Fitting In

Little Miss Zoe has started to find her place in our home. She loves the children to pieces. Keira is finally earning her respect and Zoe is learning to obey Keira. While its great watching the process it can also be painful. Keira is still learning she has to move quickly, sometimes physically moving Zoe so she doesn't trample in her own "accident" and track it everywhere.
Tyler has learned that if he goes to pet Zoe during nap time that she won't bite--she's usually too tired to play.
Liam has yet to learn that puppy teeth are sharp and that its not nice to pull on the puppy's face. I was sitting close by when I noticed Zoe checking out little man in his bouncer. She gave him kisses, which led to Liam putting his hand in her mouth, which led to more kisses, which led to Liam grabbing on to her face and not letting go! To my surprise Zoe just whined and did bot resort to biting! Talk about shocked! I quickly came to her rescue, freeing her furry cute face from Liam's grasp and immediately praising her! What a good girl! Now she sits at a safe distance gnawing on her bone--her favorite past-time.

What a Day!

Today has been a lazy sick day. Tyler is vommitting-sick, the W clan are recovering from a cold virus, Liam is mommy-crazed and fighting his naps and Zoe is full of life and wanting to play!
All of that and I must say, it hasn't been as horrible as I thought it would be. Although fighting colds the W kiddos circled around Liam singing and dancing. Liam loved the attention and happily joined the excitement--well, as much as a seven month old could.
Tyler is quite content in his room, yelling for me as needed. He's only missed the bowl once when on his way to the bathroom. Every once in a while I'll peep in and he is playing video games or sleeping soundly. Bless his heart.
Zoe has been an absolute angel: trying to play with the kids, letting me know when she has to potty, coming when called and curling up next to my feet where ever I may be. She has gone outside to potty three times now without a leash and only a single word needed from me--potty!
Keira will be picked up by mom in a few hours. Randy will be home in 4. So far my "sick and icky" day is completely tolerable and full of cuddles.

My First Recipe--Alfredo Sauce

This isn't my first "made-up" recipe, but it IS my first semi-measured and documented recipe. My husband, Randy, always says, "I've never eaten the same meal twice". You see, I'm not one to measure ingredients or follow another's recipe to the "T". I just chop, toss and enjoy the moment. With that said, I'm always trying to find a great alfredo sauce recipe, but alas, can never find one I thoroughly enjoy. After much frustration and searching, I started whipping together a recipe tonight! I documented--as closely as possible--for future reference. I hope you find it as delightful as we did!

Christina's Alfredo Sauce*

3 small garlic cloves chopped/diced--however you like it

1/2 small onion diced

2 handfuls of spinach-chopped

2 T butter

12 oz Pacific Condensed Cream of Chicken

10 oz Whole Milk**

4 oz cream cheese

3/4 C Parmesan Cheese

1 tsp Black Pepper

1 tsp Sea Salt

1/2 tsp Nutmeg

1/4 of a small lemon zested***

Dash Red Pepper (Optional--but highly recommended)

Saute the garlic and onion for 2 minutes on Medium High. (If you use fresh red peppers--diced/chopped--now would be a great time to add them.) Try not to cook the onion much longer than 5 minutes.^

Toss in the chopped spinach, watching it carefully so it does not burn. Turn down the heat to Medium and add the Cream of Chicken and Milk. Cut the Cream Cheese into the mixture, stirring until creamy.Turn heat down to Low. Add your spices. You may need more or less depending on your taste. Zest your lemon directly into the sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally. Add your Parmesan Cheese. Let cook at low heat for an additional few minutes.

Place on top of your noodles and enjoy! Nom Nom!

*I use as many organic ingredients as I can find. The closer to natural it is, the better it is for you.

**We use Whole Milk because it's closer to it's natural state: more vitamins, more protein, more how God created us to eat it. Plus, it keeps you fuller longer. If you choose to use a different type of milk you may want to add a thickening agent.

***I simply take a lemon and use a zester to scrape the peel directly into the sauce.

^Randy and I have discovered that if you cook certain foods too long, they naturally release a chemical that can give you migraines! Go figure!

Hair brushing

Tyler was brushing my hair. When he stopped, I asked, "Tyler are you going to brush my hair some more?"
Tyler puts his hand on my shoulder looks into my eyes, tilts his head and says, "I'm going to save it for a little later, ok mom?"

Tyler's Epiphany..

After complaining about the sun in his eyes, and several minutes of frustration, Tyler says, "Mommy, Jesus forgot to shut off His light!"

The Past Few Days

The past few days have been interesting. We have a new puppy and with six kids, one who is nursing, life has been-to say the least-chaotic. We can even add two nights of minimal sleep to the mix. This mama has been stressed to her max. Here are a fee photos of our week.

Tyler

I turned to Tyler, see him lookibg at me with one eye closed and he says, "Hey Mom! There's only ONE of you!"