Just a Glimpse

First day again…

2011-08-24T10:55:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is the first day of school today. Here are the photos taken before school.

Aubrie 8th grade

Keeley 5th grade

Henry 3rd grade

Jesse 1st grade

Andee said she needed a picture taken today as well.

And this was taken by Jesse a few days ago.

This morning I also had the pleasure of taking my friend, Mindy’s kids to school as well. She had emergency back surgery on Friday and is unable to drive. So I took 8 kids to 8 classrooms, in two different schools, 17 lb. backpacks of school supplies, and 2 small girls -one in a stroller with jammies still on.

Andee is having a fun morning with playdoh, hide and seek, bubbles, and several other things we don’t do during the summer.

I decided to make bus cake ‘brownies today’ so we’ll see how that turns out.

School Days are here again…

2010-08-27T10:40:00.001-07:00

The summer has flown by once again and school has started. It is always bitter sweet sending the kids off to school. On the one hand I don’t have to endure endless teasing and fighting, but I want my kids with me. I don’t like thinking that they are away from me for such long periods of time.

Here is what they looked like on the first day of school.

Aubrie is off to middle school.

She didn’t want me to follow her into her classroom – go figure- so this is my last glimpse of her as she get out of the van.

Keeley had safety patrol the first day, so she had a photo taken in the car on the way to school at 7:25 a.m. And again by her classroom door at 8:15.

Henry is a second grader now and was so satisfied to come home the first day having played soccer with his friends at recess again.

Today is Jesse’s first day of kindergarten. He was excited and nervous. There are so many new people in his class he was very quiet when we left the classroom. He also has a black eye…

He and Tracker bumped heads last night after dinner. Matt told him that he would just have to go to school with a black eye for his first day of school to which Jesse replied, “It’s not black it’s purple!” So true.

So off goes another child to spend most of the day without me. They survive fine but I miss them terribly.

I was so busy on Wednesday that we did not have our traditional bus cake. But here is this year’s version.

LIFE IS SO GOOD!

Sweet moment…

2010-06-22T21:39:00.001-07:00

Today I had a sweet moment in the garden with Henry. I had let my strawberries grow in the aisles so my friend could get some transplants from me. So today she came to get them and while Henry and I were pulling out the extras and the hiding weeds he began to sing primary songs. We sang and talked together about many things and I will never forget this little moment of joy in my journey.

Thanks bud!

What am I supposed to do?

2010-06-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

I have already had enough of the free for all days of summer. That’s pretty bad seeing that today is only the third day of summer…

Here is my solution… another list to follow….

What do I do…

Aubrie

Keeley

Henry

Jesse

Andee

7 am - 10

breakfast

bedroom

get dressed

job

breakfast

bedroom

get dressed

job

breakfast

bedroom

get dressed

job

breakfast

bedroom

get dressed

job

breakfast

bedroom

get dressed

job

10 am - 1

practice piano

math

lunch

practice piano

math

lunch

practice piano

math

lunch

reading lesson

read

lunch

read stories

play

lunch

1 pm - 4

read book

craft project

play outside

read book

craft project

play outside

read book

craft project

play outside

read book

craft project

play outside

quiet time

4 pm - 7

help with dinner

clean up

play

help with dinner

clean up

play

help with dinner

clean up

play

help with dinner

clean up

play

help with dinner

clean up

play

7 pm - 9

Job

get ready for bed

scriptures/prayer

Job

get ready for bed

scriptures/prayer

Job

get ready for bed

scriptures/prayer

Job

get ready for bed

scriptures/prayer

Job

get ready for bed

scriptures/prayer

Lights out

9:30 pm

8:30 pm

if you’d like a Word copy of the file that you could customize for your family let me know and I’ll email it to you.

If my kids get finished with the tasks in the box before the time allotment is over, then they get to have points added to their ‘Friday computer game time’. My kids will do just about anything for a few minutes on the computer – it is always earned time – never just for the asking. I know, I know…that’s what helps me keep my position as ‘the meanest mom ever’ in tact.

Here’s to hoping for more organized ‘crazy days of summer’…

We have been busy…

2010-06-04T14:08:00.001-07:00

With…

Henry’s birthday…

making everything clean and having fun while doing it…

Matt’s 40th b-day…

playing in the dirt/expanding the garden…

having baby #6…

isn’t Remi sweet…

taking kitchen cruises…

getting belly buttons…

Tracker, our new puppy, doesn’t everyone need a new baby and a new puppy all at the same time…

baby blessings and family visiting…

significant fishing trips with grandpa, Bailey, Aubrie and Daddy…

baseball season… see Henry above the ‘R’…

better late than never birthday parties…

more birthdays with pierced ears and makeup…

growing babies…

classroom presentations that mommy takes really great photos of…see Henry’s nice haircut…

fun, fun, fun preschool outings…

where we feed the fish…

and get rides on the lawn cart…

more fun with bubble baths…

more birthday fun…

beautiful stormy days…

award assemblies that mom actually makes it to…

and growing babies…

As you can see, this is why I don’t post very often. I’m too busy living life and enjoying my family… I hope your days are filled with happiness, the wonder of life, and you are as grateful for all of the blessings the Lord gives to us as I am! Isn't life wonderful.

Deals to Meals

2010-05-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

I love Deals-to-meals. They have a great blog that I spend a lot of time looking at. They are giving away a Bosch machine! Come and check it out.

http://dealstomeals.blogspot.com/

You'll get hooked too.

RUDE

2010-05-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Why am I so rude?

Let me back up and set the stage for you...

Last night was Aubrie's first mutual. The youth went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. Who could wish for a better first mutual experience for their daughter... Not me. However, I was unable to attend. I cannot be way from Remi for that long. (They left at 5:15 p.m. and returned at 10:30 p.m.) Too long between feedings... Anyway, Matt was able to go with the youth and drove our van. I did not begrudge him the time spent with Aubrie, and felt like it would be a good experience for them.

Well, this morning as I got into the van, I realized that I would have to replace the car seats before taking Jesse to preschool. So I opened the back doors of the van and grab Remi's base and Andee's chair. Upon pulling them from the back my eyes fall upon... a taco bell wrapper. Crushed into a ball, and in my mind's eye I can see the occupant of the back seat trying to be funny and throwing it over his shoulder into the rear cargo space and snickering to himself. Of course I say 'his' because I cannot see any of my young women doing this.

So here it is. Why was my first thought to find out who was sitting there in the back and then save the wrapper and give it to them on Sunday with a professed innocent comment something like "I noticed that you dropped this on accident in my van on Wednesday." Why am I so rude that this is my first thought and not, "Goodness me, I'm glad I found this wrapper and could be the one to throw it away. What a great opportunity to be of service to the youth." Ok, so this comment would be just as rude, the way that it is coming out of my mind, but really, couldn't I be a bit nicer? I wasn't even as upset by the cheese and lettuce all over the recently vacuumed seat and floor. This is not what my mother raised me to be. I can be better.

Thank you for reading my personal tirade this morning...have a good day filled with generous thoughts for and of others.

Here she is…

2010-03-15T11:19:00.001-07:00

Remi Elisabeth Stevens

born: Friday, March 12, 2010 at 1:39 a.m.
weight: 7 lb. 8.6 oz
length: 21 inches

You can also view her hospital photo at www.kadlecmed.org

Click on visit Kadlecmed.org and then enter the newborn gallery. (the button is on the right of the screen)

We are so glad she is here. She is a very content baby. She sleeps well and eats well and is well loved.

I am constantly followed by a swarm of smaller mommies waiting for a chance to hold, burp, or participate in some way… it is fun to see the kids’ excitement.

2010-02-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

"That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value." ~Thomas Paine

This quote today seems so appropriate. Life is so beautiful and the blessings we are given are greatly appreciated when we see them through the eyes of understanding ~ tempered by the hardships which refine us into whom we claim to be.

Tomorrow I get to give a lesson to my YW about the importance of life. Yes, lesson #32... it would have been cut out of our schedule later this year because of extra meetings with the YM, but it was too wonderful to cut out...

I am hoping to get through it without crying, but, dang it, at 35 weeks into this pregnancy how could any mother discuss the beauty of giving life to another human and abortion in the same lesson and not feel the extreme emotional pull???

It is getting late, and after a night of little sleep due to too much excitement and a day filled with BBall games and personally vacuuming and steam cleaning the carpets in the van, I am tired.

Love to all!

absent...

2009-10-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am alive...
I have been absent from the world of blogging for some time. I have just bee busy, and frankly having too much fun with my family to blog about it.

We had 2 family reunions at our house this summer, numerous vacations, etc. Now I have been busy with three in school and canning peaches, pears, tomatoes, peach, peach pit, strawberry, raspberry, and nectarine jam, and applesauce. I have also dehydrated numerous batches of apples. Never a dull moment...

A big thanks to Steve Allen for the bin of gala apples. I have almost finished the whole bin with the help of several friends.

Last Thursday, while canning I blew up my stove. Granted it is as old as my home (built in 1963) and I was not sad to see it die, but the replacement is on back order until at least October 30th. What would you do without a stove for about a month and in the midst of canning? I had to farm out the 17 jars off applesauce that I had ready to can and a few days later, start canning on my father-in-law's three burner camping stove. I have already used up the two partially filled tanks of propane...off we go.

I am requesting your prayers for my mom. she and my dad were in a car accident near Bend, Oregon yesterday, and she broke her arm in three places from the elbow up. Thanks in advance.

To all of the Mothers in my life…

2009-05-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

"The

noblest calling

in the world is motherhood. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece, or who can write a book that will influence millions, deserves the admiration and plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose immortal souls will exert an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have decayed or have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God."

David O. McKay

May your dishes all be washed my men today
and your flowers never wilt.
May the sweet cards made by children
and the sweeter songs they sing never fade.
May you feel the love of the Lord this day
and never doubt His gratitude for all you do for His children –big and small.

Wishing you all a very Happy Mother’s Day! –a day late… sorry I couldn’t be bothered to get on the computer yesterday.

Busy, busy, busy…

2009-05-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

Softball season is upon us…

We have three kids playing this year. Henry is playing his first year of t-ball, Keeley is playing her first year of machine pitch, and Aubrie is in her first year of majors (the girls pitch for themselves). We have three different practice schedules and three different game schedules. We average 5-6 games a week. Life is crazy busy. On game nights dinner is something fast and easy that we can eat on the run because the games start at 5pm. By the end of the season I won’t want to see another hot dog, chicken nugget, or PB & J.

I have spent the last several weeks changing my garden into something different. I learned about square foot gardening and so I have been un-dirting all of my raised beds and converting them into true SFG. I just re-planted one bed of strawberries tonight (after the game of course).

We have two games tomorrow night, mutual, and I spend the morning in class rooms in the kids’ classrooms, so I am hoping to get some garden time in the afternoon during nap time.

I planted my geraniums today. ( The ones I over-wintered in my crawl space) I only lost one little one this year. I forgot to take a picture of them mid-winter to show you, but I’ll take one tomorrow of the bare canes. They look so funny for a few days until they get some leaves.

Fondly remembering those less busy days of only a few days ago… :) Who am I kidding, my days never slow down, my definition of busy just evolves. ;)

Something to share…

2009-03-27T14:46:00.001-07:00

Those of you who know me well, know that I am not one to seek for any attention; I thrive in the background, and often do not open my heart and share my feelings unless I am extremely familiar with those who surround me.

Today I had a couple experiences that I’d like to share, and hopefully it will give you something to think about too.

I went to Wal-Mart with Jesse and Andee today. I needed to get some apples for a fruit salad for the meal prior to the YW broadcast tomorrow. As I was driving into the parking lot, there was a thin, scruffy, shriveled husk of a man who appeared to be 60 years old or so. He was holding a sign that said he needed a job and food among other things. I tried not to look too closely. I wondered cynically to myself how much money he could earn a day doing something like that. As I passed him I had the strong impression that he needed a sandwich, banana, and something to drink.

Now, being a woman, and a naive one at that, I usually steer clear of men doing things like that. But, again, I had the feeling that I needed to be the one to give him something – ‘a sandwich, banana, and a drink’, the thought still persisted.

As I made my purchases and took them out to the van I had the very clear thought that I needed to tell the man – as I gave him the food in the Wal-Mart sack, that the Lord loves him and that he asked me to give him this food. Of course this filled me with dread, but I knew that I had to.

As I drove up to him, I rolled the window down on the passenger side of the van. I noticed that he wasn’t sixty years old as my first impression led me to believe, he was more like 25 or so, maybe. As I pulled over to the side he stepped back and averted his eyes, and seemed astonished to see my window down. As he stepped cautiously forward I picked up the sack of food and said to him, “the Lord loves you and asked me to give this to you.” He nodded once and said that he appreciated it. His eyes seemed to tell a story all their own.

I’m not sure what will ever happen to the young man, but it really made me stop and think. Do we ever see someone for who they are if we are merely looking at what they appear to be on the outside. As I drove toward home, I was overcome with the assurance that the Lord really does love him and me too. We are all His children. Under all the layers of hurt and sadness of living life, we all are His.

Jesse asked me, “Why did you give food to that man?” I told Jesse that he was hungry and Heavenly Father asked me to do it, to which he replied “You are such a nice mommy.”

Just last night, as I was driving home I was silently thanking Heavenly Father for all of the recent experiences I have had that have helped me increase my understanding of this principle and asked Him to help me increase my ability to have compassion for all of His children and know how I could be of help to those in need.

On Wednesday, I was talking to Henry’s teacher. I found out that she just got out of the hospital, and was struggling as she took care of her two foster kids. I told her that I would be more than happy to do what ever she needed to help her, meals babysitting – whatever she needed. As I was leaving her classroom, I felt that I needed to touch her on the shoulder and let her know that I was serious, anytime she needed help she could call me. She called me this morning and asked me if I would be willing to let the kids come over and play for a few hours this Saturday or next. I told her we would be able to watch them all day so she could rest. I’m so glad that she called me.

Today’s experiences, again, have confirmed His love for me and is another step in me progression of understanding His perfect love for us.

Thank you for letting me share, I don’t usually babble on and on about my personal experiences of this type, but today I felt compelled to do so. Maybe it was for you…

Have a good weekend!

WoooHooo!!!!

2009-03-27T08:27:00.001-07:00

I know it is just a small thing, really…

This morning as I was eating breakfast, Andee came up to me and said, “ I poop”. So I got up and started following her as she ran toward her bedroom so I could change her diaper. But she didn’t stop there. She ran straight to the bathroom and asked for her Elmo chair (the toilet insert that is padded and fits inside the rim to make the toilet small enough for little bums to sit on it). I quickly stripped off the two layers of her jammies and her wet diaper and she pooped in the toilet!!!!

Ok, so this is probably a lot more info than most of you’d like to get about bathroom habits of a 1 year old, but I am excited. She actually knew that she needed to go. Yippee! I know that she is young, but if she is starting to be ready –so am I.

Yes, new hair...

2009-03-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

Last month I cut my hair. Here is the before picture.

It was getting long enough that when I sat down it would get stuck behind me. I've come to realize this is always the point I get to before it begins to bug me. Then I chop it. Here is the most recent chop.

I like it, but I am realizing that when you actually have a hair do you can have really bad hair days. Oh well, I haven't yet lost any sleep over the matter.

What do you think?!

Ah, Young love...

2009-02-27T15:49:00.001-08:00

Jesse is in love! He cannot stop talking about a girl he met at stake conference.

We were singing the rest hymn when he came over and told me he could see the girl he wanted to marry. He showed her to me. She was a beautiful young woman who was singing in the combined youth choir. Plum colored dress with a gray sweater over it, sparkly necklace, long, gorgeous blond streaked hair cascading in long curls, long bangs swooping across her face - she looked like she might be 17 or so. He spent most of the meeting gawking at her.

As we were leaving he kept asking me if we could go find her. I told her she was leaving with her family. As we were heading out of the building we came to the open doors of the chapel, and there she was, standing by the doors. Jesse, made a beeline over to her. So I walked over to her and said " My son saw you singing in the choir and wanted to meet you, would it be ok if he shook your hand. "

She bent down to him and said 'Hi, what is your name?"

"Jesse, I am almost 4," he shyly replied.

She smiled at him and said "My name is Tawny, it is nice to meet you." She smiled up at me, probably because he was so cute and wouldn't let go of her hand. So I whispered to her "He told us he wanted to marry you when he gets home from his mission."

A huge smile spread across her face and she blushed so sweetly and asked, "Did he really say that?"

Jesse answered so innocently, "Yes," with a matching smile on his face.

Tawny said that she was very flattered. I thanked her for letting him shake her hand and make his day. She waved to him as we left.

She was so cute and sweet to him. He is still talking about her. We have tried to explain to him that by the time he gets home from his mission she will probably be married already, but he will not be dissuaded.

Today as I put him down for his nap, I took him in my arms into a big bear hug and said, "Who do you love?" to which he replied, "Tawny" with a great big smile. Silly boy, he usually says 'mama'.

Wish I had a picture of her to show you.

I thought I knew...

2009-02-27T14:47:00.001-08:00

You know, there is nothing worse than when I get sick.

I can handle barfing in the night, sick kids, and husbands, and cleaning carpets, barf buckets, changing sheets and all manner of accidents. Let's face it over the years I've become a pro at many of these things. I can usually not even gag when rubbing the back of my barfing child.

But, when I get sick there is nothing worse. How do you keep going while not having the energy to do anything? There's nothing worse than when mom is sick.

This was my opinion until yesterday. My sister, Heather, called at about 10 am and told me my mom was going to the hospital with a racing heart. It is definitely worse when grandma is sick.

After a day full of tests and more tests. She went home with a 24 hour heart monitor on and a wait and see diagnosis. She said she felt better today, and that nothing had happened while she has had the monitor on, as of this morning at 8 when I spoke with her.

A day full of prayers for her was how my day was spent, I can hardly recall much about anything I did. I was busy, but most of my thoughts were with her.

My mom.... I love her and need more time with her.

Fun Hairdo...

2009-02-18T16:33:00.001-08:00

Keeley has been letting me do more creative hairstyles on her lately. Here is one of my favorites.

Ok, so letting may be interpreted differently by Keeley and myself. She is mildly tolerating it. Aubrie won't tolerate me touching her hair for more than helping her blow it dry or putting a small clippy in it.

I can't wait until Andee has more hair to do... : )

Scar...

2009-02-13T09:15:00.001-08:00

Our van is home again, finally! We are so happy to have it home again. It was nice to have the kids get into it and not yell about their inability to find the seatbelt buckle that someone else may have been sitting on.

The kids spent most of the time, while driving in the rental van, complaining about how small it was and telling anyone and everyone about how small the van was.

Keeley was very funny. When we got the van back we were driving down the road and she said "you know, I really did like that van and I'll kind of miss it."

I guess it was funny to me because I have spent the last several weeks, on the way to school in the morning, reminding them that it was nice to have a rental van --that they could walk to school if sitting so close together was so horrible.

Happy Birthday...

2009-01-29T16:29:00.001-08:00

JANELL...

I am sure missing you. I hope that you have a great day!

a few off my list...

2009-01-16T12:18:00.001-08:00

For several months Aubrie has asked me to make her a new scripture bag. Here it is:

I have wanted to organize my pantry better. Here it is:

Matt even said it looked really nice!

I have needed to have a list of my basic food storage. Here it is:

910 lbs wheat

280 lbs flour

40 lbs oats

75 lbs rice

11 lbs pasta

19 lbs shortening

4 gal. veg. oil

30 lbs peanut butter

100 lbs beans

36 lbs dry milk

13 cans evap. milk

11 cans sw. cond. milk

91 lbs honey

125 lbs sugar

58 lbs brown sugar

20 lbs corn syrup

28 lbs

jam

12 lbs fruit drink mix

6 lbs baking powder

17 lbs baking soda

10 lbs yeast

18 lbs salt

1 gal. vinegar

150+ gal. drinking water

25 lbs. mini choc. chips

30 jars of home-canned peaches

25 jars home-canned pears

15 jars home-canned applesauce

15 jars home-canned grape juice

10 qt. jars 10 1/2 gal. home-canned apple juice

10 -#10 cans refried beans

4 -#10 cans pink beans

It is not everything I need, but now I know where to go from here.

These are three things off of my list, YIPEE!

New Year...

2009-01-16T11:50:00.001-08:00

...resolutions.

I have been thinking of all of the things that I need to do better in life. I don't want to have a list of things I forget in February, so, I'm starting late...he he he.

I am ~~terrible at~~ great at starting things and terrible at finishing. That's one of the reasons that I am still working on my girls bedspreads for the sixth year now, and my kitchen cabinets remain undone. Sigh...

So my resolution this year is to finish everything I have started. I have a huge list of things, so I better get started!

Any and all encouragement would be welcome, because I know I can do it!

In case you didn't know...

2009-01-14T13:32:00.001-08:00

Last known photo of the silver van, taken by Keeley with her new camera on Christmas day.

Got in a crash coming home from Utah on the 27th of December.

Black ice on the roads that wasn't visible. We stopped to eat lunch in Mountain Home, Idaho. About 5 miles outside of town the 4X4 Nissan, Titan in front of us lost control fishtailing from one side to the other. Matt slowed down, never losing traction, the driver of the Titan slipped off the road on the right hand side rear end first, and as we passed him, he flew out of the pit and slammed into us, our right front tire popped --hissed for about 10 minutes. His momentum carried us into the median.

View from the median...

I'm thankful... for brakes, airbags, cushy snow in medians, books on CD - to keep kids occupied for 3 hours of sitting, the van could still produce heat for those hours, nice state patrolmen, nice and honest man who slammed into us - I am serious about that -if he wasn't honest who knows what would be happening with the investigation --no harsh words were exchanged just happiness that we were all ok - he even called the next day to see if we got home ok, just knowing that Matt's brother was nearby if we needed anything, insurance to pay for damages incurred on slick roads, car seats, cheap motels, not so cheap van rentals ($40 a day) up to $640 now :0), nice tow truck drivers - in the three tow trucks it took to pull us out of the median (one even offered to have us stay at his house if we couldn't afford a hotel), that no one got hurt except for my bruise on one shoulder, 'Stabilitrack' in our van, people who can fix big owies in cars and vans, and that the other guy's insurance is paying for EVERYTHING!

Tow truck #1 trying to pull us out...

Semi wrecker that had to pull out tow truck #1 after tow truck#2 couldn't get us both out, getting us all up and out of the median...

...on the back of the tow truck...

After getting out of the median tow truck #2 went and got 5 cars in front of us that had slid off slowing down to watch, and we, in tow truck #1 backed up about 1/4 mile to get out five more that had slid into the median slowing down to miss the rubber-neckers. The last one had been clocked by our state patrolman going 70 mph pulling a trailer and was sited with reckless endangerment. Glad I don't have to pay the fine that goes along with that ticket!

We usually name our cars. Before this we called the van 'the van' or 'the silver van'. I know, not very imaginative. It is like calling your black kitten "blackie". ;)

We no longer need such a generic name. Aubrie came up with a name that will be a great reminder. SCAR will be the name of the silver van now.

Scar --after having been worked on by the tow truck owner so it would be road legal to drive in the daylight hours.

Special thanks to Aubrie and Keeley for the photo documentation. These few were among the over 400 taken in three days. Thanks girls.

Great site and giveaway!

2009-01-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

Look at this great site I found today. Every month they have a giveaway. This month's is great. Visit this site:
http://blog.totallyready.com/?p=252

So many cookies...

2008-12-18T09:23:00.001-08:00

I love my traditions. This year I was able to make my traditional Santa cookies. 322 of them. I always think that I can cut down the list, but who wants to be cut off. The most I've ever made was 465. A few years ago I timed myself to see just how long it really takes to make them. It averaged out to about 10-11 minutes per cookie. What a 'crazy labor of love' - as my SIL, Lindsay says.

Here are photos I took of the decorating process.

Santa- fresh baked and cooled.

Santa with his mouth and cheeks colored and hat with sprinkles.

Santa with beard frosted and coconuted.

Finally, piped frosting for the mustache, pompom, hat trim, and eyebrows.

Here's one of the batches I did.

And here's what I look like after finishing late one night. Exhausted mommy.

This year I did a few variations.

The normal cookie with coconut beards.

Sprinkle beards for the kids' classroom treats.

Jesse's -end of the dough - tiny santa

And, by request our Auntie Megan wanted -- abominable Snowman.

Which, I might add, are delicious. I had to sample one to make sure they were edible.

Happy Birthday Keeley!

2008-12-01T07:41:00.001-08:00

Today is Keeley's 8th Birthday!

Keeley is my green eyed beauty.

She is in second grade and is finally liking school. She loves to read now, and often spends time laying on her bed absorbed in a book. She is a great helper when she wants to be. She often asks me what she can do to help me. I love that! Keeley loves to sing, make up dances, read the scriptures by herself, and evidently she really likes to clean her room - because she spends a lot of time doing it.

Keeley shared her hair in January with Locks of Love and sports a short do. She can't wait until it grows back in, and often tells me how much she misses her long hair. I think that she is wonderful to have donated it to someone else who needed it more than she did.

Keeley is learning to play the piano. She is really, quite good. She loves to sing while she plays.

Here she is at her recital this April.

She played T-ball on the same team this year and loved it. She can hardly wait until she can play machine pitch in the spring and was very upset that they raised the age for playing basketball to third grade and up in the city leagues. There's always next year.

Her team won the best banner contest in the season's opening parade and got to have a pizza party.

Keeley is a very versatile girl who loves looking pretty, playing in dirt, wearing sparkly clothing, going camping, fishing and everything in between.

She had so much fun this summer with my cousin Emily. They were fast friends. Here they are in a driftwood fort they build together on the beach in Bandon, OR.

Keeley loves Andee. She loves to take over the mothering of her and will spend time playing with her.

Keeley got the Star Writer award earlier this year in school. Her teachers love to have her in class because she is a model student.

Happy Birthday to my sweet Keeley. Mommy and daddy are so proud of the girl you are. You are so special to us. We are so glad that you have decided to follow the example of Jesus Christ, and be baptized.

Ok ~it has taken me too long to think of these...

2008-11-24T14:11:00.001-08:00

My 100

Here are 100 things about me.

List began 11-16-07...
Thanks for the Idea Linds!

I love being a wife.
I love being a mom.
I love nights that I don't have to cook. Ward party here we come!
I have naturally curly hair.
Being Primary President is the hardest calling I've ever loved. addendum... I am no longer Primary President, I'm YW President, but the comment now applies to this calling too.
I hate Sunday morning calls that teachers are sick, or out of town and don't have a sub. Woo hoo-- don't get those anymore.
Getting up early to exercise has been my plan for months now, I'm just not very good at it. Doing it now :)
Back me into a corner and I'll usually end up crying about something.
I love steak.
I hate finding boogers wiped anywhere.
I frequently find them on sheets, walls, carpet (saw Jesse wiping his nose like that last night), book shelves, and the leather sofas.
I love being gravid. (pregnant)
I love to learn new words and looking through the dictionary.
I love curling up with a good book.
Sometimes my kids have to repeat themselves three or four times if I'm into a book.
I'm not a great housekeeper, but a great house cleaner.
I think I need to be more organized. I'm not unorganized, but I could be better.
My hotspots are the top of my dresser and the top of the microwave. Things are frequently deposited there to be dealt with later.
I love fall and spring.
I love flowers, especially geraniums - I have 18 of them wintering over in Andee's room. That was last year, but this year I'll be starting my seeds soon after Christmas.
I love nursing my babies.
Thunder makes me feel excited.
I love to bake.
I don't wear my wedding ring very much.
Computer time is my guilty pleasure.
I love caramel, Mrs. Richardson's to be exact, on my vanilla ice cream.
My favorite treat is the one I'm eating.
I try to read the Ensign each month before the end of the month and usually make it.
Last week was the first time I've printed any pictures for over three years.
I hate math, and I'm embarrassed to say that Aubrie is better at her mult. facts than I am.
I love my hair long, until it is so long that it gets caught behind my back when I sit down.
I only like to use red polish on my toenails and clear on my fingernails.
If something gets put into the diaper bag on Sunday, it is usually there until the next Saturday night when I'm preparing for the next use. Even if I use the bag during the week.
We have over 20,000 songs on a separate hard drive.
I hate cleaning up barf! ~still :)
Green and pink are my favorite colors.
I start lots of things, like this list, and have lots of things waiting to finish. Like my kitchen cupboards.
I would sleep in every day if I could.
I love Designed to Sell on HGTV.
I am good at copying others bright ideas or adapting them for my needs!
I have a pillow fight every Monday morning with Jesse an Andee as we change the sheets on the beds.
I've lost 20 lbs. in the last year.
I like to make jewelry for myself and others.
When I do laundry there are usually a few left over loads that wait, and wait to be folded.
I love nights when I sleep all night!
I like to try new recipes.
I do not like very much sea food. Usually only eat it in Bandon.
I hate chopping onions.
I love to exercise and feel my body working from the inside out! So why do I fall off of the band wagon so often?! Good question.
I have had gum transplant surgery.
I assisted in the delivery of 5 puppies by C-section.
I have lived in 5 cities, 3 apartments, and 4 homes since being married.
I go to the Temple at least once a month, but usually 2 or 3 times.
I only have 2 or 3 pairs of shoes I love.
Sometimes I still dream that I can fly. I have to flap. :)
I cut my husband's and boy's hair.
I cut my own hair too!
I admire those who can take good photos. I am not skilled with a camera.
I love hand-me-downs. Clothes, decorations, etc.
I love to give compliments.
I love listening to my kids -when they aren't fighting- as they interact with each other.
I love to look at old photos.
I like to read journals.
When I'm itchy, I scratch my head or my back.
My toenails curl (at the sides) like my dad's.
I dislike having hairy legs.
I don't like to admit when I can't do everything and be everything to everyone.
I had stitches A LOT as a child. And broken bones.
I have a chickenpox scar on my cheek, because I just couldn't leave the scab alone like my mom said I should!!! YES, I was a picker.
I used to have a really nice tan every year.
I teach my kids swimming lessons every year and save myself over $400 every summer!
I love to swim.
I don't like to be in charge of things, tell me what to do and I can make it the best you've ever seen.
I enjoy sewing.
I am finally finishing my girl's bedspreads that I began making over 5 years ago. Yes, they have been sitting in a closet waiting...
The only magazines I subscribe to are The Ensign, The Friend, and LDS Living.
My favorite Primary songs are I Know My Father Lives, Child's Prayer, and Word of Wisdom.
I occasionally sing in the Ward choir.
It drives me nuts when the chorister leads a congregational hymn too slowly. Maybe her arm won't go faster.
I am generally not a complainer.
I love making bread for my family.
I wear contacts, unless my eye allergies are acting up.
I haven't kept in contact with anyone from High School, and only one person from College. I need to find people.
I finished my last final the day before Matt and I got Married. Then He picked me up and we went through a live session at the SLC Temple. It was great.
I have been married to Matt for 14+ years and love him more than the day we wed.
I generally don't remember names of people very easily.
I don't follow the lives of Hollywood stars. I've never been interested.
I have never smoked or had alcohol to drink -- never wanted to.
I waited until I was 16 to have my first date.
I love making cards.
I am terrible at scrap booking.
I love to listen to piano music, but can't play.
I love watching the light in my kids' eyes as they succeed at something and know that I am watching.
I love my Savior, Jesus Christ.
I normally have a inny- but with my small hernia it looks like an outty.
I love looking at Christmas light with my family.
I am not afraid of spiders until they jump at me. EXCEPT black widows, I just can't stand them and sometimes have nightmares about them after thinking about them.
I love animals.
I have never caused or been involved in an car accident.
As a child I'm sure I wore out numberless pairs of pants pretending to be a horse.

Now you know all the things about me that you wish you never knew. Now it is your turn, if you didn't do it like everyone else last year.

Puttin' my leafy babies to bed...

2008-11-06T14:15:00.001-08:00

OK ~ so today I admit that winter is on it's way...

Today I pulled my geraniums from the ground.

Every year, for the past three, I've dug my geraniums from the ground and safely stored them in the crawl space of my home all winter. (My Bishop's wife has done it for over 15 years- same geraniums- they look like small trees they are so huge) I've only had three fatalities, -if they are too small they may not have enough in them to hibernate all winter. I took 20 out of the ground this year.

They are tucked safely in for the winter. Some of them are getting so huge that I may have to place them into the crawl space individually next year instead of in my old bins.

A last look. I'll show you what they look like in the spring. I promise they wont look the same and you may think that I'm crazy for putting them back in my yard the way they look. --You may just think I'm crazy... ;)

Proud as punch...

2008-11-06T14:04:00.001-08:00

The other day Jesse came in carrying a bunch of grapes. It has been weeks since I have payed any attention to the grapes in the yard.

He had eaten numerous grapes off of the bunch before I saw him, and I was a little shocked when I saw the state of the bunch...

Did you say eeew? Me too. I hope they weren't fermented yet. I don't think I could be hungry enough to eat those. I didn't even want to test them to see if they were still good.

2008-10-31T22:03:00.001-07:00

Here's what we've been up to...

2008-10-31T21:53:00.001-07:00

I have not been hibernating. This is what I've been up to...

I have spent every waking and sleeping hour for the last three weeks designing a pattern for and making Aubrie's 'Queen Amidala' costume. It turned out very nicely, if I do say so myself.

I was looking at these photos from http://www.padawansguide.com/red_invasion_gallery.shtml to make the pattern.

Keeley didn't want to be anything to do with Star Wars. She loves the kimono I made for Aubrie a few years ago.

With a twist!

Chinese Vampire.

Henry wanted to be Anakin. Easy, no sewing involved.

Accidentally bought one size too big, maybe I can convince him to wear it for the next few years. I won't hold my breath.

Jesse the Storm Trooper. Also no sewing involved.

Andee in her homemade, but not by this mom, Yoda outfit. Purchased on eBay for $5, thank you very much!

The weather couldn't have been better for our annual trunk-or-treat. Cool, slight breath of a breeze. No coats required.

Of course this year Keeley went to bed with a tummy ache. Hopefully she won't barf at 2 a.m. this year. I won't hold my breath for that one either.

Picture Tag!

2008-10-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged.

The rules are you go into your picture file and go to the fourth file and fourth picture.

Matt Feb 2006. On a fishing trip with Scott McBride --caught this beauty.

I tag Tera, Lindsay, Heather, and Lindsay.

It's FRIDAY ! ! !

2008-10-17T12:37:00.001-07:00

I LOVE Fridays! It is our weekly pizza and family movie night. No cooking for mom! Yahoo! Tonight's movie is 'Now you see him, now you don't' -- the old Disney sequel to 'The Computer wore tennis shoes'. If you haven't seen them I highly recommend them for good, clean family viewing.

I have been sick this week with a bad cold. Not just the sniffles and sinus stuff, this one has been bad. By the end of the day it is all I can do to crawl into bed. Terrible sinus pressure, coughing lung butter (sorry for that image), headaches, and all over body aches have been my fare this week. Hopefully I will be doing better, soon.

Yesterday I went on a field trip with KEELEY. It was the annual 2nd grade Country Mercantile Fall festival trip. We rode the bus to the mercantile, rode a wagon sitting on straw bales, picked out the perfect pumpkin, climbed a straw pyramid, went thru the kid sized straw bale maze, pet numerous animals, and had a cookie with juice. It was lots of fun and of course I didn't remember the camera until we were on our way. DANG!

On the way home I asked Keeley, "What was your favorite part?" -Trying mentally to think what she would pick, to my surprise she said, "Spending time with you, mommy." What a happy mommy I was then.

Times like these I just want to frame in my memory so I'll never forget them. Especially the next time I look at the floor in Keeley's room. :)

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Loved it...

2008-10-07T13:55:00.001-07:00

Conference was wonderful. Loved so many talks. I can't wait to get the Conference Ensign issue.

We went out to Matt's parent's to watch conference. So many cousins to play with. The kids had a great time and are still so tired from constant playing for two days.

I always love going to the in-law's to watch. We have time to chat and relax. We always have a great time. Sharon & Marv, thanks for putting up with the many and various messes every 6 months. Especially the chocolate muffins.

How much can you eat...

2008-10-01T09:52:00.001-07:00

Last week we had the privilege of feeding the missionaries. We were making hamburgers.

You may think oh, look - Just enough burgers to feed Sheri's family and the missionaries. But, you are WRONG.

I called the missionaries to let them know what we were fixing for dinner and to ask them how many burgers they would each eat, thinking they would say 'two each'. The elder I was speaking to said "My companion said he would eat THREE (at this point I'm thinking "boy, these guys are hungry and probably haven't eaten all day")... and I'll have FIVE"!!! He also told me that they had a meeting from two until six and then another appointment right after that so they would just swing by and pick up the food and eat it on the way to their appointment.

So all of these burgers are for the two elders. Matt thought that it would be funny to give them really BIG burgers. Take a look at how thick they were.

I wish I could have been there to see them eat it. On Sunday the elders said thanks again but didn't even mention how huge the burgers were. Maybe they were coming off a fast or incredibly hungry.

Here's the finished product. I also sent a bag of chips, some carrots and 3 dozen choc. chip cookies.

BON APPETITE!

I guess I will need to be prepared for a gigantic grocery bill when my boys get bigger.

Even if you never wondered...

2008-09-30T15:05:00.001-07:00

Aubrie told me the other day that she doesn't remember ever seeing me with straight hair. Today I straightened my hair to surprise her.

Here's what I look like.

...her first comment..."I see a gray hair -- see, look."

It feels very strange and only took me an HOUR! I did it today thinking that I wouldn't go anywhere or see anyone. I've been to the library, the school to pick up a sick Henry, my visiting teacher stopped by with veggies from her garden, and I have a VT appointment too. So much for not seeing too many people.

High School Tag

2008-09-18T18:53:00.001-07:00

OK Lindsay, so it has only taken me weeks to get to this, but here it is...

1. Did you date someone from High School?

My first date was Ryan Gurney, fun guy! I think it was a pity date. He heard that someone else (a player) was going to ask me out and didn't want that to be my fist experience dating. I had fun even though his friends canceled out on him (he planned on going up to the canyons and roasting marshmallows). We ended up at the Promised Valley Play House with his family. We drove in his family car ~~a four seater with 6 of us in there (with his little sister sitting on my lap) we ran out of gas on the freeway on the way to pick up their van. We did have a great time though. ;)

Darin Jones was my first 'boyfriend'. He was a very nice boy and we were a couple all of my Junior year. We went to all of the school dances together, even other school's dances. We hung out, studied together and were always very careful to be around other people. I liked to watch him draw and paint. He also had a band with two other friends they called it 'Ban La Coix' I'm sure I didn't spell it right, but they liked to sing their own songs. Good memories.

This was our first date: a girl's pref dance. Lipstick and Leather was the theme. Darin was always writing me notes and making things for me. Here's how he would write my name.

Tera and Curtis called him 'Jonsey'.

This is him today, check out his work. No, I don't stalk him or know anything about him, but I was looking online to see if there were any pics of him and found this...

http://www.darinjones.com/comments.html

2. What kind of car did you drive?

It was a '72 Baja Bug. I loved it. It was the coolest first car.

After my older sister went to BYU I got to drive it by myself. IT was was a stick and scared me to death at first. Especially on the big hills that I had to stop and start again at the top. It was red, with a silver racing stripe on the side. It had a racing steering wheel -tiny. Tera ( my sister) had to teach me how to fix the accelerator. It had a rubber band holding the accelerator pedal to the cable that ran to the engine. It had fog lights and was really cool. I remember scraping the frost off of the inside of the window many times as I drove down the street. (This is not mine, I can't believe I don't have a pic of it.)

I did drive 'the beast' a lot too. It was my dad's beat up company car. A big truck that was used for construction for years. It was originally tan, but it had a lot of rusty spots where it had been beat up over the years. It was so loud it literally growled. Hence --'the BEAST'. It kinda looked like this one, but dad's was much more beat up and taller. I literally had to climb into it. Fun memories. I don't think I ever had to drive it to school though. Only to work.

3. What was the most embarrassing moment of High School for you?

Probably when we were doing our school musical, Guys and Dolls and I was cast as a streetwalker. I was the one who steals the pocket watch and then puts it down the front of her dress. Yes, I actually had to do that while trying to act sexy (Aubrie strongly disapproves of that word) and wearing a pink satin dress with black feather trim. YIKES! No, I don't have a picture of it --kinda wish I did though.

4.Were you a party animal?

No. Jacque Dawes and a bunch of friend and I used to drag State all the time in Jacquie's Oldsmobile. Darin took me out to a dance club once. That's about as wild as I got. I was pretty introverted. I never hung out with the wild and crazy bunch.

Here I was in CA on Choir tour. We went on a dinner cruise. Anyone recognize Christine in the front? Yes, Christine Richards Deign.

5. Were you considered a flirt?

No, but many guys asked me to scratch their backs because I had long, acrylic nails.

6. Were you in Band, Orchestra, or Choir?

CHOIR! Loved it. I was in Concert choir and also the women's chamber choir, Amour Chanter. I was the VP in A.C.E. I'm front, right.

7.Were you a nerd?

I don't think so, but I wasn't popular either. To be honest most of the time I just wanted to be invisible. Here I am on the way home from Choir tour in CA. I guess we all do geeky things though-- right?!

I'm the one second from the left.

8. Were you on any Varsity Teams?

No, but I did Letter Academically.

9. Did you ever get suspended or expelled?

Never! I was a good girl!!

10. Can You Still Sing the Fight Song?

No, although I had to learn it in choir. I can't remember it now. I need to ask Tera to sing it for me since she still remembers.

11. Who Were Your Favorite Teachers?

1. Mr. Bentley (Choir) was so much fun unless he was having a bad day, then he could shout really good!

2. Mrs. Pixton, truly the sewing queen!

12. Where Did You Sit During Lunch?

Sometime we left and went to Rachelle's house, sometimes we ate the salad bar at school, but mostly I remember getting a personal Pizza with Jacquie, from a place by the school that doesn't exist anymore.

13. What Was Your High School's Full Name?

Hillcrest High School...

The site of many Disney Films.

14. School Mascot

Harvey The Huskie

15. Did you go to Homecoming? With Who?

Yes.

John Van Wagonen

It was not my favorite date, but I felt obligated to go. I always hated when girls turned down guys that got up enough nerve to ask.

16. If You Could Go Back and Do It Again, Would You?

No, it was a fun time, but I don't miss all of the feelings of uncertainty or the popular creeps - (that's not very nice of me) -that looked down on people.

17. What do you Remember Most About Graduation?

I was glad that I was in the Senior choir and could sit on the front row, otherwise I would have been in the back with a last name that started with 'S'.

I was also excited that my uncle Ray was letting me drive his awesome sports car to my senior party that night. Although I remember being afraid that the alarm would go off and I wouldn't know what to do to turn it off.

18. Where did you go senior skip day?

Went to breakfast at the Belgian Waffle place across the street from Hillcrest. Went to my friend, Jacquie's house and then to the mall.

19. Were you in any clubs?

FHA - Future Homemakers Of America.

20. Have you gained weight since then?

Yes, oh how I miss my 18 year old body.

Then Now

21. Who was your prom date?

Darin Jones.

22. 10 year reunion, are you planning on going?

Didn't hear anything about it. My 20 is in three years and I haven't a clue where to look for info about it.

23. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself?

Don't worry what others think. Be more out going. Join more clubs.

TAG, You're IT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2008-09-12T13:10:00.001-07:00

To Cynthia.

Bet you've never...

2008-09-11T10:01:00.001-07:00

Went to the fair last night because it was dollar night!

Yippee!

We had lots of fun with the kids. We ate elephant ears, rode the carnival rides, saw the animals, got kicked off the Ferris wheel.

Yes, you did just read that!

I got kicked off of the Ferris wheel. I was riding with Keeley and I guess it has been too long since I last rode, and I didn't listen too closely to what the ride master said as he buckled us into the seat, or read the back of the seat in front of us, but apparently rocking the seat is a big no-no. I felt like a stupid child being let off early, but I truly didn't know -- and it was fun while it lasted. Poor Keeley was mad at me. Sorry sweety!

Is it FAIR?

2008-09-10T17:40:00.001-07:00

OK, so it's that time of year again. Fair time. I thought that this year I would try for the 'homemakers award'. If entering you have to have at least six blue ribbons in four of the six homemaking categories, which are: horticulture, flowers, sewing, needle work, food preservation, and baking. I had several things in mind and then one night last week I was reading the scriptures and came upon the scripture that says something about not spending your money for that which is of no worth and your time for that which cannot satisfy.

Well that did it for me. I had been thinking in my mind that maybe it would be ok that I was behind on my laundry and cleaning to sew this cute dress and pair of shoes to enter, crochet bead socks, bake bread, make scarecrow cookies for premium points, and root-beer cookies, and pecan bars, and so many other ideas. ~So I thought to myself, "I'll just make the cookies and that's it. So I designed the cookie shape, and decided how to decorate it.

After making just two of them Jesse got a sliver in his foot which quickly snowballed into several different problems and to make a long story shorter, I didn't get the five done that had to be entered and only ended up entering my mini pumpkins and my red grapes. Maybe it will work out for next year?!

Hamily Foam Nevening

2008-09-08T18:26:00.001-07:00

Jesse says tonight, "Mom are we going to the track tonight or doing Hamily Foam Nevening?"

Mom says "Yes, we're doing Hamily Foam Evening.

Jesse - "Oh good. With treats!"

How sweet is that?!

School is here again...

2008-09-08T14:22:00.001-07:00

You know that it is school time again when every day after school this happens. Notice only two backpacks? THANK YOU AUBRIE! Someone does listen.

BYU Football...

2008-09-08T14:20:00.001-07:00

Matt and Henry went to the BYU football game on Saturday. Cousins and Uncles from all over the state joined in the fun!

A little cheese on the way.

See the stadium behind more cheese.

They had such a fun day! Thanks to uncle Thaynan for inviting everyone!

Nothing like Jell-O...

2008-09-08T14:13:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday Keeley made Jell-O for dinner. She thought that it would be a great idea to mix flavors like they do for Kool Aid. Well, we ended up with LEMON, LIME, and STRAWBERRY mixed together. Now normally you need 6 cups of water to make that much Jell-O. Keeley thought she knew what to do, having seen mommy make it before. All three boxes were made with about 2 1/4 cups. We had FIRM Jell-O.

New photos...

2008-08-29T16:05:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited. We had my cousin's friend take photos of us in Utah and the CD with the photos came today. Take a look.

What a day!

2008-08-29T10:39:00.001-07:00

The girls walked home from school their first day of school. The kids and I were picking weeds outside as we waited for them. Aubrie ran the last bit to get home to us. She was very excited and told me all about her day.

Keeley, on the other hand, had a hard day. She was exhausted from lack of sleep and the adrenaline surges all day. She crashed onto the lawn and dragged herself over to us. She told us how bad the day was and that she felt yucky all day. Poor girl.

Every day on the first day of school we make a bus cake. A tradition passed on to us from Matt's sister Suzie. Thanks Suzie! The kids are always so excited to see what the bus looks like every year. This year Aubrie requested a flat front bus, "Because, you know mom, busses these days are flat on the front." Keeley was so exhausted that she wouldn't even smile for the 'bus cake pictures'.

Henry's first day...

2008-08-29T10:25:00.001-07:00

Today he's off to school. He has been asking me for three months "How many days until school starts."

He woke up at 6:15 this morning got dressed in his new clothes and shoes. He was so excited to put on his new underwear after his bath last night. He assisted me in making lunches. He ate toast, raisin bran and breakfast cake for breakfast. I guess he wanted to make sure that he wouldn't starve.

He wanted to ride the bus with the girls for his first day. So he had to wear his bus tag.

Here he is at school.

We could hardly get him to slow down and wait for us.

Here he is at his table. Ready to get started.

Now I just hope that I'm ready for him to be gone all day...

off to school we go...

2008-08-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

Today is the girl's first day of school. What a doozy. Keeley was so excited she made herself sick. She also didn't sleep well last night making a great combo. Aubrie wanted to know if she looked more grown up. She does. Here's a candid look at this morning.

Kind of cold today... it may rain.

Yes, a fight on the front porch is a necessity of every first day of school.

Aubrie is so excited for fifth grade!
Happy Day!
Freezing and so happy. My favorites this morning.
Aubrie's first day of school with her new contacts in too.
This is how Keeley wants her kids to remember her. Silly girl.

No more paci...

2008-08-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

Only my girls have LOVED a paci. Normally at a year I take it away, but we were at family reunions and traveling all summer, so Andee got to have hers for a few weeks longer. In Utah she was never far from a paci.

The normal procedure is to clip off the nipples and string them on a ribbon. If a paci is requested after that you hand the child the string of dead pacis.
Andee's first exploration of the new paci string.
What is going on here?
"HEY!!!"
"I'm not happy about this mom."Messy face girl now happy standing on the 'tall' stool in the kitchen.

Don't look at my dirty dishes in the sink...

Few more days...

2008-08-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the fun things we've done this summer...

First tooth for Andee. Face painting on the arm at the stake fair.Silver Wood during the family reunion.

Fun ride for the boys at Silver Wood.
Bumper boats for the boys at Silver Wood.
Panic Plunge for Matt.
Fun pinatas at family reunion.
Birthday party at home.

Birthday cupcakes in Bandon.

Walks on the beach in Bandon.
Fun at the park. No one threw up this year after the merry-go-round in Bandon city park.
Fun at the Seven Devils beach.
Tadpoles turning into frogs and released into the wild.

We miss CJ and hope he is catching lots of bugs.
Hiking trip for Matt.

Sleepovers with the Knowltons on our way to Bandon.
Aubrie and Emily walking on the beach in Bandon.
Building forts on the beach each night in Bandon.
Keeley and Emily in the fort they made.
Henry got stitches after the 'sword incident'.

Keeley got sick in Utah and spent several days at home while everyone else played.
Sleepovers in Utah. Jesse was always the last one up.
Jet Star at Lagoon Aubrie's on this one.
Henry and Deidre on the Puff the Dragon roller coaster.
Grandma read many many books to us.

Playing with best friends before they moved away.

Henry still asks if Dale can come over to play.

Making bracelets with Lynae before she moved. We miss you.
Summer parties on the last day of school.
Water fights with grandpa while everyone else swims.
Father and sons camp out. Fishing trips for Matt.
Learning to walk.
Camping and fishing with cousins.
Water fights.
We have had lots of fun, but my kids are so antsy for school to begin and frankly so am I. I remember my mom stating that she couldn't wait until we were back in school. I was never quite sure what she meant. Weren't we always a joy to be around - 5 kids 7 years apart- hmmm? I have more understanding now.

We have had a busy summer. It seems like we've been going non stop. It will be nice to get back to a regular scheduled day and have some time to work on my kitchen project.

Dinner for two...

2008-08-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

My kids are the best! On our anniversary we spent the day at home anticipating spending time alone together on Saturday. When Aubrie and Keeley learned that we were not going out to dinner they leaped into action.

We were all down in the basement watching t.v. and folding clothes while dinner cooked. Aubrie was asked to set the table for dinner - her weekly job. A few minutes after going upstairs she yelled down that she was taking care of everything, "Don't come up until I tell you to, please!" This is what they prepared for us.

'Happy Annivarety Mom and Dad
with love from,
Aubrie, Keeley, Henry, Jesse and Andee'

.Candle lit dinner for two set up apart from the kids.

Sparkling Apple Cider.

Meat loaf, salad, tater tot casserole, carrots, and
baking powder biscuits buttered with a flourish by Matt.

This was my favorite part. Originally they had 14 birthday candles standing in the small bowl with peanut butter! When those burned down to nothing, they added a larger candle.
Notice the ice pack below the bowl to keep the peanut butter cold and firm? What a touch of elegance.
I loved every moment of it. I'm not sure what the kids ate, I'm sure no vegetables were consumed - and maybe that was part of the plan - It was a great anniversary.

Happy 14 Years!

2008-08-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

Yes today 14 years ago Matt and I were married. I never knew then how much more I could love him. He is a wonderful man, husband and father. I can hardly remember being single anymore, and look forward to many more years together. I love you Matt!

I don't even think he reads my blog, but I still love him.

Dying for Vampires!!!

2008-08-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

I had a copy of Breaking Dawn waiting for me at the public library and it was supposed to be held on the shelf until tomorrow. I went to pick it up today - got back from Utah last night - and they had already sent it back.

A few weeks ago I was #2 of 218 holds for the book and was very disappointed that it wasn't there. Now I'm back on the waiting list. There are only 119 holds now, too many must be dying to read it and bought their own copies. Anyone have a copy to borrow? ARRGH!

Never thought I'd leave the library feeling so let down. Sigh.

Don't tell me a dollar is nothing...

2008-08-08T15:43:00.001-07:00

I won, I won, I won...

A DOLLAR!!!

Today I bought a muti-bag of chips for the kid's lunch and instead of a $1 coupon in the little foil wrapped enclosure there was an actual dollar!!

YIPPEE!

giveaway

2008-08-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

Look at this great giveaway!
http://bizzybeecreationscrafts.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-first-giveaway.html

Summer Fun!

2008-08-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

We are in Utah visiting. We miss our daddy who stayed home to work, but we are having fun.

Yesterday we went to the Bingham Copper Mine. What fun 15 kids and 4 women. Tera, mom, Heather and myself.

Today we went to the Sweets Candy Factory in SLC.

We saw them making raspberry sticks and this machine is called the Chocolate Enrober. The chocolate travels through pipes near the ceiling, near the pipes carrying the corn syrup.
We took a tour and no pictures because they want to preserve all of their secret recipes. We had a lot of fun with those same 15 kids - we were even brave enough to go without grandma's help.

Sour bears being tumbled and readied for packaging.

Call us crazy - 15 kids and three mommies in a candy factory.

This was the taffy roller. We got to sample their new flavor 'Cherry cola' . Matt will be jealous. This huge thing of taffy is rolled into smaller and smaller sections and cut and wrapped by the same machine. We also saw a large hunk of Neapolitan thrown into the roller to make 5000 a minute.

HAVING FUN IN UTAH !

Remember when...

2008-06-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Henry surprised me the other day. We were getting ready for bed after eating Jesse's birthday cake, and he asked me, "Mom, do you remember when we (meaning Jesse and Henry) were taking a bath in Grandma Stroud's bathtub?"

I think to myself "we haven't been to Utah in over a year, how does this five year old remember that, he would have only been about three and a half years old", I say to him ,"Yeah- I think so."

Henry giggles. "Mom, it was so funny, remember? Jesse went poop in the tub and then I said 'hey, look chocolate ice cream'. He he he, Wasn't that so funny?!"

I DO remember. It was very funny and disgusting. We were going to be late for church and I had no Idea what to do. None of my kids had ever pooped in the tub. I was amazed that Henry could remember this. I guess it was emblazoned in his memory too.

Ha ha ha. I guess you never know what will trigger your memories.

Under construction...

2008-06-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Trying out some new things.

Isn't it fun to have so many options to play with.

I could spend a lot of time on the computer but my family suffers when I do.

Thanks to Lindsay Stevens for letting me know how she made her updates. Click the link to Leelou's blogs down below to see her helps and options.

I'm thankful for the talents of others and those who can and do help me learn how to use them too.

ODE to Laundry

2008-05-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

This has been the true week of never-ending laundry. I have been sick and unable to do my Monday laundry fest. I get about one load done everyday. My sister-in-law Lindsay recently posted a song that she sings during her laundry day. It is sung to the tune of The Never Ending Story. I have included her verse, and made up one of my own. Sing along with me.

"Turn around! Look at what you see-ee-ee!"
"More Laundry! A never ending sea!"
"Socks and shirts and underwear, waiting there for me!"
"Heaps and piles of clothing,"
"KIDS-the answer to our Never Ending Laundry!"

"Look around! As far as you can see-ee-ee!"
"Dirty clothes! They're clear up to my knee-ee-ee!"
"Dirt and grease and ketchup stains, and buggers on the sleeves!"
"Can't believe it's been a week"
"It looks more like three-- Never Ending Laundry!"

I hope you enjoy this song as much as I have this week especially! Thanks to Linds for the inspiration!
I'm thankful for things to laugh at when we're sick!

SPRING!

2008-03-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for spring. It seems like spring peeks her face out just when you think winter will never end.

Don't you just love spring? I do. I love to see the new growth. Even if it is weeds.

I have my geraniums blooming in Andee's room and my kitchen window sill. I've started some mini petunias and they are growing in Andee's room too! I feel like such a gardener when things grow for me!

In February my violas that survived the winter started to bloom. Now my daffodils are up and opening. My crocus are too. Next the tulips will open and the pansies will bloom too. YIPPEE!

Spring also reminds me of the promise of the Resurrection. In Primary on Sunday I shared this with the children too. I told them that when we place the bulbs in the ground in the fall it is like when the Savior was placed into the tomb. We have to trust and have faith that the bulb will come forth in the spring just as the apostles and disciples of Christ had to have faith that He would rise from the dead as He had promised.

The thrill that runs through my veins when I see the first bulbs poking through the soil and those first blooms is wonderful. I am also thankful to my Savior for the promise that the resurrection holds for me. Because of His suffering in Gethsemane I can be forgiven of my sins, if I repent, and because of His resurrection I also have the promise of my body and spirit being reunited with my body. Of course, the separation has not yet happened, but as part of Heavenly Father's plan, we all must taste of death. What a precious gift His has made possible.

I'm thankful for...

2008-02-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Aubrie!

What a sweet girl. She has been getting up early to get herself ready and then make me breakfast in bed. Who taught her to be so thoughtful? Not her mom who seems to snooze the morning away and only get up in time to make lunches, fix cold cereal, fix hair, and jet the girls to school after family prayer.

Aubrie has been playing basketball for the past few weeks and enjoying it. Last night at the local School Board meeting she presented something for her teachers with a few other class members. She did such a great job.

Aubrie always helps me get things done. She helps cook, clean and take care of the kids when I need an extra set of hands. I expect a lot of her and she always does her best to please me. She loves making people laugh and tries to think of ways for me to 'sneak' a kiss from Matt.

BIG thanks and love to Aubrie.
p.s. These photos were taken prior to her Locks of Love submission.

Hinkley Challenge

2008-02-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

Take the Challenge! I am doing it!
http://www.hinckleychallenge.com/index.php?clear=true

Thankful for...

2008-01-29T15:18:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for healthy bodies.

It has been a while since my last post. I have been busy with family, Primary and so many other things. I've had sick kids and nothing makes you realize how nice it is to be healthy than having sick kids for a while. It seems like Jesse has had one cold after another for the past month and a half. Matt and I have both been sick with terrible head colds. Andee got it last week and has been miserable. At least most of us are old enough to take decongestants. The poor girl has had to suffer thru the pain without anything but a humidifier, bulb syringe, and tons of tissues.

I am getting better at getting up in the morning. Although today there was no school again for parent teacher conferences, and so I took it easy, OK more than easy (I got out of the shower today at 1pm). Can anyone say LAZY! But I did exercise. I have lost three inches off of my waist in the last week. They found me without my permission and I have been working hard the last two weeks to remove them and several of their friends.

Love to all.

Hello Again - It's a New Year

2008-01-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

What a great Holiday season. We have such great families. We enjoyed spending time with the Stevens family and missed the Strouds! We went on Hikes, sledding, to grandma and grandpa's house several times, bowling, to the Marie Osmond Christmas concert, ate too much, slept too much, and had lots of fun together!

The kids are back to school today! The new Primary year is under way. It is snowing today. The kids were so excited. Aubrie commented "If only it snowed like this on Christmas eve".

This year I'd like to use this blog to tell you about the things that I am thankful for.

Today I'm thankful for my husband - that he hasn't watched every football and basketball game, that he holds the Priesthood, that he loves me - despite my faults, that he makes me want to be a better person, that he is gentle with our kids, that he listens to me, that he shovels the walks for me and the older people he Home teaches, he thanks me for the things I do, that he includes the kids in everything he does, that he rarely rolls his eyes at my new hair-brained ideas, that he helps clean my house and fold laundry when he sees the need, that he got me a new bedroom set - including a headboard that he didn't like or want, he serves others, he lets me choose, he loves Heavenly Father and Jesus, he remembers family prayer and scripture study, he reads books by the Prophet and general authorities, he remembers what the books say when he's done. I'm sure I could go on forever, but the laundry awaits.

A cute tale from Grandpa's view

2007-12-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

I thought that this was so cute -- Written by Marv I think -- that I had to post it!

ENJOY

Goldilocks (??) and the Two Grandparents
A Tale of Kind Deeds

Once upon a time there was two kindly, gentle grandparents who lived deep in the Rock Forest of Boulder Lane. They had been called to work in the Temple so, one Wednesday Afternoon, they left their small home to perform their duties.

They had worked a full shift and were very tired. They could hardly wait to get back to their home and retire for the night.

AS they were nearing their humble abode, they traveled slowly down the Bumpy Road, and just as they were preparing to make the final turn onto the driveway, Grandma lurched forward in her seat and exclaimed, “Look at all of those Christmas lights!! Wait-- is that Our house that is all lit up?”

Grandpa wisely said, “Don’t look at me!! I didn’t do it—don’t blame me.”

They traveled further up the driveway and saw three brightly lighted reindeer feasting in the driveway. It seemed a little strange that they were eating gravel. Perhaps Santa had come a little early and forgotten three of his reindeer. Or, maybe they had just escaped from the North Pole.

Some lights were twinkling around the garage doors. The house and garage had lights all along the roof lines and the back door of the house. Grandma said, “Somebody has definitely been here.”

Grandpa wisely said, “Watch out!! They might be hiding in the bushes—just waiting to jump out and scare us.”

They parked their car in the garage and opened the door to the store room by the refrigerator. “Somebody has been riding my tricycle!” said Grandpa wisely.

Grandma said , “Somebody moved our picnic table”

They carefully opened the rear door to their house and saw the Nerf pop gun laying on the computer boxes. “Somebody has been shooting the Nerf Pop Gun!” said Grandpa wisely.

Grandma said, “Somebody has been writing on the bulletin board and drawing pictures!”

They entered the kitchen. Grandpa shouted (wisely, of course), “Somebody has been eating my candy!!”

Grandma said, “This picture says they love us and is signed DMAKHJA. Who could that be? I don’t recognize that name.”

Finally Grandma said, “Look, Keeley’s name is also on that picture. It must have been Matt and his family.”

Grandpa and Grandma were so pleased with the nice thing that Dad, Mom, Aubrie, Keeley, Henry, Jesse and Andee had done that they snuggled all snug in their bed and slept with smiles on their faces all night long. Grandma said, “That is the nicest Christmas Present ever.”
Grandpa wisely said ,”Yes dear—it surely is.”
--The End--

SURPRISE!

2007-12-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Last night we had so much fun!

Matt got off early and we drove to Mattawa. Matt's parents serve in the Temple on Wednesdays, so we knew that they wouldn't be there.

He he he he.

We put up their Christmas lights for them. The kids ( and myself - I can't deny it) were so excited. Aubrie said to me, "Can't we just stay and hide in the bushes so that we can see the looks on their faces when they get home?" We knew that they wouldn't be home until very late, so we couldn't do it. It is so much fun to serve someone when they don't know you're going to! Sharon called to thank us this morning for the surprise. What a great night!

Some things are just funny

2007-12-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

It seems like Jesse is in my blog a lot. Yesterday he topped the list of funnies again. He doesn't like to take the time to wash his hands after using the toilet. So he's devised this plan to help himself out. It goes something like this:

Have mom lift you onto the toilet.
Bend as far forward to make sure you don't have to touch yourself to get the flow going into the toilet.
Shake yourself dry so as not to touch anything again.
Have mom lift up your unders and pants for you.
Try to run out of the bathroom as quickly as possible, but when mom catches you, then
Ask mom to flush, when she politely declines ( this is the new part yesterday) you think to yourself if I don't use my hands to flush I won't have to wash...hmmm...I could use my teeth to flush...whoops... mom doesn't like that idea, I'll use my forehead instead...dang...I guess she won't let me do that either. Dang, I'm missing SUPER WHY, I guess I better hurry and wash 'cause she won't let me out of the bathroom until I do.

No kidding, I sat in the bathroom for several minutes laughing after he left. Silly boy. I'll have to see what happens today.

Just a few funnies

2007-12-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

Keeley had her birthday on Saturday. She is now 7 and feels that she is so much more grown up. She is now making her bed in the morning, that is truly more grown up. I can't complain.

When cleaning up after cake I noticed it. A partial candle. Jesse got another one. My kids love to suck the frosting off of the bottom of the candles after they've been blown out. Jesse has taken this quick treat to the next level. Hmmm. He said it was good. Red wax, and it was not a thin candle. It was one of the chunky twisted things. Yuck.

Yesterday was laundry day. Isn't it interesting that no matter how much laundry you do during the week Monday's laundry piles always resemble Mt. Everest. While helping me get the laundry out of the dryer Henry said "Am en't I so helpful, mommy?" What a sweetheart! Yes, my boys love to help me all day long. And obviously I didn't praise him quickly enough.

Yeah! After a long week Andee finally slept through the night again. She got herself into a bad habit, but hopefully we're back on track. She is starting to get a fresh crop of new hair. Yippee!

Aubrie came home from school very excited yesterday. Her teacher marked her pre-spelling test 100%. After reviewing it, Aubrie realized that she had indeed spelled one of the words wrong. She brought it to the attention of her teacher, who praised her for being honest. She came home on cloud nine. Isn't it wonderful how good we feel when we do what's right.

Here was a conversation between Jesse and myself:
Jesse - "You're a dumb (kind of mumbled) mom."
Not sure I was hearing what he said I said, "What nubby?"
Jesse - "You're a good mommy. You're a special mommy, and I love you"

So funny, I'm not sure if he thought that I actually had heard him and didn't like what I heard, but he fixed it really fast. I am now aware what he said in the first statement, because the exact conversation was repeated twice last week. I guess that I need to pay attention to what is happening if it is repeated again. Although he is a big tease, and probably knew that it would get my attention really fast.

Quote I like today!

2007-11-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

"At this time of Christmas, this season when gifts are given, let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life."President Gordon B. Hinckley

thanks to Dani, Lindsay's sister

A flash back...

2007-11-30T15:52:00.000-08:00

I wrote this a few years ago when Aubrie was 4, she is now almost 10. We were given an assignment in Relief Society to write about a spiritual experience. The experiences of all of the sisters of the Ward were printed in a book, and given to each of us. What a treasure. I was just browsing through my files the other day and found this. I hope you enjoy.

As a mother I find myself looking for those small moments that reward my efforts. It’s these small, profound moments that make everything worth while. Sleepless nights, endless dishes, and mountains of laundry are easily forgotten in these shining moments. I’ve recently been rewarded with a moment that will never be forgotten. Aubrie, my oldest, is almost 4 years old and has been going through another growth spurt. She has been plagued with aching legs, like her daddy was when he was young. Fits of pain usually strike in the middle of the night and result in almost inconsolable pain. On one of these nights after the pain had passed I sat rocking her in my arms. In the pale light I studied her sleeping features for several minutes. While rocking, I thought of how many times I had taken her in my arms and loved her in these short 4 years. As my feelings of love and sympathy swelled I was given a glimpse of the love that Heavenly Father has for Aubrie, and the strength of her spirit. It was as if I could see past the 4 year old body and see the full potential of her spirit. As I sat quietly basking in the moment, the Holy Spirit testified to my soul of her strength and my responsibility as her mother, teacher, and example. I sat rocking her for longer than normal in gratitude for the experience, wanting and needing to be closer to her for a little longer. When the rough times come I will be able to reflect back on this moment to help me remember.

Sheri Stevens

Dive into the Holiday season

2007-11-26T14:18:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Lots of food, family and fun. It is always nice to spend time with people you enjoy being around. We spent most of our time in Mattawa with Matt's family.

While there Aubrie learned, from a cousin, that Santa is not real. Oh boy. She cried herself to sleep that night and then when she asked me about it I was accused of being a liar and a cheat, the whole 'I hate you' bit. She was most hurt to know that I had been the one to write the letters back from Santa. Shocked is too inadequate of a word to describe her feelings. She took it all rather hard. Matt took her for a drive and they discussed the pros of knowing. She had 7000 questions all day. But she was mad that she could not stay up to place the elf for the next day with me. Hmmm.

The kids are so tired. It seems that a whole week of getting to bed late had caught up with them. Jesse has been taking 3-4 hour naps and still going to bed at 8pm.

Thank you to all of you who've kept us in your prayers. This Sunday was much better. They were still kids and wiggly, but I handled it much better. I'm grateful that Heavely Father hears our prayers, and answers them.

I am gearing up for the new year in Primary, so if anyone has any great ideas, let me know.

Sundays

2007-11-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a hard one. Matt is on the High Council and yesterday was a speaking day for him. He had to speak in the Spanish Branch in Mattawa. Hence, I had all of the kids for Sacrament meeting by myself again. I'm waiting to learn what it is I need to learn. When Matt is with us we sit toward the front of the chapel, but when he's gone we occupy a bench near the back. I usually sit behind a couple in our ward whose children are all grown. They are help when I have to go out to nurse Andee, but I didn't need to do that yesterday. The kids were just being themselves, but I could feel myself getting really worked up. What's wrong with me? I kept thinking this over and over. I know that how I feel about my children permeates the surface and they can tell if I'm worked up. Chill out. A sweet sister behind me took Andee and so then I had a lap for Jesse to sit on and free arms to help feet dislodge from the bench in front and tickle arms and necks to distract them. Hmmm. It can only get better as they get older. Right?

What was I thinking?

2007-11-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

Talk about being mortified!

The other night we had a guy here to measure the kitchen to give us an estimate for some updates. While we were talking Jesse and Keeley couldn't stay away. They were so interested in everything were talking about.

Sweet Jesse, my boy of too many words came up with a great topic of conversation. Pointing to the front of my pants he declares in a too loud voice, "MOMMY IS THAT YOUR PENIS."

ohmyheck!

After three unsuccessful attempts to shush the poor child, and I'm sure thirteen shades of redface later, I had to address the subject.

Thankfully, the man just kept right on talking to Matt and pretended he didn't hear a thing. I'm sure it was a topic of conversation at his dinner table and the source of many chuckles.

At times like this, I often wonder 'what was I thinking teaching this child the correct term for his most favorite body part?' At least if we taught him it was his 'front' or even just his 'private' it might not have been such an embarrasing moment.

Oh well, my kids know their parts and have curiosity about the parts of others. What can I say.

What's In A Name

2007-11-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

It just struck me as funny today, how much time and effort we spend choosing the perfect name for our children. But, if you're like me, you seldom use their given name. I have so many nick-names for my kids here are a few: (terms in bold are the most frequently used)

Aubrie - Toots (you say it like you say tootsie roll), sister, girly

Keeley - Squealy, sister, girly, Niblet, bliblet

Henry - Bud, buddy, buddy buddy, Otis, Buck-o-boy

Jesse - Buster, buddy, bud, Wubby, lubby, nubby, wub, djwub-(no it's not misspelled)

Andee - Pretty, girly, baby, sweetums, snort

What do you call your kids?

Am I being vain if...

2007-11-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

AM I BEING VAIN IF...

I can't go visiting teaching without makeup?
I don't like to have people come to my house if it is messy?
I got bangs cut to hide the balding patches at the top of my widows peak?
I hate wearing the same old ratty t-shirts year after year?
I want my kids to look nice when we go somewhere?
I don't want my friends to know that I actually do get mad enough to yell at my kids?
I don't feel pretty on the days I don't take time to put make-up on?
I don't want to walk around with buggers on my pants?
I'm embarrassed when my friends see the buggers wiped on my walls, but I frequently walk by them without cleaning them off?
I'm afraid that Aubrie will tell everyone that when I was pregnant with Henry she made me pee my pants by scaring me when we were playing hide and seek during FHE?
I'd be mortified if anyone knew how much I actually weigh?

HMMMM?

I love you mommy...

2007-11-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

Aren't these the most precious words you child can speak to you?

I had a very tender experience with Jesse on Saturday.

We had gone to Marv's (Matt's dad) birthday dinner and we were in Mattawa talking with all of the inlaws and having a great time. The kids were all playing nicely together. Cousin time, what could be better. I was talking to the sisters in law that were there when sweet little Jesse, forever my shadow, came back to see me. I had just recently taken him to the bathroom and he had run off to play for a few minutes. I was holding Andee and burping her when Jesse came to sit by us. Getting my attention by putting his pudgy little hands on my face he looked at me and said "mommy I have to tell you something." He threw his arms around my neck and said very quietly "mommy, I love you so much. I just put a bugger in your hair." Sweet, sweet Jesse. My boy. Took me a moment to find it.

Funny now! Don't you just love those moments...

who could guess...

2007-11-13T14:29:00.001-08:00

Of course every child's first friend is his or her blanket. My children are examples of this rule. These are their blankets' names:

Aubrie - bawkee
Keeley - bypee
Henry - bay baw
Jesse - bawkee
Andee - she can't tell me yet

The blankets in our home are dragged everywhere, and used for everything including but not limited to: wrapping up in on the kitchen floor in the morning while mom makes breakfast and lunches for those who don't eat at home, chewing on for a sleep aid, sliding on the floor, whipping mean older sisters with, crying into, covering up for a nap, dropping on the floor to trip over, and wiping noses on.

It seems they are never clean for longer that it takes to be held after they are removed from the dryer.

Our kids can love them, hold them and use them for all of these things and more, but only until their fifth birthday. After that they have been placed into a closet by mom and will be taken out and given as a wedding gift, or something equally as embarrassing. Henry has his fifth birthday coming up in February. I'm not sure what he'll do for something to chew on when he's going to sleep, happy, sad, mad etc. Hmmm. Only time will tell.

Let's hear it for the blankees- that's what mine was called!

Kids are so funny

2007-11-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the funny things that we have learned over the past month:

A discarded razor must first be wrapped in lots of TP or it may be discovered by the 4 year old and will invariably cut his tongue.
Jesse will use the toilet for a Swedish fish but not a mini M&M
When asking if the 9 year old washed her hair you must specifically ask if shampoo was used
tooting squirrels are funny to a variety of ages
when sending the 6 year old to clean her room you have to make sure she understands that you will be checking the closet and under her dresser and bed

We have had a lot of laughs this month. I hope you find things to laugh about too!

I need to keep track...

2007-11-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

The days all seem to fly by so quickly. I used to keep a monthly journal for each of my kids so we could look back and laugh at a the funny little things that they said or did. Sadly that has become a thing of the past.

However, I'd like to have a place to share and put my thoughts. I don't have a mind like a trap, and sometimes if I don't write things down they're lost forever.

I'll start at the beginning. Matt and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 12, 1994. We have had over 13 years together. Matt is currently the Principal for the local High School in Othello, WA. We have lived here in Othello for 10 years. He is on the High Council and also serves as our Ward Activities chairman. I stay at home with our children doing the mom thing. There is nothing that I'd rather be doing. I am the Primary President. Need I say more. With 5 kids we are busy!

Aubrie is our oldest. She is 9 years old. She was baptized last year. She is an avid reader. She devours books. She also races to read the comics in the paper every day. But her absolute favorite is Calvin and Hobbes. Matt has a few books that she can't keep her hands off. I'm sure she had read them each 12 times. This scares me a bit. I'm just waiting to see which of Calvin's favorite moves will be tried out next. I've already had to abolish 'attack the babysitter'. Aubrie plays the piano. She is on her third year and hates to practice (what kid doesn't). She does well in school, and was the Student of the month in her grade this month. She can do anything she sets her mind to. Aubrie likes to tell jokes and make people laugh. She will do anything if it means she can spend time with me. She wears glasses and has braces too. She's a good kid and tries hard to do what's right.

Keeley is our soon to be 7 year old. She is a lot of fun, always laughing and dancing. She is in first grade this year and loves going to school all day long. At our family football games in the backyard, Keeley always wants to be the cheerleader. She loves being a girl and all of the frilly things that go with it. She also loves to collect things. For example her current collections include: rocks, shells, beads, broken crayons, cool pencils, and anyone's favorite cool toy that might be set aside for a moment too long. If anything is missing, Keeley's junk drawer or under her pillow are the first two places to look. Keeley is learning to like reading. She is getting better and recognizing more and more words. She loves to cook dinner with me but hates to set the table. She doesn't do well if told what to do or given no say in the matter. But if you give her a choice -- even if it is between practice the piano now or in five minutes-- she's happy.

Henry is 4. He is all boy. He enjoys cars, dirt, mud, mowing the lawn, working outside with Matt, wrestling with Jesse- or whomever is closest to him. His new passion is football. We have had multiple family games this week alone. He has an infectious laugh. He is a lover. He loves to give kisses and hugs. He thinks it is extremely funny if he kisses me on the lips. Just tonight he gave me a butterfly kiss. He loves to help do any thing with Matt or I if we use the term"work". Poor kid, he thrives on working. This summer and last he loved digging holes to bury the rocks for my path in the backyard. He loves pulling weeds with me and he was in 7th heaven when he painted the house with Matt this summer. He is my sweet boy.

Jesse is 2 and recently potty trained. It only took three tries until he decided to do it. I was ready several months before he was. He is such a good boy. He is literally my shadow. He prefers to be with me all day. It doesn't matter if I'm folding clothes or changing a messy diaper. He wants to be right there. I love the funny conversations that we have. He loves to tease --wonder where he got that from-- Matt and I are both terrible teases. Hmmm... He loves his tennis shoes. He refused all summer to wear his sandals even when it was 110 degrees outside. He loves to play cars and wrestle with Henry. He frequently jumps Henry from behind and tackles him to the ground. He loves to 'smooch' my cheeks and give hugs. It is so funny to see his little body in underwear. He's very proud of the fact that he wears underwear.

Andee is our newest

addition. She is three months old and loved by all. She was born 7-7-07. What an easy birthday to remember! She is a good baby. She sleeps from about 10 pm until 7 or 8 am. Occasionally she'll wake up at 5 to eat. She loves to see the kids and have them talk to her. She is discovering her hands and voice. She loves to play with her new toys --they are new to her-- especially the links and her stuffed elephant. She smiles readily and is mostly content. It won't be long before she is rolling over. Just this week she is rolling to her side. I'm hoping that she'll be a lefty like me. It would be nice to have at least one!