It's a wild world

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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...

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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.