Yummy

I just made the yummiest

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

All that you need is one Betty Crocker Brownie Mix and one Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie mix. Follow the directions on the box for making the brownies and pour into a greased 13 X 9 pan. Make the cookie mix as directed on the pouch and drop by rounded tablespoons into the brownie batter. You'll want to press the dough down lightly. Bake for 35-40 minutes in a 350 degree preheated oven. When they're done, take them out and let them cool completely. For about an hour. Once cooled frost with the Chocolate Ganache.

Chocolate Ganache
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
6 Tbsp butter

• In a small saucepan, heat cream and butter until just before the boiling stage.
• Pour over the chocolate morsels.
• Let stand about 20 seconds and stir until smooth.
• Pour over brownies and let set before cutting.

This might not be anything new for a lot of you, but we all really enjoyed it. So if you haven't tried it you definitely need to give it a try. Just thought I would share a sweet treat.

Happy Birthday Brookie

Where has the time gone...

4 years old

5 years old6 years old7 years old8 years old9 years old10 years old11 years old

Where do I begin. I love this little girl more than anything. She has been such a dream daughter. Everyone should have a chance to raise a daughter like Brooke and I count my blessings everyday that I was given this privilege.

Brooke has always been very mature for her age. I have never had to worry about her behavior, grades, or friends. She has always been a straight A student who thinks of every ones needs before her own. She has been such a great example not only to her brothers, but also her parents.

Some of Brooke's favorite things right now:
Sports: soccer, basketball, flag football, and tether ball
Activities: art, computer, music, games, reading, and friends
Food: baked potatoes, steak, and anything sweet

For her birthday Brooke got an ipod. She has been asking for one for a while so she was very excited. She also got some scrapbook stuff, clothes, books, and some new cooking supplies. She is always so grateful that it is very easy to spoil her well as much as we can.

Cute Boys

I had to get my camera out today. Now I am like most everyone who has a hectic schedule and there is not not much down time. Don't get me wrong I love my crazy busy life filled with kids, school, and sports. So when there is a little quiet time I love it especially when everyone is happy. Spencer and Tyler are great big brothers to Jake. I know there are many times that he drives them crazy, but they are very patient. Jake loves to spend every waking minute with them. He wants to be big enough to do everything they do. He looks up to them so much and I love the examples they are for him.

Star of the Week

Most kindergarten classes have a star of the week and of course Tyler's class is no different. This was his week to be recognized and he loved all the attention. So as I sat down with Tyler and put his poster together I learned a lot and thought I would share a little of what Tyler loves. His favorite color is red, favorite food is pasta, and his favorite animal is a monkey. Tyler's favorite place to go is Lake Havasu. Which cracks me up we have only been once with Mike's family for a little reunion and now that is all he talks about. No exaggeration he asks me weekly when we can go back to Lake Havasu and go on Uncle Ricks boat. When Tyler grows up he wants to be a Jedi. I think that my family has single handedly kept George Lucas's bank account rising with all of our star wars purchases. One of Tyler's favorite things to do is play basketball except he calls it shooting some hoops. He is out in our front yard daily for hours on end having a full game between himself and the other team. Now the other team consists of Darth Mal, Darth Vader, and any other star wars character. So since I watched him play these crazy basketball games I decided it was time to introduce him to the Lakers. He now loves to watch every game and gives you the score after EVERY basket. I'm hoping the next time I watch him play he is playing against Kobe, Bynum, and Ariza instead of star wars guys. If he had one wish he said he would wish to be able to play with his friends all the time. Tyler is a great friend and he loves playing with his friends and cousins.

Champions

This past weekend Brooke's coach handed out the first place medals for being undefeated and winning the championship. It was very cold a rainy as you can see from the pictures, but the girls loved every minute of being recognized. Now that being said this season should bring a new challenge to the team. Since we came in first we are now moving up to next level of harder teams. Our team was in the bronze division and now they will be in the silver should be fun! Brooke loves everything about soccer and we all enjoy watching her play.

Pine Wood Derby

Spencer and Mike had their first pine wood derby race last week. I thought it was going to be so much fun for the two of them. Little did I know that Mike was dreading it. The only reason I think that Mike didn't want to do it was probably all of the pressure to win and not let Spencer down. So as soon as they started building Mike asked Spencer what his expectations were about the race. Spencer just said I don't need to come in first, but I just don't want to come in last place. After that being said they went right to work because Mike new for sure they could come in somewhere in the middle. I had no idea all the pressure that was put on this race, but I guess thats what you get when all the Dads try and out do each other.

Spencer had a ton of fun building and painting the car with Mike. He loves to build and create so this was perfect for him. That night at the race I was home with the other kids and Mike texted me that in the first 4 races his car had come in first twice and second twice. So in the end Spencer's little car came in fourth place. He was thrilled and so was Mike it was definitely a successful night. This is only the first of MANY pine wood derby races to come with 3 boys.