5 days and counting

Okay, it is almost 4. Although we have been mostly ready for parts of Christmas, there are still the last minute details and major everyday and one-time only things that needed to be done yesterday.

Here are some images I really liked. My mom sent these and a few more to my e-mail--sent to her by her "people." If I really like something my mom or MIL sent me, I pass it on to the other mom. I figure if she likes it, she'll pass it on to her list of e-mail junkies.

I'd love to see this in person. But I'd hate to be out in the cold.

If I don't get the chance to write or see you soon, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Crunch Time

My hubby has a huge test tomorrow, so we've been focusing on that amonst life's many little distractions (plus three of our own genetic making). After that we've got only a little time left to prepare for Christmas. We also have things to prepare for grad school applications. AUGH!

Video of computer girl

I was going to post three pics my hubby took of Punkie grinning while holding this comp, but I thought the video showed more of her personality.

Also congrats to my "nephew" who just got the Melchezdik Priesthood.

Too bad he doesn't know about my blog.

Nice weekend

I was able to tag along to the Kurt Bestor concert this weekend with my PILs. I really do like going to a show now and then. This one featured violin player Jennie Oates Baker. She was awesome too! I did wonder at one point if Bestor was getting a little tired. He did a great job and there was funny repartee with his dad reading 'The Night Before Christmas,' but I still got the feeling he was a little tired (which he'd already done the show earlier that day and the preceding days).
Punkie is still so thrown off on weekends that she doesn't get her naps in then. I hope she doesn't give up on them completely (though many times when I put her down the other kids get noisy or hear her and go get her--just to be big helpers).

Tired of Tunes

Okay, any parent who has kids that like the music produced by Disney talent will probably agree with me: there must be hidden subluminal messages within it that are addictive to children. Then again, it could be the fast beat and repetative words that are enticing. Either way, my hubby and I are tired of "Play Push It to the Limit" (yes, this is on my blog playlist too), or the Cheetah Girls' Barcelona song, or the Jonas Brothers 'Great-great Granddaughter song' (at least that's what we call it). And we don't even have the Disney Channel--or any other channel for that matter :0).
And what's up with my eldest son waking most of the family up at 5 in the morning?!? He's been waking up early all week. I'm wondering if he isn't needing as much sleep. Maybe starting tomorrow we'll let him stay up 30 min longer reading books (he said he'd rather do chores up late--I said that wasn't good for before bedtime. He pointed out that my hubby and I do. I assured him the day would come when he would also be up late trying to get work done).

18 days left

The Christmas countdown is in full swing. We thought we were done with shopping for the kids, but then discovered that sometimes it is hard to shop without them. We bought something for Chief to wear, but are worried that he may not fit it. So we may have to ruin the surprise element to have the right gift on Christmas day. Speaking of Christmas, Red mentioned something about how Satan doesn't like Christmas. We discussed that he probably doesn't because that is when we celebrate the birthday of our Savior Jesus Christ and how he probably wants us to focus only on presents and such. Chief started worrying that he had Satan within his heart because of how he much he likes the presents. I assured him that he doesn't, that he is very good because he often points out to people that it is Jesus's birthday and he has had no problem with our family tradition of the last couple of years. Every Christmas morning, before we go to the tree as a family (that doesn't mean the kids haven't peeked at what is out there), we sit down--in the room the parents stay in--say a prayer, read the scriptural account of Jesus's birth, sing a song and then commence with the festivities. I really have enjoyed this tradition and so far the kids have done really well cooperating.

Okay, now for some pictures of my hubby's cake (I think I promised I'd post this) and of Punkie cooking toddler style:

Here she has poured out pudding powder on the carpet and is sprinkling slivered almonds on top. She is also nicely dusted with the powder.

Over a week later...

So the cake was good--not great, but good. It did have a tendancy to crumble, but not like it was dry. I'm not sure if it's because I used cake flour and the recipe called for all-purpose. I've got pics, but no time to download.
Thanksgiving went well. The turkey almost became dessert because it was taking longer to cook than expected, but we waited somewhat patiently. We had fun the next few days as we crashed at a parent's house. We also were treated to a dinner overlooking the Temple Square lights on Friday. I haven't been there for quite a while. I guess being a couple hours away makes it kinda tough.
We also went Christmas shopping early Friday. Yep, we left the house at 4:30 AM--this is the second time I've done the early morning Black Friday thing and I'm afraid I still don't have a love for shopping. Friday morning was fine, but on Saturday we were still looking for an office chair (Christmas present for my hubby and I), and I was getting a wee bit tired of shopping. By Saturday night we had two chairs. We kept the one we bought online (cheaper than the other and on sale online, not in the store).
So now I'm sitting on our Christmas present :).
Anyway, I went to a PTA luncheon yesterday to listen to what the local legislative reps had to say about what they are doing for education. Translation: they care about education, but obviously there are going to be funding cuts due to the economy.
Now, I've got to clean up the house before it becomes an official state of disaster.

Happy Birthgiving

This week is my hubby's b-day and of course, Thanksgiving. At least this year they don't coincide. I'm baking a bittersweet chocolate pound cake for the b-day. I'll let you know how it goes.
This year we're celebrating Thanksgiving with my PILs. We switch off every other year. We're making David's famous sweet potato souffle, cranberry sauce (an awesome recipe), double pumpkin pie (has a cheesecake layer), a pecan pie, a decandent pie (like pecan with coconut), cranberry cream cheese spread, and probably something else, but I can't think of it--oh, maybe my ambrosia salad. I think that's all on our part. We'll also have turkey, rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies, a frog-eye salad, traditional pumpkin pie, and maybe some other things. I guess this is the time of the year when you put ALL your food on the table and go at it. No kidding we need New Year Resolutions.

What about you? Do you have any traditions or recipes you can't do without? One tradition my mom has is to place a new Christmas ornament by everyone's table spot for them to take home. It's pretty fun. My PILs have so many people come that they'd have to buy a tree's worth of ornaments to do that! But we're looking forward to having a great time :).

4-4-4 tag

I was tagged by one of my friends. So I put my 4th picture up from my 4th folder. Here is Chief playing soccer a couple of years ago.
4 people I tag: Anybody who reads this and actually HAS a blog--since many of you don't. :) (If you want to do it and anyone else who wants to do it)So here's what you do, post the 4th picture from your 4th folder then tag 4 people.

Preschool on the move

Here are some pics of our latest preschool outing. We went to the grocery store (yeah, I know, sounds real exciting when you go as often as I do), but it was actually fun. We chose it because the kids have been learning about healthy eating and the food pyramid and about money. Put food and money together and you've got a grocery store.

Here the manager is showing the kids the gigantic mixer they use for the hundreds of cookies they make daily.

Here he is showing them the walk-in oven they use for baking the goods. (Tip: Don't walk in there while on--though I'm sure there is a safety trigger.)

Just some of the yummy baked goods cooling.My--I mean the kid's favorite part: Donuts with icing-colored in autumn colors. Yum!

When else can you go to a store and eat a donut right out of the case without getting in trouble? Okay, I did feel a bit self conscious when the General Manager walked away and we were still standing there eating donuts for the other shoppers to see. But before this, I had never been in the refrigerator or freezer sections of the store before. (Freezer is kept at 25 degrees below zero).

Having preschool age kids does have it's advantages...Let's see, where do I want to go next?

Punkie is such a little mom. She packed Andrew's school bag for tomorrow, wished her brothers a good night, shushed them, and gave them their cup of water at bedtime.

Oh, and I picked up my hubby's b-day present--a book--last Saturday with my 7 year old. We hid it in his room. The four year old brought it to him wrapped in a jacket, so he didn't see, but he told him it was a gift. My hubby thought it was just a book off the shelf and Chief whisked it away before he found out differently. However, I returned from the library yesterday with the same book (my hubby REALLY wanted to read it, so I checked it out), and Chief--not knowing my plan to switch the two on Saturday--blurted out, "But we already got that book for Daddy from the store!" My hubby pretended to block his ears, but I decided the damage was done and he'd get his b-day present early. Now the only present left is to take him to the Twilight movie tomorrow. That and to make a cake for Tuesday that he picked out--a bittersweet decadent chocolate cake (usually he likes carrot, but he's branching out).

Christmas list of the week

Chief has said he wants binoculars. He knows he already owns a real pair, but he wants another one just in case he breaks one.
Red, our little four year old, says, "I'll be happy with whatever Santa wants to bring me."
Talk about melt-your-heart.

Couple new pics

The updated boys' room pic. Not as much space, but not too bad.

Here's Punkie rearranging the nativity scene. Who's not to say everyone wasn't facing the back of the stable?

Christmas is coming!

Since Red's friend put out a fake candy cane outside her door today, he insisted it was time to decorate for Christmas. So the boxes came out and the kids were enthralled for awhile decorating. And then they stopped. Now my family room looks like a few boxes exploded and the contents were strewn everywhere. At least the bookshelf looks okay and the nutcrackers and small figurines are lined up facing out the front window.
As for their wish lists: beware any parent of a child with an active imagination! Two years ago, Chief asked for magic coal for Christmas so he could do whatever he wanted. I explained that magic coal was only something on the Island of Sodor (*you'll recognize this if you know anything about Thomas the Train). However, Chief and his cousin decided to ask the big man himself. So at the yearly church Christmas party, when we had a visit from Santa, the two boys asked him. And Santa told them that there WAS such a thing as magic coal. Let's just say I wasn't feeling very jolly toward the guy with a belly like a bowl full of jelly. Thanks Santa. So my son asks for fast shoes (apparently the shoes that have a letter 'N'--Nike--are not as fast as those with a letter 'S'--Sketcher) and for magic coal. Well, there where two options: tell him he exceeded the limit of asking for ONE present or to see if Santa could actually grant his request. It's a good thing Santa has the internet to google strange requests. (Note--if you are reading this aloud to your kids, and if you are I have no idea why--stop now). Anyway, there was a recipe for a "magic coal" garden where you can grow multi-colored crystals on coal. Apparently now you can buy pre-prepared kits from Toys R' Us, but I digress. Needless to say, I'd never been to a business that sells coal before that time. It was...dirty. All the other ingredients are easily bought from the store. Some items were pre-mixable. Others I mixed early that Christmas day, after scripture reading and before the kids were allowed to run to their stockings. One container I labeled Magic Potion #1, the other #2 and I had the coal on a pie tin. I also had food coloring ready. The whole 'package' came with a gushy note from Santa explaining that the coal wasn't magic in that it could do anything, but that Chief was very special and could do almost anything he set his mind to. Well, the letter was more eloquent than that. And gushy. Kinda like a corny 80's sci-fi. The experiment went well. He enjoyed it. And his cousins, who were also strange enough to WANT to have coal, were able to benefit from the extra pieces I had.

Now I have another problem. So far, Chief has indicated to me he wanted rocket-like shoes that would allow him to fly (that's it--I'm getting rid of my t.v.) and has told his Dad he wants magic mittens like Santa has. I thought that kids definately outgrew Santa when they started asking for expensive toys, but if he continues on like this maybe he'll have to be let in on a few things. Actually he did tell me a friend of his suspects his parents buy the gifts and hide them until Christmas. I think he was fishing for info...

Augh!

Where does the time go!?!? I keep thinking I will blog when something interesting pops up, and I'm sure some things in my life are interesting (or, at least I think so), but when it comes right down to it I never know exactly what to write. Anyway, I'm finding myself busy again. When one of my many things slow down, another comes up. At least they counterbalance each other.
Red has the stomach flu that is going around. The one that his preschool friends had. I'm just hoping the rest of us somehow miraculously escape it (though it seems to target the young and elderly). I cancelled school for tomorrow, a bittersweet thing to do.
By the way, if you shop at Albertsons (if you have one where you live), until next week there is a bonus sale: buy one Sara Lee pie, get another pie and two Breyers ice cream containers free. Though the store here is understocked until Saturday. Let's just say I know where I'll be early on Saturday!

Change of Plans

You know how it is: you are going on about your day, doing those things that you need to do when suddenly something comes up and you find yourself immersed in another project? That would be today. Just as I am finishing up cleaning up the family room, I head upstairs to check on the two young ones and find them sitting above my head. On the bunkbed. Apparently my 20 month old decided she's old enough to climb up.
Uh, I don't think so!
We've talked about taking down the top bunk a few times, but today was the point where we had no choice. The room was rearranged and the bunks were separated, joints tightened and room completely cleaned (including the stuff that had fallen behind dressers, etc).
And now, we have a new room design for the kids (which means they might play there more for awhile).
On the other hand, we've just changed our jungle gym into a trampoline...

Cute conversations

Here's a way cute quote my sister found on a blog:

Conversations I Have Every Single Day
"Hey, awesome 7-year-old, whatcha doin'?"

"I'm making a creature called Dinoraptoflymus. It has 25 teeth, no, 32 teeth, no, no--51 teeth, that are all really sharp for biting through the flesh of its prey, and its wingspan is 7--no, 13 FEET wide, and so that's why it's called DinoraptoFLYmus, because it flies 48 hundred thousand miles per second, but really it's called DRAGOraptoflymus, because it has scales like a dragon that are made of steel, no, stronger than steel, stronger than the strongest steel in the whole world, because its the DragoflySTEEL, because it's scales are so strong, except for its teeth, which are even STRONGER, because they have to bite through the hardest scales, because its prey is-- is really the Dinoraptoflymus! because Dinoraptoflymus is the strongest creature in the world except the Dragoflysteel, but it's really the DragoEAGLEsteel because it's as fast as an eagle. Right, Mom?"

"That's right."

"No, Mom, you should say it's faster than an eagle, because 48 hundred thousand miles is WAY faster than just a regular eagle!"

"Oh yeah. I forgot. Well, how's my favorite five-year-old doing?"

"Great. Mom, does this look cool?"

"Yes, very cool."

"How about this? Is this cool?"

"Way cool."

"Is it cooler than the other one or not as cool?"

"Um... which one do you think is cooler?"

"This one."

"Yeah, me too."

"No, I mean the first one is cooler."

"That's right, the first one was cooler."

"How about this? Is this cool?"

"Yep."

"Is is cooler than the other ones, or not as cool?"

"Uh, cooler."

"Oh no! I thought the second one was cooler!"

"Oh, yeah, that's right, the second one is cooler. I just forgot about that one."

"Yeah, you just forgot. Cuz this one's really the coolest, huh?"

"For sure."

"How about this one? Is it cooler than the other ones or not as cool, or just the same cool?"

"Hmmm. I'll have to think about that for a minute. I'll be back. So, how's my little baby doin'?"

"I not a baby!"

"You're not? Well, what are you then?"

"I da Bug!"

"Oh, you're the Bug. Hello, Bug."

"I not a Bug! I a kitty."

"Hello, kitty."

"I not a kitty!"

"What are you, then?"

"I a.....a....a baby cow!"

"Can I have a kiss, baby cow?"

"No! Baby cows not kisses Mom! Silly mommy." (I swear that's a direct quote.)

"Yeah, silly mommy. Okay, see you later baby cow. How's my big teenager doing?"

"Mo--om!"

"What?"

"You don't have to ask my how I'm doing like you do with the kids."

"Well how else am I supposed to know how you're doing if I don't ask?"

"Mother! Just don't act like I'm one of the kids. Just talk to me normally, you know, like not like a mom."

"Oh, okay. So, whassup Dog?"

"Argghh! MothER! Don't you ever do that in front of my friends!"

"Do what, homie?"

"Stop it Mother! Fine, fine, I'll tell you how I'm doing!"

"Okay."

"I'm doing just fine. Everything is good. Thank you for your interest. Now can you leave so I can finish my homework?"

"Oh, all right, you spoilsport."

"Wait, Mom!"

"Yeah? You wanna tell me something, honey?"

"Um... you shouldn't wear those shoes with that shirt. They don't go."

"Thanks a lot. Hey, God?"

"Yes?"

"I sure get tired of having the same unproductive conversations all the time."

"Yes, I know. Me too."

I survived Halloween!

Well, the witches and ghosts have been packed away,

And the pumpkins are gone--they couldn't last another day.

Monsters and ghouls no longer roam the street,

And I don't hear any more frantic heartbeats.

(I thought I'd scream if I heard another yelled 'Boo!'

Or had more sightings of Hannah-you-know-who.)

At last I can sit back, relax, and slouch,

I don't have to constantly get off my couch.

I won't have to stir until the next holiday,

which is...only 3 1/2 weeks from today!

Okay, okay, yeah I know I'm weird. And honestly I don't have a big problem with Halloween. Which isn't to say I'm not relieved that the school carnival is over (I got home at 11:00 pm--two and a half hours after it was over, which is early I'm told) and that the trunk or treat was last night--on a warm, non-rainy night. Everything went fairly well for both I think. Here's some pics of our night last night.

Fabulous fluke (aka potty talk)

So my 20 month old found a book that goes along with the training potty. She recognized the picture as being a potty, so I took out the chair to show her it (it's been a few months since her first/last time since she saw it). She seemed interested in sitting on it and reading books. Quite a while later she actually used it and cheers and a treat followed (yes, I believe in bribes). Although there are plenty of kids out there who are progenitors in this sort of thing and get potty-trained early--I'm assuming this was a just a fluke, but one that makes me smile.

Recent events

When the kids go off upstairs, what do they do?

We've been working hard (notice the boy doing dishes and the other cleaning out the vaccum.

And we've been playing hard. Here's Punkie playing with her pumpkin at Family Home Evening.
Here's Red hard at work making his two-faced pumpkin.

The finished results: Mom & Dad's Ghost/tombstone (traced pattern), Red's face (he wanted triangle eyes, but drew trapezoids instead), Chief's two-faced (could be in a Batman movie), and Rachel's ghost (Mom used a pattern too).

21 week old fetus

No, this baby isn't ready to be born, but here is an amazing picture of a baby holding the doctor's hand during a surgical procedure. Check it out at : http://www.michaelclancy.com/
It's life a miracle?

Oooh, Aaahhh, Ouch!

So we went to the Pumpkin Walk today. That means we got to go walk along a park pathway and see displays, made with pumpkins, following the theme of "Heros in our lives" or something like that. At least--it's about heros. Anyway, people who seem to have time on their hands come up with some cool ideas on how to transform pumpkins and a bunch of materials (whatever they can come up with) to fit the theme. They are pretty cool and fun for the kids. At least, most kids. Somehow, halfway along the pathway, suddenly Punkie started screaming, crying, and throwing herself around my arms. Apparantly a bee had crawled inside her shirt (and the sweater she had on over) and had stung her on the chest. Someone thought they had seen the bee fly off as I took off her sweater. She kept grabbing her shirt and whimpering for the rest of the tour. It makes you feel bad for your kids when something happens that hurts them. We had already had Punkie to the doctor a couple of days ago for a painful problem (let's just say I've never poured antacid in a diaper before this week). But it's good that kids, and adults, can learn to adjust and move on from bad experiences.

Weekend trip

Okay, so my hubby took me this weekend up in the forest to try something he enjoyed before he met me. I'll give you a hint as to what:

Here's my hubby and then me using a fence to cross a stream. Don't worry, I don't have any offensive pics to share. We were looking for male bucks, and only saw one female deer. So in essence, what we actually ended up doing was taking a two day nature hike :). It was great! Two days of communing with nature, seeing beautiful mountain areas, getting great exercise, sleeping in a heated trailer (thanks PIL!) and the children were being watched at home by first my cousin, then my PILs.

Did I mention what a great time we had?

Punkie likes to dance

Here's a short clip of Punkie dancing. Anytime she hears music she starts to boogie on down. Besides liking to dance, she likes to watch herself dance.

Vent-a-blog

My hubby has been listening to some podcasts for a class of his. One speaker theorized that people are more accepting of bad news than good. I disagreed. Then I realized that most of my blogs are about the things the kids do that make my hair turn gray. I almost never write about the heart-melting warm fuzzies that they do or say. I suppose that either the speaker is right about people preferring to hear the things that go wrong, but maybe I just like to vent. Just so you know, my kids aren't necessarily the devils I make them out to be :). Of course, occasionally they do act like fallen angels {sigh}.

Nursery Bully

"Excuse me Sister, but we've been having a problem in nursery. You see, it's your child...she's a bully."
Don't worry, Punkie's teachers haven't told us that...yet. But we found out about it by good old observation. When I found out that the nursery sub was by herself with her 6 month old, I sent my hubby in to help out with the young ones. That's when we found out that our "stinker" has no problem standing up for what she wants. First of all, it was about a baby (it always is with her). She had one and she wanted another from another little girl. That was broken up quickly. Then later, after playtime, Punkie still had a doll--who could take it away from her without a problem?--and when she put it down the other girl picked it up--creating a tug-of-war between the two. The doll was taken away from both, but Punkie wasn't through with the issue yet, she proceeded to slap the poor little (older) girl more than once on the back. And this is from my sensitive little girl (who has gotten beat up by other kids in the past).
Which is worse: to have the bully kid or the kid picked on?

Dorie says: Keep on swimin'...

I guess I thought that if I didn't blog, it would be because I forgot--not because I got too busy. But things are going well. I got through one of my immediately busy things to do and have plenty more to keep up with (lessons to prep, people to visit, places to go to, fairs to help at). I keep forgetting to bring my camara too.
We went to a police station today. We visited with a detective for our city. He talked with the kids about stranger safety (what they're learning in preschool) and showed them his car. I'm not sure how much was learned. My son kept interjecting his two cents worth, somewhat embarrassing me when he told the officer he already had the cool pencil he was giving them (and the booklet, and the sticker...), but also making me smile.
Chief's school had a field trip today too. I wish I could have been to both! It's hard when you have to pick and choose between which children you will spend time with or do things for. I suppose a good balance is what it is all about!

Conference Weekend

This is always an interesting weekend. How do you "attend" four hours of church two days in a row without going insane? There are bonuses: you don't have to dress up (unless you want to pursue the right frame of mind--which is sometimes easier when you dress appropriately for this occasion) and you can snack like sometimes your kids do in church. But you have a tightly controlled time limit in which your kids can be noisy and work off all the pent up energy they have. Our plan was simple: travel to the houses of family members who have t.v. reception (easier to sit around than a computer), have the kids be in the room watching conference while keeping hands busy doing appropriate activities, and make the kids run around the yard inbetween sessions. Unfortunately, I did forget the "busy" activities I was going to bring the kids (a matching card game of the prophet and apostles that gives a little info on each so they can get to know them better). My mom saved me with puzzles and our lincoln log set, and my in-laws saved me with an appropriate sticker book, another scripture hero book and we brought our logs to their house. As for the working energy off---didn't really happen. I wanted to go to Costco for garbage bags and batteries between conferences on Saturday (I miss Costco!!!), so the kids were just in shopping carts the whole time and on Sunday, we did jump some energy off on the trampoline for a short while until they came in to play inside. They did simultaneously work off the sugar they consummed that evening during a joint family b-day dinner. It's impressive to watch how much energy kids can have from sugar. I think my in-laws still have footprints on their walls.
P.S. Yes, we did enjoy conference and we did hear most of it :).

Out of the mouth of babes

Okay, he's not a "babe," he's a preschooler, but close enough. He's been cracking me up all evening with his little 'Redisms.' Like when he flushed the toilet (he is afraid of it flooding so we have to be there when he does it). After flushing it, and the water going down as it is supposed to, he spread out his hands yelling, "It's a miracle...I had prayed to Heavenly Father!" Obviously a toilet properly working is something to have faith in. Just now, as we were debating what to do as a family, he said, "I have an idea in my brain!" His idea in his brain was to watch a movie and have family home evening. I think it's because of the treats we have for FHE.

Sometimes I look forward to the kids being old enough to do something in particular, and other times I wish they could stay little forever. Yesterday, I wished Punkie could stay little forever because I realized my littlest baby is growing up. She's still in a crib, but just for the time being. Yesterday morning we heard a loud BOOM upstairs. Yep, you guessed it--she fell out of her crib. She hasn't done it again, but I'm not sure if it's a matter of time or if she learned that maybe it isn't such a good idea to climb the bars.

So much to do, so much to forget to do.

I forgot to get something out for the PTA yesterday. So today I was frantically doing as much as I could before preschool. I ran out of the copies for the kids to take home so only the grades k-2 got to take home a 'join the PTA' flier. Hopefully the older kids have younger siblings.
I enjoyed the things I taught in preschool, but I did have one very rowdy kid. I would've called his mom to take him home, but that didn't work--I AM his mom {sigh}. So we'll have to take preventative measures next time. I'll give him a little pep-talk on how to act in school--even if your school is your home. Also I'll have to explain that teachers are not jungle gyms.

My kids will beg to go to the dentist now.

I'm surprised how quickly days go by now. It's amazing how that happens right when fall comes and the holidays are approaching.
The preschool field trip was great! Although my kids and I have been to a dentist before, the pediatric dentist's office was fun. The kids got whistles, dentist pouches (with floss, timers, and samples), and a balloon from the balloon room. The waiting room was actually a room filled with love sacs and big, huge bouncing balls. I like it at least as much as my kids' dentist office, which has play houses, an aquarium, toys, and movies. Although this staff was great at talking to them at their level. We never had dentist offices like this when I was a kid!

One of THOSE days

Insane. Today in a nutshell. Mostly because of preschool. But it was one of those writing on the wall days. That was Red. Punkie chose to write on the love sack. While I was cleaning up on mess, they were making another. And no, telling Red to clean up didn't work. He is on his fourth outfit today I think. Punkie is on her second. It's in need of a good wash too. Chief is falling apart over his homework again. I don't know if he'll finish it today.
On the good side, a nearby resource center for school stuff is awesome. I checked out some materials and signed Red up for a pre-K "class." And--Da, Da, Da, DAAAAAAAA--we got a nearby business to sponser the incentives for faculty and boy did they really come through!!!! Yea!!!

Kids say the darndest things.

Though we don't have a great host like Bill Cosby or the original Art Linkletter, church is still one of the best places to hear those treasured tidbits that make you laugh. Okay, I bet school is also a good place too. Anyway, my kids didn't disappoint in their conversations. As the Sunbeam teacher in charge of sharing time called order, all the kids quieted and the only sound left was Red's four year old voice asking the little blond sitting next to him why she wouldn't marry him. I couldn't hear her response, but his reply was to the affect that he'd either marry her, or his own sister. That's what I heard. Apparently the roles switched later since her father said he heard his daughter ask Red why he wouldn't marry her. My hubby's response? "Well, they'd better learn to get along if they want a happy marriage."
Chief's substituting teacher, thanks Tina!, let me in on his two cents. He explained to her that I went to the doctor and had Red one day. The VERY next day I had a pain in my side. I went to the doctor and Punkie was born. For some reason we don't understand Red has grown faster than Punkie.

I used to think he was an honest and observant child...

Always start your busy day with a good breakfast.

As I sit and write a delicious smell permiates the kitchen. My hubby at work creating a yummy masterpiece? No. Chief, doing his thing, making pancakes. His class at school recently made pancakes with marshmellows and chocolate chips. I don't have small white marshmellows and I don't want to open a new package of chocolate chips, so we might have white chips on the pancakes. Or plain pancakes.
We started a fall cleanup yesterday. I guess I should say my hubby did. You already know of my inefficiencies there. But I have been doing my best to keep up, in-between begging for donations for the PTA. I'm hoping to get a local business to donate incentives for the faculty to join. I get to address them on Tuesday.
I afraid I don't have anything of interest to say. I'm just plugging away at life, trying to keep treading above all I need to do. Don't worry--I still have a lot of fun doing it.

Are piles considered a decoration?

I've got a love-hate relationship with decorating magazines. The ideas are great (sometimes), and spur my imagination, yet they are useless to someone like me. I have no decorating sense whatsoever. I mean, I know what I like when I see it, but I don't even try at home. My house is for living and looks like it. Another problem is this: When I get around to cleaning, I get distracted by the small stuff. Take today, while I was cleaning the bathroom, I focused on scrubbing the door. Sure, it was something that was needed, but the door? I could have focused on other parts of the house that are buried under piles of junk and clothes. I could pick up the big stuff, move things where they need to go, etc, but no--the door was a priority. See--I know WHAT the problem is, but I don't know HOW to change it. I guess I could try to redirect myself, but as long as I feel like I accomplished something, then I am content with the rest of the house looking like a tornado hit it. Augh! Any suggestions?

Fun day

I think the activity for the 8-11 year old girls went very well. We had great decorations and stations, but we did have a smaller turnout than we hoped for. Still, we enjoyed the girls that came and hopefully they left with more than what was in their paper bags.

After Punkie woke up from her nap we went to a family day activity at my hubby's school. All for free we got to do some of our favorite things:

Got balloonsSaw a gummy bear burn upAnd my boys even climbed a rock wall. We dabbled in Jr. engineering, science, natural resources, and a few other booths. We all enjoyed the free ice cream (chocolate chip cookie dough was what we got). We did miss out on a wagon ride because the horses got tired. But we figured out what our future vehicle is:

I wonder what the gas mileage is? My hubby thinks it'll do the job to pull a trailer. Probably not up to the speed limit though.

And I toyed with the idea of a pet...

Naw, at first my boys barely would even touch it. Not until Mommy showed them she wasn't scared at all of a red boa did Chief get up his nerve to really pet it. Not enough nerve to hold it though. Red got close earlier, but he was too nervous.

I really should use static cling fabric sheets.

Manners and hairstyles

Red has advice for you. Instead of saying "Pretty please? As in 'can I do this, pretty please?,' you can say 'handsome please.' Oh, and here's the latest in hairstyles:

Yep, count 'em--5 scrunchies on one side of the hair. Red does a good job, don't ya think?

Field Trip Day

The field trip day was fine, but not exactly what I expected so it was somewhat disappointing. I knew the nature center was putting on a preschool program of getting to know nature through music theme today, so we checked it out on our field trip. Most of what they did I could have easily done on my own. The turtle and other creatures they had there are free to come and look at anyway. The kids did pet a snake. The only thing I can't do is play a guitar and sing. I guess I didn't feel it was worth the few dollars it cost me.

If you know of any ideas for a preschool field trip, please let me know by using the comments section!!!

Punkie likes turtles!

The beginning part consisted of drums and singing. I just have to smile as I see Red with his arm around one of his friends :).

The light at the end of the tunnel

The light is still far off, but I see the end to some of the projects that have kept me busy for awhile.
Preschool was centered around music today. Of course we do the academics too. We talked about time (weeks, months, calendars) and made a birthday graph chart. We practiced writing Aa. We reviewed our sight words (the and I) and phonic sounds for a,f, and m. Then we made tambourines and had a great time making music with a keyboard, drumsticks and toy drum, bells, and musical toys. We also turned up the volume and danced to Bob the Builder (great music for dancing to). That's why I didn't take any pictures--I was too busy dancing.

Another first day

So I managed to teach the first preschool lesson of the school year without any major hitches, having had just over a month off. We did get a phone call in the middle of preschool from Chief's school. Chief was calling because he was 'sick and sad.' Mmm, humm. When Daddy got home from getting some snacks from the store (apples, since I'm teaching about nature this week), he went and got him. Before school I had given him allergy meds since he was having major allergy attacks this morning. However, keep in mind that his good friend was also not feeling well and she was armed with a note saying she might have to go home if she feels worse. Chief beat her home. She left school soon after. Also keep in mind that Chief loves to help me out when I have taught preschool in the past. And right as preschool was letting out he declared he felt better and was ready to return to school. Although it is possible it took the meds awhile to kick in, I suspect he may have a shot at an acting career.

My poor, sick and sad son...

Scrambled Memory

It appears that beyond my main responsibilities, I've been concentrating on two different areas: church and school, with two subcategories each. For church I'm preparing for the primary sharing time lesson and an Activity Day for about 100 young girls and for school I'm the Membership Chair for the PTA and this is my week to teach the home-preschool lessons for Red and a couple of girls. With all I'm supposed to be doing I'm worried that I'm going to end up trying to convince the primary kids to join the PTA, the Activity Day 8-11 year olds how to tie their shoes, the preschool kids the importance of prayer, and I'll be following the older elementary kids around, trying to show them some fun games they can do at home with their families for Family Home Evening. Yeah, that'll go over real well.

Secret Hideaway Compromised

Okay, so I lost self control the other day. I went to the store for milk, juice, and one bag of "bedtime" treats the kids can earn if they go to bed well (so far not only have they not earned one yet, they are both grounded for their behavior last night two hours after we put them in bed--the boys, not Punkie). Red and Punkie were with me on this store trip. Just as I was leaving, my hubby said with a gleam of hope in his eyes, "And tootsie rolls, please." We spent I don't know how long in the candy aisle, pondering over this bag of candy or that bag (me looking at costs, Red at what he wanted). Since I told Red he could help me, I tried to steer him toward more practical choices (that could give us more for the cost). Although I flatly refused a few choices, I ultimately bought him some gummy halloween candy in a gaudy pumpkin bag. Yuck. I was rooting for the big bag of halloween candy bars. So was Punkie. She was only happy when it was nestled next to her in the cart. So much for my self control...
When we got home I got to work hiding the candy. The kids have no idea where the treats are, but I was nice enough to clue my hubby in to where I hid his tootsie rolls. But then last night he asked for some of the candy bars. He wouldn't stop laughing when he followed me up to our room and watched me take them out of a dresser cupboard. Next time I hide them, I'll make him wear a blindfold!

New addiction

I recently just found out about the whole Midnight Sun book that Stephenie Meyer had been writing until it was illegally posted on the internet. Since she decided it was better to scrap it and put it on her website so fans didn't go looking for it, I've been reading her posting of the unedited book. That's why I have been useless the last few days. I'm reading it every moment I can. I'll be finished with it soon enough and my kids will have their parents back (yes, my hubby is addicted too).

Red beat me at Monopoly. Again.

Sneaking around

I'm sneaking around behind my husband's back. No, not for any sordid affair. But as soon as the bathroom door clicked shut behind him I threw off the bed sheets and rushed quietly downstairs to quickly write a couple of thoughts on my blog. I'm addicted.

Anyway, I wanted to send out a big THANK YOU to my MIL! You did a great job teaching my church-attending 'family' how to enjoy the sacrament meeting with young children. Honestly, you could write a book about it. I'm sure that no matter what religion you are, if you attend a church and you have young mobile children, you know what I'm talking about. I have three constantly changing experiments. My youngest experiment was hanging from the pew in front of us like a monkey. If I let her stand on my foot, she would latch onto the pew with her mouth. Ewwwww. When I put her down, she screeched like a banchee. Whatever that really is. Anyway, only in some religions could you claim that your child is 'just feeling the spirit' as they run around holloring with their arms waving over their heads. The rest of us just try to pretend that we don't know who's adorable child that is. It's obvious anyway. Thanks again PIL's for being such great company!

Also: mother of the wild boys: great talk! I didn't hear all of it (see above), but what I did hear I enjoyed. I can relate to the FHE about baptism. It's my turn to teach tomorrow and I bet you know what I'll be teaching about. I can't believe you were able to outrun the talk arranger for over 5 years!! You might be asked to teach an underground lesson on it. I've talked twice in the last year.

I hear my hubby coming. Uh, oh. Caught red handed!

Busy Sunday

My hubby started today by cooking up a feast. He threw some orange rolls in the oven (don't worry honey, the kids didn't mind the blackened parts--our oven runs hot and if you let it go over a little...), got a turkey breast in a crock pot with carrots and onions, made a chocolate cake (which I made into a semi-black forest cake), and then started on Lion House rolls. He had a little help:

They were yummy and BIG. We love these. My hubby sets butter out and makes honey butter. Here's the roll recipe. It's a lot of work, but way worth it.

2 cups warm water (110-115 degree)

2/3 cup nonfat dry milk (instant or non-instant)

2 TB dry yeast

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp salt

1/3 cup butter, shortening, or margarine

1 egg

5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

In large bowl of electric mixer, combine water and milk powder; stir until milk dissolves. Add yeast, then sugar, salt, butter, egg, and 2 cups flour. Mix on low speed of mixer until ingredients are wet, then for 2 min. at medium sppd. Add 2 cups flour; mix on low speed until ingredients are wet, then for 2 min at medium speed. (Dough will be getting stiff and remaining flour may need to be mixed in by hand.) Add about 1/2 cup flour and mix again, by hand or mixer. Dough should be soft, not overly sticky, and not stiff. (It is not necessary to use the entire amount of flour.)

Scape dough off sides of bowl and pour about one TB vegetable oil all around sides of bowl. Turn dough over in bowl so it is covered with oil. (This helps prevent dough from drying out.) Cover with plastic and allow to rise in warm place until double in size. Sprinkle cutting board or counter with flour and place dough on floured board. Roll out and cut rolls into desired shape and size. *

Place on greased (0r parchment lined) baking pans. Let rise in warm place until rolls are double in size (about 1-1 1/2 hours). Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until browned. Brush with melted butter while hot. Makes 1 to 1 1/2 dozen rolls.

* We roll ours into a large rectangle, cutting in half lengthwise, then cutting strips every 2 inches. Roll strips up and place seam side down on baking pan to rise.

Meanwhile, our boys decided on different options. Chief decided to mess up the house because it was too clean (we were prepped for family visiting today). But as a redeeming factor, he wanted to entertain Punkie too. Red got all ready first thing for the Sabbath.

Missing Newton

I wish I could ask the scientist/philosopher Newton a question. Why did gravity have a particularly potent effect upon our milk supply yesterday? I can't figure out why we would have so much trouble with milk spilling. Red spilled a LOT of milk twice during lunch (I helped while trying to assist him pouring milk into a little cup), Punkie poured milk all over the table in the afternoon, Chief knocked his cup over during dinner, and to top it all off, when my hubby arrived home from the grocery store, Red (while being his helpful self) carried a gallon of milk into the house and dropped it on the floor, spilling over half the contents on the floor as the plastic split. Yep, there was an anomaly yesterday.

The neighbors put on another movie night though. This time we watched 'High School Musical 2'.

Random Thoughts

I have internet back! My hubby has been working on getting our adaptor to work with our modem the last couple of days. Of course like any undertaking, it means things get worse before they get better--like when we didn't have internet for awhile. But just like always, my hubby delivers and gets the job done (or mostly, there's one optional thing we still want to accomplish).

Meant to bring my camara yesterday. My FIL had a company party that he got us tickets to. What's better than seeing Grandma & Grandpa? Add in an aquatic center with good food and good fun and there you have it! Of course, my camara isn't waterproof, which isn't good when I'm the only adult splashing around the kids' area until I'm soaked.

Thought for the day: Are you taking your loved ones for granted? Do you call those you care about (I know I sure don't communicate with David's side as well as I should)? I was reminded of this the other day when I was talking with my mom on the phone. David was leaving and I was satisfied with calling inbetween my conversation, "Have a good day honey, be careful!" He was a little stressed about leaving and getting things together, so I ultimately got off the phone and walked him to the door. When he was extra late getting home (I didn't realize he was going to try to pick up the book I ordered for him last week), I automatically start thinking the worst has happened and I examine my behavior toward him earlier. I realized that I had started taking him for granted. Again. Not good. I'm terrible at doing extra little things that are sweet or romantic. Perhaps I ought to make a little more effort to show I care. And I shouldn't stop with my hubby, I have plenty of others I take for granted too. I guess my to-do list is longer, but maybe more correctly prioritized.

My Children

Okay, here's an update of my children and their behaviors:

Here's Chief demonstrating how to sleep when your nose feels stuffy:

And here's Red demonstrating how to eat every last bite of cereal:

And although you saw Punkie demonstrating how to do two things at the same time, to run and be cute, Daddy feels she deserves to have her other video clip put on. So here is Punkie again:

Another first day of school

This time I was armed appropriately. I grabbed my camera and raced after my hubby calling, "I just need a photo for my blog!" Amidst his stream of saying, "No!" adamantly, he graciously turned and gave me a smile. I guess he knows that I know where he sleeps at night. Thanks honey!

Punkie's new skill

She learned how to run last weekend by practicing; I don't think she's ever going to walk again!

Friday Night Movie

Punkie had a bad evening. She managed a swan dive off the picnic table bench, softening the fall with her forehead. After she was consoled and calm back in the house, her brother tried to stop her from following him outside by slamming the door...unfortunately, her fingers were already there. Several minutes later, scared that a neighbor was going to run over her with a tricycle, she tripped over her bare feet and fell--though there were no lasting bruises for the last two incidents. If I were her, I would have called it a day. She did retire after briefly mingling with the neighborhood kids during a movie night.



We had popcorn and gatorade. The kids set up blankets and pillows.


Believe it or not, there is an adult under this dog pile. One of the dads wrapped himself up in a blanket and let a dozen kids jump on top of him. Wow. Must be a dad thing.





The kids ended up watching 'Return to Neverland,' projected on the side of the building. They seemed to have had a great time staying up late, eating, laying down and watching a movie. Uh oh, I sense summer nostalgia coming on...