3 Years and Counting

Xander just turned 3 and he's as cute and lively as ever!  We actually had his Dr. apptointment when we went in for Japheth's.  At that time (and I'm sure not much has changed in this) he weighed 28 lbs 13 oz, and was 35 inches tall.  He is still obsessed with food, balls and cars (in that order), and has also started to love marbles.  No surprise as they are really cool little balls.  He is doing well at recognizing his letters and can count to 10 every time.  He counts to 20 but always manages to skip 14, 16, and 18.  He also loves to copy his big brother, even if big brother just got in trouble for it.  But copying Jaheth also means that Xander is becoming a bit more friendly and a little less shy.  He can be very dramatic at times, but on the flip side loves to cuddle in your lap and get his back scratched.

For his birthday he wanted a bounce house with balls of course, and since it means not having to come up with a way to entertain 2 and 3 yr olds we were all in! But then weather made us come up with a last minute plan. So... indoor beach ball party (thanks Maren & Jenn for the supplies). We still were able to just let them play on their own for most of it, but had to play Simon Says while Douglas taped a picture of a present to a few balls. Then they each took a turn finding a special ball to get a treat. And of course we topped it off with presents and cupcakes.

More balls please

Simon says tickle Japheth

Turning 5

For Japheth's 5th birthday he decided to have a Mario Party.  So of course we had to come up with everything Mario.  We played Mario Says, colored a Mario picture, played Pin the Raccoon Tail on Mario, and played hit the block (our Mario version of a pinata).  We ate power-up mushrooms cupcakes, though they looked better in my head than I was able to make, and everyone got to take their stuff home in a Mario question box.  It was a lot of fun and we're glad that everyone could make it!  Thanks for all the great presents from friends and family, he has been enjoying all of them!

Just pretend the cupcakes look like mushroom power-ups.

Pin the tail

Question take home boxes

Proud artists

Hit the block

Mustache fun!

In news about Japheth, he can't wait to start kindergarten.  He has been asking lately when he gets to go now that he's 5.  And he's always dissapointed to have to wait until the fall.  He reads and writes very well! And itsn't too bad at simple math.  He loves to play, ride his new bike, read and do puzzles.  He weighs 37lbs and 7oz and is 42inches tall (just under 50% for height).  He's a good big brother most of the time, and a sweet little boy.  He's still very friendly with everyone we see and loves to be social.  It's really hard to believe that he's already 5!

March Madness!

Grampa John & Japheth

Most years March is a busy month for us, but this year has been crazier than most!  Between two birthdays, a funeral and an interview this month is barely half over and I'm starting to feel exhausted.  Douglas' father past away the week before Japheth's birthday, and we had to move his party to be able to have the funeral.  I was a little worried that having this unexpected circumstance would put a damper on Japheth really being able to enjoy turning 5, and that it would be hard to jump back and forth between such contrasts constantly until his birthday was over.  Fortunately things were able to work out nicely in the end; everyone was able to switch to the earlier birthday party, and they all seemed to have a really good time.  At the same time, those who needed to be to the funeral were able to come, we had a nice service, and the boys did really well handling everything.  Of course Xander didn't have a clue what was going on, but I think Japheth was able to understand a little.

Boys playing after the funeral

Douglas is currently on his way to Vermont to interview (after celebrating his birthday early).  While he's gone I get to take the boys to their yearly check-up.  And after he gets home we go on a double date with some good friends and then he gets to have a Halo "birthday" party.  I still feel like I'm in the middle of a whirl-wind, but I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful little family to share it all with!

Something New

The other day I decided to try something I've never done before. (Though chances are many of you have) I found red bell peppers for 49 cents each! How could I not buy a bunch and try freezing them?! I had the basic gist, but since I'd never actually tried it I decided to look it up to make sure I was doing it right. Super simple, and fast.

1st wash and dry peppers

Next, cut peppers and place in single layer on a cookie sheet

Make sure to leave a little bit of space between the peppers so they can freeze faster. You can see that I was able to get 4 of my 7 peppers on one sheet.

I use the bag they come in to make clean-up easy and fast

Place in the freezer for about 30 min. until they look about like this

Put them into freezer bags and put back in until completely frozen

And Voila! 2 bags of frozen peppers waiting for you. And while I waited for the 1st batch on a cookie sheet (didn't feel like washing 2 pans), I also tried this great idea from this link: http://pinksugarbowl.blogspot.com/2012/01/over-ripe-avocados-dont-throw-them-out.html

Yep! Frozen avacados, this makes me happy!

I haven't thawed them yet so I can't say how they are after, but I'm super excited to try them! As for the peppers, you cook them straight from their frozen state, just as you would with store bought ones.