Decided

OK, I've decided to create a new blog.  It's still in the very beginning stages.  Right now it's in Jason's name until I figure out how to put my name as the author.  So, this I believe is the last official post on this blog.  Anyhow here's the address for the new blog:

http://rumblesinthejungleagain.blogspot.com

Out of Space

Well, it seems as if I've run out of my free space on the blog.  Not sure what I'm going to do next though I guess I'm leaning toward starting a new one possibly (since that would be free again :).  If that's the case, I'll put the link to the new one on here so it'll be easy to find.

Potty Training Update

Potty training Abigail isn't going very well.  On the plus side, she's learned how to put a diaper on herself...

Knoebels

 On Aug. 3rd, we decided to go to Knoebels before going to my mom's to celebrate her birthday.

Our first ride was the motor boats which Caden wanted to drive.  Well...J and I of course had to help, but Caden kept saying, "I've got this!  Let me do it by myself."  He ended up fussing (and we ended up laughing) the whole ride because it's just not one of those rides he can do himself!

 So stylish with her shades on!

 He was just a blur in that hand powered ride.  He loved it!

 Caden kept asking to go on the ferris wheel but J and I kept telling him that he won't be doing that any time soon with us.  Then we found one just his size.

 Another very fussy ride for Caden because the car was not blue.  Abby had a blast though!  As soon as the car took off she got this big smile on her face.

 Abby rode the kiddie whip by herself while Caden waited in line for the bumper cars.

 Notice the blue car???

Elephant Rug

Caden's GG made this really nice elephant latch-hook rug for him.  I think it took about 3 years of working just in the winter months, but she finished it in June :).  Since we made the mistake of saying "rug" he wanted it on the floor all the while we were thinking of hanging it on the wall.  So, we had him paint the dowel rod hoping he would be OK with the idea of having it on the wall.  It helped I think.

Tree Climbing

Caden has been talking about wanting to climb a tree for a while now.  We finally found one, and it's right in GG's yard!  I think we found a new favorite spot to play.

Sound Asleep

I'm not sure what was going on here with the kids and their sleeping habits in the beginning of July (taken the 3rd) :)

Warning to 26 Month Olds

Let this be a warning to all 26 month old little boys and girls who think they are old enough to skip their naps...you're not!  Abigail was fighting with me for a few weeks, but now we are finally back on track.  I put her down a little later (good bye 2.5 hour naps), but it seems to work for everyone.

(first 2 pictures take June 24th and last two taken July 2nd taken right after supper)

Hearty Lima Bean Bake

This recipe came from a Cooking for 2 magazine that I (who am kidding...we all know it was Jason) found the other weekend at my mom's.  So, since it's for 2, I just doubled it (but I put a pound of sausage in it).  It's a funny combination of ingredients, but the ends result is good.  The kids even ate it (Abby more so than Caden which is typical).


1/2 medium green pepper, diced
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 Tbs. olive oil
1/4 pound sausage links, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 cup frozen lima beans, thawed
3/4 cup canned diced tomatoes
3 Tbs. water
2 tsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. minced fresh oregano
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
dash salt and pepper


In a large skillet, saute the green pepper, onion, and celery in oil until tender.  Add sausage; cook and stir over medium heat for 3 minutes or until no longer pink.  Stir in the remaining ingredients.  Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Transfer to an ungreased 1-qt. baking dish.  Bake, uncovered at 325 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until heated through, stirring once.  Enjoy!

July 3rd Fireworks

On the 3rd of July I decided to ignore my usually very strict bedtime for the kids and let them stay up for some fireworks at Mohegan Sun (I also let them stay up on the 4th and watch from our front porch).  We watched from Geisinger which worked out really well.  We started in the car...tried outside...and then ended up back in the car.  The kids didn't want to sit still :)  They fell asleep soon after leaving, but Abby did her usual, "No Mama...uh uh" when I suggested going to sleep.

 

 Abby chose at first to climb back into her car seat.

 Our view.  

Mohegan Sun is where the bright lights are.

 They look nice and settled, but that only lasted a second.

 First attempt at getting a picture with the kids.

 Second (and last) attempt.

 (again...this only lasted a second)

Corn on the Cob

Vacation Bible School

Caden, Max, and Jacob

Last week Caden went to Vacation Bible School at a local United Methodist church with two of his friends, Max, and Jacob.  He had a great time.  They had a little show on Friday with all the kids (over 140).  We had a count down from the time he signed up to the day it started (20 days total).  He's already asking about next year.

Library Card

Last Monday, Caden got his own library card.  He was pretty excited!

Pappy

Over the years
As we grow old,
We remember our Pappy
So brave and bold.

In the garden,
Leaning on the plow,
He would listen to me;
I see him now.

He would give advice
And understand;
He was always there
To lend a hand.

God made Pappy

Strong and firm,
For he knew our lives
Would have great concerns.

So on his day
Let's take the time
To say "Thanks, Pappy.
I'm glad you're mine."

by Mary Frances Bogle 

(adapted a little)

We miss you Pappy, but we take peace in knowing you are in a better place.

Thunderstorm Craft

Caden came up with this craft the other day after a thunderstorm.  He did the whole thing himself.  It's his version of a thunderstorm; he didn't want to add lightening though.

Snow Boots & Tank Top