Three Bean Chili and a Petro

When I look out of my window there is the most beautiful blanket of white.  We are so pleased to get some snow, just enough so the kids can play and the city isn't paralyzed.  We are having a winter blast, but it takes lots of energy to fuel the fun.

Enter in the chili..what is a good snow shower without some warm and yummy chili.

Our chili recipe is easy, healthy, and delicious.  This vegetarian Three Bean Chili recipe is a family secret, well not really.  It's not like we tried to keep it secret, but the recipe just never had a proper unveiling.

Three Bean Chili....

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Wordless Wednesday

Many of you have been following the boys on their quest to get a hamster.  The campaign continues....with these signs and even a Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Car with a racing hamster behind the wheel...an eraser hamster..that is.. :-)

Dr. Seuss Science: Oobleck

Who doesn't love making a good mess, especially if you are under the age of 10.  My three little guys discovered the ooey-gooey greatness of a classic Dr. Seuss science experiment.

It is called Oobleck and, oh my, it is a free for all of squish.  Who knew that a little corn starch, water, and food coloring have the makings of a little boy's dream come true.

Oobleck is a non-newtonian fluid which means it acts like a liquid when being poured, but like a solid when a force is acting on it. My little boys grab it and it oozes......

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Hope for a Friend in Haiti

This week many of my thoughts have been with two little boys and their beautiful Mommy, Renee, in Colorado. This family is waiting for news on when Daddy will be coming home. That might sound normal, but it's far from normal. Their Daddy is David Hames and he is missing in Haiti.

All week I have...

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Mommy Message Alert: Recall of Cribs & Strollers

Here is a Mommy Message Alert on a massive recall for cribs and strollers.  This always scares me because our crib from a different manufacturer did the same thing when the drop-side separated when our oldest was just 8 months old.  Our son became trapped one night in between the rail and the mattress.  He was luckily safe and unharmed.  We repaired it, but it could have caused severe injury.

Please check your cribs and strollers if you have this brand.  Click on the links below for more information on the recalls.  This recall is prompted after a 6-month-old boy died from suffocation...

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Wordless Wednesday Science Boys

 

 

 

A fantastic trip to the Museum of Natural Sciences. The boys loved the sights and sounds.

Mommy loved her Joovy Sit and Stand stroller.  It is quite the clown car for going out and about.  It rocks when the boys get tired or if I need to contain everyone in a busy area.

Sweet Potato Apple Bake

We are always looking for ways to eat healthy and this side dish is a crowd pleaser for our boys.  It is very easy to make and so yummy.

The ingredients are simple, but combining the tart sweetness of apples with sweet potatoes makes for a tasty healthy fall or winter dish. Oatmeal topping finishes this dish off perfectly.

Here's how to make the Sweet Potato Apple Bake...

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Sisterhood of the Mess

One of my most treasured times is when I am in the presence of awesome women. Women who inspire me to be a better mother, wife, sister, and friend.  You know these women.  They laugh when you tell stories about how someone flushed a Pullup down the potty, they advise you when your mothering is not motoring along, and they comfort you when life hands you unexpected grief or difficulty.  Yes, I know some awesome women from childhood, college, career, and now motherhood.

Just so happened I got to see one of my circle of Wonder Mommies just last night....

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Wordless Wednesday Boys

                   Disney Boys

Disney Tired

Happy Family

The Greatest Pet on Earth

I am happy to report we have come to a peaceful resolution to our hamster dilemma.  It involves packets, water, and very little feeding.  We got Sea Monkeys.  We bought a kit for our neighbor Emma's birthday and the boys fell in love with the idea of breeding their own Sea Monkey empire.

 To start the process...

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When Hamsters Fly

Since about 3:30 p.m. this afternoon I have been in the midst of what I like to call The Great Hamster Riots. Two boys, ages 8 and 4, working together for one common goal: to sway Mommy to get them a hamster. I don't want to say this will happen when hamsters fly, but let's just say it, "when hamsters fly."

I hope I don't eat those words.

It started out innocent enough...

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Cleaning Ahhhhhh!

 I always tell the children, "never say never", "can't is a bad word", and "nothing is impossible".  But I must admit I may not be drinking my own Kool-Aid today. 

Cleaning is impossible. That's how I feel with my three busy boys.  Keeping my house in order is a major frustration right now.  Someone is always behind me undoing the doing. 

Maybe you can help me figure out what is wrong with my cleaning plan...

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Wordless Wednesday

Baby B is the last to wear the Santa Bear outfit.  All three boys wore this cute ensemble.  Sniff, sniff...my babies are growing up.

New Year, New Socks

One highlight of our trip over the river and through the woods, besides seeing the awesome Grandparents, was a trip to the Sweetwater Sock Shop.  Oh no, you read it right, the Sweetwater Sock Shop.  A must stop for all your stocking needs, that is if you happen to be traveling through Sweetwater, TN.

  The boys are always so excited...

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