What happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay in Vegas

Ok, everyone...we are pregnant!!! I think we may have brought back a little souvenir from our trip:). Early ultrasound above only revealed 1 baby (whew!), but a healthy one. We are due March 9, 2009. We will soon be the Steuer family 7--wow!! I am feeling fine, but the diet isn't going so well...more info to come in the next 8 months. Stay tuned.

Over the river and through the woods...

Since Matt was having a "man" weekend (DMB concert and Brickyard race), Nana and I took all 4 kids to stay at Grandma Warren's house in Winamac for the weekend. We played at the park, saw fireworks at Bass lake, and went to Indiana Beach on Sunday. I think Indiana Beach was the highlight. Jackson refused to ride any rides, but he loves to watch them. Mia, on the other hand, wanted to ride every kiddie ride IB had to offer. She loved every minute of it! Grant and Liam behaved fairly well all weekend so we were able to do many things. Lots of sugar, not very much sleep, but a fun time for everyone. Matt missed us (so he says!), but he did paint our kitchen. Stay tuned later this week for photos.

A visit to Grandpa's

Jackson and Mia stayed with Grandpa Capper and Angie this past Friday and Saturday nights. By the looks of the pictures, it looks like they did about everything...visited cows, played in the water, went to the park, played with the dogs, went fishing, colored with chalk, ate smore's, and more!! I know they enjoyed it and we certainly enjoyed the two child break! Enjoy the photos.

Sorrell/Steuer clan

Kelsey and Liam

McCoy and Steuer kids

Sunday we went to a cook out at Jeff Sorrell's house (Matt's cousin). The whole Sorrell family was there as were Matt's parents and us. Jeff's sister Amy brought her kids (Kiersten, Connor, and Kelsey) so our kids had some playmates. Amy and I were laughing that in the photo were 7 kids age 5 and under from two families. I think it turned out pretty good.

Parenting Statistic

I came across a statistic this weekend in my "Parenting" magazine that made my day (and made me feel like a normal, better mom!).

20

The average number of times per hour

that moms and their toddlers argue

(Some fought 55 times, but researchers

say even that's normal--so relax if you're

"above average.")

Does that make anyone else feel better? Thanks "Parenting" magazine!

Relaxing in the hammock

Future Dentists?

Liam and Grant are totally obsessed with teeth and mouths right now. I remember Jackson being the same way. They both open their mouths wide and make a "Ahh" sound to get you to open your mouth, then watch out because they will then try to give you an exam! Too funny. Maybe someday we can save some money on dental visits?

Fishing in Fishers

We spent some time with the Newlywed Corbett's on Sunday in Fishers. Both Steuer family and Corbett family came together to enjoy a great meal and fishing fun. The older kids really liked watching bait the hooks and seeing the fish being caught. Thanks Kelly and Charley for a great day!!

Have a great weekend!!

Little Reader

One of all of our kids favorite things is reading. Mia can sit with a stack of books forever turning the pages and talking to herself, making up the story. We spend alot of time reading everyday because the kids love it and because we have lots of books. Here is a video of Grant starting to "read." I love it when they are jabbering and pointing to the books as if they are reading. Too cute!!

Job Change

I am making another job change in a few weeks. I put in my two weeks notice at my current job on Monday and will be working for the VA in the outpatient pharmacy starting the end of July. I will still only work weekends (Sat-12 hr shift, Sun-8 hr shift) so that I can be home with the kids during the week. It is actually 2 less hours a week than I am currently working and will be day instead of overnight hours. I think it is going to be a good change for me and for the family. I'll let you all know how it goes!

Tacky Tuesday

Playing with mommy's clothes. I personally love Jackson's purse.

Overnight at Nana's

Making ice cream in the ice cream ball

Tired from all of that work!!

Jackson and Mia enjoying the homeade ice cream

Jackson and Mia stayed the night at Nana's this past Saturday night. Mom got an ice cream ball and they made homeade chocolate chip ice cream. One of my favorite memories of my Grandpa Warren was watching and helping him make homeade ice cream for holidays and family events. It looks like they had a good time making and eating the ice cream and of course, making memories!

Southwest Chicken Soup

Now that we have some veggies in our garden, I have been trying to make things for dinner that include these fresh treats. One of our favorites right now is this delicious Southwest Chicken Soup. I got the recipe from a Quick Cooking magazine, but I added a few ingredients to jazz it up a little. Here is the recipe:

1 1/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips or chunks

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

2 cans (14.5 oz) chicken broth

1 package (16 oz) frozen corn

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatos, undrained

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies

1 1/2 tsp seasoned salt (like Lawrys)

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (optional) or a few dashes of hot sauce

1-2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Saute chicken in oil until lightly browned (I season my chicken while browning with either Emeril's essence or poultry seasoning). Transfer chicken to slow cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

This makes a colorful, flavorful soup. Serves 10 at 1 cup per serving. (if on Weight Watchers--only 3 points per cup!) Enjoy!

Swimming

Liam
Grant
Liam trying to drink the water

We finally got the baby pools out yesterday. The babies didn't like getting in the water, but liked to stick their hands inside and splash around. Everyone had fun!