Nurgets

that's what Mason ate for dinner tonight. Chicken Nurgets as he called it. Have you ever tried to look for gluten free, corn free, soy free chicken nuggets? Well don't because they're impossible to find. I tried looking 14 months ago when we started this diet for him, and it was a fail. So he just eats a lot of baked and grilled chicken instead. I could dip chicken in egg and potato flour and bake the chicken that way, HOWEVER we're supposed to stay away from eggs until 3 because of his other allergies. can you see where I'm going with this?

So anyway, I got in my head tonight that I wanted Hooters boneless wings for dinner (minus spending the $20 on dinner) and I just so happened to be watching Food Network today and Sandra Lee made this: Buffalo Poppers
Don't bother making them because they were not that great. too spicy and too tangy, not much flavor. I was disappointed. I'll attempt my own recipe next time. Or just pay $20 for a hooters dinner.
ANYWAY, since i had the chicken out when i was fixing our dinner, I was contemplating what Mason could have. If we can't all have the same food, then I try and make something similar for him. SO i got out the rice chex, finely crumbled the cereal, mixed in a little salt & pepper, garlic powder and paprika and threw the cubed chicken in the 'bread crumbs'- I baked them at 350 degrees for 20 minutes & they came out PERFECT! Mason ate a TON and even waited another 20 minutes for the rest to bake and ate all those too! SCORE!
GO MOM! GO MOM! GO MOM! ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY. (not really.)
Have to say, Mason & I both thought I was pretty awesome tonight! then Again......he also decided to dip his watermelon into sour cream AND ketchup tonight. (ew.)

Go Josh!

Here's a funny little video of Mason, Rilee, Maddox, Amy & My dad in the pool cheering Josh on with his mad diving skills. It was cute how they cheered him on. Excuse the obnoxiously annoying voice in the background, not quite sure WHO that was!

Wordless Wednesday

Baby Maddox update :)

Maddox will be FIVE whole months old this weekend- wow it's gone by! I'm not the biggest fan of newborn babies (don't get me wrong i ADORE my babies) however, I love the age where they can sit up on their own and older. I actually can't wait for how fun my boys will be when Maddox is Mason's age and so forth.

Stats- The week before last Maddox had his 4 month check up and shots done and I couldn't believe how big he was! just 2 oz. shy of 16 lbs! YES, SIXTEEN POUNDS at 4 1/2 months old!!! But he's also considered tall (yeah! for some Bardin height!) He's in the 95th percentile for height & 85% for weight. He's been in 6-9 month clothes for the past almost month now- which clothes is a whole nother blog post. Have you seen the rolls on my baby? oh its so cute! Those rolls could be a photo shoot all in itself.

Personality- what a happy easy going baby. I couldn't ask for a more 'go with the flow' type baby- which is GREAT to have when they're #2!

Sleep- just a little side bonus, but he generally naps in the mornings from about 10- 12 noon and in the afernoon from about 2-4 pm. Goes to sleep at night about 7:30ish and will sleep anywhere from 12-13 hours! It's so easy to get in the mode of cuddling with the cutie, but at 4 months old we went ahead and did some sleep training (aka Cry it out) and for 2 nights he cried about 5-10 min max (okay and we know his cry is more of a whine than anything!) so now for his morning nap and at bedtime we just lay him in his crib, put on the crib aquarium once and he'll put himself to sleep pretty easily. Let me tell you that sleep training is SO much easier at 4 months old RATHER than at 15 months old with a stubborn personality! (cough. Mason. cough.)

What's New? Maddox has gotten attached to a little blankie that Amy (aunt Mimi) gave him, nap and bedtime with it!
Last thursday Maddox & I headed out to Dallas. My friend Sara heard that someone was looking for babies 1-9 months old for a photoshoot for Hot Slings for their new catalog- so I e-mailed my contact info and Maddox's recent picture and sure enough I got an email back saying they would love to use maddox! Maddox was the youngest baby of the bunch. We spent sometime waiting and just as he was about to fall asleep, they called us back for his shot. I can't wait to see the photos- their idea was pretty glam- the model was gorgous in a cute black dress, birdcage veil type hat and a chic sling- Maddox was AWESOME. The stylish and photographer were really happy with him in the shots. We could not but help laugh the whole time because without even snapping fingers Maddox would STARE straight at the photographer, but everytime the lights went with the flash, Maddox would flash 'the eyebrow' look. You know that look? CLICK HERE FOR THE LOOK Within a few minutes, he fell right asleep in the sling! The coordinator leaned over and told me that they were really happy with the shots, and that THIS set up was going to be the cover shot for their new catalog! SCORE!
I got an email today from the coordinator that they were really thrilled with Maddox, how well he did and how photogenic he is. payment is product (yeah for a free sling!) and a CD of all the images of his as well as the catalog with his printed photo. It was a fun experience! Don't think I'll become one of THOSE Moms (stage mom or whathaveyou) if something else like this comes along for either Mason or Maddox, maybe, maybe not- if we do, and have fun while making a savings for them, then great :)
SO stay tuned, when things are published I'll keep you updated!
In the mean time, here's a shot of my hunk-a-chunk while we were waiting last week! (Just to tide you over with some babychub cuteness!)

Home Project, gone not so great.

Frustration.
Mason waking up at 6:32 every morning.
NOT COOL. 

I know he can sleep longer. Mason's very light sensitive just like Gavin. Unfortunately he's in the front room which has an arch window. Even with double heavy drapes (we even had black out shades ,however they didn't help with the arch.) it still gets bright pretty early. Actually the double heavy drapes are more for the winter, it gets cold in there with that huge window. 

Here is my detailed directions and photos of how to fix the problem. (and also what NOT to do.) 

Lets just say, GOD BLESS MY HUSBAND, I love him! haha

1. Examine the issue. Get husband to measure the problem. 

From iphonephotos

2. Drop of Mason at Preschool. Hit up Lowe's and Hobby Lobby. WITHOUT the husband.

3. Go home and lay out the supplies on the kitchen table. Ask said Husband if he's ready. Act very hurt when he says NO. (it helps if you give him a timeline/countdown until Mason's bedtime.)

From iphonephotos

4. After a pity party and Husband finally gives in, go BACK to Lowe's for L brackets. But not before multiple emails like this to husband that say, "THIS ONE?"

From iphonephotos

5. After hours of husband putting you off because he has other things to do- START it yourself. Maybe hit your thumb with a hammer or ask a silly girl question about his drill and he'll cave and build the frame.

6. Cover with batting and fabric with staple gun.

From iphonephotos

7. Your living room floor might not be the best place. Especially with the help of a 2 year old. Double especially when you have breakables up on the mantle by the tv. things like THIS might happen.

From iphonephotos

8. Let husband help you clean up your mess and finish the job for you.

9. DO NOT let him hang it for you while you get the kids ready for BED.

From iphonephotos

10. Next time, just wait for your father in law to get back into town and he will follow your directions exactly. :-D

SO, didn't turn out like i wanted, however it does make the room darker- Mason slept til 8:15 am today!!

Awesome Wedding

I want to be in this wedding! I watched this video last night and could not stop laughing!

CLICK HERE

Pool Party!!

This past sunday we had majority of our Lifegroup/Bible Study friends over for a Family Fun BBQ. We had a BLAST! I had such a blast that Monday I didn't get out of my pajamas until 7 PM. and accomplished absolutely nothing all day.
We have so many things to celebrate this summer within our group...and let me tell you this isn't just some group- these are amazing people, our support system, prayer warriors, community and wonderful friends! So what were we celebrating besides summertime and a break from the triple digit temperatures? Babies, Miracles, Blessings, JOBS, and healing amongst others!
Now get this group together and boy can you ruin a diet. Well i sure did at least! Too bad there were not any leftovers!
I am looking forward to september when lifegroup starts back up again to see everyone on a weekly basis!! However, i did have a lot of fun with the kids who I don't get to see all the time.

Gavin pulled out the camera- it would have been nice to get some fun shots of all our friends, but Gavin went straight for the kids having a blast in the pool! So sorry friends, but here's some fun stuff of your cuties!

Mason so graciously shared his toys, pool and the baby pool too! I think he's finally got the sharing thing down :) it's 'bout time boy!

From July2009

Lucas showing off his SKILLZ. He sure can swim. he was just being modest with that life jacket on!

From July2009

Oliver- he's a quiet one. But he's a pro at swimming! He must be part fish or something...

From July2009

Zoe- now this cutie is 1/3 of my age and i think at least 3" taller than me. And she can outdive me. and her mom has mad baking skills I would pay for. Remember I don't/can't bake, but i can cook! Corlia brought me some banana bread when I was in the hospital with Maddox and it might have lasted 5 minutes...or less....but it was the best thing I ate there. haha! Back to Zoe- I wonder how tall she'll grow, someone put some bricks on her head ;)

From July2009

Alexia- This sweet girl is way too old for her age. She's beyond a better swimmer, talker, thinker and do'er for her age! She's also lots of fun, and how cool is her name!

From July2009

AND who's this HUNKACHUNK? He's the best bubbleblower and raspberry spitter around of all the 4 month olds I know. :-) (Baby Maddox if you don't recognize him!) and BOY does he LOVE his jumparoo!

From July2009

Isabel (Izzy) was my sidekick in the pool- she let me twist her up in noodle knots, toss her around and even went for a ride on my shoulders. She's got this sweet sweet voice I think she could be the next american Idol....in maybe 15 years! ;)

From July2009

Baby Asher..well not so much a baby anymore- a rootin' tootin' full on toddler- who is going to be a heart throb some day! LOOK at those eyes and dimples! His momma says she won't cut his hair because of his curls, but I'm still wondering what curls she's talking about. hehe sorry Kristin!

From July2009

Baby Caleb (the newest of the bunch!) who is the baby brother to Izzy & Jessi- being held by Mariana (Alexia & Oliver's mom) I think Caleb & Maddox are going to be good buds!

From July2009

And can't forget cute Jessica- she is one of the cutest 2 year olds! So polite and sweet. Jessica & Mason had a BLAST in the baby pool with the slide.
Down she goes.

From July2009

And there she goes!

From July2009

So fuN!

From July2009

Mason's turn. Where did his swim trunks go? hmm....that's a good question. Lovin' the slide, he's doing it the OTHER way. Guess it's the FUN way?

From July2009

Guess so!

From July2009

New Recipes I've tried lately !

Just a few new things I've tried that have gone over well!

Homemade Italian mix (for dressing)

Mason has really been enjoying salads with us lately, and since he can't do most dressings, it's the homemade kind he can have- this one was super tasty over a leafy green salad with grape tomatoes and diced avocado (my ideal summer salad!)

1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
2 tablespoons salt

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, onion powder, sugar, oregano, pepper, thyme, basil, parsley, celery salt and regular salt. Store in a tightly sealed container.
To prepare dressing, whisk together 1/4 white vinegar, 2/3 cup oil (i use olive) , 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons of the dry mix.
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This Recipe for some reason turned out WAY too watery- not quite sure, however instead of a dressing, i used it as a marinade for some chicken, threw the chicken on the grill, toasted some buns, threw on a slice of swiss cheese, lettuce and avocado and YUM!

HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING

1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2/3 cup water

Mix all the ingredients and shake well. Store in a covered container at least 1 hour before serving.
Makes 1-2 cups.
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Gavin calls this a new specialty! I call it- "Not your Momma's sloppy joe!"

1 lb of ground beef
1/2 c of chopped onion
1 c ketchup
1 tb vinegar
1 tb lemon juice
1 tb "who's your sister sauce"....or worchestershiresiresir sauce...or however you spell it.
1 t dijon mustard
1 t paprika
1 tb brown sugar
1 finely chopped clove of garlic

1. brown the beef, drain excess fat.
2. saute the onions and garlic with cooked beef. (haha i almost typed feet. gross.)
3. mix in the rest and simmer for about 10 minutes.
* i always always always add in an extra veggie. Gavin likes to play guess the mystery veggie game. I made this tonight and threw in a zucchini which was great- also yellow squash is good- green bell peppers is one of my favs.
*NOW do not just throw this mix between 2 slices of bread or hamburger buns. We make it gourmet- put it with some sourdough bread...or if you want to cheat on your diet....use some of the Sweet Hawaiian Rolls (oh yum!)

My new hobby

So a while back I gave myself a challenge to overcome my sewing disability. I've done pretty darn good! I knew the basics before, but put that together with a machine that I don't know very well and....well that's just a bad combination. My mom was AWESOME with the sewing machine. She could sew ANYTHING. So i decided I'd figure out the sewing machine she gave me 4 christmases ago FINALLY. I've also recently been given one of her sewing machines, it's a little more complicated than mine, even though its about 20 years old- i'd compare it to driving a KIA VS. a CADDY! its smooth, and quiet...plus its built into a table which helps make it extra secure.
So here is a few projects I've done in the past month...

One of the best advices on having a baby I was given after getting pregnant with Maddox- sure wish i had it with Mason. Someone told me that having a newborn out in the sunshine everyday for a while helps set their internal clocks. Mason had his nights and days confused for the first 6-8 weeks which resulted in severely sleep deprived parents! With Maddox straight away we started going outside and within the first 2-3 weeks he was set. I really needed something for Maddox to lay on outside that wouldn't pick up all the dirt and leaves- what i needed was an indoor/outdoor playmat (its in the post below with him on the beach brown/white/green/blue mat) then I decided hmmm......not a bad project to make for friends and pass on the advice! (sorry for the poor quality camera phone pictures!)
This playmat was given to my friend Alicia after she had baby Caleb, i love the blue mixed prints

From July2009

This was for my friend Heather in CA- who had Lily about 2 months ago- the green print is all flower names, and Lily is one of them :)

From July2009

Heather's Sister Cathy is due with her 3rd girl as well in December, so of course I had to make one for one of my closest friends! Just a fun cute print- all of them have a checkered quilt pattern and when rolled up can be tied with the ribbon for easy storage.

From July2009

I made this cute dress for the Little Miss (Rilee) right before we left for CA, but have YET to see her wear it! (ahem.)

From July2009

this is my next project.
OY. why do i do this to myself? i go from easy breezy 1 hour tops projects to a QUILT. am i crazy? maybe i just like the challenge.
Decided that Mason needs a quilt. I think he'll love it when I'm done. It's got the theme of his room, all the colors, maybe i'll have it finished for when he goes off to college. I have 3 squares finished. i think i need like 22 more. hoping i might have some time next week to work on it. we'll see!

From July2009

So much to catch up on!

June 30-July 5th we headed out to Orange County and hung around my dad's place for the week. We just took it easy, relaxed, shopped, beached, and spent some good time with good friends! Of course I'm never ready to come home from California, but that's the bonus of being my Father's Daughter- we're always welcome back :)

Mason enjoying the sights and cool weather for an afternoon in Long Beach

From July2009

Mason LOVES the beach. Always has since his first trip at 6 months old. He might get that from me. You practically have to peel us off the beach at the end of the day.

From July2009

Maddox got his feet in the sand too. But we kept him in the shade under a huge umbrella. He LOVED the cool weather!

From July2009

Tried teaching Mason how to boogy board but he just wanted to pull it around like a wagon. ;-/ Next time maybe he'll get it! I can't wait for the days to go boogy boarding with my boys!

From July2009

Afternoon trip up to Long Beach- we stopped and took a look at the Queen Mary. We kept asking Mason, "Where the big ship?" he'd point to one of the smaller boats. I think he thought that Mary was a building or something! Next trip out I'd love to take a tour on the ship!

From July2009

This is the view from Ocean Drive (courtesy of my talented husband! okay all of these are! haha) which is the street above my dad's house, it's an amazing view of Newport Harbor and part of Balboa Island- this is where we stood to watch fireworks- what an amazing place to see them! Could you imagine watching this sunset daily? Now you know why it's so hard for me to come back! I don't get this kind of sunset here. These kinds of sunsets are very addicting ;)

From July2009