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Things we've been up to recently...

snuggling, big bugging, eating (as always), cleaning, imbibing, celebrating, splashing and spinning

Shake it, Scarlett!

I know I've posted a few negative stories recently about the trials of Scarlett's toddlerhood, but this girl sure knows how to make us forget her tantrums with dance parties like this in the kitchen...

Where'd she learn those microphone and hip moves? Such a proud mamma right now!

No idea what song she is singing, by the way, but we're jammin' to the song of the summer, Daft Punk's Get Lucky. 

And super thanks to Auntie Christine who sent the dance party birthday package via sesame. Such a cool app, totally downloading right.this.second. Check it out!

Hope there is some groovin' and shakin' in your kitchens tonight. Gotta keep it fun, y'all!!

Defiant preschooler

This article was emailed to me today as part of my babycenter email updates...

Dealing with Defiant Preschoolers

Do the people at babycenter have esp? Did someone spy me in the YMCA lobby today and think, hey this mamma needs some help, let me send her an article on dealing with defiant preschoolers.

Here was the scene leaving the Y after swim class with Scarlett:

I am holding hands with Scarlett and Tripp is walking in front of us. Tripp gains a big lead and starts running full speed out the automatic doors into the chaotically busy parking lot. I let go of Scarlett's hand to save Tripp from certain injury, and return to Scarlett offering a hand to walk out together while I carry Tripp. Apparently, Scarlett does not like what just occurred. She throws herself on the floor and demands to be carried.

"I cannot carry you because I have to carry Tripp to keep him safe. But I can hold your hand. Can you hold my hand? Let's hold hands and march out to the car together. Marching, marching!"

Marching usually is a catch all life saver to get S to follow me anywhere, but today she wasn't buying.

"I can't walk, I need you to carry me!" in a high pitched shrill while flailing body parts on the floor.

Scarlett also wasn't buying the "Ok, I'm leaving. Bye-bye. You'll get up and follow me eventaully" tactic either. Long story short, after a standoff in the lobby with many "I feel sorry for you" smiles from strangers while Scarlett screamed that she couldn't walk, and couldn't even stand (um, hello drama queen!!), I huffed out of there carrying a wrangling child on each hip.

Fun times at the the YMCA! Woot Woot!!

Later, in the peace of both children sleeping quietly, I took a few deep breaths, relaxed and read this article. My favorite idea is to treat timeouts as a cool down period rather than a punishment. And if the child is refusing to take a time-out, take one yourself. Not sure if it would have been possible in the Y lobby, but can definitely try that at home!

Whether pure coincidence or streaming security cameras linked to babycenter email division, this article was sent to the right mamma at the right time. Tomorrow, feel free to send the "how to feed a picky toddler" article before lunch time!

What tactics from the article do you like best?

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What we've been up to lately: birthday, mother's day, rainy days, snuggle days, travel days, play dates, date nights, party nights, and more!

Chicken and Avocado Pasta

My mother in law found this creamy avocado pasta recipe on pinterest. I was a little skeptical at first because it claims to be an alfredo substitute without using cream and/or eggs. hmmm...i only love eating pasta covered in creamy extra fatty goodness...but hey, i'll try it anyway, could use a healthier pasta sauce alternative...

IT.WAS.DELICIOUS! 

So good in fact that I've made it twice in the past 8 days! Though I wouldn't say it tastes like alfredo sauce, it is absolute creamy goodness with healthy-ish fats from avocado instead of just plain old bad for you heavy cream. 

Original recipe here: flourishingfoodie 

Couple notes and changes: the avocado sauce came out a bit thick after pureeing. I skipped the olive oil in the sauce and added a half to one cup of reserved pasta water to thin it out as needed. I found the roasted tomatoes really made the recipe. I used organic splendido grape tomatoes and doubled the amount of tomatoes when I made it a second time. 

I added sauteed chicken with a little red pepper to round out the meal. 

To make the chicken: 

1. Cut two chicken breasts in half and then slice across into strips
2. Salt and pepper chicken
3. Heat tablespoon of olive oil in non stick pan over med-high heat
4. Add half an onion or large shallot, chopped. 
5. Cook until onion is translucent and starting to brown
6. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1-2 tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes
7. Stir for 30 seconds and then add chicken 
8. Let brown on one side for 3-4 minutes, turn to other side and cook until done

Oh, did i mention that this recipe was also EXTREMELY easy? Well, it was! Basically four steps: throw tomatoes in oven, boil pasta, puree avocado, saute chicken. Mix and you're done!

Buon Appetito!

(ps: so psyched to explore more recipes on the fantastic FlourishingFoodie blog!)

Fun with PhotoBooth

it never gets old...

Scarlett says her favorite is the "colors" one. My fave is the chipmunk 4-shot or the perfect unintentional scream painting replica. 

Which do you like best?

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