Happy Heart Day

Our Valentine's week came to an abrupt stop today when we brought two feverish boys home from church. They are actually acting okay, just can't shake those fevers.

We did have a fun few days filled with HEART-SEY activities and sweet Valentine memories. I was excited to join Benjamin's party at school on Thursday. I plan on going to Jonathan's Easter party. That's also my shameless plea for you to not judge me...there are way more B than J photos on this post since I was at his party. Not playing favorites...just logistics here. ; )

Jonathan showing his Valentine treats in his classroom Thursday morning.

Benjamin putting his Valentines in his classmates' boxes.

Opening up our box of love.

Jenae and her sister Avery are in our Life Group. Jenae & Benjamin have an adorable friendship. I love that they are also in the same class at preschool.

Love him.

Benjamin's Party Table...he was the first to gobble up his treats!

Our traditional Valentine breakfast was in full swing today.

Heart-shaped pancakes, blueberries, "veggie" sausage and pink milk...just like last year! ; )

I really want to create fun and memorable traditions that our kiddos can carry on in their families later....it's the little things that mean the most sometimes! ; )

This year instead of making my homemade pancakes, I used my new favorite Weight Watcher thing....Fiber One Pancake Mix. Only one point per generous pancake! We love it!

Ready for a LOVE-ly day! ; )

HAPPY HEART DAY TO ALL OF YOU!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Max!

Happy Birthday to one of our favorite kids....Max!

One year ago, we met such a sweet baby boy...

and you have grown into quite the charming young man!

We love you so much Mr. Max!

The New Weight Watcher Wednesday...

After quite a hiatus from posting Weight Watcher Wednesday recipes, I've decided to pick it back up. A few of you have mentioned that you missed the posts...and I have to! I realized I actually referred to my Weight Watcher Wednesday archives so much when I do my weekly menu planning....but hey, you can only make lasagna, turkey chili and chicken and rice so many weeks in a row without feeling like you're in a rut. (And the little people in the house saying "not _____ again!")

Instead of limiting myself to posting recipes on Wednesday...I ditched that idea so I can just post whenever the desire strikes!

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Last night, Beth & Max came over to have supper with me and the boys (D was principalling at a bball game). One thing about being on WW, I still want to have recipes that I can prepare for guests. Although Beth is more like family than a guest, I still don't want her to come over and feel like she's being served Alpo on a plate. Soooo, I pulled out my latest WW cookbook and put this together. Along with Beth's rolls (she fixed them with honey and butter...um, yeah), we had rice (Max is a big fan of rice) green beans and steamed kale (that I totally botched and therefore, was the only one to partake of).

Home-Style Salisbury Steaks with Mushroom Gravy

taken from Weight Watchers Comfort Classics Cookbook

1 pound lean ground beef (5% fat or less)

1 small onion (chopped very fine, almost minced)

2 slices thin-sliced whole wheat bread, cut into cubes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/4 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth

1. Preheat the broiler (my oven has a high and low broiler setting and I always set it to high when I cook meat). Spray broiler pan/rack with nonstick spray.

2. Stir the beef, onion, bread, salt and pepper together in a large bowl until well-mixed (a good pair of clean hands is sometimes the best way to do this). Shape into four oval patties. Place the patties on the broiler pan and broil six inches from the heat, until an instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees....about 7 minutes per side.

3. Meanwhile, to make the gravy, heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle the mushrooms with the flour, stirring to coat. Add the broth and bring to a boil, stirring until the sauce bubbles and thickens. Add the patties to the skillet, reduce the heat, and simmer, uncovered, 2-3 minutes.

Per serving (1 patty with 1/4 cup gravy)...POINTS Value 5

Donuts with Dad!

Hi Everyone!

What a great day it was this past Thursday, when Benjamin & Jonathan's preschool had Donuts with Dad!



And, I got to have not one donut, but TWO!






That cup you see to Jonathan's right was spilled a few moments later...






Yep, a vacuum cleaner...


David

The Dinosaurs are Coming

I've been starting to get things together for Jonathan's birthday next month. He wants a dinosaur party and all week I have been trying to get the *perfect* photo for his birthday invitation...

This is what happened when I tried to get them at home...

So, before the crazy weather hits tomorrow, I took the boys to the park for a bit today to take a few shots. I did let them play, too. ; )

I am starting to enjoy my DLSR camera more and more. Still learning it....but having fun doing it. I have found several blogging buddies with the same camera that have helped with some good tips.

I love this photo of Benjamin so much....he was seriously sliding fast when I snapped this.

Climbing...

Just being silly...

Brotherly love...

And I did manage to get some fun shots for the invitation...

Jonathan was ready for the momarazzi to stop...

Stay tuned for a ROARING good time at the end of February!