Where is Lynden? Where is Lynden?

Where is Lynden?

Where is Lynden?

I'm right here.

I'm right here.

 
Why is he in here?

I was sleeping?

 
Please help me.

Please help me!

SuperBowl XLVI

Well, SuperBowl XLVI marked my TENTH SuperBowl post-church party.  We usually arrive home just before half-time and the "par-taying" begins!  There is no formal invitation, any and all are invited.  So, if you missed us this year...

next year...same time, same place!

There were so many Pinterest recipes, we decided our party needed the following tagline:

SuperBowl XLVI, brought to you by Pinterest!

I even printed some cute flags for our straws and football cupcake liners.  I love Amy's website.  She's always offering the cutest free printables.

There was

so.

much.

food!!!

It seems everyone I know is counting their calories {including moi}, so I PROMISED not to sabotage their diet!!! Instead, I included a list of all the calories for each dish I made.

 

 

I made three batches of chili {I was terrified it wouldn't be enough.  Even though we had 44 folks, there was PLENTY!} and the following:

{click on picture for full recipe}

Taco Cupcakes - 130kcal each

theirs...

Source: plainchicken.com via Robin on Pinterest

mine...

{I forgot about them, so they were extra crispy, but still really good!}

These were SUPER easy to make.  I did adjust the recipe to yield 24 cupcakes instead of 18.  There were 48+ wonton wrappers in the package, so it just made sense.  I only added 1 extra can of black beans.

Easy Cheesey Bean Dip - 1/32=99kcals

I've made this before and it's always a hit.  I doubled the recipe and put it in a 9x13 pan.

Source: mylifeasamrs.com via Robin on Pinterest

 

Fruit Salsa - didn't calculate kcals

I was trying to be nice and included something healthy!

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Robin on Pinterest

 

Oreo Creamcheese Cupcakes - 226kcals

I also made Chocolate Chip Creamcheese Cupcakes using the same recipe.  I substituted Nilla wafers for the crust and choc chips for the oreo crumbles.

Choc Chip Creamcheese Cupcakes - 261kcals

Source: blueeyedbakers.com via Robin on Pinterest

 

Cake Batter Dip - 1/4c = 103kcals

This was a HUGE hit!  It really tasted like cake batter...sooo good.  And the kcal count wasn't that bad, either.

Source: tastykitchen.com via Robin on Pinterest

 

Cookie Dough Dip - 1T=103kcals

No one liked this as well as the cake batter dip.  If I make it again, I'll use the mini chocolate chips.

Source: addapinch.com via Robin on Pinterest

 

Coca-Cola Cake - 1/32=241kcals

Can you believe I've NEVER made this?!  It was sooooo good.  I used a baker's sheet to bake the cake instead of making it in a 9x13.  So, one little sliver is 241kcals!  Wow.

Source: mayflaum.com via Robin on Pinterest

Others brought Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Bunco Buns, veggie tray, bean salsa, various cookies, pies, and a super cute cheese ball molded into the shape of a football {look at the very first pic on this post to see}.

We had such a great time.  The guys played a little ping-pong...

and the girls played a few rounds of Spades.  We always end up talking more than playing, but we always have a great time.  It's probably because we don't have a clue what we're doing!!

We feel so blessed to have such great friends.

Ellison Lee - Seven Months

Oh, my dear, Ella Lee...you are now seven months old!  It seems like just last week I was at the hospital in labor!  I don't know how time has gone so quickly, but I am so thankful you are healthy and happy.  We are constantly receiving comments on what a happy baby you are...always smiling!!!  Those in the church nursery comment the most, namely Ms. Holly! :)

You have had a busy month!

You traveled to visit family for Christmas...

Rang in the New Year with mommy, daddy, and the 31-40 Sunday School class!!

On Jan. 3rd, Ms. Hannah and Ms. Kim treated your brothers to Chuck E. Cheese while I took you to your six month well child check-up...

{it was so strange to only have ONE child!}

{books are handed out starting at 6mo, so you received your first book!!!}

On Jan. 10th you had your first experience with rice cereal...

On Jan. 20th you welcomed your newest cousin into the world...

And on the 24th you had your first solid...carrots!

Just this past week {1/26} you cheered on the amazing Colt at your first basketball game!

And just today, on your seven month birthday, we went back to story time!  This was your second trip and my first to take you and Lynden by myself!

Ms. Ann had missed us!  I was nervous that Lynden would run around the room while my hands were holding you, but he was perfect.  He loved every second {and of course playing with the toys afterwards}, so we'll definitely go back next week!

You now weigh 16lb 12oz

{.6oz less than your home weight last month and 1.5oz more than your dr visit weight last month...so, obviously you've hit a plateau!!}

Your length is 24.5" {dr had you at 25.75" last month, but I don't think that's accurate} and head circumference is now 16 3/8".  You have a small head, but Dr. B said that's perfectly fine...I have a very small head too and I turned out okay.  {I think...}

You have continued to sleep and nap in your own crib...no more bassinet!!!  You take 2-3 naps a day and sleep 9pm-7am.  You eat 5-6 times a day and have enjoyed trying carrots, sweet potatoes, and apple sauce!  I've given you a cup of water, but you have yet to master holding it.

You are certainly going to be a tough girl.  Lynden tries to share everything with you and "gentle" is not in his vocabulary.  He will try to put a toy in your hand, but if you don't take it, he'll just drop it on you!  And, when you're napping he often grabs his blanket and pillow and crawls in the crib with you!!!  You wake up crying and then you both end up giggling.  It's the sweetest thing.

Most people think you and Lynden favor, but a few think you and Raegen.  The majority also say you have my eyes and your daddy's smile...and dimples!!!  I now know where people get nicknames...every time you smile I want to call you Dimple!!! :)

Another month older, another month sweeter.  What a joy you are, sweet Ella Lee.

In His Time

We welcomed a baby boy into the family on December 29th, just in time to see 2011 out and welcome 2012!

I think all babies are miracles.  And I think some babies are SUPER miracles! :)  My brother and sister-in-law experienced great difficulty in becoming pregnant with their first baby, Izzy.  It was thought they may not be able to have any other children.  Then a miracle, without any medicine or special procedures, they became pregnant with a baby boy!  What a blessing!  My God is so good.
Baby Isaac Cole was born Dec. 29th, 2011
7lb 8oz ----- 20in

We were able to go for a visit when he was just three weeks old.  He's just perfect.

Raegen and Lynden had a great time playing with Izzy...

She helped them add a little PINK to their playtime! :)

Isaac is grandbaby #11, and grandson #7. 

What a perfect little boy to carry on the family name.

I still can't decide who he favors!!!

Happy in Hampton

We had a great time in Hampton visiting B's family.  They were in from both sides of the country for Christmas.

  

We stopped by Grandma Bonnie's first where Aunt Cat was hard at work...

Lynden and Raegen enjoyed playing with the millions of matchbox cars Grandma has and, of course, playing with her furry little friends.

There was plenty of food and desserts to go around.  I had my first taste of "hello dolly" cake and I loved it.  It tastes like a huge Almond Joy...pure deliciousness! :)

These babies sure have changed since our last visit...

 As we were leaving Grandma's house, the boys thought it would be fun to "ride" on this landscape timber.  Just after I snapped this picture Lynden fell off!!!  haha  That poor child spends most of his time on the ground!

Grandpa has a HUGE yard and despite it being the LAST day of December, the weather was beautiful!

The kids and I spent most of our visit outside.  It was just too pretty to not enjoy.

Grandpa with his three Stain babies.

Nana and her siblings... 

We sure enjoyed spending the day with them!

Cat is planning a huge road trip in the summer.  She and Aidan want to visit all the cousins around the state.  We are excited and know it will be great fun.