Family Photos

These are the dreaded family photos. I'll admit it, I cringe when my mother mentions she would like family photos but I am always so glad when it is over and I get the adorable pictures back. This time was no different. The family was all together for Christmas so that called for more family pictures. The day was absolutely freezing and windy but luckily pictures don't tell how cold it was. We would bundle up the babies in between photo shoots and everyone managed to survive. Although Abby's arms were blue and purple when we got done. Our photographer, onehm did an excellent job of capturing pictures in between gusts of wind and no one but us would know this was a cold AZ day.

Mmmm Good!!!

My cousin has been telling me for months that her family drinks "green smoothies" everyday, which sounded pretty gross to tell you the truth. The base of the drink is made from spinach or kale, or whatever you have on hand. I asked her how she actually gets her girls to drink it and she replied "it's good". Well this is one thing you actually have to try before you can believe it. So don't take my word for it(but it really is good), get out your blender and start whipping up your own "green smoothie" concoction. We have had it for breakfast 3x's this week and my kids love it.

Check out greensmoothiegirl for great ideas, especially if your New Year's Resolution was to eat better this year.

I didn't have a real recipe I just threw in what I bought at the Ranch market the day before.

JODY'S RECIPE:

I started with about 1-2 cups water and filled my blender to the top with spinach (not packed in). Blend that until it is about the consistancy of water. Then I cut up about 2-3 lemon slices*(peel and all) and blended that. Then a couple of slices of apple (core and all). Next I threw in frozen banana and berries (blackberry, strawberry, and blueberries). I also put in a couple of tablespoons of honey and then crushed up ice cubes.

*The second time I made it I substituted the lemon slices with orange slices, just depending on what flavor you want that day

It is pretty simple because you literally just throw everything in the blender. When my cousin made it for me she really threw in a whole lemon and apple because her blender can handle it but depending on the power of your blender make sure to add things one at a time and blend each time.

This is the only way my children will eat spinach so it is totally worth having to clean the blender everyday :) Kirk even agreed to try it after much hesitation and does agree it is by far the best way to eat spinach.

Thanks Kim for introducing us to the world of "green smoothies"

Carter's first Christmas and the Polor Bear Club

Christmas was wonderful. This year it seemed like we were able to enjoy the kids, traditions, and the true meaning of Christmas more than ever. In years past we always stretched ourself and wallet too thin but we decided to go easy this year so we didn't regret it. The past 2 Christmas's we got presents we regretted (trampoline, and a dog) so we made a pack that we would not impulse buy and stick to our plan. We did pretty good although a few small unplanned gifts snuck their way under the tree (PS2). It was kinda a flash back retro Christmas. The kids got things we got as children like Hungry Hippos, Lite Brite, Easy Bake Oven, Operation, and the movie Annie, along with a few other more "modern" toys.
We were having too much fun on Christmas with the kids and their toys that we actually forgot to take pictures- oops. We did manage to capture one of Carter enjoying his wrapping paper.

He love the wrapping paper better than anything and was so sad when it got too soggy and we took it away.

Kirk and Jason started a new tradition this year... The Polar Bear Club. Kirk had mentioned a few weeks before Christmas that he was jumping in the pool but I thought it was all talk. I was surprised when they actually jumped in despite the cold and rain. Well, he showed me!

Kirk was glad to have his Bro. In-law Jason join in on the freezing fun.