Makeover...newspaper...potty paths

 So, ABOVE is the BEFORE picture and BELOW are the AFTERS

 Introducing the...LOUNGE ROOM

 I wanted to create a space for the kids to color, learn, craft and LOUNGE...I did it and they actually use it - very exciting!

 Getting ready for our trip - a present a day for the kids...they love it when we go out of town!

Bauer had his first grooming they even did a 'potty path' - bet he LOVED that.

Kissy Kissy Poo Poo...

 Balloons for the kids - they loved them, they destroyed them, the dogs started to eat them...I did make some chocolate chip cookies that seemed to be a success.  Carson gave me a Valentine and when he gave it to me he said, "Mom, I made you something at school today but if I give it to you - you can't throw it away."

No card, no flowers, no chocolate kisses, but my puppy did give me a pile of poo!  Sick.

John thinks V-Day is a 'Hallmark Holiday' which is fine...but buy me diamonds then...pretty sure Hallmark has NOTHING to do with good ol' fashioned finger candy!  If you want me to BRING it - you better BLING it!  (hahaha...I just made that up).

I did buy buy myself a potted hydrangea and it is quite lovely

Happy Sumo & Provo Beach Resort

22 people at Happy Sumo - CRAZY!  We wanted to Congratulate Witney for making the finals for LIVE TO DANCE & Welcome Lily (au pair) into our family.

 Crew's little head peeking around the corner of the stroller.

 who knows what Hayes'ey is saying but it must be funny because the golf cart driver is bustin' up!  This guy drove the kids around the parking lot - we should have tipped him!

 It must have been a strike...

 Shannon mastering the zipline (it really does work your abs)

 Oh Ya

 check out Afton's eyes

On my menu for Valentine's Day...

LASAGNA ROLLS:

Ingredients
24 oz cooked chicken
12 whole wheat Lasagna noodles
1.5 cups part skim shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (15 oz) container low fat Ricotta Cheese
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp low sodium taco seasoning
1/8 tsp salt
1 (15 oz) can low sodium black beans
1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach (thawed and well drained)

Sauce:
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz) can no salt added diced tomatoes
1 cup water
1/2 TB onion flakes
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/4 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp rosemary
1 tsp basil
1 tsp sugar

Directions:
1. Grill or bake chicken. If you want a little extra flavor boost to your chicken, rub the chicken with 1/2 tsp chili powder and some pepper before grilling or baking. When fully cooked, let cool and shred.

2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package. Drain well. Rinse with cold water and lay individually on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.


3. While noodles are cooking, you can prepare the sauce by combining all sauce ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Set aside.


4. In a different bowl, combine 1 cup of mozzarella cheese with the ricotta, chili powder, taco seasoning, spinach and salt. Stir in black beans.

5. Divide the cheese mixture evenly onto each lasagna noodle (about 1/4 cup each noodle) and spread evenly on the length of the noodle. Add 2 oz cooked chicken to each noodle.

6. Roll each noodle "jelly roll" style beginning at narrow ends. Spray a glass cooking dish with cooking spray (may need more than one dish) and place lasagna rolls seam side down in dish.

7. Spoon sauce evenly over the top of each roll. For added kick, sprinkle salt-free pizza seasoning on top.

8. Cover with tinfoil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes or until thoroughly heated. When there is 5 minutes left of bake time, remove the tinfoil and top rolls with remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.

9. When ready to serve, sprinkle freshly shredded basil or cilantro on top. Serve with a yummy green side salad!

MAKES 12 ROLLS

PER ROLL

CALS: 310

CARBS: 34

FAT: 6

PRO: 33


COCOA BERRY PARFAIT

Ingredients

1 sugar free jello pudding cup

2 TB low fat or fat free cottage cheese

2 TB fat free plain greek yogurt

1 TB fat free half and half

1 TB water

1 TB protein powder

1/2 TB plain cocoa powder

1/2 full liquid dropper zero cal-carb sweetener of choice

6 strawberries

1 TB fat free whipped topping

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except strawberries and whipped topping.

2. Blend together to smooth texture.

3. Dice strawberries. In a parfait cup, layer strawberries and pudding mixture. Top with whipped topping. Prior to serving, chill in freezer for 30 minutes.

1 PARFAIT PER SERVING
CALS: 184
CARBS: 27
FAT: 3
PRO: 12

**LIVE THE LIFERS - both Lasagna Rolls and Parfait should not be eaten as one meal. Eat the Lasagna Rolls as one meal, then 2 hours later have the Parfait as another meal. **

The Inky...

Camden breaks my heart...he Loves Loves Loves his 'inky' (binky).  I took it away yesterday and told him the puppy ate them all.  It was the first thing that came to mind.  I didn't plan it out very well but he did okay yesterday.  Today was tough.  He is just so sad...and his tears are so big.  He genuinely just doesn't understand why we can't go to the store and get him another inky.  The saddest part is that there are 3 inkies in my office and it takes all of my willpower to let him cry and not run downstairs and give him his favorite thing in the world.  Camden, I love you too much to let you go to pre-school with a binky - I am sorry!  I hope you forgive Bauer and me someday.

San Fran

 John and I spent 2 days and 1 night in San Fran.  It was so much fun.  We started in Chinatown where we found an authentic tea set for Lily, had a drink at a little bar called the Buddha Lounge and enjoyed the festivities of their New Year Festival.  Then, over to a great little wine bar, next to a french Bistro called Cafe de la Presse.  We sampled some amazing cheeses and wines from smaller vineyards in California.  Finally, we made our way over to the financial district for one of the best meals at Michael Mina (www.michaelmina.net).  The next morning we took a LONG walk along the bay, ate lunch and then headed for the airport. 

It was great - it felt like we had been there a week but it was a very short trip in reality.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

I loved this book.