Fifth Birthday?!?!?! Already?

Five years ago. This was her. My firstborn. My baby girl. My world. The perfect addition to our family. Wrapped in pink. Adorable. My heart's desire.


















Today. Five years old. (Well not technically, but the party was today.) Beautiful. Spunky. Sharp. Always listening. Rarely quiet. Adorable. Caring. Fun. Still wrapped in pink. My only girl. Wonderful big sister. Partially grown up.

What a better family we have because of this girl. I don't mean to get all cliche on you, but man time has moved fast these last 5 years!?!?!?!

We had the best birthday party yet! I am pretty sure I get just as excited about planning and having her party as she does! HA! We are so, so blessed that we have all of our family and friends so close that they can come and spend a day with us to help celebrate!!!!!


















Drake really liked the spring form pan as a hula hoop! We used the pans to make her cake and he found this size in the cupboard and played with it half the day.















Burly helped finish decorating the cake this morning!



















The LalaLoopsy cake! It turned out pretty darn cute! Calla.Loved.It.














On Saturday, Calla and I were getting ready to go to my cousin Paige's wedding shower. We decided we wanted a picture together. Drake was playing on the floor behind us. Chad snapped the picture just as Drake sat up and joined the picture. LOL!


















Calla really likes the bath robes that Chad, Drake, and I have. Grandma Julie and Papa Bryan were asked to get her one for her birthday. They couldn't find any so Grandma just made her one!



















Drake wanted to get some snuggle time in with Uncle Jed!















We went to the Children's Museum to play for a while after the party. What fun we had there! As you can see even Uncle Jed got to play! :)


























































































Drake really liked and really didn't like Hula this weekend!















The new big bed!















Calla and her collection of LalaLoopsy's! Lots of playing at that table in my future! I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything!


I can't figure out where all of the extra spaces are coming in here tonight. Sorry about the crazy post!

Spinach Feta Florentine Chicken with Pasta

Last night we tried a new recipe. It is a recipe that we got from our emeals subscription. We have found a few things that we like from here, and this one did not disappoint. It had ingredients that we like, just a different way to prepare them. I am here to tell you, it was delicious!!!! Especially with a glass of wine! :)

1 lb boneless chicken breast tenders
6oz fresh spinach
8 oz container sliced mushrooms
1/2 carton grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
1/2 box whole wheat angel hair pasta, cooked

In a 9x13 pan, sprayed with Pam, layer the spinach, then chicken, then mushrooms, tomato halves, then the feta cheese. Drizzle 1/2 of dressing over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Serve chicken mixture and juices over the pasta.
A wonderful stay at home meal for Valentine's Day.

Banana Chocolate Oatcakes

If you are like me, there is nothing like a warm bowl of oatmeal on a cold morning, or any morning for that matter! I have been loving oatmeal for breakfast for months now. I came across a recipe for Blueberry Banana Oatcakes here and have enjoyed them several times. I loosely followed another recipe she had here and also liked it.
Here is my own recipe for Banana Chocolate Oatcakes that I strongly urge you to try if you like oatmeal, chocolate, or bananas!

1/2 cup oatmeal
1 mashed banana
1 tbs cocoa powder
1 tbs ground flax seed

Mix all ingredients together and pat in to 2 cakes. Place these cakes on your griddle over medium heat and cook on each side until firm. I like to put vanilla Greek yogurt on the top or RediWhip!
Let me know what you think!!!

A snowgirl and a little fun

Monday evening, Calla convinced her Dad to help her build a super snowgirl. She turned out mighty pretty and they had a fun time doing it. The rest of the week has not been warm enough to get back out there and play. Bummer!
I have also shared a pic of Drake that I had fun editing with my new program! :)
This morning, Drake found a new hiding spot under the bar. He was having a grand ol' time just going in and out of the cupboard. Calla got in and tried a few times as well. This afternoon Calla decided to try to hide from Drake. Well, when she was out of sight, he left to play something else. I got my camera and as she backed out of the cupboard and turned around, I yelled and snapped a picture. I laughed so hard the tears ran down my leg. (J/K!) But it really was super duper funny!!

First Snowstorm 2012

Friday night we finally received our first measurable snow of 2012! We.have.been.waiting.for.this.day.
At Christmas, we received several items for use in the snow. Then the waiting began...

Yesterday, Calla and Chad went out to start cleaning off the driveway and sidewalk. Drake was at the door crying. We got him a bowl of snow and he sat and ate snow for a little while. We have a snow blower. It is a small snow blower. This snowfall was no match for it. Chad started scooping. I told him to do what he can and then I would go out and do some. After about 20 minutes of scooping, he went across the street to see if he could borrow their BIG snow blower. Our friend said yes and Chad was relieved. For the next hour Drake stood at the front door watching Daddy with this big machine. Both of my boys were smiling. :)

Today we went out to our lovely backyard and did some sledding. Actually Chad and Calla are still out there now with some friends. Hopefully everyone comes in with all bones still intact.