Snow, snow, more snow...and did I say snow.

That is what we are looking forward to this Christmas. We live in Minnesota, come to expect it every year. I am grateful that we don't have far to go to celebrate with our families but am not looking forward to getting there. My girls have been misbehaving and the threats of sticks and rocks in their stockings doesn't seem to have stuck yet. Of course, that would never happen but we can threaten them. I am finishing shopping tonight and then I am going home to start cooking. Kind of. I am relying on tastefully simple this year for a couple of things. So easy and so yummy! But I am making my grandmas wild rice soup recipe, some jimmy dean dip and for Saturday at the in laws, cream cheese wontons. This is also the first Christmas that we have plans to go to the movies on Christmas Day as our usual plans have changed. I will leave everyone today with Merry Christmas wishes and hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Party and car rides

Okay, it is that time of the year again. Mama Cook is having her annual pink party tonight. NO MEN ALLOWED!! Travis took the older girls to Wisconsin camping and I get to bring Ava with me tomorrow. Please lord, give me strength. I am sure it will be fine but since she is a daddy's girl, think of me and pray that my ride goes well.

We all need friends!

So, last night, I stepped out into the garage. Kaitlyn and Emma are gone until Saturday and Ava was talking to Travis outside. Ava yelled at me as I stood on the step...."MOVE MOM! YOU'RE STEPPING ON SAM!" I look around to see if maybe there is a bug on my foot or a doll that I somehow missed. Ava has a new friend. His name is Sam and ONLY Ava can see him. Sam ate some pizza with her last night. He also slept with her and I had to give him a kiss good night. This morning, I had to leave early so I didn't hear anymore but when I talked to Travis later, I found out Sam stayed home to watch the babies for Ava but he did have breakfast with her. I wonder if he at wathles (Ava for waffles) as well? Just wanted to share my cute kid story.

May in Minnesota

I am not going to soccer tonight. I have just a couple descriptive words. Windy, dry, hot, dirty. Gotta love springtime in MN!

Spring colds

I hate getting sick when the weather starts getting nice. It started last week in my house with the littlest child. Then the middle one got a little stuffy and I got called at work on Friday to pick up the oldest child at school. I love my ice water. I get a big mug of it every night to take to bed with me. For some reason, all of my family things that it is a community mug of water. So, when I went to bed Sunday night, I could feel the scratchiness in the back of my throat. By the time I got out of bed on Monday I knew it. I had a cold. And I felt HORRIBLE. I came to work and everyone avoided me. There was no cold medicine at home at all. I stopped at the pharmacy on my way to soccer Monday night. I bought Dayquil, Nyquil and cough drops. I took the Nyquil Monday and Tuesday night and I woke up today feeling SO MUCH BETTER. I still sound horrible but don't care about that. I hope this is it for me and the rest of the spring and summer I will be healthy.

Still, it is hard to resist those blue eyes that looked up at me last night (the one that gave me her cold I am guessing) and said, Mommy, me have a drink?

April 29,2009

Spring soccer starts today. The kids are excited. Travis is coaching. And I get to look forward to 2 months of chasing Ava around trying to keep her sane so I can maintain some sanity as well. I am not kidding. That kid has more energy than 5 kids combined and her goal in life is too be angelically naughty. Snacks and books only last thru about 1/2 of the hour that soccer goes on and for Kaitlyn's age group, she will get flattened if she runs out onto that field. Wish me luck!

Polar Bear Plunge

Well, I did it. Saturday February 28 we went to Crystal Lake in Burnsville and jumped in the water. I went with a team of my co-workers and it was alot of fun. I never thought I would do something like that but I did it and will do it again. My friend Stephanie showed up to watch and Travis brought Kaitlyn and Emma as well. I think the amount of alcohol we all drank before helped us along but I really did have a good time. It was for a great cause and I was surrounded by great friends. What more can a girl ask for? Kaitlyn wants to jump next year!

Time for soup!

I love this time of the year because I love to make soups. My favorite as well as my families I think is my grandmas wild rice soup. I cook it in my large crockpot but you can certainly use the stove.

Creamy Wild Rice Soup

1 cup wild rice (make 4 cups prepared-make sure you do pre cook it according to package directions)

9 strips of cooked bacon (chopped) or 2 cups of cubed ham
2 cans cream soup (I use chicken, grandma uses potato)
1 small onion chopped
1 pound cubed velveeta
4 cups milk
Add cooked rice

Cook until bubbly.
You can also add carrots, chicken, whatever sounds good.

This soup is creamy and delicious and will warm your heart and belly on a cold day.

What now?

It is February and it is raining. Just a heads up if you are reading this....I am participating at the South Metro Polar Plunge on February 28. If you are interested in donating, leave me a comment and I will guide you through.

The girls are skating still and soccer is right around the corner again. Mom is in Texas today visiting Grandma and Grandpa and I wish I was with her. Just wanted to drop a quick note because I am still around. Facebook is an addiction....but I am still learning.

Kisses and Hugs for all on the upcoming Valentines Day.