The pumpkin patch

Today we went to the local pumpkin patch and I caught a bit of Charlie's EXTREME obsession with pumpkins. You might be thinking as you watch this, "oh how cute, they must have just gotten there" but in fact he had been running around astounded by the pumpkins for 30 minutes at this point. His enthusiasm never waivered and we spent an entire hour picking out 2 pumpkins. This is Charlie's 4th pumpkin of the year and I am sure there will be a minimum of one more before Halloween due to our warm weather. Thanks to pumpkins Charlie pooped on the potty for me and everything. I am actually considering buying him a little gourd or something everytime he does it. If I can potty train him now I could get a couple weeks of no diapers before the baby arrives. (I am wishing out loud...)

Computer Effects

Clarisse and the kiddos love to mess with the camera functions on the computer, they can totally do this stuff on their own and can spend lots of time laughing at themselves and playing on the computer. I love finding these goofy pics on the computer.

Recipe swap anyone?

• So, it seems no matter what, there are always a few nights a week where I don't want to cook or I have starving kids breathing down my neck while I cook and with a new baby coming soon it is about to get much worse. Anyways, I am going to start stockpiling the freezer now with some extra meals that can go from freezer to microwave or skillet and I figured that maybe some busy mom friends would be up for this too. So, I was thinking of posting a freezer meal every other week or so to share and if anyone else is in this with me maybe they would share some too. If you're in this with me, feel free to share your cooking adventures and post your own freezer meal. Here is what I am planning for this week...( i will probably double the amounts because we have a big family
• 
  
• 
  
• 1 1/2 cups pre- cooked pasta
• 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced onion
• 1/4 cup cubed cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup baby tomatoes

To cook

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. 1
   Freeze the pasta sauce in an ice cube tray. Do not fill it full, you want half-full ice cubes.
2. 2
   Combine sauce cubes, pasta, veggies, and chicken in a freezer bag and freeze.
3. 3
   To cook: Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add meal straight from freezer & Cook covered on medium for 10 minutes or until sauce is melted and the vegetables look done. Add cheese and serve.

Stuff to get us to the top of the blog updates:)

The recent Nelson goings on...

The slip n slide

Our exchange student Clarisse

Our new front door, new soffits were put in too but they don't show up in the pic

Getting a drink from the slip n slide....

Our baby girl will be here in 2 months so we are getting ready for her. Sometimes Charlie will say random things like "Mom-The baby is coming out now!" or "What is she doing now?" and Kadence has informed me that Charlie is my baby and the new one is hers. I am trying to figure out if this is a fair trade...

Revamping the household

Last year we had a plumbing disaster which ruined a part of our laminate and tile flooring and we finally have fixed it up! Bryce slaved away (with a little help from the kids and pulled up the flooring as well as the original parque flooring that was under it (originally put down in the 1950's) It was a huge mess. Now we have beautiful oak floors and have bought a new kitchen table that actually fits our family now that our exchange student is coming in a week. I don't know if it is because it is new but I am drawn to that table and even folded laundry at it earlier. We still have loads of things we want to do around here but this was a great start.

Nelson Week Continued

Don't worry, Nelson has this under control.

Aunt CC losing another battle with a kid.

Can you blame him?

I love this pic because you can see Bryce in the window reflection taking the picture

Nelson Week

Nuff said

This year we played Jenga and the loser had to eat a Jelly Belly. The jelly beans had identical counterparts so you never knew if you were getting a good one or a disgusting one. It got intense after we watched Bear eat a "canned dog food" flavored jelly bean and then barf over the table. I guarantee we will be playing that game again!

Our SIX year old!

These boys were gamers, always on an ipod or iphone.

Kadence caught us this delicious bass! and many other fish...

The girls!

????What's his problem?????

He knows he can get away with this for a couple more years...

Our pic with Mema!

One of many dysfunctional photos.

Uncle Kevin teaching the next generation how to fish so we can pig out on fresh fried fish!