When September ends...

I cannot believe that it is the last day of September.
I cannot believe we have a 3 year old and a 4 month old.
I cannot believe it hasn't rained in 5 days.
I cannot believe both boys have bad colds at the same time.
I cannot believe that the colds have turned my children into insomniacs.
I cannot believe despite all the non-sleep at 2420 Pine Court, we are still one happy and blessed family.
I cannot believe that I have to cut this post short, because Gabe just came down the stairs from his nap because he coughed so hard that he puked all over himself, and I have to clean it up.
I cannot believe Daddy isn't here to do it. Ugh.
Enjoy October!



Noah really loves his exersauer - this is great as it lets us get a few things done around the house and he is happy.

Noah calls Nana.

Both boys have enjoyed the nice weather.

Da Boys - part II

Gabe looking cute as ever.
















Noah sitting - he can lean forward on his hands and sit up for a few seconds.
Gabe enjoying the big slide at a friend's birthday.

Da Boys.

Look at Noah and all his hair!














Gabe, you are one funny guy. We are saving this picture for your graduation.


















Noah stands (o.k. leans) to play with his table. 4 months old! What a turkey. Slow down baby.

Noah razzing and giggling.

My heart goes pitter-patter when I hear him.

The best meal I have ever made, or eaten!

Orange Chicken Lo Mein (Pampered Chef)
2 oranges
¾ cup water
½ cup sugar
½ cup white vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Asian Seasoning Mix
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 egg
½ teaspoon salt and coarsely ground black pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup corn starch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, pressed
2 pkg (3 oz each) ramen noodles, any flavor, split into halves
1 bag (12-16oz) frozen stir fry vegetables (ie. broccoli, carrots, and pea pods), thawed
3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
Zest one orange using Microplane ® Adjustable Grater to measure 1 tbsp. Juice both oranges to measure ½ cup. Combine zest, juice, water, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce and seasoning in Small Batter Bowl; whisk well. Set aside.
Cut chicken into 1-in. pieces. Combine egg, salt and black pepper in Classic Batter Bowl. Add chicken; stir to coat. Combine flour and cornstarch in large Bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Heat oil in 12-in Skillet over medium-high heat1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Remove chicken from flour mixture; shaking off excess, and place into Skillet. Cook 8-10 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and centers are no longer pink; stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside and keep warm.
Add pressed garlic to Skillet. Cook 30-60 seconds or until fragrant. Omitting seasoning packet, add ramen noodles and orange mixture to Skillet. Cover; bring to a simmer and cook 3-4 minutes or until noodles are softened. Add stir-fry blend and cabbage; cook3-4 minutes or until vegetables are hot and cabbage is crisp-tender. Add chicken to Skillet; mix well to coat chicken.
*Cook’s Tip: If desired, 2 tsp grated fresh ginger root, ¾ tsp salt, 1 pressed garlic clove and ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper can be substituted for the Asian Seasoning mix.

Kate's Modifications: I used 3 cups coleslaw mix instead of the cabbage, and I used 1 tsp. ground ginger in place of the fresh.

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Everyone in the house ate and enjoyed this one with plently of leftovers :)

Happy Birthday Gabriel

Both boys had their well-child doctor appointments today. They are healthy, growing boys, who are happy most of the time.
Gabriel: 31.8lbs, 37" (50th % for both height and weight)
Noah: 25 1/2" (75th %), 15.4lbs (60th %), and 16 1/2" head (50th %).
Gabriel has been sleeping since 12:15, after his 2 shots today. Just checked on him, still breathing and alive - can't believe it has been 4 hours of napping for him. He also had an unfortunate accident getting into the doctor's office when he fell and got a huge goose egg on his forehead - but exam was fine by the doctor. Just as big as 1/2 of his entire forehead.
Hope this cooler weather stays around. We love fall, the crisp cool air, football on Thurdays with Daddy, leaves changing, apple crisp in the oven, it is so comforting. Hope all you out their are comforted too.
Love, Jones fam.

This picture cracks me up, Papa - didn't you get the memo, look like them :)



We have a 3 year old in our house. This is hard to believe. So much has changed in 3 years - for the better. As parents, Bart and I, have become kinder, gentler, more patient, and more empathetic. We even see the world through different eyes. Not that being a parent is all sunshine and roses, because it is not. But I am a better person for being a Mom, more fulfilled and centered. Thank you to Gabriel for doing that for us. You made us want to be better - for you and your brother.
We enjoyed a birthday bash at our house despite the cool temperatures on Saturday afternoon. All of our favorites were in attendence, minus Aunt Kristen and Uncle John, who were missed terribly.

Words to the wise.

PLAY WITH YOUR CHILD. You will learn a lot about your child and yourself during play. It gives your child the message "You are worth my time. You are a valuable person." It improves their behavior by giving feelings of importance and accomplishment. Instead of viewing playtime as a chore, use it to make an investment in your child's behavior.

Noah can roll, and wants to do more!!

1-Minute Discipline Magic

1-Minute Discipline Magic
We are going to attempt this with Gabriel. Here's to good results. Fingers crossed.

First Batch of Homemade Salsa

Here is the season's first batch of homemade salsa from home-grown ingredients. Long time coming this year as the onions didn't want to grow. I know it will be delicious tonight for Taco night while the Vikings play. Go Vikings! Nana and Papa are on their way here to enjoy it with us. Can't wait!

September has arrived!

Gabe has his tractor in the fast gear now, and that is the only speed he goes - FAST!

Summer Produce

September is here and our air conditioning is finally off. We are so thankful for cooler weather for playing outside. Bart is full swing back in school and football. The boys are growing. Here's what they are up to:

Gabriel: Started preschool last Friday. Since he will be in preschool 3 years since he has a late birthday, he will just go 1 day a week this fall, and we can find something fun to do together during the week. He came over to me yesterday outside with his hands clasped. He said, "Mommy, I have something very special for you." He opened up his hands (they were empty) and said, "See, it's a very special firefly. Oh, it just flew away." His imagination continues to grow and he sometimes is frustrated if we aren't in his "imagination" land. He is very sweet with Noah and loves school.

Noah: Goes to daycare on Fridays, where he has a hard time napping. I am puzzled by this as we are not quiet at home when he naps. None-the-less, he can hardly keep his eyes open on Friday nights after Daddy picks him up. He can roll both ways, but prefers to be on his tummy checking everything out. He giggles a little bit when I tickle him.

Gabe's birthday bash is coming soon. He will be 3 on 9/20, with a birthday party on 9/18. Both boys had their pictures taken last week. Noah's 3 months and Gabe's 3 years. I can't believe how blessed we are.

l