Chuck E. Cheese Fun

Monday, Justin decided to take the family to Chuck E. Cheese for some family fun, or maybe just some adult fun! This was Noah's first time to go, and he was enthralled with all the sounds and sights. Karis is still afraid of the dressed up Chuck, but we finally got her persuaded that we wouldn't let him get close to her. Here are some pictures of our fun: I am not sure why I am in most of the pictures except that Justin is always much better at taking pictures than I am.

Justin and I always play the basketball game. I think we ended up tying as to who won the most times, but he did have the highest score, beating me only by three points. I must have had a good coach because I still have pretty good form!

Noah looking on as Mom follows through!

Noah riding the clock, he wasn't real sure about it.

Noah, Karis, and Me playing my favorite game: Skeet ball, I think that is what it is called.

Helping Noah beat Karis!

We then went to Lifeway and looked at books and enjoyed buying some too. Karis loves bookstores just like her parents, Noah just likes doing whatever Karis is doing.

Karis' 4th Birthday pics

For Karis' birthday, she wanted to invite over some of her friends. It is always so cute to me to hear her list her friends, she has as many children friends as she does adult friends. I am glad for the special relationships in her life. I will let the pictures tell you about her special day!

Karis opening gifts with all her friends help!

You can see some of her adult friends here, Noah being held by dear Mrs. Nancy, and Mr. Jeff, Karis' Sunday school teacher, standing in the background.

For her fourth birthday, Justin and I gave her her first Bible, an ESV Children's Bible. It was her special present. She was very excited about taking it to church on Sunday.

Family picture, thanks Michelle for Karis' dress, it is very cute. I didn't mean to coordinate Noah and me with Karis so well, maybe Justin should have worn pink!

Karis' birthday cake and cupcakes.

This was probably the easiest cake I have made and decorated so far, it was very small, thus the cupcakes too!

Karis waiting to blow out the candles.

Karis and the kids playing her new game: Cootie.

It was a great day of fun and celebrating. We started the morning with waffles, which Karis got to eat on the "Special plate." We then played and called the grandparents on the computer to let Karis open her gifts while they watched. Then, we took her to eat at Chick-fil-A, upon her request. Her party was at 1:00pm, and lasted for awhile. After nap, we had green pasta, broccoli, and bread for dinner, also upon her request. When we set down to eat Karis said, "I don't like green pasta." Imagine that, a girl who changes her mind!

Thank you to all our family and friends for celebrating with us and making Karis' 4th birthday so special.

Happy 4th Birthday Karis Ann!

To my girl on her fourth birthday. This picture perfectly portrays your personality, all or nothing. You are very much like your dad, that when you do something, be it obeying or disobeying, you do it to the fullest. There is no in between for you. I pray that one day God would use this unique personality trait to bring others to Himself through you. I pray God would save you as early as possible.
I am so blessed to be your mother, to be the one who teaches, trains, and shepherds your heart all day long everyday. You are very interested in all I do, especially cooking. I enjoy our cookie making times, you and Noah helping me unload the dishwasher, your sweet care of your brother, your funny sayings, and all your little quirks.
Happy 4th Birthday my firstborn, may God grant you many more. I love you very much!

It's SNOWING!!!

We woke up this morning to snow falling. It started slowly and is now constantly falling. We had our first trip outside about 9:00am this morning before Justin went to work. Noah had a great time until he fell face down in the snow!

Karis, me, and Noah

Karis having a blast!

Noah not too sure what is going on?

Karis, Justin, and Noah

Noah sitting in the snow.

Calvin decided to rub in the snow, if I wouldn't have put his sweater on, we might have lost him in the snow!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday. What a nice blessing to have snow and play in it today!

I need a COOKIE!

Thought I would share Noah's favorite place to wait for COOKIES. I have raised a cookie monster for sure! The picture doesn't do justice to his anticipation of a chocolate chip cookie!

Lesson for us (the adults): Do we eagerly anticipate our time with Lord? Does the Lord taste as good and satisfy my sweet tooth as much as a cookie? Just some food for thought for the weekend. If I answer truthfully, my answer most of the time would have to be no. I pray the Lord will change my heart to crave Him more than anything else!

Mmm.... a healthy snack that actually tastes good!

Today I decided to try a new recipe. It was a twist on a healthy snack. I got it from one of the many blogs that I go to for new recipes, I am always trying new ways to bring healthy foods to my family. I think this one was a hit, at least for the kids and I, anything that is slightly healthy Justin says is okay!

So without further ado, here it is:

WHOLE WHEAT CINNAMON GRAHAM SQUARES

Ingredients:
6 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (I used regular oats and blended them in the food processor)
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup honey
1 1/2 cup oil ( I used 1 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup oil)
1 cup cold water

Instructions:
1. In large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Make a well in the center of the bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine honey, oil, and water. Mix well, then add to dry ingredients and stir until mixture forms a thick, crumbly/stiff dough.
3. Grease two 10x15 inch jelly roll pans. Put half of the dough on each sheet and press flat, using your fingers or a spatula. Using a pizza cutter or butter knife, slice each sheet into 24 squares.
4. Bake sheets at 400 degrees for 13-18 minutes, or until lightly browned.
5. Remove pans from oven to wire racks, and allow the squares to cool in the pans. Re-slice, remove from pans, and store in air-tight container or bag.

**I actually halved the recipe since we don't need two trays. I hope you enjoy. I sure have, I think I have already eaten at least three squares!

Noah likes books too!

Noah is definitely a Childers' and Adams for that matter. Books have now become a regular routine in Noah's life just like the rest of us. I love having him get a book and come sit on my lap. He holds the book and waits for me to read it, and then when I am finished, he goes and puts it back on the shelf. Wow, what a sweet boy!

Calvin even makes the pictures in the book!

This is Noah's favorite book. I think we read it at least three times a day.

Bye-Bye Wisdom Teeth!

Yesterday I got the left side of my wisdom teeth taken out. I am now wisdom teeth free! I am feeling pretty good, especially since I have had a wonderful nurse in my husband yesterday and our sweet friend, Mrs. Nancy, is here today to help me with kids. She is so gracious to spend her whole day here, and she won't let me do much of anything. I am catching up on reading, blogging, recipes, and sleep. I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday, and that this weekend offers much family time and fun.

Christmas At Home 2008

We had a wonderful time as a family on Christmas eve and Christmas day, sharing gifts, playing with new toys, and eating some yummy food. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year because I enjoy giving gifts. I love to see the expression on the recipients face as they receive the gifts I picked out for them. Mostly, I am thankful that our Savior chose to come down from heaven and be a man in order to "save His people from their sins." What a amazing Christ we serve.
I hope you enjoy these pictures of our precious children celebrating Christmas and Jesus' birthday at home with us.