Flashback Friday: Celebrating & Fun with Family
Brina trying to steal a piece of Rachel’s birthday cake!
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to September 2005 when the girls were eight months old. We celebrated my brother Lee’s birthday with several of our cousins who were still going to college in town. The girls learned how hold their bottles on their own. They loved being silly and playing together. They could easily make each other laugh.
Brina hanging out with cousins Rachel, Alecia, and Jordan.
Playing a game….fun times!
Daddy gave Karlie a bite of Uncle Lee’s birthday cake. He let her lick off one of the candles.
Ummm….Karlie….I think you might have some frosting on your nose.
They think they are so funny…silly girls playing around before drinking their bottles – Brina & Karlie
Brina happy and playing on the floor
Karlie smiling at all the fun toys around her
Two babies in a bucket, they were ok with this until Jake spun them around. Then both Brina and Karlie didn’t like it.
Brina in the Johnny Jump Up with her feet on Karlie’s walker tray. They thought they were so funny in this position!
Karlie you have a bulls eye target stuck to your nose. She didn’t care.
Brina laughing and making some noise.
Silly Brina it’s time to get dressed not time for playing!
This was a big moment for them. They officially can hold their own bottles. It was an exciting and sad day for Mommy. I was glad they could do it and it saved me a lot of extra time, but I did miss some of the morning snuggles with them. I was able to squeeze in plenty throughout the day though.
Daddy and Karlie reading a book together. Karlie LOVED reading books!
Brina was thrilled to find the blue ball and that she could pick it up and throw it by herself.
Song: Thank You by Hillsong
There is so much to be thankful for in our lives. God is good, kind, and patient with us every day. Many of us have more than we could every ask for or image. Take a look around you today and thank God for all He has provided to you.
Thank you for your kindness
Thank you for your mercy
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the price you paidThank you for salvation
Thank you for unending grace
Thank you for your hope
Thank you for this life you gaveThere is no one like you
There is no one like you god
All my hope
Is in you
Jesus JesusTo your name
We give all the glory
To your name
We give all the praise
You’re alive
Our god everlasting
Let your face
Shine on usThank you for your promise
Thank you for your favour
Thank you for your love
Everything you’ve done for meTravel & Vacation: Big Thompson Indian Village (Colorado)
Big Thompson Indian Village
As I was going back over a few pictures from our 2012 trip to Colorado I noticed we had a handful from our stop at Big Thompson Indian Village. We made a stop at the Big Thompson Indian Village on our way back down the mountain from Estates Park, CO. Unfortunately, after being there for several decades Big Thompson Indian Village was destroyed in the 2013 flood.
The only thing left after the 2013 flood waters went through was the sign. Big Thompson Indian Village was a fun place to stop, stretch your legs, browse the gift shop, check out their huge tepee, and more. The store had been there for many years, but we had no idea that the next time we were in the area that it would be completely gone. Floods can wipe out many homes and businesses very quickly. At this time the owners do not plan on restoring the Big Thompson Indian Village so we may not be able to stop there again, but we are thankful for the chance to visit when we did!
Inside the tepee at the Big Thompson Indian Village
The kids LOVED the giant tepee. They thought it would be super neat to camp out in it!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Recipes: Low Calorie & Low Carb Brownies
Low Calorie & Low Carb Brownies
The low calorie and low carb brownies in this recipe do not contain walnuts. They come out almost fudge like and taste amazing fresh out of the freezer too.
I have been using this homemade low calorie and low carb brownie recipe for several months now. This recipe makes 32 individual brownies. If you only eat 1 a day this one recipe will last you an entire month. I like to make a full batch which is a 9 x 13 baking dish and store the individual brownies in the freezer for the chocolate cravings.
These brownies are rich and filled with chocolate goodness that hit the spot, but it won’t set you back if you are keeping track of your calories and carbs. Once this recipe is baked and cool it has a similar texture of a real brownie, but without the extra calories and carbs in each bite. If you are looking for a healthy brown alternative try this recipe!
Low Calorie & Low Carb Brownies
A tasty chocolate treat without all the extra calories and carbs. This brownie is sweet and delicious.Servings: 32 PiecesCalories: 113kcalIngredients
- 1 stick Butter or Margarine Room Temperature
- 2 cups Erythritol powdered is best, but granulated will work too
- 1 tbsp Vanilla
- 4 Eggs Room Temperature
- 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 4 oz Unsweetened Chocolate melted
- 2 cups Flax Seed Meal
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2/3 cup Water
- 1 cup Artificial Sweetener
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Cream butter or margarine until fluffy. Add the Erythritol and cream until fluffy (want a fluffy texture). If you use the Erythritol granulated it will not turn out as fluffy, but the brownies will still taste good (I have done it both ways).
- Add the vanilla to the butter mixture. Beat the eggs into the mixture one at a time. Add salt and cocoa powder; beat well.
- Add the melted unsweetened Chocolate and beat until fluffy.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Pour brownie batter into 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake for 35 minutes. Cool and cut into 32 squares.
Notes
These taste delicious fresh, cooled, or even frozen! Total Calories: 113 and Total Net Carbs (which is Carbs minus the Fiber): 1.19 per individual Brownie
Baked Brownie Goodness
Bagged and ready to go into the freezer for treats throughout the month
The total calories and net carbs are based of the ingredients we used while cooking this recipe. It is good idea to calculate based of the specific brand and ingredients you are using in your recipe, but this will give you a good base guideline. As long as you use the ingredients listed above it should be fairly close.
Your Life Is Your Message…
Flashback Friday: Silly Girls, Dargo, and a Fall Festival
Watching Daddy bring in a train toy! What is it!? Looks like fun!
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to when the girls were 8 months old. They would get so excited to play with various toys. If you pulled out a new toy that they haven’t seen before they would eagerly check it out. The hard part was when both wanted to play with it at the same time. They were pretty good at sharing back and forth with only a few exceptions at this point. If one would take a toy away the other one would just play with another one, no big deal.
Fascinated by the moving and musical Mickey Mouse train – Karlie and Brina.
Goofy girls – Brina and Karlie
Karlie loved to “talk” with you as you changed her clothes. Her little babbling and smiles were so cute.
We have one thumb sucker (Karlie) and one two finger sucker (Brina)….oh boy. At first we thought it was “cute” until it was time to break them of it. You can take away a pacifier, but it is a little more difficult with fingers…
“Dargo what big nose and teeth you have!” – Brina
Dargo thought Karlie’s belly was the perfect chin rest. He was so gentle with the girls. They could do anything to him and he would just lay there enjoying the attention. He was a big black lab, but was so sweet with the girls.
Karlie more interested in relaxing, but Brina wants to talk and play with Dargo
Where are my Oreos?! Sneaky Karlie…. She had no idea it was food and was more interested in the crinkling of the container.
I wonder who has been watching Brina….. Daddy put the stickers on her face and it didn’t bother her at all.
My sweet babies, Brina and Karlie, playing away and totally ok with the stickers on their faces. Don’t worry we didn’t leave them on long. They weren’t easily upset by that type of stuff.
Happy Karlie Kool Kat
They loved any toys that made noise. It was hilarious when they discovered it made noise for the first time. They both stop and stare at it confused by the noise. Karlie proud of her noise making skills and Brina watching.
Their 1st local Fall Festival. They were fascinating just watching all the activities around them. Karlie got a flower and Brina got a butterfly painted on their face. They did much better with this face painting session.
Karlie won a stuffed pumpkin door prize. As soon as they handed it to her Brina immediately swiped it to investigate it further. Karlie didn’t care she was having fun.
Karlie giving us a winning smile.
Brina and Karlie shrieking and laughing as Daddy lifted them up in the air. They thought it was so much fun playing with Daddy!
They spent most of their time at home when they were eating or sleeping playing – Brina and Karlie
Brina wants the cool toy Karlie is currently playing with. Thankful that the were pretty good about sharing.
Song: What Scars Are For by Mandisa
It is never easy going through a tough time. God can use those times to remind, encourage, and show His goodness. He paid the ultimately price for our sin and has the scars on his hands to prove it. Thankful for a God who cares and loves us.
These scars aren’t pretty
But they’re a part of me
And will not ever fade away
These marks tell a story
Of me down in the valley
And how You reached in with Your grace
And healed meThey remind me of Your faithfulness
And all You brought me through
They teach me that my brokenness
Is something You can use
They show me where I’ve been and
That I’m not there any more
That’s what scars, that’s what scars are for
what scars are forErase, rewind
Wish I could every time
The hurt, the pain cuts so deep
But when I’m weak You’re strong
And in Your power I can carry on
And my scars say that You won’t ever leaveI see it on the cross
The nails You took for me
Scars can change the world
Scars can set me freeTravel & Vacation: Beaver Meadows and Road Trip (Colorado Rocky Mountains)
Cool rock formation next to Beaver Meadows
On our road trip through the Colorado Rocky Mountains we made several stops along the way to explore. One of the stops was at Beaver Meadows. The girls did ranger training and located all the items on the checklist. We enjoyed exploring at Beavers Meadows for a little bit. It is a beautiful area.
Beautiful Scenery
On the road again through the Rocky Mountains. The red sign shows the fire restrictions. They have had some big fires in the Rocky Mountains over the past few years.
Look at that curve in the road! We will not be speeding down this mountain!
This is going to be fun!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Recipes: Auntie Anne’s Apple Cinnamon Pretzels
Delicious Auntie Anne’s Apple Cinnamon Pretzel ready to be eaten!
We had the opportunity to try these Auntie Anne’s Apple Cinnamon Pretzels and they were delicious! It wasn’t completely homemade, but it was fun putting them together. The girls had a blast rolling out the dough, putting into different shapes, and sprinkling on the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
Pretzel dough rolled and shaped into cool designs!
Apple pretzels are baked, now on to the next step!
They have been sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar!
Anyone ready for a special treat?!
If you are looking for a fun and delicious treat! Try Auntie Anne’s Apple Cinnamon Pretzels.
Your Actions Speak…
