I grew up with only one sibling…a brother…Kevin.  We are only 14 months apart in age so he and I were pretty close growing up (even though he tortured me sometimes). 

He married a girl, Michele, who was one of my great high school friends, which has been such a blessing to me…having a sister in law that I’m so close with. 

And now they just had their fourth baby!

When Kevin sent the pictures, I emailed him and asked if I could put them on my blog…because I NEEDED to show him off!  Of course Kevin responded that it would be fine….just have my people get in touch with his people.  (I didn’t know the baby had an agent already.) 

So here you go…my newest nephew…Austin Lee.  He was born Tuesday, August 12 weighing in at 7 lb 9 oz and 21 inches long.  (And by the way, Michele felt her first contraction at 6:30 am and gave birth at 7:30 am.  Her story pretty much rivals my story of giving birth to Elias.  Must run in the family.  Is that possible with sisters-in-law?!…)

Here’s Austin with his biggest sister Kailey (6).

And with his big brother Troy (4).

And with his 21 month old sister Renee.

Isn’t he so sweet?  I can’t wait to meet him, hopefully sometime in September. 

And yes, between my brother’s kids and our kids, when we get together…it’s pretty much a big party!  Whew!

I’m so excited to be able to share this with you!  And I’m so grateful for his safe arrival and that he is healthy and strong.  New babies are such a blessing!
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What are you grateful for this Gratituesday?  Please share with us!!!!

Many, many, many of you have emailed or left comments asking what on earth I feed my family for snacks since we try to avoid packaged crackers and other “stuff”.  (See my list of the ingredients we try to avoid eating.)

Snacks are one of the most difficult foods to come up with, in my opinion.  Especially when it seems that all afternoon I seem to be bombarded with, “Mama, I’m hungry again.” 

One thing we’re working on is simply to encourage our kids to just eat more at meal time…and that seems to be working somewhat.  But really…they do get hungry between meals.  They can’t help it.  They’re growing boys.  (With hollow legs.)

I have found that I really have to think ahead and try to be prepared when it comes to snacks.  Otherwise, I get frustrated when they ask me for one.  (Like it’s their fault they’re starving again.)

Here’s a list of foods that I feel great about offering as snacks…

*Fresh fruit or veggies (of course)
*Homemade tortillas with peanut butter and honey or jelly or other yummy things inside
*Muffins or quick breads
    ~Applesauce bread
    ~Orange Muffins
    ~Chocolate swirl muffins
*Homemade bread and butter
*Whole wheat soft pretzels
*Nuts
*Popcorn with coconut oil and sea salt…or sprinkled with parmesan cheese
*Mudballs
*Milkshakes (recipe coming soon)
*Applesauce
*Homemade wheat crackers
*Homemade graham crackers (recipe coming soon) (oh so…yummy!!)
*Yogurt with fruit
*Breakfast cookies
*Breakfast bars
*Slushies
    ~Strawberry-Peach
    ~Pineapple-Orange
*Smoothies
*A treat made with natural sugars and whole wheat flour

There really are some great choices for snacks out there that provide your family with nutrition! 

What kinds of things do you make for your kids for snacks? 

Visit Tammy’s Recipes for more great kitchen ideas.