I thought I had a few minutes to sit here at my computer and blog for a minute, but I am feeling the guilt...Jeff is now cleaning my kitchen.
Which I would have done, and I know i should do, but how often to I blog. I will help him when I am done.
My kitchen is a mess, because I made home made rolls and cookies yesterday for a fun family activity and a Christmas memory for my family. One, I hope the boys will remember forever.
Last night we went to Santa Clara for "Night in Bethlehem" with some of the Scoville Clan.
It was wonderful.
(I tried to take pictures, but my camera is lame)
They had taken this church parking lot and turned it into Bethlehem.
With a census table when you first walk in, soldiers in full authentic uniform. (that was cool) They were in full character too. Shoving people out of the way and looking very grumpy.
They had a few Inn's for Mary and Joseph to travel to, by donkey. A real donkey.
They were turned away.
Just outside the City of Bethlehem they had Shepard's watching over real sheep.
They also had shops, hut like structure, like you have seen in any movie, selling things and letting the kids, my kids, make things at each shop. they had wool making, and coin making, and bead making, and all kinds of other shops, probably like 20 different places to do and look at things from the time of Christs birth.
It was sooo cool.
They also covered the entire ground with sand. It had been pressed down so much it was packed, but it looked so real.
Mary and Joesph moved from one Inn to the next and was given the "barn" as they called it.
They keep the doors closed for the first minute or so and opened the doors to see Mary and Joesph looking over a (real) baby. They talked for a minute and Mary sang a song. Then across the "town" the Angel appeared and shouted to the Shepard's that "Christ Child was born". They then ran across the "town" to the barn to see Baby Jesus. And then come the Kings, the 3 wise men....with their entourage...One came in on Camel, one came in on a bed being carried in by 4 strong men, and ..I cant remember how the last one came in....but they all had belly dancers and there was fire twirlers..
Which I think is my favorite part. I love how they really thought about it. the kings would not have traveled alone, they would have had their entourage to care of them, I am sure they did not cook their own meals. They were kings, right?
It ended very much like the story they have told for centuries. Then the program started over again. It took about 10 minutes to run the program, and then they started over. It was very well organized.
My mom went 2 years ago and it was different. The way they had told the story was different.
But, it was still great.
Now, the fact that there was a 15 minute long line just to get in, it was so crowded, that we could not take strollers, I still can't carry a kid around for long with my toe, my Mom had to carry Emma in fear of her being trampled by the "very in character" soldier.
I have to go back...
We, my family, traveled by caravan, accidentally meeting up with my sister Sarah and her husband on the road. Meeting my other sister, Aimee, there with family and her in-laws, we had a tail gate party with soups and homemade bread and corn bread.
Then we got in line. We decided that the older kids needs a buddy. They could not go off alone.
They did great, they stuck together, just not with us.
Which was really hard for me, but I need to let go. I need to let them go a little now, so I can really let go later. It is a work in progress.
We lost a few kids and towards the end, it got very confusing as to where to meet. I told my kids a different place, and each of my older kids were paired up with one of my sisters kids.
We found them all in the end. We had another tailgate party with cookies and water and packed up.
We had to stop for a "pee on the fence" break. (just to clarify, it was the boys who peed, and not me) We had to squeeze one of my kids back into our 7 passenger van, so we didn't have to drive all the way back to my parents house, just to get him.
I made a Christmas music CD for the van before we left, and I think we listened to it about 6 times.
My Christmas memories are different. We never did anything like that, but we did do other things.
Top 3 in my mind....
Seeing the Christmas lights at the Oakland temple in Oakland.
Doing a Progressive dinner with the Astle Clan.
Going to cut down our own Christmas tree at a Christmas tree farm in Slough house and that it took hours...for my mom to decide which one, us kids singing a Christmas song to my mom at the top of our lungs just to drive her crazy and coming home to have Hot chocolate and toast.
I just hope that I am creating wonderful Christmas memories for my boys and my sweet baby girl.
I challenge any and all who read my blog....if any...to share a favorite Christmas memory on your blog if you have one. If not, share it with your family.
Oh I forgot to mention, that was the last year and night the church in Santa Clara was doing the "Night in Bethlehem"....
Soooo glad I didn't miss it.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Shopping, and shopping and shopping
This is the time of year, my little ones do not have a regular schedule, they are missing their naps or having mini naps in the car, eating fries and nuggets for lunch because I am .....
SHOPPING!!!!!!
I am in now way saying I am not grateful for the money I do have and opportunity to be able to shop.
I am grateful.
But, this is the time of year I have to be sneaky, and savy and a budget-eer. (like a mouse-kteer, but taller and a penny pincher)
I have had the Santa talks, and the what do you want.
I have even had to explain that Santa, although magical and brilliant, he still has to be careful with his budget.
"if he spent a $300 for an xbox 360 elite on every little boy, he would run out of money and would have nothing for next year."
yes, I did.
I had to stress "only 4 things this year, and choose wisely"(3 from mom and dad and 1 from Santa)......
When they ask for something big on there list...."sorry, buddy, but I cant afford to get you and your brothers all a new DS, they are $145 a piece.
Yes, maybe I shouldn't say that to them.
and Yes, maybe I should just me more frugal and start saving money the January before Christmas, (a family of 8, never has that much to save) but I dont want them to think of Christmas as the time to get what ever you want.
Last year we did...
Something they want, something they need, something they wear something they read.
It was brilliant.
I didn't remember that until after I planned and made lists for Christmas.
But this year I have done pretty well. I have a few more things to get.
Today I am ordering some things online.
By a miracle, I got a little extra CASH and am going to have fun spending it.
It is very stressful to shop. You have to buy a certain item, with a certain budget and exactly the right time.
I hate it, but love it all at the same time.
As I get ready to go and shop, I have to keep in mind the families and other children of God who are less fortunate this year.
I am going to start a Helping the Homeless Service Project.
I am collecting back packs, and non perishable food items (like canned tuna and crackers, granola bars, bottled water, gum), and hygiene items. Just to leave in my car, to pass out instead of cash or change.
I want the boys to be able to be a part of it.
So much to do, and the days are running out...
Christmas is almost here.
SHOPPING!!!!!!
I am in now way saying I am not grateful for the money I do have and opportunity to be able to shop.
I am grateful.
But, this is the time of year I have to be sneaky, and savy and a budget-eer. (like a mouse-kteer, but taller and a penny pincher)
I have had the Santa talks, and the what do you want.
I have even had to explain that Santa, although magical and brilliant, he still has to be careful with his budget.
"if he spent a $300 for an xbox 360 elite on every little boy, he would run out of money and would have nothing for next year."
yes, I did.
I had to stress "only 4 things this year, and choose wisely"(3 from mom and dad and 1 from Santa)......
When they ask for something big on there list...."sorry, buddy, but I cant afford to get you and your brothers all a new DS, they are $145 a piece.
Yes, maybe I shouldn't say that to them.
and Yes, maybe I should just me more frugal and start saving money the January before Christmas, (a family of 8, never has that much to save) but I dont want them to think of Christmas as the time to get what ever you want.
Last year we did...
Something they want, something they need, something they wear something they read.
It was brilliant.
I didn't remember that until after I planned and made lists for Christmas.
But this year I have done pretty well. I have a few more things to get.
Today I am ordering some things online.
By a miracle, I got a little extra CASH and am going to have fun spending it.
It is very stressful to shop. You have to buy a certain item, with a certain budget and exactly the right time.
I hate it, but love it all at the same time.
As I get ready to go and shop, I have to keep in mind the families and other children of God who are less fortunate this year.
I am going to start a Helping the Homeless Service Project.
I am collecting back packs, and non perishable food items (like canned tuna and crackers, granola bars, bottled water, gum), and hygiene items. Just to leave in my car, to pass out instead of cash or change.
I want the boys to be able to be a part of it.
So much to do, and the days are running out...
Christmas is almost here.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Christmas Lights
If you knew how many times we have had lights on this tree you would laugh...
okay, here it goes...
TWICE
The first time the boys put them on. And yes, It was a great effort, you could see who did it at each height.
The second time, my husband tried and failed. We had both females ends to the lights at the top and bottom of the tree. (we are still not sure how that happened)
So as I sit here in my living room, smelling my pot roast in the crock pot, listening to the boys watch "the Santa Clause" and Emma selfishly guide Mikey through the house all the while bossing him around, (yes, i am in for a treat with her), I am avoiding the unavoidable.
Jeff refuses to put the lights on the tree...again.
I have never in all of our 16 Christmases together, ever put the lights on the tree.
Jeff is sooo good at it, and I HATE doing it.
This year I have to do it.
I have to put these lights on the tree.
UGH....
I have already decided the day after Christmas I am going to get up early and go and by a Pre-lit Christmas tree.
You bet your holly jolly, I will be there when the doors open.
I am not sure what we will do with all of our lights we already have....
Anyone wanna guess how long it will take me?
Anyone wanna guess how long it will take me to get motivated to actually put the lights ont he tree?
Do we really need lights on the tree?
yes, we do.
*deep deep sigh*
I don't wanna do it.
I have soooooo many other things to do. I have cleaned the kitchen and bathroom and I don't know where this weird smell is coming from.
My house stinks!
Yes, I live in a house with boys, but something smells and dang I will have to re-scrub everything.
Okay, still avoiding the tree....
Okay, off i go...
wish me luck.
Hopefully I wont fall off the ladder.
okay, here it goes...
TWICE
The first time the boys put them on. And yes, It was a great effort, you could see who did it at each height.
The second time, my husband tried and failed. We had both females ends to the lights at the top and bottom of the tree. (we are still not sure how that happened)
So as I sit here in my living room, smelling my pot roast in the crock pot, listening to the boys watch "the Santa Clause" and Emma selfishly guide Mikey through the house all the while bossing him around, (yes, i am in for a treat with her), I am avoiding the unavoidable.
Jeff refuses to put the lights on the tree...again.
I have never in all of our 16 Christmases together, ever put the lights on the tree.
Jeff is sooo good at it, and I HATE doing it.
This year I have to do it.
I have to put these lights on the tree.
UGH....
I have already decided the day after Christmas I am going to get up early and go and by a Pre-lit Christmas tree.
You bet your holly jolly, I will be there when the doors open.
I am not sure what we will do with all of our lights we already have....
Anyone wanna guess how long it will take me?
Anyone wanna guess how long it will take me to get motivated to actually put the lights ont he tree?
Do we really need lights on the tree?
yes, we do.
*deep deep sigh*
I don't wanna do it.
I have soooooo many other things to do. I have cleaned the kitchen and bathroom and I don't know where this weird smell is coming from.
My house stinks!
Yes, I live in a house with boys, but something smells and dang I will have to re-scrub everything.
Okay, still avoiding the tree....
Okay, off i go...
wish me luck.
Hopefully I wont fall off the ladder.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Bahh, merry humbug
So I am in the mood for Christmas and then..... I really am not.
It has been a crazy few weeks.
Jeff got back from his trip with his dad and he worked 3 days of overtime on his last week of vacation, yes, I guess I am a mean wife and I made my husband work over time to cover the furloughs and to have a little left over for Christmas. I will be danged if my kids have to suffer and not have a nice, decent Christmas, just because Daddy went to help Grandpa and stupid whats-his-face Arnold and the stupid furloughs.
I am evil, lets move on.
Well, on Jeff's last day of vacation he came down with a raging fever and chills and he slept most of the day, I myself was sick too, his leg on his right shin began looking red and splotchy and his leg swelled up and was very hot and tender to the touch He went to the doctors on Monday.
Cellulitis.
It seems while he was working over time (to pay our bills), Jeff was working in a very infected, germ infested part of his work, I should tell you that, there was was a few other employees that were hospitalized. We got lucky. I give credit to the blessing he had.
His dad and my dad came over and gave him a priesthood blessing.
In the end, with vacation and being sick, except for the 3 days he worked over time, he didn't work his normal shift the whole month of November. He was on 3 different kinds of antibiotics and watched a lot of TV.
On top of all of this, I was sick too, 3 of our kids got sick too. and My 2 oldest boys had to work most of their Thanksgiving break just helping out.
Bonus, I got to read 4 books and we saved $80 on gas.
Then just as Jeff is getting better, I fracture my toe.
I dropped a ceramic serving patter on my toe. I have never seen a toe so purple, front and back. (I have pictures, I will post it later)
I did host a Turkey dinner with the Bigney Family. Then I made my Oreo Cookie Pie and homemade rolls for my mom's house on Thursday.
(I will post recipes soon)
I got up EARLY on Turkey day to get some Christmas presents and stayed up until 4 am on Thursday night/Friday morning. and up again early Saturday morning.
Our craft fair didn't go as well as planned, but thanks to my sister Sarah and her co-workers we are selling some stuff.
I need to figure out how to sell the rest of these hair pretties. It would take too long to take pictures and upload them on to here, I don't have that kind of time.
I don't even know why or how I am here blogging.
I have a MOUNTAIN of laundry to fold and put away (that's what happens when you are sick), then I have to do the dishes, which I never really got a break on, and then there is the whole house. I was able to get the Christmas decorations up, but not.
I have to take all the stuff off the tree and rehang the lights.... the boys did it crazy and it is driving me crazy.
I have all the Christmas presents decided and on a list, but now getting it shopped and funded????????? lol
So I hope your Christmas season starts off better than mine....
I am tired, stressed, in pain and busy, but merry.
It has been a crazy few weeks.
Jeff got back from his trip with his dad and he worked 3 days of overtime on his last week of vacation, yes, I guess I am a mean wife and I made my husband work over time to cover the furloughs and to have a little left over for Christmas. I will be danged if my kids have to suffer and not have a nice, decent Christmas, just because Daddy went to help Grandpa and stupid whats-his-face Arnold and the stupid furloughs.
I am evil, lets move on.
Well, on Jeff's last day of vacation he came down with a raging fever and chills and he slept most of the day, I myself was sick too, his leg on his right shin began looking red and splotchy and his leg swelled up and was very hot and tender to the touch He went to the doctors on Monday.
Cellulitis.
It seems while he was working over time (to pay our bills), Jeff was working in a very infected, germ infested part of his work, I should tell you that, there was was a few other employees that were hospitalized. We got lucky. I give credit to the blessing he had.
His dad and my dad came over and gave him a priesthood blessing.
In the end, with vacation and being sick, except for the 3 days he worked over time, he didn't work his normal shift the whole month of November. He was on 3 different kinds of antibiotics and watched a lot of TV.
On top of all of this, I was sick too, 3 of our kids got sick too. and My 2 oldest boys had to work most of their Thanksgiving break just helping out.
Bonus, I got to read 4 books and we saved $80 on gas.
Then just as Jeff is getting better, I fracture my toe.
I dropped a ceramic serving patter on my toe. I have never seen a toe so purple, front and back. (I have pictures, I will post it later)
I did host a Turkey dinner with the Bigney Family. Then I made my Oreo Cookie Pie and homemade rolls for my mom's house on Thursday.
(I will post recipes soon)
I got up EARLY on Turkey day to get some Christmas presents and stayed up until 4 am on Thursday night/Friday morning. and up again early Saturday morning.
Our craft fair didn't go as well as planned, but thanks to my sister Sarah and her co-workers we are selling some stuff.
I need to figure out how to sell the rest of these hair pretties. It would take too long to take pictures and upload them on to here, I don't have that kind of time.
I don't even know why or how I am here blogging.
I have a MOUNTAIN of laundry to fold and put away (that's what happens when you are sick), then I have to do the dishes, which I never really got a break on, and then there is the whole house. I was able to get the Christmas decorations up, but not.
I have to take all the stuff off the tree and rehang the lights.... the boys did it crazy and it is driving me crazy.
I have all the Christmas presents decided and on a list, but now getting it shopped and funded????????? lol
So I hope your Christmas season starts off better than mine....
I am tired, stressed, in pain and busy, but merry.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thankful Thursday - Lots of Thankfulness
I logged on.
I scrolled down to see who has updated their blog and I read them. (sorry if I have not left a comment, my time online is few and precious)
but today I am grateful for a great many things....
(in randon order....)
1. I am grateful for Bloggers.
Yes, most of us complain and whine about the irritating things that happen from day to day. (mostly me)
Some of us use the blog world as a family or personal journal. (which I love)
Some of us, brag about our kids and how cute and smart and wonderful they are...(and you should!)
Some of us have profound things to share and help other readers not feel so alone in this crazy world.
Life is SOOOO very different from when I was a kid and I thought it was crazy then. I am so grateful for everyone of you bloggers out there.
2. I am thankful for music.
I am also thankful that I can put it on my blog.
I absolutely love music. I have said it before on a previous blog post how much I love music.
It makes me happy.
It just makes me happy. I love that it makes my kids happy. I am grateful that I can share my love of music with my kids.
I can not play, read or sing music, but I can listen to it. I love almost all music!!! (except Gangster rap)
It would take all of a post to describe my love for it, and I don't have time today.
It fills my heart and makes me smile.
3. I am grateful for family.
I love my family. They will always be the most important people in my life. I have THE best family.
No brothers or sisters will or ever could compare.
And don't get me started on my nieces and nephews!!!! (I am gonna cry.)
I have 17 nephews and 6 nieces!!!!!!!!!
I never ever thought I would be so in love with 20 boys all at the same time. (Jeff was counted in that number)
(don't bother arguing, cause you just wont win)
They too make me smile...and tear up a little.
4. My boys!!!!!
I know I shoulda put them first, but I am going in order of what I am remembering. I had a list in my head, and I was gonna put them first priority next Thursday, that and the fact they they were driving me crazy when I first started this blog post.
Each one of my boys is awesome.
Each one completely adorable.
Each one just as frustrating as the next.
And each one hold a piece of my heart.
They are messy and stinky and wonderful
They have really begun growing up to these wonderful young men. And I am not just saying that. If I had a million dollars for every teacher that has said...and I quote..."If only I had a room full of Nathan's in my class room", ..."Caleb's..." or "...Sam's... or ".....Matthew's"...and that would really mean I was 3 million rich as of today. Jeff went to 3 parent teacher conferences today and each teach said they same thing.
Nathan and Matthew have taken Mikey and are pushing him around the house in a little basket that usually holds Emma's precious play dishes. Jeff was on the phone and I sit here..(i did make Mikey and Emma lunch)...which is actually the reason I am adding the boys today...they stepped up and helped. and they never once complained.
Okay, maybe once or twice....
I am not sure what I would do if I didn't have the boys in my life.
4. facebook
I know, I know.... facebook.
But I am.
The friends I always wondered about and didn't know (or have the guts) to contact them and find out how they are... but they are on facebook.
I love the friends I have in Susanville. My second favorite place...(okay more like 3rd...Disneyland is 2nd)...in California. I love staying in contact with them though facebook. ( i wish they would stop bragging about the snow)
I am grateful my friends on facebook.
They have helped me and my self-esteem.
5. (and last one today)
The Awesome-ness that is Aunt Kathie
I have been hanging out with her alot in the last few months.
We like to do the same things, we like the same things and I am sorry, but we have so much fun.
I love hanging out with her. She is one of my top ten favorite people. She is #6 on my speed dial.
She never makes me feel bad about myself. She never makes fun of me when I am not so smart.
She is just awesome.
I am so glad I moved out here and that I am only 10 minutes away from her house.
(I am quite sure I drive her bonkers)
I am grateful she tolerates hanging out with me. :)
I scrolled down to see who has updated their blog and I read them. (sorry if I have not left a comment, my time online is few and precious)
but today I am grateful for a great many things....
(in randon order....)
1. I am grateful for Bloggers.
Yes, most of us complain and whine about the irritating things that happen from day to day. (mostly me)
Some of us use the blog world as a family or personal journal. (which I love)
Some of us, brag about our kids and how cute and smart and wonderful they are...(and you should!)
Some of us have profound things to share and help other readers not feel so alone in this crazy world.
Life is SOOOO very different from when I was a kid and I thought it was crazy then. I am so grateful for everyone of you bloggers out there.
2. I am thankful for music.
I am also thankful that I can put it on my blog.
I absolutely love music. I have said it before on a previous blog post how much I love music.
It makes me happy.
It just makes me happy. I love that it makes my kids happy. I am grateful that I can share my love of music with my kids.
I can not play, read or sing music, but I can listen to it. I love almost all music!!! (except Gangster rap)
It would take all of a post to describe my love for it, and I don't have time today.
It fills my heart and makes me smile.
3. I am grateful for family.
I love my family. They will always be the most important people in my life. I have THE best family.
No brothers or sisters will or ever could compare.
And don't get me started on my nieces and nephews!!!! (I am gonna cry.)
I have 17 nephews and 6 nieces!!!!!!!!!
I never ever thought I would be so in love with 20 boys all at the same time. (Jeff was counted in that number)
(don't bother arguing, cause you just wont win)
They too make me smile...and tear up a little.
4. My boys!!!!!
I know I shoulda put them first, but I am going in order of what I am remembering. I had a list in my head, and I was gonna put them first priority next Thursday, that and the fact they they were driving me crazy when I first started this blog post.
Each one of my boys is awesome.
Each one completely adorable.
Each one just as frustrating as the next.
And each one hold a piece of my heart.
They are messy and stinky and wonderful
They have really begun growing up to these wonderful young men. And I am not just saying that. If I had a million dollars for every teacher that has said...and I quote..."If only I had a room full of Nathan's in my class room", ..."Caleb's..." or "...Sam's... or ".....Matthew's"...and that would really mean I was 3 million rich as of today. Jeff went to 3 parent teacher conferences today and each teach said they same thing.
Nathan and Matthew have taken Mikey and are pushing him around the house in a little basket that usually holds Emma's precious play dishes. Jeff was on the phone and I sit here..(i did make Mikey and Emma lunch)...which is actually the reason I am adding the boys today...they stepped up and helped. and they never once complained.
Okay, maybe once or twice....
I am not sure what I would do if I didn't have the boys in my life.
4. facebook
I know, I know.... facebook.
But I am.
The friends I always wondered about and didn't know (or have the guts) to contact them and find out how they are... but they are on facebook.
I love the friends I have in Susanville. My second favorite place...(okay more like 3rd...Disneyland is 2nd)...in California. I love staying in contact with them though facebook. ( i wish they would stop bragging about the snow)
I am grateful my friends on facebook.
They have helped me and my self-esteem.
5. (and last one today)
The Awesome-ness that is Aunt Kathie
I have been hanging out with her alot in the last few months.
We like to do the same things, we like the same things and I am sorry, but we have so much fun.
I love hanging out with her. She is one of my top ten favorite people. She is #6 on my speed dial.
She never makes me feel bad about myself. She never makes fun of me when I am not so smart.
She is just awesome.
I am so glad I moved out here and that I am only 10 minutes away from her house.
(I am quite sure I drive her bonkers)
I am grateful she tolerates hanging out with me. :)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thankful Thursday - My Hunny
Jeff is the best guy.
My Hunny spent his vacation in North Carolina with his Dad, helping to fix their house.
We didn't go any place fancy or fun for his vacation.
I have my craft fair tomorrow (at Rosemont High school, stop by if you are in town) and Jeff has spent the rest of his vacation working overtime so we will have money for Christmas and helping me with the kids so I can finish up what I need to do for this craft fair.
Yes, I do have the best guy.
I am grateful for Jeff and the simple fact that I was lucky enough to be picked to be his wife.
I am grateful for everything he does for my family.
I am grateful for everything he does for his family.
I am grateful for the sacrifice me makes every time he walks through the doors at work. His life is on the line everyday.
I am grateful for the 6 beautiful children he has given me and that he is such a great dad.
I could go on and on....
I do have the best guy.
My Hunny spent his vacation in North Carolina with his Dad, helping to fix their house.
We didn't go any place fancy or fun for his vacation.
I have my craft fair tomorrow (at Rosemont High school, stop by if you are in town) and Jeff has spent the rest of his vacation working overtime so we will have money for Christmas and helping me with the kids so I can finish up what I need to do for this craft fair.
Yes, I do have the best guy.
I am grateful for Jeff and the simple fact that I was lucky enough to be picked to be his wife.
I am grateful for everything he does for my family.
I am grateful for everything he does for his family.
I am grateful for the sacrifice me makes every time he walks through the doors at work. His life is on the line everyday.
I am grateful for the 6 beautiful children he has given me and that he is such a great dad.
I could go on and on....
I do have the best guy.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thankful Thursday - Matthew and Mother-in-Law
A new post I decided to start.
It is all thanks to this wonderful month of Thanksgiving.
But I also wanted to do it to help remind myself of the things I am truly grateful for.
I am grateful I have my son Matthew.
He is 14 almost 15 years old. (man, I feel old)
He is such a great kid.
He has ADD and something else, we are going to have him tested, if only to get a name for his unique yet frustrating thing he has.
He is so fabulous with little kids.
I can trust him to give Emma and Michael a bath. He doesn't complain and he loves it. I think he has more fun than they do.
He loves black...mostly clothes and not for any dark reason, just a phase.
Somedays, he makes me feel like a great mom.
I am grateful for the things he has taught me and for everything he is.
My Mother-in-law has been over twice this week.
I LIKE HER ALOT!!!!!
Which if you knew me 16 years ago, you would not believe me.
I do. She is wonderful.
Jeff left town Halloween night to join his Father in North Carolina, to help fix up the house they own out there. They have been renting it out for years....20+ years.
It has gotten so bad from the last renters they have to fix it up and sell it. (the previous renter was deployed and his wife did not take care of the place)
My mother-inlaw has been here FOLDING MY LAUNDRY.
Yes. She washed,dried and then folded it.
You should see the beautiful stacks of laundry sitting on my couch.
I dont even want to move it. It willnever be the same. It will never be as nice.
She has done my least favorite chore.Several times!!!!!
She graciously came over just to help me out.
Thanks Mom, I love you.
She knew I would be overwhelmed with out Jeff here. And she was right.
I am so grateful for her and my father-in-law. With out them, I would not have the husband I have, and the life and family that I do have.
Now, go back to your blog and post what you are grateful for.
It is all thanks to this wonderful month of Thanksgiving.
But I also wanted to do it to help remind myself of the things I am truly grateful for.
I am grateful I have my son Matthew.
He is 14 almost 15 years old. (man, I feel old)
He is such a great kid.
He has ADD and something else, we are going to have him tested, if only to get a name for his unique yet frustrating thing he has.
He is so fabulous with little kids.
I can trust him to give Emma and Michael a bath. He doesn't complain and he loves it. I think he has more fun than they do.
He loves black...mostly clothes and not for any dark reason, just a phase.
Somedays, he makes me feel like a great mom.
I am grateful for the things he has taught me and for everything he is.
My Mother-in-law has been over twice this week.
I LIKE HER ALOT!!!!!
Which if you knew me 16 years ago, you would not believe me.
I do. She is wonderful.
Jeff left town Halloween night to join his Father in North Carolina, to help fix up the house they own out there. They have been renting it out for years....20+ years.
It has gotten so bad from the last renters they have to fix it up and sell it. (the previous renter was deployed and his wife did not take care of the place)
My mother-inlaw has been here FOLDING MY LAUNDRY.
Yes. She washed,dried and then folded it.
You should see the beautiful stacks of laundry sitting on my couch.
I dont even want to move it. It willnever be the same. It will never be as nice.
She has done my least favorite chore.Several times!!!!!
She graciously came over just to help me out.
Thanks Mom, I love you.
She knew I would be overwhelmed with out Jeff here. And she was right.
I am so grateful for her and my father-in-law. With out them, I would not have the husband I have, and the life and family that I do have.
Now, go back to your blog and post what you are grateful for.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tasty Tuesday - Mini Cinnamon Ginger Sandwich Cookies
Just in time for the Holidays.
I got this from a magazine called LDS Living. (I forget what issue.)
But they are soooo good.
Cinnamon Ginger Cookies
1 cup
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 tbsp light corn syrup
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 cup quick oats
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 ground cloves
Cream butter and sugar.
Add corn syrup and eggs.
Mix well.
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture and mix well.
Roll into teaspoon size balls.
Bake at 350 for 6 minutes or edges are brown.
Remove cookies from oven and use glass dipped in sugar and flatten cookies.
(spray bottom of glass with cooking spray and then dip in bowl of sugar.)
Let cookies cool one minute and then remove to a cooling rack.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/4 cup butter
8oz cream cheese
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Mix well and layer one cookie with desired frosting, top off with another cookie. They freeze well too! Enjoy. Trust me the smell in your kitchen alone when baking them is worth it.
I got this from a magazine called LDS Living. (I forget what issue.)
But they are soooo good.
Cinnamon Ginger Cookies
1 cup
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 tbsp light corn syrup
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 cup quick oats
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 ground cloves
Cream butter and sugar.
Add corn syrup and eggs.
Mix well.
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture and mix well.
Roll into teaspoon size balls.
Bake at 350 for 6 minutes or edges are brown.
Remove cookies from oven and use glass dipped in sugar and flatten cookies.
(spray bottom of glass with cooking spray and then dip in bowl of sugar.)
Let cookies cool one minute and then remove to a cooling rack.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/4 cup butter
8oz cream cheese
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Mix well and layer one cookie with desired frosting, top off with another cookie. They freeze well too! Enjoy. Trust me the smell in your kitchen alone when baking them is worth it.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Long Time Gone
It has been a long time since I have posted.
Sorry, it has been a crazy few weeks.
I am still doing a craft fair with my awesome Aunt Kathie.
Ribbons and hair clips.
Very excited. I hope we sell them all.
I had my birthday.
Which was more than fabulous!
It started on Tuesday, Jeff let me go out with my Aunt Kathie and we had lunch and shopped.
And then Wednesday on my birthday, I got to sleep in. I got breakfast in bed. All my favorites too. I got to hang out with Jeff. (I insisted on doing the dishes, I can't believe I actually like to do the dishes now)
My mother-in-law came over to hang out. (My father-in-law is North Carolina fixing up a house they rent out).
She brought THE MOST FABULOUS CARMEL I have ever eaten.
What a treat!
Then my sister Carrie comes over to highlight my hair. (so bummed, we didn't have time for the Pink I wanted.
My mom came and picked me up for shopping and lunch.
Back home and Jeff dinner ready....pizza, my favorite, and then off to the movies with my mom and some gal pals.
Halloween Carnival at the church on Friday was the best I have ever been too.
LOVED IT! Kids had fun.
The day getting ready for it was CRAZY!
Saturday night was a trunk or treat at my mom's church building and it almost made me insane. I lost half of my kids in the first 15 minutes. I hate doing that stuff with out Jeff.
Be grateful your husbands have a 9 to 5 job ladies, mine works 2 to 10pm. (except for my fellow Correctional Officer Wives, I know you totally get it)
We went to my Mom's for a fun open house.
My mom decorates beyond normal. It is awesome. (see previous October Posts for pictures)
Sunday we had a blast. I woke up with a breast engorged...I know TMI, but I think it is infected....Then flu like symptoms. I feel fine today.
It was awful trying to get Jeff ready to go, feeling worst than sick, and getting ready for Halloween.
We carved our pumpkins and we decorated the front of the house with spider webs and bat lights. A light up skeleton too. The boys had fun with Jeff. I was mostly on the couch feeling awful.
As soon as we got home Saturday night I took the kids candy away. I went through it all and picked the stuff I know they won't eat and will be tried and thrown on the floor.
I set it aside for our Trick or Treaters.
I made 66 bags, each bag had a penny candy (tootsie roll-like) and a small candy bar or bubbles and a spider ring.
Then I opened a box of Halloween shaped pretzels (40 individual packs... 2 left and 2 eaten) plus some of our candy...we had about 110 trick or treaters.
I didn't take the boys because it was Sunday. I don't let them swim or play with friends on Sunday, so they knew trick or treating was not happening.
They didn't even complain.
They had so much fun passing out the candy.
I say, every 6 years or so, isn't gonna kill them to miss out on trick or treating.
It was a good day until Jeff had to leave. His mom took him to the airport where he will be gone in North Carolina helping his dad with the house.
I had to call for help. feeling as sick as I was, the boys being bad, my sister Carrie came to the rescue and helped get them to bed.
I feel much better today, except for the boob pain.
I let Matthew stay home in case I felt terrible. I guess he didn't need too.
I need to get back to work making those flower clips.
We will be at Rosemont High school for a craft fair on November 13th. Come and see our stuff...and buy some too. It is for a good cause..... the Bigney family Christmas Fund. lol
Sorry, it has been a crazy few weeks.
I am still doing a craft fair with my awesome Aunt Kathie.
Ribbons and hair clips.
Very excited. I hope we sell them all.
I had my birthday.
Which was more than fabulous!
It started on Tuesday, Jeff let me go out with my Aunt Kathie and we had lunch and shopped.
And then Wednesday on my birthday, I got to sleep in. I got breakfast in bed. All my favorites too. I got to hang out with Jeff. (I insisted on doing the dishes, I can't believe I actually like to do the dishes now)
My mother-in-law came over to hang out. (My father-in-law is North Carolina fixing up a house they rent out).
She brought THE MOST FABULOUS CARMEL I have ever eaten.
What a treat!
Then my sister Carrie comes over to highlight my hair. (so bummed, we didn't have time for the Pink I wanted.
My mom came and picked me up for shopping and lunch.
Back home and Jeff dinner ready....pizza, my favorite, and then off to the movies with my mom and some gal pals.
Halloween Carnival at the church on Friday was the best I have ever been too.
LOVED IT! Kids had fun.
The day getting ready for it was CRAZY!
Saturday night was a trunk or treat at my mom's church building and it almost made me insane. I lost half of my kids in the first 15 minutes. I hate doing that stuff with out Jeff.
Be grateful your husbands have a 9 to 5 job ladies, mine works 2 to 10pm. (except for my fellow Correctional Officer Wives, I know you totally get it)
We went to my Mom's for a fun open house.
My mom decorates beyond normal. It is awesome. (see previous October Posts for pictures)
Sunday we had a blast. I woke up with a breast engorged...I know TMI, but I think it is infected....Then flu like symptoms. I feel fine today.
It was awful trying to get Jeff ready to go, feeling worst than sick, and getting ready for Halloween.
We carved our pumpkins and we decorated the front of the house with spider webs and bat lights. A light up skeleton too. The boys had fun with Jeff. I was mostly on the couch feeling awful.
As soon as we got home Saturday night I took the kids candy away. I went through it all and picked the stuff I know they won't eat and will be tried and thrown on the floor.
I set it aside for our Trick or Treaters.
I made 66 bags, each bag had a penny candy (tootsie roll-like) and a small candy bar or bubbles and a spider ring.
Then I opened a box of Halloween shaped pretzels (40 individual packs... 2 left and 2 eaten) plus some of our candy...we had about 110 trick or treaters.
I didn't take the boys because it was Sunday. I don't let them swim or play with friends on Sunday, so they knew trick or treating was not happening.
They didn't even complain.
They had so much fun passing out the candy.
I say, every 6 years or so, isn't gonna kill them to miss out on trick or treating.
It was a good day until Jeff had to leave. His mom took him to the airport where he will be gone in North Carolina helping his dad with the house.
I had to call for help. feeling as sick as I was, the boys being bad, my sister Carrie came to the rescue and helped get them to bed.
I feel much better today, except for the boob pain.
I let Matthew stay home in case I felt terrible. I guess he didn't need too.
I need to get back to work making those flower clips.
We will be at Rosemont High school for a craft fair on November 13th. Come and see our stuff...and buy some too. It is for a good cause..... the Bigney family Christmas Fund. lol
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tasty Tuesday - Carrot Cake
*Edited*
Okay, It took a few days longer then I wanted, but I can finally get this recipe down.
This is a recipe from a book my wonderful mother-in-law gave me for a wedding present. I have used it several times. (both the recipe and book)
The Cream Cheese Frosting is a recipe form a friend from Susanville. Dana Draves. (AWESOME lady) She used it for her Homemade Oreo Cookies.
Jeff asked me to make this for the other officers he works with and I decided it would be easier for him to take cup cakes and a bowl of frosting to frost the cakes them selves.
I ran out of cup cake papers for my cupcake tin, but this recipe probable makes 36 cupcakes if not more.
I made 24 mini cupcakes, 12 cupcakes, a small 8x8 pan of cake mix, and 3 heart shapes mini cakes.
This is the moistest carrot cake I have ever eaten.
Just thinking about this makes my mouth water. I wish I had some of the stuff for this recipe, I would make it right now, and take a picture of it for this blog.
Carrot Cake
Mix together:
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
*set aside
Cream together:
2 cups sugar
1 cup cooking oil
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped nuts (recipe calls for only 1/2 a cup, but I like more)
1 small can crushed pineapple (8 1/2 oz.)
Combine dry ingredients with creamed ingredients and Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes in a 9x13 pan.
Ice with cream cheese frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 8 oz bar cream cheese; softened
1 cube butter: soften
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon( I added that)
Cream together and frost cooled cake or cupcakes
Enjoy...I know I will.
Okay, It took a few days longer then I wanted, but I can finally get this recipe down.
This is a recipe from a book my wonderful mother-in-law gave me for a wedding present. I have used it several times. (both the recipe and book)
The Cream Cheese Frosting is a recipe form a friend from Susanville. Dana Draves. (AWESOME lady) She used it for her Homemade Oreo Cookies.
Jeff asked me to make this for the other officers he works with and I decided it would be easier for him to take cup cakes and a bowl of frosting to frost the cakes them selves.
I ran out of cup cake papers for my cupcake tin, but this recipe probable makes 36 cupcakes if not more.
I made 24 mini cupcakes, 12 cupcakes, a small 8x8 pan of cake mix, and 3 heart shapes mini cakes.
This is the moistest carrot cake I have ever eaten.
Just thinking about this makes my mouth water. I wish I had some of the stuff for this recipe, I would make it right now, and take a picture of it for this blog.
Carrot Cake
Mix together:
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
*set aside
Cream together:
2 cups sugar
1 cup cooking oil
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped nuts (recipe calls for only 1/2 a cup, but I like more)
1 small can crushed pineapple (8 1/2 oz.)
Combine dry ingredients with creamed ingredients and Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes in a 9x13 pan.
Ice with cream cheese frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 8 oz bar cream cheese; softened
1 cube butter: soften
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon( I added that)
Cream together and frost cooled cake or cupcakes
Enjoy...I know I will.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
It takes Magic
I finally got my Internet up and running again. ( I was late on my payment...did I mention I was sick and tired?)
I have been sick with a annoying head/sinus cold and the only thing I wanted to do was sleep. or veg on the Internet.
Since I am a mom and not allowed to do either... I suffered through the last 2 days as....
a mom.
You aren't allowed to be sick when you are a mom, and I know I have complained about this before. So I am annoyed with my self that I am complaining again.
I sat down to look at a cousin's blog and I decided to catch up on every ones blog too.
As I read the posts I got jealous and sad.
I don't have what they have to keep my blog going anymore.
I don't have the magic.
It has to be magic.
And It is not the just the blogs I am talking about.
They have lives, they do stuff. I dont.
I sleep, I cook, and clean, and cook and clean, and then cook and then clean and thend sleep. (I do homework and laundry too.)
I have 2 blogs, I don't blog on either. (so don't worry, you aren't missing out on anything.)
I don't have the time, or the "want" to make the time anymore.
I have mentioned this earlier on a blog post that I LOVE blogs, but I just don't have time.
I am here again, as I listen to the music of my blog, blogging away, complaining about not having time and wondering where you all get your time to blog or even sit at the computer.
YOU MUST BE MAGIC!
Well, share this magic you have! don't be selfish or rude.
Sooo not fair.
I really don't have much to Blog about.
I have 6 kids, and I have a house to keep clean, a husband to keep happy, family to spend my time with, and an obsession with making girly hair clips from flowers and ribbons. (I blame my aunt Kathie,and plus we decided to take our talents and "hair pretties" to a craft fair and try and sell them for some scrapbook supply money..well that is why I want the money, thank you Arnold for taking my fun money from my hubby's check)
My house is far from clean today and it is no where near the organized clean I want it to be.
I know, I have made time to blog, so why am I not cleaning/organizing?
Besides, the fact that it is 12:49 am and every little or big person I have given birth to or for is asleep....this is the only time I can blog.
Did I mention I have 6 kids and a husband?
....so I is tired.
I will sum up.
My house is messy, but clean.
I am busy.
My kids are still alive.
My husband is happy.
Isn't that all that matters?
Now share your magic trick!
how do you do it?
I have been sick with a annoying head/sinus cold and the only thing I wanted to do was sleep. or veg on the Internet.
Since I am a mom and not allowed to do either... I suffered through the last 2 days as....
a mom.
You aren't allowed to be sick when you are a mom, and I know I have complained about this before. So I am annoyed with my self that I am complaining again.
I sat down to look at a cousin's blog and I decided to catch up on every ones blog too.
As I read the posts I got jealous and sad.
I don't have what they have to keep my blog going anymore.
I don't have the magic.
It has to be magic.
And It is not the just the blogs I am talking about.
They have lives, they do stuff. I dont.
I sleep, I cook, and clean, and cook and clean, and then cook and then clean and thend sleep. (I do homework and laundry too.)
I have 2 blogs, I don't blog on either. (so don't worry, you aren't missing out on anything.)
I don't have the time, or the "want" to make the time anymore.
I have mentioned this earlier on a blog post that I LOVE blogs, but I just don't have time.
I am here again, as I listen to the music of my blog, blogging away, complaining about not having time and wondering where you all get your time to blog or even sit at the computer.
YOU MUST BE MAGIC!
Well, share this magic you have! don't be selfish or rude.
Sooo not fair.
I really don't have much to Blog about.
I have 6 kids, and I have a house to keep clean, a husband to keep happy, family to spend my time with, and an obsession with making girly hair clips from flowers and ribbons. (I blame my aunt Kathie,and plus we decided to take our talents and "hair pretties" to a craft fair and try and sell them for some scrapbook supply money..well that is why I want the money, thank you Arnold for taking my fun money from my hubby's check)
My house is far from clean today and it is no where near the organized clean I want it to be.
I know, I have made time to blog, so why am I not cleaning/organizing?
Besides, the fact that it is 12:49 am and every little or big person I have given birth to or for is asleep....this is the only time I can blog.
Did I mention I have 6 kids and a husband?
....so I is tired.
I will sum up.
My house is messy, but clean.
I am busy.
My kids are still alive.
My husband is happy.
Isn't that all that matters?
Now share your magic trick!
how do you do it?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Hello, My name is Katie
I am almost 37 years old.
I love sleeping, but do not sleep much.
I am a very creative person.
I always thought I was shy, but I learned I am just afraid.
I hate to talk on the phone. (except for 3 people, you know who you are)
I love shopping for food and things, except clothes. (especially when our budget is large and I can buy things to bake many recipes)
I love to bake. (that is why I am 100+ lbs over weight)
I would rather be at home than anywhere else.
I am a mother of 6 kids. 5 boys and 1 girl. (but not in that order)
I like helping people.
I really like having a clean kitchen, and I don't mind doing it myself.
I hate folding laundry. (that's why there are 4 loads in my family room right now just waiting to be put away)
I love hanging out with Jeff.
I married Jeff 16 years ago.
I think Jeff is awesome. (most of the time...what? He's a boy)
I LOVE the color pink. (but my kitchen is red and yellow, with chickens)
I love to read, but never have time anymore.
I think my boys are the cutest boys ever.
I think my Emma girl is the prettiest little girl ever born.
I hate doing yard work and will probably never have a garden.
I need to find out where my 2 little kids are right at this very moment, but I am not ready to stop blogging.
I challenged myself to read the Book of Mormon before my 37th birthday and I am in Helaman. ( I have 21 days to finish it.)
I am not impressed with most of the movies out there today. (not even the Twilight movies...don't get me wrong, I like them, but I have yet to buy New Moon and I haven't watched my Twilight DVD in over a year)
I often put my foot in my mouth and hurt peoples feelings.
I hate hurting anyone.
I often wallow in worry and self pity when I unintentionally and accidentally hurt someone. (I am there now)
I am avoiding the mess in Emma and Michael's room.
And the mess and Caleb and Sam's room.
And the mess in Matthew and Nathan's room.
I LOVE having my room clean. (yes, it is clean)
I hate making my bed.
I have to think of something for dinner tonight.
I hate the furloughs my husbands paycheck suffers
I miss my extra $500's in my grocery budget. (I have 6 kids to feed)
I have a screaming 1 year old hanging on my computer desk, begging for a nap...or a drink of water. (that cry means a lot of different things)
I am jealous of anyone skinny...or smart...or organized.
I regret all the times I skipped pre-algebra in high school.
I have to go now. (the screaming is getting louder)
I have a head ache.
I love sleeping, but do not sleep much.
I am a very creative person.
I always thought I was shy, but I learned I am just afraid.
I hate to talk on the phone. (except for 3 people, you know who you are)
I love shopping for food and things, except clothes. (especially when our budget is large and I can buy things to bake many recipes)
I love to bake. (that is why I am 100+ lbs over weight)
I would rather be at home than anywhere else.
I am a mother of 6 kids. 5 boys and 1 girl. (but not in that order)
I like helping people.
I really like having a clean kitchen, and I don't mind doing it myself.
I hate folding laundry. (that's why there are 4 loads in my family room right now just waiting to be put away)
I love hanging out with Jeff.
I married Jeff 16 years ago.
I think Jeff is awesome. (most of the time...what? He's a boy)
I LOVE the color pink. (but my kitchen is red and yellow, with chickens)
I love to read, but never have time anymore.
I think my boys are the cutest boys ever.
I think my Emma girl is the prettiest little girl ever born.
I hate doing yard work and will probably never have a garden.
I need to find out where my 2 little kids are right at this very moment, but I am not ready to stop blogging.
I challenged myself to read the Book of Mormon before my 37th birthday and I am in Helaman. ( I have 21 days to finish it.)
I am not impressed with most of the movies out there today. (not even the Twilight movies...don't get me wrong, I like them, but I have yet to buy New Moon and I haven't watched my Twilight DVD in over a year)
I often put my foot in my mouth and hurt peoples feelings.
I hate hurting anyone.
I often wallow in worry and self pity when I unintentionally and accidentally hurt someone. (I am there now)
I am avoiding the mess in Emma and Michael's room.
And the mess and Caleb and Sam's room.
And the mess in Matthew and Nathan's room.
I LOVE having my room clean. (yes, it is clean)
I hate making my bed.
I have to think of something for dinner tonight.
I hate the furloughs my husbands paycheck suffers
I miss my extra $500's in my grocery budget. (I have 6 kids to feed)
I have a screaming 1 year old hanging on my computer desk, begging for a nap...or a drink of water. (that cry means a lot of different things)
I am jealous of anyone skinny...or smart...or organized.
I regret all the times I skipped pre-algebra in high school.
I have to go now. (the screaming is getting louder)
I have a head ache.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Busy me
Well, really I am just sitting at the table most of my days making hair pretties!
ANother addiction that has taken over my life.
I am being creative ...so that is good.
I am still doing my motherly and wifely duties....so that is good too.
My poor family though.
I hardly see much of my sisters any more.
I am hanging out with my awesome aunt Kathie ALOT.
We had 2 birthdays. Emma is potty trained.
Mikey is totally walking.
and Nathan is doing better in school.
Sammy is still loud and Matthew is Matthew.
All is swell.
ANother addiction that has taken over my life.
I am being creative ...so that is good.
I am still doing my motherly and wifely duties....so that is good too.
My poor family though.
I hardly see much of my sisters any more.
I am hanging out with my awesome aunt Kathie ALOT.
We had 2 birthdays. Emma is potty trained.
Mikey is totally walking.
and Nathan is doing better in school.
Sammy is still loud and Matthew is Matthew.
All is swell.
Monday, September 20, 2010
so sad
before i tell you why, i have to tell you that it is silly.
And I totally understand if you think I am a brat.
'Cause I ususally am.
MY CELL PHONE BROKE!
okay, now I can still use it as a phone.
But if anyone knows me, I am a texting girl all the way.
I can't text.
I can't look at texts, I can't set any settings on my phone.
I am like frozen in time.
I have a ton of things to do today, but I need to figure out what to do next.
Do i order a new phone?
Do I take mine into a verizon store to dee if they can fix it?
Do I use Jeff and he gets a new phone?
I just bought 2 ring tones.
SUper sad. I loved my phone.
I am a super fast text-er on that phone.
And I totally understand if you think I am a brat.
'Cause I ususally am.
MY CELL PHONE BROKE!
okay, now I can still use it as a phone.
But if anyone knows me, I am a texting girl all the way.
I can't text.
I can't look at texts, I can't set any settings on my phone.
I am like frozen in time.
I have a ton of things to do today, but I need to figure out what to do next.
Do i order a new phone?
Do I take mine into a verizon store to dee if they can fix it?
Do I use Jeff and he gets a new phone?
I just bought 2 ring tones.
SUper sad. I loved my phone.
I am a super fast text-er on that phone.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
a funny thing
It is funny now.
To me, I do not feel the need to blog.
I honestly didn't think it would happen to me.
But it did.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this blogging world, I just don't think what mundane things that are going on in my life are that interesting enough to put on my blog anymore.
Really, my life is boring.
Jeff gets up with Matthew who is now in seminary and gets him off to that at 5:45am. He gets rest of the boys up, and started and I get up and finish getting them off to school.
Then we go back to bed IF Mikey and Emma are still sleeping. (hoping to change that to exercising)
We eat and hang out, do laundry, run errands and then unless it is a Monday or Tuesday, he goes to work. (Sunday we attempt to go to church)
I hang out with Emma and Mike and my Aunt Kathie, and then the boys get home.
I do a lot of talking loud saying things like...." Do you have Homework?" or "Do your chores before you play outside?" ...or... "No video games, unless your room is clean" ( I really stuck to my guns on that one, and they haven't played in weeks, because they don't want to clean their rooms...I still make them)
I clean a lot.
No, really A LOT!
I cook dinner, Homework, more chores, and cleaning, get ready for the next day and off to bed for the boys.
There are a lot of funny things that happen in between, but honestly, the house keeping and the lack of sleep, and I believe, all the fumes from the cleaning supplies, I forget almost everything.
All kidding aside, My life is great.
We are DIRT POOR, but we have each other, a place to live, family close by, friends and food to eat. What more could I ask for? (actually, a few more things wouldn't hurt)
I love my kids.
Mikey is THE most adorable little baby boy I have ever seen.
No, I am not kidding.
His face smile is contagious. He makes me so very happy.
Emma is so funny. So cute. and so........ 3.
the boys are boys.
Gross. Gross. And Gross. But funny a lot of the time.
Except for the fighting, they don't tell you that.
They fight A LOT!
But it is usually over and they are hugging and saying sorry before mom can make them hug and kiss in the front yard.
They are less frustrating ..... I wonder why....
See, my life is boring, not really blog worthy.
Don't worry, I will be here in a few days to bore you some more.
Are you kidding, me not blog?
That would be like the sun not being yellow?
So weird.
To me, I do not feel the need to blog.
I honestly didn't think it would happen to me.
But it did.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this blogging world, I just don't think what mundane things that are going on in my life are that interesting enough to put on my blog anymore.
Really, my life is boring.
Jeff gets up with Matthew who is now in seminary and gets him off to that at 5:45am. He gets rest of the boys up, and started and I get up and finish getting them off to school.
Then we go back to bed IF Mikey and Emma are still sleeping. (hoping to change that to exercising)
We eat and hang out, do laundry, run errands and then unless it is a Monday or Tuesday, he goes to work. (Sunday we attempt to go to church)
I hang out with Emma and Mike and my Aunt Kathie, and then the boys get home.
I do a lot of talking loud saying things like...." Do you have Homework?" or "Do your chores before you play outside?" ...or... "No video games, unless your room is clean" ( I really stuck to my guns on that one, and they haven't played in weeks, because they don't want to clean their rooms...I still make them)
I clean a lot.
No, really A LOT!
I cook dinner, Homework, more chores, and cleaning, get ready for the next day and off to bed for the boys.
There are a lot of funny things that happen in between, but honestly, the house keeping and the lack of sleep, and I believe, all the fumes from the cleaning supplies, I forget almost everything.
All kidding aside, My life is great.
We are DIRT POOR, but we have each other, a place to live, family close by, friends and food to eat. What more could I ask for? (actually, a few more things wouldn't hurt)
I love my kids.
Mikey is THE most adorable little baby boy I have ever seen.
No, I am not kidding.
His face smile is contagious. He makes me so very happy.
Emma is so funny. So cute. and so........ 3.
the boys are boys.
Gross. Gross. And Gross. But funny a lot of the time.
Except for the fighting, they don't tell you that.
They fight A LOT!
But it is usually over and they are hugging and saying sorry before mom can make them hug and kiss in the front yard.
They are less frustrating ..... I wonder why....
See, my life is boring, not really blog worthy.
Don't worry, I will be here in a few days to bore you some more.
Are you kidding, me not blog?
That would be like the sun not being yellow?
So weird.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Flash Back Friday - Day dreaming
I only post this picture to try and remember what it was like to be cold.
And at the time of this picture, all I wanted was to be warm.
I am not of fan today, I really dont like this weather......
This hot, gross sweaty, make you all kinds of cranky, freakin' Sacramento weather.
And at the time of this picture, all I wanted was to be warm.
I am not of fan today, I really dont like this weather......
This hot, gross sweaty, make you all kinds of cranky, freakin' Sacramento weather.
I do miss the snow.
The cold, white, and wet perfection, I wish I had some of right now.....
......in a cup with some snow cone flavor on top.
cherry, pineapple and lime.
Yummy.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tasty Tuesday - Pasta Bake
This recipe I got from my sister-in-law Karin.
I have tweaked and added a few things to it.
So easy too.
Katie's Pasta Bake
1 lbs ground beef or Italian sausage
1 can/jar Spaghetti Sauce
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 whole carrot finely diced
4 cups shredded cheese
4 cups uncooked penne pasta (bow tie works too and is fun for kids)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Brown ground beef or sausage.
Drain grease and add spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, carrots and seasonings.
Stir until blended and add brown sugar and mix well.
Let it come to a boil and reduce to medium heat until pasta is cooked.
Cook pasta for 8 minutes and NO MORE . (The pasta will cook more in the oven)
Drain noodles.
In a large bowl, add noodles and 2 cups cheese. mix well.
Add 1 cup of sauce to the bottom of a 13x9 casserole dish.
Spread sauce on the bottom of casserole dish.
Measure 1 1/2 cups of sauce and set aside.
Add the the rest of the sauce to the pasta in the bowl.
Mix well and add to the casserole dish.
Spread remaining sauce over pasta.
Spread 2 cups of cheese over the top and cover with foil.
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
We had it last night for dinner.
It was quick and easy.
And Super mom here snuck in some veggies. Hee hee
It is my easy version of Lasagna.
I hope you like it.
I have tweaked and added a few things to it.
So easy too.
Katie's Pasta Bake
1 lbs ground beef or Italian sausage
1 can/jar Spaghetti Sauce
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 whole carrot finely diced
4 cups shredded cheese
4 cups uncooked penne pasta (bow tie works too and is fun for kids)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Brown ground beef or sausage.
Drain grease and add spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, carrots and seasonings.
Stir until blended and add brown sugar and mix well.
Let it come to a boil and reduce to medium heat until pasta is cooked.
Cook pasta for 8 minutes and NO MORE . (The pasta will cook more in the oven)
Drain noodles.
In a large bowl, add noodles and 2 cups cheese. mix well.
Add 1 cup of sauce to the bottom of a 13x9 casserole dish.
Spread sauce on the bottom of casserole dish.
Measure 1 1/2 cups of sauce and set aside.
Add the the rest of the sauce to the pasta in the bowl.
Mix well and add to the casserole dish.
Spread remaining sauce over pasta.
Spread 2 cups of cheese over the top and cover with foil.
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
We had it last night for dinner.
It was quick and easy.
And Super mom here snuck in some veggies. Hee hee
It is my easy version of Lasagna.
I hope you like it.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Feeling Guilty
Guilty.
I have nothing new to say.
Okay, so I have nothing new to say that wouldnt bored you to death.
The boys have been in school for 11 days.
Yay ME!
I already hate homework and so do they.
I went to meet the very awesome Monica. (MY wonderful and Awesome friend from Susanville.)
Jeff and I, with the 2 little ones, met her in Modesto to go to lunch for her birthday. We went to Olive Garden. Our favorite place!!!!!!!
(her birthday was technically the next day but I could only go when Jeff was off)
We had a great time, and I, the ONE who never gets anything different, never tries anything new....tried something different.
I usually get the Alfredo with grilled chicken, but that day I got a Portobello sauce and linguine with chicken. It was sooooo good.(i don't like their red sauces)
So much FUN!
She gave us a box of gently used and much needed clothes that her son out grew. (thanks Monica)
We are just trying to get into the new routine of School and homework. I am not sure what I would do if they had a sport.
They need that, but at the same time, they need to spend most of their time on homework and reading.
Just a fact.
I guess that makes me a bad mom. ( I get grief about it from many)
Jeff's truck is breaking down, again.
Big surprise, since it is like a 100 years old. (only 25) but it just needs new everything.
I feel like I am soooooo tired.
Good thing is, I am too tired and too busy to be depressed. (No need for more meds, I guess.)
I am also having fun with my Aunt Kathie, who is more like a big sister than and Aunt.
She is so much fun to hang out with.
We have been covering notebooks, (see a few previous posts)
We also have been playing a card game called Hand and Foot. We have to convince 2 more people to join in, since it is a four player kind of game.
And we are getting ready to scrapbook and make hair clips... well I am.
I am obsessed.
I have also been so obsessed with having a clean house.
Weird, I know.
I can't sit still for long.
I need to have everyone constantly cleaning up their chores, which isn't good for them, because they stopped helping....they got tired of it....
The whole, mom thing has really gotten bad.
and I mean Mom thing, as in ME being their mom.
I think they forgot, unless they need something other then what they can get into without asking, that I am their Mom and I have authority.
They all think because it is there they are entitled to have it.
They WILL NOT listen if they have it in their mind they don't want to.
They made me cry yesterday.
I am cleaning my house for a visit from a dear friend, and I wanted just clothes put away. Their clothes.
They had no more room, I thought we just had to many clothes.
I was wrong.
They didn't want to pick up the blankets and towels and either removed them from their room or put them on their beds, so they decided to stuff it in their drawers. (which explains why they are broken)
BLANKETS AND TOWELS in thier drawers!!!!!!
I found wet and dirty jeans too.
I hit the roof. No one was safe from Mom's wrath. (Poor Emma and Mikey.)
I had to take the time to go through every drawer. And they did have too many clothes. (I have to get rid of more clothes)
I ended up calling my Mom. She is usually the voice of reason, when it gets that bad.
Unless you have 4 boys that are ages 14 to 7, then you will never understand completely.
She just said frankly..."boys don't like to clean. They DO NOT see the point"
And that is when I understood.
It clicked.
t made perfect sense.
I never saw it from their side of the brain.
I was almost instantly not furious.
I did also pray.
Mostly for forgiveness, but also for the fact that if they didn't get some divine intervention, they would not survive the rest of the day.
I have to find a way to teach them to clean and be responsible people, with out it being horrible.... you know what I mean.
Horrible for me.
Heh, heh, hee hee!
Jeff and I worked our fannies off this morning. (I should clean like that every day, it was a work out)
I am thinking of doing it 3 times a week.
There was nothing for the boys to do after school, but play.
See, my super awesome friend Reagan was here from Susanville. She stopped on her way to Fresno with her adorable kids.
We went to Mountain Mikes Pizza. (kinda embarrassed about that, it wasn't very good.)
And then we got back just in time for my kids to get out of school.
They played, we visited.
It really made me want to cry.
Just seeing her.
I miss my Susanville life.
I love my life here, but I miss that part of my life. I think it like when I got married. I missed my single life and the freedom's I had and the safety I had in living with my parents.
I miss the safety of that little town. the people there.
It was really fun.
She is hoping to come back on her way back to Susanville and we are gonna get our Crafty on and make hair bows and flower clips.
Not much is going on.
We are Fighting the homework battle 4 nights a week.
Matthew started Seminary at 6:05 am. Yuck! (like Sunday school/church for our youth in the AM before school...helps keep them grounded)
Boys are driving me crazy.
Michael is almost walking.
Emma is almost completely potty trained.
My house is almost organized. (not really, but i want it too be)
My husband is happy.
I am tired. (big surprise)
We are good.
I am feeling guilty for sticking you with the same post for over a week.
Sorry about that,.
Obviously, I am busy.
I have nothing new to say.
Okay, so I have nothing new to say that wouldnt bored you to death.
The boys have been in school for 11 days.
Yay ME!
I already hate homework and so do they.
I went to meet the very awesome Monica. (MY wonderful and Awesome friend from Susanville.)
Jeff and I, with the 2 little ones, met her in Modesto to go to lunch for her birthday. We went to Olive Garden. Our favorite place!!!!!!!
(her birthday was technically the next day but I could only go when Jeff was off)
We had a great time, and I, the ONE who never gets anything different, never tries anything new....tried something different.
I usually get the Alfredo with grilled chicken, but that day I got a Portobello sauce and linguine with chicken. It was sooooo good.(i don't like their red sauces)
So much FUN!
She gave us a box of gently used and much needed clothes that her son out grew. (thanks Monica)
We are just trying to get into the new routine of School and homework. I am not sure what I would do if they had a sport.
They need that, but at the same time, they need to spend most of their time on homework and reading.
Just a fact.
I guess that makes me a bad mom. ( I get grief about it from many)
Jeff's truck is breaking down, again.
Big surprise, since it is like a 100 years old. (only 25) but it just needs new everything.
I feel like I am soooooo tired.
Good thing is, I am too tired and too busy to be depressed. (No need for more meds, I guess.)
I am also having fun with my Aunt Kathie, who is more like a big sister than and Aunt.
She is so much fun to hang out with.
We have been covering notebooks, (see a few previous posts)
We also have been playing a card game called Hand and Foot. We have to convince 2 more people to join in, since it is a four player kind of game.
And we are getting ready to scrapbook and make hair clips... well I am.
I am obsessed.
I have also been so obsessed with having a clean house.
Weird, I know.
I can't sit still for long.
I need to have everyone constantly cleaning up their chores, which isn't good for them, because they stopped helping....they got tired of it....
The whole, mom thing has really gotten bad.
and I mean Mom thing, as in ME being their mom.
I think they forgot, unless they need something other then what they can get into without asking, that I am their Mom and I have authority.
They all think because it is there they are entitled to have it.
They WILL NOT listen if they have it in their mind they don't want to.
They made me cry yesterday.
I am cleaning my house for a visit from a dear friend, and I wanted just clothes put away. Their clothes.
They had no more room, I thought we just had to many clothes.
I was wrong.
They didn't want to pick up the blankets and towels and either removed them from their room or put them on their beds, so they decided to stuff it in their drawers. (which explains why they are broken)
BLANKETS AND TOWELS in thier drawers!!!!!!
I found wet and dirty jeans too.
I hit the roof. No one was safe from Mom's wrath. (Poor Emma and Mikey.)
I had to take the time to go through every drawer. And they did have too many clothes. (I have to get rid of more clothes)
I ended up calling my Mom. She is usually the voice of reason, when it gets that bad.
Unless you have 4 boys that are ages 14 to 7, then you will never understand completely.
She just said frankly..."boys don't like to clean. They DO NOT see the point"
And that is when I understood.
It clicked.
t made perfect sense.
I never saw it from their side of the brain.
I was almost instantly not furious.
I did also pray.
Mostly for forgiveness, but also for the fact that if they didn't get some divine intervention, they would not survive the rest of the day.
I have to find a way to teach them to clean and be responsible people, with out it being horrible.... you know what I mean.
Horrible for me.
Heh, heh, hee hee!
Jeff and I worked our fannies off this morning. (I should clean like that every day, it was a work out)
I am thinking of doing it 3 times a week.
There was nothing for the boys to do after school, but play.
See, my super awesome friend Reagan was here from Susanville. She stopped on her way to Fresno with her adorable kids.
We went to Mountain Mikes Pizza. (kinda embarrassed about that, it wasn't very good.)
And then we got back just in time for my kids to get out of school.
They played, we visited.
It really made me want to cry.
Just seeing her.
I miss my Susanville life.
I love my life here, but I miss that part of my life. I think it like when I got married. I missed my single life and the freedom's I had and the safety I had in living with my parents.
I miss the safety of that little town. the people there.
It was really fun.
She is hoping to come back on her way back to Susanville and we are gonna get our Crafty on and make hair bows and flower clips.
Not much is going on.
We are Fighting the homework battle 4 nights a week.
Matthew started Seminary at 6:05 am. Yuck! (like Sunday school/church for our youth in the AM before school...helps keep them grounded)
Boys are driving me crazy.
Michael is almost walking.
Emma is almost completely potty trained.
My house is almost organized. (not really, but i want it too be)
My husband is happy.
I am tired. (big surprise)
We are good.
I am feeling guilty for sticking you with the same post for over a week.
Sorry about that,.
Obviously, I am busy.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Our Vacation...(in great detail) AWESOME!
Irish Beach, CaliforniaI smile just thinking about our vacation.
It wasn't much of a laid back, hardly work kind of vacation.(the cleaning and the packing and the unpacking and the more cleaning)
But it was sooo good!
I don't believe that doing dishes and cooking for family ON VACATION is a chore.
I LOVE IT!
So if you ever want to go camping and don't want to do your dishes, invite me along, because I love doing dishes while camping. And cooking!
Call it the pioneer part of me.
I love heating the water and washing , rinsing and drying the dishes. Even the little plastic forks and spoons. I love it...makes me wanna go camping.
Sorry, got off track.
Friday, I was half way done with the packing. Just had to cook and freeze somethings for dinners and dessert. (I made taco meat and cookie dough, and I would do that for camping too)
I had to wash and fold and put away a ton of Laundry, clean my whole house.
I HATE a messy house after vacation.
The boys were not as helpful with the actual work part, but they played with Michael and Emma. Which helped a ton!
Jeff decided to not work on Saturday so he could help me, but somehow.......anyway.....long story short, Sunday morning at 4 am I went to bed.
It wasn't much of a laid back, hardly work kind of vacation.(the cleaning and the packing and the unpacking and the more cleaning)
But it was sooo good!
I don't believe that doing dishes and cooking for family ON VACATION is a chore.
I LOVE IT!
So if you ever want to go camping and don't want to do your dishes, invite me along, because I love doing dishes while camping. And cooking!
Call it the pioneer part of me.
I love heating the water and washing , rinsing and drying the dishes. Even the little plastic forks and spoons. I love it...makes me wanna go camping.
Sorry, got off track.
Friday, I was half way done with the packing. Just had to cook and freeze somethings for dinners and dessert. (I made taco meat and cookie dough, and I would do that for camping too)
I had to wash and fold and put away a ton of Laundry, clean my whole house.
I HATE a messy house after vacation.
The boys were not as helpful with the actual work part, but they played with Michael and Emma. Which helped a ton!
Jeff decided to not work on Saturday so he could help me, but somehow.......anyway.....long story short, Sunday morning at 4 am I went to bed.
After I put together their goodies bags for the road trip.But everything was done, so we just had to load coolers and people and leave.
You would think.
We over slept and got up at 7:30.
I pack way different than Jeff. They say men are more logical...well....Not that Jeff isn't, it is just that I am too. When it comes to packing and fitting everything in.
Another part of my pioneer side, i think.
Got everything loaded on 30 minutes later .
We were an half and hour late to meet Jeff's parents
See we have a car than doesn't fit all of us. Yes, we still have it.
See we have a car than doesn't fit all of us. Yes, we still have it.
there is this thing in California called FURLOUGHS, and it has killed us.
(Sooooooo glad we did not purchase another car)
So we had to meet up with them on the way and put one of our smaller children (Caleb)in the back seat of their truck. (it was so awesome of them to offer, I am not sure how long the boys would have sat back there and without killing each other.)
We met at a farmers market and picked up some (we splurged) pistachio's and some banana chips for Jeff.
Off we went.
After 4 hours+...and one stop at Mc Donalds,we made it to the beach house.
LOVED IT!
Lots of space for the kids to run around out side. big kitchen. 3 rooms very nice. 2 bathrooms.
Unload, unpack, and relaxed (for 5 minutes) and off to the beach....well first to the store. (4.99 for a 6 pack of Pepsi) If I didn't need celery for dinner (chicken salad sandwiches, I will post the recipe tuesday) I would have not gone at all.
Since we planned $ for this stupid store, it was all good.
The beach was VERY COLD and VERY over cast.....and VERY awesome.
I often wonder about people who live their whole lives with out seeing the ocean.
It is very sad.
It is my 3rd favorite place to be....(Jeff and the kids is first...Not telling my 2nd) Jeff and I talk about retiring there. It would be nice.
The kids loved it.
(Sooooooo glad we did not purchase another car)
So we had to meet up with them on the way and put one of our smaller children (Caleb)in the back seat of their truck. (it was so awesome of them to offer, I am not sure how long the boys would have sat back there and without killing each other.)
We met at a farmers market and picked up some (we splurged) pistachio's and some banana chips for Jeff.
Off we went.
After 4 hours+...and one stop at Mc Donalds,we made it to the beach house.
LOVED IT!
Lots of space for the kids to run around out side. big kitchen. 3 rooms very nice. 2 bathrooms.
Unload, unpack, and relaxed (for 5 minutes) and off to the beach....well first to the store. (4.99 for a 6 pack of Pepsi) If I didn't need celery for dinner (chicken salad sandwiches, I will post the recipe tuesday) I would have not gone at all.
Since we planned $ for this stupid store, it was all good.
The beach was VERY COLD and VERY over cast.....and VERY awesome.
I often wonder about people who live their whole lives with out seeing the ocean.
It is very sad.
It is my 3rd favorite place to be....(Jeff and the kids is first...Not telling my 2nd) Jeff and I talk about retiring there. It would be nice.
The kids loved it.
Emma loved to dig, boys looked for lizards and sand crabs, and Mikey ate sand.
I just smooshed my toes in the sand and took a deep breath.Back home to do dinner and get kids off to bed, dessert and then adults played Hand and FOOT!!!!
Girls against boys! Boys ruled....that night.
We all slept in, Jeff made eggs and bacon, we were just slow paced and lazy, packed up for the beach and off we went.
Mikey fell asleep in the car on the 'less than 5 minute drive' to the beach parking lot. (private security card to get in...no crowding= AWESOME!)
So I decided I would hang back in the car and let him sleep. I had my book, and MP3 player. I would suffer.
NOT!
I had my book, no kids, the waves crashing in the background and some beach snacks.(I forgot the pringles and amazing fruit Biz)
I was not sad at all. He woke up after 2 hours and we went down to the family. Mikey ate sand. He loved it.
Did I mention before that it was over cast when we got there...?
yeah. It was again on Monday. And Cold.
I did not pack my kids or myself, for cold.
Last time we were there it was HOT HOT HOT!
We just bundled up under blankets and unused towels. (no swimming it was so cold)
Back up to the house for dinner,(we stuffed ourselves with potato salad, BBQed tri tip steaks, chicken, burgers, and hot dogs) an awesome Family Home Evening lesson from Grandma,
Smores out side, because the grill was still warm from dinner. Another game of HAND AND FOOT!
GIRLS RULED that night!!!!!
Tuesday was a little tiny bit warmer, but still cool.
We decided, okay, it was me, I decide to do a pirate day and got the boys a whole bag of pirate stuff. A hat, and eyepatch, tattoo's, gun, dagger, and compass.
Jeff's dad and Jeff left early to the beach to bury the treasure for our treasure hunt.
Jeff's dad is so awesome. He put together a map and clues.
We put on our tattoo's and off to the beach again we went.
GIRLS RULED that night!!!!!
Tuesday was a little tiny bit warmer, but still cool.
We decided, okay, it was me, I decide to do a pirate day and got the boys a whole bag of pirate stuff. A hat, and eyepatch, tattoo's, gun, dagger, and compass.
Jeff's dad and Jeff left early to the beach to bury the treasure for our treasure hunt.
Jeff's dad is so awesome. He put together a map and clues.
We put on our tattoo's and off to the beach again we went.
Guess who fell asleep? Guess who had to stay behind? Guess who wasn't sad?I did miss the Treasure Hunt. But Jeff took some great pictures.(see other blog for more pictures) 
We stayed a very long time avoiding the late dinner and not wanting to go back to the beach house to pack up for our trip home.
We stayed a very long time avoiding the late dinner and not wanting to go back to the beach house to pack up for our trip home. But not before going to look for some cool stuff.
This family collects rocks and shells.
This is Mom and dad searching for cool rocks and shells. The best place to find stuff is around this Giant rock.
I came prepared and got the boys a Small 5x5 box with a lid that they could put stuff in. If it didn't fit in, it didn't get to come home.
We had a Shell and Rock Collection Competition. I was the judge, because I didn't collect anything. I even made some instant trophy's out of tin cans, paper bags, some shells I bought and some scrapbook sticky dots.
That was fun.
This family collects rocks and shells.
This is Mom and dad searching for cool rocks and shells. The best place to find stuff is around this Giant rock.I came prepared and got the boys a Small 5x5 box with a lid that they could put stuff in. If it didn't fit in, it didn't get to come home.
We had a Shell and Rock Collection Competition. I was the judge, because I didn't collect anything. I even made some instant trophy's out of tin cans, paper bags, some shells I bought and some scrapbook sticky dots.
That was fun. Caleb won.
Everyone got a trophy.
We played our last game of Hand and Foot.
We played our last game of Hand and Foot.
Girls ruled once again.
It was sad leaving the beach house Wednesday morning.
It was sad leaving the beach house Wednesday morning.
On our way out we stopped at the Point Area Lighthouse.
(the same light house used in the movie "Forever Young" with Mel Gibson)
It costs $1 per kids and $7.50 per adult to climb to the top of the light house and go inside the musem. I went the last time, so I didn't miss not going. Jeff and the boys made it all the way to the top. 
It was such a beauitful view from the lighthouse.
It was such a beauitful view from the lighthouse.It is a tradition we come every time.
The whole weekend was just so much fun!
I hope we get that same beach house next year.
We did have the best time.
Not everyone can say they like/love their in laws.
But can say with my whole heart, that I truly do. I love them.
They are such a great example of the gospel and I love just being around them.
I have really gotten to know my mother in law more over the last few years, and we have a lot in common.
I can not wait for next year!!!!!
We had a good ride home. We got lost once, but we made it back into Sacramento in enough time (7:30pm) to get the boys fed and off to bed. Since School started the next day, I ran over to Kohl's and dropped almost $300 for shoes and clothes. (they had to have something new for the first day of school, right?) I shopped the sales. Not one shirt was over $9.99 and the shoes "Tony Hawk Vans", and Matthew's vans we not more than $35. (regular priced was $50 and $60 a pair) (Times the shoes by 4. four boys = expensive)
I had to hit Walmart for underwear and socks and some school supples. Snack food for lunches. I didn't get home to unpack or go to bed until after midnight.
I was exhausted and needed another vacation.
But I got it done. I wont get everything from the trip put away for weeks, but it will be worth it.
It was worth all the worry, planning, time wasted, work, lost sleep and money.
I would do it every other month if I could. Even if the beach was cold.
Thanks Mom and dad for a fabulous vacation.
We did have the best time.
Not everyone can say they like/love their in laws.
But can say with my whole heart, that I truly do. I love them.
They are such a great example of the gospel and I love just being around them.
I have really gotten to know my mother in law more over the last few years, and we have a lot in common.
I can not wait for next year!!!!!
We had a good ride home. We got lost once, but we made it back into Sacramento in enough time (7:30pm) to get the boys fed and off to bed. Since School started the next day, I ran over to Kohl's and dropped almost $300 for shoes and clothes. (they had to have something new for the first day of school, right?) I shopped the sales. Not one shirt was over $9.99 and the shoes "Tony Hawk Vans", and Matthew's vans we not more than $35. (regular priced was $50 and $60 a pair) (Times the shoes by 4. four boys = expensive)
I had to hit Walmart for underwear and socks and some school supples. Snack food for lunches. I didn't get home to unpack or go to bed until after midnight.
I was exhausted and needed another vacation.
But I got it done. I wont get everything from the trip put away for weeks, but it will be worth it.
It was worth all the worry, planning, time wasted, work, lost sleep and money.
I would do it every other month if I could. Even if the beach was cold.
Thanks Mom and dad for a fabulous vacation.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Journal Books
These books were so much fun and cost me all of 25 cents plus tax. I used the scrapbook supplies on hand and even used a couple of Swaps from years ago.
Mine (obviously)
Emma
I decided to use mostly rub-ons, because if she wanted to draw in it, she wouldn't pick at any of the "extra" embellishments that I would normally put on.
I am gonna write in it some of the things she says and funny stuff she does.
I made this for Sammy at first, but I found different paper that suited Sammy more, so I gave this one to Michael.
Matthew, love black and anything rock and roll.
Nathan like music and green.
Caleb liked this and bugged me for 2 days over this one.
Robots for Sammy.
Mine (obviously)
EmmaI decided to use mostly rub-ons, because if she wanted to draw in it, she wouldn't pick at any of the "extra" embellishments that I would normally put on.
I am gonna write in it some of the things she says and funny stuff she does.
I made this for Sammy at first, but I found different paper that suited Sammy more, so I gave this one to Michael.
Matthew, love black and anything rock and roll.
Nathan like music and green.
Caleb liked this and bugged me for 2 days over this one.(it's cowboys)
Robots for Sammy.he loved it.
I am hoping to catch some Art from these guys. they draw all the time and I would love to have it all in one book.
And it is way fun.
I will help anyone who wants to do one.
Just let me know.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Quite frankly....
I am so much to say and soooooooo little time.
I should be getting dressed this Saturday morning, but I have been trying to go as long as I can in my night gown. Because If I get dressed it means I have to get going.
I want to avoid the day and just sleep through it. Not depressed or anything just plain ol' tired.
In the last 2 weeks I have only gotten about 5 days of sleep.
I am living on 4 to 5 hours or less a night. (more less)
I know it is mostly my fault and is all for purely selfish reasons.
I like my peace and quiet.
Michael, that sweet baby that he is, took a nap at 8:30pm. He probably would have slept longer if it were not for a loud child that was over for a sleepover yelling down the hallway.
Mikey stayed up until 1am. I crawled into bed, after my late night shower, (it helps me relax) at 2 am.
My sister was bringing over a nephew for me to watch at 8am and that was after Jeff left for an over time shift at 5am.
For the last week...Mikey has been a good baby and is sleeping in his crib all night long. Now, if I got to bed at a decent hour I could get more sleep, giving more energy to do more things, making me happy that I get a lot of things done.
That would be normal.
Now I am not sure if you noticed, I am not your normal woman of these modern days. I hate to do things like everyone else.
I decided last week to make this journals. (i took pictures, posting them later) for my kids. It started out just one for the beach trip. I stole the idea from my awesome Aunt Kathie who made a "Bride" Journal for her soon to be daughter-in-law.
We have been several times to the beach with Jeff's parents, but for some reason I thought it would be nice to get our feelings of being with family and the time we spent together from everyone, not jsut me....and get it on paper.
I covered the book, which started a whole new trend . I had to make them for my kids. I knew they would write in their journals, mostly just drawing, but I love what they draw.
Then I decided to make little goodies bags they would get each day we were at the beach. (no I didn't take pictures...not every day) I decorated a bag for each day and I put something to eat like a rice crispy treat, some sunglasses, mini binoculars, and a note pad and pen.(that was the first day) they loved it and it kept them busy in the car as we traveled up to the beach.
So off tract..... but doing all this and getting organized for the beach, having my Awesome friend Monica here for a few days, and helping my aunt cover the journals she did for other family members..... I developed a pattern of staying up late.
So ........back to Mikey.....
(if sleeping from 1am to 8 am is sleeping all night.)
He went back to sleep until 10ish. so i did get a bit of sleeping in.
My sister texted and said no nephew.
So I am just tired. I have no energy to get going on anything.
I need to get going, but.....
we will see.
I am not quite ready to start my Saturday.
I am gonna try and post about our FABULOUS beach trip.
and post pictures.
Quite frankly....it may never happen.
I should be getting dressed this Saturday morning, but I have been trying to go as long as I can in my night gown. Because If I get dressed it means I have to get going.
I want to avoid the day and just sleep through it. Not depressed or anything just plain ol' tired.
In the last 2 weeks I have only gotten about 5 days of sleep.
I am living on 4 to 5 hours or less a night. (more less)
I know it is mostly my fault and is all for purely selfish reasons.
I like my peace and quiet.
Michael, that sweet baby that he is, took a nap at 8:30pm. He probably would have slept longer if it were not for a loud child that was over for a sleepover yelling down the hallway.
Mikey stayed up until 1am. I crawled into bed, after my late night shower, (it helps me relax) at 2 am.
My sister was bringing over a nephew for me to watch at 8am and that was after Jeff left for an over time shift at 5am.
For the last week...Mikey has been a good baby and is sleeping in his crib all night long. Now, if I got to bed at a decent hour I could get more sleep, giving more energy to do more things, making me happy that I get a lot of things done.
That would be normal.
Now I am not sure if you noticed, I am not your normal woman of these modern days. I hate to do things like everyone else.
I decided last week to make this journals. (i took pictures, posting them later) for my kids. It started out just one for the beach trip. I stole the idea from my awesome Aunt Kathie who made a "Bride" Journal for her soon to be daughter-in-law.
We have been several times to the beach with Jeff's parents, but for some reason I thought it would be nice to get our feelings of being with family and the time we spent together from everyone, not jsut me....and get it on paper.
I covered the book, which started a whole new trend . I had to make them for my kids. I knew they would write in their journals, mostly just drawing, but I love what they draw.
Then I decided to make little goodies bags they would get each day we were at the beach. (no I didn't take pictures...not every day) I decorated a bag for each day and I put something to eat like a rice crispy treat, some sunglasses, mini binoculars, and a note pad and pen.(that was the first day) they loved it and it kept them busy in the car as we traveled up to the beach.
So off tract..... but doing all this and getting organized for the beach, having my Awesome friend Monica here for a few days, and helping my aunt cover the journals she did for other family members..... I developed a pattern of staying up late.
So ........back to Mikey.....
(if sleeping from 1am to 8 am is sleeping all night.)
He went back to sleep until 10ish. so i did get a bit of sleeping in.
My sister texted and said no nephew.
So I am just tired. I have no energy to get going on anything.
I need to get going, but.....
we will see.
I am not quite ready to start my Saturday.
I am gonna try and post about our FABULOUS beach trip.
and post pictures.
Quite frankly....it may never happen.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
frustrated!
soooo much to do.
so little time.
and up until today soooo little help.
I am just not sure I will survive.
while I pack for vacation...did I mention this is a house so we can cook our own meals? (we cant afford to eat out)
Yes, i have to plan food and pack it.
Been planned for weeks, just have to pack it.
And pack 8 people, and potty train emma.
She is ready.
Unexpected money issues and waiting until we leave to get some fresh ingredients...is just pushing me over the edge.
wish me luck!
so little time.
and up until today soooo little help.
I am just not sure I will survive.
while I pack for vacation...did I mention this is a house so we can cook our own meals? (we cant afford to eat out)
Yes, i have to plan food and pack it.
Been planned for weeks, just have to pack it.
And pack 8 people, and potty train emma.
She is ready.
Unexpected money issues and waiting until we leave to get some fresh ingredients...is just pushing me over the edge.
wish me luck!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Still Busy
I am so busy.
I also hate my computer.
I don't have time to wait for it to do what it does to get ready for me.
I am getting ready for our one and only vacation this year.
We are headed to the beach with Jeff's parents. They rented a house.
I was keeping it a secret from the boys, but I need help from them to get ready.
I have lists.
I have list for my lists.
I am trying to slowly work on everything so I am not slammed on Saturday.
So excited.
It is almost 8 PM and I have not made dinner..... again.
I am still fighting depression.
I refuse to be depressed, but I am really sensitive.
I broke a door last night and shamefully used a few colorful swear words at Jeff because I spilled my ice water on the couch.
I decided to cool off and go for a drive.
(I didn't mention Mikey had woken up and was just screaming and would not calm down and go back to sleep)
I was hoping for words of comfort from Jeff and a hug. (when will men learn, sometimes we just want a hug)
But he made a rude comment and I left.
I killed to birds with one stone.
I hit Wendy's for some comfort food...a Wendy's chocolate frosty and fries...(yes I got some for Jeff)
and I got Mikey back to sleep, which he proceeded to sleep all night!
Now the door doesn't close all the way unless you make it shut.
Oh well, I admit it...I have a temper sometimes.
I wont go into to the mundane reason for my complaining to Jeff for a hug and got a fight out of it instead.
He texted me and said he was sorry.
I m doing good.
But I am just so stinkin' busy.
I also hate my computer.
I don't have time to wait for it to do what it does to get ready for me.
I am getting ready for our one and only vacation this year.
We are headed to the beach with Jeff's parents. They rented a house.
I was keeping it a secret from the boys, but I need help from them to get ready.
I have lists.
I have list for my lists.
I am trying to slowly work on everything so I am not slammed on Saturday.
So excited.
It is almost 8 PM and I have not made dinner..... again.
I am still fighting depression.
I refuse to be depressed, but I am really sensitive.
I broke a door last night and shamefully used a few colorful swear words at Jeff because I spilled my ice water on the couch.
I decided to cool off and go for a drive.
(I didn't mention Mikey had woken up and was just screaming and would not calm down and go back to sleep)
I was hoping for words of comfort from Jeff and a hug. (when will men learn, sometimes we just want a hug)
But he made a rude comment and I left.
I killed to birds with one stone.
I hit Wendy's for some comfort food...a Wendy's chocolate frosty and fries...(yes I got some for Jeff)
and I got Mikey back to sleep, which he proceeded to sleep all night!
Now the door doesn't close all the way unless you make it shut.
Oh well, I admit it...I have a temper sometimes.
I wont go into to the mundane reason for my complaining to Jeff for a hug and got a fight out of it instead.
He texted me and said he was sorry.
I m doing good.
But I am just so stinkin' busy.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Busy Me.
I really want to blog.
I do think about it.
But my family and creative needs come first.
I am planning menu's and grocery lists.
I am planning activities and a list of things needed for our beach trip.
I am making a few things for our beach trip, too. (hush on that, the boys still don't know)
So I am busy.
I am fine.
Good really, it feels great to be busy creating things.
I am almost obsessed.
I don't want to stop.
My laundry is building up in my garage but I can't stop.
Don't worry, my children are well fed and clean....their clothes aren't.... but we have winter clothes right?
Off to be creative and other motherly things.
Busy, busy, busy me.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tasty Tuesday - Ice Cream Sandwich Tower Cake
I feel bad I haven't done a recipe in a while.
I know I made something the other day was soooooo good, but I forgot. It was a few weeks ago, so I know that idea is gone for good.
But this was Nathan's Birthday and I didn't make a cake. It was payday and shopping for stuff and bill time all at the same time, I ran out of time to bake his birthday cake.
So during Nathan's birthday sleepover I pulled out the box of ice cream sandwiches and..... Ding! (that is the sound of a light bulb moment)
It took less than 5 minutes to make and clean up.
Best part is that Nathan loved it.
I still owe him a real cake.
Ice Cream Sandwich Tower Cake
I know I made something the other day was soooooo good, but I forgot. It was a few weeks ago, so I know that idea is gone for good.
But this was Nathan's Birthday and I didn't make a cake. It was payday and shopping for stuff and bill time all at the same time, I ran out of time to bake his birthday cake.
So during Nathan's birthday sleepover I pulled out the box of ice cream sandwiches and..... Ding! (that is the sound of a light bulb moment)
It took less than 5 minutes to make and clean up.
Best part is that Nathan loved it.
I still owe him a real cake.
Ice Cream Sandwich Tower Cake10 ice cream sandwiches or more (optional)
1 plate
handful of imagination
Well, if the pictures don't show you how to put it together, than maybe you need to practice with some wood blocks. lol
We used the Wal-Mart brand "birthday cake" ice cream sandwiches. You can use more or less and the flavor is optional. Any favor will work.
Broken tip of a Toe and 4 Stitches
This is Sammy.
He broke the tip of his toe.
He was doing a kind thing.
He was using our 40+ lbs solid wood bench to barricade Baby Mikey from going into the kitchen. (just like mom does)
He dropped the bench on his toe.
At least 6 tbsp of blood puddled on the floor. I had just put on my night gown to cool off and relax the rest of the day. (it was already a long day, church alone with the kids was the hardest)
As soon as I saw the puddle, we are talking 6 inches around in diameter kind of puddle, I knew it was going to be an even longer day with a trip to the ER.
The boys pick up Sammy and carry him to the kitchen table, (better light) we are all trying to get a good look at it and Mikey slips and bumps his head in the puddle of blood, nice.
Nathan to the rescue.
We get a wet wash cloth, more like clean rag, and cover Sammy's toe. He is wailing and screaming.
Forgetting I am a grown up, (I just call her when ever I am in a panic) I called my mom. I had Mikey. Taking Mikey to the ER. Not fun. She can't help, but really, I didn't need her. I can do this.
I didn't call Jeff at work because he had only 2 hours left on his shift. I can do this.
I can do this.
After I changed my clothes and got Sammy to stop screaming the "most horrible sound in the world" ...it wasn't a cry, it was...... horrible. *shudders*
I tell Matt to take his meds. (for A.D.D.) I load up Michael, Sammy and Nathan and we head out. I mass texted the family to give the the 411, in case I needed any one's help.
I get to the Kaiser ER in Roseville, (which is really nice by the way). the screaming stopped as soon as he found out he got to sit in this cool looking metal "wheelchair like" chair. Registered and got into a room, they threw away his blood filled rag and took a look.
they were nice enough to not say much...at all. I knew it was bad. it looked like it was torn. He was gonna lose the nail.
I took a picture of Sammy in the hospital bed and sent it to Jeff. (he would get it after work)
Nathan played with Mikey in the waiting room. Luckily it had carpet so Mikey didn't have to sit in the little pink stroller we had the whole time. He hated that thing. And luckily my purse still had stuff from church in it too.
Poor thing, I have the pictures on my phone. They are more graphic and way grosser. I might edit this blog post and add the pictures, Not sure yet.
He had to be held down for the numbing shots , 6 at first another one when he got his stitches.
He was bribed with a happy meal, a strawberry milk shake, $1 per shot and stitch and no chores for the week.
He was happy about all of it.
In the end, he got 7 shots, 4 stitches, 3 x-rays, a happy meal with soda, a strawberry milkshake, and a pair of crutches for a broken toe.
Yep, he smashed it good.
The fact that he got $11 and a pair of crutches made it all a little easier.
He milked it for the rest of the week.
He will use his $11 to go and see the "Air Bender" movie. Even though I was the one that took him in, he still choose Dad to take him to the movie.
Goober.
He broke the tip of his toe.
He was doing a kind thing.
He was using our 40+ lbs solid wood bench to barricade Baby Mikey from going into the kitchen. (just like mom does)
He dropped the bench on his toe.
At least 6 tbsp of blood puddled on the floor. I had just put on my night gown to cool off and relax the rest of the day. (it was already a long day, church alone with the kids was the hardest)
As soon as I saw the puddle, we are talking 6 inches around in diameter kind of puddle, I knew it was going to be an even longer day with a trip to the ER.
The boys pick up Sammy and carry him to the kitchen table, (better light) we are all trying to get a good look at it and Mikey slips and bumps his head in the puddle of blood, nice.
Nathan to the rescue.
We get a wet wash cloth, more like clean rag, and cover Sammy's toe. He is wailing and screaming.
Forgetting I am a grown up, (I just call her when ever I am in a panic) I called my mom. I had Mikey. Taking Mikey to the ER. Not fun. She can't help, but really, I didn't need her. I can do this.
I didn't call Jeff at work because he had only 2 hours left on his shift. I can do this.
I can do this.
After I changed my clothes and got Sammy to stop screaming the "most horrible sound in the world" ...it wasn't a cry, it was...... horrible. *shudders*
I tell Matt to take his meds. (for A.D.D.) I load up Michael, Sammy and Nathan and we head out. I mass texted the family to give the the 411, in case I needed any one's help.
I get to the Kaiser ER in Roseville, (which is really nice by the way). the screaming stopped as soon as he found out he got to sit in this cool looking metal "wheelchair like" chair. Registered and got into a room, they threw away his blood filled rag and took a look.
they were nice enough to not say much...at all. I knew it was bad. it looked like it was torn. He was gonna lose the nail.
I took a picture of Sammy in the hospital bed and sent it to Jeff. (he would get it after work)
Nathan played with Mikey in the waiting room. Luckily it had carpet so Mikey didn't have to sit in the little pink stroller we had the whole time. He hated that thing. And luckily my purse still had stuff from church in it too.
Poor thing, I have the pictures on my phone. They are more graphic and way grosser. I might edit this blog post and add the pictures, Not sure yet.
He had to be held down for the numbing shots , 6 at first another one when he got his stitches.
He was bribed with a happy meal, a strawberry milk shake, $1 per shot and stitch and no chores for the week.
He was happy about all of it.
In the end, he got 7 shots, 4 stitches, 3 x-rays, a happy meal with soda, a strawberry milkshake, and a pair of crutches for a broken toe.
Yep, he smashed it good.
The fact that he got $11 and a pair of crutches made it all a little easier.
He milked it for the rest of the week.
He will use his $11 to go and see the "Air Bender" movie. Even though I was the one that took him in, he still choose Dad to take him to the movie.
Goober.
Framed
I made this frame for my in-laws.
Will she like it?
They are some of my favorite people.
I love to spend time with them.
My mother -in-law likes the beach. ALOT.
What do you think?
Will she like it?
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