So, I was just talking to Jake about not yelling and yelling and yelling when he needs something. I said, "I'm not going to come running every time you yell." His response (with a giggle), "You can't run."
Hummmm.... good thing summer is coming!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Funny from Ben
Whenever Ben is in trouble I of course say "Benjamin Ryan" with a little emphasize on the "Ryan" part. I guess Ben thinks 'Ryan' means something and isn't part of his name. Or he thinks it is part of everyone's name. When Ben is upset with Jake and is reprimanding him, he says "Jake Ryan!" I've tried to tell him it is "Jake Michael" but he insists that is is "Jake Ryan." And so it is, by Ben.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A new bike
It was high time for a new bike for Jake. He was still riding a 12 inch, although he mastered it and no longer needed training wheels, it was way too small for him. He definitely wanted a new bike but insisted that it have training wheels again. I told him he didn't need them and if the bike didn't come with them I was NOT putting them on.
So now the search was on for a new bike. I was looking for a 16 inch and if you've been bike shopping lately at say Target or WalMart you'll find that they aren't that easy to come by. All the big stores seem to only have 20 inch bikes. So on to Erik's Bike Shop. At first glance the bike man told us Jake should have a 20 inch. I questioned that and he agreed that a 16 would be great for now but he'd soon out grow it. I'm OK with that considering we have others at home that already think they need a 16 inch bike! Apparently they make all sorts of different size frames, etc with 16 inch wheels. He picked out the one he thought would be best for Jake and guess what... it had training wheels!! Jake was trying hard not to crack the biggest smile ever. It was pretty cute.
So, he loves his new bike and honestly he's a little too crazy on it. Maybe another day or two with the training wheels and then they are coming off -- that should slow him down for a day or so.
So now the search was on for a new bike. I was looking for a 16 inch and if you've been bike shopping lately at say Target or WalMart you'll find that they aren't that easy to come by. All the big stores seem to only have 20 inch bikes. So on to Erik's Bike Shop. At first glance the bike man told us Jake should have a 20 inch. I questioned that and he agreed that a 16 would be great for now but he'd soon out grow it. I'm OK with that considering we have others at home that already think they need a 16 inch bike! Apparently they make all sorts of different size frames, etc with 16 inch wheels. He picked out the one he thought would be best for Jake and guess what... it had training wheels!! Jake was trying hard not to crack the biggest smile ever. It was pretty cute.
So, he loves his new bike and honestly he's a little too crazy on it. Maybe another day or two with the training wheels and then they are coming off -- that should slow him down for a day or so.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
It's a start
Last night Ben and Jake were in the tub and Ben had to go to the bathroom. Up until now he has NOT been interested in potty training at all. He got out of the tub and stood by the toilet. Nothing. Back in the tub. A little while later Jake is yelling "Ben has to go pee!" I hurry to the bathroom and he's already out of the tub, standing in front of the toilet, biggest grin ever, peeing a stream. Pretty cute.
However, he's back to NOT interested this morning.
Here's a cute picture of all 3 boys.
However, he's back to NOT interested this morning.
Here's a cute picture of all 3 boys.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
All about Pictures...
The Boys.
Jake's Birthday Party. He finally got the Bolt cake that he's been waiting for since fall!
Ben, Grandpa Ken and Jake reading a story together.
A little science lesson...
Ben reading Mom's favorite book as a kid, "The Carrot Seed"
Grandma Marilyn and Sam.
Outside fun.
Brotherly Love - sweatshirt weather finally!
With sweatshirt weather comes mud.
More brotherly love.
Jake with his new friend Jack.
Yummy!
The boys got Pickup Trikes for Christmas from us. Ben is JUST big enough to ride it.
Happy Boy.
Ready to go out and help take down Christmas light.
M & M brothers.
Bathtime together. So far we haven't attempted all three together.
Sam in the tub seat. Sam's Latest
My how time flys. Sam is 6 months old already. He finally mastered rolling from back to belly about a week ago - he really hasn't been in any hurry. To be fair to him, he really doesn't get a lot of practice time either, since being on the floor isn't the safest place with 2 big brothers around.
He loves to sit in his exersaucer and jumper. He's reaching for everything and anything these days and of course it all goes in his mouth. No teeth yet - seems like they should be coming soon but as far as I can tell there's no sign of them! He's started on food and it loving it - he's still pretty messy but that's what being a baby is all about.
He graduated from the baby tub into the bath seat as well. Today when he and Ben were in the tub together he was really getting into it. Splashing with both hands and getting water everywhere.
He's become a little chunk, just like his brothers were. Funny thing is that everyone thinks he so chubby but I'm pretty sure he is the slenderist of them all - don't get me wrong, he's not slender! He is in the 75 percentile for all little under Ben's 100+.
Of couse he LOVES his brothers. He gets caught in the crossfire ever now and then but I figure he's recording all of it in that little brain of his, planning his attack. Both Ben and Jake love to talk to him - Ben still likes to get after him sometimes but Jake adores him. They chat about stuff every day.
We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring. Last weekend we finally got the Christmas lights off of the house and Sam got to bundle up and come along outside. It will be so nice once we can all be outside together. The big boys thought is was so cool that even Sam was coming out.
That's all for now - we all truly cherish our surprise bundle of joy.
He loves to sit in his exersaucer and jumper. He's reaching for everything and anything these days and of course it all goes in his mouth. No teeth yet - seems like they should be coming soon but as far as I can tell there's no sign of them! He's started on food and it loving it - he's still pretty messy but that's what being a baby is all about.
He graduated from the baby tub into the bath seat as well. Today when he and Ben were in the tub together he was really getting into it. Splashing with both hands and getting water everywhere.
He's become a little chunk, just like his brothers were. Funny thing is that everyone thinks he so chubby but I'm pretty sure he is the slenderist of them all - don't get me wrong, he's not slender! He is in the 75 percentile for all little under Ben's 100+.
Of couse he LOVES his brothers. He gets caught in the crossfire ever now and then but I figure he's recording all of it in that little brain of his, planning his attack. Both Ben and Jake love to talk to him - Ben still likes to get after him sometimes but Jake adores him. They chat about stuff every day.
We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring. Last weekend we finally got the Christmas lights off of the house and Sam got to bundle up and come along outside. It will be so nice once we can all be outside together. The big boys thought is was so cool that even Sam was coming out.
That's all for now - we all truly cherish our surprise bundle of joy.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The going ons with Ben
Oh Mr. Ben. He's our bully, our charmer, our helper and our challenge. He's 2 - guess that fits perfect.
His charm comes out often. He loves to help and is usually very willing to do small tasks for me. It is a good way for him to stay busy and to feel part of what is going on. He is so good at pretend play, this is new for us because Jake didn't do much of it. Ben loves to 'cook' things for me, bring me 'things', and often is imitating something that he's seen or heard lately. It is fun for us.
Talking. Ben has lots to say, all the time. He's in the stage where you have to talk back to him otherwise he'll just keep after you. Always asking WHY and investigating something. Grandpa Ken just commented today that if he stays this interested in learning things, school will be great fro him (might drive a teacher or two crazy along the way!).
Ben loves his brothers, especially Jake. He wants to be just like Jake. He's constantly talking about how 'big' he is, and HATES being called anything 'little' these days. I like to call him Little B, but that isn't going over very well these days. He copies Jake's actions and words constantly. Usually Big Brother Jake is a good sport but occasionally it drives him nuts. Jake and Ben play great together outside, the fighting, hitting and screaming are much less than in the house. It isn't just Ben looking for Jake to play outside, often Jake wants Ben to play too. Our yard is always full of miscellaneous 4wheelers, trikes, bikes, loaders, drump trucks and shovels - please be careful if you are to ever stop by! Every night after daycare Ben heads outside, makes for a late supper but it sure is fun.
Ben has finally become very interested in listening to books. I've been waiting! He just didn't have the patience for it before now. When Grandpa Ken comes over - Ben will sit on his lap and read book after book. It is nice to have some quiet down time with him because his normal is constant motion.
We've been working on counting and colors. He doesn't have either down pat but he can count from 1-3 and often 4 - 10. The transition from 3-4 gives him trouble. It is usually 1 2 3 2 1. Then if you say 4, he can go to 10.
Well Ben's up from his nap - off to the next thing!
His charm comes out often. He loves to help and is usually very willing to do small tasks for me. It is a good way for him to stay busy and to feel part of what is going on. He is so good at pretend play, this is new for us because Jake didn't do much of it. Ben loves to 'cook' things for me, bring me 'things', and often is imitating something that he's seen or heard lately. It is fun for us.
Talking. Ben has lots to say, all the time. He's in the stage where you have to talk back to him otherwise he'll just keep after you. Always asking WHY and investigating something. Grandpa Ken just commented today that if he stays this interested in learning things, school will be great fro him (might drive a teacher or two crazy along the way!).
Ben loves his brothers, especially Jake. He wants to be just like Jake. He's constantly talking about how 'big' he is, and HATES being called anything 'little' these days. I like to call him Little B, but that isn't going over very well these days. He copies Jake's actions and words constantly. Usually Big Brother Jake is a good sport but occasionally it drives him nuts. Jake and Ben play great together outside, the fighting, hitting and screaming are much less than in the house. It isn't just Ben looking for Jake to play outside, often Jake wants Ben to play too. Our yard is always full of miscellaneous 4wheelers, trikes, bikes, loaders, drump trucks and shovels - please be careful if you are to ever stop by! Every night after daycare Ben heads outside, makes for a late supper but it sure is fun.
Ben has finally become very interested in listening to books. I've been waiting! He just didn't have the patience for it before now. When Grandpa Ken comes over - Ben will sit on his lap and read book after book. It is nice to have some quiet down time with him because his normal is constant motion.
We've been working on counting and colors. He doesn't have either down pat but he can count from 1-3 and often 4 - 10. The transition from 3-4 gives him trouble. It is usually 1 2 3 2 1. Then if you say 4, he can go to 10.
Well Ben's up from his nap - off to the next thing!
Update on Jake
Jake is growing up fast and seems to be enjoying every part of it. We had his conferences (for pre-school!) a while back and everything was great! He's made us very very proud this year. For a boy who didn't want anything to do with school, he's been awesome at it. He has learned to write his name and is working very hard on his last name. He's interested in writing almost anything now, he recognizes numbers and many letters and overall just loves school.
He also participated in kindergarten roundup - that also went really well. He was pretty excited about it but still isn't real sure about going to school EVERY day. I keep telling him that by the time fall rolls around he'll be older and more ready. He reminds me on every ride to school that school is better than daycare (though daycare has been going well for him too) and I assure him it should be since he's getting older and more ready for school.
He's still great friends with Eli. He's actually at the Budde's house right now visiting for the afternoon. They hit it off from the first days of school and it seems to be a great friendship. I can only hope that they can share an awesome friendship throughout school, just as I was lucky enough to do with some of my kindergarten and 1st grade friends.
Jake is really enjoying Sam. He loves to sit and talk to him and make Sam happy. It gets a little tricky with Ben around, because it becomes a competition and then I need to put an end to it. I've been trying to make sure that Jake and Sam have their time together - he's 'in charge' of Sam while I take a shower.
As the days are getting longer and the weather more and more beautiful, Jake and Ben have been spending more time outside. They are really becoming good friends for the most part. Ben is still a little aggressive sometimes but Jake is really being a big brother and trying his best to be patient and play with him. On the good days it is so fun to watch them, they could play for hours together. The yard is getting more and more muddy, so now they have the best of both worlds, a huge snow pile to play on and dig in and a muddy yard to stomp around in.
Grandpa Melvin bought a new fishhouse this winter and Jake has been able to spend quite a bit of time in it. He had one pretty special night - it was Jake, Curt, Grandpa Ken and Grandpa Melvin all fishing together. On the last night of fishing (March 1) Jake had his best night. Curt said he was rolling them in all by himself and was doing great at it. His cousin didn't think it was as fun since he wasn't catching as many!
Lastly there is the Wii. Wow - Jake is hooked. He's always enjoyed it but since Grandma Linda gave us Super Mario, it is all Jake can think about when he is in the house. He's gotten really good at it but it drives me a little crazy because I hear, "Mom, can we play Wii now?" all day long!
It has been a joy watching Jake grow up and enjoy learning so many things. He's been great about meeting new friends and it's been fun for me too since so many of them are my friends' kiddos. I can't believe it is almost spring - soon he'll be off to kindergarten - getting really 'smart'.
He also participated in kindergarten roundup - that also went really well. He was pretty excited about it but still isn't real sure about going to school EVERY day. I keep telling him that by the time fall rolls around he'll be older and more ready. He reminds me on every ride to school that school is better than daycare (though daycare has been going well for him too) and I assure him it should be since he's getting older and more ready for school.
He's still great friends with Eli. He's actually at the Budde's house right now visiting for the afternoon. They hit it off from the first days of school and it seems to be a great friendship. I can only hope that they can share an awesome friendship throughout school, just as I was lucky enough to do with some of my kindergarten and 1st grade friends.
Jake is really enjoying Sam. He loves to sit and talk to him and make Sam happy. It gets a little tricky with Ben around, because it becomes a competition and then I need to put an end to it. I've been trying to make sure that Jake and Sam have their time together - he's 'in charge' of Sam while I take a shower.
As the days are getting longer and the weather more and more beautiful, Jake and Ben have been spending more time outside. They are really becoming good friends for the most part. Ben is still a little aggressive sometimes but Jake is really being a big brother and trying his best to be patient and play with him. On the good days it is so fun to watch them, they could play for hours together. The yard is getting more and more muddy, so now they have the best of both worlds, a huge snow pile to play on and dig in and a muddy yard to stomp around in.
Grandpa Melvin bought a new fishhouse this winter and Jake has been able to spend quite a bit of time in it. He had one pretty special night - it was Jake, Curt, Grandpa Ken and Grandpa Melvin all fishing together. On the last night of fishing (March 1) Jake had his best night. Curt said he was rolling them in all by himself and was doing great at it. His cousin didn't think it was as fun since he wasn't catching as many!
Lastly there is the Wii. Wow - Jake is hooked. He's always enjoyed it but since Grandma Linda gave us Super Mario, it is all Jake can think about when he is in the house. He's gotten really good at it but it drives me a little crazy because I hear, "Mom, can we play Wii now?" all day long!
It has been a joy watching Jake grow up and enjoy learning so many things. He's been great about meeting new friends and it's been fun for me too since so many of them are my friends' kiddos. I can't believe it is almost spring - soon he'll be off to kindergarten - getting really 'smart'.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Here is the latest one I tried. They are good - chewy if you like them that way. I would suggest smaller cookies and error on the side of under-baking - they bake a lot on the pan while cooling. I didn't make them into actual dough balls - that might have made a difference, next time I will!
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
From: America's Test Kitchen
Avoid using a nonstick skillet to brown the butter; the dark color of the nonstick coating makes it difficult to gauge when the butter is browned. Use fresh, moist brown sugar instead of hardened brown sugar, which will make the cookies dry. This recipe works with light brown sugar, but the cookies will be less full-flavored.
Makes 16 (extremely large) cookies.
1 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
14 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1. Adjust oven rack to middle positions. Heat to 375. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Heat 10 tablespoons butter in 10 inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and transfer browned butter to large bowl. Stir remaining 4 tablespoons butter into hot butter until completely melted.
3. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Add egg and yolk and whisk until mixture is smooth with no sugar lumps remaining, about 30 seconds. Let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth and shiny. Using rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
4. Divide dough into 16 portions, each about 3 tablespoons. Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets, 8 dough balls per sheet.
5. Bake cookies 1 tray at a time until cookies are golden brown and still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack; cool cookies completely before serving.
Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
From: America's Test Kitchen
Avoid using a nonstick skillet to brown the butter; the dark color of the nonstick coating makes it difficult to gauge when the butter is browned. Use fresh, moist brown sugar instead of hardened brown sugar, which will make the cookies dry. This recipe works with light brown sugar, but the cookies will be less full-flavored.
Makes 16 (extremely large) cookies.
1 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
14 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1. Adjust oven rack to middle positions. Heat to 375. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Heat 10 tablespoons butter in 10 inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and transfer browned butter to large bowl. Stir remaining 4 tablespoons butter into hot butter until completely melted.
3. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Add egg and yolk and whisk until mixture is smooth with no sugar lumps remaining, about 30 seconds. Let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth and shiny. Using rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
4. Divide dough into 16 portions, each about 3 tablespoons. Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets, 8 dough balls per sheet.
5. Bake cookies 1 tray at a time until cookies are golden brown and still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack; cool cookies completely before serving.
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