The Little Things Thursdays

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #34

Amber 5 Comments

In honor of Thursday, it’s time to link up with A Beautiful Ruckus as we recall the little things that brightened our week.

1.  Three times is a charm for scheduling quad play dates.  Since our quad buddies, The Bell Quad Squad, settled into their new home, we’ve been trying to arrange a play date.  Thanks to toddler hood and increased outings, both sets of quads have gotten a few colds, causing us to postpone.  On Monday, it FINALLY happened!  I brought the babies for their first play date in the Bell Romper room (e.g. amazing, over sized quad-proof living room).   The babies and I always enjoy time outside of our home, exploring new places.  There’s no place better to visit than the home of other multiples.  The Bell home is equipped with everything we need from four pack ‘n’ plays to a quad table.  Plus, other parents of multiples are tolerant of multiples.  For example, Amber wasn’t ruffled when three of my four screamed bloody murder after being put down for nap.  Amber and I really enjoyed each other’s company and have exciting plans for another play date in the near future.  Stay tuned for that!

The Quad Squad has many familiar toys and some novel ones too. The babies enjoyed playing with this toy, which is identical to one we used to have (I got antsy and purged it a few months ago). They LOVED seeing it again.

The Quad Squad has many familiar toys and some novel ones too. The babies enjoyed playing with this toy, which is identical to one we used to have (I got antsy and purged it a few months ago). They LOVED seeing it again.

Capturing four toddlers in a single picture proved impossible. This was my best attempt. I spy seven babies and it looks like total mayhem.

Capturing four toddlers in a single picture proved impossible. This was my best attempt. I spy seven babies and it looks like total mayhem.

For lunch time, each set of quads took turns in the quad table. I thought it was cute how they peered at each other through the bars on the fence as if they were jailbirds.

For lunch time, each set of quads took turns in the quad table. I thought it was cute how they peered at each other through the bars on the fence as if they were jailbirds.

2.  With the promise of fall weather coming, I brought the babies’ fall clothing boxes down, washed and sorted everything.  My friend, Jen, helped me work on the girls portion Tuesday and I was incredibly thankful for that!  I started going batty trying to match twin sets, coordinated outfits, and sort by size and gender.  With each seasonal change, I find the task of clothing transitions daunting.  At the same time, I am overjoyed with the generosity of our friends and family who clothe our babies with gifts and hand-me-downs.  We are abundantly blessed by others, and in turn we are able to share our things with many other families behind us.

As I sorted, babies had fun jumping onto the clothes pile and carrying items away. Harper was a willing model to try new sizes from our fall collection.

As I sorted, babies had fun jumping onto the clothes pile and carrying items away. Harper was a willing model to try new sizes from our fall collection.

3.  We order many things for our home online these days so we are no stranger to UPS boxes.  This week, I was delighted to find an unexpected delivery all the way from Italy.  My mom’s cousin, Debbie, sent us these stunning blown glass turtle figurines.  She told us that she spotted them in a store front window and immediately recalled our sea turtle story.  There’s nothing that warms my heart more than when seeing sea turtles remind others of our story.

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I found the perfect place for our new turtles in the entry way below our family portraits.

4. Since Mason’s plagiocephaly was corrected by his DOC band, he was given a formal assessment by Early Childhood Intervention this morning.  I was so proud of our little man.  He worked very hard to follow directions and scored within his age range or above in all areas.  Therefore, he’s graduated from Early Childhood Intervention services!  Hooray!!!

What brought you joy this week?

hugs,

Amber

P.S. I’d like to extend a thank you to the Itz, Reese, Clements, McKenzie, Lawson, and Parr families for sharing their clothes with us!  You should be seeing some of your clothes show up on our babies in the near future.

The Little Things Thursday: Installment #32

Amber 6 Comments

Yesterday our nation paused to remember one of the most tragic days in our history- the day the World Trade Center crashed down at the hands of terrorists.  12 years ago, that day devastated the nation as we felt our sense of security unravel before our eyes.  With the passage of time, our wounds have healed and we’ve gone back to our daily routines, feeling safe again.  Because of events like those, it makes the simple things in life that much sweeter and worth savoring.  Thus, it is apropos for us to pause and reflect upon our weekly highlights as we link up with A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays.

1. For the first time, Aunt CiCi, the girls and I had a “Girls Day”.  Six months ago, my sister generously gave me spending money for my birthday, to purchase post-baby clothing.  I’m ashamed to say, I after six months I had not carved out the time to spend it.  Thus, the four of us hit the mall to help mama find some new duds.  There we dined in the food court with a grand view of the carousel.  Following our food court fare, we hit several shops where my sister pulled clothes from the racks for me to try, then entertained the girls with the use of mirrors while I tried them on.  The girls were exceptionally well-behaved, until the nap time hour approached.  We were trapped in a fitting room at Ann Taylor when Rylin had a temper tantrum and a foul odor trailed from Sydney’s bloomers.  Clearly, the other store patrons wanted us OUT.  We could not escape fast enough!  Yet, that embarrassing moment in a mall fitting room was something I yearned for many years.  It meant I finally had a family and we were doing something “normal” on a Sunday afternoon.

The girls were totally enamored with seeing their beautiful reflections staring back at them.

The girls were totally enamored with seeing their beautiful reflections staring back at them.

And the mirror helped us capture a group picture without bothering a passerby.

And the mirror helped us capture a group picture without bothering a passerby.

We planned to ride the carousel, but the girls were content just watching it so we saved a few bucks.

We planned to ride the carousel, but the girls were content just watching it so we saved a few bucks.

I'm not sure what transpired during "Guys Day" at home. Definately some football watching and mess making. Mason was dressed like this upon my return home. Notice something funny?

I’m not sure what transpired during “Guys Day” at home. Definitely some football watching and mess making. Mason was dressed like this upon my return home. Notice something funny?

 

2. When I popped a bag of popcorn for myself, I learned that the rest of my family enjoys it just as much as I do.  In less than a minute’s time, I was encircled by 12 puppy dog eyes (four of which belonged to the fur babies) begging for a morsel of my treat.  It became a lesson in sitting and waiting patiently for all of them.

I can't recall who started this snack frenzy, the dogs or the babies..

I can’t recall who started this snack frenzy, the dogs or the babies..

 

3. The babies are not allowed in the kitchen unless they are buckled into the quad table.  This week, we set up a water play station in the kitchen and the babies seemed to enjoy kitchen exploration more than the water.

I think the girls noticed their reflection in the dishwasher door, much like the store mirrors at the mall.

I think the girls noticed their reflection in the dishwasher door, much like the store mirrors at the mall.

The underside of the quad table is fascinating.

The underside of the quad table is fascinating.

What little rays of sunshine filled your week?

hugs,

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #30

Amber 6 Comments

I think I blinked and it was suddenly Thursday. That means it’s time once again to link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus for the Little Things Thursdays. Each week we pause to reflect upon some of the little things that made the week special.

1. On Monday, we had a play date with two year old triplets (a quatriplet play date). I met their mom, Christina, indirectly through my mom a while back. Her aunt and mom work in the same office and chatter about high order multiples, comparing notes often. This was the first play date we’ve had with older kids so I wasn’t sure how it would go. Even though the triplets are a bit older, they seemed to enjoy our toddler toys, especially The Weebles Treehouse. They were also good with the babies. In addition to enjoying our toys, the triplets educated me on toddler proofing. They proved themselves capable of opening our baby gate and reaching our remote control basket. Oh the things to come!

It's incredible how much taller two year olds are!

It’s incredible how much taller two year olds are in comparison to our 13 month olds.

I was bummed to find out that at two, the triplets were too big for our quad table. I was hoping to hang onto that thing until the quads were close to three. At leas the triplets were okay eating picnic style.

I was bummed to find out that at two, the triplets were too big for our quad table. I was hoping to hang onto that thing until the quads were closer to three. At least the triplets were okay eating picnic style.

The Weebles Treehouse was by far the favorite toy.

The Weebles Treehouse and Camper were favorites.

2. The past several months have been trying for our community of parents of multiples. Several families have said goodbye to their babies far too soon, and the entire community felt the pangs of their grief. As a way to honor these precious babies, members of our group came together to collect funds. We then worked with an artist, Victoria Glen, to create memorial necklaces. She creates custom, hand stamped jewelry using a variety of metal materials and designed beautiful pieces for them. When we commissioned the second piece, she was so moved by the story, she donated her work to the family. What an act of kindness for a family she’s never seen or met!

I was so impressed with Victoria’s work, I ordered a piece for myself. Because her work is 100% custom, I was concerned it might not fit my quad mom budget. To my surprise, she’s very reasonable, and can work with a small budget. Victoria worked with me to determine exactly what I envisioned. She took time to listen to my description and sent pictures with examples of options so I could see various combinations. I chose a long necklace with the babies names stamped around a hammered heart. I requested two additional embellishments, one a crystal ruby (the babies’ birthstone) and the other a stamped circle with their birth date. I chose stainless steel because it’s strong and virtually quadruplet proof! I LOVE my necklace! If you want to give a personalized gift to someone special (or yourself), drop by her Facebook page to see her gallery for inspiration and send her a message.

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My necklace is actually in transit. Victoria sent me this picture to make sure I approved before shipping. I think it’s lovely in the photograph.

3. Over the past year, I’ve neglected my passion for reading. I unabashedly assumed there was no time for it a midst raising quadruplets. A few weeks ago, a friend with young children was telling me about a new book series she enjoys. The wheels started churning in my head and I wondered why I don’t have time to read. Naturally, I don’t have entire evenings or days to devour a book, but I can spare a few minutes a day for a novel. Sophie Kinsella is one of my favorite authors and I knew my sister had her most recent release so I borrowed it. Sophie writes light-hearted comical pieces that aren’t complex, which I find relaxing. I’ve since returned to my former bedtime routine of reading just one chapter before I nod off to sleep. It’s been so long since I read a Sophie book, I nearly forgot how much I adore them. She’s British so I tend to pick up a new British vocabulary. In the next few weeks I may talk about knickers, mention sniggers, or proclaim, “Bollocks!” If I really let it get to me, I may adopt a phony British accent. I’m enamored with accents as long as I can follow them. I should add, I found Sophie Kineslla’s books on CD first, when I had a long commute. It was then that I developed a love of the British accent. Whenever I read her books now in print, I hear the accents coming through.

Order is restored with a novel on my nightstand!

Order is restored with a novel on my nightstand!

For Christmas, I had book stamp made for Courtney.

For Christmas, I had book stamp made for Courtney.

If I want the babies to enjoy books, I need to model reading for them!

If I want the babies to enjoy books, I must model reading for them.

4. Last night I found this biohazard bag neatly folded in our camera bag.  I have a hazy memory of surgery prep before the babies’ delivery. I had to remove my earrings and my sister requested a bag for safe keeping.  They have been safe for well over a year!  The only problem is I had no idea where my earrings were and since purchased a new pair.  I’m glad to have my old pair back again.

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What rays of sunshine did you see this week?

Hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #29

Amber 4 Comments

Thursday has rolled around once again.  It’s time for us to link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays.  Each Thursday, we take time to reflect upon some of the little things that brightened our week.

1.  Laughter is good for the soul, and the babies gift us plenty of laughter to fill our days.  Sydney’s hair is getting longer by the day so I’ve begun pulling it into a side swept ponytail.  We could not contain the laughter a few days ago when her hair stood straight up after the ponytail holder was removed.  She seemed to think it was entertaining as well.

I think Sydney could star as "Cindy Lou Who" in the next Dr. Seuss flick.

I think Sydney could star as “Sydney Lou Who” in the next Dr. Seuss flick.

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2.  Keeping up with family tradition, my grandmother (GiGi to the babies) hosted a family birthday party honoring the babies.  GiGi whipped up a family meal chock full of the babies favorite dishes (macaroni and cheese, steamed carrots, roast, and rolls).  For dessert, Cici made scrumptious funfetti cupcakes.  Now experienced with cake smashing, the babies demolished these cupcakes.

They each received a brightly wrapped package containing a tiny backpack filled with books.  Reading is a beloved pastime in our family so I hope to instill a love of books in the babies now.  Of their new reads, they especially enjoy the book, “Thank you, God for Puppies” by Tommy Nelson.  They literally squeal when they spy it.

Grandma decorated each baby's gift with a picture from their first birthday party.

GiGi decorated each baby’s gift with a picture from their first birthday party.

Keeping up with tradition, each of the babies approached the cupcake in a unique way. Sydney entertained the entire family when she grabbed her cupcake and went after it like an apple. She did not let go until it was completely devoured. Mason ate none of the cupcake and only licked the frosting off the top.

As always, each of the babies approached the cupcake in a unique way. Sydney entertained the entire family when she grabbed her cupcake and went after it like an apple. She did not let go until it was completely devoured. Mason ate none of the cupcake and only licked the frosting off the top.

3. We’ve been working on learning environmental sounds and Rylin is all about it.  She produces a moo and ba sound upon request.  She and Mason scrunch their noses and snort if you ask them what a pig says.  However, my favorite sound of all is Rylin’s smacking to call the dogs.  Apparently George and I smack our lips to call the dogs A LOT because Rylin’s been imitating this all week.  She also makes the sound if she sees a picture of a dog.  It’s precious.

4. Today, Granny, (my uncle Clarke’s mother) celebrated her 90th birthday, and she met the babies for the first time.  Granny is 90, but she’s spry and didn’t miss a beat with the babies.  She was determined to learn each baby’s name and got a snuggle with each of them.  Happy birthday, Granny!

Sydney gravitated to Granny and cuddled with her for a long time.

Sydney gravitated to Granny and cuddled with her for a long time.

Even at 90, Granny helped Mason take steps.

Even at 90, Granny helped Mason take steps.  The picture quality is poor…I snapped it while wrangling another baby so the hand was not steady.  Still, it is really sweet.

Poppy informed me that he celebrated his 92nd birthday last month and that he and Granny recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. What a wonderful example of commitment and honor.

Poppy informed me that he celebrated his 92nd birthday last month and that he and Granny recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. What a wonderful example of commitment and honor.

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Granny and Poppy’s son, Jack, was visiting from Washington in honor of the momentous occasion and brought them to the house.

What brought joy to your heart this week?

hugs,

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #28

Amber 9 Comments

Whoa, Nelly! Is it Thursday???  Sometimes I don’t know where the minutes and hours go.  Before I know it, a week or more vanished right before my eyes.  Since it IS Thursday, it’s time to link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus to recall what little things brought happiness to our week.

1. Texas summers are typically stricken with heat waves and severe drought conditions.  This year we’ve seen more pleasant showers than I can ever recall.  We still have plenty of triple digit days, but the rain is always refreshing.

All four babies pressed their noses to the glass, but scattered before I could snap a picture.

All four babies pressed their noses to the glass, but scattered before I could snap a picture.

2. Last night was our first bottle free night.  In place of bottles we offered the babies Sippy cups of cow’s milk.  Thankfully, they seemed content with this new bedtime routine and drifted off to a peaceful slumber without protest, and they stayed asleep all night long.

One new challenge with Sippy cups at the table, is the trill of playing with gravity.  Without fail, the babies take a swig of milk then toss the cup over their shoulder.  If the cup remains on the edge of the table, they push it until they hear that nice “crash” to the tile.  I’ve been working really hard to redirect this behavior, but I sometimes miss opportunities.  Yesterday I made my first ever trip to Buy Buy Baby and stumbled across Sippy cup straps.  Ingenious.  The babies still attempt to taunt gravity, but the cups don’t make it to the ground, which is hopefully not thrilling and cup tossing will soon cease.

Rylin nudged her cup over the edge, but it dangled instead of smacking the tile.

Rylin nudged her cup over the edge, but it dangled instead of smacking the tile.  That’s no fun.

The blue cup is Harper's. Mason attempted to commandeer it, but it didn't quite reach his lips. It looks like the Sippy cup straps solve another problem for me.

Mason attempted to commandeer Harper’s blue cup, but it didn’t quite reach his lips. It looks like the Sippy cup straps solve another problem for me.

3. Periodically, I rotate the babies toys, keeping some in rotation while others are stashed away.  This week the Weeble’s tree house and camper returned from a sabbatical.  The babies were thrilled to reacquaint with their old friends.  The best part was the babies now discover how to play with the toys.  These Weebles have been sent down the slide and for a camper ride numerous times this week.

Weebles wobble, but the don't fall down!

Weebles wobble, but the don’t fall down!

What simple pleasures did you enjoy this week?

Hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #27

Amber 5 Comments

Each Thursday we link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus and take time to reflect upon some of the smaller things that brightened our week.  Depending on what time zone you are in, it may actually still be Thursday.  In my neck of the woods, I still have about 15 minutes remaining…I guess I better get things going!

1. Our study, turned playroom, is surrounded by low hanging windows, and the babies enjoy gazing outside.  Last week we discovered a family of cardinals frolicking outside.  They splashed in our bird bath and pursued grasshoppers on the lawn for quite a while.  Living in suburbia sometimes nature seems void, but beautiful creatures do sometimes find a place in the ‘burbs too.

It was a challenge capturing one of the cardinals because they didn't stay still long and I had to take a picture through the window.

It was a challenge capturing one of the cardinals because they didn’t stay still long and I had to take a picture through the window.  This is the best I could manage.

2. I’m really excited to have a few of my baby food recipes published at Bobee Inc. online today.   The founder of Bobee Inc is a mother of two boys who invented a wall mounted baby wipes dispenser, which includes decals for personalized decor.  Although her website is devoted to her product line, she maintains a blog sharing a variety of parenting articles from how to keep your home safe for babies to baby feeding tips.  Don’t forget to drop by Bobee Inc. to see my applesauce baby food recipes!

3. All together the babies have about 20 pearly whites.  Although I’ve been using the silicone finger tip toothbrushes on the babies since they were newborns, I decided that was no longer sufficient.  This week we began a teeth brushing regimen after breakfast and dinner.  I purchased a four pack of toddler toothbrushes and training toothpaste for the job.  I haven’t sampled this toothpaste myself, but it must taste delicious because the babies get all jazzed up about this new routine.  They begin squealing in excitement when they spy their toothbrushes and crocodile tears flow when we are finished.  I hope they develop a lifetime of good dental hygiene and always love brushing their teeth so much!

We brush the babies teeth first to ensure the job is sufficiently done.

We brush the babies teeth first to ensure the job is sufficiently done.

After we brush the babies teeth we let them do the work themselves. We usually do this while they are still seated in the quad table, but I forgot tonight and wasn't hauling them back in just for teeth brushing.

After we brush the babies teeth we let them do the work themselves. We usually do this while they are still seated in the quad table, but I forgot tonight and wasn’t hauling them back in just for teeth brushing.

4. On Sunday morning, George and I prepared a family style breakfast with buttermilk pancakes.  Typically we enjoy our breakfast during the babies’ morning nap, but this time decided to eat with them at the quad table.  George misjudged Mason’s reach and found a little hand nabbing bits of pancake right off the plate.

This brings the expression, "Sticky Fingers" to life!

I think “Sticky Fingers” could be a proper nickname for Mason.

What warmed your heart this week?

Hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #26

Amber 4 Comments

Sadly, this week marked the end of my summer break as I went back to work yesterday.  I must admit, I really enjoyed the extra time home with the babies while I also had extra help around the house.  As summers go, I didn’t quite accomplish everything I set out to do.  On the bright side, today is Thursday, which means it’s time once again to link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus as we reflect upon some of the week’s highlights.

1. Last week, I posted this picture of my father-in-law donning Rylin’s headband as he entertained the babies.  I requested captions for it and LOVED hearing some of your ideas.  This week, I’m sharing the same picture with my favorite caption submitted by Jack.

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2. Nothing warms a mama’s heart as much as when her babies learn new things.  The babies are at a fun age where they explore and learn daily.

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After a lot of modeling and hand over hand assistance, the babies learned to fit the circular shaped foods onto the plate that goes with this picnic basket. Of course when I tried to get them to demonstrate the skill for George they put it in the wrong slot. However, they do understand the concept of putting the food ON the plate even if they don’t match the shapes 100% of the time.

Please excuse the bit of dinner left on Rylin's face. The breakfast nook lacks sufficient lighting to see everything.

Rylin learned to wave “hi” and “bye”. Whenever someone enters the front door, she crawls to the gate where she says, “hi” and waves intensely.

3. The babies received tricycles for their birthday from Grandaddy.  However, some a lot of assembly was required.  It took George the better part of a week to finish all four, but he managed.  Once we had all of them ready to go, we took the babies for a short ride down the street.  What a sight!

Rylin, Mason, Harper, & Sydney

Rylin, Mason, Harper, & Sydney

 

4. For the first time this week, the babies attended a birthday party.  Their triplet buddies are just five days younger so it was their turn to celebrate the “Big One”.  I was slightly concerned about how they would behave because the party was in the evening during the infamous “witching hour”.  We weren’t able to stay long, but the babies seemed to have fun exploring a new place and meeting new faces.  Naturally, they crawled right up to the gifts we brought and confiscated the bows right off them!  At least it wasn’t a gift from someone else.

Haylie, Landry, & Luke are one!

Haylie, Landry, & Luke are one!

One of the babies' NICU nurses, Kim, goes to church with the triplets and was at the party too. We loved seeing her!

One of the babies’ NICU nurses, Kim, goes to church with the triplets and was at the party too. We loved seeing her!

What joy did you find this week?

 

Hugs!

Amber

 

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #25

Amber 16 Comments

I think I’m finally recovered from planning and executing the quadruplets four ring party.  WHEW!  Now it’s time to link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays!

1. A few nights ago, the girls thought they’d remind us how much we appreciate ALL four babies sleeping ALL night.  The dynamic duo took turns wailing intermittently for a solid two hours.  About 90 minutes in we realized how they were taking turns and setting each other off so Sydney was relocated into the Pack ‘n’ Play.  When we thought she was conked out for good, we decided it was time to return her to her crib.  I lost at Rock, Paper, Scissors and had to do it.  I found her sleeping with her face pressed up against the mesh with her legs pulled up in a frog position.  The girls may have well driven me to gulping two glasses of wine, but finding this reminded me just how much I love them, even when they drive me insane.

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2. I had a spectacular time at the quad’s birthday, but needless to say I was exhausted by the time the last guest parted.  Our friends, Deven, Alan, and Jen stayed behind and made sure we didn’t have to contend with a mess ourselves.  The three of them gathered all the remaining trash, swept, washed dishes, stored left over food, and made sure party evidence disappeared.  Plus, Deven and Alan picked up barbeque for dinner so George and I didn’t have to eat more pimento cheese sandwiches.  They were so thoughtful and selfless.  Not to mention, we really enjoyed their company.  It is a rare treat that we enjoy adult conversation without babies interfering.

I ambushed Alan and Deven as they scrubbed the remaining pile of dishes.

I ambushed Alan and Deven as they scrubbed the remaining pile of dishes.

3. Yesterday I stumbled upon my father in law playing with the babies at the quad table and it certainly warmed my heart.

This photo really needs a caption so please submit your best one!

This photo really needs a caption so please submit your best one!

4. Just this morning, some special visitors stopped by bearing handmade gifts for the crew plus a huge box of diapers.  George and I are eternally thankful to the generous people who have kept our babies diapered this year.  We started with a nice stock pile collected at baby showers, but depleted most of them earlier in the year.  Amazingly, as soon as we are down to a few diapers, someone mysteriously helps replenish them.  My parent’s Bible study and Bunko group even ran a few diaper drives during the year, which carried us from month to month.

Eileen is holding Mason and Sydney while Marrianne has Harper and Rylin.

Eileen is holding Mason and Sydney while Marrianne has Harper and Rylin.

Marianne made each of the babies a towel with a hood personalized with their name. I can't wait to use them tonight since it happens to be "bath night".

Marianne made each of the babies a towel with a hood personalized with their name. I can’t wait to use them tonight since it happens to be “bath night”.  Eileen transferred classic Disney albums to CD’s for the babies.  Disney classics bring back fond childhood memories so I can’t wait to share them with the babies.

What warmed your heart this week?

Hugs!

Amber

P.S. Eileen, the CD’s don’t work in our den CD player, but they DO work in the computer, which is conveniently located in the playroom.  I should even be able to transfer them to our ipod.

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #24

Amber 19 Comments

It’s one of my favorite days of the week- Thursday!  Why?  Because we take the time to reflect upon the little things that brought joy to our week as we link up with Rebecca at A Beautiful Ruckus.

1. When the babies were born, they each received dog pillow pals and monogrammed blankets.  Due to the risk of SIDS, we’ve kept these items in their closets unused.  I’m still not ready to add any blankets or plush to their cribs, but I thought it would be a good idea to begin “practicing” with blankets during Baby Einstein movies.  A few nights ago, I spread each pillow pal on the den floor, laid each baby in his or hers and covered them with the blanket.  Sydney and Mason snuggled right in for the movie and stayed put the entire movie.  Rylin and Harper, zipped off as soon as their heads hit the pillow, however.

Look who snuggled up right by Sydney...Lily of course!

Look who snuggled up right by Sydney…Lily of course!

2. Earlier in the week, I posted about the mammoth zucchini found in our garden and shared our beloved zucchini bread recipe.  I also asked you to share yours.  Two readers submitted recipes, which both looked great!  (I also LOVE interaction with readers because it reaffirms why I write).  I took stock of our pantry and had the majority of the ingredients for a reader submitted recipe, Zucchini Perini.  It was fantastic!  It was reminiscent of lasagne without noodles so it would be ideal for anyone on a low carbohydrate diet.  This recipe is definitely going into my repertoire.

Not only was this recipe delicious, it was relatively quick and simple to prepare. And, I was able to pulse it in the blender for the babies to eat.

Not only was this recipe delicious, it was relatively quick and simple to prepare. And, I was able to pulse it in the blender for the babies to eat.

I know you’ll want to try this recipe so I’m sharing it.  I crossed out where I made tweaks so you could make it as I did, or follow it as the original.  I know my version was divine, but I’m sure the original is too.

 This recipe originated from Chef Tom Perini of the Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas.

•           1/2  1 lb ground beef

•           1/2 lb hot Italian sausage

•           1 large onion, diced 3/4 c. diced, frozen onions

•           1 dash salt

•           1 dash ground black pepper

•           1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, mashed and drained petite diced tomatoes

•           6 ounces tomato paste

•           1/4 cup tomato sauce 1 14 oz can tomato sauce

•           2 teaspoons oregano

•           1 dash garlic powder

•           2 lbs zucchini, sliced 1/4 thick 2 medium zucchini sliced

•           1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350º.  In an oven-safe pan a skillet, brown the ground beef, sausage and onion. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Add the whole tomatoes, tomato paste and tomato sauce. Add the oregano and garlic powder and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add the zucchini, mix thoroughly then sprinkle with cheese.  Pour into greased 11 x 13″ casserole pan.  Bake at 350º until cheese melts and starts to brown, about 10 25 minutes.

Note: If you omit  the cheese, this recipe is dairy free and would work for those on a Whole 30 or Paleo diet.  It is also gluten free.

I didn’t have everything needed for the stuffed zucchini recipe, but do plan to try it as well.

3. George has a fascination with archaeology and geology.  Over the years, he’s collected specimens from hunting and camping trips and from when our neighborhood was under construction.  One particular specimen was rather unusual and he’s mentioned having it identified, but never got around to it.  This week we finally took it to Texas Christian University’s Monnig Meteorite Museum.  There, we met a kind hearted geologist with a wealth of knowledge.  Upon seeing the specimen he seemed perplexed as he scratched his head.  He immediately indicated it was not a meteorite, but he wasn’t quite sure of the composition.  As we meandered through the museum, he took it for further examination and to consult with his colleges.  After a few short minutes, he returned and proclaimed George had something they’d never seen before and called it a “DFR”.  Hmmm….sounds interesting right?  DFR is a geologist’s acronym for “Damn Funny Rock”.  As it turned out, George had a piece of limestone encased in chert.  Interesting, but sadly has no monetary value.  Rats!  I was secretly hoping we could start a college fund with this “rock”.

Here's the DFR in it's glory.

Here’s the DFR in it’s glory.

4. The babies are at a really fun age as they explore and learn something new daily.  Seeing the world through their eyes always warms my heart.

Rylin discovered how to get onto the motorcycle independently, and Mason decided he'd give her a push. So cute!

Rylin discovered how to get onto the motorcycle independently, and Mason decided he’d give her a push. So cute!

4. Here in Texas, we’re always looking for a new spin on Tex-Mex.  Taco and burrito joints are all the rage these days.  George and I tried a new one, Torchy’s Tacos, this week and loved it!

We shared street corn and each chose our own tacos. I got fried avocado in corn tortillas, yum-o!

We shared street corn and each chose our own tacos. I got fried avocado in corn tortillas, yum-o!

What little things brought joy to your heart this week?

Hugs!

Amber

The Little Things Thursdays: Installment #23

Amber 8 Comments

Yes folks, it is indeed Thursday.  Of course that means it’s time to link up with A Beautiful Ruckus for The Little Things Thursdays.

1. Nisey and Terri helped me take the babies to the town center this week so we could sample some gelatto. The babies devoured one kid sized snozberry cup in minutes. I think it’s safe to say they like gelatto.  I’m wondering how long I can get away with splitting a single kid sized anything for all four babies….

These are some dapper boys! I love Harper's fedora especially.

These are some dapper boys. I love Harper’s fedora especially.

After polishing off the gelatto, we window shopped in Anthropologie. While I probably can't afford anything in there, I love getting inspiration.

After polishing off the gelatto, we window shopped in Anthropologie. While I probably can’t afford anything in there, I love getting inspiration.

2.  One downside to having a birthday in July is that it is peak travel season and many guests decline.  Although our friends, the Cox family, can’t make the party, they stopped by for a practice party session.  They brought a wonderful assortment of gifts for the babies geared towards imaginative play.  Since they were tiny at Christmas, the babies really had not opened gifts before.  They got plenty of practice this week!  They ripped paper and pulled tissue with ease.  The only glitch was that the babies also wanted to snack on the pretty paper.

In no time, Mason figured out how to pull the edges off the bright packages.

In no time, Mason figured out how to pull the edges off the bright packages.

Rylin was not pleased when we informed her she could not eat the wrapping paper.

Rylin was not pleased when we informed her she could not eat the wrapping paper.

It is possible to get all four babies in a picture when they are held. It's pretty impressive that Hayley has 75% of them.

It is possible to get all four babies in a picture when they are held. It’s pretty impressive that Hayley has 75% of them. The babies are all eating parts of their gifts instead of the paper in this photo.

3. George and I always agreed that Sasha and Lily are our first babies and we owe it to them to give them the best care we can.  That being said, four babies rocked our world this year.  We continue to try our best with the dogs, but it’s just not the same for them.  They don’t get daily walks or weekly baths the way they did in the past.  Our friends, Neha and Kristen, gave our fur babies a special gift this week.  They took them for a walk!  I some how managed to bathe both of them this week too.  I know Sasha and Lily felt special and loved.

What brightened your week?

Hugs,

 

Amber

 

PS- There is still time to enter to win the Summer Loving Cash Bash!