Frozen Yogurt Pops

It's summer, and while it's not Texas hot here in Maryland, it's still pretty hot. We try to limit sugar in this house (except for The Husband, of course) but that doesn't mean that treats get kicked to the curb. Here's a quick and easy yogurt pop that's a favorite around here. It's pretty versatile, so add and subtract what you'd like.
 2 cups plain yogurt (one cup can be vanilla if you want a little extra sweetness)
1/2 cup each: strawberries, raspberries, peaches, blueberries (frozen)
1 banana
Orange Juice (As needed. I usually add a little as I blend until it gets to a consistency I like)

Stick everything in the blender and give it a good pulse. Make sure you add a little liquid if it seems like it isn't moving. Blend until you've got a consistency you like, adding juice as you go. When you're pleased, take your pop molds and fill until you've got about half an inch left at the top - these will expand as they freeze. Of course, your little Wild One will probably want to help.                                                                                                                                                                        

             Once you've got that all figured out, you'll need to find space in your freezer. This is the hardest part. They need to be fairly upright, but if you're life me and you've purchased enough frozen veggies in case Armageddon becomes a movie based on real life, you'll need to do some rearranging.

            Give them a night to freeze. If they don't come out right away when you try to bust them out, warm the container a little in your hand or let them sit on the counter for five minutes or so. Then, enjoy! These can get pretty messy, so they are best enjoyed outside (or inside with a towel!)
                                                                            

Lately

Things have been crazy around here, but thankfully as I was packing up the desk I found my camera cord so I could finally upload some photos. It's amazing what you dig up when you start to pack. I've decided after this I never want to move again. I say that every time; doesn't everyone? Here are a few photos from the last few weeks.

Building is our favorite.

Granddad sent us some presents from his trip to Honduras!

Getting so tall!

Eating a "nanana"

Lemons are a special snack.

                                                                                                          

Dad time

Wild Child is loving having Dad home during the days he's off. They walk around the house together and it actually gives me a chance to clean the bathrooms without having to worry about little hands in the toilet. It's glorious! Here are a few snapshots from the last few days.

On Giving

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us..." Isa. 9:6 (NASB)

I woke up this morning before the sun was up. I made a pot of coffee and put the french toast casserole in the oven. Sitting in my husband's easy chair I read the first few chapters of Luke by the light of our Christmas tree lights. Mary's Magnificat resonated with me especially this morning. Yesterday, as I prepared the roast for today and wrapped the last of the gifts, I watched a heart-breaking documentary about the waste in our country and the issue of hunger, especially among children. In Luke, Mary recites. "He has filled the hungry with good things."

This morning I was overwhelmed with the blessings of God. Our home is warm, safe and filled with good things and unnecessary luxuries. We give gifts at Christmas to remember the gifts the Magi gave to the Christ child and to rejoice in the free gift of Grace that Jesus has given to us. Yesterday as I watched one statistic after another roll across the television screen I couldn't help but thank God that he has not only filled us with the good gift of grace, but also the gift of food security, a roof over our heads and clean drinking water. My prayer for the upcoming year is that I would remember the daily bread my Father gives me. I'm thankful for the gifts the Lord has given us, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to be able to give to those who are in need.

The Lord has done great things for us. If you'd like to do something for someone, I'd encourage you to make a donation to a nonprofit in your community. Or buy a family in Africa a chicken. Or sponsor a child.
And speaking of child, here's one of our WildChild from this morning.

Wordless Wednesday

What I've been doing

This is the only "crafty" thing I've done in two months:

They are two little Nutcracker ornaments that I painted during a craft day with some close friends. The reason? We're expecting again in the Spring, and I have played the tired pregnant card more times than I can count. Thankfully, I've had help from my wonderful husband keeping the house in order and keeping my wild toddler child in check.

Speaking of our the Wild Child, he's exploring more and developing quite the charming personality. His favorite activities these days include eating, playing outside, and running amok. It's been a while, so how about some adorable photos of the little guy?

First leaves of the season

Grapes!

Brushing teeth after a long day

Enough photos.

Frozen Meals

Things around here have been busy lately. This last weekend I took some time to ease into this new phenomenon I read about called "Once a Month Cooking." The gist of it is this: You buy all the ingredients you need for a month's worth of meals and then marathon cook for a weekend, freezing meals or using what you cook wisely throughout the week.

This is too much for me to handle. So I decided just to cook enough that I could bring some frozen meals for a friend of ours who is expecting this week. I ended up making a freezer full, saving a few meals for us. This is what we ended up with!

Taco Jumbo Shells
Lasagna Rolls
Crock pot Chicken Dinner
Enchilades
Chicken Bundles


Our freezer is packed to the brim with "just in case" meals. When the time comes, just take a meal out of the freezer, pop in the fridge to thaw and then cook as directed an hour or so before dinner. Make sure you label your meals with the contents, date and cooking instructions before you freeze them. I made the mistake of trying to label after a casserole was frozen and just made a mess of ink. Oops!

Clearly labeled meals.

Lots of ready made meals!

I managed most of this while the Wild Child napped, but when he was awake he "helped" me cook. It was just too adorable. Here's proof!

You can take the girl outta Texas...

...But those hurricanes are sure to follow! Last week as a weird one for weather. We experienced our first earthquake and then a few days later Irene came up the East coast. Thankfully, we only had a little damage to our screens and shutters. Here are a few photos of the Little One playing in the water before the worst of the rain hit.

Granddad

Granddad came to visit this week from Texas. Here are a few photos from this weekend, when WildChild had his first taste of (much watered down) Dr Pepper.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Quilted Bib

I found an adorable tutorial for a quilted bib from Sew She Sews. I did a little tester, since I like to try out a pattern before I make one to give to someone else. Turns out you should REALLY follow the ironing and notching steps. I skipped them because it was late and I was ready to go to bed, but they are really important. Here's my final product:

 Here is an action shot. My Wild Child loves himself some applesauce:

And here is the mess I made in my "sewing area," which is my kitchen during the non-naptime hours.\

What are you sewing these days?

Wordless Wednesday

Summer Edition:

Wordless Wednesday

Just one thing

I had only one goal for this week : Finish and mail the "Thank You" cards to everyone who blessed Wild Child (and us) with gifts for his first birthday. This week had seven days, just like the last, but somehow I managed not to get them done. I wish I had an excuse like, "Oh - I'm totally making each card out of paper I've made myself from laundry lint. And this? It's just a little decorative yarn I've spun myself and dyed from some berries in the garden." But really, Ben and I have just been enjoying the nice weather. Here's a photo from one of our adventures.

There's always next week, right? Ripe with nap times.

Wordless Wednesday