More Pictures

Leighton is such a sweetie!



Uncle Matt and Aunt Becca enjoy some time in the greenhouse.



Sean had lots of fun with Mama and Papa in the greenhouse!



Aunt Katherine and Leighton.

Some Christmas Pictures

My dad bought antler headbands for the 6 grand kids. The idea was to get a picture of all of them together with them on. That didn't quite happen, but Reagan enjoyed wearing them for Aunt Becca and Uncle Matt!



We were blessed with a Best Buy gift card and bought the game Rock Band. What a game! It stayed at my folks' house for about a week and a half and pretty much everyone had fun playing. I think my brother was bummed when we picked up the xBox last Friday! Reagan really enjoyed the singing.





Sean really enjoyed spending time with his cousin, Anastasia. In this picture, Sean wanted to read a book to Anastasia so Damian helped her up on his lap and Sean read to her and Connor.

Connor Turns 2!

Ok, so he actually turned 2 on August 23rd, but things have been a little crazy around here. Tropical storms, starting school, moving Connor to Sean's room, etc...

So anyway, for Connor's birthday we went up to Ft. Myers to spend time with Mama and Papa and Uncle Philip and Aunt Savannah. The original plan was to go to Chuck E. Cheese's, but the line was out the door and down the sidewalk. It would have been an hour wait, at least! There was no way we were doing that with a 2 year old.

So instead we went to Stevie Tomato's Sports Page. That was my dad's idea. It was close and they have a much better menu than Chuck E. Cheese's! There are also a couple of arcade games, pool tables and lots of TVs.

It turned out to be a great choice bc there were very few people there. We actually got the large room with the pool tables all to ourselves for the majority of the time we were there.

Here are a couple of pictures from the afternoon:

Connor's Words

Connor has been making great strides in his vocabulary over the past couple of months. Some of his words/phrases are:

What's that? - Those were actually his first words, no kidding.
Thank you
Please - he does the sign for this one as well.
No
Oh wow!
Yes
Good-bye
Daddy
Shoes
Nose
Mouth
Eye
Door
Down
Up
Meow
No way
Out
Ow

And he's adding more day by day. It's pretty cool to watch!

Radom Thought

I love it when things like this happen! Yesterday the kids and I met my friend Julie and her kids at Dig Park. We were there for 3 1/2 hours! I don't think I've ever stayed at a park that long before. The kids had a really great time. Sean was able to make some new 'guy' friends and I got to have some mommy time.

Anyway, we got there around 9:30 and didn't leave until close to 1:00. So Connor didn't go down for his nap until almost 2:30. That's when he's usually waking up from his nap! He ended up sleeping til after 5 and was then up until 10ish. Sometimes it's hard to stick him in bed, even when he should be there, bc he's so darn cute when he's tired! He was being very cuddly with mommy and daddy.

Well, for some reason he decided to wake up at his normal time this morning, which was before 7:00. He was pretty tired still, and a little cranky. So around 8:30 the kids and I took a half hour walk down the street. It was already almost too hot to do so (but we're having company tonight so it was the only time to get a walk done). Well, I had to take care of a few things when we got home and Connor was playing nicely with Reagan and Sean. So I grabbed his blanket and walked up to him and said, "Ok, Connor, it's time for your nap." And he picked up the toys he was playing with and walked right into his room and to his crib. No fussing, crying or anything.

I took off his shoes, gave him his blanket, water and toys that had fallen out, and left the room. Not a peep from him. He'll be out like a light soon enough, if not already. I am always thankful when naptime goes that smoothly! He doesn't usually whine or fuss too much anyway, but he certainly doesn't always walk in when I tell him it's naptime. The other cool thing is he so clearly knew exactly what I was saying to him.

Awesome Flank Steak!

Last night I made a new South Beach recipe called Pan-Roasted Steak and Onions. This recipe is good for all phases of the diet. I couldn't believe how much I liked it. Damian thought it was good too.

My cut of meat was actually a pound and a half so I tripled everything. It turned out perfect!

Here it is:

Pan-Roasted Steak and Onions

1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound flank steak
1/2 tablespoon cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
1/2 medium onion, cut into 1⁄4" thick rings

In a large nonaluminum baking dish, combine the oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and garlic. Add the steak; turn to coat. Cover; refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight, turning once.

Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Place over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the steak with the pepper and salt. Brown for 2 minutes per side. Add 1⁄4 cup of the broth; cook, turning once, for 5–6 minutes per side (for medium-rare). Remove the steak from the skillet; cover the steak loosely to keep it warm. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion slices to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Add the remaining broth as needed to prevent the onions from sticking.

Thinly slice the steak across the grain; serve with the onions.

Flickr Photostream

Well, I'm finally joining the ranks of those using Flickr. Here's a link to my photostream. There's a new link with all the others on the right hand side of the blog as well. I will still post pictures directly in the blog. But if you want to see more, then visit Flickr.

Right now I only have 3 sets there. Soccer, Cakes and the current visit with Aunt Katherine. I'll be adding more as time allows, so check back every now and then.

My Computer

Speaking of my computer...

Sadly it died a little over a week ago. Damian is working on getting it back up and running. Until then I won't be posting anymore pictures as I have no access to them. But once it's functional again, I'll have to take a day and catch up with some good picture posting.

Rebecca, Matt and Anastasia were in town recently and I got some good pictures of them with the kids at Dig Park.

Plus there are plenty more to post.

Until then, patience please!

Connor Hits the Ground!

Well, I suppose it was bound to happen. Neither Reagan nor Sean ever did it. But Connor is his own man and must take matters into his own hands at times.

This time I believe it was a matter of retrieving the matchbox cars that he undoubtedly threw out of his crib! I had put him down for his nap and he was playing happily (which he usually does before falling asleep). All of a sudden I hear a thud and then crying. I was pretty sure I knew exactly what happened, and when I opened the door to his room my suspicions were confirmed.

My little man was standing in the middle of his room, crying, and looking quite bewildered. It took a few minutes to calm him down. I think he scared himself more than anything. This is one of those times when I really wish I knew what was going on inside that head of his. I mean, what did he think was going to happen? And what were his plans to get back in?

Anyway, the day is fast approaching when he'll be moving in with Sean (just have to get that other twin mattress for the bunk bed first...pictures of that to follow when my computer is back up and running). Until then I suppose I should make sure the crib mattress is on the lowest rung.

Banana Bread...Again

So I've had a few requests for my banana bread recipe. It's from Southern Living, January 2005. I've tried a different recipe maybe once or twice since finding this one, but I always come back to it. It is definitely my favorite.

Cream Cheese-Banana Nut Bread

3/4 C butter, softened
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
2 C sugar
2 large eggs
3 C all-purpose flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 C mashed bananas (about 4 medium)
1 C chopped pecans, toasted (optional, I never use them)
1/2 t. vanilla extract

Cinnamon Crisp Topping - Optional (I always use this)

1/2 C firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 C chopped, toasted pecans
1 T. all-purpose flour
1 T. melted butter
1/8 t. ground cinnamon

Stir together until blended.

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 2 8x4-inch loaf pans.

2. Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.

3. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended. Stir in bananas, pecans, and vanilla. Spoon batter into prepared pans. Sprinkle with topping, if using.

4. Bake for 1 hour or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean and sides pull away from pan, shielding with aluminum foil last 15 minutes to prevent browning, if necessary. Cool bread in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool 30 minutes on wire racks before slicing.

t. = teaspoon
T. = tablespoon
C = cup

Chicken Nuggets

So, last night for dinner I made a chicken dish with squash and zucchini. It turned out ok, although I should have browned the chicken a bit more. Oh well.

But as usual Sean was saying that he didn't like that kind of chicken. So then he and Reagan had this conversation:

Reagan: So, what is your favorite kind of chicken, Sean?

Sean: Chicken nuggets.

Reagan: Well, these are kind of like chicken nuggets.

Sean: No they're not. They don't have any breading. (pause) They're like naked chicken nuggets! Mommy, it's naked chicken! cue peals of laughter from Reagan & Sean

Abby's Graduation

Well, Miss Abby Kendrick graduated from Gulf Coast High School this afternoon! She'll be off to the University of Central Florida in the fall. The kids and I are going to miss her very much. She's been a great friend to me and to them. Her graduation party is tomorrow afternoon and this is the cake I made for her:


This is the 6-inch tier. That's Nutella in the middle. And it's a yellow cake.

This is the 10-inch tier. Once again, Nutella in the middle. I used some scraps of cake to even out the top. I don't really have the right tool for torting a 10-inch round cake. I need a 14-inch slicing knife (well, that's what I want anyway!).

Finished top tier. Sitting atop my new cast iron turntable by Fat Daddio's. The chocolate curls are made from Scharffen Berger 62% cacao semisweet chocolate. The recipe actually called for giandujo, but I couldn't find it anywhere local and didn't have time to special order it. I think it turned out fine anyway.

Top view of the finished product. Reagan helped me dip the hazelnuts in chocolate and put them on the cake.

So, I'll update later and let you know how it actually tastes!

Anita's Photoblog

I ran across this website yesterday. I don't remember exactly how I ended up there, but the photography is absolutely beautiful. Especially if you like flowers and plant life, as that is what Anita focuses on. The link goes to her portfolio page, but she also apparently posts a different photo every day under 'home'.

It's always neat to see how people with real talent can capture the beauty of God's creation.

Katherine-you should definitely check it out! She has an amazing photo of a gerbera daisy.

Random Morning Funny...

Earlier this morning I was sitting at my computer doing my morning reading when Sean came up to me and asked, "Mommy, may I order a book online?"

I said, "What book do you want and why do you want to do that?"

To which he responded, "Because it looks like fun to order things online."!

Fortunately he's in no position to find out how right he is....

Death by Chocolate

Well, my dear friend and former babysitter Sarah Teigen is getting married on May 17th! I still can't believe it. Anyway, her bridal shower was last night and I was asked to make the cake. Knowing her complete LOVE of chocolate, this is what I came up with:

The bottom is a 10-inch 4-layer tier, and the top is a 6-inch 4-layer tier. The cake itself is chocolate. The filling is buttercream flavored with creme de cacao. I also used a moistening syrup on the layers that was flavored with creme de cacao.

The chocolate frosting on the outside came from Recipezaar. It was really very good. I decorated the cake with some chocolate covered strawberries, which I did myself, and some chocolate covered coffee beans, which I did NOT do myself.

The cake was a huge hit, although we ended up not even cutting into the bottom layer. I think everyone had filled up on the other tea party treats that were there. I'm just getting started putting my name out there as someone who does party cakes, etc, so this type of thing is definitely good exposure.

That Blessed Dependency

I had the privilege to attend the Spring Concert at my father's church in March. The second half of the program was a performance of K. Lee Scott's new Requiem. Mr. Scott has been invited to conduct his Requiem in Carnegie Hall next year.

It was a beautiful Requiem, from a distinctly Protestant perspective. The movements incorporate scripture about death as well as quotes from John Donne and Timothy Dudley-Smith which tie Christ's death to our redemption.

My favorite movement of the Requiem is part 7 - That Blessed Dependency. It is a quote from one of John Donne's sermons:

"There we leave you in that blessed dependency, to hang upon Him that hangs upon the Cross, there bathe in His tears, there suck at His wounds, and lie down in peace in His grave, til he vouchsafe you a resurrection, and an ascension into that Kingdom, which He has purchased for you, with the inestimable price of His incorruptible blood. Alleluia! Amen."

I changed some of the spellings to contemporary English to make the quote easier to read. (ie. we instead of wee).

If I remember correctly, this particular sermon was the last one Donne preached before he died. Either way, it's a beautiful reminder of what we as believers rest in!

Cinnamon-Pecan Buttermilk Waffles

So, I have a bunch of pecans in the pantry and Damian wants to know what I'm going to do with all of them. I hadn't really decided yet, so he suggested making some Cinnamon-Pecan Waffles.

I knew I wanted them to be buttermilk waffles as well, since I love buttermilk pancakes and also happened to have some in my refrigerator. I did a search and came up with a few good looking recipes, but none of them had all three constituent parts I was looking for. So I compared a few recipes and saw that the main ingredients were basically the same, so I was able to combine the parts I wanted into my own recipe (which turned out really darn good!):

Cinnamon-Pecan Buttermilk Waffles

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 T baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 T brown sugar
1 1/2 t cinnamon
4 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (toasting is optional)

Preheat waffle iron.

Sift together first 6 ingredients, set aside.

Beat eggs in standing mixer until pale yellow. Stir in buttermilk, mix well.

Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Stir in butter until smooth.

Stir in pecans.

Pour into waffle iron (my iron takes approx. 1/3 cup of batter per side). Enjoy with syrup!

These were some of the best flavored waffles I've ever had. They weren't too sweet and the pecans really stood out.

Try them and let me know what you think!

Sean is 6!

I know this is a little late, since his b-day was March 8th! but better late than never...

The kids have been really enjoying soccer this year, so much so that Sean requested a soccer cake for his birthday!

My mom didn't even have to help with the cake this year! I actually had it completed the night before (if 1:30am counts as night!).


Sean insisted on the number 6 candle along with 6 regular candles.

The most anticipated part...

The kids always have 'help' when opening their presents.

Sean was very excited about his Star Wars Legos (and all the other presents as well).

Once we make some of these planes, I'll have to post pictures of them.

I think Connor has enjoyed playing with this gift as much as Sean.

The part was a fun time. The kids spent most of the time outside playing in the yard and woods. I can't believe Sean is 6 years old already. The time has flown by and he's grown up so much.

Banana Bread

Reagan had wanted to make this particular recipe for some time now. The recipe came with a miniature baking set that she got for her birthday a couple of years ago!

Reagan is very good at measuring dry ingredients. I try to let her do this herself as often as possible.

She's pretty good with a whisk too!

Reagan loves cracking eggs. She did it perfectly for the banana bread.



Into the oven....

The finished product!

Leighton

Damian and I are happy to announce the birth of our nephew

Leighton Reaves Cleon McClure
February 16, 2008
11:12 pm
8lb. 6oz.
19 1/2 inches



Leighton's name comes from several sources. His first name is the masculine form of my sister Savannah's middle name. Reaves is my maternal grandmother's maiden name. Cleon is his father's middle name, and paternal grandfather's first name. So, this boy is chock full of family names!



This is keeping with the Katherine baby naming tradition of using family names. Her daughter, Lorien Swann (above with her new baby brother), takes into account Rebecca's middle name (Lorien) and our mother's maiden name (Swann). I don't know what other names Kat has picked out for future children. Leroy Terrell?? Elizabeth Lynn??
(I'm just picking on Kat at this point)

Connor

Just a couple of cute pictures of Connor. Sean never would leave a hat on long enough for me to get a decent picture of him!



Connor LOVES to hang out with Daddy and watch shows on the XBox 360. He even likes to watch us play games sometimes too. This is actually becoming a sort of ritual in the evenings when Damian gets home from work. As soon as he sits on the couch, Connor is there waiting to be picked up.

Just another cute hat picture. And if you haven't seen Connor dance yet, you should check it out!

Misc. 2

Sean just did something silly in the kitchen. He poured a cup of water into the sink from behind the counter where he and Reagan eat. Fortunately it didn't make too much of a mess, but I informed him that he should not do that sort of thing in the future.

It also prompted me to say, 'Sean, I really wonder what goes through that mind of yours sometimes.'

To which he responded, 'Psycho things.' Please note there was no hesitation before his answer. That was just off the cuff.

Misc.

So tonight after dinner Sean was carrying his cup of milk to the kitchen. I came in behind him and saw him coming from the direction of the garbage can. Since I knew he still had some milk left in his cup, I asked him, "where did you pour your milk?"

Sean, "In the sink, mommy."

Me, "Ok, I was just making sure you didn't pour it in the garbage can."

Sean, "No, garbage cans don't have drains."

Indeed they don't!

Connor and the Growl

If you haven't had a chance to experience Connor's growl-y voice first hand, here's a taste, albeit a small one. You can also see why I don't actually video him very often. As soon as the camera comes out he immediately stops what he's doing and runs toward me to play with the lens cap and try to see himself.



Sean and Connor love playing legos together. Sean has built some pretty cool things with his legos recently. I really need to get some pictures next time he does!

Sit-n-spin

With all the 'new' toys my kids have, it's fun to see them enjoy something I remember enjoying as a child as well. Connor hasn't quite gotten the whole sitting and spinning thing down, but he does like to climb on it. Occasionally Reagan or Sean will spin him around while he's sitting on his knees.







Oh, and even though I don't have pictures of it right now, Reagan and Sean have both been enjoying this toy as well. In fact, I think we bought it for Sean when he was little.