I'm 3 and a half and I can have gum

It's hard to believe we will be celebrating Andrew's 4th birthday in 3 short months!  On the other hand, some days I feel like he must be at least 5 already.  Over the last month he has grown a bit taller...definitely a growth spurt as one morning he ate 2 eggs, 6 pancakes, and fruit for breakfast.  He is his father's son 100% - he LOVES video games.  He plays them on his dad's iPhone, on the computer, on the Wii and asks anytime we are eating out and there is one in sight.  Andrew loves legos.  He likes to build towers, guns, and sits and watches as Drew builds complex spaceships, boats, cars and trucks for him.  He especially like to play with the little men.  Andrew must label everyone a "good guy" or "bad guy".  He is crazy about Spiderman although he has never seen the show or movie.  He still enjoys playing outside in the sandbox, driving his tractor and riding his bike.  Andrew LOVES his teacher at preschool and although he can be quite shy, his friends are always as excited to see him as he is them.  I finally let him start chewing gum.  For at least a week, every time he walked into school, Bible study, church, etc he would say "I'm 3 and a half and I can chew gum."  It seems to be the best treat ever!  

Last night I surprised him with new Spiderman pajamas.  He was SO excited - "Mommy...You...Are...So...COOL!  Thank you, mommy." He has such a kind heart and is a great encourager.

Cute a pie!

I can't believe that my baby girl is 2 years, 3 months old.  The last 2 years have flown by.  She is the life of every party.  She has a very magnetic personality.  Lila talks clearly and carefully in full and complex sentences.  When people meet Lila, they usually comment on her articulation.  She is quite a firecracker.  She is able to read people and seems to know what to do to get what she wants...her teacher's lunch, her dad to come up for one more kiss at bedtime.  She loves to take Andrew's toys and run just to get him to interact with her.

Last week after the 5th time of trying to get her settled for bed I opened her door and said, "Lila, what are you doing awake?"  To which she replied, "Being cute" (with a HUGE smile).  This week we she wore her first ponytail.  She loves to color; she is very precise.  She likes to dance, to sing.  Loves playing in the sandbox and swinging.  Enjoys playing with friends.  Her absolute favorite activity is to play in the water - wash her hands, wash the dishes, take a bath - she can't get enough.  I am certainly looking forward to a fun summer with my sweet girl.

Homemade Egg (Mc)Muffin

Breakfast is such an important meal, not only for the kids, but for adults as well.  If I have a filling and tasty breakfast, the tone is set for me to make smarter food choices throughout the day.  Here's our favorite well balanced breakfast.

Thomas English Muffin toasted in toaster (we use 100% whole wheat)

1 egg (fried over easy in olive oil *use regular OO instead of Extra Virgin for cooking at high temps)

**When preparing for the kids, I pop (I'm sure there's a more technical term - Gillian?!?!?) the yolk so that is doesn't burn them or make a huge mess when they bite into it.**

1 slice of cheese (depending on your goals you can choose whole, 2% or fat free)

Add fruit or veggies on the side and, my favorite, a cup of coffee and hazelnut creamer.