Merry Christmas

We ALL enjoyed dancing to Christmas music the other night. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Slip Slidin'

Today...

we bundled up and walked to the American Legion to see our third Santa this year. He was a very thin Santa but he was handing out presents which was exciting. The kids shoveled some sidewalks on the way. I of course ended up carrying back the toys and shovels. They are happily playing downstairs with what they got.

Darrin's at a wrestling tournament in Constantine today. I hope they are doing well. We can't wait for him to get home. It was 6 years ago today that Darrin and I got engaged in Centennial Park. It was a beautiful snowy night and all the Christmas lights were up downtown. It was so pretty. So as much as I don't like snow, I didn't mind waking up to see beautiful white fluffy snow coming down.

Well, here are a few pictures from today.

Bennett's 4 year well check

On Thursday, December 17, 2009 this cutie had his 4 year well check with Ms. Amy at Sturgis Pediatrics. He did great! He is off the charts on the high end for both height and weight. He told Amy that his favorite food is corn which makes me laugh because the only time we eat corn is in the summer on the cob. And that's what he likes :). He told her about his toothbrush and the fact that he wears a helmet when he ride his bike a long ways. He wasn't sure what to say when she asked if he goes to school. He said "the one with Alex?" I had to explain about preschool this year and last. He had his 2nd H1N1 vaccine and three shots in his legs. He did not cry but did a lot of shaking while sitting on my lap. When he was done, he got a small candy cane, a little toy and a cup with a straw top. I'm so proud of him!

Bennett'

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

Or rather, he CAME to town and the kiddos were happy to tell Santa what they are hoping to get this Christmas. A remote control monster truck for the boy and a princess/princess castle for the girl. That is, as long as they're on the nice list.

Yesterday and Today

Yesterday our Big Man Bennett was 3.
Today he is 4.


Can you tell the difference?

He can. He told us right away this morning that he grew taller overnight and that "Daddy can't carry me anymore because I'm too big." We beg to differ. 4...WOW!!

What We've Been Up To So Far Today

Darrin took Bennett hunting this morning. Darrin hadn't been in a really long time and this was Bennett's first time going. Darrin wasn't expecting to get anything but when they saw this deer, Darrin asked Bennett if he just wanted to watch it or if he should shoot it. Bennett said "shoot it" and when the deer dropped said, "good shot Dad!" We are reinforcing the fact however that you only shoot something for it's meat...not just for the fun of it. I'm so grateful to Mark and Carol for letting them bring the deer there!! We are going to have the majority of it made into burger.

Okay, this isn't quite the order I wanted the pictures in but I also wanted to mention that Annabelle is potty trained! We tried several times and she would tell me she needed to go as she was going. But just on her own she started to tell me BEFOREHAND. I was so happy! I'm always so thankful when they are potty trained before their 3 year well check-up at the doctor's office. They always ask...

While Darrin and Bennett were hunting, Annabelle and I made these tasty cookies. They are a healthy version of the basic chocolate chip cookie. She enjoyed making them and as you can see from her face, she also enjoyed eating them. Next deer season she will be old enough to go hunting with Dad if she chooses. As for me, I'll stay home and make cookies :).

About every 2 weeks I make a big batch of pancakes to freeze for the kids' breakfast. I like adding different healthy ingredients that the kids don't notice in them. Pumpkin is a basic in my pancakes. Here is the recipe I used this morning from Brenda.

From the Remember When Cafe cookbook

2 cups biscuit mix

1 12 oz can of evaporated milk

3/4 cup pumpkin

2 eggs

2 T. oil

2 T. brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp allspice (I left this out because I didn't have any in the house)

1 tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth. Pour batter onto 350 degree lightly oiled griddle.

I doubled the recipe and also added some unsweetened applesauce, wheat germ, and flaxseed.

They were very good! The kids and I had some for lunch.

I also made some white chicken chili in the slow cooker. That was really tasty too and that's what Darrin had for lunch (and I guess I had some of that also). I would share the recipe but I just threw some things together.

Here is the recipe for the cookies Annabelle and I made:

About 2 1/2 dozen cookies Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.
Grind oats in a blender or food processor. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla; beat until smooth and creamy. With the mixer running, add the dry ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop the dough by heaping teaspoonfuls, at least 1 inch apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until firm around the edges and golden on top, about 15 minutes. Cool the cookies for 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Even Darrin thought these cookies were really good. I'll probably just stick with this recipe from now on.

Well, everybody's napping except me so I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity and finish cleaning up the kitchen and get some laundry folded. Happy Sunday everyone!

Kuntry Corner

Every two weeks Jenny and I usually make a grocery run. We usually start at the Kuntry Corner Discount store and then head to Aldi's. Today I PACKED my refrigerator and cupboards full. I talked to my mom later in the day and she sent me back to the Kuntry Corner for a few things she likes as stocking stuffers and things to bring to Mexico when they go in late winter. So this is what I got for you Mom.

2 febreze NOTICEables with nightlight - 2.99 a piece

2 Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Gels - 1.09 a piece

18 count box of Kotex super plus tampons - 1.75

3 (6.5 fl oz) Clearasil Stayclear Oil Free Daily Face Wash - 1.99 a piece

12 oz House Blend Medium Starbucks whole bean coffee - 2.50

Gillette Complete Skincare Facial SPF moisturizer for men - .99

7 travel kits that include things like toothpaste, deodorant, and body cleanser - .99 a piece

3 Blistex Lip Infusion Sheer Liquid Balm - .99 a piece

6 pack of Propel Fitness Water - .99

Happy Halloween!

Love,

The Fearless Pirate

and

The Princess Witch

Road Trip

Yesterday Brenda, Jenny, Macey, Kelsey, Bennett, Annabelle and I piled into a borrowed car that was able to fit all of us (thanks again Denim) and headed to Saginaw to spend the day with Erin, JR and Jacob. This is not a trip I would have done on my own as most of you know I am terrible with directions and am not fond of driving so I'm thankful to Jenny and Brenda who are much better in these areas. We got there at 11:00 and left just after 4:00. We were able to visit and the kids played really well. I did not bring my camera but of course Jenny did so you can click on the 'Burgess Family' link on the right side of my page to see her pictures from the day.

Butterfly Bows

My friend Sara has started a business called Butterfly Bows. Check out her blog!

http://butterflybows.blogspot.com/

Nottawa Fruit Farm

My little pumpkins and I went to Nottawa Fruit Farm today. Thanks to Denim for organizing it!! Our group had nine kids, Jenny, Denim, Denim's sister Amy, and I. It was a perfect size group for the ages of our kids. We had a great time!

Game of the Week

Our school has the opportunity to be featured as WZZM 13's 'Game of the Week' this coming Friday. We play Northpoint Christian away. Please take a moment to vote. It's only one click and doesn't require any info from you. Thanks in advance!

And look at that cutie coaching :)....the picture isn't from this year but I felt I needed to add a picture anyway :)!!

http://www.wzzm13.com/sports/highschool/viewers_choice.aspx

Homecoming 2009

The Magi won their 2009 homecoming game which guaranteed them a spot in the playoffs. And despite the weather, we were there to cheer them on.

GO MAGI!!

CHICAGO!

Can you believe

we are in this big city

on a Tuesday

looking at these awesome creatures

exploring the hands on activities

and just spending an awesome day with our dad (and mom) on his birthday! It's a birthday he

(or we) will never forget!!

And another highlight of the trip was listening to this sweet voice singing to us for a good part of our ride home. This is for your ears only because the car was too dark for video. Enjoy!

In Honor Of Our Dad For His Birthday

We are taking a day trip tomorrow, to Shedd's Aquarium, on Darrin's birthday so I'm posting this one day early. Unfortunately Annabelle didn't have much patience so I got what I could from her.

We hope you get a kick out of this Daddy! Love Bennett and Annabelle

1. What is something dad always says to you?
B-You're cool.
A-Run to me.

2. What makes dad happy?
B-I love him.
A-My smile.

3. What makes dad sad?
B-If I don't play with him.
A-I don't know

4. When does your dad laugh?
B-When I say jokes.

5. What was your dad like as a child?
B- He was a baby.

6. How old is your dad?
B- 6 pounds.
A-Three.

7. How tall is your dad?
B-Really tall.
A-Big.

8. What is his favorite thing to do?
B--Playing bike racing.
A-Go outside.

9. What does your dad do when you're not around?
B-He cries.
A-Play

10. What is your dad not very good at?
B-Riding on a dinosaur.
A-I don't know.

11. What does your dad do for his job?
B-Works at school and he looks on his computer.
A-Mow the grass.

12. What is your dad's favorite food?
B-Chicken.
A-Eggs.

13. What makes you proud of your dad?
B-He loves me and he loves Mommy.
A-When I go potty.

14. If your dad were a cartoon character, who would he be?
B-A movie star.

15. What do you and your dad do together?
B-Bike racing and go to Carol's to walk the dogs.
A-Run to Daddy.

16. How are you and your dad the same?
B-I'm like Daddy because I am tall.

17. How are you and your dad different?
B-Daddy's bigger than me.

18. How do you know your dad loves you?
B-Because he loves me the most.

19. What does your mom like most about your dad?
B-Watching Mom's kind of movie.

22. Where is your dad's favorite place to go?
B- To work at the football games cause that's my favorite sport.

The Fair

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

All The Makings Of An Afternoon Spent Building Memories

A ride on a bouncy tractor
plus a peanut butter cookie from an Amish gentleman

plus crazy looking animals (an emu named Rita)

plus trying to feed a rabbit resting on a deck

plus a very large snake

plus a duck eating a cone

plus more bunnies

plus watching the ducks and geese

plus a rest on a nice park bench

EQUALS a lovely trip to Scidmore Park. What a nice way to spend a sunny afternoon.