Jonathan's Birthday

My favorite man left me behind and entered into his 30's this week.  I have a long way to go before I catch up with him there.  It doesn't bother me, though, because I still think he's the best looking old guy I know.  For Jonathan's birthday, he requested a dirt cake with gummy worms.  I had plenty of help making this decadent dessert.  While Kyle was napping, I put loud very energetic little brother on crushing Oreo cookies.  Outside.

As you can see from the photo above, he thoroughly enjoyed this task.

Meanwhile, cut up the butter and cream cheese and let them soften on the counter.  Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

Oreos sufficiently mangled.

Mix pudding packets, milk and whipped topping.

Combine pudding mixture with butter, powdered sugar and cream cheese combination.

Holly helped me layer the pudding with crushed Oreos, adding the gummy worms in between each layer.

Dirt Cake

20 crushed Oreo cookies

One package gummy worms

1/2 C butter, softened

8 oz package cream cheese, softened

1/2 C confectioner's sugar

Combine above ingredients in a medium size bowl until smooth.

Two 3.5 oz packages of pudding. (I used 1 vanilla and 1 chocolate)

3 1/2 C milk

One container of whipped topping

Mix pudding, milk and whipped topping until creamy.

Incorporate both concoctions together.  Layer pudding, Oreos and gummy worms in a flower vase or pot.

Next, I located a very cute baby, just up from his nap and had him assist me in making a card for the birthday dad.

Almost ready....

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband!  I hope it was the best one yet.  Kyle and I love you so much!

-Abby 

Simple Joys

I always like to have something to be excited about.  Whether it's a date night with my honey, a yummy dinner, clean sheets or a big trip, I am constantly looking forward to something.  Believe it or not, often times I am anticipating something edible.  I decided to steal my mom's idea of short posts on the little things in life that make each day special.  She and I like to refer to these simple pleasures as "happies."  For my first happy, I am sharing with you my new favorite sweet treat.

Mascarpone cheese.  This light and fluffy italian sweet cream cheese is simply delightful spread atop a piece of toast with a drizzle of honey.  Located in the specialty cheese case near the deli in good old Wally-world, it boasts a slightly steep price tag.  However, I am able to stretch a tub of this yummy goodness over quite a few occasions and I don't exactly use it sparingly.

I prefer using Sara Lee's soft sourdough but any bread will do.  Paired with a mug of OJ (yes, I drink my OJ out of a mug because it makes me happy) this makes a delicious snack, or in my case, lunch.

-Abby

Friday Night Fun

While most people my age are out doing who knows what on a Friday night, I'm at home waiting for bath time.  At times I think about how different my life could be if I wasn't already a wife and a mother.  I have no desire for that freedom people talk about.  I don't feel tied down or like I'm missing out.  Quite the opposite in fact, I can't imagine life could be any sweeter than this.

 Jonathan cracks me up with how he records things for Kyle to watch.  I'm not convinced that these recordings aren't as much for Jono as they are for Kyle.  Inevitably I'll find some Looney Tunes or a Disney waiting for us in the morning.  For the last few days, we have been working our way through Charlotte's Web.  I absolutely love this classic movie.  

To say that Kyle likes his daddy is a hilarious understatement.  He lights up the second he lays eyes on Jonathan.  Maybe he notices that they look exactly alike.  More likely he has made the connection between Daddy and fun!  Jonathan loves playing with him, talking with him, singing to him or just sitting with him watching a movie.

It is now bath time.  Goodnight, moon!

-Abby

5 Month Baby

Every month birthday calls for a celebration!  This month is no exception.  Today for Kyle's big 5 month birthdayday we went to Chick Fil A to see Daddy and eat an ice cream cone.  Lacking any teeth, Kyle couldn't exactly eat all of it, so I had to help him out a little.  I'm sure it tasted a lot different from the Mommy milk he's used to but, he seemed to enjoy what little he could slurp up.

LOVE that tongue!

I love my 5 month baby more today than I did the day I met him.  He is such a precious gift and I cherish this sweet time with him.  It's hard to believe that before long he'll start eating real people food and I won't be his sole source of nutrition.  Until then, a little lick of ice cream here and there will do.

-Abby

Tummy Time

I love the drool spot on his arm.  

Classic.

Disregard the stacks of folded clothes.

Have a happy Thursday.  We are!

-Abby

Road Trip

The day after we returned from Uncle Brad and Aunt Hannah's, Mommy and Daddy packed me back in the car and took me all the way to Missouri.

Are we there yet?

Ahhh, we're finally here.  Time for a nap in Uncle Christopher's bed.

Every St.Clair baby needs to take a few baths in Grammy and Papa's trailer kitchen sink.

Here I am at PapaLo's funeral with Daddy's cousin, Greg, his wife Kari and their 9 day old baby boy, Kai.  I wish I could've met PapaLo.  Everyone said he was a wonderful, godly man. 

I got to meet Nanny Kay.  I liked her.  I think she liked me, too.

Time for some family photos.  

I love my family.

No one ever pays me any attention.  It's sad, really.

Aunt Melody works at Silver Dollar City in Branson.  We were able to go for free on her day off! 

Mommy, Daddy, Grammy and Aunt Melody after the Powder Keg roller coaster.  Looked scary.

This is a weird mansion we walked through.  Everything is all tilted and slanted wrong.  It made me dizzy.

I had a lot of fun seeing the shows.  Well, the truth is, I slept through most of the shows.

 Mommy and Daddy rode the rides.  One day, I'll ride with them.  But for now, I'm pretty content just hanging with Papa in my ride.

All tuckered out.

Evidence of good sleep.

It never seems like we have enough time to spend with our family.  Before we know it, we are headed home again...

Passing time chewing on my new toy.  Mommy bought it for me as a present for my 4 month birthday.  

Even though it's been a long day, I am still smiling.  I'm a good boy.  My mommy loves me.  And she says this is her favorite face I make.

-Kyle