It is polite to share...

Starting at a very young age, we are always telling our children how it shows good manners to share with their freiends. Well I wanted to share a recipe that I have used a lot recently! You know how some people get a little protective over their recipes, which I can understand if it is a family secret passed on and such.
Not the case for this one...it is a Rachael Ray recipe, as she is my go-to for quick meals any day of the week.  Getting a meal together before leaving for work in the evening can be quite a task some days, depending on the state of my boys! But my family seems to really enjoy this one and I think it has a restaurant quality to it, if I can give myself a pat on the back, or I guess Rachael! 
One change though, I don't prefer thighs so I use bone-in chicken breasts. And I put the chicken and Louisiana sauce in a crockpot on High for 4 hrs so that the meat becomes very tender that it just falls off the bone - Perfect.  Add some homemade rice pilaf and sauteed aspargus, it's a winner.  Tanner devours this chicken by the way!

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/chicken-thighs-louisiana-style-gravy/

On this very week last year....

Our little Tanner was still under 6 lbs., tiny but mighty! Big T was showing us all that he was meant to be a Big Brother, after all that waiting! Time is truly precious!

Snow Trip 2011

Last weekend we spent 3 days near Kings Beach in Lake Tahoe, with some wonderful friends and their families.  I found a house with plenty of space for 9 kids to run around, and the bonus was the amazing meadow and hill behind the house! The house fully exceeded my expectations! It was an ideal place for the kids to play in the snow because if someone needed a potty break(as we all know getting kids undressed from snow gear in a hurry is such a treat) or if they were hungry, or if they were just plain tired, they could run back into the house nearby.  We had a pretty clear view of the hill and meadow from the living room window. We had fun building snow forts and a snowman, throwing snowballs, and of course sledding! We were even lucky enough to play in some light snowfall on our last day! There is something so magical about seeing snow fall. We already anticipate a super fun trip next year!

 

Tanner's Circus Birthday

Welcome to Tanner's 1st birthday party! It was a circus theme! We had games, balloon animals, face-painting, fresh hot dogs and lots of sweets! Fun was had by all, especially the birthday boy!


These were the goody bags for each little guest

My one hand made project - the birthday banner

The kids play area! Talan helped set it all up. He was such a great helper that day!


Clown Cake Pops!

The party is just getting started

Playing with the big kids

Playing with circus stacking blocks I found on ebay

Sophie and Allie in the ball pit

Big Boy!

Photo op for the cousins!
The cake and dessert table....I found this perfect fabric on a remnant table at Joann's fabrics!

Sophie and Aleyta!
Miss Rebecca the face painter and balloon animal extraordinare! She was amazing!


Mommy got to wear the birthday balloon hat



He loved the frosting! It was delicious, home made my my Mom and Kate



This was one party I will of course never ever forget!