Baby Ballet Bust

We walked to the studio just in time for class to start and everyone was allowed to go inside the classroom for roll call and to take pictures, etc.  Maggie was there and also Carlie from Addison's MDO class.  I just knew that since she had some friends there that me leaving wasn't going to be an issue.  WRONG....it was an issue.  I waited in the lobby area, but in the future I'll go home and fix dinner then go back to get her.  Addison cried when I left the room, but then was fine during the rest of class.  I peeked through the door window several times to check on her.  When class was over and everyone started leaving she began to cry again.  I think it was because she didn't see me right away when the door was opened.  Once we got home we talked about class and she showed me a couple of things she learned, but she doesn't want to go back next week :(

MDO 2011-2012

Addison had a great first day of school!  She is in class with a few of her friends from last year, so that is always helpful in making the transition easier.  After we left Addison's class it was time to visit Ms K in the nursery.  She only has 4 babies right now, 5 including Alyssa (the max is 6).  It's a much younger group than when Addison was in the nursery.  We stayed for about 10 minutes & Alyssa watched the babies play while she sat in my lap.  I think we will do this each time to get her used to the environment.

Photo Workshop

Last weekend, I went to a photography workshop with a friend that was hosted by a local photographer.  It was from 10-3.....the longest I've ever been away from Alyssa!  We had a wonderful time learning about our cameras & just basic rules to making a good photo great!  If my pictures don't look any different going forward then you will know that I didn't pay attention in class!

Mini Pizza Muffins

It's what's for dinner!

3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1 tbs Italian seasoning (I'll use less next time)
Dash of crushed red pepper (Dash = 4 or 5 flakes)
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a variety blend)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup mini pepperoni (1 bag = 1 cup)
Pizza sauce for dipping

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2.  Grease 24-cup mini-muffin pan.
3.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper, milk, egg, cheeses, & pepperoni.
4.  Fill muffin cups.
5.  Bake until puffed & golden, 20-25 minutes.
6.  Serve with warm pizza sauce (I didn't warm mine - just served straight from the jar)

*Recipe courtesy of lickthebowlgood

First Day of MDO

We've been going through a lot of Kleenex since last Friday.  Addison & Alyssa both have colds, so we ended up at the doctor office this morning.  THE FIRST DAY OF MDO!  Addison was pretty excited about starting back to school.  We had her outfit picked out, nap mat washed, lunch planned, etc.  When she woke this morning her temperature was 101.  It was one of those moments where you ask 'should I take her to the doctor' or 'should I just keep treating her at home'.  Better safe than sorry...  Addison has a sinus infection & Alyssa just has a cold.  No ear infections or respiratory infections!  YAY!

Addison weighs 34lbs & is 38 inches tall.  Alyssa weighs 19.5lbs & is 28 inches tall.  

I talked to the MDO director & let her know that Alyssa won't be joining MDO until later.  Not sure how much later, but later.  We will still pay her tuition to hold her spot & will try to transition her slowly.  Maybe an hour or so a week.  

Raspberry Chipotle Dip

This is a yummy dip & a nice change from the usual dips we make!

Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce

2 pkg Cream Cheese

1 Jalapeno pepper

Small sprinkle of cilantro

Fresh Raspberries

Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes

Dice jalapeno pepper & cilantro

Rinse & dry raspberries

Spread cream cheese in bottom of dish

Pour sauce over cream cheese

Sprinkle jalapeno & cilanto

Top with raspberries

Enjoy with Wheat Thins Toasted Chips - Great Plains Multigrain

Recipe courtesy of Erin!  Thanks!

Trip Home

It's been forever since I've blogged!  Shame on me!  We just returned from a week long visit home.  This time we traveled a little differently.  Last Friday, Blake drove his truck & I drove the van with the girls & Buddy home.  This was a practice drive for me to see how well I would do on my own.  If it didn't go well, then I would just follow Blake back on Sunday.  If it did go well, I would stay all week & drive back alone!  Like I said, we just returned from a week long visit ;)  The drive home was fine.  Alyssa did very well.  She got a little restless about 30 minutes from our destination, but I expected worse.  Addison is always good, well, most of the time.

We had a fun-filled week with the family.  Mom rented the HUGE water slide for the week!  The kids love this thing & I do too.

Our town recently got a Chuck E. Cheese, so we went there one day & had some fun.  This was Alyssa's first time at CEC since we last went when she was 3 months old!  She liked it much better this time!

(Aug 2011)

(Oct 2010)

Slides are always fun!

Alyssa & Arabella

A trip home wouldn't be complete without Logan & Addison driving the police car to catch the bad guys!  Logan has been driving the car a bit longer than Addison, so he's MUCH better at it.  Addison finally has the pedals figured out , but not the steering part which is kind of MOST important!

Addison has been really interested in puzzles lately.  She started out with a 25 piece & is now doing 100 piece.  It's incredible to watch her learn & grow.