Spider family

Since it's been so cold recently, spiders have been coming in the house. I'm not sure how they get in but they are here. The other day Kinsey told me she saw a spider. I asked her what it looked like and she told me it had Mama legs. I asked what she meant and she said it had short legs like a Mama not like Daddy long legs....LOL!

My little snow girl

Kinsey went out to play in the snow this afternoon. I went out and took a few pictures and came back into the warm house. The snow was deeper than I thought it would be but the sun is out so it should start melting soon.

Snow Snow Snow

We have winter this year! After last years lack of snow, we have had an abundance of snow this year. It's nice but what a difference a year makes. Kinsey is disappointed that their is no school since we have been in the house since Friday. I think she's missed talking to people here own age. I'm going to enjoy the day and get some stuff done that I couldn't get done this weekend.

Here are a few pictures I took this morning.

Kinsey's swing set by the arroyo (ditch)

Side of the house where the snow started melting then froze again.

Looking out my front door across the highway towards Melissa's house.

Basic whole grain muffins with variations

My friend Corra posted this recipe on our March Mommies board and I thought I would share it. She got it from Whole Foods for the Whole Family. I want to find this cookbook if I can. From what she says, it has a lot of good recipes in it. We are trying to eat more whole foods instead of so many processed foods. I ate these last week with a banana for breakfast.

BASIC WHOLE GRAIN MUFFINS

2 C. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 C. brown sugar or honey
1 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. raisins
1 egg, beaten
1 C. buttermilk
3 tbsp. oil

Mix dry ingredients and raisins in bowl. Make well in center. Add egg, buttermilk and oil. Stir until moistened. Fill greased muffin cups 1/2 full. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes. Good hot or cold. May substitute yogurt or sour milk for buttermilk or melted butter for oil.

Yield: 16 servings Approx Per Serving: Cal 108; Prot 3g; Carbs 18g; Fiber 2g; T Fat 3g; 26% Cal from Fat; Chol 14mg; Sod 140mg.

Variations:Omit Raisins. Add 1 C. blueberries or chopped fruit.
Add nuts or sesame or sunflower seeds
Omit 1 C. or more whole wheat flour and substitute with rye, soy or triticale flour, rolled oats or oat flour, wheat germ or bran.
Omit baking soda and buttermilk. Add 2 tsp. baking powder and 1 C. milk


I made these last week and used dried cranberries instead of raisins. I also used the last of my turbinado raw cane sugar (instead of brown sugar or honey) and yogurt (instead of buttermilk). I like that this recipe can have so many variations. It did start out a little dry probably because of the yogurt so I added about a 1/4 cup of orange juice just to make the dough a little wetter. I also used my mini muffin pans and it made about 36 mini muffins. I baked them for 10-12 minutes.

Teeth update

I just knew that wiggly tooth was going to come out last week but it's still wiggling away in Kinsey's mouth. I guess she needs to work on it some more.
I did notice that her 6 year molars are starting to come in. Pretty soon she'll have more teeth than she knows what to do with.

Just can't get motivated

I really want to post but I just haven't been motivated to write anything. In fact, I haven't been motivated to do much of anything. I really need to start eating better and exercising but can't find the "want" to do it. I did started eating somewhat better but have still been sneaking in foods I need to leave alone. Tomorrow I'm going to work on my menu for next week and try to plan out a few things. Having a menu really helps me keep on track. I print out a copy for the fridge door so I know what to defrost or put in the crockpot each morning. It makes dinner prep a lot easier.
My Mom gave me her bicycle and I need to replace the tires so I can start riding it. Hopefully that will happen in the very near future. I love to ride bikes and it's such good exercise. When I was in college, I had a road bike and could ride 10 miles at a time....I can't imagine doing that now. Hopefully by spring Kinsey will learn to ride her bike without the training wheels and we can go for rides.
Guess I need to get to bed so I can get things done tomorrow!

Awards time again!

Kinsey got her report card yesterday and did very well. We are so pleased with her progress. There was an awards assembly today and she got a Perfect Attendance Award and the Trustworthiness Award for demonstrating strong character.

Magic Bullet tested

Well I pulled out my Magic Bullet system tonight and gave it a whirl. I decided to try a fruit smoothie....YUMMMM! I put a container of vanilla yogurt, 5 frozen strawberries, about 1/2 cup frozen blueberries and 1/2 a banana. I also added a little milk to thin it out. After whizzing it for about 10 seconds I had a delicious fruit smoothie. I can see myself doing this in the mornings to drink while I'm getting ready. It would be an easy way to add in a fruit and dairy serving every day.
I've read through the recipe book and found a few recipes I want to try. I'll update when I try them.

What I go for Christmas

Do you think my family and friends know I like to cook? Why yes they do. For Christmas this year I got 5 cookbooks, an electric skillet, silicone baking set, 2 sets of mixing bowls (metal and non-skid plastic), olive oil bottle, cooking utensils, Magic Bullet system, Texas glasses, and a fancy new digital timer (2 timers and a clock).
I also got pretty velvety pj's, earrings, perfume, and house shoes. It was a great Christmas!!

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle

We are on loose tooth watch around here. One of Kinsey's top teeth is very wiggly. She ate an apple earlier and that seemed to loosen it up a lot. Right now she's watching a movie and wiggling her tooth. We should have good news very soon!

Tea Party and a Movie

Kinsey got herself and her friends all dressed up for a tea party then they decided they wanted to watch "Cars". I thought they all looked so cute lined up on the couch.