Major Slacker

Wow!!! The year is almost over and I have yet to type up one blog post.  It is amazing how overwhelming having 4 kids can be. I mean, I was busy with 3 kids, but adding number 4 has just been crazy.  The dishes are always dirty, the laundry is never done, and my house is usually a mess.  To sit down for a few  minutes without being disturbed is a miracle.  The funny thing is I wouldn't change it for anything.  I love being a mom and getting the chance to watch my kids grow up.  This post is just a little catch up of what has been going on in our lives.  I am hoping to get back on the blogging bandwagon and I am still hoping to start my own cooking blog.

Trinity- 11months
Yesterday this little cutie turned 11 months and she is growing so fast.  She can now walk, stand, crawl, clap, give the best kisses, make big messes, and so much more.  Her hair color is a beautiful shade of red and she has a fiery personality to go along with her hair color.  

Xanyae- 2 years old
Xanyae will be 3 in a little over a month, seriously where has the time gone.  At the end of September we decided to just take the plunge and start potty training.  I was honestly dreading it so much because I had read many places how hard it was to train a boy and it took a while for them to get.  I think we got lucky or something because he was a breeze to potty train.  He basically had it down after 2 days and we haven't looked back since.  He still has the occasion accident, but he is doing awesome.  
He has about a month and half in Nursery and then he will be a Sunbeam.  

Sadie- 5 years old
Sadie just turned 5 in October.  She has been doing pre-school at home with me. She is very excited that she will get to start school next year.  We have been practicing a lot on her name, letters, and numbers.  One thing that I have discovered while teaching her is that she is left handed.  When we are not doing the school thing she enjoys playing games on the computer or playing/fighting with her brother and sisters.

Karma- 6 years old
Karma is now in 1st grade.  She loves school and while she has been struggling with a few things she is excited to learn and wants to improve her grades.  She is a great big sister and tries hard to always choose the right.  Recently she lost 2 teeth in the matter of 3 days. She was really keeping the Tooth Fairy busy, but the Tooth Fairy didn't mind.  Besides school she is also doing Girl Scouts again and she just recently finished a Karate class.

Trinity is hunger, so that is all for now, but more to come soon.

Happy Birthday Karma!

Yesterday was Karma's 5th birthday! It is hard for me to believe that she is already 5, it just seems like yesterday I was headed to the hospital to have her. Karma is really excited to be 5 and she is looking forward to starting kindergarten. We had a great day and didn't do anything to special. She will be having an ice cream party in a few weeks, so I kept the day pretty simple. I decorated her room and we got her a few presents. One of the presents she got was the pajamas she wearing in the pictures below. After she took her shower she wanted to wear these p.j.'s for the rest of the day. So we took a few pictures of her modeling off her new p.j.'s, watch, and necklace.

Karma requested hamburgers for dinner and I made a chocolate cake for her.

Father's Day

It is hard to believe that 5 years ago I was pregnant with Karma and Curbris was not yet an official dad. Now 5 years later we have been blessed with 3 kids and the 4th will be here in Dec. Curbris is a wonderful father and I enjoy watching him with our kids. This year for Father's Day we made him breakfast in bed and gave him his presents. It was a great day!
This is the shirt I found and once I saw it I knew it was prefect.

We took a few pictures at grandpa and grandma's house. We had to have at least one silly picture in there.

WE LOVE GRANDPA!!!

We also hope that Grandpa James and Uncle Jamie had a great Father's Day. We love you guys and miss you!

Overwhelmed

According to one of my recent posts it states that I will be starting a cooking blog in June. Well it is June 16 and yeah no cooking blog has been started. Last month I found out I was pregnant with baby number 4. This little bundle of joy will be due Dec. 13, another Christmas baby. We seriously are the worst planners! While I am so happy to be welcoming this little person into our family my energy levels are very low and I am finally starting to get over all the nausea. I am honestly just feeling so overwhelmed with emotions, my kids, and my basic chores. I know that for now my life isn't going to slow down or get easier, but I am determined to get this cooking blog started. So I have set a goal to have it ready to go by July 18 which is a little over a month from today.
I also recently got a new camera, so I am hoping to post some new post of the kids because they are growing to fast. Karma will be 5 in less than a month, Sadie will be 4 in about 3 months, and my little Xanyae will already be 18 months tomorrow, wow time has flown by.

The Winner Is.....

Thanks to everybody who entered the giveaway.

I used RANDOM.ORG to pick the winner and the winner is............

MINDI

I have emailed you and you have 24 hours to respond.

Big News and A Giveaway!!!

I have a big announcement to make, in June I will be starting my own budget cooking blog. I have been wanting to do this for a long time, so I am just going to take the plunge and do it. My new blog will contain mostly recipes, but I will also include tips on couponing and show pictures on my own shopping trips. I hope you will enjoy reading this new blog and it will help make cooking easier for you.

So what better way to make this announcement than with a giveaway.

Last week I received this wonderful prize pack from Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark. They sent it to me so that I could try out Betty Crocker's new Loaded Mashed potatoes.

The other night we were having bbq chicken for dinner, so I thought this would be a great side to go along with it. I have to admit that I really prefer homemade mashed potatoes, so I wasn't sure how I was going to like these. Overall these potatoes were not bad, I still prefer homemade, but I love how easy and quick these were to whip up. My family also really loved them so that is always a plus. We also could truly tell that they were made from 100% russet potatoes along with seasonings and natural flavors like bacon, cheese, chives, and sour cream. I could see myself making these again in the future especially on a really busy nights.

For more information on this product visit BettyCrocker.com, and be sure to follow Betty Crocker on Twitter and “Like” there Facebook page to keep up with all of the latest news on your Betty Crocker favorites!

Thanks to Betty Crocker and MyBlogSpark one lucky person will also get this wonderful prize pack. Which includes a box of Betty Crocker Loaded Mashed Potatoes, a bowl, spatula, pot holder and measuring cup.

Also they have provided a great coupon for you to print off here.

This giveaway is open to all U.S. residents.

To enter this giveaway, please leave me a comment letting me know what is something you would like to see me include in my new blog. Make sure you include your email address, so I can contact you if you win.

I will choose a winner on Friday, April 8.

UPDATE!

I know that there is not a lot of people who check out our blog, but I know there are a few out there that come by and visit us. Sorry for the lack of posts, I have started a ton of posts, but just haven't got around to finishing them. So here is a little update on what has been going on:

Xanyae (14 months)- Oh man, this little guy is everywhere and into everything! He starting walking at 10 months and he really keeps me on my toes. He also loves to climb everything, whenever I am cooking in the kitchen he will move a chair over so he can climb up and see what I am doing. He is also already starting to tease his sisters and cousin. His favorite word is momma and he gives the best kisses.

Sadie (3 years old)- Sadie is my teaser, she will stand up to anyone. She is now a Sunbeam and not exactly thrilled to be in primary, she would much rather be in nursery. She is really looking forward to summer and taking swim lesson again. Sadie at times is my biggest challenge and tests my patience the most, but she is also my biggest helper. She gives the best hugs and kisses and if you forget to give her a kiss or hug she will let you know.

Karma (4 years old) - I can't believe my baby girl is already in school and in just a few months she will be starting kindergarten. Karma LOVES, LOVES SCHOOL! She has gotten really good at writing her name and letters. Karma is in the CTR 4 class and I am her teacher. She is a big help around the house, but she is already starting to show a little bit of attitude and talks back sometimes. She also gives the best hugs and kisses.

Curbris- Curbris is really busy with work and supporting our family. He also busy serving with the missionaries, but he really enjoys his calling. In January he made a bet with one of his work colleges to see who could loses 15 lbs. the fastest. He did really good for a few weeks, but the weight just hasn't come off like when he was younger, so for now he has put that on hold. He loves playing his x-box 360 and he loves playing the kinect.

Ronna- I am so busy being a mom! Right now I play co-ed softball on Friday nights and I really look forward to it. It is so nice to get out and do something I love at least once a week. I also stay busy with couponing, I love coupons and finding deals. I recently made a goal to get back in shape, so I have been waking up early to work out and it has been tough.

Here is a little update on our family, I would of included some pictures, but my camera was recently broken by a family that was staying with us(long story). I hope to have our blog caught up by April, so be checking back soon for more posts.

Disney Live

I entered a giveaway to win tickets to see Mickey Mouses Magic Show and by some chance I WON! So me and Curbris took the girls to go see it and left Xanyae with grandma and grandpa. We decided to make it one big adventure and took the lightrail to downtown. We are really lucky that the lightrail is just around the corner from us and it will take us all the way downtown. The girls loved the ride!

Having fun on the lightrail.

Here are a few pics. we took before the show started. The girls were so excited!

Overall the show was great and the girls had a blast! On the ride home they kept asking us when we could go again. Hopefully I win tickets for another show in the future.

We love Spaghetti

My kids favorite dish has to be spaghetti, I think they would eat it every night if I let them. The other night we had spaghetti for dinner and the kids went after it like they always, but this time I took some pictures. Xanyae had it everywhere he is really enjoying that he gets to eat more solid foods and looks like he had a lot of fun with the spaghetti. I had to post all the pictures of Xanyae because they are just so funny.

The girls are really excited for spaghetti night.

Look at the big string of drool coming out of Xanyae's mouth.

Now the clean up of this mess wasn't as fun as it was to watch him make it. There was spaghetti in his hair, diaper, face, neck, on the floor, and all over the high chair.

I'm a big Kid now!

Sadie will be 3 soon and I figured that this is the best time for me to start potty training her. Even thought I have already potty trained Karma I was still very nervous of how it was going to go. The best method that seems to work for us is just going good turkey and not using any diaper(only at night when she sleeps) or pull ups. The first two days were rough, but I expected that and tried very hard not to get frustrated. By the third day we were doing a lot better and only had a few accidents. By the end of the week she had it down and had no accidents. Some things that worked with Sadie were, using a potty chair (it wasn't as scary as the big potty), keeping a jar of candy in the bathroom (like I did with Karma), and Karma was a huge help. Sadie likes to do whatever Karma is doing, so by Karma going potty the same time Sadie did, it helped Sadie try to be like her big sister. Now we still have an occasional accident, but other than everything is going great. Sadie you are a big kid now and we are so proud of you.

Sadie wearing panties for the first time.

Recipe Monday

Today's recipe for the perfect pie crust. As the holidays are approaching I have been looking for new recipes to try this year. Since pies are always a holiday favorite I wanted to find a great crust recipe to compliment the pie. The other day I was watching the Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network and she was making apple pie. I loved how easy her pie crust recipe was and thought that I would give it a try. I made a pie the other day and the crust was wonderful, if going to make a pie give this crust recipe a try.

Perfect Pie Crust

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) very cold unsalted butter
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/3 cup very cold vegetable shortening
6 to 8 tablespoons (about 1/2 cup) ice water

Dice the butter and return it to the refrigerator while you prepare the flour mixture. Place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse a few times to mix. Add the butter and shortening. Pulse 8 to 12 times, until the butter is the size of peas. With the machine running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse the machine until the dough begins to form a ball. Dump out on a floured board and roll into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Cut the dough in half. Roll each piece on a well-floured board into a circle, rolling from the center to the edge, turning and flouring the dough to make sure it doesn't stick to the board. Fold the dough in half, place in a pie pan, and unfold to fit the pan. Repeat with the top crust.


Recipe Source:Barefoot Contessa

Recipe Monday

Today's recipe is for Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Pork. This recipe was very easy to make and not very spicy.

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Pork
3 T olive oil
4 pork chops
Salt and pepper
1 large red onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 red bell pepper cored, seeded, and chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, finely chopped
1 8-oz can pineapple chunks in juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 375.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to high heat with cooking spray. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Place the chops in the skillet and sear for about 2 minutes on each side to caramelize. Transfer the chops to a rimmed cookie sheet and place in the oven to finish off, 8 to 10 minutes, until the meat is firm to the touch but not tough. Remove the oven and let them rest, covered with a piece of foil, for a few minutes.

While the chops are in the oven, return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil. Add the onions, garlic, peppers, jalapenos, salt, and pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the veggies wilt. Add the pineapple and its juice and the chicken stock. Continue to cook the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the parsley and stir to combine, then pour the sauce over the chops and serve.

Recipe Source: Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats

9 Months

Xanyae turned 9 months a few days ago and I can't believe he will be a year soon. He can now pull himself up and walk while holding onto things. He also is pretty good at picking up food and feeding himself. He is so funny and keeps us laughing with all that he is now discovering. I took him in for his 9 month appointment and his weight is starting to slow down, he is not off the charts anymore. His height is almost off the charts, so me and Curbris are keeping our fingers crossed for a tall child.
His smile just melts my heart.

He is going to be a heart breaker!!

This my favorite picture of the whole bunch. It cracks me up every time I see it. Just look at all those teeth.

Recipe Monday

Today's recipe is for Tri-Berry Spinach Salad. I love salads and homemade vinaigrettes, but my husband on the other hand won't eat a salad unless it has meat in it. So I don't make salads at home to often. I first made this salad for our Relief Society Birthday party a few years ago and ever since than I make for other occasion. It is a great summer salad, but it can be made anytime of the year.

Tri-Berry Spinach Salad

Dressing
1/4 cup oil
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salad
1 pkg. prewashed fresh baby spinach (about 7 cups)
1/3 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/3 cup fresh blueberries
1/3 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup sliced red onions

In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients; mix well*. In a large serving bowl, combine all salad ingredients. Pour dressing over salad; toss gently to coat.

*You can make the dressing the night before, refrigerating it in a jar or container with a lid. Just before serving, shake the jar until the dressing is well-combined.

Recipe Source:Pillsbury Annual Recipes 2006- Cookbook

Rainy Day

Today it was raining outside so I let the girls go outside and play in it for awhile. Since we live in Arizona we don't get a whole lot of rain. They had a blast running and splashing. Xanyae wanted to go out and join them, but he has been a little sick, so I let him watch from the front door.
Mom we love the rain!!
Sadie always has to have something in her hands. Today she is holding two princess pencils.
Jumping in the big puddle.

Xanyae wishing he was jumping in the puddles too.

Dear Rain,

We had a lot of fun playing in you today and hope you come back and visit us soon.

Love,

The James Kids

8 Months

Xanyae is 8 months now and he is approaching the 1 year mark just to fast. Xanyae is on the go all the time and now he into everything. He has discovered the toilet and that it has water that he can play in. He also loves that he can eat more solid foods and thinks that whatever we are eating he needs some too. He is the process of getting 4 top teeth and has been extra cranky. I can't wait for those teeth to finally come in. Xanaye likes to bite his favorite things to bite are his mom and toes. He has said his first word and it is momma or mom. He is my first child to say momma first the girls all said dada way before they said momma. He is very much a mommy's boy and I am trying to enjoy that as much as I can.

Recipe Monday

Today's recipe is Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta. I found this recipe awhile ago, but never made it because it had bacon in it. I personally do not like bacon, but my family loves it. I had some bacon in the fridge that I needed to use up so I thought I would give this recipe a try. This recipe was delicious and my family ate it up.
Photo courtesy of Real Mom Kitchen.

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

8 ounces uncooked tube or spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef
6 strips of bacon, diced
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 cup (4 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded
Barbecue sauce

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile in a skillet cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside. In the same skillet, cook bacon until crisp(I do mine in the microwave); remove with slotted spoon to paper towels. Discard drippings. Drain pasta; add to skillet. Add soup, beef, and bacon; heat through. Mix in desired amount of barbecue sauce. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and cook until the cheese is melted. 4-6 servings

Recipe Source:Real Mom Kitchen

1st Day Of School

Yesterday was Karma's first day of Preschool. I am a little sad that she is starting school, but excited for her to make new friends and learn new things. She is also really excited and has been asking me every morning for the past few weeks if she starts to school today. Karma is also happy to be going to school with her friend Evan.


Karma and Evan in the car on the way to school.
Taking a picture before we go inside.

After the first day, Karma loves school and she loves her teacher. She told me of all the fun things she got to do and she can't wait to back. I hope when she gets older she likes school as much as she likes it right now.

What's been going on....

I am so behind on my blog right now, so here is a little bit of what has been going on lately. At the end of July we had a Mc Daniel family reunion in Virden, New Mexico. We had a blast spending a few days with family. We played games, had a talent show, ate a lot, and just relaxed. We also got a few good family pictures.

Karma getting a chance to do the slingshot.

Sadie getting a chance at the slingshot.

Xanyae and Daddy watching the talent show.

Family picture with Mumphy and Pops. We are just missing Lance and Jack.

I love this picture of Xanyae and Caylee.

On Aug. 3 I turned 27. Wow can't believe that I am already 27. I had a great birthday spending it with my favorite people.

Curbris's parents and brother Terrance came and visited us for a couple days before Terrance had to enter the MTC. We loved having them here and was really sad to see them leave. The girls had fun playing with Grandma and Grandpa. We are looking forward to another visit from them soon.

Playing Hungry Hippo with grandma.

Xanyae loves his grandma.

The girls had a blast with their grandpa.

This was one of the girls favorite thing to do with grandpa. Grandpa was such a trooper.

At Bass Pro Shop.

Karma found this bear at Bass Pro Shop, at first she was a little scared, but she soon warmed up to it.

Grandma we love you!!

Grandma and grandpa hope you had a great time with us come back and visit us soon. Last picture with Uncle Terrance until he comes back from his mission.