Lancaster County Tradition

Tonight we were invited over to the Hostetter's house for dinner. It was a rocky start, I wrote the house number down wrong and we went to the wrong house. I really wasn't sure what to say. I've made many wrong phone number calls in my life, but I've never gone to the wrong house. I am sure the women was shocked to open the door and find a family of 4 ready to eat.

Anyway Jena made us a traditional Lancaster County meal with ham loaf, pineapple stuffing, cheese potatoes, green beans, and fresh fruit. Jena was a little concerned about the ham loaf. She told me before hand that we will either hate it or love it. I must say that we LOVED it. I think I will go buy one tomorrow!! It was sorta like a honey baked ham, but even better. After dinner Brian went outside to check out Ryan's extreme hammock. If you haven't read the story please visit the Hostetter Hangout August 6th entry. Brian was really excited about it. I think he may try and join Ryan on the trip next year. The kids had a great time!! Thank you Hostetter Family for having us over!!

Photo of the Hammock.

Yummy!

I have been getting many requests for this recipe. So I thought I would post it on the blog. I hope that some of you will try it and comment. Tonight I made it and melted the cheese over the red peppers and it was really good.

Grilled Cajun Chicken Sandwich
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless medium chicken breast halves (about 12 ounces total)
Olive oil or cooking oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese with peppers
2 to 4 tablespoons Thousand Island salad dressing
Few dashes bottled hot pepper sauce
Roasted or fresh red sweet pepper strips
Lettuce leaves
4 Kaiser or whole wheat buns, split and toasted


Directions
1. Rinse chicken; pat dry. Place each breast, boned side up, between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Working from center to edges, pound lightly with the flat side of a mallet until chicken is just less than 1/2 inch thick.
2. Brush with oil; sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Grill or broil as directed.
3. Spread buns with Thousand Island salad dressing mixed with a few dashes bottled hot pepper sauce. Top with roasted or fresh red sweet pepper strips, lettuce, and bun tops. Makes 4 servings.
To cook by direct grill method: Arrange chicken on a grill rack. Grill, uncovered, directly over medium coals for 12 to 15 minutes or until no pink remains, turning once. Add cheese the last 2 minutes of grilling.
To broil: Arrange the chicken on an unheated broiler pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until no pink remains, turning once. Add cheese the last minute of cooking.

Dinner

We went to church this morning and then had a nice relaxing afternoon at home.

Tonight we had family that was in town visiting. My second cousin, Rae, came to Hershey with her husband, Hack; daughter, Danny, and grandson, Max. They are on a road trip across the country. They started in Seattle, Washington and will end in Boston, Mass. It was really fun to have a meal together and visit. Hannah said, "Momma I sure had fun with Max." Max is 7 years old and the kids thought he was so cool.

WARNING... Toy Recall

RECALL INFORMATION

Fisher-Price Toys with Lead Paint Hazard Recall

Fisher-Price, in cooperation with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is voluntarily recalling a limited number of Nickelodeon and Sesame Street painted toys produced by one specific contract manufacturer during a narrow timeframe. The recalled products were sold in retail stores nationwide since May 1, 2007. Paint on affected products contains lead in excess of permissible levels. Lead is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health effects.

Please CLICK HERE to check to see if you have any of these toys.

Beauty

The following photos were taken last weekend at Devonwood Equestrian Center in Portland, OR during a dressage show where top riders from several states were competing.

This is my Step dad, Stephen, riding Nikia in the show. They won a blue ribbon (1st place)! I wished that we lived closer so we could have seen this live!! Although I can only imagine my children suddenly running out into the arena or making some screeching noise that spooks all the horses.

This is Stephen riding Galileo, but the important thing to note about this photo is my Uncle Bruce, Aunt Sally and my Mom (holding hat) sitting in the background. Gali won a 3rd, 4th and 6th place in his classes.

We are proud of you Stephen!!

Good Luck at the Show this weekend!

Gift Shop

Brian had arrived 10 minutes early to a meeting across the street from the Andy Warhol Museum on Friday afternoon. So he decided to wander over and check out the museum and gift shop. He found many interesting items but only purchased one. The Juicy Mullet Gum. I just can't help but think about who put the two items together? Hair & Gum?

It brings back a memory of my younger days living in Cleveland Heights, OH. My next door neighbor and best friend, Jenny came over to my house in tears because she got her gum stuck in her hair and her mom was going to be VERY angry with her. Needless to say I had the really cool, laid back, mom that always had a solution. So we took the problem to my mom who remembered hearing about the peanut butter trick. So she put the peanut butter in Jenny's hair and was able to get most of the gum out. My mom did have to get the scissors for some minor cutting, but Jenny was saved. Mrs. Culp to this day is unaware of this event or even the fact that Jenny had cut a little of her hair. Thanks for saving the day Mom!!

Bunk Beds

Today we had a very fun day!! Our friends Jena and Owen came over to play and share lunch with us before going home for naps. Hannah and Carter really loved having Owen over to play. When it was time for them to go home both Hannah and Carter were a little sad. Hannah said, "Momma, I don't want my friend to go home." It was so fun having you over!! I really enjoyed chatting with you Jena!

After they left it was time for our nap time. I decided to put the sheets on the new beds and let the kids try it out. I will admit that I broke a sweat trying to make the top bunk. I think I will wait to change the sheets until after I am done being pregnant. It was a good workout. For anyone that is thinking it is slightly gross not to wash the sheets till Baby Turk arrives rest easy I was kidding.

Hannah just thinks this is the BEST thing ever or at least she did until she tried to jump and hit her head on the ceiling. She is learning her limits in her new bed. Carter just isn't sure what to think!! He has so much space.

Like a Dimond

We are so excited that the beds are almost here. They called to say they are on the way. Hannah Grace keeps telling everyone "I am going to sleep at the ceiling and Carter will sleep down, because he is a baby." The next very common question most people ask Hannah is 'Hannah how will you get up to the ceiling?', to which she replies " I will have to climb a ladder, because I am big like a mommy." I am not sure that I like the idea of 'being big' like a Mommy? Does this mean that I am big and if so in what way? *laughing* Moreover, the other day Hannah Grace was visiting with our neighbor Mrs. White and Hannah told her, " I can't wait to sleep at the ceiling. I will be like a diamond." This came from the song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, that Hannah sings continuously. I just love hearing the kids think. Carter now stands at the end of the hall and yells " Nannah, Nannah!" Too cute!

As for my feelings on the bed arrival I am feeling very excited, but a little nervous. Both kids are such great sleepers and I hope that continues even though they are in the same room.

A little funny side note: Brian and I still do not own any bedroom furniture. We have a box spring, mattress and our dressers from college. We were laughing in the car yesterday that we have such great furniture for all the kids, but we never invested in furniture for us. whoops! I think we will wait till we buy a house and get something that works in the Master Suite (or so I hope we have).

Hopefully we will all get some good rest and I will have enough energy to blog about they new bed experience!!

Bye Bye Krispy Kremes

This morning Brian went to the new donut shop in town, Fractured Prune. He brought back a half dozen donuts for us. Let me tell you that it was the most amazing experience I have ever had with a donut!! Please CLICK and check out the menu... it is truly an AMAZING experience!! I wish I had more time to blog, but I have a million things to do on the 'pregnancy' to-do-list, which needs to be completed before the arrival of Baby Turk.

Mmm... Popcorn

Brian has been counting down the seconds to this day. No, the new baby has not arrived yet. I know that is what most of you were thinking. The truth is that it is the opening day of The Simpsons Movie. Brian called me last week to remind me to get a babysitter for Friday night. I thought it was so romantic that he was planning for date night so far in advance. Well I found out it was really just opening night for The Simpsons Movie. I guess I should feel honored that my husband wants to share this momentous occasion with me?!
I will also share that Brian bought our tickets about a week ago in fear that the movie would be sold out. We invited a number of couples to join us, but sadly they all had plans (or so they said). We were able to coordinate a dinner afterwards with Jeff and Beck. They were so eager to get the review on the movie they requested a dinner immediately following our viewing of The Simpsons Movie. I will admit that I am looking very forward to a nice dinner with Brian and our friends WITHOUT our kids. The kids are so cute, but it is nice have a dinner conversation without screaming interruptions and time restrictions.

I know that I have been giving Brian a hard time lately, but he really is a great husband. Yesterday, he came home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers just to remind me of his love and to say thanks for all my hard work. Too Sweet! Thanks Honey!

Well I better get back to work. I will be posting a review of the movie soon.

Good Friends

Today Rebecca took my 2 kidos so that I could go for a very needed manicure. I am so grateful to have such good friends that live so close! Thank you Coleman Family for all you do!
I would like to note that in my 'report card' of the time spent with Becca. I noticed that Carter and Anna were doing some flirting. Apparently, Miss Coleman was whispering sweet nothings in his ear while Rebecca pushed them around Hershey in the stroller. I guess Carter was really into it??

Lunch with Daddy

Today we drove down to the Capital to meet Brian for lunch. The kids love to go down and meet Daddy. Hannah wouldn't get out of the car until Daddy came to get her. She is such a little mommy. Before we left the house she took a shower with her baby and then she had to get the baby ready, which usually means that she brings everything to me and asks for help. After we were all ready Hannah loaded her baby in the infant carrier car seat and carried her out to the car. We had to take baby everywhere today.
Brian decided to take us to Digs Burgers for lunch. It was REALLY REALLY good. The food was great and seeing Brian was even better.

I know I am starting to get a little on the emotional side again (thanks to hormones), but lately I am just so grateful to have such a devoted husband. As many of you know we are going through another big change and Brian is really putting us first. I just can't believe how much Brian and I have grown since we were first married. Besides gaining a couple of extra pounds. wink. wink. We are just so in love with each other and we love our family. Last night we watched this really strange movie and had a blast just hanging out and laughing. It is a dream to spend everyday with not only the man I love, but a great friend too!!

Carter decided that he wanted to buy lunch, BUT his Baby of America Visa was declined so he decided to dig into Daddy's wallet. Thanks for lunch, Dad!

Back to Work

It was a windy day in Harrisburg. I was really afraid that my dress was going to blow up over my head, but Hannah sure made it look stylish. I think she looks like she is modeling in some photo shoot. We love you Hannah!

"Dad, are we there yet?? This is a lot of stairs for a little man!"

Hannah Grace

Hands-On House

Today I took the kids to the Hands-on House in Lancaster, PA. It was very busy!! Although we had a great time at this learning zone. Hannah worked in a machine shop, milked a cow, learned about germs, and worked in a local grocery store. Carter had lots of fun finding new uses for all the hands-on things. He was throwing the apples in the grocery store, eating machine parts, but his favorite was driving the giant tractor.
After our fun time playing and exploring the museum we sat in the grass and ate the picnic lunch that I had packed. As soon as Hannah ate her last gummy it started to rain. Perfect timing. We loaded in the car and drove home for naps.

Presents!!

Brian came home last night at about 10pm from a long day of traveling. He brought us each a gift. Hannah wanted to wait for Daddy to get home so she opened her gift last night and found this penguin backpack. As soon as she saw it she said "I can take this to school".

Shortly after opening her gift Hannah went to bed with her new bag. She woke up at about 4am and called to tell me she was awake. I went to her room and she was standing at the door with her book bag packed, on, and blanket in her hand. It gave me an early morning chuckle, but I put her back to bed and told her that we would play in the morning.

JACK is the friendliest front loader the Island has ever seen. Jack loves his job so much and is so eager to please that he often takes on tasks too big for him. He sometimes has to be reminded of the quarry motto, "safety first."

Carter opened his gift this morning and hasn't let it go since. He even took his nap with his 'truck.' I saved the best for last!! Here is my new tea/cocoa mug. I just love it!!

Thanks Babe!

Best Friends

Hannah has named Anna Coleman her Best Friend. On our way over to Anna's house today I asked Hannah to share her water sippy with Carter to which she replied, "No Momma, I can only share with my best friend Anna. I can't share with Carter"

We tried so hard to take a photo of the three kids. Here are the two of the better pictures.

This photo is my favorite. Hannah has watched Brian and I kill the bugs in our house with shoes a few too many times. So while we were playing outside today Hannah spotted a bug and decided she needed to kill it. For any of you bug lovers you will be happy to know that she does not have very good aim.

Tough Week

As most of you know Hannah Grace has been a little unbearable lately. She cries and whines non-stop, won't sleep through the night, and doesn't want to sleep in her room ever. So last night I attempted to leave the gate down to keep her from tears and found her in the hall way this morning. As much as I want to ship her off to boot camp right now she is pretty cute.

This photo is of Hannah and Carter's babies. Hannah put them down for a nap while we were eating dinner tonight. I should have taken a photo of the kids taking a bath and washing the babies, but I didn't think of it. I am trying to train them to be good helpers with the new baby. We will see?

Hannah is such a BIG girl with her new "diamond" hair clip. She thinks she is HOT stuff. The other photo is just a cute photo of Hannah helping Daddy cook dinner. Thanks to Grandma Turk for the cute dress!!

The Belly

I have really been struggling with my appearance this pregnancy. I remember being pregant with Hannah Grace. I wanted everyone to see my belly. I even took photos of it. This time I do all I can to hide my big ugly belly. I guess it is the third baby in three years and I should expect it, but I just feel so unpretty. During my college days I remember my Grandmother making a comment about how beautiful my skin was and how my hands were so pretty. At the time I thought that was such a strange comment, but now I am starting to understand. I was just looking at photos the other day of when Brian and I were dating. I found myself dreaming of that young, thin body I once had. At that time in my life I would tell you that I felt fat and I'm sure I would have informed you of all my flaws. So today I am trying to just be grateful now for the youth I still have.
I don't understand why society today makes women feel that aging is unattractive. Now a days you can have anything "fixed". My Grandfather told me when I was young (about 12 years old) that my Grandma was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and she just got more and more beautiful with every passing day. I just thought that was the most wonderful thing and hope that some day Brian will say that to our grand kids.
Someone once told me you should look in the mirror OH! did I mention you should be naked, and tell yourself that you are beautiful and that God created you in his perfect image and likeness. I truly wish that I could put on "God goggles" and see myself as a beautiful, radiant young, thin, winkle less child of God.
I feel like with age you gain an understanding and a wisdom that is so rich. You start to understand the things your elders tried to "teach" you. I feel like such a better person and I love everyday that God gives me. BUT I still feel like I want to hide!! Sorry for this sad entry today, but I would love any advice and prayer you have for me!?

Surprise!

Last night was the SURPRISE party for Jeff's 32nd Birthday. Rebecca has been planning for a few months now and it was just amazing. We enjoyed dinner in a stone room decorated with candles and gerber daisies. After the "roast" we went out into a courtyard to enjoy cake and listen to the gospel group, Chosen, preform. It was a very memorable evening. Jeff even became an honorary member of Chosen and sang for us.

The kids were home with Laura and Elizabeth. They had lots of fun playing in the play room. I don't even think they missed us.

FYI Brian is turning 30 in November and I would love some ideas if anyone has a good one!?!

Saturday Haircut

Every Saturday Jeff, Brian and Carter get up at 6:30am and drive about 30 minutes to get the "best haircut" ever. It really is a fun tradition for the men. Carter has yet to get an actual haircut there, but he truly enjoys the Saturday morning conversations at the Barber Shop or maybe it's just the time spent with his Dad.

Anyway, I think the Barber Shop thing is rather crazy!! Anytime I need a haircut I call up, make an appointment, arrive on time (as long as the kids are cooperating that day) and they cut my hair as soon as I arrive. That is NOT how it works at the Barber. Last time the boys went they got there a few minutes before the doors opened at 7am and there were already 5 gentlemen in line. Amazed by the line Jeff asked "What time did you get here to be first in line?" The man replied, "6:15am". So this man waited 45 minutes to be first. Do you think that the wait was worth it? I would like to know how long you have to wait if you are second? I think I would rather the few extra moments of sleep then the status of "first in line". Moreover, I think it is so fun that the men/boy have started this tradition and I truly hope it is one that continues until Carter leaves for college.

Thank you Grandma for the new shirt!! Looks great!!

Catch of the Day

We bought a game that includes an elephant with a 4 foot trunk that is filled with butterflies and 4 nets. The objective of the game is to catch all the butterflies in your net as they start to shoot out the trunk of the elephant. The kids love the game, but have found MANY uses for the net.
Here are some more photos: