a new little man

My main man, Thunder, became a big brother today! It was super exciting! Thunder's mom and I have been friends since we were seven. Her name is Kristina. My mom dropped us off at her house to spend the day because she had to work. It was early in the morning and Kristina was still sleeping. But when she woke up - she was so excited about the fact that her underwear matched her nightgown- she even whipped up her gown to show me. We became bestfriends- how could you not!?

She's the closest thing I have to a sister and is my oldest and dearest friend. We been through it all together; love, hate, death, birth...seriously, we've been through alot!

Anyway- she had baby #5 this morning. I am thrilled for her and the family! The newest addition came quickly and is super cute!

Congrats Kris and Jay- you done good!

a new season

So tonight is the first night of practice for softball season. I will be the first the to tell you- I know my kids won't be winning/earning any athletic scholarships...they more or less play for the social aspect of the game, to have fun and to participate in aerobic activity over summer vacation. That's the nice way of saying...well you know. But in their defense- we can't all be professional athletes and I've never heard of Einstein winning a race!

They weren't going to play this year...which was fine with me- I didn't care either way. But at the last minute- they had a change of heart.

They are on a different team this year. With a coach we don't know and kids we don't know. The coach called last week to say hi, welcome us to the team and when and where practices were going to be. He also asked if the kids had played before or if this was their first season. After a moment of silence (I actually thought about lying) I admitted they'd played before...making a special effort not to mention this was their fourth season...didn't want to get his hopes up.

John and I were conversing about the upcoming practice. Wondering if the girls would have 'special' jobs this season like bench warmer or official water girl.

Then we decided to just go with the flow- what will be will be. All that matters is that the girls have fun and learn one of the hundreds of lessons team sports can teach an individual.

It will all be good.

Then I overheard Kwynn wondering aloud- Which hand do I throw with?

heaven help us!

post edit: This post is in jest. I love my children very much and would never belittle them or make fun. This is just my odd sense of humor expressing itself. When my blog is published for future posterity...the girls will laugh and know exactly what I'm talking about. Its just how we roll...we're tight like that!

health kick

So I heard somewhere that you don't have to abstain from sweets all together to be healthy and lose weight...just don't buy/eat processed sweet treats- make them yourself.

I think this is because store bought name brand sweets are loaded with bad calories, sugar and sodium- which is obviously not good for anyone...especially children. Its better to make homemade treats because you can manage the ingredients and alter recipes to incorporate healthier foods. AND because if you really want a cupcake...making them yourself, taking the time to mix, bake and cool them... gives you ample time to figure out if you really want that naughty little cupcake.

So with all that info floating around my noggin...I've found myself making muffins and banana bread for afterschool snacks- instead of...um....say, a Little Debbie (I know - sometimes my motherhood skills are seriously lacking!)

I made some seriously healthy banana bread- incorporating applesauce instead of butter, honey and a sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar, used whole wheat, flax and oats for the starches and crunchy granola in place of the nuts (well actually I did that for only two loaves...because I'm partial to banana NUT bread and I didn't want to give up everything. I'm just that way!)

Doesn't really sound good- but it was YUMMY! The kids loved it! Took it to school in their lunches- even shared it with some friends...and they agreed that it was GOOD!

I did the same to my applesauce muffins (adding a little more applesauce and eliminating the butter altogether- they stayed surprisingly moist!)

Kids loved them! YAY!

So at that point I thought I was on a roll! This is awesome! I wondered through my kitchen seeing what else I could make healthy... and then it hit me...chocolate chip cookies...Do I dare!?

I used whole wheat, oats, appleasauce, sugar substitute, flax, and some weird organic soy chocolate chips I found in the health food store- and baked away!

BAD! BAD! BAD! they were not good!

Guess there are some things you just can't 'healthify'! I recommend sticking to the recipe on the Tollhouse package...just remember to set aside some time for a walk to burn off those 'oh so worth it calories'!

Field Trip

I recently went on a field trip with Pucca's class. We headed out to the Nature center at Pioneer Park- very cool! I've never been out there and was very impressed. Its a lovely park.

And it ended up being a very lovely day! Perfect weather! I love hanging out with first graders...there is something about their energy and view of life. They are still innocent to the woes of the world and haven't learned to filter thoughts before they fly out of their mouthes!

Case in point....

The classes were divided up into 6 groups- each group lead by a Nature Center guide. Before we set out on our trek, our guide talked to us about rules and concerns.

One of which was ticks. We were told "There are alot of ticks out here- so be sure to keep your hats on and have your parents check you when you get home."

To which a cute little bugger in our group replied "She's serious folks! My dad had a tick on his nuggets once and it was NOT good. Not good at all." shaking his head very matter of fact.

All of us parents tried our hardest not to bust a gut laughing...he was so sincere and serious. Probably the highlight of the day (besides getting to hang out with my princess).

Now...if only I can keep a straight face the next time I see that kid's dad!