Thursday, May 31, 2012

A Year in Review: The Twins Finish Their First Year of School!

It is hard for me to believe that Michael and Matthew have finished their first year of PreK.  Time has flown by so fast.  With the passing of each year, the boys continue to amaze me with the progress they have made.  The boys had their end of the program today and it was adorable.  Michael was up on stage with his walker and Matthew in a stander and they were as happy as can be.  They looked like such big boys up there.  They both have come a long way this year.  Here is the breakdown:

Matthew and Michael being silly
Michael uses his walker EVERYWHERE now.  At the beginning of the school year I was still pulling him and Matthew in a wagon to and from the classroom and he would crawl around.  Now he is unstoppable in his walker; uphill, downhill, grass, gravel, concrete, it doesn't matter, he does it and does it well.  He is fearless.  He has also been taking independent steps at therapy and some at home.  I believe it is only a matter of time before he has the confidence to walk on his own without any help.  God has given him an adventurous spirit and that will carry him a long way in making his goals and dreams come true.

Matthew has made progress too.  He has become more independent.  He wants to do everything himself.  His body just needs to catch up with his mind.  He crawls and moves around very fast now.  He can sit on a big boy swing without falling off!  He has even started taking steps in his walker.  His cerebral palsy affects his legs more than Michael so it will be a harder road for him.  He has a determined spirit!  He can write his letters and knows how to spell his name. 

 Both boys are extremely smart (sometimes too smart for their own good.)  They are both funny too and have the biggest hearts.  Matthew is always ready and willing to give hugs and kisses. Michael loves to play ninjas and star wars while Matthew is more content to play with his leap pad.  They both love to play with their older and younger siblings!

I have currently applied for a great for a special Therapy called TheraSuit Therapy.  It is relatively new therapy that could especially help Matthew to learn to walk faster among other things.  It is a very expensive therapy so I hope to get the grant at least for Matthew.  At some point, I would like to do a fundraiser but, I will keep you posted about that :-)

(The hardest working 4 year olds I know)
Mark and I couldn't be more prouder of the boys.  They continue to defeat the odds and are an inspiration to us all.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

What is the best ingredient in a chocolate chip cookie?

I was baking cookies with my kids this weekend and every time we do they always ask, "What is the most important ingredient?"  When I tell them love, they say no, it is using Crisco instead of butter :-)  (I have taught them well).  I learned from my mother-in-law that Crisco makes the cookies softer, chewier and last longer.  Cookies do not last long in my house though!  Here is the recipe for yummy chocolate chip cookies:

Ingredients (Recipe on the Toll House package)

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened  Use 1 cup of Crisco instead
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (I like to use half chocolate chips and half butterscotch)
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (I usually use walnuts)

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Another happy customer...  (P.S. The best ingredient for me is making cookies with my babies :) )