Piano-more than music lessons

We have the best piano teacher ever!!! She and I have been struggling and coming up with creative ways to make piano/music lesson fun and enjoyable and more importantly that they will have a desire to practice daily.I want to give my children the gift of music, whether they are talented or not. I think it helps round their education and growing up. I think you learn so much more than just music notes. Today proved my point.
Upon arrival, our teacher asked all of us for a "team" meeting. She asked if each of us wanted to be a part of the team, I said yes the kids said no. Then she pulled out two, one-dollars bills. (Now they decided to be team members). Told the kids it was a gift from her and asked them what they could buy with it. Then she dumps 140 one-dollars bills on the floor. Asked them if they would like this each month for a gift? What do you think they said?! OF COURSE! Wide-eyed and giddy they went through the countless things they could do with $140.00 (in ones). By this point, I'm starting to catch one. Piano lessons cost $140.00 a month for the two of them.
She then preceded to tell them that they are getting a gift of the said amount. And they are getting it each month. HUH? is all they could come up with. I am dead silent this whole time.
Continuing on, she stated that we are a team. Each person has a responsibility. She stated hers, I stated mine and the kids, kept their heads low and tail tucked between their legs. They understood that there part was to practice daily and we are to have a smile and do our best to have fun. Sammie, not controlling herself, says,"Well, I think we are just wasting a bunch of time here. I'm all ready to go for my lesson." The teacher and I nearly fell off our seats. That girl is just something else. She was told that we aren't wasting time and that we are establishing our responsibilities."Do you know what yours is?" The thing is they love her, and they love going to her house for lessons. They openly admitted that they didn't want to quit. What they didn't know was how much it cost and how long of a waiting list she has for other students. She was going to quit on them if they didn't do their part. So, from now on, I think I will have them pay her the $140-ones. It seemed to hit home for them. Thank heavens for other teachers in my children's lives.

Our new vacation HOME!

He did it. He found a way to get what he wanted.(He always does. He just has to look at me with that cute way of his and I melt. Your very welcome Jeremy). We are going to have a blast!!!! The kids are estatic. Here we come Destin, FL!

Strawberry Pie

A friend once sent me a card saying,"Sometimes all I need is your friendship, and sometimes I just need pie!" So for all you pie lovers, here is a delicious and very easy strawberry pie recipe.
For the crust:
3 Tbsp milk
2/3 c. oil
2 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. sugar
1 1/4 tsp. salt
For the pie filling:
1 1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. cornstarch
1 1/2 c. water
1 3oz. package of strawberry gelatin
fresh strawberries, sliced

To make the crust: Beat milk and oil until cloudy; set aside. Mix dry ingredients. Then mix with milk and oil using mixer until crumbly.(I did this with a pastry blender). Push into place in pie plate (use your hands!). Bake @400 degrees for 8-10 minutes (10 worked best for me). Set aside and COMPLETLY cool before filling with strawberries.
To make the pie filling: Mix sugar, cornstarch and water in saucepan (then put it on the stove) and boil until transparent.(I only stirred it just a little). Add package of strawberry gelatin and boil until dissolved. Slice fresh strawberries and fill cooled crust. (You really do want to slice the strawberries. I tried them whole it just wasn't the same. You end up with big bites that are difficult and messy to eat and air bubbles). After the strawberry gelatin has cooled (maybe 10-15 minutes), pour over strawberries and let set at least 2 hours in refrigerator.
Recipe from Jr.League of Ogden(My mom gave me this cookbook.I absolutely love it!)
Let me know how it turns out for you. (Esp. my sis, Maria)

Our Little Ballerina

Samantha has been taking ballet and she just recently had a recital. I discovered while watching her perform, this is the one thing that will calm her down and keep her focused. Usually she is bouncing off the walls and not paying attention. She did an incredible job and looked so beautiful. Jeremy was running late and I had told him not to bother getting her any flowers. Immediatly after hanging up, Samantha came running to me from her place up front. Her exact words,"I hope Daddy brings me some flowers. Because that's what you get when you perform." Oops. I had to call him back.

Febuary in a snapshot!!

J's new project!!!

After spending 16 years as a lawn ornament, "Mater" has been rescued to my yard and is a current eye sore. This 1954 Ford plans to be brought back to life by none other, my husband. It took 5 attempts to bring it over, the darn thing was stubborn. It just wanted to stay. How long do you think it will take before it becomes a lawn ornement in my yard?

Little Miss Independant

Oh yes! She had to do it all by herself! No one was allowed to help. By the way, it's oatmeal.

Did I really do that?

So, today is my 34th birthday and all I can think about is what a dumb thing I did yesterday after school. I pulled in as usual and the kids were glued to the DVD (gotta love Barbie Diamond Castle). So I left them in the Toyota, finishing the last few minutes, while I put all the garbage to the curb. Anywhere from 5 to 8 minutes later, I'm walking up the driveway when all of sudden the Toyota starts moving forward and doesn't stop! My mind is boggled that the car is even moving. My first thought was Myles probably decided he was going to start driving. But how did he put it in drive? Besides, I noted all three kids were still buckled in, eyes glued to the TV screen. I'm thinkig all this as I run, jump in and put on the brakes. By then, the Toyota had "gently hit" the trailer in front of it. Still boggled at what just happened, I notice that I need to put it in park. I reverse back, put it in park and turn everything off (Much to the dismay of the kids watching Diamond Castle). I walk to the front bumper and sure enough, there is a long about 6 inch black scratch on my white car. Oh dear... I think I left the car in drive when I got out to take the garbage to the curb. Did I really just do that? How could anyone get out of their car and leave it in drive????????????? I think I just did.

One Fancy Party!

Five years ago we stopped celebrating New Years Eve and started celebrating the birth of our daughter Samantha! I can't believe she is five! This year we decided to celebrate her birthday with Fancy Nancy. I think the pictures will show you just how fancy it was.By the way, I made the tutus. I actually had a lot of fun doing it. We had so much fun at her party!



Sammie has really grown into such a big girl. She absolutely loves her pre-school class. It's fun to see her trying to spell words and write letters to me. I have a feeling she'll pick up reading real quick. She is such a help around the house. She loves to help me with everything and I love her company. But why can't she try to keep her room clean??? Sam is truly a whirlwind of joy. Her bedroom matches just her personality. She loves to give talks in church and wants to be a friend to everyone. She loves her girlfriends and believes that you can't have enough of them. When I was younger, way before I had children, I had no idea the kind of joy and love a child brings to you. That's what Sam has been for us. We love hearing her sing, and she's excellent too. Her new favorite is Celine Dion. I can always find her somewhere in a corner with her dollies singing Brahm's lullaby.
The best gift to all of us was seeing my Dad. He was driving through and had to pick up some trailers. It was fun to see him, meet his driving partner and his truck. The kids' favorite part was pulling the horn.

Merry Christmas 2009!

To our dear family and friends:

This year has been tough with many, who could tell a sad tale,
We hope our letter finds all y'all are doing well.

Our family has had quite a year, just like many of you
Several times we have thought, oh what will we do?

Samantha, our princess, has shown us how to move along,
Joyful skipping and dancing while singing a cheerful song.

Myles, so wise and true, has taught us how to really pray,
A love for God and heart-felt gratitude helps us on our way.

Evelyn, our littlest one, reminds us of true happiness,
Is found in snuggling together, ignoring the big fat mess!

Our children are growing up so tall, Myles grows faster than a bean
with Samantha on his heels and Evelyn somewhere in between.

Our gift to you this Christmas is not about the toys,
The big fat turkey, nor big presents that make a lot of noise.

The truest joy comes from within as we allow our hearts to feel
The love of God and Jesus Christ, for it can truly heal.

May this Christmas Season b a wonderful tell to tale
As the Spirit of Christ dwells in our homes, for all is truly well.

The Christmas Spirit

The Christmas Spirit

Awfully Good Pumpkin Waffles

My next recipe is another family favorite. I usually make it around the holiday season between October and December. We chow down on these. If I want leftovers, I have to double it. While I was making them, I discovered my camera battery had died. So, you'll have to be a patient. I will make these again real soon and then you'll get the idea of how they turn out. As the Swiss would say, "En guete!"

2 c. whole wheat flour 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ginger

First mix these dry ingredients and set aside. In another bowl mix together the following wet ingredients.

1-3/4 c. milk(I use buttermilk) 1 c. canned pumpkin
2 egg yolks (save eggwhites) 3 Tbsp. melted butter

Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture, stir until just combined. Batter will be lumpy.
In a small bowl beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Gently fold beaten egg whites into pumkin mixture, leaving a few puffs of egg white.

Pour onto your waffle iron and cook according to its direction.

Ya'll let me know what you think! You too Maria!!

Dear Santa....

So I thought it might be fun to have an evening where the kids and I would sit down and write letters to Santa. I would then be aware of what they would like and would hope that "Santa" would write them back. When I presented this idea(now, i was excited, because i thought it really would be fun), they both simultaneously said, "WhY? (with that 'you must be dumb' look), when we can just go and tell him?"

Pecan-Cinnamon Sticki Buns

Okay, Maria, here is the first of many recipies to come. I keep meaning to share so many with you, and then I thought you might enjoy it like this.

1/2-1cup pecans, chopped 1-3oz butterscotch pudding, not instant
3/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup brown sugar
18 Rhoades rolls (get the name brand, it actually makes a difference)

In a greased bundt pan, layer pecans first then frozen rolls. Sprinkle rolls wth dry butterscotch pudding. In small bowl, melt butter (microwave works great), then add cinnamon and brown sugar. Pour over rolls.

Let stand over night or for 8-10 hours to rise.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. The last 15 min. cover with foil. Remove from oven and tip out immediately on serving tray. You'll notice I left my pecans whole. It makes it easier for my kids to "pick out the nuts".

Enjoy! This is one of family favorites for holiday mornings or for whenever.

The Kitchen Table

I truly believe that the kitchen table is where you can get all your questions answered. My point was proved the other night.
Myles: Mom,(real serious, so I knew it was important) when I get older am I going to get hair in my armpits like you and Daddy?
Mom: (quickly thinking, did I shave today?) Yes Myles, you will.
Myles: Oh(silly grin, I could see the wheels turning in his head.
Jeremy: choking on dinner, turning away so he doesn't hack all over Evelyn.

Me and my Babes!

Happy Halloween!

We had a great weekend! Friday we went to our church's trunk-r-treat. Jeremy and I won the costume contest as Hansel and Gretel. J is such a good sport. I actually made the girls' angel costumes! It was tough, but I enjoyed it. Myles went as a secret spy agent. That boy has a full bucket of candy. We haven't had that much candy in our house for a long time. I really enjoy Halloween with my children than when I was a child.

He was meant to be the Big Brother

Yesterday I took the kids on a bike ride around the neighborhood and then to the park. Well, it took alot longer than I thought it would. You would understand if you've ever tried to get Samantha to ride her bike, for more than 5 minutes. Which is ironic considering the love Jeremy and I have for bikes. Myles was so good for her. He loves to ride really fast and wait for us at the corner. Instead of waiting, he would then ride back and push Sammie for a while, run back, get back on his bike, and catch up with us. At one point we lost Evelyn's hat, he rode back 3 blocks and brought it back to me. Finally, an hour and half later were on our way home. Sammie's whining is starting to get on my nerves, but I just keep coaxing her along. And then she crashed. Big Time! And if anyone knows Samantha, she continually wins the Grammy for the Most Dramatic. Myles and I help her get back on her bike and then he tells me, Mom, i'm going to ride ahead and open the garage. Okay. I carry Sammie in, trying to get her to calm down. Myles is sitting there at the kitchen table with band-aids, a popsicle, and barbie dolls to play with "so she can forget about her ouies" What a big brother! With such a good heart! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful boy.

Did i hear you right?....

So, Friday night, just before I left for Nashville, I was sitting with Jeremy at the dinner table explaining all the food and things that I have done to make his weekend with the children easier. He looks over at me with that cute boy-look he gets in eyes, and says, "Trust me, Ang, I'm not going to do any cooking this weekend. I'll be too busy managing everything to cook any meals; I'm not as good as you are." My ears perked up and with a giggle I said, "What did you just say? Why don't you say that one more time?" ...one more time please? I just loved hearing that!

Home made salsa anyone?!

Tomatoes are now in season and I've been wanting to make home made salsa. But I want to make sure it is a trued and tried recipe. I think I could come up with one on my own, but I would still like to know if anyone has a good one they want to share?