What could be more fun than playing in the water outside?
Playing in the refrigerator water, of course!
Chowin’ Down
Every year at Christmas, and occasionally throughout the year as well, I make Puppy Chow (people call it other names: Muddy Buddies, etc.) for us to enjoy throughout all our Christmas festivities.
I always use whatever Chex I have left over from the Chex Mix I make. I usually mix and match Rice Chex and Corn Chex for the Puppy Chow since the Wheat Chex are pretty crispy.
This posed a little problem with this year’s batch of Puppy Chow. I had a little of this Simply Jif leftover, and I wanted to use the rest of the jar. However, since natural peanut butter tends to separate when it sits, I should have realized it would also separate when heated. I noticed it when I first pulled the mixture out of the microwave, but I didn’t think much of it. However, once I mixed the chocolate mixture with the Chex and poured in the powdered sugar, the powdered sugar was not enough to soak up the oil. I ended up using almost triple the recipe amount of powdered sugar in order to get it to coat.
Want to make some yourself? Here you go!
Puppy Chow
You will need:
9 cups Chex (any kind; I use Rice & Corn)
1/4 cup butter
1 – 6 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar (I almost always end up using more; this year for sure)
1 tsp vanilla
- Measure cereal in to large bowl with lid; set aside
- Put butter, chocolate chips, and peanut butter into microwave bowl
- Microwave uncovered one minute; stir
- Microwave in 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth
- Stir in vanilla
- Pour chocolate mixture over cereal in bowl
- Stir until cereal is well-coated
- Add powdered sugar
- Snap lid on tightly and shake until all cereal is coated with powdered sugar
- Allow to cool
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
This is really one of my favorite snacks! I saw it pre-made at HEB the other day, but I was scared it wouldn’t be as good, so I didn’t buy any. As easy as this is, there isn’t much reason to buy it pre-made.
Christmas in the Kitchen
Last night, after Baby Gray hit the sack, I ventured to Hades WalMart to finish gathering all the supplies for our fourth annual Christmas shindig. Have I mentioned how much I hate that place? I’m absolutely certain I spent a minimum of sixty dollars more than I would have had I gone to HEB. I’ve compared their prices before, but I have never felt as ripped off as I did when I checked out last night.
Anyway, I survived Hades WalMart, and spent most of my morning in the kitchen. Christmas goodies sure come from healthy looking stuff, huh?
I had no idea how productive I was going to be able to be. Usually, I start cooking while Baby Gray is in his high chair having breakfast. Then I go back and forth and monitor things while we play. This morning? He wanted to play independently. In fact, he only even came to the gate to show me something once or twice. Another time, he came over and asked for a snack. Overall, though, he played, laughed, danced, sang, and enjoyed himself while I cooked. We are so blessed with such a good-tempered boy! I got everything done that I needed to do–for the whole day!
By the way, any guesses as to what I made?
Big ol’ Boots to Fill
Baby Gray was eyeballing Mr. Gray’s boots, so Mr. Gray stuck him right on in!
Mr. Gray’s boots are the kind I’d be proud to have our son fill. He is loving, kind, faithful, honest, and upstanding. He comes through when he says he will. He’s an amazing husband, father, son, friend, brother, and so much more! He’s got some big ol’ boots, size 13 to be exact!
Mr. Gray’s boots are the kind I’d be proud to have our son fill. He is loving, kind, faithful, honest, and upstanding. He comes through when he says he will. He’s an amazing husband, father, son, friend, brother, and so much more! He’s got some big ol’ boots, size 13 to be exact!
10-4, Good Buddy
So, in 47 days, my delusional self has verbally committed to run a half-marathon. Current personal best? Less than six miles. Have I lost my mind? Maybe. Don’t worry, LC, I’ll be there!
We’ve been talking about running a half for a while now; that’s pretty much all I’ve done–talk. I jog a little on and off, but short of some serious training over the next 47 days, I’m not sure how this will go. Yes, I’ve run a few 5Ks totally cold, but that’s only 3.1 miles. I haven’t even worked up to a 10K yet.
Although I am determined to meet the goal of finishing the half in January, I have approximately zero motivation to do anything in between now and then. Don’t get me wrong, when I actually get out and run, I love it. It’s the getting out there and doing it that’s not working out for me. As an added bonus, I have a toddler that works perfectly as an excuse.
I realized while we were jogging today that I really need a running buddy. I need someone that will help me push myself and keep me accountable. As I’ve learned about myself lately, if it’s not on my calendar, it’s probably not going to happen (unfortunately, sometimes the standing dates on my calendar get pushed out, too; sorry, B). I have no doubt I can finish a half marathon. I just need to get out there and get moving before January 29th.
So, to meet my half marathon goal, I have decided I need to first meet the goal of acquiring said running buddy. Wish me luck!
Let’s Make it Christmas
Without a certain few movies, Christmas just isn’t Christmas. The funniest part of it is, not all of my “Christmas movies” are even Christmas movies, just movies that I associate as such.
1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961):
This is my wrapping movie. I turn it on and watch Audrey as Holly Golightly live her New York City life on my screen. This is one (of only a very select few) movie that is better than the book.
2. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001):
Ah, Bridget and her crazy life. This movie gets me in a Christmas mood every time. Quality? No, not really, but still one of my must-watch movies during the holidays.
3. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004):
Same as above.
4. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946):
Is there a better Christmas movie? Not hardly. The entire movie is beautiful. Every aspect. Love it!
5. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965):
I just love Charlie Brown! I love all the holiday specials, but the Christmas movie is probably my favorite.
6. The Christmas Classics DVD Set (various):
I bought the DVD set for my classroom a few years ago, and I’m so glad to have it! Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town–they’re all good! I can’t wait to introduce them to Baby Gray!
7. Elf (2003):
So funny! We went to a quote-a-long at Alamo last year, and it made it even better! Love it!
In case you didn’t notice, my movie list looks a lot like my book lists: fluff. I guess I like mindless when I’m winding down. I wonder what that says about me?
A White Christmas, Sort Of
Last weekend, we borrowed Shooby and headed to San Antonio to check out Hill Country Holidays at The Westin La Cantera. They have an iceless skating rink (perfect for Christmastime in Texas), a craft area, a show, and all sorts of things going on for the little ones.
Shooby was so patient while we waited to get our skates and wristbands. Baby Gray and Mr. Gray got some popcorn to pass the time.
We got our skates on and got ready to hit the “ice”.
Shooby was a little nervous at first, but then she looked at me and said, “I want to do it by myself.”
And she did!
We finished up our skating time, and Baby Gray checked out all the decorations before we headed to grab something to eat.
We headed to the Magik Theatre and waited for the show to start. We brought a whole new meaning to “Apple Care” as we waited!
Both kiddos love the show, and so did Mr. Gray and I!
We tried to take a few photos, but, as you can see, pirates rank right up there with Santa in Baby Gray’s book.
A few final photos, and we were on the way home with some tired babies. They had a great time! I am pretty sure we’ll be back next year!
FTC Compliance: I was invited to visit The Westin La Cantera as part of a review for Macaroni Kid. All opinions are my own and were not influenced by our invitation.
Here’s Your Sign
People ask me almost daily how we taught Baby Gray to sign. The answer is, we didn’t, really. We have been signing as we speak since he was teeny tiny. He has picked up on it from the exposure just as kids do with regular audio vocabulary development.
If you’re on the fence about signing, I suggest it. As long as you speak while you sign, the oral vocabulary is still being developed. The signs just allow them a way to express themselves before their speech is developed.
Currently, Baby Gray signs:
milk
more
please
He understands:
finished
water
eat
Today, I introduced the sign for music. He loves to listen to music and dance, so he goes to the TV and points while saying please. We’ll see if we can get him to sign music instead.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
The last few days have been great weather for this time of year! It’s actually been cold (maybe just cool) enough to wear a jacket or coat all day long. No Texas layers needed! I love it! But, it makes me feel lazy.
I just want to curl up, read a book, drink hot chocolate (preferably with a decaf shot of espresso), and do nothing. I don’t like that. While I know it’s good to rest, I am called to be a Proverbs 31 woman, not to be a bear in hibernation.
It has me thinking a little about the nature of our holiday season, though. People have Christmas parties booked from here to next year, food to make, gifts to purchase (and wrap), and just general running around to do. Aside from the fact that this is a busier time of year than usual, it’s cold, and I think our instincts tell us to stay inside and curl up by the fire (even sans fireplace, that’s what mine tell me). So, while you’re busy adding dots to your iPhone calendar, think about scheduling a few times where it’s alright to just sit and be. No guilty feelings–you’re following your schedule! Do it! Add it to your calendar, even if it’s just an hour or so.
Most Wonderful Food of the Year
We made our annual trip to Sights & Sounds Thursday. Oh, how we love Sights & Sounds. Unfortunately, Mr. Gray didn’t get to come this year. He had a paper to write, so Baby Gray and I met up with everyone on our own.
We got our tokens and got ready to eat make our way through Sights & Sounds! Baby Gray loved looking at all the twinkling lights and stroller dancing (remember car dancing?) to the music. Shooby and Little C helped keep Baby Gray entertained as we cruised around.
The carousel was a huge hit! The older kids rode last year, but this was Baby Gray’s first rodeo! He climbed on his horse, held on tight, and cried when it was time to get off! He loved it! He wanted to ride again, but I was too dizzy–what a lightweight.
The best part about Sights & Sounds is there’s something for everyone. We all find more than enough to eat and then walk through the live nativity to recover a little. Sometimes we make it to the live nativity and get a turkey leg, so maybe the recovery theory isn’t totally valid.
No matter how much food we eat, we have a fabulous time with great friends. This year wasn’t nearly as cold as it’s been in previous years, so it was actually enjoyable and nice. The kids got to run, play, and dance. I can’t wait to watch all these little ones grow up together!