SummerLand

Secret Ingredient

2010-07-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

My family used to spend many summer's at a cabin in the woods of the San Bernardino Mountains. It burned down a few years ago from one of Southern California's many recent wildfires.
So sad.
But at the same time, I still have so many memories of that place.
One of my favorite things to do while there was to play Boobie Trap! It was a spring loaded game that would snap at you if you pulled up the wrong peg.
Well, the other night I made yummy cheesy polenta with a tomato basil sauce spooned over it (sorry, not my own recipe). On the side I made these:

It looked so much like the game of Boobie Trap! I just HAD to take a picture.
It's zucchini. Thickly sliced. I laid them flat in a broiler pan and brushed each round with a teeny tiny bit of olive oil.
(Now here is where I tell you my secret ingredient for zucchini...you may steal it if you wish...my children gobble this stuff up!)
I sprinkle on some kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and...nutmeg! SO delish!
I actually mixed the spices up together first in a small bowl, and then lightly sprinkled over with my fingers.
Then I broiled them till they were nicely caramelized.
Try it!

Summer of Fun

2010-05-16T20:17:00.001-07:00

In all my busy-ness and craziness lately, I decided to add some more!
First and foremost let me mention that things have calmed down a bit for me recently.
I got released from my calling in the ward YW presidency :(
And called to be the Beehive adviser :)
I also finished my nutrition class (uh, with an A!)
And am not planning on starting another class until the kiddos are back in school.
For the pure and simple reason that I want to just PLAY! ALL! SUMMER! LONG!
This year is the first year that Evan can really participate in many fun crafts and things.
And might be one of the last years that Allyson would really want to.
Plus, last summer was so ridiculous, that we just want to play this year.
SO! I have come up with LOTS of plans for my "Summer of Fun" with the kids.
Now, if you know me or know my kids (or both), you know that we thrive on schedules.
So despite the fun and games we will enjoy, there will still be routine and still be structure, don't you fret!
I doubt you want details of THAT though.
But, if you are interested in WHAT we are doing...
Here is a link to my calendar, where the major activities are posted.
Although, nothing is set in stone! I'll being changing a few things, I just know it.
And if you have suggestions...suggest away!
If you are interested in joining in our fun...
Just let me know what days you would like to join us!
We'd LOVE the company and friends!

A Revelation

2010-01-29T14:11:00.000-08:00

I LOVE CHOCOLATE!
I always have.
But I just realized that as much as I love chocolate...
I prefer fruit for dessert.
Cobblers.
Crisps.
With ice cream of course.
Just delightful!
The other night I made an apple-blueberry crisp.
Nice and hot.
Gooey and crispy.
Sorry no pictures...but I do have a recipe.

Apple-Blueberry Crisp

3 cups chopped granny smith apples
1 cup fresh blueberries
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
6 Tbsp butter

Preheat oven to 375*. Grease an 8x8 pan (bottom and sides) with shortening. Put the apples in the pan and sprinkle the blueberries on top. In a separate bowl mix the sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and nutmeg. Then cut in the butter. Sprinkle the topping over the fruit. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.

The Produce Section

2010-01-07T07:31:00.000-08:00

We hit a great sale on produce today at Pros Ranch Market. What a fabulous place!!! My mom would have a heyday there!
5 1/2 pound of bananas
Almost 3 pounds of oranges
Just over 2 pounds of pears
Almost 5 pounds of tomatoes
Almost 7 pounds of zucchini
Almost 5 pounds of apples
10 pounds of potatoes
Almost 40 pounds of produce!! And we only spent $14!!
Oh, and the bluecorn tortillas, can't wait to try them.

Selfish Me

2009-12-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

I got myself a birthday present.
Nothing much. Nothing (too) frivolous.
It came yesterday.
The best part about online shopping...getting packages in the mail!
And guess what?
Hooray for sales, that's what!

Today's Menu

2009-11-26T17:01:00.000-08:00

Included:
Cream of Carrot Soup
Celery, Radishes, Olives
Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Mashed Potatoes
Fresh Green Beans
Corn Oysters
Cranberry Sauce
Whole Wheat Rolls
French Salad
with Tarragon Vinaigrette

and for dessert:
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
with fresh Whipped Cream

So yummy!
So many leftovers!

Our nonconformist selves couldn't
handle turkey this year!

Best part? Not even starting cooking till 2pm!

Then we had games,
books, and movie.
And writing on a poster everything we are thankful for.

Hope everyone had as lovely a day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lost in the Crowd

2009-11-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

I've always known I don't stand out.
I don't have any defining features.
Nothing spectacular that would make people remember me.
I would HATE it if I did.
Never liked being the center of attention.
But, I was amused this week though when two people confessed they always get me confused with someone else, or two somebody else's.
Just something for me to dwell on incessantly.
Although I also got the reaction from a teenager that I "look 20!" upon them hearing my actual age *gasp*.
I had to laugh heartily at that one!

Wish Me Luck!

2009-11-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I take my first midterm for my nutrition course! I have studied like crazy and HOPEFULLY will do okay.
Well, alright, I'm really not okay with just "okay." I want to do GREAT!
I'll drop the kids off at school, do some last minute looking over notes and head on in!
Is it odd that I get a rush from taking tests?
Maybe I'm just meant to be a perpetual student after all!
And for my reward, you ask?
I think I'll go old school (literally) and buy myself some lovely Pee-Chee folders to keep myself organized!

Homeless

2009-10-26T19:17:00.001-07:00

For about a day our children's books had no home of which to speak.
Don't they look sad?

Move Over Lunch Lady!

2009-10-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

I love Fridays.
Well, okay I hate Fridays at 5:30 Friday morning when I have to get up and actually shower before getting the kids to school.
But the purpose of actually showering that early in the morning (the norm is 9am, there, I said it) is that I get to help out in #3's kindergarten class!
It is just too much fun!
I get to hang stuff, staple stuff, glue stuff, play on the floor, read books, do projects.
Not much different than the usual routine at home with #4, but it's only for a couple of hours, and kindergarten kids are so excited about learning! They just love it all!
This morning I even got to play with the school's big and not-so-scary-anymore laminating machine and have an intelligent conversation (often rare around these parts) with the art teacher!
(ahhh, I miss art history...)
Anyway....a couple of weeks ago #3 suggested that I quit my job and get a job at his school (which, I presume means he actually likes that I am there once in a while, even if the other two pretend they don't know me).
I had to explain to him that my job is being a mom and (much as I want to on some occasions) I can't quit!
He had to think about that for a minute then came up with the obvious solution that I get a job, quit that job, and then get a job at the school!
Brilliant!! Why didn't I think of that?
Maybe that's just the change I've been looking for!

The 7-Year Itch

2009-10-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in my line of ancestry must have been a wandering nomad. Following the goats where ever they want to roam, packing up all their belongings and carrying them around, living in and amongst nature. I'd love to live that way!
We've been in our wonderful home now for a little more than 7 years. And I LOVE Albuquerque!
On that note...I am just dying to get out of here!
I love, crave and sometimes demand change!
Growing up I moved my furniture constantly, much to the amusement of my parents I am sure. And even now, I can't stand to have the furniture in the same place for longer than a couple of months. Do any of you recall me talking about the switch we made that affected our entire house?
Stuff like that.
In our first five years of marriage we moved 5 times. I loved the freedom, the new places, new faces, new opportunities to learn and grow and become a better person. I loved being able to be in charge of where I was.
And it certainly doesn't help that our house is too small for our family.

My Morning With A Toddler--By The Numbers

2009-10-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

1-half hour of Mr. Rogers
2-pairs of pants he's worn so far today
3-loads of laundry done
4-minutes he sat on the potty (and, nothing)
5-songs we sang
6-times I asked him to not sit in the refrigerator
7-minutes I had all to myself (until now, that is)
8-times I was tackled playing ball
9-minutes I spent running/crawling from or dodging being licked
10-books we read together

What fun!

All Hallow's Eve

2009-10-10T19:33:00.001-07:00

So, it's no secret that I pretty much detest Halloween.
Silly to dress up.
Begging for candy? Really?
Intentionally trying to get scared? Never been a fan.
We dragged our heels on dressing the kids up and taking them trick-or-treating.
#1 was, oh, 4 years old before we gave in.
So it is with reluctance that we still do costumes.
But, here is a preview of what each child will dress as this year.
I, of course, will be the usual Halloween Scrooge.

#1:

#2:

Pictures of the actual event will come later!

Andean Bean Stew with Winter Squash and Quinoa

2009-10-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

I smelled this and barely tasted it at a friend's house one evening, but just knew it would be good. I had asked for the recipe, but she lost it, of course. So I did a search online and found this.
I LOVED this recipe.
First, holy health food Batman! Beans, squash, garlic, onions, tomatoes (vitamins!!)...Meatless (gotta follow that Word of Wisdom thing!)
Second, have you ever tried quinoa??? I believe (and please correct me if I'm wrong) that it is one of the only-if not the only-plant derived protein that is a complete protein. Meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids that our bodies need to function (yea, for my nutrition course paying off!) Usually you only get that with animal products. Plus, it is super easy to fix. And super yummy!

Now, onto the recipe.

Andean Bean Stew with Winter Squash and Quinoa

1 lb dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over, soaked in 2 quarts water overnight or for 6 hours
Salt
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1tbs sweet paprika
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
14-ounce can chopped tomatoes with liquid
1 lb winter squash, such as butternut, peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
½ cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
Freshly ground pepper
3 tbs chopped fresh basil or parsley

1. Place the beans and soaking water in a large pot. Add water if necessary to cover the beans by about 2 inches, and bring to a boil, Skim off foam, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer gently for 60 minutes, or until the beans are tender but intact. Add salt to taste. 2. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy nonstick frying pan and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes, and add the paprika. Stir together for about a minute, and add the garlic. Cook, stirring, for a minutes or two, until the garlic and onions are very fragrant but not brown, and stir in the tomatoes and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down slightly and smell fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes, Remove from the heat and scrape the contents of the pan into the pot of beans. 3. Bring the beans back to a simmer, add the bay leaf and winter squash, and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until the squash and beans are thoroughly tender. Add the quinoa and simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the quinoa is translucent and displays an opaque thread. Taste and adjust salt. Add a generous amount of freshly ground pepper. Stir in the basil or parsley, simmer for a couple of minutes more, and serve, with cornbread or crusty country bread.

It takes a little time, mainly to cut up the butter nut squash. Unless you have a rubber mallet, which, of course, I don't. Other than that, it just simmers forever and makes the house smell nice and warm, just in time for Fall.
I altered the recipe a tiny bit...I didn't care to wait to soften the beans. And considering my mental state right now, probably would have forgotten to do it the night before anyhow. So instead I just used 2 cans of pinto beans with the liquid and then put a little more water in (maybe about 1/2 inch over the beans, brought to a boil and simmered for about 7 minutes). Then followed the rest of the recipe.
The kids even thanked me for dinner! (Okay they usually do, but not generally when they don't like what we are eating.)
And the cornbread...delish!

Am I Being Set Up?

2009-10-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

I know this is a little late in coming...but I loved the General Relief Society Meeting that was broadcast from Salt Lake last Saturday!
I appreciated how straight forward all the talks were in motivating the women of the church. We need to know what is expected of us and what we need to do in order to be of service to the Lord. I much rather be told what I need to do better at, than be told I am doing so much good. Because in truth I'm not!
It seems that at these meetings in the past that's been the main focus..."You are so good! And doing so much service! Hurray for you!!" And then one of two things happens. I either believe them and I get in a mindset that maybe I am doing good, and I start to get lazy and relaxed in my service ("All is well in Zion!"). Or I don't believe them and I feel guilty and as if I am the ONLY person not doing what they are talking about.
I know I can be doing more and doing better!
Sometimes I just need to be gently reminded.
But, last Saturday I also got the feeling that all these talks are leading up to something BIG. A new announcement? A new plan getting put into action? Were we just slowly used to the idea of giving more, streamlining our lives more, to be able to do more for others? I have no idea. And maybe it will just be something big for me (personal revelation, you know).
In short...
I can't wait to hear the talks at General Conference this weekend!

I Will Survive

2009-03-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

Spring Break has begun for the kids! I didn't know how I would handle it, especially having been at home with them without a break all weekend while Boyfriend was away.
So far today I have been able to:
Sleep in till 7:30am.
Go through the kids' clothes to figure out what they need to summer.
Read to #3 without falling asleep.
Shower at 1:30pm.
Make a yummy lunch that ALL the kids ate and enjoyed.
Reuse torn pants for #1 to now use as shorts.
Use above mentioned pants to also create and sew and adorable purse for #1.
Endure (without laughing mind you) #1 doing interpretive dance while listening to Andrew Lloyd Webber.
And the days not over! We still need dinner, FHE, and a yummy treat involving crepes and Nutella.
I hope your Spring Break has started as fabulously as mine!!

"I Feel The Need..."

2009-03-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

...The need for CAPRIS!
I've never been much of a "shorts" person, but I love capris. What's the problem, you ask?
I don't have any! I used to and then they all grew too big for me and now I need to go shopping (boo hoo). Any ideas of places to find some?

It is in the thirties that we want friends ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

2009-03-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Boyfriend is out of town. When he is gone I have a very difficult time sleeping. I just don't feel tired. Maybe I am nervous about being the only adult? Or maybe the idea of being in bed alone just isn't appealing? In any case I didn't get to bed till after 1am (which, incidentally means I had 4 1/2 hours of sleep, but that's a whole 'nother topic!)
Since I couldn't sleep I stayed up and watched "Miss Potter," it just happened to come in the mail when I could watch a nice girly movie, while finishing 2 baby quilts. In the movie Beatrix Potter becomes, as #1 put it so eloquently recently, "fast friends" with her publisher's/lover's sister. When they met the sister said "I have decided you and I will be friends!"
I also read a friend's blog recently when her daughter made friends very quickly with another little girl because she said she was cute!
I only wish I could make friends that easily!!
And in trying to figure out my difficulty, I will use this blog as my therapy (it would be much more comfortable lying on a couch though!)
It takes me a while to open myself up to people and be okay with not being perfect around them. Yet, another issue stemming from my OCD! And, recently it seems, when I finally get to that point of trust, they just move! And I have to start all over again with trusting others.
Lately I have been looking at others as assets in my life. I try to decide what each specific person has to teach me. Maybe there is some reason God put them in my path. And I need to figure out what I can learn from them. That way, even if they do move, I have felt the benefit of there presence in my life and can move on without regrets.
But I want to know what your secrets are? How do you make friends quickly? How do you judge who would be a good friend? Do you have many close friends? How do you maintain those relationships despite busy families, work, etc?
An another note...and speaking of friends...today is Fred Roger's birthday!! Happy Birthday Neighbor.

Taking Notice

2009-03-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

This morning I did not want to get out of bed. #4 is sick and wasn't sleeping well due to coughing (that's a new symptom) and a stuffy nose (couldn't breathe). And Boyfriend and I were taking turns helping him get back to sleep. But, that doesn't mean that when it wasn't my turn I wasn't awake! So after reluctantly climbing out of bed and waking the kids I had to get started on my day.

Being the crazy woman I am (lets face it...I have issues!) I prefer to have beds made, dirty dishes in the dishwasher, kitchen and dining room wiped down and clean, and the rest of the house straightened up before I leave to take the kids to school at 7:15am. Because we woke up a little late this morning I didn't have time to unload the dishwasher to pile the breakfast dishes in. And being a person who likes to blame others I immediately (in my head) start grumbling about Boyfriend not helping out in the morning and taking off so early for work that he can't do something as simple and helpful as unloading the darn dishwasher!!

So, when I had four minutes to spare before it was time to get in the car and everything else had been accomplished, I finally opened the dishwasher thinking I could at least get some of the dishes put away...to find...an empty dishwasher!!!

And, because I hadn't noticed earlier a few dishes on a towel on the counter that needed a little more drying time before being put away!!! Come to think of it, what had Boyfriend been doing this morning before he left for work? I was so busy worrying about myself and all the things I needed to get done and walking around half asleep, that I hadn't noticed what he had been doing. Maybe, and it turns out to be so, he was unloading the dishwasher!! Thanks Boyfriend!

I sometimes take the same attitude at church meetings. I am so worried about myself and how I am feeling (stressed by the kids usually), or anxious about giving a lesson, etc. That I fail to notice the needs of others around me. I have heard too often recently from people visiting, new and not so new in the ward about how unfriendly our ward is. That no one smiles or says hello or introduces themselves. And I feel so much blame and guilt that I COULD have said hello, if I had not been thinking that nobody was saying hello to me! Or I COULD have smiled if I had not been rushed that morning because of my own selfishness (this is a recurring theme for me). Or I COULD have introduced myself if I had not been so worried about my lesson preparation. And the list of what I COULD have done (SHOULD have done really) goes on and on, as does the guilt along with it.

So, I will try to be better at being aware (not just of the services my darling Boyfriend gives to me) but of the ways I can be of service to others.

I Must Not Have Been Stressed Over The Past 5 Months OR You Can't Leave Just One Girl Scout Cookie In The Package OR I Stress Therefore I Eat

2009-02-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

Need I say more?

Some Comfy...

2009-01-20T16:09:00.000-08:00

...Favorites!

These are things that make me more comfy, how about you?

~Boyfriend's sweats-oh, so comfy and cozy! I took them so often he actually ended up giving them to me. What a sweety!

~Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea- what Boyfriend calls "uterus fiber." But it is marketed as "supporting the female system." I dare you to try it when Aunt Flo is visiting! (And I've heard it also works for inducing labor, if any of you need that sort of thing.) I found it at Whole Foods.

~Brown Bread- Mom used to get this once in a while and I haven't been able to find it, till now. I bought some (at Albertsons) on a whim and smeared on the butter. Mmmmm...

For ultimate comfort I combined all three and was in heaven for a while.

The Best Medicine

2009-01-17T06:52:00.000-08:00

Recently Boyfriend introduced me to a blog called 1000 Awesome Things. Not long ago there was an entry about crying, as an awesome thing to do...makes you feel better, relieves tension, etc. Apparently women cry an average of 5 or more times a month!!! Am I just emotionally stunted? I haven't had a good cry for over a year! (Last time we had a fight to be precise.) Sure things well-up once in a while (good books, good movies, being moved by the Spirit) but to actually let tears flow? It has to be big.

At least now. When I was a teenager I sometimes forced myself to cry (well, bawl really) when I was feeling stressed. And back then, just about anything would do it, too. A sad movie, a song, I was pretty sappy once in my life. And it worked. I would feel so much better so I can understand the good and relief that comes from crying.

But now? I certainly don't feel pent up. And it's not that I am never stressed anymore. Goodness, no!

But I think I know of a better cure. It is more relieving and more awesome than crying.... Laughing!

I love it and I realize I do it ALL the time (wow, did I ever really laugh as a teenager now that I think about it? Okay there were a couple of car trips with Mom and Sister #1...)

Boyfriend and I make each other laugh constantly (and sometimes we make ourselves laugh too!)

Laughter is more joyful and engages the whole body (when you do it well). Sometimes you just ache after laughing so much. Humor makes you think. Laughter makes you feel better afterwards (which is WAY better than the wallowing that is crying).

Humor and laughter make you more of a positive person and help you look at life in a humorous way. It makes you smile more.

AWESOME.

Nevermind Motherhood...

2009-01-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

I want to be a grandma!
I am starting on a new project (cause, I don't have to actually finish the other ones first! and there is nothing like having my mind scattered!)
I am making a quilt out of the baby clothes the kids used to wear. I am just cutting squares right now and I still have to wait for #4 to outgrow a few things, so it will take lots of time.
But, I thought I could make this huge quilt that I could put on a spare bed for when my grand children come over and they can see (and sleep under) the clothes their mommy or daddys used to wear. It will be full of stories and memories that we can talk about! Can't wait!

Out of the closet

2009-01-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

Wanting to follow Boyfriends stellar example of cleaning his side of the closet, I attempted to do the same to mine.

I first took all the clothes, etc. out of the closet...

I have come to the conclusion I have too many clothes!

I put some in a bin the garage (those more suitable for summer wear), and some in a Goodwill pile (of course those will sit in the garage for months as well, before we actually get around to dropping them off.)

And now I have just the bare essentials. (Although Boyfriend still thinks I have too many!)

I'm Losing It...

2009-01-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

um...I should say them.
They have been with me forever, but especially since I was 13.
They have have given me pleasure and pain.
They have nursed my 4 children.
And they are officially gone!!
I have lost a one cup size after finishing nursing #4, and one cup size since losing 20+ pounds, (that's 2 cup sizes if you need the help).
I like losing the weight, but do I HAVE to lose it/them (*huff*)???

Back to Normal (?)

2009-01-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

What is normal you ask?
Anything than what my life has been like for the past 3 weeks.
I was sleeping in till 7:30am some mornings.
Staying up LATE watching movies with Boyfriend.
Taking a break from studying.
Being ignored by my children while they play with each other.
Not doing laundry (Boyfriend took that over while on vacation.)
Now? Well, today I got up before 6am (*gasp*) to get the kids up and ready for school.
I sorted the laundry, washed, dried; then folded it and put it away.
After working out and showering (I did continue to do both of those, before you think I am completely lazy), I started my new course and finished lesson 1!
(On a side note I have made a goal to finish two courses this year.)
Then I made banana bread with Isaac and we actually got to play with some puzzles and games with Evan. Then we read some books together. (I forgot how pleasant it is to have half my children at school during the day!)
Okay, so we're not actually totally back to normal. Boyfriend does still have another week off work. But you can't expect me to rush back into real life too fast, now can you?

New Favorites

2008-12-29T06:40:00.000-08:00

Some new favorites that I discovered recently:

Brand new scriptures-although I am scared to touch them for fear of ruining them already! Can you tell which ones are new and which ones are falling apart? I am looking for a cute scripture tote if you know where I can find one, but I made one in the meantime.

Snowcake-I don't know what drew me to this movie. Maybe Alan Rickman. But both Boyfriend and I loved it!

#1's new haircut-it is short, short, short. But so cute. It makes her look so much older though. And I guess I am proud that I cut it. (She just woke up, so it is messy!)

Sleeping in-with no school and no work we are all able to sleep in a little bit (some of us more than others-she is still in bed!)

My new Bed-Buddy-that's what I call it at least. My sister made me one for my birthday. It is filled with rice and when put in the microwave for a couple of minutes stays nice and toasty. I put it in my bed right before climbing in, so the sheets aren't freezing. Then I wrap it around my toes as I fall asleep. (Can you tell I was not made to live in cold weather?)

Getting an A in my "Family Finances" course!-One class down, 16 more credits to go!

Tom Kha Gai

2008-12-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

Thai chicken coconut soup.

Boyfriend and I made some for our dinner last night. The kids? They got mac & cheese. We usually do this on Friday nights. We LOVE to cook together, after the kids are in bed, and eat in peace. Just the two of us.

It is especially fun when we make something we have never made before, and maybe have a few laughs over our mistakes and the gross food we are cooking (see below). And we have become more adventurous in our dinners, too.

Our Sunset magazine came earlier this week and we found a recipe for Tom Kha Gai. I have had it before and was able to talk Boyfriend into trying it (not too difficult these days).

Although we grossed out as a couple of the ingredients (I almost lost it when we opened the fish sauce), it was most delicious (and not terrible as far as calories go). I thought it would be more time consuming and/or difficult, but it was actually really easy and fast. We will definately make this again!

Ingredients
1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk
1 can (14 oz.) reduced-sodium chicken broth
6 quarter-size slices fresh ginger
1 stalk fresh lemongrass, cut in 1-in. pieces
1 pound boned, skinned chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-in. chunks
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Thai chili paste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Preparation
In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, broth, ginger, and lemongrass and bring to boil over high heat. Add chicken, mushrooms, lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili paste. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is firm and opaque, 5 to 10 minutes. Discard lemongrass. Garnish servings with basil and cilantro.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per 1 1/2-cup serving.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 357 (63% from fat)
Protein: 29g
Fat: 25g (sat 19)
Carbohydrate: 7.2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 484mg
Cholesterol: 79mg

So Far

2008-12-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

Well so far 30 year old Summer...

...still has zits!

...got to buy new clothes.

...will learn from her stupid and humiliating mistakes! And not do that ever again!

...enjoyed not picking the older kids up from school (Boyfriend took sick leave for my dr's appt and picked them up for me).

...watched "A Christmas Story" for the first time this season (too, funny!)

...got a new cookbook and some cute and comfy jammies.

...had an excuse to eat cake!

You Would Cry Too...

2008-12-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

Guess what! I am turning 30 tomorrow! And I have to say, unlike most people, I am actually pretty excited. Not necessarily about getting older, but about what I have to look forward to in the coming years.

As another decade draws to a close I am remembering two other similar birthdays. When I turned 10 and when I turned 20.

The day before my 10th birthday Dad took me to Disneyland (not an uncommon occurance, but one I ALWAYS loved.) Unfortunately I got food poisoning which I discovered the next afternoon during Primary as I was throwing up all over the place. I spent all that day sick in my bed (when I wasn't running for the bathroom.) I couldn't even enjoy my birthday dinner or cake. What a bummer.

My 20th birthday wasn't THAT bad, but still not spectacular. I was ill with morning sickness. And as miserable as can be. I think all I did was go to work briefly and then sleep that entire day. Yuck!

So, here's to hoping tomorrow brings no nausea!

Nostalgia-The Food Edition

2008-11-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

I have had a busy and crazy week this week (thus the lack of posting). So to make myself feel a little better I let myself indulge in a couple of food items that remind me of my childhood.
First let me tell you that I am not really enjoying food right now. Maybe it is because I have tricked my mind into not craving food so much. Maybe it's because I have to record and keep track of and report what I eat. Maybe because of the HUGE guilt factor if I do eat something that is high in fat or calories. Whatever the reason food and cooking are just a burden I would rather forgo.

But, growing up in my family, well, lets just say things revolved around food. As many occasions do where we gather with family, friends, ward members, etc. There is usually a treat, a meal, a cake, an excuse to get together and share good times. I loved when my older brothers and sisters, their spouses and children would come to my home (the grandparents house) and enjoy games, laughter and food. So that food took on meaning to me. Well, maybe that's enough self-disclosure about my food issues.

Anyway, I treated myself to a few memorable foods this weekend.

1. Artichokes- I know they are not really in season. But I wanted a yummy vegetable for a nice dinner with Boyfriend after the kids were in bed. And I love that I can boast that I know how to cook and eat an artichoke. It isn't easy, but totally worth all the work.
I know what you are thinking "a vegetable as a treat?" Come over and I'll make one for you sometime and you'll see!

2. Toasted Bologna Sandwich- Not in the least healthy. And I usually hate bologna. My mom used to make these for me when I was a little girl (I think her piano teacher made them for her), so they bring back memories and comfort. I taught #3 how to make them and he loved them too.
3. Chex Mix- Not the icky stuff the sell at the store. The real stuff you make yourself with Worchestershire sauce and butter and yummy spices. Dad would make this every Christmas. The smell and the taste (along with the Christmas music playing in the background) really got me in the mood for Christmas. Just watch those calories! (sigh)

Favorites (yes, more!)

2008-11-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

Okay this week are a couple of my favorite favorites!

#1 Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser-it actually got permanent marker off the top of my desk! I gave it a try (but was very skeptical about it) and it really worked! I was amazed. You see #3 was bored the other day and I was busy working on a lesson when he found a permanent marker on my desk and wrote on a sticky note with it. Well it bled through the sticky note as all good perm. markers do and made a mess on my desk. I gave him a good 5 minute long lecture (and a few mean looks along with it).

#2 Papers!-A store here in ABQ that sells the best (and the most expensive) paper. I got a few sheets to start my Christmas card project (yes, already). Beautiful papers (even real Origami paper) and more. In fact I have to go back in the next couple of weeks for stocking stuffers! Want to come with me and check it out? We can eat at a great pizza place near the store, too.

#3 Unexpected visitors-my sister and her husband stopped by while passing through today! Yea! They couldn't stay but we had a nice little chat anyway.

A Day In The Life

2008-11-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

5:45am- crawl out of bed, make bed, brush teeth, check bank online.
6:15am- wake kids, have family prayer, encourage children to get dressed while breakfast is being served.
6:30am- finish kids' lunches, eat my own breakfast.
6:45am- help all kids get ready for day/school (incl. brush teeth, get dressed, change diapers, make beds, pack backpacks, comb hair, etc), separate and spray dirty laundry, put in first load.
7:15am- leave to take kids to school.
8:00am- arrive home from drop off, switch laundry, can't walk today since walking partner just moved :(, work out.
9:00am- shower and dress (finally), switch laundry.
9:30am- snack for little boys.
9:45am- take #3 to preschool.
10:00am- back home, recite "Good Night Moon" to #4, put #4 down for nap, switch laundry.
10:05am- eat protein filled snack.
10:15am- study lesson 8 (investing), work on assignment I find out later didn't need to be done (no wonder I was so confused!)
11:45am- read scriptures and study for RS lesson, switch laundry.
12:15pm- wake #4, leave to get #3 from preschool, pay for preschool.
12:40pm- call Boyfriend
12:45pm- make and eat lunch with boys
1:15pm- make orange juice pops with #3 for FHE treat
1:25pm- change a diaper
1:30pm- leave to pick kids up from school.
2:00pm- get caught in conversation with #2's teacher.
2:30pm- leave to go home.
3:00pm- home, get kids started on homework.
3:05pm- get call from Boyfriend
3:10pm- get snack for kids set out, switch laundry, eat apple and crackers.
3:30pm- get ready to make dinner, prep for homemade tomato sauce, pick fresh basil from garden, realize we don't have enough eggplant for eggplant parmesan (I need 2).
4:00pm- prep for new dinner, make vinegrette for yummy Cranberry Spinach salad, take sauce off stove, switch laundry.
4:30pm- Boyfriend home, kiss him.
4:40pm- Chop, dice, pour and toss dinner.
5:00pm- eat dinner, have nice conversation with Boyfriend while trying to ignore rude comments from children about how they hate dinner, threaten to make them cook dinner some night.
5:30pm- take Advill for headache, leave for PTO meeting at school (WHAT!? time by myself?)
6:00pm- sit bored during PTO meeting.
7:30pm- PTO meeting (finally) ends.
7:50pm- get home, too late for FHE (we'll have it Tuesday night instead), family prayer, get kids in bed.
8:00pm- crash on couch with Boyfriend to watch SNL and eat a few Oreos (bad I know, but headaches need sugar!)
9:00pm- finish cleaning up kitchen, finish folding laundry (Boyfriend did most), get ready for bed.
9:50pm- climb into bed, finish book, go to sleep.

This Week's Favorites

2008-11-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

#1 Penicillan--yea for not having strep throat any more! For some reason I get it EVERY year. Anyone know why?

#2 Greek Yogurt--This stuff is yummy and loaded with protein. You feel better after eating some, but boy is it pricey!

#3 Jeans--that are two sizes smaller than what I wore a couple months ago! But I still won't tell you the size!

#4 My new boyfriend--okay, it's really Hubby, he heard a caller on Car Talk refer her to husband as her boyfriend and thought it was very romantic. Now he wants us to start referring to each other that way. Which is very confusing since from the sound of things I have two husband already (one named Roy, the other named David). So we are back to being boyfriend and girlfriend again. Maybe he'll even hold my hand!

#5 Daylight Savings--yea for not waking when it is pitch black outside! And for getting a little more sleep than I normally would have last night!

Laundry (yet again)

2008-10-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

Laundry day:

15 pairs of pants

17 shirts

10 pajama bottoms

8 pajama tops

20 unmentionables

23 socks (23?!?)

7 towels

2 bibs

1 bath mat

5 loads altogether

1 smashed finger from the box of laundry detergent (mine, by the way)

$0.41 found in the washing machine

getting to do it all over again in a couple of days: priceless

AHHHHH...I've Been Tagged!

2008-10-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

5 Things I was doing 10 years ago...
1. Enjoying being a newlywed
2. Finding out I was pregnant with #1
3. Working at Von Curtis Salon
4. Taking a break from BYU
5. Living in Utah

5 Things on my "To-Do" list today...
1. Work out at the church building
2. Laundry
3. Take kids to the library
4. Pick up #2's prescription
5. Study

5 Snacks I enjoy...
1. Dried cranberries
2. Nuts
3. Fruit
4. Greek yogurt
5. "Fiber One" granola bars

5 Things I'd do if I were a Millionaire...
1. Pay off my mortgage
2. Build an addition onto my house
3. Invest a ton (nows the time to buy!)
4. Save for kids college, weddings, missions
5. Travel, travel, travel!

5 Places I've Lived...
1. American Fork, Utah
2. Simi Valley, California
3. Provo, Utah
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico
5. Isn't that sad...there isn't a fifth!

5 Jobs I've Had...
1. Mother's Helper (Part time nanny)
2. CSR at Blockbuster
3. Receptionist at hair salon
4. Dish washer at the Cannon Center (does this really count if it's for one day?)
5. Sandwich maker at Easy Pickin's in the Cougar Eat

5 People I tag...
1. Laurel
2. Chris
3. Cheryl
4. Sarah
5. Mom

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you’ve answered the questions on your blog.

The Best Medicine

2008-10-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Let me back up a bit so you understand...

A few weeks ago all the boys in the family were passing around some nasty illness with fever, a little vomit, and one ear infection (#4). #2, however, also had a little dizziness (but Mr. Dr., who we never saw before, checked his ears too and gave them the okay).

Three weeks later he has still been dizzy at times. I got an appointment with Real Dr. this time.

After asking #2 and me some questions he said "Sounds like he might have some fluid in his ear."

Yep, that's exactly what it is! Yea for Real Dr!

So he wrote a prescription for Flonase (once a day for 2 weeks) and...

...blowing up balloons!

Isn't that hilarious?!

Apparently blowing up a balloon forces air into the eustachian tube and helps to get rid of fluid.

Who woulda thunk it?

It was a good thing I bought 75 of those bad boys for #3's halloween costume, eh, Hubby?

So Hubby and #2 had a blast this evening blowing up and deflating balloons. They were flying all over my bedroom.

If this gets to be a nightly ritual I may have to start wearing a clown nose to fit in around here!

You Know You're Doing SOMETHING Right When...

2008-10-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

*Your child helps you make a dessert/treat and asks "Is this for us? Or are you making it for someone else?" (He hates it when I do that!)

*Your child, who fought for days about saying his line in the Primary Program, actually says it and it makes you cry (just a little though!)

*Your child wants to take a nap with you, play games with you, cook with you...or just spend time with you.

*Your child, the one who doesn't usually want to spend time with you, wants you to sit next to them during scripture reading (yea!)

*Your child, who doesn't like to be kissed, reminds you to kiss him before going to bed.

*Your child wants to hold your hand.

"Maybe ALL the Rulers Are Wrong!"

2008-10-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

(Yea for you if you got my obscure Friend's reference!)

In other news...I finished sewing Allyson's Halloween costume yesterday. When I measured her to figure out which size (7/8 or 10/12) she was right in between. I figured the 7/8 would be too small and the other too big. Somewhere in the middle perhaps? So I adjusted where I cut the pattern and sewed till finished. Boy, was it cute!

So, she tried it on and it was HUGE! It turned out to fit ME! And if I didn't have a grotesque experience with a poodle skirt when I was 13 ("Here, you're already awkward and uncomfortable why don't you put this on and dance [literally] in front of hundreds of people. That will boost your self confidence!"- man I HATE road shows!) I would gladly wear it for Halloween.

I know I measured everything correctly! What happened?

So I am re cutting and resewing today (I hate doing things twice!)

Books Glorious Books! And The People Who Write Them

2008-10-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

So I love books. That is pretty obvious if you know me or have ever even talked to me. So I thought I would share some things I have learned about books and reading with children, along with some suggestions of books for appropriate ages, over several blog entries (I won't bog you down all at once).

I'll start by suggesting some of my favorite authors of picture books (along with a couple of their best books-in my opinion of course-after all my blog is just a practice in narcissism!)

In no particular order:

Anita Lobel -fantastic artist and storyteller! Her books are beautiful! I have never gone wrong with any of her books. A couple of the best are "Allison's Zinnia," "Pierrot's ABC Garden," and"Sven's Bridge." She is also the illustrator of books by other authors including...

Arnold Lobel -husband to the author above. They collaborated a couple of times. She illustrated and he authored one of my all-time favorite books "On Market Street," as well as "The Rose in My Garden." He is also an artist and he wrote and illustrated all the of the "Frog and Toad" books (more of the easy-reader category). Another great book of his is "The Great Blueness and Other Predicaments" we still talk about that one around our house.
Any age child will love the Lobel's books!

Patricia Polacco -I stumbled across her books by accident and fell in love! She is another author/artist (their books seem to be the best of the best). Her artwork is beautiful. I have read all I have been able to get my hands on. A couple of my favorites are "Thank You Mr. Falker" (be prepared to cry), "Pink and Say," and "Rechenka's Eggs" (the artwork in this one is especially fantastic!) Some themes and the lengths of the books are more appropriate for older kids maybe ages 6-9.

Pat Hutchins -So much fun to read her books and see her elaborate artwork! Some good ones are "Rosie's Walk" and "Ten Red Apples." Great for young children ages 2-4.

Kevin Henkes -I am sure many of you have read some of his books. He is very well known. A couple of my favorites are "Chrysanthemum" ( I love the language he uses in this books!) and "Kitten's First Full Moon." Several ages can enjoy these, probably more 2-6.

Tomie DePaola -another very well known author/illustrator. His artwork is very distinct. I love "Strega Nona" and "The Art Lesson."

William Steig -He has won numerous awards for his books. I have read several and recommend all, but I always go back to "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" and "Dr. DeSoto."

Chris Van Allsburg -Most well known for "The Polar Express." I also love "The Widow's Broom" and "Z Was Zapped."

I hope this small list helps when looking for great books for kids of all ages.

About An Apron

2008-10-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

Why is it when I put on an apron I feel like I can do anything?

I can bake anything (and not get messy).

I play with the kids more (and better).

I am more kind and gentle.

I am more patient and tolerant.

Does the apron hide who I really am only emphasizing those good qualities?

Or, maybe, am I just channeling June Cleaver and Donna Reed when I don the "housewife" attire?

Spacey

2008-10-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

I don't like talking on the phone.

I never know who is going to pick up. Or if I have to come up with a witty message to leave on a voice mail/answering machine. Then I have to wait for that person to call back...

Or sometimes I forget altogether who I am calling (please tell me that I am not the only one that happens to!), especially if I am calling several people.

But tonight I had a different experience.

I was waiting for the other person to pick up, listening to the slow, rhythmic sound of the ringing when I realize I am completely dazed and have to snap out of it. But I didn't care. I just enjoyed being lulled and mindless for a few brief moments.

It was a good thing she didn't answer.

And I was able to leave a message. Even if it wasn't so witty.

I Can't Figure It Out!

2008-10-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

I readily admit I don't know everything. Can anyone help me with these?

1. How do they make those t-shirts that don't have seams on the sides?

2. How do they make those slits in hot dogs? Or make pita pockets when the pita is closed?

As you can see I am curious about the important, relevant things in life that will further my education and develop my intellect and furture prospects!

Why do I dwell on such silly things!?

Creativity

2008-10-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

I love to create...

Be it children (although that is not going to happen again), bread, sewing projects, art, decor, food, quilts, something useful or just plain pretty. I love to see the process of growth and change that happens as something is coming into being. And I love being able to be the one who instigated the changes and growth.

So I loved, loved, loved President Uchtdorf's talk at the RS broadcast a couple of weeks ago and have been pondering about it constantly since. He talked about our inherent need as daughters of Heavenly Father to create, because He is the ultimate creator. And that creating will help us be happy.

I learned that to create doesn't necessarily mean making something like a project. I can create a peaceful atmosphere in my home, I can create feelings of appreciation in others by serving them, etc.

So everyday now I have been asking myself questions like...As I am teaching my children, am I creating an understanding in them? Am I helping them to create a testimony? Am I creating fun and meaningful experiences for them?

This persepective has helped me teach my children better, and helped me have the desire to serve those around me more.

Don't you just love those leaders who are close to the spirit and wise in their teachings!?

Those Are Some Nice Melons...

2008-10-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

...Green River Melons!

Mom and Dad brought one when they visited this last weekend and we were so busy enjoying all the food and treats ABQ has to offer, that we never got around to cutting it open.

This afternoon, after a long drive in the car, I needed something refreshing. A couple of slices of watermelon did the trick.

But then it took me back in time about 20 years to a summer I spent with my aunt and uncle on their farm in Utah.

Isn't it great how things we think we forget come rushing back to us from just a smell or a taste?

I think I ate watermelon that entire summer.

I was reminded of sleeping in the hay loft...

... sitting on the porch during a summer storm...

...playing with tiny kittens...

...the sound of trains going by during the night...

...the noisy peacocks roaming the farm...

...collecting peacock feathers...

...weeding in the corn field, with feet ankle deep in good old fashioned mud...

...and, being chased by a big ornery pig!

Like VS Love

2008-10-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

I like it when #4 waves to all the people around him now.

I love it when he runs up to me and gives a big fat hug!

I like it when #3 falls asleep in the car.

I love it when he cuddles up with me to read a book!

I like it when #2 plays with Hubby.

I love it when he wants to spend time with me!

I like it when #1 goes straight to her room and does her homework.

I love it when she wants to do girly stuff, like paint toe nails!

I like it when Hubby comes home from work early.

I love it when he gives me a massage! (Hint, hint!)

I Dare You Not To Giggle...

2008-09-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

So every once in a while I need a little boost. We all have those days. You know the ones I'm talking about, so I won't even bother to elaborate.
But, I have recently found a blog that just makes me laugh so hard I forget about all my worries and feel lighter and more joyful.
Try it out I am sure you will be as delighted as I am.

Yummy Rye Bread!

2008-09-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

When Hubby and I got married two of his aunts went in together to get us a bread machine. We loved it! It was so much fun to set it before we went to bed and wake up to those delicious smells that would make our tummies grumble in the wee small hours.

Early this year our bread machine broke! Granted it survived ten years of our torture. But we missed it. And we were planning on getting a new one this Fall.

But I have since discovered that I LOVE making homemade bread. I love putting all the ingredients together to make something that my family can eat. I love having that yummy yeasty smell in the kitchen. I love being able to get my hands dirty in the dough. I love getting my aggressions out by kneading the dough for 10 minutes. And, who doesn't love the smell!?

I have made white, wheat, German rye, French, etc.

So I thought I would try making another rye bread. The recipe was for a traditional deli or Jewish rye.

Very easy to make. It was a little time consuming-you make a "sponge" with bread flour, yeast, water, and honey first and let that sit at room temp for a few hours till bubbly on top. Then you add the rest of the flour (both bread flour and rye flour) the caraway seed (it gives it that yummy flavor!), a little oil and a little salt. Knead like crazy. Then it has to rise a few times and shape, then, finally, you can bake it.

And everyone loved it (especially Hubby who is enjoying that I have been making so much bread lately.) We ate it for dinner with Hubby's homemade vegetable beef soup-mmmmm.

It wasn't as smooth as other breads, though. Kind of lumpy. Is that just the nature of rye bread? Does anyone have experience with rye?

I think I would like to try a sourdough if anyone has any advice. I'll have to get that starter going. Is it better with all-purpose flour or bread flour? I'll have to get some books to help me out with this!

My Latest Project

2008-09-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

Because I have been such a proctrastinator lately, even to the extent that I am procrastinating changing my behavior, I have not worked on several things that I really should be working on.

But, yesterday I wanted to accomplish something. So I came up with a cute idea for my table.

I wanted a fall-themed table runner. But knowing my children I knew a table runner would be out of the question (same goes for a table cloth). Can't you just see the mess that would be pulled on to the floor?!

So I came up with this instead:

It is just a simple little centerpiece, well out of a toddler's arms reach.

I cut some muslin, and hemed the edges. Then I dry brushed it with a soft brown paint. I painted on the two pumpkins. And sat a real pumpkin in the middle. I thought it turned out pretty cute and have decided to make one for each season.

By the way, it does look better in person.

My Laundry Room

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

I have a dream...

Of a grand and beautiful laundry room with windows, and shelves, and baskets, and a deep sink, and a large table in the middle for folding, even an ironing board that I don't have to put away (maybe that's my problem with ironing!)

But that is just a dream...someday...maybe.

Right now I have a 5x5 room. But I still love it. Doing laundry has got to be my favorite chore. Especially when I can stand in the room, all the clothes sorted into piles around me, good clean smells filling the place, the washing machine going at full blast while I stain spray ALL the kids clothes. With all the noise from the washing machine other noises are drowned out and I can sing at the top of my lungs without anyone caring whether or not I hit that note. I am in my own little world.

I don't even like it when Hubby does the laundry (he does it in this very interesting way!)

I have made my laundry room beautiful so I can enjoy being in there more.

When I was pregnant with #4, I needed a place to get away. I chose the laundry room. I sat in there for hours...on the top of a ladder. I painted a clothesline with hanging clothes. (I took pictures when it was done, but I can't find them, and I am too lazy to take more, so if you want to see it, come on over!)

I also have my first oil painting (shoes) hanging and the comic strip I posted above (which is scary how true it is) to remind myself why I am doing so much laundry, whenever I start to complain.

It isn't huge and spacious and there certainly are no windows, and no room for any more baskets or shelves (let alone a table), but it continues to serve as a sanctuary.

I've Got A Pocket - Got a Pocket Full of Sunshine

2008-09-24T04:40:00.000-07:00

Some moments of happiness over the past few days:

Seeing how much my kids LOVE playing with each other.

Baking homemade rye bread that Roy really likes. Baking bread in general actually. It calms me.

Babysitting one of the cutest little girls in our ward. We had a blast playing. Maybe, babysitting other people's kids in general, cause I get to give them back.

Seeing #3 fall asleep in the car after throwing a fit. I always know why he has fits, even thought he won't accept the reason. Also, jogging behind him at the park while he rode his scooter and him yelling the whole time "Don't catch up!"

The afterglow of finishing my ironing (that's right I put it off for a couple of months).

Being tackled by #4 in a big bear hug as soon as I sit on the floor with him. Plus his new pig noises, and he made up some sort of sign that I have no idea what it means. I was trying to teach him cookie on Monday during FHE treat. Maybe he just keeps asking for cookies.

Being able to have a nice conversation without any high-pitched whiney noises with #1.

Hearing #2 discuss probablity. It cracks me up!

What A Riot

2008-09-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have been laughing nonstop today all because of adorable, clever #3! Here a a few things that made me laugh:

Kept referring to Oliver Twist as Oliver Swirl.

Said OCTAGON about 17 thousand times on the way home from preschool. All in different tones, pitches, etc.

Dressed up like a super hero (cape, headband, and "sword"). And named himself Zion. When asked "why Zion?" He said "Because of the song 'We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet.'"

The last line says "the wicked who fight against ZION will surely be smitten as last."

What's In A Name?

2008-09-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up I was endlessly teased for my name (by kids at school and brothers and sisters at home). Because I hated that so much I ended up not liking my name (which I am sure made my parents feel bad now that I know how much time, thought and love goes into naming a child). It was too unique, too different. I never even knew another Summer until high school.
My plan was to change my name when I turned 18. I never did figure out what I would have changed it too.
As it turns out I like being the only Summer around. In fact it was a pain when I was in a ward at BYU with another Summer (I even visit taught her).
I think I grew to like being unique in name and person.
.

Okay, So I'm A Little Selfish

2008-09-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am. There is no denying it any longer. I want things a certain way, for my convienence. I discovered this the other day at the dentist when I was upset that my regular hygenist wasn't there and it turns out she is pregnant and only working one day a week. Yeah for her, but come on, what's up with that? Instead I got stuck with the worst hygenist ever (who tore up my gums like you wouldn't believe-I still have scars!).

I will also put the kids to bed early when I just can't stand it any longer. They may not go to sleep right away (okay, they never do), but they are out of my hair and I can finally hear myself think!

I dislike giving up the radio in the car. Do you know how many times this week I was forced to listen to one of the "Magic Tree House" books on CD? Too many! Granted I did give each of the kids a specific time of day that they could choose what we listened to, but I just wanted to pull my hair out listening to those innane stories. I don't recommend them.

I am also very selfish about my time with the kids. I sometimes wish the boys didn't want to spend all day playing "Lego Racers" with Hubby. Why don't they want to do something with me?

Most of all I am selfish of my time with Hubby. I loved it when he got the full-time gig with a real office to do his work in rather than bringing it home just to ignore me (although he still sometimes had to bring work home). And when I am on the phone with him, oh, watch out! I will not tolerate noise of any kind.

Sorry that you have to occasionally get a glimpse into the negative side of me. Maybe someday I will have the wisdom and strength to put off my "natural [wo]man."

Where's My Pillow?

2008-09-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

Not much to write about tonight. I have no thoughts today except that I am sick of this headache! I have had a killer headache for four days straight now. In fact Hubby just got back from the store with some migraine medicine (nothing else has worked). I will be heading to bed early tonight.

Maybe I am going through withdrawel, not having had real, good, old-fashioned sugar in a couple of weeks. My body doesn't know what to do.

You Are My Friend

2008-09-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am missing Mister Rogers. Where am I going to get that good feeling about myself that I need so often? Watching him was like having a therapy session the way I always felt so calm and happy about me afterward.

I don't want a world where we can't watch Mister Rogers' Neighborhood on PBS. It saddens me that there are some people out there who don't appreciate him and his advice, knowledge, and understanding ways. That they think all these other dumb shows are worth more than the affirming, loving, musical, simple teachings of my friend Fred.

And even though my kids have seen so little of him, they know who he is, they know his songs (we sing a few of them around here), and they know there was once a man who appreciated children for who they are.

Good Idea? Bad Idea?

2008-09-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

I sure give a lot of my opinions! So this time I am asking for yours. Simple questions, so don't worry (just be honest).

Orland as elf

Orlando as pirate?

NKOTB back in the day

NKOTB today?

Original

"Remake"?

Long hair

Short hair?

(common, don't even tell me you don't love Nelson!)

David & Mattie fighting

David & Mattie in love?

Heels

flip flops?

Where Have I Been?!

2008-09-13T10:12:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted since Sunday! I was just too busy all week studying for my midterm (I felt very nervous and unprepared for it). So since I haven't done any blogging all week I will make a list of what I loved about this week (in no certain order). You don't want to know the things I didn't like about this week.

-Walking for an hour every morning. It gave me so much energy for the rest of the day plus all those good feelings I get when I take care of my body.

-Hearing #4 making tiger noises. Can he get more adorable and lovable? I have a hard time believing it.

-Having 3 children out of the house and one peacefully napping so I could study effectively. Sigh.

-Being sent to the library by Hubby (he even made dinner) so I could do even more studying.

-Cleaning the garage (finally). Just how many bug corpses do you think were in there?

-Losing almost 3 pounds.

-Finishing Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with #2. And, consequently, starting the next one with him.

-Getting the newspaper. We finally subscribed and I love it!

Harry Potter Is My Hero

2008-09-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

I avoided reading any Harry Potter books for years. I thought it was ridiculous, and suspicious, the way everyone took to them so quickly and ate them up like they were gorging.

I saw the movies, yes, but casually (not in the theaters or even the dollar theaters). Hubby and I would rent them or borrow them from the library. I thought they were pretty good. I didn't see what was so great about them. And I couldn't imagine 7 (well, now 8) movies coming from this series!

But last year I took a children's literature course (I know, I know, I talk about this course ALL the time to EVERYONE, so if you are sick of hearing about it, OH, WELL! it was the BEST course I EVER took [and that's a lot of capital letters]) which changed my opinions about a lot of things.

I was required to read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the class. I did it grumbling a little, and sceptically reading everything. But I grew to love the story, the message, the characters, and the phenomenon that is Harry Potter.

I went on to read it with the kids. And from there reading the whole series (this was after all 7 were published so I had them all at my fingertips and didn't have to wait for the next one.)

The story was spectacular! The fantasy amazing! The characters endearing (or easy to hate depending on who they are)! My emotions were a rollercoaster (I even threw the 6th to the floor when I finished it at 2am and vowed not to read the 7th!) I was amazed to learn that JK Rowling had the WHOLE story figured out from the beginning. It was intresting and complex. The way the books weaved together was beautiful. The good vs evil plot will never get old because that was life is about. We relish in the fact that it is more obvious (more physical in nature) in literature though; that almost makes it a little easier to deal with than our own spiritual struggles.

I appreciated (as all C.S. Lewis fans do) the gospel related aspects (righteous vs evil, resurrection, love, sacrifice, change and repentance). These will always ring true.

But what I think I admire most about the series is the way it changed children's literature.

It was a surge of life for a dying area of literature. Children just weren't reading the way they used to. Harry Potter made children WANT to read, like they never read before (10 year olds reading 500+ page books!)

Before Harry Potter children were most likely to read realistic fiction books. Stories that are true to life were more appealing. Children (and adults) need to know they are normal and that their circumstances, situations, desires, feelings, trials, etc. are similar to others'. And realistic stories gave us all that confidence and normality (come on, who didn't feel better about themselves after reading about Ramona Quimby?)

Now, children seem to be more likely to prefer fantasy. And who wouldn't in our world today. I don't want to read about real life anymore. After dealing with nonsense around me all day long I want an escape to a world where things can be cleaned up. A world different from our own with strange people, strange animals, new languages, new rules. It is an adventure and a relief.

Harry Potter paved the way for other fantasy stories. If you've read the Twilight series (which I haven't), that probably wouldn't be around if not for our favorite wizard.

The birth of Harry Potter was an important event for the world of literature. I hope you have read them and seen that we all need a little Harry Potter in our lives.

In Memoriam

2008-09-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Our diaper bag died
The zipper can not be fixed
We are sad and lost

This Weeks Favorites

2008-09-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

This week I have three new favorite items to share.

1st- Goo Gone- I don't know how many of you out there know about this spectacular product. I keep it in the laundry room (although you can use it on other things too). I can get out grease spots on clothes with it (even after they have been through the dryer) and this week I got tree sap off a shirt (without the yucky terpentine smell!) with no problem at all. I was amazed!

2nd-My new lip gloss-I lost a lipgloss somewhere in the blackberry bramble in Washington over the weekend (I am sure the wildlife look lovely now). So, of course, I had to go get another one! I went to The Body Shop and found a lovely pink lipgloss, that smells like pink grapefruit (Hubby, with his citrus obsession, loves it, score for me!) It was also part of a line that donates money to the "Stop Violence in the Home" campaign. Yea for looking pretty and doing good at the same time!

3rd-Imperial Dragon Seseame Seed Oil-so yummy for oriental dishes, I made teriyaki chicken. It tastes terrific and even the kids enjoyed it. Try it!

Why Are Ghost Town's So Creepy?

2008-09-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

So I've had my moments in believing in ghosts. When I was a kid I would love to hear about how some really old building (now used for business) was haunted by the ghost of a person who once lived there. I swear I heard a ghost laugh at one such place and went running to where other people were.

I have never actually seen a ghost but wouldn't want to even test those waters! Although, I am considering staying in a hotel in Williams, AZ that is supposed to be a haunted bordello (what noises would we hear exactly?)

When in Washington this past week my sister took us out and about and everywhere. On one of our journeys we came across Rattlesnake Lake. A placid, clear lake occupying an iceberg shaped valley. Apparently on a clear day when out on the lake you can see all the way to the bottom where you can see rooftops. Rooftops?!

The story goes that in the early 1900's a town called Moncton was settled where the lake now sits. A reservoir was built on the hillside above the town. Because the soil was so gravelly the water just seeped down and through and slowly flooded the town out. And in 1915 it was abandoned completely.

We walked closer down toward the water (I was hoping I wouldn't see any rooftops) and an amazing sight unfolded. Tree trunks sticking up out of the water!

It was beautiful and yet creepy! For some reason knowing that people used to live and work and play and love in a place that is now underwater is a little unsettling for me and the tree trunks just made that more real.

But my question is, why? Why is it creepy? No one died because of the flood. There are no stories of women walking the shores of the lake wailing for their lost children or kittens or bathtubs. Or children lost in the slow moving flood waters. So why can't I just enjoy the lake and not focus on what it used to be.

Never, Ever

2008-09-03T20:32:00.002-07:00

Obviously I can't even start to list all of the things I have never done. But here is an insight into me through a few of those things that I have either chosen not to do (that most others have) or, just by happenstance, never got around to.

I never:

*Graduated from college-well, I am working on it, slowly, but surely. I think I just compare myself to Hubby who has 3 degrees and is working on his 4th. However, I love being able to share with my children how important my education (and their education) is. So much so, that I am willing to sacrifice right now, and be an example to them. Hopefully that will influence their future educational decisions.

*Pierced my ears-my parents let us choose when us girls turned 12. I chose not to, and never regretted it. But I will let #1 have the option when she turns 12.

*Watched "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"-at least the whole thing. I have seen bits and pieces here and there as my brother seemed to watch it a lot, but never the whole thing in one sitting. Should I be ashamed? I think Hubby is going to try to fix this one pretty soon.

*Wore a wedding ring-That's right! In fact, I told Hubby when we were engaged that if he bought me one, I wouldn't wear it. I think I just never felt comfortable in jewelry. And hey, it's just one more way that I can save money!

*Went to prom with a guy-Yep, my prom date was a girl. My boyfriend was on his mission and I didn't want to go with another guy to prom, so I took a good friend and we had a great time. I just got to have fun that night.

All in all, I wouldn't change a thing!

Whistle A Happy Tune

2008-09-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

I have always loved music. Listening to it...singing it (although nobody wants to be around me when I am in a singing mood). I grew up singing in the bathtub (and on the toilet apparently). I listened to those in my family (who are musically inclined) sing non-stop, or play instruments. I grew up listening to albums (yes, records, we had hundreds of them) from Broadway musicals I hadn't even ever seen, but I knew the music.

Music was HUGE for me in high school (I am sure that is true for all of us with rebellious natures). And even now, when listening to the car radio, I will shut out everything else if I hear one of the following songs (a few of my all-time favorites):

"Somebody" by Depeche Mode

"One" by U2

"Hands to Heaven" by Breathe

"Nothing Compares to You" by Sinead O'Conner

"More Than Words" by Extreme

"Eternal Flame" by The Bangles

"A Little Respect" by Erasure

"Never Tear Us Apart" by INXS

"Even Flow" by Pearl Jam

"Everything I Do (I Do It For You)" by Bryan Adams

That is all I could think of for tonight. There are thousands more that I love!

More of What I Love

2008-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have found a few new things to love recently. As you can tell from a couple of them I recently went to Bath & Body Works and found so many things I want to buy. I just can't get enough of that place.

*House of Tsang Bankok Padang Peanut Sauce-so deliciously yummy!! So far this week I have had it on Thai turkey wraps and a plain green salad. It is spicy, creamy, peanutty, and so yummy! I am going to have to find more recipes in which to use this stuff.

*Mango Mandarin Body Cream from Bath & Body Works-this stuff smells soooo good! And it is just a little plus that Hubby loves citrus smells ;)

*Fekkai Glossing Cream also from Bath & Body Works-I usually never put any kind of product in my hair, but this stuff is spectacular. It smooths my hair, makes it shiny and is so easy to use. I love it.

Reason #53 Why I Do Not Work Outside of My Home…

2008-08-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

I have decided I am not a good part-time mom.

It is very difficult for me to transition back into Mom-mode when I have been out of it for a while. So when I go shopping by myself, or running errands alone, or going out of town alone or with Hubby, it takes me a while before I can be my usual super-mom self (yes, I do tend to be delusional once in a while).

I am just much more relaxed with the kids, calm tempered, happier, etc., when I am around them more.

Maybe it’s because I don’t feel rushed to try to spend so-called “quality” time with them when we are together, and I just get to BE with them. Maybe it’s because when I am gone I feel out of rhythm with what is going on in our home. Maybe it’s because I feel guilty about being away from them.

Whatever the reason I hope it lasts, because, honestly I don’t want to be out in the work place right now! I love it here!

When the Bee Stings…

2008-08-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

I am just now realizing that I have a lot of pet peeves. Enjoy my complaining!
(In no certain order…)

*Commercials in which people yell. (Why is it they feel they need to yell? Is it supposed to make me excited for their product? Cause really it just makes me want to change the channel.)

*Sales people who follow you around the furniture store. (They are like stalkers! It is scary. I just feel so intimidated by their never-ending presence that I just can't buy anything there. I do like those stores that let you browse on your own, that's where we've bought the bulk of our large furniture purchases.)

*My unmade bed. (On those days that I just can't get around to doing getting it made, it drives me crazy all day. There is just something about a well-made bed. It makes the whole room seem so much better.)

*People who swear in public (where my children can hear them, especially if they are swearing at their children.)

*Beer at baseball games. (I am just so frightened it is going to spill all over the diaper bag, or the kids, or me.)

*The phrase “24/7.” (I was really hoping that phrase would go the way of all annoying phrases, but it has stayed put over the years. And unfortunately is expanding! AHHHH! Is anyone else sick of it?)

*News that isn’t news. (I am sure you know what I am talking about. Those "news" stories that they think everyone needs to know but really is either glorified gossip or some sort of scare tactic. I don't need to hear most of what they have on the news these days.)

*Bloggers who are so clever and amusing that I can't stop reading. (I just know I will never live up to them.)

...But, I Love You!

2008-08-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

I once heard a speaker at Time Out For Women talk about perspective. She briefly mentioned this idea about what you say to your family. Most often we say something like "I love you, but, you're driving me crazy!" But wouldn't it be more effective if turned around: "You're driving me crazy, but, I love you!" The ending of the sentence becomes the most important part of what you are communicating.

On that note:

#4, it drives me bonkers when you grab my hair when you have messy, food-slimed hands, but, I love you!

I hate when you throw your sipper across the table, splattering milk everywhere, but, I love you!

I really don't like tripping over the tupperware obstical course you make around the house, but, I love you!

As you can tell, I had a frustrating day with #4.

He must be a full-on toddler now.

Yummy In My Tummy

2008-08-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

Usually I don't like making or eating soup in the summertime, but this stuff is just too good!

We've had it a couple times now and it is so easy and so worth the heat. It is a great meatless meal (something we are always looking for in trying to live the word of wisdom), it is full of yummy, healthy veggies, and the kids even eat it! Try it sometime!

Minestrone Soup

4 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp tomato paste
¾ cup chopped onion 1 ½ cups cubed potatoes
¼ cup chopped celery 4 cups chicken broth
½ cup chopped carrots 2 cloves minced garlic
1 19 oz can cannellini beans 2 Tbsp dried parsley
½ cup shredded cabbage 1 tsp salt
1 15oz can stewed tomatoes ½ cup elbow macaroni

Melt butter in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; sauté for a few minutes.
Add beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tomato paste, potato, broth, garlic, parsley, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer for approximately 1 hour until vegetables are barely tender.
Add pasta, and simmer for 30 minutes more. Correct seasoning and serve hot with grated parmesan cheese.

My Inner Snob

2008-08-21T05:08:00.000-07:00

Next Friday I am leaving town! WooHoo! All by myself! WooHoo!

I have to get to the airport early and feel bad making Hubby and the kids drive me when #1 and #2 have school that day. I suggested that I could take a shuttle or a taxi instead. Then, very reluctantly, and with a sour look on my face, I suggested I might, probably, perhaps even be able to (gulp) take the bus (?)

I have taken a public transportation bus a total of 3 times in my life (and I wish it were less than that). One day in junior high I took the bus with a friend to get home (usually I was picked up). I took the bus to the airport with Hubby a few years ago on our way to Longbeach when Mom came and watched the kids for us. And while in Longbeach I took the bus to get from the hotel to downtown a couple of times (I mostly walked to and from though.)

I love that Hubby takes the bus to and from work. It saves us on gas, we can survive quite well with only one car, he can read and have down time on his way home afterwork (which means when he is home he is ready to be Dad and Hubby) and occasionally he can nap.

But I just don't like taking the bus.

Call me a snob if you must, I will no longer shun that part of me.

Project X

2008-08-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

I am in need of some accountability for all the many, many projects I have taken on recently, or have started planning. So I thought if I posted the list here I would then be accountable for actually finishing them!

-Sew a skirt for #1 (this has been going for a while, but the fabric is difficult to work with. PLEATS! AND ZIPPERS! AND BINDING! Oh, my!)

-Clean out and de-junk all bedrooms and closets (another long term project, right now I have left my closet, the file bin (yikes), my bedroom, and, worst of all, THE GARAGE-daunting I know!)

-Finish reading the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander (Loving them! I am on the 2nd right now [there are five], it is just taking forever since the only time I have to read normally is right before I go to sleep-and then I just fall asleep!)

-Sew quilt for #4 (well, I haven't even started this one and it is low on the priority list.)

-Make homemade Christmas presents for all kids (I am coming up with ideas, a rag doll for #1, and hobby horses for the boys, any other ideas?)

-Finish Family Finances course (almost there, I have two lessons and two tests to go!)

-Start Teaching Children to Read course (I had to register since the class is being done away with soon, but I am so looking forward to it.)

-Iron my clothes! (I am such a procrastinator if I don't like doing something! I have a pile of clothes [well, okay, not a pile, they are hanging nicely in the closet] just waiting to be ironed.)

Whew! I better get to work now.

Bring On The Guilt!

2008-08-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

I have never been a tiny woman (or a tiny girl for that matter). And having just finished nursing my last baby and not needing those extra calories anymore I am afraid it is time for me to cut back on what I eat.

Now you have to understand that I love food.

I especially love food that isn't so good for me (chocolate, bread, cheese, pasta, etc.) I also enjoy many vegatables and fruits and other healthy foods, but those just aren't as comforting for me.

It's those foods that remind me of growing up and spending time with family that are particularly enjoyable and help me relax from a long day. It was a simpler time back then when I didn't have to make all the decisions, pay the bills, do all the work, or worry so much.

Even now when our family gets together there are usually at least 10 gallons of Mom's potato salad to consume while laughing it up and playing Mahjong. How do you resist that?

So on this quest I worry that I will often mess up and feel those pangs of guilt that are already an everyday occurance (by the way, is that just me?)

But I guess so long as I am trying, that's the important thing. And those guilty feelings will just spur me on to try harder.

Looking Backwards (Not Forwards)

2008-08-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't get all weepy when the kids started school. I was so happy to have them going again.

But today is #3's first day of preschool. And I am finding myself getting all emotional at the thought of him going, getting older and, next year, starting kindergarten!

I have always had a hard time when a child starts kindergarten.

When #1 started I was so nervous for her. I was also dreading the first day, just knowing she was going to cry and mope and make a big to-do about it (after all I did when I started school). But she just walked in the classroom and waved me off ("Bye Mom!")!!! And she hasn't looked back since. She has always adored school.

#2 has always been so little and sensitive that I was even more nervous for him to start to school. I just knew some little twerp would say something mean to him. But he has never had any problems. (In fact last week his teacher called with a great story involving #2, a pile of folders he was having trouble passing out, and another boy in the class standing up for #2 when someone offered to help him saying "Let the little man do it!")

But I know I will be just as scared and nervous when #3 starts kindergarten. Maybe a little more nervous for the other kids in his classroom this time around though. He can be quite a bully when he wants to!

I just want to hold onto him for a little while longer (even though I know that's impossible).

I always say I look forward to the kids moving out and finally having some alone time with Hubby (and I do), but I know that will be even more difficult than not seeing them for a few hours during the week.

Shhh...Don't Tell!

2008-08-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

What my kids don't know about me:

~I really dislike raw carrots. And yet, I make the kids eat them all the time. They are just too easy. I will occasionally force myself to eat them, too.

~I don't like having them help in the kitchen. I know that it is great together time and all that jazz. But it is just so much easier (and less messy) for me to do alone. I guess I'll have to get over this one or I will always be cooking for them. I do, however, enjoy them helping me in other ways.

~Sometimes I want to get away just so I can lie around all morning and not have to fix breakfast, or get anyone else ready for the day.

~I will only give them each two cookies, but eat more than that myself! Hehe!

~Sometimes, I come in after them and fix their beds after they have made them. Just a little straightening here and a tuck there is all.

Isn't it fun being the grown up!!!

Hey, Mikey! She Likes It!

2008-08-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

Confession: I have bought items I saw advertised on infomercials!! But, so far I have only bought 3 (Proactive, pilates and the Space Bag), although I have been tempted with a lot more (those cool knives and mineral makeup).

Two of the purchases I have made didn't really work. I still have zits (Proactive) and I am not thin (pilates).

But yesterday I got my Space Bags in the mail! I LOVE THEM! We are trying to organize and dejunk our home. We have SO much stuff and SO little room. So even if we do get a storage unit as Hubby wants, we still need to make room. I thought these would be the perfect solution for sleeping bags, blankets, sheets, clothes, etc. And I was RIGHT!

Check out how small our 5 sleeping bags got!

And here is a ton of old bedding, a bunch of sheets, five pillows, and a couple blankets! You can see in the picture, they are lower than the wall socket.

Last, but not least is four of the space bags with the combined contents: crib sheets, crib mattress cover, twin sheet set and 13 blankets.

I was so excited that these worked! I even checked them by opening them which fills them up with air again, and then sucking the air out again with the vacuum. They are easy to use (if I can do it anyone can) and they are reusable (which I need).

I bought them online at at their website, but they are also available at Walmart. I will just have to go buy me some more!

Disclaimer: I am not being paid by the company to advertise here, but if anyone from Space Bag would like to pay me I will take cash and more Space Bags!

Disclaimer #2: Mine don't look nearly as pretty as those on the infomercial or the website. Which is no fault of the Space Bag company. Just my inabilities!

Sweet Relief

2008-08-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get that feeling after a really good hike or after doing a great session of yoga where your whole body is in this mode of happiness and relaxation and good feelings? It is like a whole-body sigh of relief after working yourself really hard.

Well, today is the first day of school. And as much as I enjoyed my summer with the kids and all the fun we had together...my body is sighing with relief.

It is seriously a physical sensation of well-being and happiness and relaxation.

I guess the summer with four kids had me worked up and stressed out physically and emotionally without me even knowing it!!!

We took #1 and #2 to their new school, found their classrooms, met their teachers and said goodbye.

When we got home #4 went down for his nap and Hubby (who is on his semester break) took #3 in the backyard to dig for the retaining wall. So I got to do whatever I wanted!!

It was quite relaxing and splendid.

The Last First

2008-08-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday being #4's 1st birthday, I decided to make him a cake.

I substituted the oil with applesauce (even Hubby couldn't tell the difference and everyone still ate it.)

I got a YUMMY recipe for a white chocolate icing from a friend and went to work.

It was a lot of work using a star icing tip and my hand was somewhat cramped afterward, but I thought the cake came out really cute.

#4 got the "block" with the 1 on it and boy did he make a mess!!! (Pictures will be posted on the family blog later.) But it is our last first birthday for this little family and what a way to end!

The Nose

2008-08-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

This time I write of my favorite smells.

My sense of smell has been quite keen throughout my life (that's why as a kid I could tell not only that someone else had been sleeping on my pillow, but I would be able to tell who that someone was).

But it has also served me well in helping to create memories that I can associate with smells. After all, isn't the part of the brain that is connected to smell right next to the part that is connected to memory? Am I just making that up?

Anyhow, here are a few:

~Mom's lemon perfume. I can't remember the name, but it is a soothing smell for obvious reasons.

~A summer rainstorm. Particularly those that remind me of summers on the farm. It is just delicious!

~The smell of Christmas. All things associated with it: pies, Christmas trees, spices, homemade fudge.

~Eucalyptus. There was a huge basket of it under the piano at the home I grew up in. So it always reminds me of home. I have a eucalyptus wreath hanging over our piano now. The smell of the two together is wonderful.

~A newborn baby. Maybe the most wonderful smell in the world. Or maybe I am just nostalgic for those days with a newborn that seemed so crazy and, yet, are nothing compared to life with a toddler (yikes!)

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String...

2008-08-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love, love, love books!!

They are close friends that are always there for me when I am feeling down. And they are new aquaintances that I am excited to get to know better.

They can make me feel happy, sad, angry, any emotion really.

And when I come to the end I am torn between being content with the ending and happy for the characters and upset that the book is done and wishing it could go on forever.

I have so many favorites I couldn't even begin to choose an ultimate favorite.

But I did put together a list of books that have served the kids, and me well over the years. Although we didn't always treat the books very well. Some are unrecoverably worn down and others have been mended several times.

-My scriptures (they are so sad looking right now, Hubby keeps telling me I should get a new set, but that's like saying I should get a new Hubby when he gets worn down!)

-"Dr Seuss's Sleep Book" (I still have some memorized...'A moose is asleep, he is dreaming of moose drinks, A goose is asleep he is dreaming of goose drinks...' CLASSIC!)

-"Pride and Prejudice" (Of course I had to add this one! Always a pick-me-up on a lousy day.)

-"Goodnight Moon" (We are actually on our second copy, the first went the way of all the earth after #1, #2 and #3 used and abused it much. It is a favorite of #4, we just recite a little bit of it and he gets ready for a nap.)

-"Caring for Your Baby and Young Child-ages birth-5 years" (We call this our "manual." Usually babies don't come with one, but #1 did! Our pediatritian gave this to us in the hospital the day she was born. What a life saver!! The cover has been torn off and several of the first few pages are missing from over use. There are subsequent volumes for different ages, but we haven't gotten around to buying those yet.)

-All the Chronicles of Narnia (but you must read them in the order they were written, not the order they come in as a set. If you want to know what the order is, just ask. We have read these several times over and listened to them as audiobook CDs in the car. Hubby and I even read them together the summer we were first married. The stories are great and the gospel parallels are very insightful and thought provoking.)

I know there are others, but really I could go on forever!

Chemical Warfare

2008-08-07T05:15:00.000-07:00

We had to resort to a fogger to get rid of the ants. We discovered they were nesting somewhere either in the walls of the kitchen or behind the cabinets.

So Tuesday evening we left the house in the early evening after starting the fogger. We took the kids to dinner and a movie ("Prince Caspian"). By the time the movie was over it had been over four hours and we could return home.

The kids went straight to bed while Hubby and I spent several more hours putting the kitchen back together. (We had to take EVERYTHING out of there, what a pain!).

But, NO MORE ANTS!! We haven't seen a single one.

I didn't like having to take such drastic measures, but that's what it took, at least this time.

Yukon Ho!

2008-08-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the 3 older kids decided to, as #3 put it "seed from the family." I found out from #2 what he meant was secede from the family. In other words, they were running away.

Apparently their destination was the yukan wilderness (thanks Bill Waterson!), because, as #2 argued, they had "already spent 6 years living with us" (thanks Bill Waterson!).

They asked if they could pack some food for their journey, but I suggested they wait to leave till after lunch so their tummies would be nice and full already. As this was agreed upon, they continued to pack in other ways. #3 packed his compass and #2 even asked for a map of the yukon.

As the 3 of them decided the best way to get their, they noticed, from the map, that they would have to cross through Canada. #1 realized this meant they would have to get passports.

So their next destination was Santa Fe. Cause if you can't go to the yukon where else would you go?

Now they had to decide when to leave. #1 suggested next year after her birthday since she would be 10 and older and wiser. #2 suggested they leave Sunday, but #1 didn't want to miss church. So #2 suggested they leave Monday, again #1 didn't want to miss school.

When they decided, again, that their destination would be too far, they opted for Rio Rancho (just north of us). But apparently I had to help them cross the streets. When they realized there are just too many streets between us and Rio Rancho, the trip was called off.

The best part though was after #3 invited me to come along and "seed" from the family as well. I declined with the excuse that I would miss my family too much. After a while he came to me crying saying that he didn't want to go because he would miss me so much. I assured him I wouldn't actually let them leave (because I love them so much and they aren't ready to live on their own yet) and that this was all a game, but he was insisting they were leaving and they would be gone for 2 years. During the plan-making discussions #3 would still get upset once in a while and say how much he would miss me.

It was too adorable, and, boy, do I feel loved!

Death By Chocolate Fluff

2008-08-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

the last piece

freezing

waiting

beckoning

till finally,

a well-deserved treat

worth waiting for

soft

gooey

crumbly

pepperminty

chocolaty

mine

Weird Science

2008-08-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, we have been having an ant problem in and around our house this summer. It is driving me nuts. And since my rule is: if it is out of the house don't kill it (unless it is something REALLY NASTY) but if it is in the house it is fair game, I have been killing like a mad woman.

But I don't like gross, chemically heavy bug sprays, so I bought an eco-friendly, child/pet friendly spray. It uses cinnamon oil and rosemary oil and a couple other natural/organic ingredients.

The combination of the cinnamon and the rosemary oils actually make it smell like root beer! How does that work? It is quite odd and a little thirst mocking.

So Good, It Makes Hubby Snort

2008-08-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

There is a new phenomenon lately of bakeries that solely serve cupcakes. I, for one, am in favor of this new trend. There are a couple here in town, so of course, we had to try them out (several times each) to be sure which one was our favorite.

The other day Hubby came home with half a dozen cupcakes from our favorite bakery. (And, although half a dozen seems like a lot that is only one per person in our family.) They were gobbled up with delight.

The cake tastes like a yummy homemade cake that is moist and delicious. And the frosting...oh, that frosting! It is rich and creamy and buttery (is your mouth watering yet?) Some of the cupcakes are even filled with gooey surprises in the cake.

They are simply heavenly. At least that is what I hope the cupcakes are like in heaven (although those I imagine are low in fat and calories, too!)

How Stupid Could I Be?

2008-08-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

I admit that I've done some pretty dumb things in the past. And I doubt I am the only one. I'm brave enough to list SOME of them off. Are you?

~Sold my plasma for extra cash and almost passed out TWICE doing it (you'd think I'd have learned the first time, huh?)

~Took an upper level English course (Shakespeare 382) my freshman year of college. Amazingly enough I passed the course, too! But, not without a very difficult semester.

~Forgot which pedal was the brake and hit the house with the car when I was 17. I don't think I forget anymore.

~Tried making a candle by melting crayons in the microwave till I started a fire in said microwave (I was only 14, I think), but, I did put the fire out with the extinguisher. I even cleaned it up and kept it from my parents for years and years (you have heard about this before, right Mom?)

~Was showing off in front of a boy in high school and, while not exactly watching where I was going, under estimated the width of the car and hit another car in ther parking lot. No damage was done to either car, but I felt really stupid getting yelled at by the other driver (an adult) and the duty on sight. I think I learned my lesson from that one, pretty quick.

You must notice the trend that most of my stupid, thoughtless mistakes were done in my youth. I like to THINK I am older and wiser now. Although, in ten years I may have to update.

Isn't It Ironic? Don't You Think?

2008-08-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

As I grow up (I'm not there yet), I find there are a few ironies I have to deal with on a daily basis.

1. I still feel like I should be the child BUT, I am the one is charge.

Who let that happen!?

2. Occasionally I still have to battle with zits (hormones still fluctuating I guess-again aren't I a child?) BUT, I also have to deal with gray hairs starting to pop up. As Hubby would say, "That sounds like a design flaw." Shouldn't I be done with one now that I have another? Who let that happen!?

Oh, well, maybe when I grow up things will be more simple!

Stuffed Ham Anyone?

2008-07-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have discovered that I am jealous of a stuffed pig named Ham!

It is #4's favorite stuffed animal (I actually got him for my 13th birthday from a most beloved sister and it has made its way through some of the kids). He sleeps with him ALL the time, and I mean ALL the time.

He must be going through a growth spurt or something, because out of the 13 1/2 hours between waking and going to bed he naps at least 5 of those. That's only 8 1/2 hours or less that I get him, while the pig gets him the other 15 1/2 hours of the day. He has even been trying to get Ham out of the crib during waking hours now!

But, when they sleep they are so cute together. #4 has this way of rubbing Ham's tail up and down on his cheek or stroking the ear so softly and gently. Me, he just hits. And he won't ever cuddle up with me to fall asleep. He will only nap in his crib, with the pig.

#4 just LOVES that pig. When he is soooo tired and cranky at nap time, all I need to do is lie him down in the crib hand him his pig and put the binky in his mouth and he is happy and content as he hugs and cuddles the pig.

I considered that maybe the pig needed to meet an untimely end, but that may be a little suicidal, #4 would NEVER sleep again! So, maybe I won't bump him off just yet.

WOOHOO! (to quote Mom)

2008-07-30T06:31:00.001-07:00

I checked my grades this morning for my current class. I took a midterm on Friday and wanted to know what the damage was. But...I got 100%!! I am so happy. I finished the test in half of the allotted time so I was a little worried I didn't do so hot. Only two more tests to go!

When You Make A Mess, You Clean It Up

2008-07-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday disaster struck our house when we couldn't open the dresser/desk drawer with all of our important reciepts and such. I tried in the early morning hours (when I usually update our finances) and Hubby tried, but-nothing. During the day I tried shoving, breaking, anything, still-nothing. And, by the way, this certainly didn't help with my attitude (STRESS! AHH!) or my reactions to the kids.

The evening came, and Hubby came home with a plan. What was it you ask? Take the back off the dresser and reach in to push the offending party aside to open the drawer.

So, after the kids went to bed our plan went into action. Now you have to understand our "desk" is two dressers with a board in the middle attached with L-brackets. Silly you say? Practical I say. I get 8 feet of working room, plus 6 huge drawers (although one was out of commission-that's right I said "was," are you in suspense now?)

We had to take the board off and move the disaterous dresser forward. The back was held on with huge, long, scary staples which we pried off with a screwdiver.

Now, we were in position to unstick the drawer. I used a heavy wrench to push down the object blocking the drawer, while Roy pulled the drawer out. And...IT WORKED! The drawer came out!

The offender you ask?

Yes, that is our "out" box. The receipts and important papers that need to get filed away. Well, nothing has been filed for almost a year (due to the birth and business of #4). That procrastination led to this catastrophe.

The dresser was left an empty shell, which made me terribly sad. I grew up using these dressers after all, and since I was the last to leave home I got the possession of them. So if you are related to me and you are sentimentally attached to items you may need to turn away due to the graphic nature of this next photo.

Luckily, luckily Hubby is brilliant and wonderful and was able to replace the back of the dresser (with a little of my help I might add).

So the desk is back together, and in all its glory once more.

I can't say the same for me though. Injury count from the episode: Summer-2, Hubby-0. I got a scratched and bleeding wrist from reaching in the back of the drawer, and a very sore and bruised finger from the hammer (boy did I want to swear). I had to put ice on the thing for quite a while, and it still hurt this morning that I couldn't type with that finger. Even now it is tender.

Lesson to learn: file things right away from now on!

My Favorite Things: Grocery Edition

2008-07-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post I have a few hard and fast rules about buying brand name verses generic. Most things I buy generic. It is just so much more practical when buying groceries for 6 people.

However there are some items I will NEVER buy generic. These are some of my favorite things from the grocery store:

~Arm & Hammer laundry detergent, I don't care how much it costs, it works so well, why bother with anything else?

~St. Ives Apricot scrub, mainly for the smell, it always reminded me of the beach (sigh).

~Ghirardelli 60% cocoa chocolate chips, no other brand tastes like real chocolate and they are great when I need a little pick-me-up.

Things Children Should NOT Say Around Their Mother

2008-07-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

Child's question to mother: "When you grow out of your clothes, can I have them?"

Mother's (internal) reaction, with meaningful look at husband: "Excuse me!? This child thinks I am going to GROW OUT of my clothes? Does that mean I am getting fatter?"

Next day-

Child's comment to younger brother: "Relief Society is for old women."

Mother's (external) reaction, with meaningful look at husband: "Excuse me!? I am NOT old!"

I know my children don't mean to say things that I might take the wrong way. It makes my day more amusing. And if I need anything to get me through my day it is laughter.

I am sure you all can add much more to my list.

Please add them as a response.

Is It Just Me?

2008-07-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

I am the first to admit that I can be pretty quirky. Okay, maybe Hubby is the first, and I am second. I do some pretty crazy things. But I hope I am not the only one.

Am I the only one who:

~writes an item on my to-do list that I already did, just to cross it off? (I love crossing stuff off!)

~makes the bed, after it has been left un-made all day (yes it sometimes happens), right before going to bed?

~puts ranch dressing on spaghetti? (I think I learned this from a brother-in-law, Hubby thinks it's disgusting!)

~won't ever sleep on anyone else's pillow? (It smells different.)

~won't start one book until finishing another?

~has 3 full laundry days a week? (That's a lot of laundry!)

~has rules about buying generic vs brand name? (details will be posted another time.)

I hope everyone is as crazy as me. It sure makes life more fun.

The Never-Ending Story: An Unromantic Tale of Dirty Dishes

2008-07-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

I HATE WASHING DISHES!! More than any other household chore. I would rather clean the toilet (eew), clean under my children's beds (scary), and clean under the refridgerator (yuck), than wash dishes.

It's not that I think they are gross, or even that it takes too much time to unload and load. But it just seems to me that there are CONSTANTLY dirty dishes piling up. The minute I load up the dishwasher I turn around and there is another dirty dish (or 2, or 3) in the sink already.

I hate those kinds of chores that I have to do over and over again. I feel like I never accomplish anything.

And I HAVE to feel like I've accomplished SOMETHING during the day.

What I would love is for my boyfriend (Josh Groban) to come to my house and sing to me while he washes my dishes. Maybe then I would enjoy a dirty dish lying around now and then!

Wallowing in Ice Cream

2008-07-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Why is it when I feel bad about myself I try to solve the issue by eating chocolate, or, in this case, chocolate ice cream? It makes me forget about my stressor for about two minutes while I revel in the creaminess and the sugar, the cold and (again, in this case) nuts and yummy marshmallows.

But THEN, I just feel worse about everything, especiallyafter I realize I just ate an eighth of a gallon of rocky road ice cream (even if it is the most delicious rocky road ever, and even if that became the best part of my day.)

Maybe this will have to suffice?

Break Me Off A Piece of That Kit-Kat Bar!

2008-07-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

I need a break! After almost a year of practically being attached to #4, I need a get-a-way as soon as he is completely finished nursing.

Now, before you think I am totally selfish, this was actually Hubby's idea (and I am only just a little selfish). He thinks I need a vacation, by myself, to rejuvenate and recuperate and re-energize and all those sorts of things.

I am considering a couple of options:

In October there is a Time Out for Women in San Antonio.

Going on now until September 21 is an exhibit I want to see at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

But I am up for anything. So, got any suggestions? I can't be gone too long or the guilt monster will find me and drag me back home, and I can't spend too much (I so hate living on a budget.)

I would love it sooooo much if anyone wanted to come along and join me on this adventure. Is anyone up for it?

Can't wait!

Women's Liberation, Summer Style

2008-07-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to get a picture of me burning my nursing bra, but Hubby wouldn't help me with it. So it is just sitting in the trash.

But I am officially done with it! My last nursing bra EVER!

#4 isn't quite done nursing yet, he still nurses first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

But, boy, do I hate that nursing bra. It is much like wearing the same maternity clothes for months and months, and you are just so sick of the sight of them.

I threw it in the trash with gusto!

Reasons #239-249 Why It Is So Hard to Exercise When You Have Kids

2008-07-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

Before I even put the DVD in I have to settle an argument between #2 and #3 over who is going to fetch my weights from my bedroom for me

I put the DVD in the machine.

2 min later I am trying to patiently get #2 to be involved in something other than watching me sweat.

3 min after that I am having to move all over the living room so I don't accidentally step on and squash #4.

6 min after that I have to run over and save #4 who somehow pulled the preschool white board off the wall, and attach the board back to the wall.

2 min after that I rewind the DVD a couple of minutes.

3 min after that I am side-stepping #3 and #4.

1 min after that I ask #3 to please not pull on his little brother.

7 min after that I am listening to #4 complain that I am still not giving him ALL my attention.

8 min after that I finally pick up #4.

1 min after that I put him down to stretch.

30 sec after that he is hanging on me while I stretch.

2 min after that I turn the DVD off.

1.5 hours after that and I still haven't showered.

Normally it is not like this. I usually work out when #4 is napping in the morning and the other three are playing peacefully (yes, it sometimes happens) in the backyard or in #1's bedroom.

I hope you have better luck than I do.

DON'T!

2008-07-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

I am sooo not a morning person. And I never have been, as my family can testify. When I was younger I used to walk out of my bedroom with a pillow over my face. If anyone tried to say "Good morning" to me I would grunt "Don't!"

Well, I don't quite take it that far any more. But I am still groggy and tired and just a little grumpy in the a.m.

Unfortunately, I am married to a person who voluntarily signs up to teach early classes. In fact Hubby normally wakes up at 5a.m! And likes doing it! Sometimes he will volunteer to go grocery shopping at 6a.m. on the weekends! I just don't get it!

And, unfortunately, some of my offspring are quite cheery and talkative in the morning.

And, unfortunately, I have at least one that takes after me and is grumpy and slow when she is wakes up. (Am I never satisfied?)

Due to all of these other people I have to deal with, I have had to force myself to be bright and cheery (to get #1 up and happy and going on the day), to wake up early (to spend any time with Hubby) and to be talkative and happy in the morning (to have nice, natural conversations with #2 and #3; #4 is also up early in the morning, but only cause he wants to nurse still-I can deal with that.)

Sometimes I wish I could sleep in everyday and wake up because I felt ready to. But then again, and this is another unfortunate, I think I am starting to like waking early. I seem to get so much more done during my day, and I even have time to read my scriptures (which is an essential part of my day) in a quiet house.

So against my "natural [wo]man" I am starting to become a different person, and, hopefully, a better one.

But does that mean I can never enjoy sleeping in again?

What A Year!

2008-07-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, only 3 more weeks till #4 is one year old. I can't believe how this year has gone so suddenly. Maybe it was because I was enjoying it more knowing this is our very last baby.

But I have learned a lot this year and thought I would share my knowledge with the world:

~It is very painful to have one's toenail ripped off. Incedently, my toe has been the cause of more foul language than anything I have encountered.

~Oil of any kind (I used canola) will cure a baby's cradle cap. Who knew?!

~Hubby broke his mission rules by sleeping away from his apartment 3 times! Tsk, tsk, tsk!

~I hate Girl Scout cookies.

~Listening to books on CD in the car can sometimes spur a child on to read a book you have been suggesting for years, and when they finally read it they can't put it down and they reread it about 10 times and it makes you want to jump up and down and sing "I told you so!"

~I am getting too old to camp without an air mattress and a hot shower.

~But, we can rough it pretty well, even with an infant.

~Apparently I am a paranoid parent and will take my child to the doctor over anything.

~I look better with brown hair (it is my natural color after all.)

~I love my alone time (okay maybe I knew this before, but I no longer feel guilty about being away from my children.)

~I like to keep a journal, when it is in the form of a blog.

Confessions of a Serial Organizer

2008-07-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

The kids woke up yesterday morning calm and happy. #3 quietly asked if he could have scrambled eggs for breakfast. I thought sure, he asked politely and I don't usually cook for breakfast on weekdays, so I can be nice this time. I asked all the kids if that was what they wanted and mentally pictured #4 being able to eat this meal as well. And, hey, I didn't have to make 5 different breakfasts and deal with anyone complaining that they don't like any of those cereals.

I got out the bowl and the eggs, the pan and the butter, the bread (for the toast) and the kiwi fruits and oranges (what a well balanced meal!). Since cracking eggs is somewhat a mundane task I was able to do it without thinking much. Perhaps I was mentally writing a blog. In any case I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing, when I look down and saw this:

Notice the beautiful symmetry! Apparently I organize subconsciously. How efficient of me.