Spinach Artichoke Dip

I'll be honest, I don't remember where this recipe came from, I've been making it for a few years, and it's not my original recipe. If it's yours, by all means, take credit for it; it's always a winner!

1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach - thawed, drained and squeezed dry

1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

1/2 Cup mayonnaise

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 Cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 7x11 inch baking dish

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Mix in the artichoke hearts, spinach and Parmesan cheese. Season with garlic and lemon juice. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.

3. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove the cover, and let the dish bake uncovered for 5 more minutes.

I always serve it with sliced crusty bread.

Enjoy!

MY BOYS

Henry & Joe are so much alike it's ridiculous (and that's a good thing). When Henry was born and everyone thought he looked just like Joe I couldn't help but feel a little defeated, after all, I was the one who carried him for 9+ months and I was the one who would care for him every day, why does Joe get the "you look like him," award? Now, the looks have evened a bit and there doesn't seem to be a clear winner, but I'm SO glad that Henry has inherited his Dad's personality. Don't get me wrong, I like myself just fine, but I am so pleased that Joe and Henry share some extremely positive personality traits. I'm blessed to be eternally connected to my two favorite guys!

Some things I love:

• They're both cuddlers
• They're both people pleasers, I always get what I want :)
  
• They're both friendly, peaceful, and happy
  
• They both make friends with anyone and everyone
  
• They have the same, cheesy, irresistible, smile
  
• They're smart (who knew two year olds were only supposed to know 20 words?)
  
• They're energetic and cheerful (except at church where they're both grumpy)
• They both make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world

I love my boys!

Impressive

About six months ago we introduced Henry to his very own potty and he has loved it ever since, sitting on it occasionally to mimic mom and dad or watch a movie; however the potty has, for the most part, never been a practical addition to our home until tonight.

Tonight while I was out I got a text message from Joe that read: Henry just went potty in the toilet.

When I got home, Joe was telling me all about Henry's first "pee pee in the potty" when Henry chimed in excitedly wanting to show Mommy and he immediately went potty in the toilet again.

Movies!

If you're not shy about signing up for trial offers, go to blockbuster.com and register for a free trial. In return you get:

$10 off the purchase of movies costing $10 or more
Free shipping on used movies

Today I got Shark Tale and Ice Age for $6.50 total. There are tons of movies for kids and adults. Use the promo code augappreciation when purchasing the movies.

I think Joe will probably have to sign up later so we can acquire some movies for Henry that aren't Cars, which by the way you could get for $1.99 using this promo.

Sleepy Pictures

Henry & Brooklyn in Midway (watching cartoons, not sleeping)

Henry & Easton napping on the floor in Henry's room

Henry the morning after Dad got him ready for bed; two legs in one hole, shirt on inside out.

Henry, yesterday when he insited on wearing his lifejacket and refused to take it off before his nap.

UPDATES

JOE

Started rotations the first week of July, he is now more than 1/2 way done with his first rotation - internal medicine at IMC Hospital in Murray. His next rotation is Pediatrics which begins in two weeks. He's been busy, extremely busy, but he seems to really enjoy working in the hospital, it is why he went to medical school after all.

HENRY

Has fallen in love with the movie "Cars". It's a blessing and a curse for his parents, a blessing because if we need a few minutes Cars provides that opportunity; a curse because it's nearly always on and getting really annoying.

In a couple weeks Henry will be 2, can you believe it?? He's beginning to act the part too, he's exerting some independence, talking tons, and generally just enjoying life.

If you remember my rants about his sleeping habits it's getting better, but still not fully resolved. Thanks to a return to "Ferber," the cry it out method which suddenly stopped working months ago, Henry is now putting himself to sleep at night again. He is now a much lighter sleeper in the morning, but that's pretty easily resolved too (since Joe leaves early Henry and I usually just sleep together for a couple hours in the morning). I can't be sure exactly what happened a few months ago but I'm glad it's waning.

HEIDI

Hm. Well, it seems like nothing really ever changes that much for me. I'm enjoying the gym again now that Henry's crazy streak has ended. Since returning my legs and arms feel like they're sore all the time, guess the muscles degenerated quickly during my hiatus.

I've spent some time in our garden trying to make it look nice. The patio that Joe created last summer is now encased in flowers (all except the ones that were destroyed during the wind storm last week). I think it looks beautiful - I love colorful flowers!

Lately I've had a lot of people mention that I "get to be a doctor's wife," as if that's some glorious thing. I often think to myself, yeah, that means sharing my husband with lots of sick people when he should be at home with me... which is selfish, I know, but still not glamorous like people seem to think it is. On the other hand, other wives of soon to be doctors, have made it clear to me that there is one important job a doctor's wife must take on - the ego deflater. Joe, I am sure, will need this service far less than most people, but nevertheless on the rare occasion it's necessary I'm here waiting with my proverbial screw driver... now that's glamorous. :)

We hope you're enjoying your summer. We've had a great streak of mini vacations which we (Henry and I) hope to continue over the next few weeks. We're also taking swimming lessons and then soccer lessons (sounds crazy for a 2 year old, but it'll be cute!) in the next couple months. If you have kids, you should join us for any or all of these events, we'd love to see you!

Pic's will follow shortly. I'd love for everyone to see how doctorly Joe looks when he heads out every day and how grown up Henry is. I have a beautiful family.