when i get sad ...

Today, my little Buddy said the cutest and most sweetest thing a son could say to his mommy.  I put him in the car after we went to the gym this morning, and he said, "Mommy, sometimes when I get sad, it's okay, because then I just call on you." I almost cried with love!  That tops what I thought was another heart melting moment we had this week ... I was up during the night one night with Colton this week.  That's VERY unusual for him.  He's a through-the-night sleeper and has been since 3 months old.  He has had very rare moments awake in the middle of the night ... even when he is sick.  So, anyway ... I'm up with him for TWO HOURS one night this week (2-4 a.m.), and about an hour and a half into just sitting with him ... praying for him to fall back asleep,  his little arm reaches out from the bed to touch my knee, and he says to me, "Mommy, I love you.  Thank you for staying with me."  That boy!  He is too precious!  I try to focus on those moments when he is being his frustrating three year-old self.

We had a pretty normal week this week.  Semi-busy ... a lot of time spent at the gym (my new home away from home), and we did get the chance to get to Busch Gardens this week!  As per usual, last weekend went way to fast!  We love having Billy home all day on the weekends, but two days go by so quickly.  On Sunday, we went to the park.  The kids always have fun playing and running around outside.  The park is so close to our house.  We are blessed.  Colton really wants to get a bike ... so we told him he had to ride his tricycle around a lot this summer, and maybe he could get one for his birthday or maybe Santa would bring him one for Christmas.  He is really excited.  Every time we see a bike at the store, he wants to go look at them and give them a try.  I'm glad he likes to play outside so much!  Speaking of ... Koki is an outside girl.  She will cry when we have to go inside and begs to go outside, "OUTSIDE, OUTSIDE!" she will yell as she points to the door.  It's going to be rainy this weekend, so I don't know what we'll do.

On Monday, we went to Busch Gardens with MOMs Club.  It was as fun as ever!  Koki was brave and rode the car ride all by herself.  Colton wanted to ride with a friend this time, so she was alone.  She did really well!  We climbed the tree house and walked across the rope bridges.  Then we went to see some animals.  They love being at Busch Gardens, and we had a fun day!

Wednesday, we headed to Wiregrass Mall for Wiregrass Wednesdays.  We heard Mr. Tommy play some music, and the kids got balloon animals.  Colton has really been into dinosaurs lately, so he got a T-Rex.  Koki has been loving Madagascar, so she got a lion.  She points to the DVD player in the car, and yells, "LION, Mommy!  LION movie!"  So, I guess she knows what she likes.

Yesterday, I left my wallet in Billy's car (I had gone to the church to work on Sabbath School and took Billy's car.), so I braved driving the 3 miles to the gym without my driver's license ... but that's it.  We had a "home" day ... it's nice to have those once in a while.  I got some deep cleaning done in my kitchen--cleaned out my fridge ... I mean scrubbed every shelf/door shelves, etc.  It is sparkling!  I did some laundry, swept the floor ... blah, blah.  So, that was good for me.

Today, I have started a new project!  I got a vintage vanity at a garage sale a few weeks ago, and I am so excited to refinish it for Koki.  I bought the paint and supplies today.  I just need to sand it to get started, and I need to find some new drawer pulls.  I can't wait to get it done!  I will take some before and after pictures for a blog.  I have been inspired!

Well, Happy Sabbath to everyone!  Stay dry, midwest ... and we'll try to do the same!

One of my favorite classes at the gym ... Bodypump!

Cole had Koki cracking up at lunch one day.  I loved it! 

BIG Cheeser!

Big laughs at Big Brother!

Sweets enjoying some sweets from Auntie Cherrie.

Just hanging out in the car.

I made this elephant piggy bank for Khloe.  I had made a puppy one for Colton previously (when he was 15 months old).  Now, they are both set.

Koki prepared for anything with Colton's helmet on. 

Found this nut half out of his bed ... he was so sleepy!

Peek-a-boo, park time! 

Hanging out with my Dolly. 

Koki loves this tunnel!  She plays in it all of the time.  She likes it when I peek at her through those holes. 

She's getting the hang of it ... pretty good for 18 months old!

Colton is a star!  He is so good at dribbling.  I can't wait to sign him up for soccer. 

Racing Daddy down the slide.

A fun day at Busch Gardens!

On the merry-go-round at Busch Gardens. 

She is so serious, but I swear she was having a great time!

Colton wanted me to take his picture with 'Mufasa', as he called this lion. 

Having a great day with my Buddy!

My sweet, precious girl.

Just hanging out with my kiddos at Busch Gardens.

Riding the car with his friend George ... as Koki follows behind them.

Driving in the car all by herself.

Playing baseball in the yard one evening this week.

He can really hit it far! 

Koki with her lion balloon.

Cole and his T-Rex.

Found her one night when I checked on her sleeping like this with her bear.  I love this!

recipe blog #2

Okay, I have an unhealthy obsession with finding dessert recipes.  I love to find them ... think about how tasty they would be ... and then not make them until we have company, because I would, probably, eat it all up, myself!  This chocolate lasagna recipe I found on Facebook.  A friend of mine "liked" it on a page, and it just popped up on my newsfeed.  How did they know I would want this recipe, too?  Crazy!  Anyway, I couldn't figure out how to pin it, so I decided another blog of recipes was my answer.  Here are a few more recipes that I just love ... and one that I hope to try soon!  Someone come visit me, so I can make this delectable dessert!

Chocolate Lasagne

Ingredients
1 package regular Oreo cookies (Not Double Stuff) – about 36 cookies
6 Tablespoon butter, melted
1- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons cold milk
1- 12 ounce tub Cool Whip, divided
2 – 3.9 ounce packages Chocolate Instant Pudding.
3 1/4 cups cold milk
1 and 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips

Directions
1. Begin by crushing 36 Oreo cookies.You can use a food processor or just crush them in a ziploc bag with a rolling pin. When the Oreos have turned into fine crumbs, you are done.
2. Transfer the Oreo crumbs to a large bowl. Stir in 6 tablespoons melted butter and use a fork to incorporate the butter into the cookie crumbs. When the butter is distributed, transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you work on the additional layers
3. Mix the cream cheese with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add in 2 Tablespoons of milk, and sugar, and mix well. Stir in 1 and 1/4 cups Cool Whip. Spread this mixture over the crust.
4. In a bowl, combine chocolate instant pudding with 3 and 1/4 cups cold milk. Whisk for several minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. Use a spatula to spread the mixture over the previous cream cheese layer. Allow the dessert to rest for about 5 minutes so that the pudding can firm up further.
5. Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the top. 

Place in the freezer for 1 hour, or the refrigerator for 4 hours before serving.


Billy said that this next recipe was the best thing I made for dinner all week!  I guess that could be saying something about my cooking ... or it just means that he really liked it!  He ate almost all of it himself.  It is super tasty, and it is really healthy.  You can't beat a meal like that!  I got it off of Pinterest, but I had a very similar dish at a friend's house.  I thought it was so delicious, so I had to scour the internet for the recipe to make it for my family at home.  I think I found a winner!

Chickpea Salad

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 (16 ounce) can Garbanzo Beans, drained
1/2 cup tomato, chopped1/4 cup red onion, minced
1 rib celery, sliced
1 cucumber, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 lime, juiced
cracked black pepper and sea salt, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Procedure
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Stir in beans, cover and turn off heat. Set aside.
2. Gently toss all remaining ingredients in a large salad bowl. Add beans.

Serve topped with additional parsley, if desired.

I was watching the Food Network when I found this next recipe.  I like to watch the cooking shows, because I can get good tips and tasty ideas.  I like certain shows, especially.  One afternoon, I caught Trisha Yearwood's show.  It was pretty good!  So, I watched it again, and I saw her make this tasty dish ... chickless pot pie.  Basically, it's vegetarian pot pie.  I love pot pie, but you can never get it at a restaurant or at the grocery store without meat.  I decided to try her recipe, and I loved it!  So, I'm going to share it with you.  I suppose anyone could add any kind of meat to this recipe, too.

Chickless Pot Pie

Ingredients
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1 cup frozen green peas
1 cup small diced potatoes
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup butter substitute, such as Earth Balance
1/3 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 3/4 cups vegetable broth
2/3 cup almond or soy milk
Two 9-inch deep dish, unbaked pie crusts, lard free (I prefer to make my own ... see recipe below.)

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the carrots, peas, potatoes and celery. Cover with water, bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onions in the butter substitute until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, celery seed and garlic powder. Cook for 2 minutes to get the flour taste out. Slowly stir in the broth and then add the milk. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until thick, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the drained vegetables.

3. Roll out one of the unbaked crusts and place in a 9-inch-deep pie plate. Pour the mixture into the bottom crust. Roll out the second pie crust and place on top. Seal the edges and cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Cook's Note: Line a jelly-roll pan or baking sheet with foil and place the pie on that before cooking. It will keep any filling from dripping into the oven and burning.

I use this pie crust for everything!  It is amazing!  I love it, and I got it from Martha Stewart.  I think it turns out wonderfully ... and it's super simple.  The thing I learned about pie crust ... besides making it super cold ... is that you need a cutter!  My mother-in-law gave me a pie crust cutter after Christmas, and I think my crusts have never been flakier.

Perfect Pie Crust

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

Procedure

1. Cut each stick into small pieces.  Keep the butter very cold (minimal touching with hands). 

2. Mix dry ingredients.

3. Add cold butter ... cut with cutter ... should resemble crumbly meal.

4. Drizzle 2 TBLSP. ice water.  Add more, if needed.

5. Cut until dough easily forms into a ball ... no more.  Do not over mix.

6. Cut ball into two (makes two crusts).  And wrap each with plastic wrap and place in fridge for, at least, one hour.  

recipe blog

Well ... this one will be short and sweet (pun intended).  I have been asked by several of you for a couple of recipes.  I wish I could claim both as my very own, but alas, I must give credit where credit is due.  I will start with the recipe that I was given by my dear friend, Gwendy Adams.  She loves this Asian salad but can never make it at home, because the hubby isn't a big fan.  I tried it at a MOMs Club event, and I loved it!  Then I had it again at another event, and I decided that I needed that recipe.  So, as I sat down to write out my menu for the first two weeks of April, I made the commitment to get that recipe by adding to one night's dinner plan.  Gwendy graciously shared it with me, and I'm going to pass it along to anyone who might be reading my blogs.

Delicious and tasty!

Crunchy Asian Salad

Ingredients
1 16 oz. pkg. coleslaw (or broccoli slaw mix)
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup slivered or sliced almonds, toasted
1 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1 3oz. pkg. chicken-flavored ramen noodles, uncooked and broken into pieces
1 3oz. pkg. oriental-flavored ramen noodles, uncooked and broken into pieces
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
1/3 cup sugar (or sugar substitute)
1/3 cup rice vinegar

Procedure
1. In a large bowl, combine slaw mix, onions, almonds, and sunflower seeds.  Set aside.  Break noodles into pieces, reserving seasoning packets.  Add noodles to slaw mixture.
2. In a small bowl (or dressing container), whisk together oil, sweetener, vinegar and reserved seasoning packets.  Pour over slaw mixture.  Season with pepper to taste.  Toss gently to coat.  Serve immediately.

(Serves 10 ... 335 calories per serving)

These are made into bug shapes, but I usually just make them in a pan!

Dark Chocolate Brownies with Sea Salt
Ingredients
1 stick butter (melted)
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1/3 c. cocoa (I use Hershey's dark cocoa)

Fudge Frosting
3 tbsp. butter, softened to room temperature (not melted)
3 tbsp. cocoa (again, I use Hershey's dark cocoa)
1 tbsp. light corn syrup (or honey)
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. powdered sugar
1 to 2 tbsp. milk (depending on the how thick or runny you like it)

Procedure

1. Combine butter, sugar, vanilla & eggs--beat well. Add dry ingredients. 

2. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before icing.

3. Sprinkle with sea salt after icing (to taste).

So, I thought I'd do one more recipe ... just because we ate it for dinner last night, and I loved it!!!!  It's super easy, fresh, and healthy.  Can't beat that!  

Fresh and healthy!

Roasted Red Potatoes & Roasted Balsamic Glazed Green Beans

Ingredients
as many fresh picked green beans as you want to eat
as many small red potatoes as you want to eat (I used 2 lbs.)
Balsamic vinegar
Sea salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Olive oil
Savory meat seasoning (of your choice)

Procedure
1. Wash and cut red potatoes to small pieces. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with savory meat seasoning.  (I once asked a lady at a spice store what was the best seasoning with which to roast potatoes.  She said that anything you would rub on meat makes a great seasoning on potatoes ... since you most often have meat with potatoes.  I like Chicago Steak Seasoning by Penzys.  Rub that all together on the potatoes and bake at 400 degrees until you can poke through the potatoes with a fork.  You will smell the goodness when they are ready!
2. Wash and trim off the ends of the green beans.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper, to taste.  Bake at 400 degrees until tender to the fork but not mushy (you still want some crunch).  When you remove from the oven, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top.  It will make a nice glaze, as the green beans will be hot.

Hope you all enjoy!

easter weekend fun

I love Easter time!  I love to share the love of Jesus and the salvation we received from his death on the cross with the kiddos.  I LOVE that they love to learn about Jesus.  I, also, love the Easter baskets, egg hunts, and pure joy on the faces of my loves when they are munching on their tasty jelly beans and bunny shaped marshmallows!  This Easter was even more fun, because Khloe got to really take part in it this year.

When I was little, my Mom used to hide our Easter baskets.  When we woke up in the morning, it was fun to hunt around our house for our treats.  This year, since Colton has been SUPER in to treasure hunts, we hid their baskets.  Khloe didn't really understand what she was hunting for, but she likes to look for things, too. She squats down and calls for what she is hunting, "Basket! Basket!  Where are you basket? Nope!" (That means, she doesn't quite see it, yet.)  Colton helped her find her basket, and she immediately spied puppy and kitty ... she got a black lab stuffed animal and a Hello Kitty in her basket this year.  She was thrilled, to say the least!  She carried those two around the rest of the day.  Colton hunted for his basket, and when he found it, he was SO excited!  He didn't know what to look at first.  He has been in love with dinosaurs lately ... but of course, Disney Pixar CARS are his "thing". He was, also, super happy to get some more e-reader books!  He has been loving those, too.  What a special treat for him to receive some of all three of those things.

I made a special brunch for us that morning.  We were supposed to host 2 other families of friends, but one family all got the flu ... and the other family's littlest had just had surgery the week before, and unfortunately, my kids caught a cold at the end of last week (from Kids Club at the gym, no doubt).  She didn't want to expose her littlest to their germs.  So, it was just us Heinrichs.  I made blueberry lemon rolls, and we had OJ, fresh fruit, and cupcakes from Sweet! By Good Golly Miss Holly (my absolute FAVORITE cupcakery).  Later that day, we dyed eggs and turned them into monsters!  It was quite a busy and fun day.

Last week, we went on an egg hunt with our MOMs Club.  It took Khloe a minute to figure out what we were hunting for ... she just walked around carrying her basket (as she loves to do) ... it was filled with nothing but air.  But once she realized what we were all collecting, she was having fun filling hers up.  Colton thought he was supposed to collect all of the eggs we brought to the hunt, so he was trying to take eggs out of his friends' baskets.  Once he realized he just had to get some eggs, no matter who brought them, he was off to the races, and he collected his treats as fast as he could!

The kids have some sweet Aunties, as they got a little treat from Aunt Brenda when we visited with her a little last Friday, some eggs and stickers from Aunt Dana, and some chocolates from Aunt Cherrie. Tasty fun!  Thank you, Aunties, for thinking of us!

It was a fun weekend, and we had a great time together.  Easter is always a special day!  He is risen, let us not forget.

Baskets ready for the kiddos! 

She's on the hunt.

Cole is showing her where it is.

Pardon our mess ... she found it! 

Going in for the find ...

She LOVES her puppy and kitty!

Colton finding his basket.

He was very excited!

The joy is in his face! 

The kids with their baskets!

Brunch! 

Blueberry Lemon Rolls ... next time I would put less in each pan ... they got a little crowded, and I would use a deeper dish ... they should be drowning in glaze.  Still good, though.

At the park after our Easter fun!

Cole being a soccer star!

Reading time with Daddy!

Egg dyeing time!

Cole was proud to do it on his own this year!  He's in that stage ... "I can do it all by myself!"

A pro!

Khloe chose red for her first color!  She is a girl after my own heart.

Dyeing her egg!

All finished ... well, pre-monster time.

Post-monster decor!  Cole LOVED this! 

The mini-fruit pizzas I made for our MOMs Club Easter event.

Easter egg hunting time!

On the hunt!

He's a pro at it now ... he had such a great time!

My cutie, Colton!

Lunch outside after a fun day of Easter egg hunting!