Company of 5

It's a wild world

2009-10-08T20:40:00.002-06:00

Last week I found out after three interviews (including a test and a mock presentation) that I got a full-time job!!! If I haven't already felt like I lived in a zoo, I certainly will know what it is like to work in one! I'll be the one who gets to give presentations to kids, and I'll also do some zookeeping and maintenance duties as well. I'm really excited for this because it combines my passion for teaching kids and love for science and animals. I'll be starting in just over a week!!!

Girlie Girl

2009-09-24T21:20:00.003-06:00

Yup, it's official, my Punkie is a Girlie Girl. Now don't get me wrong--I've known this since she was big enough to show her dainty personality and love for anything "girly." And I noticed it as she insists upon pink EVERYTHING. But her graceful prancing and dancing across the floor is somewhat tempered by her disregard for having her hair done too often (albeit she does sometimes sit rather still for it) and her occasional potty humor--a trait her bigger brother shows way too much. But today, when I was reading to my Kindergartener, she slipped off my lap and disappeared upstairs. This didn't alarm me as she often goes to her room to play, but about 5 minutes later, after I call up to her to see if she is okay (and she said yes), she arrives downstairs carrying the roll-on perfume I put on her on rare occasions. Not a big deal. The fingernail polish dried on her cheeks like blush, as well as the back of her hands, did cause me some concern. Not as much as it would have if it had been a darker color (it was rather light, but is the kind that goes a different, darker color in the sunlight). I borrowed some remover from a friend (can't find mine), and cleaned her up as she simulateously wiped my face with remover too. I guess the moral of the story is that if I have to have a girlie girl, I may as well teach her how to put on makeup the right way.

Is this obselete?

2009-09-10T08:13:00.002-06:00

So I haven't written because facebook keeps me informed (in one sentence increments) on what's going on with multiple people. I don't know in depth, but just the surface stuff. So does that mean that nobody will check blogs anymore? Or is that just me? I noticed I don't write very much at all (mostly because it's not as private--more people see my facebook--and because I don't want to force them to see the mundane things I come up with for my blog--whereas you're reading this by choice). The bad thing about facebook, there are some things I don't care to have on my wall, too many people play games that show everyone else what score they got/who they're most like/etc., and you only get a glimpse of what is going on in a person's head. Not even that, sometimes just what they're doing: "...going to the beach." And that's all. No offense to people who do the above things, but I have to sort through it to get to what I think is important. I had to hide a "friend" I belonged to called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints because I was getting about three posts a day, none of which I ever had time to read in full--let alone the multiple comments after. Oh well. I'm rather curious though--is anyone reading this?

Long time, no...write

2009-08-11T22:35:00.006-06:00

So I've been busy for awhile. I've been canning (does that mean I'm becoming domesticated?) peaches and veggies. Tonight we (okay, most of the work my hubby did) canned peach-orange jam. Should be good. On the 7th my hubby and I celebrated our 11th anniversary. We started out by grabbing Micky D's food for breakfast on the way to taking Red to the doctor. He has been going to the bathroom WAY too frequently (every few minutes) for the last 2 1/2 weeks. When I clocked him going 3 times in 6 minutes we knew that he should be seen. His urinanalysis was normal, so we're just giving him a smooth muscle relaxer and are trying to get him to wait for an hour between restroom visits. I'm lucky if it's 30 minutes. He did wait an hour a couple of times today (I think). Anyway, I'm trying to cure him before school starts in a couple of weeks (two weeks from today for Chief!). We didn't get to hang out much in the afternoon of our anniversary, but thanks to my family we got to go out to the Cheesecake factory for dinner. Very sadly, Chief started to get very sick right after we left him (we had no idea he would be--sorry again Mom and Sis!), but they didn't call us to come back, so we did have a great time. FYI--if you like butterfinger and/or chocolate-peanut butter, then Adam's chocolate-peanut butter cup fudge ripple cheesecake is VERY good. Very rich too though, so take it to go and only eat a couple of bites at a time. The next day I got to see my nephew baptized (way to go buddy!), which was way fun--'cause I hung out with my family after and they took me to get a bento box from Jasmine's (sooooo good!). And yesterday we went to Lagoon, thanks to my other Mom and Dad, and we had a great time. We went to Lagoon-a-beach first. Within 5 minutes I had scraped my hand, so I had to lay out in the sun without kids and stay out of the freezing-cold pool for awhile...shucks. Anyway, I did go and play with bandaids on, trying to keep my hand as dry as possible. Then we divided and conquered with the kids. Mom took Punkie to the little kid rides, Chief and hubby went to young kid rides, and Chief and I went on the young-older kid rides. We met up and switched a bit. Kind-of like musical-kids. So now here I am, taking a short breath before running off again. But definately looking forward to seeing my sis and her family soon!

Angels and Demons

2009-07-28T17:23:00.002-06:00

No, I'm not reading a book by Dan Brown. I'm just reflecting on bringing up children and how they can switch personalities during the day. I can definately tell it's summer based upon their behavior. The boys are trying to bother each other--just for the fun of it. Yesterday brought quite the learning lesson with it for all of us. My hubby and I were downstairs in the kitchen when we heard Chief coughing and gagging. When asked what was wrong all I could understand from him was the word "mouth." I thought he must be unconscious when I first saw him--he was lying at the top of the stairs not moving. Then as we got closer, my hubby asked what happened again and Chief sprang up, led us to our bedroom, and showed us a small black canister he had apparently been playing with. Pepper spray. We shooed the kids (yep, the younger two were there too) out of the room and gave them milk to drink (milk is better than water at attempting to relieve symptoms borne from pepper spray contact). I tried airing out the upstairs rooms--particularly my own. Just from walking into the room, my hubby and I were gagging and coughing too. Not fun. Lesson for parents: don't assume that placing your personal items under piles of stuff on the dresser is a good way to hide them. Lesson for kids: don't play with stuff on your parent's dresser and don't press a button just because it says "press."
Later that day the Angel showed up in Chief. He gave a particularly enthusastic "pep talk" of why we should be 'faithful, and courageous' like the stripling warriors--willing to fight for what's right. He was very passionately into his speech, it was great! He also had us do the "love seat" again. Each member of the family got a chance to sit in the chair (love sac), be cheered for and then the other members take the opportunity to singularly tell them one compliment--one thing they love about that person. The kids just light up when it's their turn and they love to come up with things about everyone else too.

An innocent blunder

2009-07-22T19:34:00.004-06:00

What started as a simple request led to a disastrous frenzy, leaving only destruction and visible tumult in its wake. The other day my hubby said he'd like me to take a chainsaw to the thick forest protruding from the top of his head. I've only done this once previously, about three years ago. After 1 1/2 hours, I think I did a fine job. But my hubby never did request me to cut his hair again--until now. However, the other night did not give the same results. I suppose it was because I didn't watch the hair-cutting video this time, or because I was impatient, or that I am not a perfectionist and it showed that night. Whatever the reason, at least hair grows out. I wish this were the end of the tale, but it's not. As I said, a frenzy ensued. Once my hubby was out of town (to camp with the scouts), he was unable to stop me from turning the razor and scissors on the remaining defenseless children. I couldn't help myself. First Chief fell under the blade, left with one side of his head botched when I tried to blend. Then Punkie, excited to have her first haircut, started cutting her hair with scissors. Luckily, not too much was cut, and I didn't cut more than 1 1/2 inches straight across the back. You might say she was the most unscathed of the three children. And Red was my last victim. I don't want to talk about what happened to him, it's too unbalanced. At least I had the good sense to put away the weapons before I turned them on myself.

Cub Scout Camp pics

2009-07-02T09:11:00.003-06:00

Red left a day early with his Dad to prepare our camping expedition this weekend. He called and left a message on the phone that he forgot his emergency pack. My boys tend to pack backpacks with "emergency" supplies, just in case. So I checked out his latest pack: 4 trail mix bars, 1 gatorade bottle, jazz basketball, dinosaur toy, binoculars, 2 baseball caps, and 1 leggo toy.

At least if there is an emergency, we'll have some fun.

Here's a few pics from Chief's day camp last week:

How much fun is that?!?!

Triple Berry Muffin recipe

2009-06-23T18:32:00.003-06:00

So I'm still catching up on things. Doesn't help that I'm procrastinating as much as I can. Found out today that my 8 year old believes (due to a 5 year old neighbor) that a boy can get a girl pregnant by spitting in her mouth while kissing. Their spit apparently combines together to make a baby in her (as he pats his lower stomach area). He then must have noticed the incredulous look on my face because he asks me how babies are made. I remind him that males have sperm that contain some DNA and the females have eggs that contain a portion of their DNA and that only one sperm can enter an egg, thereby combining the DNA, mixing it up to make a baby (yep, I know there are exceptions and yep, I totally skipped how the sperm gets into the female--he'll get that talk when he is old enough to ask about it).
Here's a recipe I slightly modified from Taste of Home called Triple Berry Muffins. I found it Father's Day morning when I realized we were out of muffin mixes (gasp!) and I had a request from Red to make them for him for Father's Day--since it's the "boys" day.
Triple Berry Muffins
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup mashed berries (I used raspberries and blueberries)
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries

In large bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, vanilla and butter, adding 1/2 cup mashed berries; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in berries.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 372 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
Serve warm. Makes 1 1/2 dozen muffins.

Another recipe from my sister

2009-06-12T11:21:00.004-06:00

My sister is 'THE COOK', so it's only natural that I'm stealing as many recipes as I can while I'm visiting her. Here's another recipe she kindly made for me:

Avocado-Mango Salsa
1 ripe mango, peeled, seeded, diced
1 tomato, seeded, diced
2 green onions, finely sliced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 jalapeño chili, minced
1 avocado, peeled, seeded, diced

Combine first 5 ingredients in bowl. (Can be made 3 hours ahead; refrigerate.) Stir in diced avocado and season to taste with salt and pepper.

*Note: My sister doesn't add the tomato or the jalapeno chili, and she does add some chopped Cilantro. When she is out of green onions, she substitutes some onion powder. This recipe, made with the Cilantro, is nicely tangy and refreshing for summer.

Hello from Virginia

2009-06-05T13:38:00.002-06:00

Sorry there won't be any pics from my end--I don't have my camara with me. I had packed a week ago to visit my in-laws house for the weekend. On Saturday I got a call from my Mom, who was worried about my sister--she hurt her back the day before and wasn't able to walk around. I volunteered to ditch my poor hubby and kids to help out. Soon I got a phone call from my bro-in-law who booked a flight for me the next day, and the rest is history. My sis is walking around, but on pain killers (and pry will be until she has physical therapy for a herniated disk). I'm just around to lift the kids (well, the four year old is fine, the 19 month old just needs a boost occasionally), driving, and to bend over for those things she can't do. In the meantime, we're having some fun hanging out.
Here's a recipe for granola that I begged her for. My mouth can't even detect the wholesome stuff--it's really very good when kept in an airtight container.
Title: Granola
Ingredients:
GRANOLA
8 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups wheat germ
1 1/2 cups oat bran
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup chopped or sliced almonds
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup honey
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups raisins or sweetened dried cranberries or mixed dried fruit
coconut to taste, if desired
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment or aluminum foil. Combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, and walnuts in a large bowl. Stir together the salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Add coconut if desired. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven until crispy and toasted, about 20 minutes. Do not overbake. Stir once halfway through. Cool, then stir in the raisins or cranberries before storing in an airtight container.

Fun relaxing days of summer?

2009-05-28T22:12:00.004-06:00

It must still be spring because we've been busy over here. Well, okay, most people have been busy around the Memorial Holiday. Here's what we've been doing:

Here's Chief at his Spring Concert. He's wearing a "Good as Gold" shirt. Being to his concert reminded me of how my parents used to show up to my school assemblies. I remember how excited I was whenever I saw that one/both were able to take off work to be there. Now I can't believe I'M the parent. Talk about strange!

Chief's figured out who his girlfriend is. There were several girls talking about which one would be his girlfriend. Chief, a logical boy, came up with a solution to figure out the lucky girl. They played tag and the last one caught was his girlfriend. As one friend put it: he must be into athletic girls ;).

We went to a family b-day party Saturday. Cake...ice cream...presents...what more is there to say?

On Monday we went to the cemetary to visit my Dad. Every year we listen to the scottish band play (can you believe I used to be in one? Yep, the whole kilt/tie/hat/sporn/laced up shoe ensemble--but I played the drums, not the bagpipes). The cemetary has free hot dogs and sodas. This year they also had cookies and cake to celebrate 150 years of "service" to the community. I actually didn't have a mediocre hot dog this year cause my lovely sister and fam brought bagels and cream cheese (yum!).

Then, because the zoo was literally a zoo as evidenced by the parking lot, we went to the museum.

What part did my kids like best? The sand and water tray of course!

Then last night we had the notion to cook our food up in the canyon. The kids had a great time driving Mom and Dad crazy by running around, climbing trees, and ignoring whatever the two tall people said. Though Chief got to pass off a few cub scout activities, including bandaging cuts (on Red--the monkey climbing and falling out of trees--and Punkie--while attempting to out-run Mom on a high speed chase).

And tonight was Red's last soccer game. He said it went great, but doesn't know the score (which is fine by me). We provided treats. Actually Dad did, but I was in charge of treats for the cub scout Pack meeting. Chief got his first belt loop metal (for playing baseball last den meeting). It's his first award! Yea!

Soccer (mostly) over

2009-05-19T08:29:00.003-06:00

Chief's games are over. His soccer coach (who did a great job coaching and holding practices), threw a pizza party at his house last night. Everyone contributed money and the kids just had fun playing air hockey.

Red, on the other hand, still has two make-up games this season, so we're not done yet.

Ahhh, to be a kid again...

2009-05-10T17:48:00.004-06:00

I did something yesterday that I haven't done in much too long: I played like a kid. There are a few occasions that I've played sports (basketball/soccer/etc) with the kids, but I mean I REALLY played (thanks honey for being the adult). My niece wanted to play monkey tag on the playground--which means we couldn't touch the ground, so we'd swing like monkeys from one part to another, trying to avoid being tagged. Then our families played freeze tag (but we were able to walk on the ground).

Nothing makes you feel young again like playing like a carefree kid.

Happy Mother's Day. May you allow yourself to stay young in heart forever.
Here's a great quote we got on our candy bars at church today:
"One cannot forget mother and remember God.
One cannot remember mother and forget God.
Why? Because these two sacred persons,
God and mother, partners in creation, in love,
in sacrifice, in service, are as one."
Thomas S. Monson
"Behold Thy Mother"
Ensign, April 1998, pg 2

New member of Church

2009-05-04T10:05:00.003-06:00

Chief was baptized on Saturday. The program was great and we were able to see lots of family and friends. I didn't get all the pictures I wanted (only took a handful) because I was a little busy talking with people and setting things up. I didn't take any outside the Tabernacle because of the rain. So here are three I liked:

Chief's been enjoying listening to his new Children's hymnbook CDs and reading scriptures. He even marked one (I'm not sure why, probably just because he could). I'm really proud of him for his decision (yeah, I know, I've got a problem with pride). I know it's probably easier for him to choose to be baptized because we encourage it, but it was still his decision. I'm not sure if he knows how lucky he is to have two parents that encourage him and help him with spiritual knowledge. Of course, I don't think many kids realize such blessings until they are older or unless they don't have them and wish they did. I was blessed my Mom cared enough to haul three children by herself to church. I'm sure it wasn't easy (I know I sure groaned whenever I had to get ready for church), but the results are definately worth it. My Dad only came to church a handful of times, but I can remember how I would sit up as tall as I could, proud (yes, again, I know) that my Dad was sitting next to me in church. Now I'm grateful my hubby cares enough to teach our children about the gospel and hauls them to church with me every Sunday. This means more to me than I can possibly put into words.

On a different note, I'm recommending a new book: When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin. This novel is very heartfelt (excuse the pun--when you read the book you'll know why). The main character has a painfully secret past that he has tried to hid from, but then he meets a little girl who changes his life. It's more slow and deep, and you spend most of the book putting together the main character's past through pieces scattered throughout the book. It sounds sappy, but it is rather worth the read.

Pics

2009-04-24T18:13:00.006-06:00

Ask and ye shall receive:

Pics of Chief's new desk...

And pics of Red's soccer game (Red is getting ready to line up, his fans are watching from the sidelines):

We only stayed for the first half hour. Red had to REALLY use the restroom, but since I couldn't find the lightswitches in the park restrooms, he refused to use them (even with me holding the door open for light). I gave up and took the three kids home. Red wanted to return after, but the game would've been ending by then anyway. The poor coach didn't know why we'd left, and concerned I had left upset over something--like her coaching--she called me to find out what had happened. I assured her it was nothing like that, but I definately need to remind Red to take care of that before leaving the house.

Can my house actually hold more stuff?

2009-04-21T21:19:00.002-06:00

We found out today. After Chief came home from school he went to his room. Despite several reminders to do his homework, he was sorting his money and exchanging me smaller change for bigger change. Then I found out why. Down the block a family assistance organization had some furniture outside for sell the last few days. There was a bookshelf, some filing cabinets, and a couple of school desks. Chief and his friends all liked them and his friends told him they thought they'd buy them first (they thought they were $5. I don't know who told them this.) Anyway, Chief was determined to get one for himself. When my hubby and I found out, we asked him where he'd put it. He actually had a good idea about moving some of the furniture around (some of which my hubby had already wanted to do). He had $5, so my hubby went to make sure the quality of the desk was worth spending any money over. Once there Chief went in and asked (all business-like) how much they cost. The lady at the reception desk asked how much he had (yes, they are very sweet!). Chief said, "I can pay you $5!" The lady then told him he could have it for that. Needless to say, they came home with the desk (and a lamp that Dad had to buy for him from Walmart). Now we just need to get him a chair.

Friend birthday parties

2009-04-17T22:03:00.003-06:00

So we planned on surprising Chief with a friend party this afternoon. We have a family party tomorrow on his actual birthday, but thought he'd love the surprise. Boy were we surprised when only 1 of the 5 classmates showed up (the only one who came knew about it because I talk with her mom all the time). I had dropped off letters for the other 4 on Tuesday for the teacher to put in the kids' homework cubby. They were in cursive and were addressed in print to the kids' parents so that the kids wouldn't be able to read them and tell everyone about it. Either the kids didn't get the letters, the parents didn't get the letters, all 4 kids were busy with other things, or a combination of the above. I did make the mistake of not requesting an R.S.V.P., but left my phone number for any questions. Anyway, it worked out in a way. Chief got slightly injured by a thorny bush during the first activity, a treasure hunt, after which he hung out with us, but didn't participate in any activity. Plus the one friend had to leave halfway through to go to a church activity, so we dropped a lot of the activities. I was thrilled when our two little neighbors, friends of my younger two kids, joined in the fun following the hunt. Since we lost our guests after the cake-on-a-stick activity, we jumped in the car to go to dinner at the place of Chief's choosing: McDonald's with the slide. After stopping at the grocery store on the way home we told the kids to get ready for bed. Chief had been looking forward to an ice cream cone--which we told him he could have at home, but before we realized we had to go to the store to get ingredients for his b-day breakfast (his choice was to have abelskivers and sausages). So we got to hear what a horrible day it had been.
Okay, wait a second. We brought candy to him at school for him to share with his class, we attempt to throw a surprise b-day party (it worked out--just not the way I thought it would), and we take him out to eat wherever he wants. On the other hand, he gets attacked by a bush and doesn't get the ice cream cone of his choice. So...good day or bad day?
Honestly, my hubby and I get tired of trying. A little while ago we had been feeling like we were neglecting the kids, thereby possibly resulting in some restless fighting amongst them. We took a very busy Saturday (at least for the parents who had lots to do) and changed it to taking the kids to the museum and the park (well, Daddy did the park while Mommy accomplished work). The verdict: that day was a horrible day because they didn't get to ride bikes at home with their friends.
Are my kids the only spoiled rotten ones? Do your kids ever take EVERYTHING for granted?!?! Was I like this as a kid? Oh wait Mom--don't answer that one.

Chocolate Party

2009-04-15T21:42:00.005-06:00

I went to a delicious chocolate party tonight. There were tortes, fudge, cookies, bars, pies, cakes, hot cocoa, chocolate balls, and even chocolate facial recipes with samples. I brought one of my favorites: Valentine berries and cream--featured below.

I found the original recipe years ago in a Taste of Homes. This is what it usually looks like. I made a few modifications by making it bite-sized:

Here's my hubby's creation from the leftover chocolate, chocolate cream, whipped cream, and strawberries:

I had fun, but quickly reached my chocolate limit. Here's the recipe:

Valentine Berries and Cream

8 sq. (1 oz each) semisweet chocolate

1 Tb Shortening

6 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar

1/3 cup baking cocoa

2 Tb. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups whipping cream, whipped and divided

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries

Line a 9 in. heart or square shaped baking pan with foil; set aside. In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Pour into prepared pan, swirling to coat the bottom and 1 1/2 in. up the sides. Refrigerate for 1 minute, then swirl the chocolate to reinforce sides of heart or box. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Using foil, lift from pan; remove foil and place chocolate heart on a serving plate. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Combine confectioner's sugar and cocoa; add to creamed mixture with milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Gently fold two-thirds of the whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Spoon into heart. Insert star tip #32 into pastry or plastic bag; fill with remaining whipped cream. Pipe around the edge of heart. Garnish with strawberries.

Yield: 8-10 servings

Soccer Season

2009-04-14T21:15:00.006-06:00

I'd like to post some pics of Chief's first soccer game of the season, but it was raining and cold, so I didn't bring a camara. He had a good time. It gets pretty tough by this age though--I saw one kid on the opposite team that kept receiving some accidental kicks that looked like they might leave bruises.

I will post a few belated pics though. Hope ya'll don't mind.

Here are pics of my boys and their friends with their leggo creations (or being eaten by a dinosaur). Usually my kids take things apart, but with the building creativity of their friends, they actually made stuff. By the way, the airplane featured by the second child below was put together by the boy holding it without instructions. There's no way I could do that!!!

As for the pics below...Red cracks me up. I always thought my daughter might borrow my clothes, but I had no clue my son might also (notice the boots). The other pic is Red's idea of a perfect nightlight. He brings a lamp from our bedroom into his some nights, plugs it in, and presto--the perfect solution for dreaming about sandy beaches! I should try it sometime :).

Pics to come

2009-04-10T21:29:00.003-06:00

I've been taking more pictures lately. But I'm too lazy to upload them right now. So I'll just post a little of the conversation Chief had with a friend of his today. Chief was showing his friend his Hovercraft and explained: "It can go on concrete, water, and snow. Yep, this baby can do cool things...This baby flys like an eagle. It's a beauty." I'm not sure if this is typical "toy" talk for males or if he's likely to be a salesman.

Endings

2009-04-03T23:25:00.002-06:00

Today was the last day of Red's home-preschool, which I taught. I won't miss the 1-2 hours it took to prepare each lesson, but I liked feeling that he was really learning something important each time. I feel like the sacrifice I made in time was definately worth it. I also loved seeing what the other teachers came up with on their lesson days. I have grown from this experience in that I won't be as unsure of how to teach Punkie as she grows. I felt lost when Chief was this age and I was more than happy to have him at a private-preschool--but then again Chief never has liked learning from me. I thought of a way to help him when he was having problems with his homework a couple of weeks ago and he just didn't even want to listen to me at all. I guess some things never change. Let's just hope Punkie doesn't mind Mommy School.

A smile for your day

2009-03-30T16:26:00.001-06:00

I thought this video clip was rather funny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jETv3NURwLc

Weekends

2009-03-29T21:11:00.003-06:00

Ah, the joy of a weekend--no school...no weekday appointments...no floor. Yep, the floor ceases to exist on the weekend. I know this happens because I can't see it anymore (not that I saw much of it during the weekdays either). But on the weekend, I've got three tornadoes running around. While I was quizzing my hubby for his upcoming test, Punkie was dumping and scattering everything I had put aside in a box to donate. Red was systematically pulling everything out of Punkie's closet to see if he could find a small toy (no larger than a golf ball--a tomagotchie). Naturally, he and Chief had been banished from the study area since they don't have any notion of what "quiet" and "indoor-voices" are. Unfortunately, they get that from me. Just ask my sisters.
Anyway, if you come to visit me on the weekends, tip-toe carefully when walking inside so you don't hurt yourself.

A good PS2 game?

2009-03-27T16:46:00.003-06:00

Stay tuned after this commercial:
I'm not a huge fan of video games, but we've had one Chief got when he was about 5 from his uncle (thanks bro!) that is still pretty awesome for young kids. The Eye-Toy game uses a camara that comes with it to put the kids into the game. Kids love to watch themselves and this game makes them get up and move around. The playroom feature lets the kids just play and jump around while they "pop" balloons, scare fish, are swarmed by bees or spiders, make rainbow sprinkles fall as they move, and many other playrooms. There is also a single or multiple player feature for the games and they can be easy, medium or difficult. The games include boxing, shooting off fireworks, spinning plates, playing soccer, kung fu, window washing, etc. There are also profile features where you can put yourself in the game somehow, but I've never touched that. The camara also makes a great webcam for skyping. All-in-all a really great game buy.

Vegetarians and PETA--don't read!

2009-03-24T19:17:00.002-06:00

It's interesting to watch the personalities of your children develop. Even though people are shaped by their environment and experiences, they also have their innate personalities. Take my 5 year old. He's obsessed with the idea of hunting and guns. He's never hunted, nor do we have toy guns at home (even our squirt guns went by the wayside). But he talks incessantly about these things. Tonight he even turned to his dad, whom he admires for his interest in these things, and said, "Why don't you forget Mom and marry me?"
Huh.

Moms

2009-03-17T21:34:00.003-06:00

When I prepared my lesson for the primary kids a couple of weeks ago, I came across some cute quotes. My lesson had been on the role of mothers. I had the kids make a poem (the older kids) or draw their mom's face (the younger kids) and attach a cute pre-made poem on the inside of a homemade card. Here are most of the quotes from which I raided:

Mom SayingsCompiled & many originals by shirleyt@craftsayings.com
Collection © 1972 - 2002 by Shirley Thomas @ CraftSayings.com
{Use individually but please do not reprint entire collection or significant portion without copyright notice intact. Thanks and I hope you will enjoy!}

You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool Mom.
I smile because I'm your mother, I laugh because there's nothing you can do about it.

Only a mother can share love with all of her children, yet give each child undivided love.

The next best thing to having you as a mother is knowing that my children will have you as a grandmother.

A mother understands what a child does not say.

All moms are working moms.

Most mothers and daughters bond, but some are crazy glued!

There is no friendship
Nor is there a potion
That is as strong as
A mother's love & devotion!

Shhh! Mom is in time out!

A mother holds a special part of all that is treasured in the heart.

Motherhood is not for wimps.

Whether rich or poor,
Kids in and out the door,
Babies crawling on the floor,
A mother couldn't ask for more.

Cordless mom... recharge with hugs!

A father's love calms fears. A mother's love dries tears.

There are three ways to get something done. 1) Hire someone to do it. 2) Do it yourself. 3) Forbid the kids to do it.

A rich child often sits in a poor mother’s lap. – Danish Proverb

If at first you don't succeed, do it like your mother told you.

A real mom knows where to hunt for her missing kitchen utensils... in the sandbox.

Nothing can bring a smile to a mother's face like those three little words, "Time for bed".

If I had no kids what would I do for aggravation?

One thing moms and cats have in common. . . spit baths!

All the words in the world can't say what a hug from Mom can.

Mom loves hugs and kisses and help with the dishes!

Mom stands for "Manager Of Messes".

M agnificent
O ustanding
M arvelous

Great birthday celebration

2009-03-16T12:58:00.005-06:00

My birthday was on Friday--naturally I've been celebrating all week long. Unfortunately, I only took pictures of Thursday night's bowling and pizza party, which means I forgot to take pics of a new yellow lab puppy my SIL picked up this weekend and all the festivites over at my PILs house. Here's a couple of pics I did take:

Here are a couple of more pics of Punkie. The other day she had gotten applesauce on her pants, so she stripped down (she's getting pretty good at that--which is why she's wearing a onesie right now). I told her to go get clothes from her dresser (since I was busy working). She reappeared a couple of minutes later with a washcloth and swimsuit (I still help her dress). Then she added a hat:

And one pic of her in her cheerleading dress (which somewhat scares me--especially with her pose):

Post 74

2009-03-08T20:11:00.004-06:00

A couple of updates are in order. Chief lost another bottom tooth just after I posted the pic of him with two teeth missing, so he has had three missing for awhile. Here is a pic of him in his cub uniform. He is so excited to be a cub! But I'm not sure who is happier: Chief or his dad.

Here is a pic of Red making a barn. I put this in because it documents that one of my kids has actually constructed something rather than sticking to the usual demolition of toys.

Here is a video of Punkie dancing to some music. I had to choose between three very cute and fun videos. The last part of this one makes me laugh, so it won the coveted spot on my blog.

*Note: No toddlers were hurt during the making of this video.

Caution: Background consists of offensive images (dirty house). View at your own risk! {Hey, I was busy watching my daughter dance!}

Who am I?

2009-03-02T20:31:00.002-07:00

A recent suggestion by a family member opened up a whole new "can" of questions. I've always said I didn't know what I wanted to "do" when I "grew up," meaning as an occupation--beyond the fact that I love being a stay-at-home mom to my young kids. The suggestion was that for a birthday gift I take the GRE test (which I was recently studying for with my hubby). Frankly I'm a nerd and would love to have an excuse to study the material--but that doesn't mean I have the time, I'd have to make the time--and it doesn't mean I'd do well at all. I may be a nerd, just not a very high scoring one (shucks). So my hubby and I were researching different occupations and the graduate schools for them with my personality in mind. What can an impatient person quickly get a masters for? Keep in mind I don't like dealing with people's emotional or legal battles, I don't like confrontation, am socially somewhat awkward, and I've never deeply engrossed myself in any one thing. I'm like a jack-of-all-trades/master-of-nothing kinda person. I like reading, animals (but not comfortable enough to work as a vet/tech), teaching, research (I have done some Ecology research and loved it--but am afraid I don't have as much knowledge as I'd like to progress far into the field), and a variety of other things. I still don't know though. Any suggestions?

For those Loganites...

2009-02-25T21:40:00.003-07:00

For anybody who lives here in Logan, if you want to put your name in a drawing for a free photography session, check out : http://sweetshotsphoto.blogspot.com/
Who doesn't need/want more pics of their kids? And this photographer is very talented (as evidenced by her photography website).

Busy Baking

2009-02-24T18:48:00.004-07:00

Lately we've been baking a lot more. Some were not the favorites: black forest brownies and cheeseburger muffins. But we liked the dinner rolls and Cranberry-Orange Pinwheels from Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. I'll put the Pinwheel recipe below:

Cranberry-Orange Pinwheels

1 cup cranberries

1 cup pecans

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

2 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel

3 cups all-purpose flour

For filling: in a blender or food processor, combine cranberries, pecans, and brown sugar. Cover; blend or process until finely chopped. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat until combined, scaping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and orange peel until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half, cover and chill dough about 1 hour or until easy to handle.

Roll half dough between pieces of waxed paper into a 10 inch square. Spread half of the filling over dough square to within 1/2 inch of edges. Roll up dough. Moisten edges; pinch to seal. Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Chill for 4-24 hours.

Cut rolls into 1/4 inch slices. Place slices 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

My hubby also likes these with lemon frosting or glaze on them.

Here's a pic of Chief with a cake he helped to make.

You don't want to end up eating too much cake or you'll look like him:

Of course, I think he's quite handsome.

Other side effects of too much sugar include stickers and goofy faces.

Funny kid

2009-02-21T09:43:00.002-07:00

Since I usually forget to write down all the funny comments my 5 year old makes, I will write down the one I remember:
Red does something cool (don't remember what). I tell him he's awesome--twice. He replies, "I'm rich in awesome!"
Gotta love a 5 year old...

New Read

2009-02-19T09:14:00.003-07:00

I read a book yesterday. Technically I only neglected my family for 1/2 a day because that's how long it took to get from cover to cover. Anyway, the librarian suggested The Arthurian Omen--a murder mystery. It was actually pretty good and even had a good moral to it. It's been awhile since I had a new book to sink my teeth into--figuratively of course.

Chief's school had a "dance night" last night. His class danced to some fun music--one told you what moves to do--the other was a black light macarena (I'm not sure I spelled that right). He was way cute to watch--wish I brought my camara.

I have to post this clip I stole from a blog I read--it made me totally laugh:

Side note: JOY is when you hear your three little boys playing with each other and laughing. PANIC: is checking up on them and realizing they are in your bathroom with the door locked. FEAR: is hearing your husbands electric razor turn on. RELIEF: is finding that none of them shaved their hair or eyebrows off.

Gains and Losses

2009-02-13T23:00:00.002-07:00

You'd think my title referred to the stock market, but then you probably rethought that due to the 'gain' part. Actually it refers to Chief "gaining" an award for being a 20 minute reader (yeah, I know a lot of kids got one, but still...) and "losing" another front tooth. I keep meaning to take a picture of him to post. He pulled it out during school on Wednesday. He (and Dad and Mom) tried on Tuesday night, but it wasn't sure it was ready yet. It was really cute to watch him prepare himself to pull it out.
Now the school Valentine parties are over, but my sons are not ready to stop partying. They just want to keep decorating and having fun. As if we don't have enough holidays to celebrate by decorating and partying! That's okay though--as long as the parents are still invited.

Yes, I'm stealing...

2009-02-04T20:40:00.001-07:00

Quotes from another blog:

Parenthood: That state of being better chaperoned than you were before marriage. ~Marcelene Cox
It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't. ~Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. ~Lane Olinghouse
You will always be your child's favorite toy. ~Vicki Lansky
I love to play hide and seek with my kid, but some days my goal is to find a hiding place where he can't find me until after high school. ~Author Unknown
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. ~Charles R. Swindoll

BYO Underwear Party

2009-02-02T19:25:00.002-07:00

Okay, my kids are wearing their underwear while playing in the crib. The boys and girl switch off holding a princess wand and wearing a tiara. Should I be scared?

Another week has gone by

2009-01-30T20:28:00.004-07:00

So last Saturday we had a joint family birthday party for Red and Punkie. Just 30 minutes before the party Red and I went downstairs to get a book and we noticed there was a flood of water coming in the basement door. With quick work from everyone everything was under control within 5 minutes of the party starting. A game had to be slightly altered (some papers were all wet so I had to put tape with numbers down instead), but it worked out.

We did a Pirates and Princess theme. We started with games based on the princess theme (including Valentine card treasure hunt "the ball invitations", freeze dance, midnight--like 'shark' in a pool, and a 'slipper' race--with their own shoes). Then we switched to pirate games (walk the plank--like a character walk, pirate-pirate-who's got the loot, pirate islands--hard to describe since I don't know the official name of the game, and I think there was another one too--but don't remember what it was). Here are the cakes we made for the kids:

Red's had candy rocks and crushed oreos on it. He enjoyed helping with placing the decorations on. He had chosen a cherry chip cake mix, with cherry preserve filling and cream cheese frosting. Punkie's had a really cute pink tiara on it. She had french vanilla cake, cheesecake filling, and a vanilla-almond frosting.

Oh, two more cute moments:

This is Punkie's personal handshake with Daddy...

And this is a cute little visitor we had. Punkie and Red loved having a little baby around for a short while.

Red's ski video

2009-01-22T14:02:00.002-07:00

Out with the old and in with the new...

2009-01-22T12:52:00.007-07:00

Hair and teeth that is. I got a haircut on Monday and as people have been telling me: You chopped your hair off! Hmm, I think I'll fire my hairstylist.

Then Chief lost his front top tooth (a few days after his cousin who is the same age--they'll match again just like they did last year at this time when they were both missing a front bottom tooth).

While I was getting my hair chopped off, the boys were sliding down the mountainside on skis. Here they are enjoying their Christmas present from their uncle and aunt:

Ahhhh, the perfect ending for the perfect day.

Today is Red's birthday. He has celebrated by having a party with a few friends. We just did a simple one: playing 'Huckle, Buckle, Beanstalk' (think hide and seek with a toy), "Red" Says, Duck-Duck-Goose, pin the tail on the donkey, a character walk, making placemats, finding a harmonica hidden in rice, playing the harmonica whenever a word was said during a book reading (yeah, I know, reading a book for a party?!?), and we had ice cream sandwiches and played with balloons. All in all it worked out for a one hour party.

One last post-Christmas thought

2009-01-17T15:21:00.002-07:00

I made a list of sentances for Red to finish just before Christmas. Here it is:
What I like most about Christmas is...the presents.
My favorite Christmas decoration is...ornaments.
The one gift I would like to have for Christmas is...binoculars for Andrew, candy for skiing.
Somehing I could give as a gift to someone is...my sister's toys to Jason's sister.
I celebrate Christmas because it is someone's birthday. That person is...Jesus!

I just love how sharing he is with his sister's toys. Oh, and he is still disturbed that he didn't get the medicine he wanted for Christmas. I have no idea what he means by that.

Pausing for a sec

2009-01-16T11:17:00.005-07:00

So I'm pausing from life for a second to give an update. Here's a few pics from the last week or so.

Here's a pic from the ice experiement we did last week:

On Monday the kids had a field trip to the local airport. We took a go-cart around the ramp area to see the different kinds of planes and the runway area.

Here's Red and Punkie calling their Grandma (this is for the benefit of their Grandma):

Here are some misc pics of Punkie (usually with her doll) and when she was making breadsticks this week:

Lest you feel bad that Chief isn't featured, he did take lots of videos with my camara this week.

Oh, and here's a pic of why we are even more broke right now--my hubby had to fix the alternator and belt in his car.

Things are going well. But Red did cut some of his bangs off today and Chief faked being sick to stay home from school yesterday. Hopefully we made the day boring enough that he won't do it again.

Welcome to the new year!

2009-01-08T12:54:00.005-07:00

So the holidays are officially over. I took down Christmas decorations a couple of days ago. We had fun, as evidenced by this video clip I took when I thought I was taking a picture:

Chief made sure we had everything just right for Santa: the cookies, the milk and the letter. Santa even took the time to write back!

We loved the opportunity to visit with family--even if that did mean Punkie and Daddy caught a highly contagious stomach bug that several other family members also caught. Here are a couple of pics of Red teaching his one year old cousin all about MP3s and another one of the same cousin and his great uncle (sorry Greg, but it's true):

And here we are just glad to be home.

I taught preschool yesterday. We are learning about families. Basically we read a cute book, made a representation of the kids' families by making a snowman picture out of foam pieces I bought from Michaels back when Chief was in Kindergarten and I taught a "station" one day about families to his class. No matter how many times I try to use up all the snowman foam pieces the container always seems full! Augh! How do I get rid of them?!?! For the snack we made snowman marshmallow people with marshmallows and toothpicks and drank hot chocolate with whipped cream. We skipped recess because we had played some discovery games earlier for letter sounds and bug shapes/colors/species (thanks Mom!) and learned our password for the day--which is learning h0w to read words with the same ending letters (thanks Sis!). We finished up by learning the properties of salt and it's affect on water. I had frozen blocks of ice for the kids, mixed up a water/salt/blue coloring solution, gave the kids syringes (without needles) and let them go at it. They really enjoyed it. I think I'll teach them about more snow/ice themed science tomorrow and we're planning on preparing a surprise treat/cards for another mom who teaches them (it's her b-day Sunday).

5 days and counting

2008-12-20T20:59:00.003-07:00

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

2008-12-18T11:17:00.002-07:00

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

2008-12-14T23:44:00.003-07:00

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

2008-12-14T23:15:00.004-07:00

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

2008-12-10T07:49:00.003-07:00

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

2008-12-07T23:04:00.003-07:00

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...

2008-12-02T14:40:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-24T20:53:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-20T20:10:00.004-07:00

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

2008-11-20T19:39:00.004-07:00

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

2008-11-18T19:49:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-17T13:17:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-11-14T21:06:00.002-07:00

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!

2008-11-13T12:54:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-07T20:17:00.003-07:00

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

2008-11-05T22:50:00.003-07:00

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!

2008-11-01T18:41:00.003-06:00

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)

2008-10-29T21:41:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-29T13:23:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-26T10:35:00.002-06:00

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!

2008-10-24T12:58:00.002-06:00

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

2008-10-20T13:03:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-15T11:59:00.005-06:00

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

2008-10-13T12:21:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-12T18:22:00.002-06:00

"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'...

2008-10-10T21:33:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-06T20:17:00.004-06:00

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

2008-09-30T17:52:00.002-06:00

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.

2008-09-26T12:49:00.003-06:00

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.

2008-09-24T18:56:00.003-06:00

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

2008-09-22T18:35:00.003-06:00

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.

2008-09-21T17:53:00.002-06:00

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.

2008-09-20T08:41:00.004-06:00

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?

2008-09-17T13:41:00.003-06:00

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

2008-09-13T19:52:00.005-06:00

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

2008-09-12T20:34:00.003-06:00

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

2008-09-12T12:27:00.003-06:00

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

2008-09-10T12:54:00.002-06:00

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

2008-09-08T22:51:00.006-06:00

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

2008-09-07T07:52:00.002-06:00

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

2008-09-05T08:10:00.002-06:00

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

2008-09-03T20:28:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-31T23:18:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-31T20:43:00.007-06:00

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

2008-08-30T08:51:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-29T10:50:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-25T21:23:00.004-06:00

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

2008-08-25T20:35:00.003-06:00

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

2008-08-24T07:44:00.002-06:00

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

Friday Night Movie

2008-08-22T21:59:00.006-06:00

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

2008-08-22T09:55:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-20T18:31:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-08-19T10:06:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-18T12:39:00.002-06:00

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.

2008-08-14T08:25:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-13T13:03:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-12T17:45:00.001-06:00

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

2008-08-11T22:29:00.000-06:00

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!