Disney Extravaganza!

A year and a half... a year and a half since I last blogged! I wish I could say it was simply due to being busy what feels like 99% of the time.  When the down moments occur, it seems the #1 goal is to RELAX and enjoy it.  My goal is to pick this back up and use free time to maintain it.  So, bear with me!

While the first day of summer is still down the road, the summer schedule is officially in full swing.  School is out, the weather is definitely warm, and the days are long.  Our goal this year was to fit in a summer vacation before Matt's work schedule became even more hectic, before Trayden and Ansleigh started the summer care club they attend, and before our schedules filled up.  Surprisingly, we were able to throw together a family vacation to Disneyworld for not just us, but Matt's parents, sister, brother-in-law and their three children.  A total of 12 people, and a week long trip!

We decided to drive to Florida.  This in itself was a task.  As any mom knows, a 2 day drive with three children is not only a long drive, but the means of keeping the children entertained are limited!  Thank goodness for DVD entertainment players when traveling! I think we went through every movie we had! 

The drive to Florida, while long, contained frequent stops for potty breaks and stretching, which helped.  We arrived in Kissimmee, Florida Saturday evening.  The hotel we stayed at had a water resort and nice pool, and we took full advantage of it that evening as well as Monday.  While we originally planned to go to the parks on Monday, the kids as well as adults needed a little break before beginning the chaos again, which was a wise choice.  The kids (and adults) swam their hearts out! Even Autumn was ready for the pool and quickly became a little water baby!

 

Day two of vacation was Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.  I myself have never been to the parks, nor have the kids.  We took in everything, from the beautiful scenery to meeting some of our favorite characters.  Trayden and Ansleigh have watched Disney along with Autumn, who has our tv on Disney Junior most of the time.  We got to meet some of the classics, such as Pluto and Mary Poppins, as well as see a Disney Junior program.  Autumn loved this since she watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse daily.  She got to meet Doc McStuffins, and can name all of the characters!  She was a little scared seeing them in person, but still seemed to enjoy it!  Trayden got to meet some of his favorites as well!

 

 

 



 

 

Shortly after arriving at Magic Kingdom, in the midst of meeting our favorite characters, we caught a show with Mickey, Minnie, all of our favorite characters at the beautiful castle in the center of the park. This was one of my favorite moments - to see all of the characters, together on stage, in front of the iconic castle.   

 

 



 

The second day at the parks, we reserved for Epcot and Animal Kingdom.  We fit in several rides, Trayden and Ansleigh even got on the Expedition Everest roller coaster! The Animal Kingdom Safari ride was amazing - the animals were so close!

 

 

We spent Thursday shopping at the several nearby outlet malls and swimming at the water resort at the hotel again.  We called it an early night and hit the road early Friday morning.  This time, the two day drive was not as smooth.  After being stuck out in the rain showers that are inevitable both days at the parks, Autumn caught a cold and was very congested and sick to stomach from drainage.  We were all exhausted, and ready to be home.   We made it in late Saturday evening, and have been recovering since.  Although it was busy and tiring, it was well worth it.  My hope is Trayden, Ansleigh, and Autumn always remember this trip! Putting together a family trip of this caliber took work, but it was so very worth it!

 

 

 

 





A Healthy Snack

We have been trying to eat better at our house, and Trayden came to me with the perfect snack idea. After today being the third snow day this week for them, we ventured out to the grocery store and got all the items.
For this snack, you will need pita bread or pockets, peanut butter, honey, granola, and bananas. We tweaked and added some items from his original thought, and settled on the ones above. However, there are endless possibilities.

We layered the pita bread, honey flavored, with all of the ingredients and baked it at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes. So easy and simple, and so very good!

November flies by!

Wow, it's been over a month since I last blogged! November was a busy month to say the least.  It seemed to fly by! While most spend the entire month doing daily posts for what they are thankful for, it seemed our family schedule was so busy I didn't have time.  Finally, on the final day of the month, I find myself in between seven loads of laundry with just enough time to take a few moments to catch up.

November consisted of a lot of events, one being my birthday.  I was greatly surprised when my husband planned a surprise dinner and festivities following with some of our close friends. I've decided turning 31 isn't so bad. It's true, sometimes I feel older, but sometimes I feel younger. It meant a lot knowing the time was spent planning the evening from the restaurant, cake, and even the measures taken to keep it a surprise.  Here are a few pics from our evening!

The beautiful fall themed cake - it's my favorite season!

Enjoying an evening with friends!

 

 

We also had Trayden's soccer tournament this month.  Their team placed first in our district after an undefeated season and traveled to their first tournament to continue the wins. They made it to the final game, and placed second.  Next weekend, they will travel to the Tournament of the Champions and play for the state title! Trayden played awesome and was so excited they placed second in the tournament.  It was a busy weekend, and physically tiring for him, but well worth it! Here are a few pics from his tournament!

 

Warming up!

Got an awesome trophy for placing second!

 

 

We finally made it to Thanksgiving.  We moved to our new home two months ago, and I have always said I wanted to host when we had more space to accommodate everyone.  This was the year! I hosted Thanksgiving this year. The turkey was in early, everyone brought a dish, and it was an amazing lunch with family.  I had shirts made and personalized for each child.  They looked adorable!

Ansleigh decked out in her diva turkey shirt - very fitting!

Autumn's first Thanksgiving shirt - too cute!

Trayden sporting his 'not too childish' turkey shirt - keeping it cool!

 









Although November was definitely the busiest month we have had in quite awhile, with extra sports practices, traveling to our first tournament, birthday celebrations, and preparing for Thanksgiving - on top of all of the daily functions and activities- it was truly a blessed month.  As we head into December, we prepare for the holidays and many more memories and family activities to come.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

A Quick, Easy Meal!

I love to cook.  Just as with cleaning, if done in the right environment, it relaxes me.  Matt and I are always trying new recipes that we find, making them our own. Tonight was my first attempt at any form of dish on flatbreads.  I gathered the flatbreads, spinach leaves, fresh mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, homestyle alfredo sauce, mozzarella and fresh parmesan cheese. The great thing about this recipe is all of the items used can be incorporated into other dishes if any is left - something I love!

I searched high and low at the local Albertson's and was unable to locate exactly what I had in mind for this meal; however, Matt was able to locate these really neat flatbreads in the bakery section at Walmart.  The brand is FlatOut - I highly recommend any of their products.  We occasionally use their wraps and they are also delicious!  We had a few different kinds, but I went with the spicy Italian flatbread.  It has crushed red pepper in it to give it a little kick! 

I spread the alfredo on them, added some spinach, mushrooms, and halved cherry tomatoes.  A little cheese on top (both parmesan and mozzarella) and it was ready for baking! The prep was minimal, about five minutes total, which is great when you are limited on time. I baked them at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes, and I have to say as I sit here waiting for Matt to get home for dinner, they smell absolutely amazing.

 

 

I had 3/4 of the container of cherry tomatoes left, so I repurposed those and made one of our favorite sides to eat with meals or just snack on.  I mixed whole cherry tomatoes with cubes of mozzarella (I used the remaining cheese from the flatbreads) and add balsamic vinagarette.  Once mixed, you can add a little basil seasoning. It is amazing and also so simple!  End result - a meal that took a small amount of time yet hits the spot, something busy moms love!

Let's give this a try!

I have intended to begin a blog for some time now. My mom has one as does my best friend.  I have said for months... I should give that a try. Create a hobby for myself outside the daily duties of work, child rearing, shuttling kids back and forth to sports practices and functions, midnight baby feedings, and every day tasks.  So... here goes!
I decided to title my blog blessed mommy to 3.  And that I am!  I have three children: Trayden (age 9), Ansleigh (age 7), and the newest addition, Autumn (5 months).  Each has a very distinct, yet endearing, personality. 
Trayden is the sports fanatic who plays soccer and baseball, and soon football. He is very outgoing and my little man!

 Ansleigh is the princess of all things pink and girly, and is in her second year of gymnastics. She is more like me than I am afraid to admit at times! She loves the camera!

Autumn is the perfect addition and is developing her own personality to the fullest.  It's amazing how quickly they come into their own!

Although the blog name references being the mommy to three, I am also blessed by my husband, Matt. We are opposites most of the time; however, he tends to keep me grounded more than any other! In January 2012, we married and our blended family has become solid, enriched, and amazing!

 

 

 



Our lives are at times busy, chaotic, but we are blessed daily.  I'm excited to begin the process of sharing events, and even the common every day things, and allow you to get to know us better.  I'm ready if you are - let's give this a try!