Christmas preparations and fun

Our  last couple days has been filled with activities and and fun times together. We went sledding, played bowling with friends, baked cookies, donuts, watched movies and played lots of games together. We cherish all these moments spent in our home for a last time at this location. 

The children are soooo excited about being home with dad as Francois is off for a few days. We plan to do a few more activities, but the biggest is tomorrow as we celebrate CRHISTmas at church and watch the children sing and worship together.

So watch again in a few days to see what we get tomorrow and for presetns and what we are up to as well. in the mean time Merry Christmas to all from the Hartons.

no more

No more pacifiers in our home!

We finally made it official this week. Xavier does not always like it and I can tell he is searching for them in the house when bed time comes around. We told him that Charlie ate it. I feel that I should give it back to him especially when he cries himself to sleep (which he has never done). Oh the struggle of a parent when this is the last child! I think it will all be better in a few weeks.

it's wintertime

This we have gotten over 12 inches of snow and it is truly winter wonderland out by us. How did this happen so early in December?

The children sure are happy about it. For myself I guess I just wish for Christmas to come so that it can go away afterward! But I think we are in for a good winter.

Julien loves to sledding as well as Olivia. Xavier sure did not know what to do at first especially walking seemed a little challenging. But now he just loves it.

september

September was a busy month in our household. It started with a storm that ripped through our neighborhood on September 2, taking down 3 big cherry trees. Then September 4 Julien turned 7 and September 13 Xavier turned 2. We also Francois and I went on an awesome trip to Montana. I will have another post for that.

 Julien's treat for his birthday was to have grandma and grandpa here with us to celebrate.

 Xavier loved his Birthday ice cream at Red Robbin. It was quite a treat just for him!

and of course we needed a real cake to top it off!

look who's 5

Our little girl turned five this past Tuesday! what a day. We had alots of fun cooking, planning, hanging out and waiting and waiting and waiting for the friends (according to Olivia) then the rain came and it pourred for a while. With a beach theme birthday party I had palnned outdoors games and lots of fun things so scratch that and quickly printed a few coloring pages to make up . Jids had a fun time anyways. Then the rain stopped and we ate and outside we went for a few games, lots of running and then cake and ice cream.

Olivia loved her time with her friends as they played dress up and just plain had fun together!

But for me as a parents I think time is flying by way to fast and I am trying to cherish and remeber the good moments and create memories at a very fast pasted life!!!

hummmm good!

Black Bean Burgers with Mango Salsa

was anew recipe for our family last week and what a hit it was. It was a real pleasure for my taste buds, so give it a try and see for yourself and it is very healthy too!

2 (15 ounces) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup chopped cilantro
3/4 cup monterey jack cheese
1/4 cup panko (japanese style breadcrumbs
2 tps. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 medium jalepeno finely chopped
2 egg whites
cooking spray
1 mango
3 Tbsp. chopped shallots
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1 avocado peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove crushed
 buns and lettuce

1. preheat oven to 350F
2.place black beans in a medium bowl and mash with fork. (I used my food processor on pulse). stir in 1/2 cup cilantro and the next 7 ingredients (through egg whites)
Shape bean mixtures into 6 (1/2 inch thick) patties. arrange patties on baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes turning once.
3.Combine remaining 1/4 cup cilantro, mango, and the next 4 ingredients  (through garlic)in a medium bowl. Place a patty on bottom half of bun; top each with 1 lettuce leaf, 1/3 cup salsa and top with bun.
Enjoy!

***note: I did not mix the jalepeno in the bean mixture to spare the kids put put it on my burger when I served it***

our new addition

Here is our new furry friend! Charlie came to our home May 25. He is a 4 years old golden retriever that is very gently and loving. He is a great family dog and loves the children. We are working on a few manors and obedience issues but he has made great progress already.

Charlie has been shave for the summer but as his hair grows we will put pictures of him later in the year.

So you may stop by for a visit and me our new very cuddly friend.

new bicycle

After finishing his school year like a champ and being promoted to first grade, Julien got a new bicycle, was needed as well since his knees where almost up to the handle bar on his old one! He is so excited and proud of his hotrock 24 and the fact that it is blue.

fun at the park

Took the children to the park this week to play and have fun. And I brought with me my camera and a prop and a few changes of clothes. I have been so bad lately at taking pictures that I thought I would take advantage of this nice weather to catch up on pictures. I have not done any session for Xavier's 18 months or 20 months so here it is at 21 months. Then miss Olivia in a lovely Matilda Jane outfit and none the less master Julien no special outfit but a few pictures to make his first black eye memorable!

They are growing up so fast I have a difficult time keeping up with them!