yellowstone

So here I am catching up on some of the events of the summer. We took the kids to Yellowstone a few times this summer. It's always fun. A good day of quality family time. On Friday night we went with our friends to their cabin at Mack's Inn. It was such a cute cabin. I totally think Hanzel and Gretle lived there. Unfortunalty I didn't get a picture of it. It was such a little cabin that the girls (older) slept in the Suburban. Older Boys slept in a mini-van and my little kids slept on the living room floor and Robert and I and Gavin slept in the loft. I was afraid of the kids and bears in the night so they slept with a flashlight and cell phone to call me in the night if they needed something. Don't get out of the car if they heard or saw anything strange! It was fun!

This is my boyfriend ;)

Brynlee hanging out at old faithful waiting for the big geyser to go off.

buffalo (above, not below! ;P )

We got up early and went to the Park. This is at one of the geyser's.

I know it's side ways and I can't seem to fix it. Yes, I am that computer illiterate. But I have to comment, THis is one of the joys of having older kids and younger kids. The older kids genuinely enjoy helping with the younger. The younger kids idolize the older ones. It warms my heart. On this day, Brynlee and Jade helped alot chasing after Gavin. I think he loved it too!

This was at Old Faithful.

lazy kinda day

Wow, life has started to slow down for me. What a relief. I am enjoying it alot more now. I was released from my calling as a Den Leader. I did that for 3 years. I'm kind of relieved it's done. I was ready. I haven't been called to anything new yet and that's ok. I'm was feeling pretty darn busy the last few years and it's kinda nice to have control of my time again. Robert is still YM President and that's busy enough. Besides keeping up with the kids. This week was the first week in a long time I didn't have somewhere to be at some point in the day-every day. I had myself a lazy day just hanging out with the kids. ahhhh, I'm sure I'll get bored of this at some point, but right now it's nice. My laundry and house cleaning is actually under control! :)

appliance fairy!

So on Friday I posted on Facebook that my washing machine was out and so was my dishwasher. Well our neighbors responded that they had one they would sell cheap. So we called them. And long story short we got a 'new' dishwasher for $30!!! YEA. Robert installed it this weekend and It will need some trouble shooting done. But I think it will work. Robert is gonna work on it tonight. Even if we have to call the repairman, we think it will probably be cheaper than a new one at this point. I'm so excited, I hope it works. All the troubleshooting on line looks promising. So thank you, thank you, thank you to our neighbors who are really the Appliance Fairies in disguise! :)

Adventures in PICA

The other night while going through a box of memorabilia, that the kids had dumped water in, ggrrr!!! Robert came across a piece of slate. It's one that he brought back from Penn. while on his mission. He said it was lying all over the place down there. In great big piles, that had been dug up from the mining industry. So like a good, little farm boy from Washington he took a piece home. It's actually a beautiful piece. It makes me want to redo my kitchen in slate. You know what else it wants me to do?? EAT IT. That's right. I immedialty wanted to lick it, right from the moment Robert handed it to me, and I have never had that desire before. It smells earthy and oh so good. SO you know what I did?? I licked it. And then Robert caught me. I was slightly embarressed but more wondering what the sucker tasted like than anything! CRAZY I know. And in case anyone is wondering-I'm NOT pregnant. This is something that gets really bad when I am, but lately I've battled PICA on and off. Usually if I take a vitamin it will go away, but not so much lately...But I did take a LITTLE bite. just to see if I liked the texture. and you know what?? I DO LIKE IT. So I handed it back, to my husband who has this incredulous look on his face, before I started taking chunks out of it. When telling Alison, (my sister) about it she said I better not do the house in it, or I might start licking the walls, or chiseling off the good pieces for an afternoon snack...Don't worry, I did double up on the vitamins today!

granola

Last night I tried a new recipe for Granola. I liked it. Robert liked it. And the kids liked it. SO I'd say that's a win-win. So I thought I'd share it with you.

Granola-

8 cups old fashioned oats

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cup wheat germ

1 lb. nuts (any kind)

8 oz coconut

3 oz raw sunflower seeds

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup oil

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup honey

2 tsp. vanilla

Mix the first 7 ingredients on the in a large bowl. Next heat water, oil, peanut butter and honey until bubbly, then add vanilla. Pour over dry mixture. Mix Well. Spread on two large cookie sheets. Bake 250 degrees for 1 hour or until toasty. Stir occasionally with large spoon.





Ok- I didn't stir 'occasionally', I didn't want to. I put it in and 'forgot' about it! :D Also, I used walnuts and pine nuts. I did get roasted unsalted sunflower seeds though. I think everything else I followed directions on. The kids liked it and It stores nicely in an airtight container.

Civic Duty

I strongly believe in voting. I know that not all people take advantage of this opportunity. Please, please use it. Take your kids. Talk to your kids. Let them see how important it is to exercise your duty. Let your voice be heard. I'm going today. I'm taking Alexa and Gavin. I'm praying that good, sound judgements will be made.

VOTE

and then step back and see how good it feels

see you there!

what a day

Today started very chipper. I was in a great mood. I am loving our great fall weather. I don't think I've ever lived through Halloween, in this area, with such great weather. It's warm for fall. Still Jacket weather, and the colors of fall are in full force! Mondays are my laundry day. I really try and bust a move, I set the timer when I do the wash so that every 35 minutes it gets switched out. Well, at some point today I went to switch out the laundry and guess what? My entire laundry room, and some of the hallway were in inches! of water. At the deepest I think it was 8 inches. :( I hurried over to the washer to turn it off, and water was overflowing onto the floor and gushing out of the bottom. I tried to just turn the machine off, but it wouldn't turn off. So I ran to the outlet and pulled the plug-IT KEPT FILLING!!! Crazy, I was thinking at this point that it was possessed! So I ran to the water hookup and couldn't turn them off. I'm not sure why! so I called Robert to find out where the shut off valve for the house was. By the time I got off the phone with Robert I had figured out how to get the washer off. (I still need to learn where the shut off is-dang it)! I was pretty much disgusted at this point so I grabbed some sleeping bags and unrolled them to absorb the water and create a dam of sorts so the carpet in the family room wouldn't get soaked! Then I ran around trying to see if anything was getting wet that wouldn't be able to handle it. It was all pretty much under control. So I left to go upstairs. Robert had borrowed a shop vac on the way home and he arrived 15 minutes later and went and vaccuumed up most of the water. then We all left to go to his Dr. appointment. later that day Robert went home and finished up the task while I escaped to a friends house to try to distract myself. IT WORKED! I think all my appliances are going on strike. In August the dishwasher broke-It's still broken! the deep freeze went out last month, the washer is now broken, we have had car problems, my skillet broke, my toaster broke. I think that's it, at least it's all I can think of at the moment. I'm just relieved today is over. I did come home in time for dinner and now Gavin is running a fever. Poor guy! I hope tomorrow is a better day!

Halloween 2010

This year we had alot going on. At 3pm our family went to a Halloween party at the neighbors. (Robert is sick, so he stayed home with Gavin). We came home at 5 and I did some cleaning up and then I took the girls to their Halloween parties. When I got home I quickly go the 4 littles ready for trick or treating. :) I kinda like taking the kids around. It's fun. This year was a bit lonely because Robert's sick. But I do enjoy seeing the little kids learn the whole door etiquette thing. So this year I decided to dress up too. I went as a Domestic Goddess. :) One can dream, can't she?

This is Gavin. He actually kep the hat on all night. I thought it was adorable. He of course went as Frankenstein. He was really cute at all the houses. He would always say Thank you. In a really sweet voice. And he would always make eye contact to do so. By the end of the night he was singing Happy Halloween and trick or treat with the other kids.:)


Here is Brock. He was thrilled to be this skeleton. Contrary to what he looks like! :) It glowed in the dark too, so that was a hit while we were out. He and Alexa learned some door/Halloween Etiquette tonight and as always had to fight-oh I mean-learn to take turns ringing doorbells. He is always competing with Alexa. It was a fun night though, and they had it figured out by the end of the night.

This is Brynlee holding 'riptide' from the Percy Jackson series. She is Annabeth. She and Robert made her costume out of Electrical tape. They did phenominally well. She wanted to look 'beat up'. So this was the best makeup job I could do in that department!

This is Miss Alexa. She wanted to be a puppy. She also had a fairy constume and this one won out. It was easy though because it didn't require a coat! :)



This is me living the 'dream'! :)

Jade did her own Genie Makeup. She's getting good!



Jade went as a Genie. I embellished this costume a few years ago for her. You can't see the sparkle scarf that hangs in the back. It hooks to her fingers so when she moves her arms the scarves are draped and flowing. She really likes this costume and members of my family will remember this from when I was little. I wore this costume when I was 12...

Ian wanted to be Gimli from Lord of the Rings. This was as good as it got this year. He loved it and Robert did well making the helmet and Axe. I did the cape and Habikirk. (if you want to call it that). He had a lot of fun. And was alot of help while we were out hitting the streets. Every year 1 of our kids gets to get the 'big' costume. Because I get overwhelmed and money seems to be tight, we started letting 1 kid get a really fantastic costume. They get to be whatever they want to be. We'll make it, or get it, or whatever they want. This year it was Ian's turn. This is what he wanted and this is what I and Robert had time for. Although, it gets easier every year because our Halloween box is getting more and more to choose from. And the experience we gain in doing them has made it easier to make the new ones. Also, this way I only have to really *focus* on 1 at a time.

These are 3 of our pumpklins. We actually made 4. But I don't know why there is only pictures of 3. The picture is kina blurry. But they did really well. We copied some from the internet. And Brynlee designed the Cyclops in the middle. Jade and I did the witch. (free hand I might add)! And Robert did the other two. His really good one didn't make the pictures I guess....

spirit day

This year for Spirit Day Brynlee decided to go all out and try to win the Spirit Day Prize. She WON!! and earned herself and some friends PICKETT'S BAMBINO for Lunch. SHe said it was yummy!

:)

I helped her with her Makeup and it was kinda fun. I have often wished that I had gone to cospotology school growing up. I wanted to go at one point but thought that it wouldn't have been a good choice. Now I think otherwise, oh well. Sorry, that was random! :)

birthday catch up

Wow, I've had a bit of writer's block. I have actually sat down a few times to document things but it hasn't turned out right -so I never publish. But today I'm gonna give it a try! :)

I'm a bit behind on blogging so I'm just gonna pick up with Jade's birthday. She turned 12 this year and boy was she excited. The day of her birthday we went and got her ears peirced. She was thrilled. She said it hurt a bit more than she expected, but that she'd do it anyway. I find that so funny because it's so ME! Another funny thing about Jade is last night at the dinner table she was talking about how people cry when they say they're gonna get a divorce. I said yes, what a bout it and she's like well if both parties don't want to be married what's the problem. So I said, well what if I said I don't want to be your Mom anymore, how would you feel? She then said, well if I didn't want to be your daughter either then what's the problem. RObert busted a gut at that point and said, SHE's so your CHILD. It took me a few minutes to explain to her the nuances of relationships and that it's not that cut and dried. I still don't think she gets it. She is very cut and dry. Anyway, back to her party. The Friday after her birthday, she invited some friends over and we had a little makeup learning session and then had cup cakes and went to the movie Eclipse, and then off to Pizza Hut. The kids had a blast.

This is a picture of the table. I did it in a tea party kinda style. The purses were their party favor. It included the makeup that the girls put on.

The hand mirror was at every place setting so the girls would have reference when we put on makeup and talked about cleanliness and facial awarness, ie where the 'apple of the cheek' is and such.

Creamy Cucumber toasties

another closeup of the table

the whole group!

these turned out so cute. I was mostly happy with it. I don't think I'll make fondant for awhile though! :)

Just a plain ol' list!

Secretly- I love me a list!


Music I'm rocking? Owl City
Food I'm living off of? Laughing Cow Spreadable Swiss Cheese. I love the herb and garlic flavor.
Shoes I'm wearing? none, just lately I am loving the sandals
Friends I miss? Shanna and Emily. We need another get together.
Boys that suck? hmm, that's a tricky one. I would have to say the boys in the white house! :)
Most Exciting find? Laughing Cow Cheese of course! I learned the difference between capris and peddle pushers and waders ect....
Exciting news? well, I don't really have any, which is kinda sad. But Brynlee was in her first track meet this week. That's actually really sad, it's not even my news!!
Lame News? I love Spring.
Job? the laundry
School? does my kids homework/getting them to school count? probably not, but I do love to do random internet searches that are purely educational. I quite often pick a topic and just learn about it.
Random Fact? Alexa eats dirt. And she likes it. And I don't really care.
Hair Color? the hair salon lady says I have 'perfect chestnut hair color, that's natural!' I call it dark brown :) (which I love. Sooo glad I'm not blonde! sorry blondies:)
Currant Activity? blogging of course, oh and a real activity, today was yard work.
Boys that are Confusing? my 18 month old son, Gavin
Biggest Problem? not enough money for my wish list, frustration that my list doesn't match Robert's list!
Simplest Problem? what dessert to make tonight.
Random Thought? I love to travel, I love to move. I am not quite sure how I lived 18 years in the same house. That's probably why I was so itchy to leave. hmmmm, I'm itching to go right now.....!

A Day in the Life of

Alexa with a little lipstick love going on.

I decided to document what a busy day in my life is. This is a typical Thursday for me. Thursday is one of my busiest days but long gone are the days of nothing to do. And completely forget about the days of nothing to do for days on end. Ahhhhh, I miss those days! :) oh, and I should mention that Alexa, Brock and Gavin are all my side kicks through out the day. All of them or any combination thereof are with me :)

6:30 get up and read scripture with the kids

7:00 get boys in the tub and the girls ready for school (they really do it themselves)

Make breakfast ect.

8:00 kids are gone to school and I get in the shower if I haven't already, some days I can git it in earlier or get up earlier to do it.

8:30 Alexa and Gavin in the tub

9:00 put a load of laundry in, load the dishwasher and made brownies for scouts later today

10:50 pick up Brock from school

11:00 fix lunch and prep Scout stuff

12:00 take Alexa to pre-school

1:00 go to the school and watch Jade in the Talent Show

2:00 go set up scouts

2:15 take Brock to IRI

2:15 Scouts start

3:15 pick up Brock from IRI

3:30 Scouts is over

3:30 send Jade to Activity Days

5:00 start dinner, start kids on homework if not done already

5:30 pick up Bryn from Track

6:00 eat dinner

7:00 Roundtable meeting

8:00 if the kids aren't in bed -put them to bed, Send the older girls to the shower!

9:00 clean up dinner

10:00 bedtime! :0)

This is a busy Scout day. But really my life has been this busy for awhile now. It has it's both pro's and con's. On my slow days I still do 1 or 2 things, but it's better. This kind of Day happens about 2 times a month. The other Scout days aren't quite so bad. I would rather be busy and have legitimate things to do. I find the kids act better when they have constructive things to do with their time and so forth. To much down time causes bickering. But I also believe that being to busy is bad as well. It should be noted that the kids aren't the ones that are that busy. It's me wanting to see and be part of their life. I like them to be involved. I believe it helps cultivate alot in kids. And it teaches about their community as well, but I don't allow the kids to be into to many things at once. I think I'm busy because I have so many kids :) I'm not complaining. They really are a blessing!

concert

This week Jade had her Orchestra concert. It was fabulous. I really enjoyed going. We broke with concert etiquette and left early. Robert was at Mutual with Brynlee and I was there with the four younger kids in tow. So we left when the kids had had enough. (Jade's was over, of course!) Gavin didn't know what to make of all the clapping, but by the third song he was actually head banging and clapping with gusto. It was hilarious.

Ian took one look at the Bass Cello and was like, " What is that?" He wants to play one next year. I'm ok with that. But we'll see if he still wants too next year.

Only Me

This week I had a dentist appointment. No biggie. It was the regular cleaning. All went well. I asked the Dentist about getting tooch whitening kit. My little Diet Coke addiction is taking it's toll on my teeth, and since I'm not ready to give up the vaction in a glass drink I need to take up the fight to rectify the whole old lady mouth thing! He told me the process, I consented.

So after my cleaning and they took the molds of my teeth. It was weird. The foam has to harden in your mouth around your teeth. The foam went down my throat. I held back the gag for 1 full minute while it hardened. Yes, I am that vain. I can hold back a gag for vanity's sake :) anyway, that all went fine. Yesterday I picked up my new 'kit' for whitening. My friend has a similar kit and she told me some tips and tricks to making it go well. I tried to heed her advice. My sister also uses this system and she has never had a problem. I didn't eat any foods that might be a problem. and I followed (what I thought) directions!

After dinner I brushed my teeth, and put the gel in the molds and put them in my mouth. Then I thought, "hmmm, that's an interesting feeling." I checked in the mirror and yes, the gel was FOAMING. I was like huh, nobody ever told me about that! So I just wiped off what was coming out and figured that it was par for the course. About 15 minutes in I wasn't sure I could last the full hour. But decided I didn't like having old lady teeth, so I would be worth it in the end. I took 2 tylenol to make it through. You should probably know that I have sensitive teeth and there are many things that I do to deal with them, mainly I use prescription toothpaste to help with the sensitivity. At the last 5 minutes I was white knuckling it. But I made it! when I took the molds out I noticed -besides the really sore mouth-was that my gums were WHITE! yup, I burned them to the point were they were white. and they were sore.

But guess what? I was right, my teeth were whiter!!! :) so I need to find out what I did wrong, and wait for my mouth to heal before I can use the molds again.

Sometimes I am just suprised at what happens to me

.

here are the lovely molds!

There are a few cracks in them, but seeing my teeth this way makes me really wish I had braces!

they were cut a little crooked, but you get the idea!

Valentine's catch up!

Last year Robert and I were able to attend a 2 day seminar called University for Parents. We really enjoyed it. WE learned alot. One of the speakers was the Eyre's. I loved their style of talk. It was informative, kept us engaged and interesting. One of the things that we learned about was traditions. It was stressed that Traditions are inportant to pull the family together and it's what will bring your kids home again (one of many) when they leave the house. Robert and I like this idea and after many discussions we decided that we needed to 'up' what we do. It also creates an opportunity to do fun things with the kids and remind them that we do love them. Because at our house sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the duties and responsibilities of being the 'mom and dad'. When this happens, I don't think the kids always feel loved. So this is an attempt to off set that! We figured at least it wouldn't hurt. :)

One of the ideas was to celebrate the lesser holidays. We have sometimes celebrated them big, always in a small way. But Robert and I wanted to make it more concrete. More, well Traditional. So in that vein, I decided to do Valentine's Breakfast. This gets it out of the way. I can prep it the day before, it's cheap and no matter my budget I can afford it. And It allows Robert and I to go out in the evenings and have our own celebration. (And not feel guilty about it!)

I love dishes. I love to set a table beautifully. Sometime's it's better than others but I also like to use the dishes with my kids. They love it and they feel special when we use them. I like that. So I brought out the dishes for a fancy breakfast. Not shown in the pictures is the kids presents. We set them at their seats so they could find them in the morning. They were so excited and it really set the tone for the day. Valentine's was on a Sunday this year, and Both Robert and I had many meetings after church. So this allowed us to 'get it over with'. And most importantly not forget it.

The table was beautiful. You can't really tell here. The tablecloth has little squares in it and has a sheen. the chargers and goblets are fun to use on this holiday!

In this picture you can see the plates I made for Valentine's. It was fun. I'm getting ready to make my St. Patrick's day plates this week!

We served heart shaped pancakes, bacon, sugared sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and orange juice. We prepped almost everything the night before so the food went fast. Also, the table and presents were set out the night before. After the kids were in bed, so it was a total suprise. It was alot of fun! I think I can do this again! :)

Books of 2010

I have seen a trend on some blogs lately of listing the books that I've read this year on my sidebar. I kinda like that idea. I think it will encourage me to read more. (As if I needed more to read :)) But I think I like the idea of keeping track. I tend to read in spurts. A whole bunch of books and then not any for awhile. Right now, I am in a reading trend. So it's a good time to start I suppose.

My friend Andi, asked me to read a book that she had just read called The Historian. Oh, my. She wanted someone to talk to about the book, because she thought it was spooky. I think she's right. This book is taking over my thoughts. It is spooky. But I'm not really sure why. I didn't really think I would be nervous. But here I am. Not wanting to read late at night and cuddling close to the hubby. So now, I have to hurry and finish it. I can't wait to see what happens. I'll keep you posted.

stake standards night

Last night was our Stake Standards Night. I went with Brynlee. Robert worked a 24 hour day at work so he stayed home with all the rest of our crew. I have a nasty cold but bucked up and went anyway.

I'm so glad I went.

I was grumpy before hand, but thought that I needed to set an example. Last year I didn't go either because of a cold. (this must be my time of year) So I didn't want to miss 2 years in a row. It was a great reminder as a parent of my child's needs and focus. It reminded me of what kind of pressure the kids are under and how I need to support them or teach (as the case may be) what our standards are and why they need to stay that way. 2 of the talks left me alot to think about. I am highlighting some of it here.

* Parents are to write a love letter to their teenager to remind them of all their fantastic qualities and so the teenager can re-read it when down in the future.

* Make a special place (the lady called it a love bucket) for said items to go. This is also where a journal, the Strength for Youth Pamphlet, and their patriarchal blessing can go when they receive it.

*If said child doesn't have a blessing, You can make a list of things that can help them prepare for a blessing, at the right time.

* Go over the Strength of You pamphlet. It is important to not just look at the 'you can't' list's. Read over every blessing that is included, if/when the rule is followed. I think we will be doing this for our next Family Home Evening.

One other item that I liked was that one Dad called up his daughter's before they were 16. Asked them for a date and formally took them on a date of their dreams. The point wasn't necessarily to be the daughter's first date, but it was to teach her what an appropriate date is. How the boy should treat you. Have good manners and so on. This is something that I think we'll do with both the boys and the girls. Have some fun time with the kids but also teach them about dating as well.

I am so glad that our Heavenly Father knows us each by name. He understands each of our trials and situations. As unique as they are. For through this, I am guided in such a way, as a parent, to help my children best through the next few years. As crazy as they will be. Meetings like our Standard's night can be boring, they take time out of our daily lives. It can feel like 'just another meeting'. But they are relevant. It is important. Our kids need leaders. They need people that they can count on to show them how to be good upstanding citizens and children of God. For through this knowledge, happiness can be achieved. I believe that my kids are smart enough to make good choices, but in order to make good choices they have to be taught what all of their choices are and what the consequences will be of all the choices that they make. If strongly feel that I would be remiss if I didn't teach my kids all the principles of the gospel and why it pertaines to them. So that they have all the tools they need to navigate through life. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

ok, ok, I'm officially stepping off my soap box. :D

Attack of the Bird(s)

So a good friend of mine got a deal on chicken breasts and chicken tenders and asked me if I would like to get some. Always looking for a good deal I consented. Well the chicken has been delivered and I needed to still pay for it. So After picking Brock up from school I dropped by this friends house to pay her the money owing. To her credit I didn't tell her I would be coming. I just showed up planning to drop off a check.

I went up to the door and rang the door bell. Her son who's 3, let me in. I called for my friend and received no answer. I inquired to where his mom was and he replied that she was in the shower. Oh, well, I figured that I would just write her a check and leave it, planning to call her later and tell her. Well, I wrote the check and put it somewhere 'safe'. Well I hear some swuaking and look up to see their pet bird flying for me. Secretly I must tell you that I'm really, really afraid of this bird. It has flown to my head before and I can never get it off. It likes my head but it won't usually get on my finger to remove it. Some one else has to do it.

Seeing the bird come at me I froze, I thought maybe if I don't move it will fly past me. Realizing at the last minute that it was coming at me I started to run away.

IT. FOLLOWED. ME.

I screamed.

My friend didn't hear me.

Realizing that I was on my own I tried to get the bird to get on my finger, It was on my back, climbing up. The bird wouldn't get near my finger. My movements now making it climb to my head. I have to say that I'm proud of myself for not losing it entirely. I didn't scream during all of this.

Now it's on my head and I can feel the bird's talons scraping my scalp. I am really starting to lose it. I was bending over the couch trying to get the bird to go on the couch. I called over the little boy to try and get the bird off. It made it worse. So I decided I didn't need my coat that I would take off my coat and leave it on the couch and take a run for it. I got my coat off and laid on the couch and I ran for the door. Just as I reached the door I feel the damn bird on my head again. This time I really scream out. I had a jacket on under my coat and I decide I can do with out it as well. So I start to slip off the sweater/jacket and it rolls over the bird. This scares the bird and now it's holding on for dear life. The bird's talons going through my sweater into my shirt. I'm about to rip all my clothes off but decide to try and help the bird out and get it out from under the sweater. I laid the sweater on the couch after finally getting the bird free. I ran for the door and made it this time. Running to my car and thinking I am home free. When I tell my friend she's not gonna believe me. Once I get in my car I realize that I left my cell phone in the house and I have to take an important phone call on it today. sooooo, you got it. I go back. I ran in, grabbed my stuff and ran before the bird came back. Lesson learned. don't go into a house when the mother isn't in the same room

I won't do that again!

New Moon

This last week I took Brynlee and Jade to New Moon. The girls were really excited. To make the night complete we first dined at Olive Garden. Brynlee and Jade loved it. They pointed out that we were eating 'Italian' like Bella did in Twilight. It was a fun night. I couldn't even get a word in edgewise, they chatted non-stop :) Then we went on to the theatre. We went to the one down town that is older (I secretly love this Theatre!) the line was down the street because it was opening at the cheap(er) Theatre. The girls were so excited.

The movie was fun! The girls loved it. Brynlee was suprised that is was so complex of a story line. But it sure gave them lots to think about. Now I just can't wait until Alexa is big enough to tag along!

New Beginnings!

This week was New Beginnings for Young Women's. I was actually really excited to go and see Jade get an insight to what's coming. Jade is the only girl in our ward who is turning 12 this year. But I am still excited. She was to I think. :)

The program was really wonderful and the Leadership did an awesome job explaining the program to the parents. Alot has changed since I was in Young Women's and it was nice for a recap! Brynlee is the current beehive president, and she was able to recognize her sister (Jade) and welcome her in. It was a special moment for me. :)One of the new things in the program, is that the Mom's get to do the program too!. :) I think that's awesome. From my experience with the Faith in God program and Scouts your child will not do these things on their own. They need help and direction. That is what I'm for. I'm not talking force, I'm talking the kind of guidance that kids need because they can't comprehend what they'll want in 10 years or more! The Scouts I work with wouldn't get anything finished if it were up to them. I don't mean they wouldn't do an occasional project but actually finishing badges and moving up in rank requires supervision. The same with the Faith in God program. It is a long program , It takes years to finish, what kid would do that on their own?? I love what the YW program teaches. I love that my daughter is encouraged to get her own testimony, I love that she is surrounded by positive peers and adults that really do have her best interest at heart. I love that she can learn how to grow and progress in this constantly changing part of her life. She needs all the help we can get. It is ok to grow up! it is ok to move on to new things and I think the YW program help teach our girls how to do that in a safe environment. It's also one where I can supervise anytime that I feel I need too. All of these programs encourage parental support-What's better than that?It's exciting and new and immediatly I thought-I can't wait!! suprising because I didn't earn my young womanhood medallion when I was in YW. I did everything but my final project. I didn't want it. I didn't like the importance that others put on it. Like somehow I wouldn't be as good if I earned it. SOo I didn't. Fast forward 15 years and now I have the opportunity to earn it. I won't have to stand up in church (yes, that is an issue for me!) if I earn this medallion and I can do it with My girls. That alone makes me want to dive right in. Something that we can do together. I try to seek those things out! Maybe in a year I will be whining. But right now, I'm blissful. and I can't wait.

Bliss List

These are the things that make me happy. .

1. quiet house

2. a perfectly cleaned house, even the closets

3. Date night with Robert

4. Ladies night with the gals!

5. kisses from my kiddos

6. playing board/card games

7. not making dinner

8. The bills all paid

9. falling snow

10. Diet Coke, it's a vacation in a glass.