluetooth - but I challenge you to find any business person busier than a SAHM with many little ones!! With this little contraption, I am able to get some baking done while also talking to my mother on the phone. I never get the time to simply sit down and talk on the phone. Now I can change a diaper, or make my bed, or stir the soup - and actually answer the phone!

Uh-oh, speaking of which.......I'd better check my minutes for this month....sorry honey.....:/

~can you see my sweet lil' redhead on my phone's wallpaper? Cutie-pie Talitha~

Another topic: Picky eaters. I told my dh it's a bit unfair to firstborn children. New parents just don't realize how picky their children may be becoming. I know I didn't. Yet now, with four - going on five - small children, I don't have time nor money nor energy to figure out *exactly* what my children want to eat. They eat what I put on the table (which, btw, is tasty & nutritious - well, most of the time).

Elijah will never really have to go through this (most likely) 'cause we have a standing rule - you eat what we put in front of you. If you don't even *try* it, you eat it again at the next meal (or when you get hungry).

Which is what this next picture is - Tator Tot Casserole (Hello?! How more kid-friendly can you get than Tator Tots!?!?!). My eldest wouldn't even touch it!! When I told him he would be eating it for lunch the next day, he stubbornly told me he wouldn't be hungry - Humph!! And then he added on, "and I won't be hungry for supper either!!".

Of course, I'm his momma. I know my little man. I simply made up a batch of pancakes for lunch......and Isaac promptly ate up his leftover casserole so he could have some pancakes. Then he told me how good it tasted.....*big ol' sigh*

And lastly.....

~my entry-way area~

Here's a great pictorial example of why I need a mud-room. I want a mudroom with cubbies or open lockers....or *something* to organize lots of coats, mittens, boots, bags, papers, etc.

Someday.......