smartie pants

Tonight as I was leaving the boys room, Jackson franticly starts yelling, "Wait! Wait!" I went back to his bed, asked him what he needed, and he looked at me and said, "Hugs!!!" He then popped up, gave me big hugs and m&m flavored kisses (he found a few on the floor...) and then laid down.
Now that is one smartie pants little boy.

In other news, my mom's group had a very successful "new member meet and greet" at a local park. Over 14 moms and their children came. We had a great time, enjoyed a little bit of sunshine (but no warmth, just wind) and some great snacks. This is a silly shot of Lori, me, and Andrea.

Banged up eye, smashed fingers, and dinosaurs

Jackson fell face first on Brennan's bed...face first into the headboard. I have never met a clumsier child. (Oh, and I can't get a good picture of the eye, this is the best I could get. BTW, his nose is scratched from falling on a storage unit on the way out of preschool)
It's pretty funny when you ask him what happened to his eye, though. He says, "Bed." and sounds really pathetic.
When you say, "Is that how you hurt your eye?" to confirm his answer, he says (every time), "Yes Ma'am"
At least the boy has some southern manners.

This is a few of the pictures we took at some museum in Morrill Hall at the University of Lincoln. I think Bart is getting a little jealous of the fact that we are leaving leaving for 4 weeks to go "home" and he has to stay here...so, he planned a little outing that just so happened to end with supper at Raising Canes...coincidence??? I think NOT!

And finally, Friday was a busy day and we ran a lot of errands. At one point, I managed to slam Brennan's left thumb in the door. He cried (a lot), but after a while agreed to go to school because he didn't want to miss out. At school all afternoon, his teachers told me he'd make comments like, "I can't do that, my thumb hurts TOO much." and "I would, but this ice pack can't be moved." Just silly things. Anyways, when I picked him up and apologized (again) for smashing his thumb, I asked if he'd ever forgive me. He said, "Mommy, I will forgive you for hurting my thumb, but not today. Maybe tomorrow."
I am glad to report that when asked, Brennan says he forgave me yesterday and his thumb feels "really better" today. Thank goodness.
So, new car rule...Brennan is not allowed to OPEN the doors (he once banged another car, the lady was right there, she was rude, blah, blah, blah...oh, BTW, her car was all dinged up anyways!) and I am not allowed to CLOSE his door.

Positive

Looking on the Positive Side
---------------------------------------------------

"You have a choice. You can wring your hands and be consumed with
concern for the future or choose to use the counsel the Lord has given to
live with peace and happiness in a world awash with evil. If you choose to
concentrate on the dark side, this is what you will see. . . . Now the
brighter side. Despite pockets of evil, the world overall is majestically
beautiful, filled with many good and sincere people. God has provided a way
to live in this world and not be contaminated by the degrading pressures
evil agents spread throughout it. You can live a virtuous, productive,
righteous life by following the plan of protection created by your Father
in Heaven: His plan of happiness."

(Richard G. Scott, "How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil," Ensign, May 2004, 100)

look who was in the earthquake.

Go see who got to experience that recent earthquake, up close and personal...

WINNER

I finally remembered to draw for the Gift Card for posting about the MS Walk!
and...the winner is......

STACY!
(email me your address @ theremingtons@cox.net, though I am so slow I will probably hand deliver it to your front door!)

Thank you to all who posted the information on their blogs and to all those who donated funds, too. Our team, the Happy Hoofers (hey, I didn't name them!) came in 4th place overall, and Bart is the 5th overall individual to raise $$$. My dad donated $70 to the boys and my accounts, too, so we could earn the tee-shirts...if you add that to what Bart raised, he'd (barely) be in 4th place! People continue to raise funds, so we may not stay at those numbers for long, but considering some teams were a LOT larger then ours, I think we did pretty well...and it's all thanks to you!
We love you and appreciate you all.

My New Flip Flops

Last spring at Jamie Girl's wedding, I wore her mom's J.Crew flip flops outside for a minute...and fell in love!
They were the most comfortable flip flops I've ever worn and I wanted to steal them. But considering all the generous and lovely things her mother and father had done for me, I decided against it.
Then, I forgot about the shoes and went on in my average Target flip flops. Well, since I discovered there was a J.Crew store in Omaha, I decided I must have my own this summer, esp. since my feet are going to be so uncomfortable.
Last week, a group of us mom's went on a mini-shopping spree and here is one of my rewards...brand new flip flops! Now, Elaine had already broken hers in, so they were comfortable from the first second I slipped them on my size ten feet...These will take a few weeks of wear and tear, but I can tell...they will be divine. They are super cute, too, way better than the plain black ones I currently have. I am on the lookout for the shade of pink at the toe, so my toe nails will coordinate with the shoes.
Yep, I'm weird like that.

Where'd my toddler go?

This morning, I found Jackson totally zoned out on the couch, watching some PBS show. He's got a drink within reach, cookies in hand, the remote and phone nearby, and he is totally engrossed in the show, laying on the couch...where'd my toddler go...isn't that what the teenage years are all about?

A new dinner recipe

I got this recipe from Kyra, Bart's cousin. We just had it and it was a huge hit. Both boys and husband ate a lot of it...which if you know Bart or Brennan, you know is shocking.
Oh, and I halved it b/c it makes a massive amount.
(and yes, it really needs 1/4 cup of chili powder if you make the whole recipe...I asked!)
Thanks Kyra...we miss watching football games with you guys! Maybe we'll come visit you in Ohio this fall.

Football Fiesta Casserole

2 lbs lean (90%) ground beef

1 large onion

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chili powder

1 Tbsp. Cumin

Tony's, Salt & Pepper to taste

3 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce...or use crushed tomatoes + sauce to get close to 45 oz.

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

3 (16 oz.) cans red kidney beans, drained & rinsed

1 (6 oz.) can black olives, drained & chopped OPTIONAL

1 bag (9.75 oz.) regular Fritos

1 lb. Cheddar cheese, grated

Sour Cream OPTIONAL

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Mist a skillet with cooking spray. Saute' beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add onion; saute. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute. Add chili powder, cumin, Tony's, salt and pepper; cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in 2 Tbsp. cilantro.

2. Mist a deep 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Spread half of meat in baking dish, then half of beans, half of olives, half of corn chips, and half of cheese. Repeat layering with remaining meat, beans, olives, chips, and cheese.

3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden and crispy on top and bubbling. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro. Top servings with sour cream if desired.

A New Blog!?!

I have created a new blog to document the next few months. In case you didn't get the email (remember that post where I asked for your address?) or just randomly happened upon this page, click here to go see what all the fuss is about...

Updates, the MS Walk, and our Puzzle

Below are lots of what's been going on this past week. I suggest scrolling down and reading up, so things are in order.
Also, today was the MS Walk. It was a windy 32 degrees when it started, so after the group picture we walked for 10 minutes then went home until lunch. By then it had warmed up, so we helped ourselves to Olive Garden and Fuddruckers, and listened to The High Heels play while we ate. The boys got balloon animals and cotton candy, putting them both on cloud 9.
The most surprising part happened during lunch, when they started making announcements, and called Bart up to talk about raising $1000 in one day. After an LSU plug, he told of how his friends were the ones who did it, not him. Thank you all so much for spreading the word and donating to MS. I just know there will one day be a cure found...I just pray that day is soon.
Also, we started a 1000 piece Snoopy puzzle yesterday. It's one of those puzzles that has pictures on each piece. Bart is a lot faster and getting it together than me, but it is fun to spend time together and talk and work it out.

Hard at work building the top and bottom

Oh, and I'll do the drawing tomorrow for the winner of the gift card...a girl can only do so much at one time!

Dan Zanes!

After the concert

The back of our friends heads, and DZ in background as they walked around the audience to leave.

A. and B. dancing away at the end of the concert

What's a date with Mommy without a special treat? Maggie Moo ice cream! (great idea M.!)

Saturday afternoon Brennan and I got the chance to go see Dan Zanes. A friend had two extra tickets and was attending Jack's party, so at the last second we decided to go with them. I'd only heard a few of his songs from Playhouse Disney, but figured Brennan should like the group...needless to say, we both loved the concert. Dan Zanes has a great group of musicians and does a great job of getting the crowd into the concert, which is a hard/easy thing to do (depending on how you think about it) since 2/3 of the audience is under the age of 10.
If you ever get the chance, I really recommend taking your children to a Dan Zane's concert...you'll love it, I promise.

Jackson turns 2...part two...the party!

The cupcake tower of dinosaurs. Nothing fancy this time, just white cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, or chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting, or chocolate cherry cheesecake cupcakes...nothing major.



Thanks Grandma for the great shirt to go with the theme of the party.


Present time! Thanks Kris for helping with the opening of the toys. As you may remember, that is not my favorite thing to do.

Jackson's dinosaur themed birthday party was Saturday, complete with dinosaur cupcakes, dinosaur coloring sheets(most of which I forgot to put out), and a dinosaur egg/fossil hunt. Originally the party was going to be at the park, and the kids could have went on an excavation for fossils in the sand, but due to weather issues, we just went on a dino hunt at home instead.
Jackson didn't quite understand why he had to wait to open the presents, so we had to put them out of sight until it was time to open them. The funniest part of the party (to me) was when Jack blew out his candles after the first line of "Happy Birthday".
Thanks to everyone who came and helped Jackson celebrate turning two!

Jackson turns 2...part one

Yep, that's ice cream in his eyelashes...

The actual day:
Jackson turned 2 on Sunday, April 6, so he got to celebrate by watching General Conference, playing at home, and spending time with his family. We had a homemade, 100% from scratch hummingbird cake with cream cheese icing to commemorate the event. (I plan on making the Martha Stewart cupcakes once I have a kitchen torch) He opened a few presents and we ended the evening on the deck, enjoying the good weather (it's really hit or miss around here with the weather) and the new bubble machine Jackson got. I highly suggest getting your little ones bubble machines...those things are great. They make tons of bubbles and keep the kiddies entertained for a long time. Now, we have only used it once...after Sunday the weather took a turn for the worst, but we'll be using it again soon (today, high of 48...Thursday, high of 68!) and we can't wait.

CoCo Keys

Jack's new "thing"...tongue swipes. He sticks it out, sucks around his mouth, then swipes his tongue back in. That's the best way I can think of to describe it. I'll try and get it on video.

Brennan going down the BIG blue slide...that boy was fearless.

Jack and his toddler crew.

Our group...pretty good lookin' bunch of women and kids.

Tuesday, April 8, a group of friends went to CoCo Keys for the day. We all had a blast, though we were all ready for a nap by the time we left.
I think the best part of CoCo Keys is that outside it was cold and rainy...but inside, it was a warm 85 degrees. Considering it snowed Friday and Saturday (all the locals say this is "odd weather"...I think below 60 after March is "odd weather"), it is nice to have a place that they compare to Key West in our own back yard (yeah, I am SO SURE they are comparable...) and even nicer to have a great group of friends to play hookie with for the day and enjoy it with.

My New Car Toy

Look what I got...for free! Sure, it is only 1G, but that's fine for me. No more c.d.s all over the car! Yippie. I "earned" it by earning $500 for the MS Walk by April 1...I didn't even know that was an option, so it was a pleasant surprise.
Now, to figure out what songs are good enough to go on it...

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Jackson turns two today! We have been very blessed to have this little monster in our lives. He is a joy to be around (about 85% of the time, up from 75% last year) and we look forward to watching him grow and develop and add to our family.

The top two things about Jackson are:

1. His desire to make others happy. He loves to "hide" to make you laugh, and he loves to share his toys or treats if you don't have any. Also, Jackson gives the best hugs and kisses I've gotten from a toddler (sorry, Brennan, but it's true.)
2. His utter lack of fear. He has met no challenge (besides nursery) that has slowed him down. Fall down the stairs? He hops back up and tries again. Big scary dog? He wants to pet it. Darkness because of nighttime? He plays in the crib with his toys. This child is amazing, and I hope his courage continues through the years.

Happy Birthday Jackson! We love you!

Girls Night Out and Self Cleaning Ovens

Last night as a GNO, a group of us were going to play dodgeball...but then three of our group canceled. Instead, we went out to eat at Mimi's Cafe.
Delicious, fun, and I brought home my "complimentary" muffin and ate it for breakfast...so, two meals for $12 (including tip!) and a great time. My idea of a good time.
And...don't you just love a self cleaning oven? We accidentally had cheese melt all over the bottom of our oven, on top of the apple pie spillage from Easter...so I hit "self-clean" this morning, and in less than 3 hours, will have a lovely oven again, the perfect venue for baking Jackson's birthday cake this evening.

Just a Reminder...

Hey...don't forget about this...I don't care about your money, just make sure if you posted a link on your blog at some point, whether via an entry or a sidebar thing, that you left a comment so you can be entered to win a prize. Thanks guys. We are so grateful to all of our friends for all of your support, both with the MS Walk and in general.

Testing out Cake

Martha Stewart's Week of the Cupcake has kind of convinced me to drop the whole dino cake for Jackson's upcoming birthday and stick with cute cupcakes. She had Jennifer from Trophy Cupcakes on her show today and I am about to go to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients for Chocolate Graham Cracker Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Frosting.

All of the cupcakes looked so cute and delicious that I just don't know which one to pick. One that they advertised at Trophy Cupcakes was a Hummingbird cupcake, so a bit of searching on google produced this recipe. I am hoping it will be delicious, because I am going to make it for Jackson's birthday. I am thinking anything from Southern Living should be good, though.
Now, I know you are telling yourself, but "Jackson's only two. Little kids won't appreciate this."
No, but the mommy's and daddy's will. For the kids, I will make white cupcakes with sprinkles, that I will put around wrapped boxes, like presents.
I am so excited.

Oops...better go wake up Jackson, or not only will we be late to get Brennan from preschool, but we won't have time to get the ingredients!!!!!!!!

emails

So, if you think you are somebody whose email I should have, send me an email at theremingtons@cox.net
I'm just trying to update the address book.