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