Saturday, July 30, 2011

The Quiet Moments


I know what you're thinking. This is my life...
 

Listening to crying children all day long. The truth is I do hear my share of noise, but every once in awhile there is a wonderful hush that falls over the house. Most often it's at 11:00 a night! Once in a GREAT while it happens during the day. This is what it looks like...



Quietly entertaining Patrick (teaching him to be an Alabama fan).


My little baker slaving away.



And here is the proof that even I get to sleep occasionally! 


The quiet moments are so wonderful. They give me a chance to sit back and realize how truly blessed I am to have such an amazing life.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Fo Hawk

 Posing for his before pictures with his littlest buddy....

 AFTER! I think this picture shows Reid's personality perfectly!

 And he's so sweet, he never minds sharing the spotlight.

Friday, July 22, 2011

The Rapunzel Cake



The cake gets it's own post? YEP! I spent more time making this cake than I did being in labor with Lorelai! (Okay, that's a little dramatic. I was only in labor for 5 1/2 hours.) This cake took about 8 hours. I know that if I had just done it all at once with no interference it would have gone a lot faster, but that's the joy of motherhood!

Anyway! I looked online for a long time trying to find the best way to make this cake. Some people just made a bunch of rounds, stacked them on top of each other, and then cut the gown shape. None of those looked very good and I am not good at that kind of thing anyway. I bought the Wonder Mold Pan from Wilton.
Unfortunately, if you want to put a real Barbie in the middle it's not tall enough. I found that out by reading the reviews here (thank you Lori for this link. It totally saved me). So I added a 9in. round to the bottom and it was the perfect height!
When I finished crumb coating the cake (at 3:00 in the morning) I needed somewhere to put it. I was so afraid the kids would get up before me (which they did) and eat the cake (luckily, they didn't) so I put it as high as I could in the most inconspicuous place I could find. See it?
The kids saw it too. Luckily, Lorelai wouldn't let Reid near it and I woke up right after they did so it stayed safe! We spent the day playing and then I spent from late afternoon to the evening mixing (I have totally converted to gel food coloring because it's awesome!), rolling, placing, and cutting the fondant. Lorelai spent a lot of time advising me during this process.
I let her help smooth the fondant because (like everyone says) fondant shows EVERY little bump. She is a multi-tasker like me! Talking to Aunt Lori while she works.
Fondant DONE!
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your long hair!
Finally we finished! It was so worth it! I can still see things I would change or do differently, but I think it turned out great for our first fondant cake! And my princess LOVED it. Also, I'm very glad we had extra batter and I made those cupcakes! I didn't think about the fact that you can't really put candles in fondant!
It killed me to cut into the cake, but it tasted great! I'm glad Lore is a chocoholic like me!
Tips for next time: Don't forget to use shortening. I read a bunch of different fondant instructions and only one of them mentioned greasing your work area and hands. I would have been in big trouble if I hadn't read that! I just need to be more careful about touching Rapunzels hair. It was a little greasy by the time we were done. Also, the crumb coating is key! I think I'll use a thicker layer next time because it's really the only frosting you get to eat. I'm just not a huge fan of the fondant flavor. If you are doing layers of fondant pay attention to the thickness. I should have made my bottom layer thinner. What an experience! The most important thing to remember is to have fun! It's not worth it if it's not fun!

Happy Birthday Lorelai!

A real princess is sweet and kind. She puts the needs of others above herself. Of course, she is beautiful, but it's her beauty on the inside that really makes her special. A princess knows where she stands.

This is the perfect definition of my Lorelai. She is always taking time to help her brothers. She is always willing to hold Patrick. The other day Lore put the dishes away without being asked. She entertains the boys and helps me make dinner. Lorelai has very specific opinions about the way life should be and she's usually right! I love my little princess and I can't wait to see all the surprises she has in store for us this year!

Lorelai's birthday was super fun! She got dressed in her brand new outfit from Grandma and Grandpa T.

Lore got to play with friends while I was working out. Patrick wanted to add some weight to I'd have a better workout. ;)

Then we went to the Splash Pad with friends! Silly girls!

Sadie got to come home with us! We found a package from Grandma and Grandpa O. on our doorstep. It was just what Lorelai wanted!
After Daddy came home it was time for presents and cake. Everyone was so excited for Lorelai!

Lorelai loved getting her new Rapunzel doll! Three beautiful blondes!
I'm glad I left the cake on the turntable. It made everything more fun!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Nothing better than a Puddle

Inspecting the puddle.
I think it passed the inspection!
Logan loved watching Reid.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Evan Jr.?

A few people have said that Patrick looks just like Evan. What do you think?

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Sweet Sleepers

I know I've already posted many pictures of my sleeping kids, but I just love a sleeping baby!
This is what happened when I didn't put Logan down for his nap on time...

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Logan is 2!

One of the funnest things about birthdays is making the cake!
Decorating the cake. I have the cutest helpers!
Happy Birthday Logan!
Opening presents! Logan had a hard time moving from one present to another.
Grandpa and Grandma Olsen got to watch Logan open his present on the laptop from them. I love technology!
Logan is thinking "Please take this picture fast, I'm busy playing!"

I just love that laugh! Happy birthday buddy!

Montgomery Day 2

Day 2: Eric went to work. The kids and I made waffles for breakfast, then packed up and headed over to say goodbye to Daddy. Lorelai had to check out Eric's work station. This is were Eric spends 40 hours of his week.
Luckily he has a Christmas tree (?!) to keep him company. It gave the kids some Christmas cheer!
After we said goodbye I thought it would be cool for the kids to see the Capitol Building. It was not cool. It was sweltering hot! We climbed and climbed until we got to the top.
I thought this would be an awesome picture opportunity.
Or not.
I did make one more effort. We started walking around the capitol, but we didn't get very far. It was just too hot. Lorelai's face really says it all. Logan was such a trooper though! He just kept smiling.
I also made the mistake of not having Reid use the bathroom before we left Eric's work. Whoops! And I left the diaper bag in the van at the bottom of the hill. I was not making that trip twice!

Montgomery is beautiful though. There were a ton of wonderful photo ops. I would love to take family pictures down there. Maybe next time we can actually plan for pictures. My only requirement is that it be less that 98 degrees outside!

Montgomery

The conversation:
E: Tricia, do you want to come down to Montgomery?
T: Um, why?
E: I forgot a hard drive and I need it by Friday. Can you bring it to me?
T: Hmmm. 5 kids and me in the car for almost 2 hours. Can we stay the night in your hotel?
E: Yeah.
T: Does your hotel have a pool?
E: Yeah.
T: Deal!

So we drove to Montgomery! We left too late to swim, but the kids LOVED staying in the hotel. I just love how sleeping in a different bed is such a thrill for kids. They explored every nook and cranny. Even the closet!
Evan was being a statue.
Hi Daddy! We're so glad we get to see you on a Thursday night!
All the wiggle worms together!
"Sleeping!" They're so sweet!
An hour later...
Evan won the draw and got to sleep by himself on the pull out. He had a lot of company though.

I have to highly recommend Comfort Suites. Clean rooms, friendly people, and an awesome breakfast selection. The kids loved making their own Belgian waffles! Also, Eric uses their rewards program whenever he travels which is going to allow our extended family to stay free when they come visit in November!

Friday, July 8, 2011

1 Month Old

Patrick's one month old! What a good baby he is. He is already sleeping 6 hours most nights and one night he slept more than 8! He is such a good boy!
He is already thinking deep thoughts...
Keepin' it real...
10lbs. 10oz. Pretty good for 1 month!