Dakota Dont Dig Crust

Dakota is going through this "thing" right now.

This thing where he doesnt like to eat crusts.

Whats funny about it is, its even crusts on donuts and crackers... 

What is that you say? Donuts and crackers dont have crusts??

Right you are.

But he apparently thinks they do - so he eats around the edges... of everything.

I have no idea where he picked this up. Everyone in this house eats the crusts... well most of the time...

But it is hilarious to watch!

So here is his breakfast this morning....

French Toast - on whole wheat - with the syrup on the side for dipping.... With the crusts left to fend for themselves....

What did you have for breakfast today?

We hope you like Jammin too!

My son Dakota is pretty amazing. He has some awesome talents.

He can contort his body in ways no man ever should. He is super flexible and can fold himself in half. I mean, THAT is talent my friends!

He can stick his tongue out further then any human I have ever seen! Gene Simmons has nothing on him!

His voice can penetrate many decibels inaudible to human ears! I mean he is LOUD!

He has this uncanny ability to make friends where ever he goes. I mean people are just drawn to him!

But of all his talents I must admit his ear for music is astounding.
He LOVES to sing... ( at the top of his lungs.)
And he loves to dance... ( shake it!)
But most of all he loves to make music... ( NOISE).

For Christmas we were able to score him a bunch of musical stuff. Which included a cool roll up Key Board, a harmonica and a musical guitar. He has been tooting his harmonica for a few days and busts out the key board on occasion. But on this particular day he had his guitar out. And was singing.

What is greater on this earth then a man and his guitar? When he gets a little older I am going to put him in some sort of musical instrument lessons. I am praying it is guitar! :)

I have ZERO musical ability. None. Zilch. I can only hope at least one of my children will be able to woo me with their song of their soul!

Eh, heres to hoping :)

Merry Christmas from Melanie's Mania

We wish you a merry Christmas!

Here is a quick view of how we spent our day!
We hope you enjoyed your friends and family as much as we have!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!


Christmas Eve night....

And the children were nestled all snug in their beds...

My family at my moms...

My Family at my moms for Christmas Day

Our awesome moustache gifts!!

We moustache you a question!

Recipe ~ Potato Soup

Potato Soup

Ingredients:

6 large potatoes
1 1/2 cup chopped celery,  (include leaves)
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup half-and-half or 1/2 cup cream
2 Cups of Diced Ham
2 Bay Leaves
1 Cup of Carrots
2 Cans of Chicken Broth

Stovetop Directions:

1 Peel and cube potatoes.

2 Put in a saucepan along with the onions and celery.

3 Add chicken broth, enough to just cover the vegetables.

4 Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until all of the vegetables are very tender.

5 Using a potato masher, coarsely crush the potatoes, but don't mash them--you want chunks left.

6 Add enough milk or cream to thin to desired thickness and add salt& pepper to taste.

Crock pot Directions:

1. Peel and cube potatoes

2. Put all ingredients in crock pot.

3. Cook for 5-8 hours.

4. Enjoy!

Recipe ~ Easy Brown Asian Sauce

Today I was searching for an easy asian sauce to toss in my chicken and veggies..

I found one that was amazing!

And so simple!

Here it is!

Ingredients

• 2 cups beef broth (can be made with bouillon cubes)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup corn starch (Hint: mix this with few tsp of cold water first so no clumping occurs)
• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic

That is it!!
I added sliced up chicken with squash and mushrooms to mine over a bed of white rice!
Delish!!

Homeschooling!

I have decided to homeschool Dakota. There were recent events which led m to this decision, which I will go into detail about another day. Right now investigation is pending on his school so I will not disclose details.

We had the option to put back in public school ( not going to happen) or into another private school ( because that worked oh so well) or homeschool.  I decided after MUCH thought that I would try. I mean I know it will be hard and I know that he and I will get frustrated. But who is better fit to teach him and love him then .... well, ME!

So we transformed our living room into half homeschool room half living room.... photos pending, its a work in progress!

This is a new exciting journey for us! I am nervous, but I know I can do it!! Dakota and Eli love the new set up! They have already colored and painted and done puzzles at their table! I am happy they accepted t so easily!!

Look forward to more posts on how the heck this is working for us!!

Happy Halloween!

We decided this year to buy costumes the kids would continue using. So when I saw these hooded capes at the Halloween store, I knew this was it!! Angry Birds!

I brought home these three colors ( Skylar told me she wanted black) and I allowed them to choose!

They loved them and did so well trick or treating! Dakota went up to each door and said trick or treat and then also said, thank you very much! He did great! Even Eli figured it out after a few houses, that he needed his bag and he needed to hold it open!!  These kids crack me up!

Here they are in all their glory!!