pasta and red sauce.

Kevin has subsisted on nothing more than what he calls "pasta and red sauce" for more parts of his adult life than I like to think about. (especially during his single college days)  He's the type that can go all day without eating and just eat a big dinner at the end of the day.  (We are working on that since I'm the "breakfast is your most important meal all day" type and a huge supporter of lunch during the day too.) And funny enough, Kevin seems to have less exhaustion and headaches at the end of the day when he's eaten more frequently...or at all.

Well, Lee seems to take after his father. (not in the one meal a day category...he's always hungry) He currently* is loving pasta and red sauce.  The chewing, of course, is tricky since we're still waiting for tooth #1 to show up but other than being a little slow-going, he seems to love his dad's favorite --go-to-- meal. And I'm just happy when he'll eat anything semi-well.  Go Lee. :)
*(how quickly a baby's tastes change.)

(that is what I like to see.)

 

dapper dudes. *sunday with my boys*

*dapper dudes:lee+papa*

Lee is looking and acting more and more grown up everyday it seems like. I can't believe he's only a month away from turning one.  We are having so much fun with our little Lee Boy.  (even on sunday...even though three hours of church is a lot for an eleven month old to handle...at least he's cute while he's at it)
Here are some pics from our Sunday that I couldn't resist sharing:

walking on sunshine.

I've probably said it before but, this winter has been a hard one for me.  It has felt so long and frozen and cold.  You'd think growing up almost my entire life in Utah I would be used to or at least tolerant of winters by now...not so much. 

So when we had a week of sunshine and warmth, I (we) rejoiced.  I soaked up the rays of sunshine every chance I got.  I don't think Lee even remembers what outside or sunshine is.  I loved being able to take him out on walks everyday and take him to the park to try out the slide for the first time.  (he was actually pretty indifferent to the whole experience but I'm sure he'll warm up to it.)
This week is hopefully full of some of the same sunshine that is so good for my soul.  Here's to sunshine.
Happy Monday!

song of a bird.

Living with Lee has made me realize how unaware I've become of certain things in my surroundings. We played outside at my mom's today and I couldn't believe how sensitive all his senses are. Good reminder to stop and pay attention from Lee boy.

Agreed. (thought for the day)

"To the youth of the Church rising up to missions and temples and marriage, we say: "Love God and remain clean from the blood and sins of this generation."   You have a monumental work to do, underscored by that marvelous announcement President Thomas S. Monson made yesterday morning.  Your Father in Heaven expects your loyalty and your love at every stage of your life."

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

*This quote came from a General Conference daily 6 month calendar that my aunt makes for everyone who wants one in my mom's family. It's filled with quotes from the most recent General Conference and lasts until the next conference.  

Anyway.  This quote was for February 28th but my mom held onto it and stuck it on the fridge. (glad she did.)

It made me think of the young women that I work with in my church and the responsibility they have now to be the guardians of their own personal spiritual well-being. There really isn't any in-between time to rely fully on the testimony or good works of someone else.

Of course it also made me think of my own responsibility to follow Christ and serve God, because of my convictions and belief in Their perfect plan for each of us.  

fiber delight.

Like I mentioned earlier, I'm working on a more healthy lifestyle again, now that I'm out of the 24-hours-a-day nauseous period of this pregnancy.  Of course a huge part of a healthy lifestyle is healthy food. I've been meaning to make some bran muffins because they are delicious, healthy, easy, save forever, Kevin can take them to school, and I love them. 

This is a Tanner family favorite recipe. (found in Tanner Tasties I and Tanner Tasties II).  
(Attributed to Bobbie Graham and Terri Mitchell.)

Refrigerator Bran Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups boiling water

2 cups All-Bran

1 cup oil

2 cups sugar OR 1 cup honey

1 quart buttermilk OR sour milk OR yogurt

4 eggs, beaten

5 cups whole-wheat flour

1 teaspoon salt

5 teaspoons baking soda

4 cups dry All-Bran

*optional: raisins, craisins, nuts, berries, coconut, etc...

Directions:

*Pour boiling water over 2 cups All-Bran. Cream oil and sugar (or honey) then add buttermilk, eggs, hot bran mixture, flour, salt and soda. Mix well.  Add 4 cups dry All-Bran and mix well again.

*Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes.

(*Add nuts, raisins, craisins, berries, coconut, etc.. just before baking.)

finished batter is a bit lumpy.

*Can store in a tightly covered container in refrigerator and use as desired/needed.

Left over batter after making 6 muffins.

Even though it saves for weeks, I probably still could have half-ed the recipe for our small family.

I just sprinkled coconut on top before I baked them.

One thing I love about this recipe is that you can make as many or few muffins as you need so they're always fresh. 
My cousin Ashley Anne and I would make this recipe frequently when we were roommates in college. They are really delightful straight out of the oven in the morning.

Just out of the oven.

Ready for breakfast for the next few days.

 Like I said, I love these bran muffins and they are so easy to make.  Win-win. :) Happy Wednesday!

life lately.

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1. Lee loves rocking on a rocking chair that is just his size and used to be his Dad's.
2. Lee is starting to really love playing independently since he's learning how things work and how to play with them.
3. Lee really enjoys his post-bath, pre-clothes time.
4. I feel like I'm getting big so fast this time.
5. Lee scoots himself under things all the time since he still hasn't mastered the idea of moving forward.
6. We found out that Lee loves swimming.  Perfect! Since we are both water lovers and we're moving to Texas.  Lots of swimming in the future.
7. Lee likes to fall asleep with a book, just like him Momma. (the top is Lee, bottom is me.)
8. Now that I'm finally not feeling nauseous every second I'm trying to hop back on the healthy lifestyle wagon. It feels so good.
9. Lee wants to eat whatever we eat, in this case his first taste of frosting on graham crackers. yum.
10. Lee seems to be crazy about stuffed animals. (really helpful when he doesn't want to fall asleep right away.)
11. In general Lee is growing up so quickly and I'm trying to love all the fun moments.