Our Week - 2/4/13 - 2/10/13

So, this past week was a good one.

Madden has two loves right now: phones (iphone, toy phones, banana phone - doesn't matter!) and cookies.  This kid spots a phone from across the room he HAS to have it.  Same goes for cookies.  I can't say I blame him on the cookies, though!

Mariah has been fighting sleep like crazy lately.  We start our bedroom routine around 7 with baths and pajamas and then hang out watching cartoons until about 7:45.  Madden goes to bed with no problems, but Mariah will be in her room reading, playing with toys and roaming around for HOURS.  I mean, when Mike and I go to bed (around 10:30) - she's STILL UP.  And that means, come 6:30 AM we cannot wake her up for anything.  She actually asks us for "10 more minutes of sleep".  Um... 2 going on 16?  I didnt know we had a teenager here!  Lately shes been changing her outfit as well, so we find her in strange clothes in the morning when she finally gets herself out of bed...

Mike was a huge help this week (he ALWAYS is, but even more so over the past few days).  I was fighting a sinus infection earlier in the week, so he did a LOT with the kids, including getting up with one or the other in the middle of the night.  He's a trooper.  I'm lucky he puts up with me! ;)

I attended a basic camera class on Saturday and learned SO much about shooting in manual.  I've had my DSLR camera for over 4 years now and FINALLY feel like I learned enough to put it to proper use.  Right now I take all my blog post photos with my iphone (quick and easy!), but maybe when I get more comfortable with my real camera I will get better pictures on here!

We formed a train in the living toom this afternoon using our kitchen table chairs (Mariah's request).  We all took our seat on the "train" and Mariah headed to her front "driver seat".  She turned around and said:

"Hello and welcome to my train!  Thanks for riding with me, guys!"  

Valentine's Day Cookies!

We made heart-shaped sugar cookies and decorated them with red and pink icing and lots of sprinkles.

Mariah had a blast with it!

I was actually surprised with how well she did - this girl can squeeze out icing and pour sprinkles like no one's business.

I love that some of the cookies have her special touch :)

We also put together a plate of cookies to take to Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Hopper for an early Valentine's Day/Anniversary gift!  60 YEARS OF MARRIAGE on Thursday (Valentine's Day!)

Kids watching cartoons and eating their valentine's day cookies

Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  But, like most people, we rarely have time to enjoy a good breakfast with the busy-ness of our weekday mornings.

I like to be prepared with granola bars or yogurt on hand for a quick grab before I walk out the door, but I'm always up for trying muffins and things I can freeze and heat up before I leave in the morning.

I saw this post for breakfast cookies that had me pretty intrigued.  I was really drawn to the recipe because the ingredients were completely normal, but NO added sugar.  That makes me feel a little better about eating a cookie for breakfast!

They are PERFECTION!  The kids enjoyed them, too!

I even got a chance to try out the Silpat baking mat my mom got me for Christmas.  LOVE it!

Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
Adapted from Our Family Eats
Makes 18 cookies

3 ripe bananas, mashed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

8 ounces mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Place bananas, vanilla, butter, applesauce, and yogurt in a large bowl.  Stir to combine.  In another bowl add flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.  Stir with a whisk to combine.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir well.  Add chocolate chips to mixture and gently stir to incorporate.

Drop cookies onto baking sheet using a large scoop, leaving 1 inch between each.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until center is well set.  Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Our Week - 1/28/13 - 2/3/13

Yet another busy week around here!

Mariah was home with the flu for a couple days.  After a few days of fever spikes and exhaustion, we were so happy to see her return to her normal self!

Madden has become quite the talker lately.  He seems most talkative when he first wakes up in the morning.  This kid will babble on and on in his own little language!  Mariah seems to understand what he's saying, but she won't tell us! :)

Mike ran his first 5 mile run on Saturday!  So fun seeing what you are capable of when you set a goal!

I finally added some items to my etsy shop that had been sitting empty for quite a while.  So fun :)

Mariah's famous phrase lately: "Just two more minutes!"  Usually this is in reference to watching cartoons before bed or playing games on the ipad.  It sounds great and all, but the problem is she doesnt quite understand the concept of time yet :)

City Tournament

Today Mariah and I headed to the bowling alley to watch dad in the CIty Tournament.  Mariah was definitely more interested in checking out the vending machines and games vs. watching daddy bowl.  She also found a 2 year old and 3 year old friend and had fun playing dolls and coloring.  We only lasted about 2 games, but it was fun to watch daddy and cheer him on!

Madden sprawled out on the floor playing on the keyboard.
This little guy is growing up so SO fast!