More Moments with Matthew

As a disclaimer, I don't write my kids moments to brag or bore others, I write them because they are so precious that I don't want to forget them and I know I will. I swore that I'd never forget some of the weirdo stuff that happened in the singles ward, and funny thing is--I have, even as strange as it was!

This is such a cute age. I wish I could keep it forever. Matthew went outside today in the snow in his pajamas (and coat and boots) and went down the slide and got stuck in the snow. I had to go rescue him. I brought him in to get properly dressed for snow and he told me that today was an important day. When I asked why, he said it was because he got to play in the snow. He then told me, "you have to come with me Mommy, it's a fun job." As we were headed out the door he told me that he was glad I was here. When I asked why he said, "because I love you."

I was talking with Martie Lelegren today at the activity and her son Matt just left on a mission. She was commenting on how fast the time goes. I just want my Matthew to stay little forever.

Princess Activity Day

Today was our yearly kick off for Activity Day for Primary girls ages 8-11. We planned a brunch and mothers were invited to attend. The theme was "Princess. . . daughter of a Heavenly King". Cydnee, one of the leaders, helped the girls make the darling signs. I think the activity turned out really well and hopefully the girls had a good time. We introduced the program and had a few of the girls talk about goals they set to get their award. The decor was pink and cutesy, of course and some of the girls came decked out in princess dresses and looked darling.

I was in charge of menu planning. I decided to make an Eggs Benedict casserole, muffins, fruit and juice. A few people have asked for the egg recipe, so here it is:

Eggs Benedict Squares

4 whole English muffins, split in half
2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
3 cups cooked and chopped broccoli or asparagus
1 cup chopped ham
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
8 eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 package Hollandaise Sauce (or make your own)

Place the muffin halves in a greased 9x13 dish. Sprinkle muffins with 1 cup cheddar cheese, cooked broccoli or asparagus, chopped ham, and red pepper. Beat eggs in medium bowl; stir in milk, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture over muffins. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove from oven. Top with Hollandaise sauce. Makes 8 servings.

After making this nine times, here are a few tips I've learned.

• Baking multiples takes much longer


• You can skip the red pepper


• I think bacon could be substituted for ham


• Don't overcook the broccoli


• A 9x13 serves more like 10-15 depending on the size. We had WAY too many for today.

Enjoy!

Sweet Moments

I'm sure like all parents, I love my kids beyond measure but sometimes struggle to remain calm in trying moments. I was having one such moment a few nights ago and had become frustrated by the amount of time it was taking Matthew to fall asleep. He sleeps in my bed and I was getting after him about falling asleep faster (which probably doesn't help the situation) and then he started singing "I Am a Child of God". It sort of diffused my frustration and I listened to him so sweetly sing that song. I took a breath and let him go. Shortly after that, he went to sleep.

One other night, he was almost asleep and said, "Mommy". When I responded with "what", he said "you do good snuggles." It's all worth it.

Deal of the Week

I always like to get a good deal but I don't particularly like driving all over town to save a dollar. This week I was quite pleased with my Target deal. A coupon for a $10 Target gift certificate came in the paper and was good on any new or transferred prescrition. It so happened that I had 4 new prescriptions to fill this week. Thanks to the good neighbors, I was able to round up 4 certificates and got $40 in free gift certificates. Not bad.

I run hot and cold in money saving strategies but lately I've been more hot. My friend, Brooke, is heavy into tight-wad tips and is counseling me on how to save money at the grocery store. Thanks to her for the Target tip. The savings do add up when I'm dedicated.

I am also quite excited about Skippy peanut butter for $1 this week at Albertson's. Sometimes it's the little things in life . . .

More Snow

Yesterday morning we awoke to buckets of snow. It snowed all morning and when it finally tapered off, we were looking at about 12 inches in our driveway. In most other states, this sort of day would have surely been a snow day, but not here. Everyone just puts it in four wheel drive and keeps going. I could be wrong but I didn't hear of schools even starting late, which is amazing to me. In Pennsylvania, we always had one or two hour late starts, if we went at all. I remember listening to the radio as the announcer would go over and over the listings of school status. We always hoped our school was on the "closed" list.

We are so thankful for our snowblower which was last year's outdoor purchase. My dad brought over his larger blower too to help. His two cycle just cuts through it. When I went out to see the progress on the driveway, Corbin was in the garage and he had steam coming off his head. I have heard of steam coming out of ears (symbolically of course) but have never actually witnessed someone's steaming head. Now I have. I should have taken a picture.

Kid Fun

Here are a few more recent photos of the kids. Matthew and Spencer are good pals despite their three year difference and current ability levels. Spencer lights up when he sees Matthew and Matthew loves to make Spencer laugh. At times, we think Spencer may perk up when Matthew comes around as a defense mechanism from fear of being bopped in the head but overall there is peace and love. We'll let you know how it is when they are 16 and 13.

Matthew is still into Thomas the Tank Engine. (no surprise to those who love him) and he loves to go to the movies and Denny's with G&G Engle (photo with Grandpa Engle is on their way to Denny's last Saturday morning)

Christmas Day Report

Christmas Day

Spencer's Blessing Day

Spencer Dalton Sly was blessed by his daddy on Sunday, January 5, 2008. It was a beautiful blessing and Spencer didn't cry or make a peep. (always a concern) He wasn't too big for his outfit despite the fact that he was 4 1/2 months at his blessing. He is such a blessing in our lives and we are so thankful to have him in our family. He is a treasure.

Password Craziness

It all started this morning when I attempted to post a comment to my friend Andrea's blog. I couldn't get in. The system said I had the wrong user id or password. I have so many passwords that I CAN'T keep them straight. Some have numbers, some have letters, but all derivatives of the same theme. Privacy protectors and computer savvy folks tell you not to use the same passwords for all accounts but how in the world are you supposed to keep everything straigh if you don't? Like I said, I couldn't even remember the password to log into the blog this morning--and I didn't write it down. I had to contact Customer Service to remind me of my user name and password. It's not like I haven't been in this account recently. I fact, I was so convinced that I was putting in the correct userid and password that I tried it multiple times.

I have passwords for bank accounts, health care, flexbile spending, blogspot, credit cards, Fed Ex, airlines, work computer, home computer, Quickbooks, Ebay, Travelocity, KSL, SL Tribune, college, and the list seems to go on. Corbin would not be happy with where I keep my list of passwords but I know where to find them. If I don't keep them handy, there is no way I can function because I am in these several times a day. Corbin tries a more official approach. He keeps his passwords in a password program that is secure and you have to log in to see the list of all your passwords. Only problem--sometimes he can't remember the password to the passwords.

Ugh--do you ever feel like going back to paper?

We Love Jana

Today is Monday--a day we love in our family. Why? Because it's Jana Day. Besides the kids' grandparents, Jana Walch is the person who has done more for my kids than anyone. We are SOOOO blessed to have her in our lives. Matthew has loved being with her two days a week since the time he was three months old. Now, Jana has Matthew and Spencer one day a week and you would think that day is Christmas each week. Jana is so loving and kind (a trait I find is admirable when caring for someone else's child--it's hard enough to take care of your own) and the kids just adore her. Another drawing card is the constant attention and love that Corie, Cadie, Cameron, and Jana's husband, Scott show the kids. Matthew just thinks he is one of the family. We are eternally indebted to her family for taking such good care of ours. And if Matthew becomes a pro soccer player, we will owe it all to Jana's kids. THANK YOU for loving them so!

Shopping Revision

Over the past few weeks, I have tried a new approach to grocery shopping. Shopping is one of those necessary evils--although I must admit that there I times I like to go alone and just wander the aisles. I see other women from the neighborhood at the Wally-World Neighborhood market doing the same. (My brother who works for Wal-mart has indicated the the Neighborhood Market isn't Wal-mart's wave of the future, but personally I like them. Small but easy in, easy out)

Anyway, I have started to plan our meals. I know this isn't a revolutionary idea but it's one that I've always been reluctant to try. It just seemed too restrictive. What if I didn't want Goolaush on Tuesday even though the menu planner said to make it? So, I've solved the dilema this way. I pick several meals to make for the week but allow myself to be flexible on deciding what day to eat what. I try to pick meals with different meats so that we don't tire of burger 24/7 and feel like we eat at the Morris Center. (That was the eatery when I lived in Deseret Towers at BYU). So far, the system is working fairly well. I spend less time trying to think of things to make at the last minute and it makes shopping easier. This way, I have specific things on my list and can streamline the time and cost. Wa-la!

This week we will have haystacks (lingine, peas, ham, sauce, pasta combo), shepard's pie, and chicken divan. Luckily, with our little family, these quantities will pretty much feed us for the week. We eat each one at least two meals so I only have to cook every other day. Corbin has been very patient during our marriage with meals (he eats what shows up) and has only asked if we were eating something again when we were on what I think was the fourth night. I still reserve the right to a management change but for the most part, I try to stick to the plan. I want to try the "Dinner is Ready" meal book which gives meals for 30 days in one cooking session but I haven't gotten that advanced yet. One thing at a time. www.dinnerisready.com

p.s. the haystacks recipe is a new one I recently found and is very quick to make and satisfies a toddlers need for an "exclusively pasta" diet. Let me know if you want the recipe.

Go Solids!-- A Child Update

Spencer eats alot, often. When we had him at the doctor's last week, the doctor mentioned that we could start solids. Yippee! The little dude ate 5 times last week between 11:30 pm and 8 am. We started with rice and sweet potatoes and he gobbled the sweet potatoes. Corbin seems to be a better feeder than I am. When Matthew was a babe, we bought a food bottle and it works like a charm. Highly recommend it. No spoons involved.

Developmentally, Spencer's head is so strong and he loves to hold his diaper. In the past few weeks, he has grown up so much! His smile sure is sweet too.

In other news, Matthew caught me off guard yesterday when he came up to me and said "may I have this dance?" and then proceeded to perform some sort of a jig. It was hilarious.

Tis the End

In many ways, it seems like the Christmas season comes and goes quickly. Yesterday we took down our holiday decor and now the house looks rather naked. It seems that every year I forget at least one decoration and it sits out or in a drawer until the boxes are unpacked the next year. Last year we had a small Santa that sat on the family room hutch for a year. I really thought that I had packed everything this year and was feeling kind of proud that I got it all. Alas, when I went in the kids bathroom, I realized that I had forgotten a rug, Santa, and a snowman. So much for getting it all. I also found a few more items on the main level, so it looks like my annual tradition of forgetting stuff continues. I have it in a pile and will make one more trip to the attic to return the items to their rightful box. I also need to pack the four foot inflatable Santa (bought on clearance, no doubt) that our neighbor gave to Matthew on New Years Eve but he loves it so much I'm afraid it could be in the living room until Easter. The self-inflating fan is fascinating.