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...

Wanted: Babysitter

I need a babysitter. It is for the night shift. It is not for my kids or my husband (though one of my boys has been ending up in my bed at night--last night it was twice). It is for my dehydrator.

Yes, I am slowly becoming a domesticated homemaker, with the help and encouragement from my husband. When my PIL (parents-in-law) gave us a huge bucket of peaches (thanks!) we set to work, peeling and coring, slicing and dipping. Then we put 'em on the trays and flicked the switch. Oye! The first night, two nights ago, I had to check them every hour, taking off the completed slices and rotating trays for maximum dehydration. I gave up at 2 am and stuffed the last few slices into a separate plastic wrap--close enough. I was also somewhat concerned--I have no idea if dehydrators are a fire risk. Mine comes from an obsolete company--no doubt bankrupt from poor marketing, financial matters, or from lawsuits due to fire hazards. Hmm, I don't think that'll help me sleep better.

Yesterday my hubby cut the rest into larger pieces--halves and such. I then sliced up our bananas, dipping them into honey/lemon juice and sprinkling them with nutmeg. I put those on one tray too. So last night I was up every two hours; checking, withdrawing, rotating. I have come to the conclusion that I either need to start the dehydrator at bedtime so I don't need to check it for a few hours or I need a babysitter for my dehydrator.

Any takers?

First day of school

So Chief started school again today. I walked with him, his siblings, and a friend and her daughter. You could just imagine how heart-broken he must have been when he waved me off as we were on the sidewalk leading up to the school and said, "It's okay Mom, I can go from here." I'm sure he just quickened his step so I wouldn't see his tears. Yeah, that's it.
Forgot the camara though. Oh well. As it was, he wanted to walk by himself (uh, not gonna happen).
When he got home I could tell school had really begun. Chief gets all animated and goofy because that's how he acts around other kids. He freezes with goofy expressions on his face for reaction purposes.
I'd better go find, I mean check on, the kids.

Potter is pretend!

Okay, so since I was out of town last weekend, I missed the announcement that the Harry Potter movie due to come out on November 21st has been moved to next July. Apparently, there are a number of distressed fans that are petitioning to still have it come out in November (over 30,000 so far). Um, ooookkkaaaayyy. Can I say one thing? GET A LIFE!!! It's only a movie!!! You've read the book! You KNOW what it's going to be about! So it's going to come out a few months later--you'll still be alive (and if not, you won't care anyway by then). There...I feel better. Yes, I'm a fan, but no--I don't care that it has been put off. Instead, I'm going to the Twilight movie which has been moved to November 21st since the Harry Potter movie will no longer be competition.

Last night the neighbors of the surrounding townhouses got together for a dessert/talent show (given by the kids). We had a good time. I didn't meet any new neighbors because the only ones who went are the ones I know pretty well by now because my kids play with theirs. I made homemade oreo cookies. Again. Chief's talent was to make peanut butter balls with a friend. Red's was to ride his scooter. I didn't sign Punkie up for one.

Home sweet home

So now I have a ton of things to clean/do, but se la vie! (I'm sure I just spelled that wrong--then again, I took high school spanish, not French).

Had a great time without the little ones. Thought about them often though. We were camping somewhat near a reservoir. Our campground had a fishing pond for kids and seniors and a river wound though it. My FIL (I have two) taught us how to fly fish and since we're hooked, we tried out our luck. Apparently we didn't have any. Since my hubby was a little under the weather, we just watched movies and read books. It turns out he has pneumonia :(.

Also you may have noticed that I have edited the prior posts, removing the names of my kids and replacing them with nicknames. Although I try not to reveal too much information concerning my family for security reasons, my mom thought even the first names were too much. My sister has a friend who nicknames her kids on her blog, so they suggested the same. Since I'm not opposed to such a simple change, I've decided to nickname my kids as well. My first born son is Chief. He likes to direct and tell people what to do. My second child is Red. He has auburn hair and many people still ask me where he got his red hair. My youngest is Punkie, short for pumpkin. Yeah, it's not too flattering, but it'll do.

I'm afraid you're going to have to imagine a "gone fishing" sign. While I was looking for a clipart via internet, a mock 'my computer' screen popped up as if my security softeware was warning me I had malicious spyware on my computer. In order to delete them, I had to run a program (which happened to be from unknown origins). Anyway, beware. We shut the screen down and ran our McAfee security program. No viruses found. The point in the first place is that I'm taking a last long weekend. GONE FISHING!

Why I blog

Do you want to know why I started blogging? I could say it is because I wanted to journal some part of my life, and you already know I have an adversion to writting with {shudder} a paper and pen. Or it could be I want family and friends to stay in touch with the little day to day happenings or events. But no. To be perfectly honest, that's not it. If you really must know, it is because...it helps me to procrastinate! Yep, I've got a ton of things on the to-do list and so I don't get overwhelmed, I procrastinate. I know, it doesn't make sense.
My baby girl wanted something in the fridge today. I guess it was to just cool down because she just wanted to sit there. Hmmm...maybe I should clean out the fridge. Naw, I'll just post another picture.

Here's my boys with Punkie (the little one) and their friend.

Red refused to look at the camara.

The other day we decided to give out our weekly treat to the neighborhood kids: otter pops. We even gave refills. Out of the 11 kids present, only 2 were mine. Wow. Good thing the pops come in packages of 100!

Summer Fun

Chief will be starting school a week from tomorrow. Most people are celebrating the return of school, except my sister Jen of course, but I'm not exactly sure how I feel. Less resistance when going places would be nice, but the offset of entertaining his brother, getting him ready in time, and the inevitable butting of the heads over homework is exhausting just to think about. Maybe if Red does get into preschool I'll be relieved.


We'll just have to make the most of our last few days of summer break. Last weekend we were hanging out at Bear Lake for Raspberry Days. We had a great time with my in-laws (although I did manage to fall down the mountainside--thanks to flip flops on a steep dirt trail). And we made new friends on the way home--Nate and Ashley, with their kids.

This weekend promises to be even more fun!

Day 1: Beginning Blogger

Okay, I admit, the peer pressure has gotten to me. Most of the people I know are blogging. Is it addicting? We'll see. I check my e-mail daily, sometimes more, but I can't write a handwritten letter to save my life. Maybe it has something to do with putting it in an envelope, writting addresses, placing a stamp on it, and actually getting it to the mailbox. Perhaps I have a subconscious phobia of mailboxes. I wonder what that is called...putterinthecaniphobia?...postalgermiphobia?...I don't know. Maybe I'm just lazy.

Lazy or not, I did make some cookies yesterday! They are among my favorites: Homemade Oreos. They are really easy. Here's the recipe below:
1 box Devil's Food cake mix
1/4 cup veggie oil
2 eggs
Mix the above ingredients into a dough form. Roll into marble size balls. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes (don't overbake). Let cool. Frost the bottom of one cookie and put the other on bottom. I like to frost them with store-bought buttercream frosting, or you can make this cream cheese one:
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 Tb. milk
1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)
Mix together, and viola!