Oh no!

Okay, the girls up here talked me into to reading it.

I started it on Sunday night. (right after my scriptures of course)

I am hooked.

I mean I am sneaking off to read. I am seriously thinking of excuses to go back to my room and "clean"!

I avoided a HUGE pile of clean laundry for almost 2 days.

My boys hardly had any clothes in the drawers to wear.

This is so addicting. I want to quote parts if the book. But it would ruin it for those who have not read it yet.

But I am feeling the same away about this book that the main characters feel about each other.

I can't put it down, I HAVE to know what happens.

I am planning on getting all the books on paper back, if I can find them in Sacramento.

Which will not be good for my family.

So that is the real reason (besides cleaning and packing) I have not been here completely annoying you all with my endless boring details of my life and the crazy things I think about.

So go, take your self to Walmart and seriously pick up the paper back and read the first one.

I have not finished it yet, but I am hoping to get the rest of it read by the time we get to Sacramento.

Did I mention we are going home for Halloween?

Yay!!!!

I will have lots of pictures of our trip and our Halloween night when I get back.

Be ready to be completely annoyed.

That is if I ever come back.

Halloween Flash Back!

Okay, I know I haven't posted in a day or so, but I have been reading and packing and cleaning.

I don't have any picture of me in costume from Halloween past.

Okay, so I lied. I do have a few but I am too ugly (not part of my costume) to post it. So you are stuck with these guys.

Here is Matthew and my nephew Coleman. I believe this was 1997.

Are they cute!!!?

No, Matthew is not picking his nose. He is just scratching it.

Happy Birthday Little Brother!!!!!

Today is my brother Shanes birthday.

He was born the day after my first birthday.

He was my pal for many years and he has grown up to be one of my favorite people.

He is so fun to be around. Everyone I know just loves my brother.

He is a really good dad too!

Happy Birthday Shane!

Can't wait to see you on Thursday!!!

I am in trouble!!!

The bestest friend in my world sent me the bestest most awesome-est package in the mail and I forgot to post about it.
I got it on Saturday and that is what really started my awesome birthday!
Thank you Amy!!!!!!
I got tons of goodies, my favorite thing was the the purple and black sock with the witch and the moon.
I really loved the pink peanut m&m's too. I am waiting to open them when I have to make cards next week.
I got some great scrapbook stuff and if I hadn't put all away already, I would have taken a picture!!!
Thank you again Amy, you are the bestest friend five-ever!!!

*side note - Five-ever means - because 5 is more than 4. "For"ever. More than forever is five-ever.

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday!!!

Oh my,

I can't even describe my birthday in one word... okay so I can.

It was AWESOME!

I think back to last year and I am embarrassed that I was such a brat about it.

Today was so good.

It really started when Jeff came home from work yesterday with some flowers.

Not just flowers...Pink roses!!

My favorite!

He went right after work... I know, he shopped on Sunday, and in his uniform, which he hates to do. But he did it for me.

Then he told me last night that he didn't have to work. He got the day off.

Just for me.

Emma was up until way past midnight, she had a really bad tummy ache.

I started reading the book. Yes "twilight" so good.

I colored my hair a dark brown. Darker than it was before.

It is tradition. A birthday thing I do every year.

I got to sleep in until 8:15am. And I didn't have to get the boys ready and off to school.

(if that was all I got for me for my birthday, it still would have bee a great day. I hate doing that)

I walked my 2 miles at the track, (yay!)

Jeff cooked me breakfast, while I played on my blog.

Then he gave me this.

My favorite

I got ready and went to lunch with some of my friends. That was really fun! Thanks Ladies!

And back home to lay around and do nothing but read. Thanks Honey!

A friend stopped by with a very pretty 3 colored rose. And we chatted a while.

Another friend dropped off Cinnamon rolls... home made!!! So good!

Jeff took me to dinner. Mazatlan Grill, my favorite! Yummy.

Then while we were gone, the boys cleaned the house.

My awesome friend Nancy brought over the cutest and I must add, the yummiest cake ever. Thank you Nancy.

We had cake and ice cream. Then the boys wrapped my presents.

I must say, I picked most of the presents out and I had Jeff put them away so the boys could wrap them on my birthday.

I got the sung the birthday song a few more times and then Emma went to bed.

As I sit here and type. I am so thankful for today.

I have sooo much and I am the happiest I have been in years.

Thank you every one for calling and being so nice to me.

I love you all.

It's the best day ever!

10 days' of Birthday: My 1st Birthday

Good times! Not that I really remember.
My mom is hugely pregnant with my little brother.
I don't know the whole story but he was born the day after this party.
Happy Birthday to me.

10 days' of Birthday: My 2nd Birthday

The little boy is my cousin Joey.
I only had boys cousins at the time.
I was the first granddaughter.
I miss my grandma.
Did I mention how awesome she was?
Well, she was.

10 days' of Birthday: My 3rd Birthday

Flashback friday....Tinkerbell and Friends.

Sorry Biz, but I had too.

I can make a copy and send it to you. (I need your address anyway, so email it to me)

I hate this picture of me.

I can not believe my friends and family (MOM) let me out of the house in the ridiculous costume, I attempted to make on my own.

I loved your costume Elizabeth, it was awesome.

I didn't even remember that your Dad didn't like it. Tee hee!

We did have fun that night didn't we.

Oh well, life goes on.

The girl on the end in the cheerleading outfit was... um... barbie.... I can't remember her last night. She was so nice. I wonder how she is doing.

I updated

I updated a few birthday pictures.
I went looking for an old picture of a friend in her tinkerbell costume (which I found and will post )...and I found a bunch of totally cute (if I do say so myself) pictures of me on my birthday.
Anyway, you odn't have to look, but if you are curious... you can look.

10 days' of Birthday: My 4th Birthday

I loved this birthday present.
I think my Dad made it. It was painted on the back of the cabinet. The year and who from.
It is long gone to the dumps. But not to long ago.
It lasted well over 25 years.
Just before my mom threw it out, she asked me if I wanted it.
I said no. well, not just no, but heck no.
At the time I had 4 boys and I didn't ever think I would have a girl.
I had to finally let it go.

In the picture to your left is the best grandma ever made, my Grandma Astle. I think on the right was one of my uncles.....uncle Mike.....( I looked at the back of my picture, way to go mom).
I just love the jumpsuit I am wearing.

In this one my mom is giving me that jumpsuit. I love her hair.
Wow, my mom looks young.

My adorable and never uncute sister Aimee is right there int he back.

10 days' of Birthday: My 5th Birthday

Do you see the look on my face?
I love this picture.
I think I was thrilled and very surprised.
I loved Holly hobbie. I know I got a few more things of Holly Hobbie for my birthday that day.
And we had cake that I am sure I had to share.
All my birthdays as a child were very good.

I guess I was spoiled.
As an adult, I guess I expected too much and was diappointed on my birthdays the last couple of years.
Jeff is always awesome, and trys very hard to make my birthday special.
Although my first birthday here where I live, was pretty great.
I had friends who were very nice to me.
Even last year started kinda crappy, and ended up pretty good.
thank you friends.

Happy Birthday Sarah!!!!

Today is her birthday.
So today is offically going to be.... "Unmatched Socks" day.
My sister never matches her socks.
It is just one of the many things I love about Sarah.
So today, don't match up your socks.
I did!
I will have to edit this post when I find a current picture of my sister.

10 days' of Birthday: My 6th Birthday

I guess this year my brother and I got to share a cake.

I bet you it was really good, and so worth it.

There is my big brother Jeremy in the back ground, probably sitting with my brand new baby sister Sarah.

I look at what I got this year. "Sun Lovin' Barbie" and more barbie stuff.

Thanks mom.

She always knew what to get.

She tried really hard to make our birthday's super special.

Can you see my sister Sarah in the back ground?

I got a baby sister for my birthday, too. Sarah was born October 23.

Tasty Tuesday: Homemade Chicken and Noodles

It is something my mom made and we slurped up.
I tweaked it a little, but it is very good.
It is not a soup, but it is not a stew.
It is kinda both.

Chicken and Noodles

3 Chicken half breast (bone in)

3 flavor packets from Top Ramen Soup

2 tbsp. dried diced onion

3 carrots chopped (what ever you like best)

3 stalks celery chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp onion salt

1 tsp. dried parsley flakes

1 tsp pepper

1 lbs. wide egg noodles

In a pot, add chicken.

Cover chicken with water, about and inch and a half over chicken.

Add onion salt and parsley flakes

Boil chicken until chicken is almost cooked.

Add carrots and celery.

Once chicken is cooked through, remove chicken to cool.

Keep water boiling.

Add noddles, season packets and other seasonings.

Cook until noodles are tender.

Tear chicken into pieces and add back into pot.

Stir and remove from heat.

Serve

So perfect for these cold days.

Very good with french bread or rolls.

**I really wish I had a picture. But it was so good we ate it all before I could get a picture.

Don't worry...

(Not that you really do worry)
But I will not be posting some stupid picture of myself on my birthday in my youth, today.
I don't want to bore you yet again again today.

10 days' of Birthday: My 7th Birthday

We lived in Ontario, in Southern California.
It was a good birthday this year. It looks like I got my own cake.
I am pretty sure I got some strawberry shortcake stuff for my birthday.
I know it was very new and very popular then.
Oh look, it is my little sister Sarah. Even if it is the top of her head. She is so cute!
Oh that basket in the back, I have that basket it now. I have had it since Matthew was born. It has now been reduced to the sock basket and in barely holding together.

Manic Monday

Okay so why is every monday lately ,like crazy busy!
Today it is a scrable to get my house clean enough for my Dad.
Yep, my dad is back up here for more work.
And we get to see him. I am so excited.
Today started with getting up way late...again.
Getting kids off the school, and Matthew over to the doctors and back to school.
Over to Walmart to drop off his prescription.
I need to Mop .... realy bad, but I ahve to wait for Emma's nap.
I have to go back to walmart and get Matt's new prescription.
I need to plan FHE for tonight. Make the cookie dough for FHE tonight....
and so on.....and so on.....
There is tons more of boring usless crap, that I have to do.
I hope that I can get everything done.
I need to get off the 'puter.

10 days' of Birthday: My 8th Birthday

Well, this is really halloween. I was just baptized earlier that day.
But we had a family birthday party and halloween party at my Grandma Astles house.
She loved Halloween. I guess that is why we all like it.
I got the new Western Barbie and Western Barbie Horse for my birthday.
I do remember this one a bit more, because it was Halloween and my baptism day.

I do remember a Birthday that was very special and will always have a special place in my heart.
In the 6th grade, for my 11th birthday, my Grandma Astle picked up up from school and took me to Sears and bought me a new coat. Then she took me to her favorite place to eat "Kings Table", an 'all you can eat' buffet.
I can still remember the small of her car, Old leather and lipstick. And it was raining that day.
I remember feeling like the most special girl in the world.
But grandma always made you feel that way. She never played favorites, but she alwasy made you feel like you were the favorite.
I miss her so much.
She was the best Grandma ever.
Nope, mine was better.

Prop 8... Protect Marriage.

I have to admit. I got this from my friends blog. But it is so good.
Thanks Danielle.

10 days' of Birthday: My 9th Birthday

this picture is funny!
My 9th birthday, by this time the movie Annie was very popular, and my dad some how got a copy. Your couldn't just by videos in 1982. I guess it was on HBO and dad recorded it.
We watched it constantly. I wanted to be Annie. I knew all the songs, I sung and danced Annie all day long. I must have driven my mom crazy!!!
This dress I called my Annie dress. I even had shoes and socks that looked very Annie like.
You can see the joy on my face.
Thanks Mom.
She always got the perfect present. Always.

This was the year I got a party too.
My little sisters, Carrie and Sarah were up at the front, waiting for me to open the presents. The blonde haired girl, her name was Summer. She was a good friend. I think they moved away right after my party.
I don't remember anything from the party, but the Frog leaping game we had and the little plastic frogs we played the game with.
It must have been some fun.

I am hoping my mom has more pictures of me in her antique trunk she has in her room. I went through all my pictures and these 2 were the only ones from my 9th birthday.

Crazy huh.

Update on my sister Aimee.

She is doing much better today.
They gave her some meds in the ER and she was able to go home and not feel likeshe is stuck on the Tea Cups ride at Disneyland.
I talked to her this morning and she said they changed her meds and she was feeling better.
I am so grateful for the family that is there to help her.

Flash back Friday: 10 days of Birthday!!!

Since it is my blog and my birthday is coming up, I have decide to share some of my birthday pictures of birthday's past.

Birthday's were a big deal growing up. We didn't always get things that we wanted unless it was our birthday.

We were treated like royalty. As we got older (Junior High and High School), if we wanted to stay home from school on our birthday, it was okay with Mom.

We never had to do our chores. We got to sleep in. You felt the the most special person in the world that day.

We didn't always have parties. I mean, let's face it, there were 6 kids in my family. That is six birthday parties every year.

My parents wanted to spend the money on us.

There are 3 of us kids in my family who's birthday is in October and they are pretty close together.

Sarah - 23rd

Me - 27th (1973)

Shane - 28th (1974)...I know!

So when we would have cousins and grandparents over for cake and ice cream, we always shared a cake. Especially Shane and I, and that was okay when we were little kids but as we got older, we hated it.

I wanted my own cake.

Oh man, my Grandma Astle used to make the best cakes. There is nothing out there that compares either.

In this picture you will see my 10th birthday.

On the cake is candles, one side is for me, one side for my brother, one area for my sister Sarah.

Did you notice the tape player? I was so excited about it. That is when I really started to like music. I would tape stuff off the radio.

That outfit, I think I got for my birthday, it was my favorite for a long time that year.

I just love my hair, and big front teeth.

Matthew looks so much like me.

Poor thing.

My, coulda been better, not at all wonderful, crazy busy, a tiny bit horrible day.

So, since this blog, for me, is a kind of place where I can go and release any frustrations and know that I am not gonna get negative comments (if you don't have anything to say...don't say it at all).
I am here tonight to get the "so so, but kinda crappy" but not horrible day off my chest.
The morning arrived like a blink of an eye.
Really, it was like I fell asleep for one second and I opened my eyes and it was morning.
So, since I fell asleep in the same position and woke up sitting up, I am way freakin' tired.
Thank goodness Jeff got the boys up and getting ready for school. I needed to lay down flat for a little while.

10 minutes...later.
And what seemed like hours later, we finally get them off to school, Jeff and I decided to make a deal, I could go back to bed for a while, and then he could go back to bed.
Like taking turns.
Nope, didn't happen. I want a good nap not 45 minutes of listening to Emma whine.
We made breakfast instead and then I went to the dentist.
Yep, loads of fun.

Off to Wal-mart with a few short stops at the only 2 thrift stores in town, looking for things for stupid Halloween costumes. (I have a ton of Harry Potter costumes that will cost me nothing!!!!!)
We had success, but spent way more then we planned.
Now back on track to Wal-mart.

Did I mention Emma was crying and fussing the entire time? I mean since she woke us up at 6:30am. Almost non stop crying and fussing. We have no idea what is wrong and we tried everything.

I am about to pull my hair out in Wal-mart when I get a phone call from my sister Aimee.
(this is the worst part of my day)
She is crying. She wishes I was in Sacramento. She is on the floor. She wishes I could help her.
She fell again. Her cell phone is broken. She is calling from her son's cell phone. She can't get off the floor.
She can not get off the floor!!!
She has my other sisters son, (19 months old) and her 2 year old, and luckily, her 10 year old, there with her that day.
Just so you know, her husband was working. He couldn't help her.
She called my Mom, but couldn't find my Dad. Her son's phone doesn't have my dad's cell number in it. She is still on the floor. She is still crying. Now I am crying.
She asks me to call my dad. She is so dizzy she can't get off the floor. I hang up with her. I am trying not to fall apart.
Shaking, I call my dad.
He is not answering.
Crap.
I call my mom. She is on her way. Family that is in town is helping. I can stop panicking.
Now I just need a hug from Jeff. We decide to leave Wal-mart.
And I am wondering why my Heavenly Father wants me to stay here in Susanville a while longer.
This is killing me.
My sister. One of my best friends ever, needs my help and I CAN'T DO IT!!!!!
Emma fell asleep in the car, we drive a bit longer, and decide on getting some lunch.
It takes 30 minutes for food!!!!! What the French toast!
She wakes up on the way back to the house.
CRAP!!
No, she doesn't go back to sleep and yes, she is fussing and crying the rest of the day.
Joy.
Boys get home, off to scouts, with the loudest group of boys I have ever known.
Yuck!
Back home to clean up and yes... more crying from Emma.
Homework, dinner, clean up again.... more crying....

I have to say, she did stop crying.
When I sat to play with her.
I am a bad Mommy.

Now, as I sit here and think about the pretty crappy, but, could have been worse day....
I just want to go to bed.


Update on my sister: Last I heard she was in the ER with my mom. They are hoping to see a specialist soon.
Back story on my sister:
She had an ear pain and some dizziness a few weeks back. This has happened before. Here is her blog entry she can explain it better than I can.

Okay, whatever...

So I know I post alot.
Maybe too much.
If you know me... I talk alot.
But today I don't have much to say.
I see no one cares about my recipe.
Or that I want to see Mamma Mia.
No, I understand.
Most of what i type about is just blah, blah, blah...
It's okay.
Really.
I am fine!!!!
whatever.

Lady Bug Picnic

If you ever watched Sesame Street as a kid, especally in the 70's when I was very little, you will love this.



Scroll down to my play list and press pause. Then press click on the triangle on the video.

Mamma Mia!!!

Okay, so I really wanted to see this movie really bad.
I love Abba.
It is long gone from this town.
Most of the girls I know here have seen it already. (went without me, thanks!)
And one has seen it at least 3 times....or more (without me...so not fair)
(Do I smell or smething?)

Anyway, my BFFive-ever sent me a little Youtube link and I got to see a part of the movie.
I am hooked.
She also has the soundtrack and I WANT IT!!!!!
I think I will ask for it for my birthday.

here is a little video with one of my favorite Abba songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSqXC5jZ6yY

You will love it!

Tasty Tuesday: Apple Betty

I have been eating an apple a day.

They are so sweet and Emma loves them.
I went to the store last week with Jeff and got a bunch more apples.
I asked him to get a dozen or so and he said to me, "Someone has to eat all these apples before they go bad."
I said, "I will make Apple Betty!"
He got a huge smile on his face and he started to daydream about the sweet warm yummi-ness of Apple Betty.
Okay, he didn't really stand there and day dream, but the smile said enough and he was okay with me buying a dozen more apples.

To most of you it might be called, Apple Crisp.
But in my house growing up it was Apple Betty.
It is way better than Apple Crisp. Isn't it Elizabeth?
I always double this recipe.
So yummy and perfect for a cool fall day.

So today's recipe is:

Apple Betty

Preheat oven: 350

4 Apples (any kind you like, I like sweet)

1/4 Orange juice

3/4 cup margarine (or butter, I guess? I never tried it with butter.)

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup flour

1/2 quick oats

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 pumpkin spice (trust me) if you don't have this use nutmeg

dash of salt

Peel and thinly slice apples. Mound in casserole dish and pour Orange juice over the apples. Mix well. (it keeps the apples from turning brown)

Combine: margarine, flour, sugar, quick oats, cinnamon, salt, and pumpkin spice in a medium bowl. Mix with hand mixer until crumbly.

Sprinkle crumbles over Apples.

Bake 45 minutes.

It is the best with Breyers Vanilla Bean Ice cream.

Enjoy.

I also use this recipe with canned peaches for my version of Peach Cobbler.

The only difference is 2 large cans of canned sliced peaches, no orange juice or spices, and I add chopped walnuts.

And I always double it, too!

Mundane Monday

Okay, besides
-falling asleep on the couch last night
-waking up at 2am all alone,
-shutting down the house (you know lights and computer)
-locking the doors alone (nice) (sarcasm)
-then falling asleep for just a few minutes before Emma woke up
-then waking up 4 hours later with her still in my bed and Jeff going to work (Kiss kiss)
-then Emma to bed
-me back to bed
-then waking up just an hour later to the boys and a kink in my back
I'd say today is looking half way good.....not. (more sarcasm)

I hate Mondays.
I know most people do. But today is just worse.
Don't get me wrong I LOVE my kids. but.....
Man, oh man....There is no school today.
Columbus day.
They have all been sick all weekend. I have been fairly relaxed about getting the chores done and the room cleaned.
But this morning...lets just say if they are well enough to run around out side and sneak Halloween candy, then they are well enough to clean their room and do chores.
I let them goof off until 10am.
I give them incentive - playing at the park. They had 2 hours to clean their rooms and do their chores.
Yep, you are right, they didn't get it done.
I gave them extra time or video games would be taken away too.
Nope, they don't seem to care.
So now I have to be the mean Mommy. (my sister doesn't think I am mean enough).
I must stick to my guns.
Their room didn't get clean, so we are not going to the park.
Their room still didn't get clean after extra tiem was given, so no video games.
So now what do I do with them?

Addicted to facebook

I see a pattern.
I am addicted to a lot of things....not all of them bad....but this Facebook thing..
OH MY HECK!
I check it five times a day.
I linger for hours.
I ignore my children. (Not my house, I am not crazy).
My sister tells me it will die off. That this fascination with it all, will slowly fade and I won't be so addicted. I just don't see how it would be possible.
I am hoping it doesn't last.
I have already talked to a few people I haven't talked to in years. Dear friends, too.
I want to find more people.
Can you believe I can't remember the name of one of my best friend in high school?
My biggest crush in high school....I can't remember his last name!!!!
And according to Facebook my high school doesn't exist!
What is up with that?
I need to get away from this computer.
I need to do something else around here.
Mind you, I have already cleaned my kitchen and prepped the dishwasher to be loaded. (I can only load it when Emma is asleep. She likes to pull everything out as I am putting it in)
My bed room is clean and my whole house just has to be mopped. (obviously after the boys are in bed)
So basically my life.... is kids, cleaning and sitting up at the computer.
Crap, that is really bad!!!!!
I gotta get out of here!!!!!

Nope couldn't do it.
I will try again tomorrow

Flash Back Friday!!!!

This is my bestest friend in the whole world Jeff and my favorite little 4 year old Caleb. Halloween 2004.
We had just gotten to my parents house to go trick or treating and we still hadn't carved our pumpkins. Jeff helped Caleb this particular year. He was so excited to be able to use the cool pumpkin carving tools and knives.
We love to get pumpkins.
We never really have gone out to the pumpkin farm. We usually go over to the gorcery store and pick out a pumpkin. I don't even think we did pumpkins last year.

Look at Jeff's beard.
I was trying to remember when and why he had a beard. With his job now, he can't have a beard or goatee.
This was the year Jeff came home from work and announced that he was quitting Verizon Wireless and that he already put in his 2 weeks notice. (He knew I would be mad)
He had decided that he was going to install Satellite TV. We would make tons of money.
About a month into the job, he figured out he was claustrophobic and couldn't do that job anymore. (I guess sometimes you have to install wire under the house).
I think during the time this picture was taken, we were totally unemployed.
We were stressed but really happy.
We had by some miracle made it every month.
Jeff got a job with my Uncle Bob a few weeks later.
I totally love this picture!

I love this.

Feeling Better...it's the weather.

I talked to quite a few people yesterday and a lot of them were mentioning how cranky their kids were.
My kids are unusually cranky and never sleep well when the weather is about to change.
Who would have thought that a change int he weather has anything to do with moods?
Well, my Mom does.
She knew it all along.
She is very wise.
I actually got out of the house and got some errands done.
Just doing that put me in a better mood.

So Cranky!

I have no idea why.
Does it ever get this way for you?
I just want to cry.
I have no real reason for being cranky.
That I can think of, anyway and it is making me cranky.
I mean, I didn't sleep very well last night.
I got blamed for waking up late this morning. I use my cell phone for an alarm clock, and it was on vibrate so I didn't hear it..or is it feel it. (where was his cell phone alarm?)
I can not type/explain anything..... I feel so stupid.
Jeff is home and not being himself and it is throwing me off. He is being himself, but his being a real jerk. Doesn't he understand I might just need a hug?
I know I have something going on today but I can't figure it out..... it is driving me crazy.
Knowing my birthday is gonna stink 2 weeks before it actally happens...just.....well it is really sucky.
I just wanna go back to bed and never come out.

Tasty Tuesday

I know... I missed Yummy Monday.
But I was sick.
October has made our days cooler so we need to make our nights warmer. It time for Crock pot cooking.
Okay, so for today's tasty treat is

Taco Soup

11/2 lbs. browned ground beef - drained

One can kidney beans (or black beans) - rinsed and drained

One can Garbanzo beans - drained

One can corn (with juice)

One can stewed and diced tomatoes (with juice)

One can tomato paste

2 cups water

One clove crushed garlic

tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1/2 diced onion or 1/2 cup dried onions

One packet of dry taco mix

Add all to crock pot. Mix well. Cook 4 hours.

Add cheese, sour cream, and sliced olives on top

Serve

Corn bread on the side makes it even better.

Cooking tip: Don't have enough hamburger? Add one cup cooked rice when you add everything else. It really works.

Do you like...?

Well, I do.

It is very fun and festive.

It was the way I was raised.

My parents decorate the outside and inside of their house.

Okay, when I say parents, I should just say my Mom. But I think my Dad secretly likes it too.

Everyone else in their neighborhood likes it too.

Last year they had over 800 trick-or-treaters!!!!!!

No, I am not kidding. I will post some pictures, if I can find them.

I will take pictures of my house too and you will see how I love this month.

See, some families go home for Christmas...well my family goes home for Halloween.

And I am hoping my big birthday present is to go home for Halloween.

Here's a scrapbook page I did of the kids last halloween.

(See previous post for more pictures)

Oh, and I am excepting donations for our trip home.

***edit****

I got this new background at The Cutest Blog on the Block.com

It was WAY easy. the insrtuctions are easy too.

Win a free hand bag!!!!

Check this out!!!
I am no one to change purses with every outfit, (mom), but I do like a good one.
and I REALLY like free ones.

Go here to check it out at hand bag planet.
They really have some cue stuff too!

Right Now...this very moment.....

I thought I would share...because I can, and I don't really care if you want to know or not....

I thought I would share with what my family is doing right now.
I am trying to keep my eyes open As I await LDS Conference 2nd Saturday session to begin. (Sleeping was not an option last night. My body hasn't had a good night's sleep in a week or ever, and has decided a new sleeping pattern.3am is now my new bed time schedule.
Yay.)

Jeff is at work.

Matthew is playing outside probably torturing the dog. (I really hate 12.)
Poor zoey.

Nathan is pushing round a laundry basket filled will pillows, cheetos and Emma. (He is my favorite today)

Caleb is begging his brother to take the benches off the kitchen table so he can draw,color and cut out halloween shapes out of paper. (He is going to hang them up in his room.)

Sammy...well... I dunno... I haven't even seen him in a while. (I better check)
Okay, Sammy is currently wearing his "slightly" too tight Power Ranger costume from last Halloween, in the fairly cold back yard, while he digs for dinosaur bones. (the boys found a tiny broom, and it is being used as a bone finding tool.)

that is my family, right now... this moment.

Flashback Friday!!!!!!!!!!

This was me...my first date.
His name is Aaron........ the last name escapes me... sorry about that.

Okay, so a friend asked me to Homecoming for

Hiram Johnson High School's Homecoming October 1989.

I was so nervous.

It was going to be my first date. I was surprised my mom let me go 2 weeks before I turned 16.

My mom and I found a dress for $50 and then she had to add the wide straps on the shoulder.

He picked me in his friends car, we went to dinner with his friends and over to the school. We danced a few times, but he mostly wanted to make out. Of course I didn't....want to.

We did kiss a few times, and that is when I realized he had been drinking.

We drove to one of his friends houses, but never went in, there was a fight. One of his friends got beat up.

I told him I had to be home by midnight.

He drove me home but got pulled over for a broken tail light and speeding.

I was late getting home.

I never went out with him again.

Don't you just love my hair?

And shiny pastel pink Lipstick?

Anyone else out there have pictures like mine?

If you have one with shinny pink lipstick, Post here and I will draw names for a prize!!!!

I am kinda sad.

I have quite a few regrets in my life.
I have learned recently to let them go. But this one regret I am about to post about, really kills me.

In fact it makes me cry.

I have to go back a couple of years....1991...okay so it is alot of years...now stop making me feel old.

In 1991, I was asked to basically be a "nanny" to this awesome family.

It was my first and only job.

Jacqui and Mitch McAllister and their, at the time, 4 kids. Sean, Ashley, Karin Marie and Diane.

I spent the next few years growing up and learning a lot and falling in love with this family.

I LOVED my job.

I LOVED those 4 kids. (Christy came later)

I can not even describe to you, how much those years meant to me or even the friendship I had built with Jacqui.

I think about them all the time.

I met Jeff and got married in 1994, and in 1995 left to have my first baby.

We still kept in touch and I got to see them once and a while.

But the years went by and more kids came along and I didn't see them.

My biggest regret is not making more of an effort to see them.

After the first few years went by, I felt like I was intruding on their family and I didn't want to be a bother.

I wanted to go to all their sports events, but was afraid to ask.

I wanted to still be part of their family, but....well, I just didn't want to be in the way.

Did I mention how freakin' awesome this kids are and always were?

Well they are!!!!

Jacqui used to joke and call me Mary Poppins. That I was magic.

Well, it wasn't me Jacqui, it was your family. They are awesome.

I just got lucky enough to go along for the ride.

Another regret...I missed Ashley getting married in August.

Check out how beautiful she is here.

Now October 11th, Karin Marie will be getting married. I wanna go soooooooooo bad. But we will have to see. (pray for a miracle)

So if the my McAllister family is reading this, you have to know...

I miss you, I love you, I have never forgotten you and I will always, always be thinking about you.

Stupid Thursday!

I have a cold.
My head is stuffy.
My nose is runny.
My house is messy.
My kids are hungry.
I feel crappy.
I don't even feel like blogging.
Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Boo to YOU!!!

Happy October!!!
I love this month.... yes, mostly because it is my birthday month...
But I love the fall colors and the leaves falling, and the hint of rain and over cast days.
Ahhhh, I love fall.
This is a picture of me 1974.
Do you think my kids look like me or WHAT!?