Uh-Oh, Gray can talk!

We have been (not) patiently waiting for Graydon to begin talking over the last several months. Occasionally we would recognize a word that he would say, but he wasn't "talking." He does listen and respond to the words that we speak - "Graydon, go get a book to read." "Graydon get that ball." But he was very quiet and preferred screaming or pointing to get what he wanted.
We all have been working with him for many months, even big brothers have stepped in - "Graydon, say ball, SAY BALL!"
I guess all of our work finally paid off or he just decided it was "time to talk."

Here is a sneak peek into our now "Toddler Gray"


Here are a few other things Gray has been heard saying:
Mama/Mommy
Daddy
Pop eye & Poppy for my dad
Bubba/Bubby for both brothers
Ma for Grandma
Ball
Cook for Cookie
Choo Choo (at trains)
Chip
Donut
Up
Uh oh
Shoes
Santa
Baloo for Balloon
Kack kack for duck
Pat pat (at the Little Einsteins show)
Juice
Apple
Flower
Clock
Bath
Car
Clap, Clap (when he is clapping his hands)
Backpack
Whoa!
Five (when he gives a hand "five")
Cat
Dog

Here's to three wild, rambunctious, CHATTY boys!

I'm Committed!

It seems like I have been committing myself to tons of things lately.

1) My sister started the Jillian Michaels 30-shred workout. She has convinced me that I need to join the band-wagon and complete this workout regimen as well. I'm currently on Day 6 (haven't missed a day yet) and I am definitely feeling it!

2) My school has begun a 10-week challenge. What is this? I don't really know all the details. I do know that I have agreed to run 3.1 miles in 10 weeks - I MUST be insane! Thanks Ashley Cowan for this encouragement - we shall see.

3) Will and I have not been actively in a small group for several months now. We have recently joined a new group, hoping to find the accountability and spiritual growth that we desperately need. Our group's goal is to read through the chronological Bible in a year. I am WAY behind - I should be reading now instead of posting this blog!

4) I have also joined a facebook bible study - You Are My Strong Tower - (before I was in a small group officially) - needing a spiritual challenge. And since I'm on facebook quite a bit, I thought it would be a benefit for a social network.

5) This blog - I used to plan out my blog topics a week ahead of time. Now, I'm lucky if I publish 2 blogs a week. I do miss it - I will try to do better.

6) Oh and then there is my 1.5 jobs (teaching and first steps kiddos), husband, 3 munchkins, and all things that come with being wife and mommy!

I think that's it for now - back to reading, or exercising, or ...............something!

Family Meal Planning

Ok - so we are trying something new at the Daniels' House. Mealtimes have become rather of a hassle lately - Hudson picking at his food, Clayton asking "how many more bites" - we needed a change.
I thought the idea of "Family Meal Planning" (I made that name up) sounded like a great idea. There are 7 nights in a week - so Will & I choose 3 meals, Clayton chooses 2 meals, Hudson chooses 1 night and 1 night we get dinner somewhere out.

Last week's meals:
Sunday - Clayton's choice - Homemade Biscuit Pizzas
Monday - Hudson's choice - Chicken nuggets/fries
Tuesday - Will's choice- Meatloaf, green beans, potatoes
Wednesday - Will's choice - Tacos
Thursday - McD's night
Friday - Mommy's choice - Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Saturday - Clayton's choice - Steak, sweet potatoes, & salad

Not too bad........

This coming week:
Sunday - Mommy's choice - Breakfast w/Snowman pancakes
Monday - Clayton's choice - Hotdogs (I'm adding chili to go with these)
Tueaday - Hudson's choice - Chicken with mac/cheese
Wednesday - Out to eat (something Chinese probably)
Thursday - Will's choice - Lasagna
Friday - Will's choice - Roast with potatoes/carrots/onions
Saturday - Clayton's choice - Grilled hamburgers, fries, & baked beans

This is forcing me to prepare better & cook more for my family!
I guess we all win!

~ ~ ~
a sneak peek into my day

Look What I Found!

After Clayton's 7th birthday party was over, I was once again in party-planning mode. Our next kiddo birthday is Graydon. Gray's party isn't until June but my wheels are already turning. I had already decided to have a pirate-themed party for Gray this summer (Him and Hudson both LOVE Jake and the Neverland Pirates). While shopping with Mom at Hobby Lobby tonight, look what I found!



I was so excited! I had to get 3 - one for each boy to wear at the party!



I can't wait!

It's that time again....Go Cavs!

It's Upward Basketball time again - and this year our team is the Cavs (Jr. Cavaliers). Coach Will and Coach Steve (aka Poppy) are making their 2nd season debut as Clayton's coaches.

Graydon was super fussy at today's game - pretty hysterical actually. He wanted "down" and to play "ball" with Daddy and Poppy. He screamed at the top of his lungs for @ the first 20 minutes of the game, but between Grandma and myself I was able to capture a few decent pictures of today's game.















Hopefully now that Graydon knows what's up (and what's expected) he won't be so heartbroken at future games!

Better photos to come!

Getting Hudson Ready for Big School

Hudson is my busy child - who never seems to want to sit down. He has to be my on-the-go-learner. He did sit at the table after dinner long enough for me to capture this video.........



I am so proud of him! He is becoming such a big boy and will head to "big school" next year. I hope preschool is ready for our Hudson!

Stuff Yourself with Some Yummy Stuffed Mushrooms

Our family enjoyed these yummy stuffed mushrooms on Christmas morning and again on New Year's Eve. I had never made them before. They were pretty easy and really delicious - so I thought I would share!



What you will need:
1 1/2 lb. large fresh mushrooms (about 20)
1 lb. seasoned sausage, browned and drained
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. salt
dash of pepper

What to do:
Remove mushrooms stems and set them aside. Chop enough mushroom stems to make 2 cups. Cook mushroom stems and onion in the butter.
Brown sausage and drain. Stir Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, basil, oregano, salt and pepper into sausage and mushroom/onion mixture.
Spoon into the mushroom caps.
Place the caps in a greased baking pan.
Bake in 425 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until mushrooms are tender.

Enjoy!