Keeping Busy

There's no shortage of projects ideas for me.  My problem lies in trying to decide and priorities which projects to do.

Here is my most recent endeavor.  I've had the paint for about a year.  Sad, I know.  Still, first coat up today and, hopefully, the second tomorrow.  (Or late tonight.)  I'm trying to have it done to surprise child #3 when she returns home next week.

Cinnamon Nutmeg French Toast

Our family LOVES french toast.  The kids will eat it anytime of the day and several pieces each in one sitting.  I'm all for a quick and easy meal like this, too.  Plus, with all the protein, the kids seem to stay full longer than when they just have cereal.

Here is a variation I've come up with to keep things interesting and it just plain tastes good. :)

Cinnamon Nutmeg French Toast
(Makes 8 slices)

Ingredients:
4 Large Eggs
1/4 C Water or Milk
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
8 Slices Multigrain Bread

What To Do:
Heat electric skillet to 350*.
Whisk together eggs and water in an 8x8 dish.

Add cinnamon and nutmeg to eggs and whisk to incorporate.

Dip bread (one slice at a time) in egg mixture covering both sides completely.  Place in skillet.  Flip when first side is browned.

Remove from skillet when completely cooked.  Add desired toppings.  Eat and enjoy!

We have several different topping we like to put on our french toast around here:  maple syrup, powdered sugar and fresh fruit.  This recipe is extra yummy with peanut butter, sliced banana and maple syrup as toppings. Mmm - MM!!!

Any other variations out there that you all have come to love?  What did you think of this recipe after trying it?  Leave a comment here or visit me on Facebook and leave a comment there.

Library Time

This kid is amazing!

We had such a good time watching him perform at our local library yesterday.  My oldest 2 were sitting in the front row with their mouths hanging open through most of the show.  He did a great job of relating to the kids and keeping everyone entertained.  Awesome tricks and he didn't get the strings tangled once!  

Great fun for all of us!

Getting My 'Bob Vila' On

From this...

To this...

And I did it all by myself!  Weeell...  Kevin did have to loosen the original shower head because 1) I couldn't find a crescent wrench and 2) I'm a wimp.  :)  But, other than that, I did it!  And with no leaks.  Even better!!

I was hoping to have this done a couple weeks ago.  Kevin was out of town on a business trip and it would have been perfect timing.  Nothing for him to worry about if he doesn't know it's being done.  But, as mentioned before, I'm a wimp.

This is going to make my life a little easier.  The older kids can now shower by themselves since the shower head is lower.  (My oldest has an unbelievable amount of hair on her head!)  And, rinsing the tub after a cleaning will be a breeze.  Plus, it's a bonus feature for the guest using this bathroom.

I mentioned my next project to my husband in passing and he called me MacGyver.  I took it as a complement, but now (looking back on it) I'm not sure that's how he meant it.  Things usually worked out OK in the end for MacGyver, so I'll keep thinking of it as a complement.  :)

Need A Book?

We certainly don't!  This is what my floor looked like yesterday afternoon.  There's even a couple more piles to the far left that didn't make it into the picture.

In my mission to get more organized, I decided this was an easy project to tackle.  Just a few books, right?  Hmm.  We were on a role, until my 3 year old decided it would be a fun to try and walk from pile to pile.  FYI - NOT a good idea.  I fear there may be a few bruises from that one.

So.  After several hours, this is the result.  We even have a little room to grow!  I have high hopes that the white bins will help us keep the books on the shelves.  We shall see.  :)

Pool Robes

As you can see from the previous post, I have 4 little ones that LOVE to be in the water.  Even our newest was kicking and giggling when he was in the water.  Since we don't have a pool in our backyard, it is always a pain trying to keep a towel around wet kids.  There's only so many times you can re-tuck a towel around a 3 year old as you walk from the pool to the car.  Pool robes to the rescue!

These are the beauties the girls are now sporting when leaving the pool scene.  There's a great pattern/tutorial at Sew, Mama, Sew!.  Very easy to follow and complete.

I made the sleeves a little different, but over all I followed the directions.  One thing I would suggest is either re-enforcing the shoulder seams or just cutting out the neck without cutting the shoulder.  This has been an area of weakness.  Although, it could just be my sewing.  :)

Vacation? Sure!

I've been MIA lately.  It was for a good cause, though.  We needed a little family time.  Ever needed that?  So.  While my parents were having a bit of fun doing this...

We were having fun at their place doing this...

And this...

A little bit of this...

Even the littlest (walking) one loved doing this...

I was even able to get in on the action a little. :)

Call it house sitting.  Call it a semi-free vacation.  Whatever you call it, we had a blast!  We got to see family, both church and biological, and relax like crazy!  We did spend a few days with my parents after their return - a huge bonus.

As much fun as we had, it was good to get home last night.  Today is being spent sleeping in until 6 (yes, this is sleeping in), idle pursuits and a 'Phineas and Ferb' marathon (gotta love DVR).  I'm also getting my internet fix after going through withdrawals all last week. :)

I think this is a vacation we will remember for quite a long time.