{Old} Christmas Tradition - Sacrament Meeting Christmas Program

Today was one of the most inspiring and best programs I have seen in years!  I came away wanting to be a better person.  Thank you to those who put the Rivergrove 2nd program together this year.  The one advantage of having winter babies is holding them in my arms during all of those Christmas baby lullabies. 

New Recipe: Mini Meatloaves (from 5dinners1hour.blogspot.com)

My Rating: Great and easy!

Also from that trial menu.  Seriously, this was so fast to put together.  I served it with baked potatoes and salad.  So you mix the first set of ingredients together.  I omitted onion powder because I don't have any and salt because you don't need it and used regular sage.  I just sprayed my muffin tin with Pam and found that this recipe makes about 10-11 meatloaves.  I don't have any dry mustard so I just squirted some regular mustard in and omitted the W. sauce.

2 eggs
½ C milk
2/3 C bread crumbs
1 t onion powder
1 t salt
½ t rubbed sage
1 ½ lbs ground beef
Bake uncovered in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, spoon sauce over top and cook an additional 5-10 minutes.
Sauce:
¼ C ketchup
2 T brown sugar
1 t ground mustard
½ t Worcestershire sauce
*freezable

New Recipe: Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas (from 5dinners1hour.blogspot.com)

My Rating: Easy and delicious

It's a busy time of year for all of us.  I found a link while looking at someone else's blog, and decided to give it a try.  If you go here you can get a free trial of a week's menu.  I love that the grocery list is included.  In theory, you are supposed to be able to make up all 5 dinners in 1 hour and store them in the fridge until you want to use them.  I didn't have time to do that today, but I did try this meal.  I used pinto beans I had previously cooked in the crockpot.  I didn't have any salsa, so I omitted it.  I normally use uncooked flour tortillas from Costco.  They really are the best!  So, I barely cooked 8 of them, kept them in the warmer, then went back and filled them 2 at a time in the skillet and cooked them again.  It worked out nicely.  I served these with a green salad.  I thought they were easy and fun.

3 T chopped onion
1 can black beans
1 C. frozen corn
1 T brown sugar
¼ C salsa
¼ t red pepper flakes
1 T chili powder
½ t cumin
2 C Monterrey jack cheese
10 flour tortillas

Scoop 1 cup bean mixture onto 5 tortillas. Top with another tortilla and place on sprayed baking sheet. Spray
quesadillas with cooking spray and bake 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until brown and crisp. Serve with green salad.
*freezable

Note:  Since this first time, I have made these several more times.  I have tried adding the salsa, but I think it makes them messier to eat and doesn't change the flavor.  I omit the red pepper flakes because I don't like the kick.  I have also found that I prefer cheddar cheese.  And I don't add the onion either because it's just an extra step.  So I have it down to beans (whatever kind I have cooked up), corn, brown sugar, cheese, chili powder, cumin, and tortillas...a reasonable list of ingredients.  All things I have on hand.  And these really are so yummy!

{Old} Christmas Tradition - Looking at Christmas Lights

After the piano recital, we drove around and looked at some of our favorite Christmas lights in Provo.  We will probably do this several more times before the season is over.

{New} Christmas Tradition - Piano Recital

I suppose this is an old tradition that has been resurrected this year!  I am so proud that all 3 of my piano students did such a wonderful job on their Christmas pieces.  We heard awesome renditions of "Jingle Bells," "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful," "Aria," "Once There Was a Snowman," "Joy to the World," and "Silent Night."  I am also happy to say that all but 1 of the pieces were memorized!  Yeah!  There is nothing like Christmas music to bring the Christmas spirit!!!

{New} Christmas Tradition - ROC Christmas Concert

It was also tonight.  Because I love Christmas music so much, we went to 2 concerts, one right after another.  That was asking a bit much of a 3 year old, don't you think?  Actually, we all enjoyed it, including Luz.  I was under the impression that this was a Latin American group and would be performing in Spanish.  I assumed wrong.  It is a multi-cultural group that performs in English.  Their original music was quite impressive.  I would definitely attend another concert, but probably not the Christmas one again.

{Old} Christmas Tradition - Stake Christmas Concert

It was tonight.  I always enjoy so many things about Christmas, especially the music.  In our stake, each ward participates.  We have a GREAT organ in our stake center.  It has a star that adds so much to "Joy to the World."  I love this tradition and plan on keeping it forever.

{New} Christmas Tradition - Classic Skating Christmas Party

As part of a home school group, we attended a Halloween roller-skating party back in October and LOVED it.  This time, we were all able to attend the Christmas party.  I even skated for a short bit.  It's only been about 20 years since I put on roller skates.  Luz scootered around again and had a blast.  Ezra enjoyed looking around at all the lights and people.  And Juan was a great cheerleader. :)  I hope to continue this tradition.

Merry Christmas!

This is a great video!

{New} Christmas Tradition - Christmas Oranges Benefits Concert

I love Christmas music.  A friend from my mission (Marshall McDonald) is a composer and organized this concert several years ago.  This year, the stars aligned and we were able to attend.  It was amazing!  A definite keeper as far as Christmas traditions go.

Family fun at the Doctor!

Luz had her 3 year check-up and Ezra his 2 month.  Here are our stats:

Luz 

Weight: 32.2 pounds; 70%

Height: 39 inches; 80%

Head: 51 cm; 95%

Ezra

Weight: 14 pounds; 95%

Length: 23.5 inches; 75%

Head: 40 cm; 50%

Happy Birthday to Luz - Part 3

Today we wrapped up Luz' 3rd birthday.  After her Sunday nap, she got to lick the spoon and then frosted (and sprinkled) the cupcakes I had baked while she was sleeping.

 

Then she got to open her card from Grandma M. and her presents from Abuela.  Thank you!  And then we read all of the books.  By the way, the reason I have never before read The Mitten could be that it was published in 1989 (I was 13).

And finally, we sang and ate cake and ice cream.  She picked white cake with pink frosting and cherry vanilla ice cream because it was pink.

Happy Birthday to Luz!

Happy Birthday to Luz - Part 2

We asked Luz a couple of weeks ago what she wanted for her birthday and she replied, "A haircut."  Well, alright then.  This all came about because last month I was combing her hair and mentioned to Juan that I thought it would be good to give her a trim.  She has never had a haircut and her ends often tangle up during the course of the day.  We do what we can to avoid tangles and such, but sometimes you just need to trim those ends.  Anyway, when I mentioned it to Juan, he replied that we should take her to a place.  I was curious as to why.  I am pretty sure I could trim her hair and do an ok job for a 3 year old at least.  He said that it would be good to teach her that we go to places to get our hair cut and that we absolutely DO NOT do this at home.  Good point.  So, we went.  She was nervous, but was a trooper.  We went the same place Juan goes and I was not happy with them at all.  The girl was incompetent and mean to Luz.  I do not like either of those qualities.  We will be going to a "just for kids" place next time.  I forgot to take a "before" picture.  The other thing was that I had told the girl 1 inch and she just kept chopping away.  I think she ended up getting about 3 inches off.

Happy Birthday to Luz - Part 1

Happy Birthday to our sweet little girl Luz.  Today she is 3 years old.  As I rocked her to sleep for her nap today I thought to myself that there may not be that many more times I can rock her.  She's growing up and hardly fits on my lap anymore.  She will be moving into a big girl bed soon.  She may not want me to rock her in the not too distant future.  Sad.  I hugged her a little bit tighter and felt thankful that today I could rock her to sleep.  It's hard to believe that she's 3 already.

Happily, the guys were coming over today for piano.  Luz adores many people, but "the guys" are still on the top of the list.  They came bearing a gift...Dora Memory Game.  We have already played it several times.  She LOVES it!  Thank you!

Then we got ready to go to Macey's grocery store.  There, she got to buy her own ice cream cone.  She loves to order it herself and pay for it herself.  Best 50 cents I spent today.  She also picked out a cake mix, frosting, and ice cream (more to follow on that).

Yesterday I asked her what she wanted for her birthday dinner.  She thought for a moment, and then I suggested burritos (you know, something different).  She emphatically stated that she wanted hot dogs and happy birthday salad (orange fluff) and then I suggested we also have uvas (grapes) to pretend there was something healthy in the meal. :)  She made the happy birthday salad.

Here she is with her 3rd birthday dinner.  Looks like Luz and Matthew have something in common.

So, we were planning to make the cake together when we got home from Macey's.  However, Luz was just too tired and needed a nap.  So, I put Luz her down for a nap.  Meanwhile, I decided that we could bake the cake together either tonight or tomorrow.  Also, our cute little neighbor's 5th birthday is also today, and when he found out it was also Luz' birthday, he brought some of his birthday cupcakes over to share.  So, tonight we sang, "Happy Birthday," and ate those cupcakes.  Thanks Che!  Ours will get made and eaten sometime this weekend.

A big "thank you," to Tio Matthew, Abuela, and Tia Stephanie for the special phone calls!

This big boy is 2 months old!

We'll be going to the doctor on Monday, December 6th and I will post his stats then.  I can't believe how fast time has flown.  He is beautiful, happy, and growing like a weed!

So happy together!

Ezra's blessing

Our Family

The men in the family

Ezra with Abuela

2010 Babies: Addelyn, 10 months - Ezra, 7 weeks - Lucy, 8 months

The Family is of God

I am sort-of combining different things in this post.  This afternoon, Luz and Ezra were playing and I thought it would be a perfect time to snap some photos.  Then I teared up and thought of one of my all-time favorite songs that talks about families.  I hope you enjoy both the photo and the song!

What my vote means this year

This year, my vote represents several significant things to me.  First, it always represents the opportunity to have been born in this country which, despite its many faults and flaws, is still one of the best options in the world.  It also has always represented the many people who have sacrificed much to maintain my freedoms, including my freedom to vote.  This year it also represents my desire for those who wish to call themselves American to be able to do so.  And something new that I thought a lot about this year is my responsibility to teach my children the importance of voting.  I started out by taking them both with me.  Luz talked about voting all day long.  She even got a sticker.

Today I feel like Super Woman

After yesterday, I'd like to think that it could only get better...but as most of us know, it usually can get worse.  However, today was an amazing day.  I feel like a great person and a good mother and wife today!  Yeah!  Luz woke up happy!  Not really anything to do with me, but obviously a good start to the day.  That was also a pretty clear indication that she was feeling better.  We got out of the house by around 11 and went to the doctor, the social security office, bought a sit and stand stroller, went to the bank, and voted!  Then we came home and took naps.  Well, I rocked Luz and put her down just as Ezra was waking up.  I snuggled with him for a bit.  I made a simple dinner...and everyone was still happy at bed time.

New Addition

As many of you know, I have been looking for a Joovy Sit and Stand stroller for a couple of months now.  I did find them for a pretty reasonable price online, but hadn't gotten around to purchasing one yet.  Suddenly, while stalking craigslist I found a used one for a great price.  Today it became ours.  I am so excited!  And I will be posting pictures of the kids actually sitting in it soon.

Reading catch-up

During the past month and a half, I have not stopped reading.  I have just stopped posting about what I've been reading.  I will attempt to catch-up now (abbreviated version).

1. Leadership and Self-deception by The Arbinger Institute - Great

 
2. A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver Van DeMille- So great I bought it

3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom - Enlightening

4. For One More Day by Mitch Albom - Also enlightening

5. Key Lime Pie by Josi Kilpack- Great

6. On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo - I've read it before and I'm glad I read it again.  I really do believe and practice many of the principles outlined in this book with amazing success!  This time around I actually bought the book. :)

7. The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D. - Good

8. Surviving Your Blessings by Lynn C. Jaynes - Good, not what I was expecting, but good

9. Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans - Great, as always

 

10. Tranquil Light by Anita Stansfield - Great, as always

What a day!

Wow!  I am sure glad today is almost over!
Score today--
Theresa/Motherhood - 0

Actually, the day started out great!  Ezra slept straight through from 9pm until 3am this morning.  I should have started out the morning on top of my game, but that wasn't the case.  He is still pretty congested and I had to repeatedly clean out his nose with saline drops and the nasal aspirator.  I really hate it more than he does, but I don't think he believes me when I tell him that.  Poor baby wants to be held all the time.  Luz is also congested and very grumpy.  Poor girl doesn't know what she wants.  She spent most of the morning in trouble for grumpy behavior.  Then I finally realized that she really just didn't feel well.  So, I gave her a Benadryl and put her on the couch in front of a movie.  We made peace while the movie lasted but once it was over...back to super grumpiness.  By then Juan was home.  However, he was also grumpy.  He had severe back pain and had to go to the specialist to relieve it today.  He hates going.  He hates paying the money and the massage is pretty painful.  But he did come home feeling physically better.  I put the 2 grumpy ones downstairs playing together while I finished up with dinner.  They actually had some fun playing for a few minutes.  On another good note, I made some fabulous chicken soup today.  It was a miracle worker.  As soon as we all had a few bites in our bodies, everyone's disposition changed and we had a very pleasant evening.  Note to self: next time make the chicken soup for breakfast!

One Month!

Ok, time is officially going by way too fast here!  I can't believe that Ezra is a month old already!  He is just growing and growing.  He is such a cutie and a great baby and little brother!

Happy Halloween!

We are pretty much the most awesome parents ever!  Right...we recycle Halloween costumes.  I'm not sure why I even used the plural form of costume, actually.  Luz has had a total of ONE costume in her entire Halloween life...3 years worth.  She was a cute little mariposa again this year. :)  Ezra did not get a costume.  He wore a sleeper and a Jack-o-lantern bib (which I don't think we got a picture of because it was removed once he started trying to eat it).

6 ounces!

Today Ezra turned 4 weeks old.  With Luz we started her on 1 bottle feeding each evening at 4 weeks to get her used to the bottle.  Juan usually gave it to her while I pumped at the same time.  It worked great.  We decided to do the same with Ezra.  I produce quite a bit of milk and often have to pump frequently during the first few months.  I got a bottle ready for Ezra with 3 1/2 ounces in it.  I sat down to pump and Juan came back down about 5 minutes later saying that Ezra needed more.  I promptly handed over the 2 1/2 ounces that I had just pumped and he drank all of that immediately.  Yes, my friends, Ezra downed 6 ounces of milk at 4 weeks old.  I was really impressed.  No wonder he is growing like a weed!  And no wonder I produce so much milk!

Piano Recital

On October 22nd we had our first piano recital.  I think dressing up for a Halloween theme eased some of the nerves, but not all of them.  Luz didn't play, but she did dress up and did want her picture taken by the piano. :)

 

 

I can't believe my baby is 2 weeks old!

Wow!  In most ways the past 2 weeks have flown by...  We went for his check-up today, which is actually one of the best check-ups you have to do.  They do have to do the PKU poke at 2 weeks, but no vaccine pokes.  Ezra's stats are fairly amazing to me.  He is apparently a very efficient eater, which is not a huge surprise, but still amazing.  At birth, he weighed 8 pounds.  Upon release from the hospital, he weighed 7 1/2 pounds.  Today he weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces.  He has also grown from 19 1/2 inches to 20 1/2 inches.  However, his head circumference is in the 10th percentile, which means that clothes fit him. :)

He is really grasping the day/night thing pretty well.  Mind you, he is still a sleepy-head during the day, but we try to keep him awake more.  Luz is doing her part by playing with him lots right after feeding which is when I want lots of stimulation.  She is also trying to help him learn to sleep through the playing of the piano, singing at the top of her lungs, and various other loud noises.  He will have to thank her someday for all that she is teaching him at this very young age.

The only confusion seems to be at 6am.  He goes to bed around 9-10, wakes up around midnight, and again at 3...all of those times he just goes right back to sleep like he's supposed to.  But at 6am, Ezra thinks that it is daytime and wants to interact.  I have explained to him several times that our family schedule indicates that 6am is still nighttime and that no one is up to interact with at that hour.  He does eventually go back to sleep and then usually wakes up about 9-9:30 for the day, which is much more appropriate.  We are obviously still working on this though.  Too bad Luz is sleeping during that time or I'm sure she could help teach him a thing or two. :)

Juan has been a lifesaver this week!  Last week he worked normal hours, which was fine.  I asked him to try to be around more this week though, and he has been.  He has been home all week and it has been fabulous!  I'm gearing up for him going back to work on Monday...

10/4/10 Relaxing on the couch.  I actually think that Ezra is the only one who is really asleep in this picture.  Juan and Luz are faking it.

10/4/10 After Ezra's first bath.  He was a little stressed out at first, but warmed up pretty quickly.

 10/14/10 This picture makes him look pretty big, but Ezra is still actually a very little baby.

10/14/10 On the other hand, Luz is getting HUGE!