Peanut Butter Predicament

Those of you who know me well, know that my favorite treat of all time is the Peanut Butter Twix (ok...and sour gummy candy).



You may also know that I'm in a competition with my friend Jodi to avoid candy/treats for 4 weeks. The loser buys the winner dinner. (We are allowed one "goof" day each week, with the new week starting each Sunday.) So, here's my predicament. On my goof day (which I've scheduled for July 4th), I'd like to be able to enjoy my favorite treat, but I can no longer find the original Peanut Butter Twix. It seems that the Mars company has decided to permanently replace my favorite candy bar of all time with this little imposter:



Those of you who are not Peanut Butter Twix aficionados, may mistakenly think that the differences between the original and new Peanut Butter Twix bars are minor. How wrong you are! The chocolate wafer cookie in the middle completely changes the desirability of the bar. Why Mars thinks they can retire MY favorite candy bar without consulting ME is offensive...mostly to my palate. The official word on the street is that the original bars still exist, one here and another there. Maybe a box or two at a random convenience store. But, once they are gone...they are gone, leaving me the dilemna of finding a new favorite treat (since in my book, the new PB Twix just doesn't cut it). ***Note: I'm up for suggestions. Post your favorite treat in the comments. :)

So, if you are truly my friend, I issue you this challenge: Find me one (just one)original Peanut Butter Twix and get it to me before July 4th! (I'll even spring for the postage!)

Lucky By Association

My brother Doug is the poster child for LUCK. He is one of the luckiest guys I know. Granted, he works hard too, and usually his hard work pays off, but I'm convinced that luck is also involved. Last Fall, he won the weekly $1,000 giveaway on an online GPT (Get Paid To)site called SWATcash that we both do work on during our free time. (A future blog post will be dedicated solely to SWATcash, but if your curiosity is killing you, check out the site by clicking on the link listed in my favorite websites list.)He has won Ipods, computer speakers, gift cards, etc... The list is endless.

Well, most recently he won 4 tickets to the Tim McGraw concert being held at the White River Amphitheater in Auburn by entering an online radio contest. Fortunately for me, he had already purchased 2 tickets to the concert so he and his wife Jess could attend. So, being the incredibly generous brother that he is, he called and offered me two tickets to attend the concert. Of course, being the Tim McGraw fan that I am, I jumped on the chance to see him in the flesh! Unfortunately, Josh (as the newly called YM Pres. in our ward), couldn't skip out of his responsibilities last night, so I was able to take a close friend instead.

I love being lucky by association! Thanks Doug (and Jess), for a fun night out at a great concert! Good karma, coming your way. May your luck never run out! (FYI: I am always willing to play the role as the grateful beneficiary of your good fortune.)

Operation: Pint-Sized Picasso

Josh arrived home from a church meeting tonight to discover Kaylee had pulled off one of her token stealth operations. Here is the synopsis of Operation: Pint-Sized Picasso.

Timing was key to the operations' success. While I was busy feeding Landon his dose of solid foods for the evening, Kaylee took advantage of my diverted attention. As slyly as a fox she:

A.) Snuck into my craft cupboards to get the art apron.
B.) Scaled the kitchen drawers to reach the water colors on a "high" shelf.
C.) Scavenged plain white typing paper from Josh's office printer.
D.) Secured a cup of water for mixing the watercolors.
E.) Set up her art "studio" on the light carpet in the living room (thankfully, no casualties to report).
E.) Managed to go undetected for a whole 15 minutes before being discovered.
(Once discovered, she was transported to the craft room for a "debriefing" & was allowed to finish her mission objectives.

Here are some pictures of her masterpiece. I'd say her mission was a success!

Introducing Chubby Cheekers...

It's kind of ironic actually. I'm not a fan of chubby babies, yet all of my babies have been chubby and freakishly tall compared to their same-aged baby peers. Don't get me wrong, I think they are cute & I have nothing against the rolls upon rolls of baby fat. However, I don't prefer chubby. If I had my pick, I'd prefer that mine were all runts. Many of my friends have babies that are several months older than Landon (age 6 mo.), yet they seem to retain their newborn baby look for longer. I admit it. I'm jealous. I love the newborn stage, and because my kids grow so darn fast, I feel like they are out of that stage before I'm ready. I guess it's ok...at least I can pinch Landon's cheeks while he's too young to tell me to stop. He'll have the rest of his life to be thin. Here's introducing our little (ok, not-so-little) Chubby Cheekers.

First Taste of Summer

It's finally shorts and t-shirt weather here in the Pacific Northwest. (Well, at least for today it is. Tomorrow it may rain, or even snow...but we aren't talking about tomorrow. We are living for today!! And yesterday and today the sun was out!) I live for 70+ degree weather. We finally broke down and stocked our fridge with popsicles, rounded up the flip flops that have been stashed away since last summer and bought spray on sunscreen for the kids. We spent several hours at the park this weekend, relishing in the sunshine. Jessica, Nick & Joselyn came down for a visit and enjoyed the sunshine with us. It was wonderful waking early this morning to a gentle summer breeze and the sounds of birds chirping. Yes, summer is here...hopefully to stay! Here are a few pictures from our first taste of summer!

Dress Up Obsession

There's obsessed. And then there is Kaylee.

Without fail, each morning (as soon as she's bathed, dressed, fed, and I've fixed her hair), she comes running into my room asking me to get her "pretty dress" down from the high reaches of her closet. She has several "pretty dresses", but I know the one she wants. It's the same one she wants every day--the "Cinderella birthday one" (not to be confused with the "Cinderella itchy one")she'll remind me, as if I could forget. Kaylee has figured out that the cheap tulle that is sewn into many of the dress up costumes does not feel soft against her naked skin, and no matter how often I suggest that she keep an undershirt on, she wasn't born yesterday. She knows that no Cinderella in the history of Cinderellas has ever worn an undershirt with her ball gown.



Next comes the make up. "But Mom!!? Can't I just have a little of that sparkly litstick (aka lipstick)?" This inquiry is followed by a barrage of pleadings for "princess powder" (blush), "perfume" (how a 3 year old who has just bathed thinks she NEEDS this so she won't stink for the prince is beyond me), eye shadow, and get this: "black stuff" (mascara). So, lest you think I'm a Jon Benet Ramsey mother wannabe, I assure you, the obsession is all hers. Most mornings I can get away with tricking her into thinking that the soft brush of her cheek and eyes with my make-up brushes actually did some magical transformation, but in reality, I've done nothing more than make her think she has make-up. Other days she insists on seeing herself in the mirror, at which point, there is no fooling a precocious 3 yr. old. On those days, I consent, and she gets the royal treatment. As often as I roll my eyes at her persistence, there is a secret part of me that loves her obsession for dress up and make believe. Vicariously through her, my own love for all things magical lives on.



Her Cinderella birthday party was a "royal treatment" occasion, as was her recent participation in a friend's Princess party.

The proof is in the pictures.

Oh Where, Oh Where Can My Baby Be?

It seems like just yesterday that I was being wheeled out of Utah Valley Regional Medical Center with my firstborn son. Where has time gone? The little newborn that once relied on me for everything is now 6 1/2 years old with very definite skills, talents, interests and hobbies.

He has become the best helper that I could ever ask for. He's my right-hand man grabbing me diapers, wipes, binkies, blankets, toilet paper (oh come on, you all wish you had a "Jake" when you find yourself on the pot with an empty roll), and so forth. He even made his own dinner last night (waffles with peanut butter & syrup & chocolate milk to drink), trying to be helpful when he noticed I was in a rush to get out the door for a bridal shower.

On Monday, my not-so-little Jacob graduated from Kindergarten. I am so proud of you buddy! I am so grateful to be your "Mommy".

A League of His Own

Jacob has been really enjoying baseball this season. On Saturday, he had an incredible game. He personally made 5 outs at first base. He was so excited. Gone are the days when he could be found spacing out during the middle of the game. Now he is all seriousness, if you can't tell by his "ready position" in the first picture.

Happy Father's Day

Although I am not a believer in only paying tribute to fathers one time a year, I do believe in making Father's Day extra special. We actually turned it into Father's Weekend at our house. On Saturday, Josh began his Father's Day weekend with a round of golf with some friends. Next, we attended Jacob's baseball game (photos and description to follow). That was followed by a trip to meet up with Nana & Papa Price and Doug, Jess and crew for a fun-filled afternoon and evening. We saw the much talked about Iron Man (two thumbs up, if you like action films), followed by a fill the tummy feeding frenzy at the nearby Sizzler. Sunday morning, we made Josh's favorite breakfast treat--cinnamon rolls and came home from church for a good old steak barbecue. The kids had each made little presents at school and in nursery, and of course showered him with hugs and kisses. We couldn't ask for a better "Daddy" or husband. We love you Josh!

My Guitar Heroes

As an early Father's Day present, I bought Josh Guitar Hero III for the Wii. (Yes, the Wii, I earned in 3 weeks on SWATcash!!!) Unlike Jake, Josh is not a huge "gamer". However, ever since the Amazon shipment arrived with Guitar Hero, he and Jake can be found upstairs rockin' out!

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

We attended Jacob's Kindergarten celebration last Friday. It was so much fun to see a recap of several of the things he has learned this year at school. We are so proud of him and can hardly believe he'll be a BIG 1st grader next Fall.

Oreo Truffle Recipe

Last December, I attended a baby shower for my sister-in-law, Jessica. I sampled a little bit of heaven that night in the form of an Oreo truffle. What surprised me the most was the fact that the recipe only called for 3 ingredients. Since that evening, I have made Oreo truffles dozens of times. They are delicious! And since this recipe didn't originate from me, I can say that and not even feel prideful. The second best thing about this recipe (besides the fact that only 3 ingredients are needed) is that it is fool proof. Yes, it is that easy! I have had so many requests for the "secret formula" that I decided to post the recipe on my blog for the world to see! Get your pens and paper! You won't regret it.




RECIPE CATEGORY: Dessert

INGREDIENTS:
1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

DIRECTIONS:
1. Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.)
2. Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl.
3. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. (Should appear smooth, like cookie dough.)
4. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
5. Melt chocolate according to directions on package (microwave is easiest).
6. Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.)
7. Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
8. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

HOW TO EASILY DIP TRUFFLES:
Place truffle ball in melted chocolate to coat; roll if necessary. Lift truffle from chocolate using 2 forks (this will allow excess chocolate to run off) before placing on wax paper.

YIELDS: 42 truffles

VARIATIONS:
Use mint or peanut butter Oreos
Drizzle melted white chocolate on each truffle