Larsons are Lucky

1st post of the year--I hope I win!

2012-02-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

It is past Jan and into Feb already and I am posting my 1st post---

BUT it really isn't a post about me---I just want to WIN!!

Check out this super cute Bento box! I am totally in love with this blog and the FUN things she does---Wouldn't you eat everything and anything if it was packaged like this for you?! If I lived in a big city maybe I would start a business and make lunches like this--I would drop them off at your office and collect the boxes after your work--then have another lunch ready for the next day---that would be fun--ANYWAY

She is going away this Bento Box and I want it!!

So I am sharing with all of you this great website.

http://www.meetthedubiens.com/2012/02/bento-giveaway.html?showComment=1328645555966#c2256737294717128759

Since I can't remember how to hyperlink anymore here is the picture from the top of her blog! Super cute!!

Writing Time

2011-12-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

So low and behold I went to a writers forum. It was fun.

It made me want to write--alot--

so here is the first story.

If any of you have connections to getting this published--I would not hold you back-- ;)

The story came about because last year we went to decorate gingerbread houses at a childrens event and watching my kids pick out candies out the of the same bowl the boy with runny nose, the girl with the licked fingers, and the teenager who looked less than clean--I decided right then and there--they will NOT be eatting this. Plus, I don't know who put it together (since they were premade, except for the decorations), or where they have been stored, or how old they were....anyway

My kids were very disappointed when I told them not to eat them. They wanted to know why--what was I to say--Your mom is a germ freak--other people are gross---you will get sick?

I wanted them to have that magical happy look all kids have during the Christmas season and I didn't want to burst their bubble.

So at night I made up a story. A shorter, simpler version what you are about to read. I told my kids that in the gingerbread people need new houses and every year they go and look for houses that will work. SO if our houses are gone in the morning it means they were pretty enough to be taken to the gingerbread village and used as a house---so It needs work I know--and the title---i need a new one, but here you go!

(I would think this would work great with kids who are about 7-10?)

“That night I saw three Gingerbread Men. Well, two Gingerbread Men and one Gingerbread Boy. I didn’t even breathe in my chair as I watched them check out the houses lined up in a row on my mantle. I was afraid they would disappear if I did. I just watched in silence as they explored every nook and cranny of my Gingerbread village. If I close my eyes now, and you close yours, I will tell you about the night I met the Gingerbread Men.”
He was so excited to finally be able to tell his Granddaughters, Pepper and Sedona, the story of Gingerbread people.
“They aren’t flat like the cookies, or what we see in books. They look just like men who have been shrunk. They had clothes, but the clothes were made of different kinds of candies, and each gingerperson looked different from the other.”
“Grandpa, how do you know you weren’t sleeping?” asked Sedona.
Grandpa chuckled at Sedona. She was as full as excitement as Pepper, but her age made her question even the most simple of magic. Sedona was an older and wiser child of ten, while Pepper was still at that delightful age of seven.
“Well, Sedona I thought I was, but as I listened and watched the gingerbread men, I looked for signs of a good dream; time passing very quickly or strange turn of events, but none of those things happened.
Pepper and Sedona snuggled in closer to Grandpa. While Pepper squeezed her eyes tight, Sedona continue to stare into the twinkly lights of the Christmas tree. Grandpa thought he smelled some cinnamon in the air, but he took a deep breath and began the story.
“Grandma Ann and me were sitting in our rocking chair by our Christmas tree the second year we were married, that was almost thirty-nine years ago. We were young people way back then and didn’t have many Christmas decorations for our house. We wondered how to decorate the Fireplace mantel, the part that goes above the fireplace. I told of how one of my favorite memories as a child, was to smell the gingerbread men baking in the oven and what a treat it was to eat them with milk on Christmas Eve. Grandma, a young woman back then, smiled as she listened to my memory. She knew what to get me for Christmas that year. Christmas Eve came around and I smelled Gingerbread cookies baking all morning. I had to leave to do my evening chores, but was excited to return home to have, what I hoped, an evening treat of Gingerbread men and milk. However, when I came in there were no cookies. The kitchen had a few pieces of candy scattered here and there, but no cookies. I was disappointed, but didn’t let it show.
On Christmas morning, I awoke to find a beautifully decorated Gingerbread house and a plate of Gingerbread men under the Christmas tree. That first Gingerbread house started a tradition. Each year Grandma and I would make a house for our mantle village. The houses didn’t last more than a year or two back then before they had to be thrown away. Almost by accident I found the perfect solution for preserving the houses.
One day in the middle of June about five years after the first gingerbread house had been constructed I brought home a can of lacquer. I had gone to the hardware store for some nails and returned with this treasure.”
“What is lacquer?” asked Pepper.
“Is that why your houses are all shinny?” Sedona wondered.
“Lacquer is a protective coating, kind of like clear paint. It does make our house shinny, but I like them that way. After finding the lacquer, all through July and August we tried different ways to preserve smaller, easy to make gingerbread houses. We found the best way was to paint the lacquer on with a paintbrush. We covered each piece of gingerbread before assembling it, and then we would coat it again after the whole house was assembled and decorated. We would let it dry and then do another layer, or two, or three, until we were sure the gingerbread house was completely covered. The lacquer would dry hard and clear and preserve our gingerbread houses for years and years. We no longer had to decide between making a very simple gingerbread village or just one really nice house every year; we could spend much more time on an individual piece knowing it would be a lasting treasure. Each year we spent hours planning, designing, building, and decorating our gingerbread house. On Christmas morning we would place it on the mantle, adding to our village.
A few years of our gingerbread houses weren’t as elaborate. When our kids were young, when your mom was your age Pepper, they seemed more interested in destroying the houses than helping make them. Once when your Uncle Jon was twelve and got a football for Christmas, disaster struck when it hit the village. A few houses were carefully glued back together, but many had to be thrown way because they were beyond repair. As the children grew and each left the house our tradition of the Gingerbread houses went back into full swing.
When I retired, my interest in the Gingerbread village grew and I began making more than houses. I added shops, a candy store, a library, a school, and up to that point, my favorite parts of the village was the gingerbread playground. It was hard to make moving swings, a slide, a working merry-go-round, but I had a lot of fun.
“I like those too Grandpa.” Pepper said.
“Through the years,” grandpa continued, “our little village had become quite impressive.
About eleven years ago, right before Sedona was born, Grandma and I were sitting in these chairs. Grandma had fallen asleep while writing out a menu for a Christmas dinner. We had gotten the Gingerbread village out that morning and set it all up. Grandma loves her Gingerbread Village and it was a special treat each year when her grandchildren, like you, Pepper, and Sedona, would came to see the growing collection. I always made sure each year the Gingerbread village was wrapped carefully away so that each piece would be intact till the next year when it was time to display them again. One year I even made a special table to display the entire gingerbread village on when it grew too big to fit on the mantel. The mantel was reserved for the most precious and fragile pieces. I wasn’t quiet asleep, but wasn’t quite awake when I thought I heard a mouse moving among the gingerbread village on the mantle.
I was at first irritated that a mouse would be trying to eat the Gingerbread houses that we cared about so much, when I heard small voices. They weren’t high or squeaky like a mouse should be, but quite and ruffled. I strained to hear them.
“I don’t know Lucas, they have strange coating on them. I don’t think my Annabell would like this.” The first hushed voice said.
“It looks a lot easier to keep clean than my old house. It is crumbling around us and with Amy due any day with our little one; I think this would make a perfect place.”
“Well, I think we should take this new kind of house back to the counsel and see what they say.” The first voice spoke again, but a little louder and not so hushed.
“Look at this. They have buildings I have never seen before. What is this?” The younger boy asked.
“Wow look at this. Son, this is a playground. One of the nicest sets I have ever seen. See this is a swing set and this is a slide.” The older man was checking to see if the swing set would hold his weight. When it did he and his son tried out all of the pieces, even the merry-go-round.
I couldn’t stop watching them. I was scared the pieces would break, but I saw the swing set was sturdy and the gingerbread men were enjoying themselves so much. The boy let out a loud squeal when he went down the slide causing grandma to shift in her chair a little. The gingerbread men froze and looked at her. Grandma soon was back to snoring, and I had closed my eyes almost all the way in case they looked at me. I watched them threw slotted eyes to see what they would do next. The Gingerbread men tiptoed behind the candy store and I didn’t hear anything. Disappointed, but still not believing what I had seen and heard, I silently went to the mantle. The two older gingerbread men looked up in fright and disappeared, but the boy didn’t seem to mind the giant peering at him.
‘Hello.’ I said in a quiet voice so not to scare the young Gingerboy.
‘Hello’ he answered back.
‘I am Thomas, What is your name and where did your friends go?’
“I am Figgen Jensen. Gingerbread men are taught never to be seen by humankind. They disappeared, but I have seen you watching us the whole time we have been here. I am not scared of you.” The young gingerbread boy seem to grown another half an inch with bravery.
“Why would you be scared of me?” I asked in a calm voice.
The young gingerbread answered while looking in a window of the Candy Shop.
‘We have had our kind hidden away for years. We are afraid of what would happen if your kind knew about us. I have heard that you eat gingerbread men. Did you make all of these?’
I answered him and said,
“My wife and I have made all of the village on the mantle and most of what is on the table over there and well, we have gingerbread cookies, and most of the time they are in the shape of little boys or girls but…wait right here.”
I shuffled off to the kitchen and returned holding a cookie in each hand.
“See, this is what we eat.”
The gingerbread boy was looking over the cookies when his father returned out of air in a poof of brown powder and a smell of cinnamon filled the air.
“What is the meaning of this? You know to use your Cinnapowder if a human comes in contact with us. What if he would have seen you?”
The gingerbread boy looked from his father and smiled up at me.
“Thomas, this is my father, Caden, father, this is Thomas.”
Caden seem to freeze, too scared to use his Cinnapowder as he had called it earlier.
“Father, they don’t eat us, they eat little cookies that look nothing like us. OK, well they are about our size, plus look, he has more of a village over there. We didn’t even see that. Look at how many houses, and look a town hall. We have needed one of those.”
I wanted to reach out and shake his hand, but I decided to gave a small nod of my head to the man instead while I said,
‘It is very nice to meet you. I am glad that our village is so pleasing to you, but what would you need a town hall for?’
Before I could finish my sentence Caden and Figgen poofed from sight again in the same brown powder I had seen and smelled before. I stood looking at the mantle with a gingerbread cookie in each hand when Grandma said ‘Thomas, what are you doing? Are you sneaking gingerbread cookies early?’, I found I had been standing there just waiting for something to happen for over ten minutes.
She took the cookies from my hands and kissed me on the cheek.
“Tomorrow is Christmas. The kids will be coming for dinner. We better get to sleep.”
I was still looking between and inside the houses when I figured she was right, but I just didn’t want to leave. I told Grandma to go to bed and I would be come in, in a few minutes.
Grandma chuckled at me and went to the kitchen to replace the cookies before turning down the hall towards the bedroom.
I went back to my chair and stared at the village. After what felt like hours, but according to the clock had only been twenty five minutes, I smelled cinnamon again.
‘Thomas?’ A voice called from the mantle called me.
I was on my feet and to the mantle as if I was young again. Figgen was standing by the swings. I smiled at him and Figgen went to the swing and talked as he enjoyed himself.
‘Father went to talk to the counsel about the events that happened here tonight. Mother thinks I am in bed, but I am of age to use the Cinnapowder when I see fit. Twelve is a very important age you see; we can use our own cinnapowder and not have to wait for an adult to give us some.’
I just smiled at him and listened.
“They liked your buildings very much, but they are think the only thing missing is a church. We care very much about religion, and I noticed earlier you didn’t have one.”
“What would you do to our village if we had a church?” I asked.
“We would cover the town in Cinnapowder and take it to our village. Each year we search through all the gingerbread houses available and take the ones that best suit our needs.”
I looked a little shocked.
“You take the houses? How come you have never taken one of ours before? Where is your village? Do you return them?’”
Grandpa looked down at the girls listening intently “You see, Pepper and Sedona, I was concerned that my gingerbread village would disappear that same night and I would never see it again.”
“Figgen told me that normally they could smell the gingerbread from their village.
He said ‘Our Village is a hidden magical place. No human has very visited because it is so small, and I don’t think any other Gingerbread Men have ever talked to a human before.” There was a pride in his voice. “We have never been able to smell your houses before because they are coved with this clear stuff that Lucas says looks easy to clean. That is one thing the counsel is discussing. They are wondering what this stuff is and if your houses would work in our village.”
I didn’t like the idea of the Gingerbread men taking away our hard work. I knew we would be so disappointed if we awoke the next morning with our village gone.
“I will tell you what Figgen. You tell the counsel to return here mid-morning and I will have a surprise for them.”
Figgen looked uncomfortable.
“I am not suppose to talk to you, or even be here. How will I tell the counsel that?”
I was a quick thinker and told Figgen to tell the counsel that he overheard me muttering in my sleep about putting a church in the village tomorrow and that you know the house will be empty because you saw on the calendar we were going to church at 11:00. I will take care of the rest.”
Figgen jumped from the swing and looked up at Grandpa.
“No tricks? We can use our Cinnapowder anywhere and disappear even if trapped.”
I hadn’t even thought about every trapping them and reassured him of that.
“Ok” said Figgen “I will see if I can get the Counsel to come tomorrow.”
I bowed slightly to Figgen since his hand was too small to shake and then Figgen with gone, leaving only the smell I was becoming very familiar with.
I set to work right away. I got a paper and cut it into tiny pieces. It was difficult to write small enough to get words on the paper but I did the best I could. My gift to Grandma that year was a church. I have waited for years to do the church because I could never get the windows right, But after watching a show this year on TV and learned how to make sugar glass. I spent many hours making the sugar glass just right and then many more hours finding the right colors to make three large stain glass windows on each side of the church, as well as a large one for behind the pulpit. It was a masterpiece when I had finished it. I had even kept it a secret from Grandma, who was making a piece for me that year too. We were happy in life and didn’t need or want much, so these pieces would be our gifts to each other that year. I placed the church on the mantle for Grandma to find in the morning.
I climbed into bed a few hours later than normal, but was still too excited for the morning I could hardly sleep. I felt like a little child again.
The morning did come and I was out of bed and ready for the day with energy I wasn’t sure where it was coming from. Grandma arrived in the kitchen to a breakfast I made for her. I made a pile of eggs, 3 slices of bacon, toast with jam, and hot coco. Grandma laughed at me, because we knew she wouldn’t be able to eat more than a few bites of eggs and drink the coco before she was full. We sat next to each other and shared our breakfast off the same plate. Grandma surprised both of us when she ate her usual egg, a piece of bacon, and half a piece of toast. We both cleaned up breakfast while humming along with the Christmas carols playing in the background.
I took Grandma’s hand and led her to the mantle. She was silent as she searched out and found the church. Her eyes got misty and she reached out to really examine the detail that went into this act of love. So many little details of the church made it look very similar to the one we had been married in some thirty nine years ago. I can remember her blushing with happiness as she saw it looked like the church she had married me in. She replaced the church and hugged me as she felt even more in love with me now in their old age.
She told me to sit in his chair while she went to get her present. Thinking that she would bring in a small shed or cottage, since her love for gardening had flourished this year. I was confused when she brought in a small wooden card table instead. I started to ask what she was doing, but she was gone again. This time she had several small shoe boxes. She started to take piece after piece out of her boxes and set them up on the table. I oooed and moved closer. She hadn’t just build a shed or cottage, but a whole garden and part of a forest. I couldn’t have imaged when she would have found the time to do that, and then wondered if her gardening time hadn’t been spent working on this garden, for at least part of it. The small card table was covered with trees, bushes, and rows of different types of vegetables. Looking closer I saw the tree’s were apple, pear, and peach trees. Something Grandma had always wanted to grow, but couldn’t because it is so cold here where we live.
The Cottage was made out of gingerbread, but the gingerbread had been cut to resemble stones. I thought I had been so clever making gingerbread look like bricks on the church, but once again, Grandma proved she was just as talented as I was. Then Grandma told me,
‘Well Grandpa, I hope you like your gift, but you know we will have to keep the grandkids out of this room until we can build a higher table for this set, like you did for the other parts of the village.’
My smiled faded; I was worried the counsel wouldn’t agree to my contract. I did not want to see my wife’s precious gift disappear. I hugged Grandma and told her I would start working on a table the next morning, if was still here I thought to myself.
Soon it was time to go to church. Right before we left I went back to the gingerbread church, and placed the little papers I had written, onto the pulpit and met Grandma at the door to leave.
On the way to church I was worried I would be distracted and would miss the warm feeling of love that surrounds me, but as soon as the congregation started singing a Christmas hymn I was absorbed in the miraculous story of Christ’s birth. The stories and songs at church seemed to touch me right to the heart and soul that year as much, if not more, than any other Christmas I had remembered.
The time in church ended too quickly and we sat in their pew and talked with friends and watched young families with their children stuffed with energy leave the church. We loved watching the families, the children, and our friends interact. A small girl walked by and I could smell gingerbread. I noticed she had snuck a cookie in her coat pocket and was nibbling it while her parents wrestled her younger siblings into their coats to leave. I was filled with happiness and worry as I watched the family go. Soon the chapel was empty and I helped Grandma put her coat on.
I went immediately to the chapel upon arriving home. I thought I could smell cinnamon in the air, but wondered if my mind was playing tricks on me. Grandma came over and helped me take my coat off, the whole time I watched the chapel. I waited till Grandma was in the kitchen. I could hear the pots and pans being placed on the stove and knew I should be in there helping, but first I just had to know. I looked inside the church and on the podium were my papers. I could tell right away they have been looked at. I carefully picked them up and scanned them. I had left some blank pages in the back so they could write a reply. I was thrilled to see tiny words written on the pages. I searched for my glasses, but couldn’t find them. I was too excited to wait so I called for Grandma to come and read it for me. She always had her glasses with her and began to read.
‘Dear good sir Thomas,
We are pleased with your contract and the recent addition to your village. As members of the counsel we would like to follow the contract with the following stipulations.’
‘Honey, what is this?’” Grandma asked me.
“Please finish reading; I will explain in a moment, what does the rest of the letter say?” I was thrilled.
Grandma continued the letter
‘If you would please sir, make one house and refrain from using any candy canes on it. Mrs. Pope is most allergic to them and it is terribly difficult to find good housing for her. Also, Mr. and Mrs. McFadden have recently added a fourth child, another boy, to his home and would like an extra bedroom placed on the yellow house.
As I am sure you are aware each year our village becomes more populated and will continue to do so, if God continues to bless us, and we are lacking good carpenters and architects. We don’t use money as in the humankind world, but we would like to form another contract in which you could teach our young men and women the craft of building houses and we could repay you somehow. One day we would like to stop removing gingerbread houses from the humankind, but have yet to find a way.
Our counsel understands the conditions on your end of the bargan and is willing to follow them as you have directed.
We also understand that with this season you will be unable to meet for the next few days as Figgen has hold us he heard you talking in your sleep and you will have your children and grandchild visiting. As a Grandfather myself, 13 times over, I whole heartily understand this and will contact you again when I can see your house calm again.
Thank you good sir,
The Counsel of Gingerville.’
I laughed loud when grandma finished reading. She looked confused as she looked over the tiny writing again.
“I have no idea what is going on, but I have a feeling I won’t believe it. Come in the kitchen and help me while you explain what the counsel of Gingerville is and what contract you are signing without talking to me first.”
Still laughing with joy I led her into the kitchen. I told her the whole story as we made the few side dishes we were to provide for Christmas dinner. Everyone else was bringing the other items for a grand Christmas feast. Grandma found the story so fascinating that she told me she didn’t remember making the side dishes, but she also told me she needed some time to think it over before giving me her honest opinion.
Grandma was so overwhelmed by the story that after she placed the vegetables and potatoes in the oven to stay warm she went to her chair to watched the mantle and think. I sat next to her in my chair and soon we were both taking a much needed nap.
Grandma told me later that, in her sleep, she thought she could feel someone watching her. She opened her eyes just a little and saw a movement among the mantle. She went to the mantle and all though she couldn’t see anyone, but thought she smelled cinnamon. The mantle was peaceful and she felt well rested. She woke me with a soft kiss to my forehead and then we both heard the car doors in the driveway slamming. Your parents had arrived and at that time Sedona was a little baby, just learning to walk.
We love their grandkids, but always sleep a little longer for a few days after you all leave. After your parents, and all your Aunts and Uncles, and cousins left the house we soon fell into our quiet routines without our wonderful grandkids to stir up fun and trouble. Both Grandma and I were anxiously awaiting any news from the Gingerbread counsel. Maybe they had forgotten about the contract and found a nicer village.
The next Sunday upon arriving home from church, we were greeted by a whole community of Gingerbread people. Lucas’s wife Amy held her newborn baby in her arms, while Figgen and his father were allowed to stand with the counsel as they addressed Grandma and me.
“Good man and wife. I am Lanar, the head of the Gingerbread counsel.” Spoke an older gingerbread man who looked well respected and wise. We have joined as a community to thank you for your kindness and would like to begin our contract.”
We discussed the details and afterwards a party followed, we all have fun exchanging traditions and learning about each other.
‘What type of traditions?’ Sedona asked softly. Grandpa thought maybe she was starting to believe.
‘Do they eat Gingerbread humans?’ giggled Pepper.
Grandpa chuckled ‘That story will have to wait for another night, maybe tomorrow perhaps. But that year instead of carefully putting the gingerbread houses away, like everyone thought I did; all the people in the Gingerbread community gathered at our village and frolic in what would be their community for the next eleven months. In the contract I agreed to let his Gingerbread village go with the Gingerbread families to their secret location, only to be returned at the beginning on December. Since they could disappear and reappear at whim, they would live in the village, in our home, whenever we did not have company. The counsel starting working on a new gingerbread powder, which would make them blend it to the house so they could live here even when people visited us.
All the Gingerbread men and women, along with Grandma and me gathered in front of the Town Hall and Lanar made a grand speech. The evening was coming to a close and several of the young mothers had already left with the little ones who were falling asleep. The Counsel and many of the Gingerbread people started to make preparations to transport the village. Many of the little pieces of the village were disappearing right before our eyes. Soon all that remained was the church with Figgen and Lanar standing at the doors. Lanar cleared his throat and handed us some desires that the Gingerbread people had made for the upcoming year. After that each year they would ask me to have new pieces built for them for the next year and was very excited to start working on them. That started the first of many years of building a wonderful and magical town for the Gingerbread people.
Your Grandma and I have enjoyed the challenges of all the many ideas and buildings the people of Gingerville think of. All requests are granted to the best of our abilities.”
“Grandpa, is that why you opened the Gingervillage Store?” Peppper asked. The magic of the moment was turning more into a sleepy time and both girls were starting to get heavy eyelids.
“Yes, it is. We have to practice making some of our Gingerbread inventions before we perfect it. So those that are our practice go to the store, while only the most perfect pieces go to our Gingerbread friends and since both Grandma and I retired we could focus on it full time. Plus, we started giving clases to our gingerbread friends so they could make their own pieces. They have gotten very talented and we love doing it, almost as much as we love you too.”
Grandpa saw Grandma smiling at him from the doorway. It was bedtime, but she knew the story was almost over. He was glad she gave him a few more precious moments with his granddaughters before bed.
“Grandpa I smelled Gingerbread when you started your story.” Pepper said with all the faith of a child. Grandpa chuckled at his little Pepper.
“Grandpa? Will you teach me how to make gingerbread houses? “ Sedona asked
“I thought you didn’t believe in my stories?” Grandpa said in surprise.
Without saying a word Sedona pointed to the mantle. Figgen, his wife, Annie, and their Gingerbread children were sitting on the park bench, which was a new addition this year, listening to the story. Figgen was part of the counsel now and was pleased to have been married in the Chapel Grandpa had made.
“Come along, I have some friends to introduce you to.”
He held Sedona and Peppers hands while walking them to the mantle. He lifted each child up in turn so they could meet his good friends Figgen and the gingerbread children.
Grandpa knew one day he would be gone and the contract would be passed along to one of their grandchildren, perhaps to Sedona or Pepper, and then one day, they would pass it on to their child or grandchild. The thought made Grandpa’s heart warm.

Small Town Politics

2011-10-15T21:39:00.001-07:00

Oh my Goodness!

I live in a quiet small lovely little town

Until you cross the wrong people.

Nutshell: our school district has to vote on getting a new school or now. On the surface it is awesome--who wouldn't want a new school?

Tons of ‘Vote YES on 3A’ signs up everywhere. Everyone is happy.

Some people start asking questions--wondering about cost, and deeper questions.

NOW...teachers/staff who MIGHT (and I am not saying there are, because I would not want to the be the reason they fear for their job) not want to vote Yes are not sharing any feelings because their jobs might be at risk.

Lucas (my hubby) was told "I am just warning you, this might hurt your business" on his discussion to vote no. his name was specifically addressed at a meeting--

Another man, who has been getting a lot of information about why we shouldn’t vote yes, was sent a letter in the mail--and it was NOT a love letter.

My QUESTION is---what is happening to our town?

What is happening to the 1st amendment!?

I have NO idea who is leading these letters or negatives statements.

I have NO ill feelings towards ANYONE about this--I am sad that it has come to this. In my mind I live in a world where people sit in a forum and talk peacefully with out to many emotions (love that mom?) and everyone is able to see all sides and then vote accordingly---EVEN if that means voting differently then me!

Long version with some ranting...

I DON'T CARE IF PEOPLE VOTE YES OR NO...I just want people to question more and find out both sides of the story---I like most people in our town---I think this is mostly a good school district with mostly excellent staff and teachers.

I feel that it is sad the Vote Yes people can send out a letter and sign their names at the bottom, when our little group can't do that for fear of retaliation. I feel it is sad that people have told me flat out, I am not telling anyone how I vote because I don't want to deal with the anger.

Ask questions---Like how all the signs were paid for by the construction company who is contracted to build our school---WHY would they be that interested? I could only assume millions of reasons?

Ask--how bad is the mold in our school? Is it bad mold? Do I have more mold in my own house? Do we have the budget to fix the mold/roof without building a new school?

Ask--How will this affect our school growth until the money is paid off

Ask--where is the money going exactly? Is this our ONLY option?

Ask—Even if this doesn’t go through, will my child still be getting a good education?

Ask Ask Ask--

The sad thing is that while asking the Superintend is grand and great (and I suggest people do it) -- who can we ask who ISN'T for it? Don't we have a right and responsibility to find out BOTH sides? Thank goodness for a few people in town who have stepped up and taken it into their own hands in finding out.

In college the first thing I was taught in debate was--If you are debating the Con side, learn ALL the pro's and vice versa so you know how to debate the issue.

The hard part it---I HOPE that I could trust the superintendant to tell us the truth (and I do), but I also trust these other people fully! SO when one person is telling me one thing and the other is telling me another—what do I do?

Well I ASK myself—who has more to gain? –does this family who isn’t gaining anything but stress and heartache out to gain anything? They have had a few issues with the school before, they have homeschooled their children, and then sent they back…but do they hate the school? No—if they really had issues with the school they wouldn’t send them back---What about the superintendant? Does his salary go up? Does his prestige go up? What does he gain by having a new school?

I was talking with my Step mom -in-law and she said the high school down where she lives was doing the same thing--they had MOLD and all this horrible stuff so everyone voted for a new school---Low and behold, all of a sudden the old school didn't have as many problems, and they use it for a Junior high now---HUMM...did the mold just disappear? Are they knowingly putting a whole school of children and adults at risk? Ummm...NO...the truth was exaggerated. So I ASK myself—is that what is going on here?

Really Out there ranting!

So after this SMALL scale issue…I can see how Hitler gained his power. Don’t get me WRONG I am NOT SAYING anyone in this situation is Hitler—hear me out.

Hitler use fear and secrets to gain control. He was able to spread fear and those few who spoke out and asked what was really going on were quickly removed—then he used more fear to gain more control and keep more things secret, until it was too late and everyone had to be quiet about everything and no one felt safe.

I feel in our town there are a few who are doing this. Using fear for a tactic.

Lets tell those that are vocally against the school to be quiet…lets threaten them…lets make their fear for their livelihood, lets tell them they are bad mothers because they don’t want a new school for their children, let’s make them afraid to say anything SO that others will be afraid to join them so the same doesn’t happen to them.

This is the stage we are at-- and in NO way can I see if going further than that—BUT I can see how it did and how easily it could. The sad thing is my family would be one of the first to go---

Last little part—Since this is MY blog and I am not writing to make ANYONE happy but myself with this post I WILL delete any comments that are negative.

See maybe there is a little bit of Hitler in me since I will be taking away freedom of speech!

2011-09-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

These are actually in backwards order---but here you go!

The night of the 4th!

So cute--love her excitment!

The BYU cops busted us! Ok--really it is my Cousin Todd, but at first I really did think they were going to 'bust' us!

Uncle Jim holding Wheeler --earlier in the day on the 4th

Wheeler

Sedona at Aunt Patsy and Uncle Jim's house--

everything looked so good and it was wonderful to be with them all again!

Some of the family/friends that were there

Teresa and Madeline! So cute!

Raising the flag---Asia got to do it! Uncle Robert was not happy that they used a flag that had been flown over Iraq and then specially folded--they couldn't find the right flag

Andrew playing the Trumpet---wasn't it his 27 year playing?

More to come soon--

I do exist

2011-09-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

I am here, I am just not here--I am pinning over at pinterst! Don't join--it is addicting and personally I think it is even getting a little trashy--

So wait a little while longer until I am all pinned out and then I will return to good old blogging!

until then--have a lovely day/night/morning!

Aunt Anna--Balloons & Baptisms!

2011-08-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

Wheeler enjoying being held by Grandma Minnie!

The two kids of the hour and their beautiful moms

Love this shot

Wonderful Fischio Family

I didn't get one of Liberty and her family :(

Wish the reflection wasn't in the way.

Did I already post this? The days are kind of scrabbled in my brain.

We woke up one morning to a bunch of Hot Air Balloons! It was really fun to watch for a little while.

I knew when we pulled up that this was Aunt Anna's place.

She had it decorated so cute and the flowers were so pretty.

Pepper is under the blanket and Sedona had run out of the picture right when I said I was taking it. They were crazy that day!

We got to see Aunt Anna's lovely house and visit for a while.

The kids were wild so I didn't enjoy it near as much as I wanted!

Family at the reception

2011-08-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Uncle Stan, Uncle Dan, and Aunt Annette.

I wish I lived closer so I could get to know my "Whitaker" side SO much better.

I feel like I have missed out on so much not knowing them. Drew-bie Love that little man!

Asia and her jumping dance--pretty awesome!
You can't tell but she is off the ground in this picture!

2nd Cousins--You would have never guess they just met each other for the first time about an hour before this picture! I love it!!

Blogging mood

2011-08-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

So I am in a blogging mood and what does my camera do...

it crashes. I just need to order a new battery, but considering I have about 100 for groceries so far this month I think the battery can wait till people start paying their accounts -- come one people pay us so we can live ;)

really not that bad, but just frustrating...but I will post pictures again ASAP.

Thanks for waiting.
Amy

Utah Wedding and Reception

2011-08-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

These pictures are NOT in order at all---so just enjoy.

The kids and some of the parents enjoyed the basement and the "show" the kids put on. Sedona would introduce someone and they would come out and dance or sing--everyone had lots of fun.
Pepper shaking her "groove thang".

The photographer took family pictures. This might be a birthday gift to Lucas in a cute frame for his desk in the shop--Wish I didn't have baby fat--but at least I have the baby!

Loved their shoes--well her shoes, his were standard tux shoes.

stunning

They love Aunt Jane already!

The Whitaker/Mcfadden/Larson grandkids!

Awesome hair--awesome dress

great shoes, pretty colors

what a stunning bride!

Taking pictures at the Springville Art Musuem where the Utah reception was held

My Aunt Annettes art piece--SO TALENTED!

Thanksgiving point--a beautiful little garden area where mom took a nap.

The Dance

wrestling kids! Enoch is one little handsome devil!

Sparklers as they left!

the end of the reception--really fun night

Jane was married on her birthday!

Tandy giving the Toast!

Temple Marriage---for time and all eternity

Yeah! FINALLY-

JK Jon--

Grandma Zola came to be with the girls and Wheeler while I enjoyed the wedding! What a win/win situation!!

Cousin Time

2011-08-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

In my brothers awesome neighborhood there are parks literally on every corner.

This one was one of the larger ones next to the lake--

They had a lot of fun just playing and being together.

After this park we went to a little water sprinkler place and let the kids play in the water.

They totally enjoyed that!

With a new baby and no hubby around to help (he had to stay home and work to pay for all my fun!), I didn't get as many pictures of things as I wanted.

Off To Utah, BYU housing, lunch & Bridal Shower

2011-08-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

We were home long enough to do a few fun things and then off to Utah for my younger brother Jon's Wedding! The last of the Whitakers (and the youngest of the Fischio cousins) to get married! We were so excited for Jon!

BUT..on the ride over...

The kids were amazing on the car ride. Eight hours is hard on any body and even more hard on little bodies...But honestly they were AWESOME! The best they have been on any car ride ever.

We met my mom and our friend Marci in Grand Junction for lunch and caravanned the last few hours together.

I stayed at BYU housing and it was AMAZING! I loved having my own little two bedroom apartment to go to at night and not stress about a mess, or my kids, or Wheeler waking up at night! Really I LOVED IT! Better than a Hotel anyday!

Thanks Again to my cousin Todd who set me up in it!! It was such a blessing--Plus the first night there he took us to the creamery and got the girls some ice cream and got us a gallon of milk--what an awesome thing to do! Thanks AGAIN!!!

The next day we met with my Sister Angela, my Brother Tandy, and the MAN OF THE HOUR JON--and my mom's siblings all went to lunch--It was really fun, just wished I could have talked to Jon more. The Food was AMAZING--Yum! Gardner Village--that is where the restraunt was located--totally cute little place-check it out sometime if you are in Utah and eat at the restraunt...it puts Cracker Barrel to shame --and I love Cracker Barrel.

(that is the closest thing I could think to compair it to)

The kids had fun--good thing we had our own room--they were a little wild!

Mom's family and Jon.

The Wedding was in a few days and I still hadn't met my new sister-in-law to be--Jane's Mom had a Sister/Mother bridal shower at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building--Beautiful.

Jane was quiet, but so lovely!

She was so cute and fun.

Her mother Michelle is just as lovely and fun as her daughter

Some of her Step Sisters (I didn't get a picture of her other half sister Mary) :(

So fun and interesting! I really like ALL of Jane's family!

Sedona turns 6!

2011-08-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Sedona had a --Princess Tea Party this year for her birthday!

I think that Cinderella Dress has seen it's fair share of halloween and birthday parties!

Each guest dressed in their cute little princess outfits

(Look at Peppers face in this picture--LOVE IT!)

We decorated Crowns---

Frosted Cookies

Played Pin the tea pot on the table

and ran out of time...

SO after most of the guest went home

Sedona opened her presents

She was so excited to get the movie Tangled!

and then the NEXT DAY

We had her cake---she is wishing so hard!

BUT I have no idea for what!

Pepper loving life

2011-08-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

Pepper was SO Happy to be home--cute little happy dance!

(one of my favorite pictures of the summer!)

We are all glad to be home

Pepper got to go to the race car races with Dad again this year.

She LOVES it--she is SO into it she won't even turn to look at dad for a picture.

She sits for HOURS and watches the cars.

Lucas said she was picking winning cars so much that the people around her were asking

her which car she thought was going to win each race.

She was also able to really pay attention to "her car" and could tell if it was winning or not

--I watched the Video of it and I couldn't tell one car from the other--

She loves the races and I am sure she is looking forward to going again...

maybe she will want a race car party for her birthday again this year?

These new few posts aren't of Wheeler, but about the other exciting things in our life that happened in June...

LIKE...

Temper?

2011-08-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

I hate putting pictures into a post because it causes huge spaces between my writing so I will just do a new post for every 5 pictures I upload---

Some things we learned early on about Wheeler
He has a little temper---but when he is hungry...

He has a BIG temper.

After getting Wheeler home to Grandma Minnies I Sun burned his poor little face!

We got to go home to Sanford for a few days--Enjoyed some quality time with dad!

Such a cutie!

now back to our regular scheduled program...

2011-08-01T21:52:00.001-07:00

Life is back and I am so happy about it!

So I am debating about working forward to backward or vice versa

so I think I will go from the earliest in date to know--

I will start with Wheelers Birth--no worries I am not going to rehash his birth--but here are some of my favorite pictures.

We take a picture each month with a toy to see how our kids have grown--Wheeler has a--well a toy truck. This is his newborn picture with the truck.

This is Wheeler in his own tanning bed--this is where he spent most of the first week of his life.

Even got his own little eye covers, but they never stayed on

The girls love their Wheeler man--even from the very beginning

internet answers

2011-07-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for smart people.

I looked up how to fix my camera and the first post I came to had the answer--I followed their advice and Poof!! My camera is now fixed. so get ready soon for lots of blog pictures (or go over to facebook since they are easier to upload--they will be posted sooner).

Wedding

2011-07-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

This past week my younger brother (and youngest of our family and last to get married) got married!!

He is this awesome kids who is a little shy, totally goofy, a little nerdy (sorry Jon), but 100% AWESOME!

He hasn't dated a ton, so we were starting to wonder if he would ever seriously "like" anyone.

Then a few weeks before graduating he met Jane. She is pretty, sweet, and from what I can tell alot like Jon.

They dated for a few weeks and then Jon left--THANKFULLY Jon and Jane stayed in contact and pretty soon nightly calls and flying over to see each other on the weekends became a necessity for them.

Then BOOM! It happened. Jon was in love. and the wedding was being planned. It is funny because they were planning the wedding, but Jon still had not officially proposed. So when he finally did propose Jane posted her Blog (which had been kept private until then)--but she was already looking at dresses, and booking locations, and all of that. It was fun to read.

Since I live far away I didn't get to meet Jane until the day before the wedding. Her mother did a mother/sister reception that was so fun. Jane has an awesome family and I think Jon is very lucky!

The next day was the big Wedding day! Jon and Jane looked SO happy and they were so cute together. Jane is a little shy, but you can tell she has a really fun side! A perfect match for Jon.

The actual ceremony was beautiful and they looked at each other and were blind to the rest of everything else going on.

The reception was really fun and the only complaints I have are 1. I was so tired I was having a hard time being in the "now" 2. I didn't get a piece of cake 3. I didn't have enough time with all the people I wanted to spend time with. :)

Again--I will write more when I can post pictures (I say that alot, but never actually post pictures do I?)

This week instead of going home for a week, like I had planned, I just caravanned with my mom to her house and I am helping her get the house together for the reception here.

I also get to spend some time with Jon and Jane and I am so excited to get to know her a little more.

YEAH!

Broken Camera and the Best kids in the whole world

2011-07-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

You know those kids who are out of control? The one's who don't listen? Who run crazy at restraunts--are rude and talk back?

well those are NOT my girls (most of the time)--Sedona is getting to be a little older and she can have attitude, and Pepper has been pushing the limits lately--BUT in their defense we were on a horrible schedule in Utah and staying at Grandma's never helps (but we LOVE Grandma lots and lots!).

However, I am not blind to my kids rudeness or craziness---I KNOW they can be bad, and they go to timeout and Pepper even got spanked the other night (don't call social services)--I am not a parent who thinks my kids are never wrong or bad or have faults--cause they are and they do have faults, but most of the time they are just good.

I have amazing kids. I am so blessed/lucky to have them. During this trip we have gotten out of control a few times, but really overall I can't complain! Plus sometimes when they are naughty they are just so dang cute--Pepper will normally make what she is doing bad into a joke and we all end up laughing (not a good way to discipline I know--but after we stop laughing then she goes to timeout). And Sedona is sensitive that normally I don't have to punish her because she is already crying she feels so bad about being naughty. I love these kids!

Right now Pepper is following Sedona around and Sedona is doing silly things to make her laugh. They will stop and do a funny dance for Wheeler and then keep going.

I love those girls so much.

Pepper just said "MOM!" I said "what?" She said "I love you and breakfast is so good." Such sweet girls

------------------------------------------------------

Wheeler is getting so big. We went to Chick-fil-a for lunch and there was a tiny baby. I asked "how old is your baby"---"a little more than a month" --He was the same age as my wheeler, but Wheeler was huge! yeah for a strong, healthy, big baby!

He is holding his head up more and more everyday and he looks so much older than your normal baby.

He also is making eye contact and I can swear he has smiled a few time.

I would LOVE to show you pictures, but my camera isn't turning on!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am not sure why--the battery is charged and still nothing. I have read a few self help blogs about camera repair, but so far nothing has worked!!

I am too scared to do anything to much and break it even more.

I am also scared to take it to a repair shop because I have no idea how much it will cost to repair. BUT I don't want to NOT have a camera!

UGG--I wish I was smarter at this stuff.

more to come soon

2011-07-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hello all 8 people who read my blog---I am just saying I am still around, well not really---but I am still in cyberworld.

After spending a week (plus) in Utah for my Brothers wedding and the 4th of July --I decided to come over to Denver and just hang here for another week (plus) till the reception here.

Mostly I am weeding and trying to keep the house cleaned up after me and the kids---

I will have lots of pictures to post and lots of blogs to write soon--

Kings Speech--Spoiler

2011-06-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

So like i said I rented Kings Speech--

It was a great movie, but once again, a few scenes made it leap into the Rated R section.

SPOILER----

It was all because they choose to emphasize that when swearing he didn't stutter--

BUT knowing my limited amount about stuttering--I wish they would have taken the time instead of yelling the F word over and over again to show other techniques....like learning to talk while breathing in---or show what all those marks on his speech meant a little more.

While I understand it was building the anger up in him for the next scene, I just think---really would the movie be ANY worse if they changed some of that? I always think that. Did what they leave in to make the rating go to an R--really enhance the movie so much that it couldn't have been left out?

Most movies that I have seen that have been edited--I don't feel like I have missed anything--maybe I did and I just didn't know--BUT I also know that I have NEVER seen a Rated R movie and thought--OH yeah, they had to make that Rated R because if they left out the violence, sex, language, the movie wouldn't be as good--

Mostly I don't feel like I miss out on anything because I choose NOT to watch rated R movies, plus have you noticed that movies in the 1980's that are rated R are like today's PG-13 movies...it is a slippery slope--makes me wonder what my kids will be watching in 20 years...not only in the movies, but on TV.

Sewing & rated R movie

2011-06-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

I will start with the R rated movie-- I rented one tonight. I am dying to see Kings Speech and since I live in the middle of no where I can't find an edited version anywhere--so far I have no idea why it is rated R, but I will keep you updated. (I only watch movies while breastfeeding, so I am about 45 minutes into the movie)

-------------------------------------------------------

So for my brothers wedding I thought I would accomplish a ton--which didn't happen,

BUT I did get some things done.

well--some things done and other things ALMOST done

Their colors are Sage Green, Black, and Purple

FINISHED
1. Colored the white seams of my shoes I will wear to the wedding purple.
2, Finished (except buttons) the basic part of the girls dresses--I had to make them twice because I lost the first set---I will blog about that later.
3. Made two of Peppers long sleeve shirts into short sleeve shirts---why is that related to the wedding? Because I needed a few more shirts I thought where really cute to pack--so I thought I would give it a try--I am very happy with the results.

Really I feel like I should have MORE than that accomplished--

ALMOST DONE
1. Baby Wheelers Tie/shirt--
2. Fabric Flowers for girls dresses and other embelishments

I will post pictures hopefully when I get them all done!

I don't want to forget

2011-06-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

I read a blog where a women posted 20 things and then said

in 10 days I want to accomplish 10 of these tasks.

Some where big (take down the curtains in one room, wash them, iron them and return them)

Some where easy (Change 3 light bulbs that have burned out)

but most where inbetween.

I really like that idea---I think I will use it.

ALSO in a Conference talk/Ensign (church terms) article I read that if you put first things first, prayer, scriputers, and the such--the other parts of your day will flow easier and you will find time for the other things you want to accomplish--so

I want to start doing this....

2 more quick things and then I am off to bed.

1. How do you reduce gas in babies--with out drugs. Wheeler toots ALL the time, and not cute ones, but loud out there ones that everyone can hear.

2. How soon is too quick to start exercising after having a baby? I am thinking at least 3 months before I really start doing something to hard---what is your opinion?

losing weight

2011-06-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

I have lost 3 pounds today! BUT I have been sick all day.

It startred with me waking up to Sedona yelling "MOM WAKE UP PEPPER IS THROWING UP!"

of course then you always feel a little sick to your stomach, but I got up and cleaned it up.

When ever someone throws up I assume it won't be long till we are all throwing up, but she was the only one, and only once.

HOWEVER, my stomach has been aching all day, and Lucas has used the restroom a little more often today--so I threw out all the leftovers from yesterday--

I felt well enough to start many projects, but never could finish a single one, so the house is a DISASTER...and instead of cleaning up---I am off to bed in hopes that tonight will be full of sleep and easy feedings and tomorrow will be bring a healthy happy mama--who is ready to

1. pack
2. clean house
3. finish girls dresses

Those are the ONLY things I am putting on my list tomorrow

See you tomorrow.

Breastfeeding 101--maybe too much info.

2011-06-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

I saw a book titled "Breastfeeding Sucks"

On many levels that is SO True.

Like i said--this might be way more info than some of you want, so please close the blog page now. :)

for the rest of you with me still--here we go

I hate breastfeeding

*GASP*

I know women always talk about how wonderful it is and how they feel so close to their child and it is a almost heavenly experience. Personally I think it is more in line with OTHER location--think further south (no not Mexico--hell!).

Really it is the WORST part of having a child. The whole natural child birth thing was HORRIBLE, but it ends. It only lasts so many hours and then it is over and you forget AND you have a wonderful new baby after. BUT breastfeeding is not like that-it never ends and you don't really get to see any results from it.

If you don't know how breastfeeding works--here is a crash course (But really those who read my blog are mostly mommy's so I am preaching to the choir).

The nipple is like a big sponge and when sucked on it squeezes out milk--not like a nipple which has one point, but like a sponge, with many places that leak (or shoot) out the milk.

Between feedings your "milk comes in" which just means your body produces milk which is stored in milk ducts. Different things can make your milk come in--for me, exercise, hearing my baby cry, hearing other new Born's cry, sometimes stress, thinking about feeding Wheeler, and then time--your body will just naturally produce milk after a certain amount of time. The actual fatty part of the breast has milk ducts in it. Like storage containers for milk. Not really sure how that works, but I just pretend I have lots of little milk cartons in my breast, each with a straw that leads to the nipple--I am so scientific!

Then the baby has to Latch on--which means put their mouth in the correct position to connect to the nipple. The upper and lower lip can't be folded under, and the tongue is covering the bottom gums. If you ever have a chance to watch a baby suck on a see through pacifiers--you will see what I mean. Newborns eat every 2-3 hours, some a little more, some a little less, and they are suppose to eat for a minimum of 15 mins on each side, Don't count the cat nap time, just the time they are actually eating.

If you have ever watched animals feed their young, many you have noticed first time moms pushing their babies away when they are trying to eat. There is a reason for that.

PAIN.

It is pain that you know is coming every 2-3 hours (or less!). It is a constant pain for 15 minutes on each side until you "toughen up". For those who have never breast feed--toughening up is a nice term for waiting till your nipples are stripped of their first layer of skin, and then slowly grow callouses, but it is a long process, because their is little time to heal between feedings so every 2-3 hours you are almost starting over. Yep--it is so fun! Then if you are lucky--your nipples crack...Everyone says "oh baby is latching on wrong if you are cracking"--

BUT the truth for me is that now with 4 laction consultants (fancy name for women who help you learn to breastfeed) have all watched me latch my babies on and each one said--'you are doing it perfectly, not sure what the problem is'--finally this last one, waited till Wheeler was done--and looked at my nipple after he finished eating and said "OH--he doesn't suck right. He is latched on right, but it is the way he sucks--not much you can do about that." UGGG. Each one of my children has sucked liked that. No their tongues are not tied (short tongues because of the flappy piece of skin that attaches the tongue to the mouth.), and they have no other mouth issues--just "lucky" I guess. I actually think it is genetic, because my sisters kids are the same way. She latches on right, but still lots of pain!

So lets go back--Not only is there pain with breastfeeding, but some stranger comes in and watches you try to teach your newborn how to latch on (which means attach to the nipple)--so you have a total stranger looking at your breast AND OFTEN helping you move your breast (yes, they just reach on in and move your boob around for you, so baby latches on correctly. Kind of strange to have that happen to say the least. Also newborns instincts tell them to latch, but just like any skill, it can take them a while to figure it out, which can make them frustrated, which makes them cry, which makes your milk come in, which makes it harder for them to latch on, and the cycle continues.

When you produce too much milk you get engorged. Your breast get painfully full, and the part around the nipple gets hard, which makes it almost impossible for baby to latch on.

Then when baby is done eating--they really examine your nipple. again, very strange.

Also you never know when the pain will end. Some women feel pain for a few days, others the first month. Some feel pain only when the first latch on happens--and others, like me, feel it the whole time you are feeding.

Not sure if you can read this, but it is the dad, sounding like a waiter, saying things like "your meal tonight will be heated to perfection, prepared personally by the chef, along with a back rub, and for dessert, a good night sleep--Enjoy your meal"

BUT in all fairness, after given the childbirth experience, you kind of feel detached from your body. I was a little weirded out by the whole breast touching, but your breasts no longer look, feel, or act like they did a few days ago, so it wasn't such a big deal...

I give my baby ONLY pacifiers with rounded tops, no slanted pacifiers for me, it teaches them to suck that way which is the WRONG way.

I have been total luck (blessed) to not have a clogged duct or any thing worse. BUT when your milk comes in it hurts. Image when your foot is asleep and the painful tingle of it waking up. My milk might come in about 3 times between feedings and each time it feels painfully tingly, mostly in my nipples.

With Sedona it was so painful I couldn't breastfeed in public for 3 months because I would have to stomp the floor, bite on something, or just really focus so I wouldn't cry--With Pepper, it only lasted about 2 1/2 months, and with Wheeler I haven't been breastfeeding even 3 weeks and while it still hurts like crazy to latch on--the pain soon goes away. I have cracked a little with Wheeler, which makes the pain more then it was even 3 days ago, but I only have a few small cracks that don't bleed when he eats so I am doing better than the other two!

I have found a few things that have helped me this time. Something to help hold baby up, like a boppy or a pillow, helps. I used Lanion like crazy! I put a good amount on after every feeding. I make sure my nipples are never dry--But my friend told me so had to be 100% dry or else it would hurt, but I am the opposite. Also my sister got me these Gel packs (expensive) which you put on your nipples before you feed and they help. And she also gave me some nipple cleaning pads which also help. I also couldn't live with out my breast pump. It is a small hand held pump, but when I get engorged, I just pump out about 1/4 to 1/2 an ounce and then I feel relief and Wheeler can latch on better. Plus the more relaxed and comfortable you are the easier it will be. I think I was in so much stress and worry everytime I fed Sedona it made it worse, plus I seriously would worry about feeding her alot, so it made it hard to accomplish anything, because I was always thinking about the next feeding.

So if someone tells you they are not breastfeeding, don't judge. You have no idea the Pain and lots of times other medical, emotion, issues going on in their life--

BUT I will say--I am 100% a believer in Breastfeeding, or else I wouldn't have made it past the 2nd day. I breastfeed my kids until they are a year old, and I encourage everyone to do the same.

bug city and life

2011-06-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Bugs have taken over my bathroom--I killed two spiders, a stink bug and a centipede in my bathroom yesterday. What is up with that!? Where do they come from? seriously--the spider and centipede were in the bathtub--do they crawl up the drain?

Wheeler is doing great--but he still decides every few days to stay up all night. He is so cute and we are totally loving him! He had a Dr. appointment and has grown an inc and gained a pound. He is so big!

The house is going to be tamed today and I am so excited to get it done! The kitchen is almost done and the bathroom is about 70% done. Then the rest of the house--well--moving on.

Sedona is such a wonderful girl and I love her so much--she keeps coming up to me and asking "what else can I do to help you?" wonderful child!

Pepper is a joy--she loves to rhyme all these words and has the cutest smile. She is a great joy to me and with her little smile she can melt hearts!

WHAT would an Amy post be without a TO DO list...

1. Shower
2. Wheeler bath
3. Girls Dresses
4. Lucas's & Wheeler Tie
5. Mow lawn
6. Clean House

Does that seem like a big list? I am hoping to actually accomplish 4 or 5 today!
Here I go!!

Baby Wheeler

2011-06-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

I know--way more than you ever wanted to see

So tonight I have a very messy (dirty) house, but I am going to blog.

The Story of Wheeler's Birth

The Doctors office scheduled an appointment for us on May 27th at 4:30 to have an ultrasound. They told us if everything looked good they would induce me, which is what I wanted. So we go in on Friday, only to be told that it would be "rude/unethical" for them to induce me on the start of a holiday weekend--so walk around and see if I could get some contractions going. Like I had any control over that--I was already 4 days past my due date!

Lucas and I were frustrated to say the least. We wanted to have this kid--I was totally uncomfortable, and I think God gave us modern medicine for a reason and I was going to use it!

So we walked around the hospital neighborhood for about 2 hours and went back (Lucas had his first Slushy from 7-11)--by then there had been a shift change and the head nurse had us come in and she checked me and said that she would admit me and "lets have a baby!" She was great after dealing with the less than friendly doctor we had earlier.

So we got checked in and I got the gown, the IV and all that fun stuff. The new Doctor came in and said--"lets get you an epidural and then we will break your water"---Sounded good to me. A few times the fear was starting to get to me, but I just had to ignore it and focus on right then and there...

I was telling the nurse how the guy who gave me an epidural 3 years ago with Pepper was awesome and really relaxed me because he was so at ease--and guess what! Same guy comes walking in. I was really happy and told him so. He was more friendly this time around. We talked about how he had a ferarri, but traded it in for a Subaru because he was so unsure of the Obama health care plan---he had a great (Irish?/Scottish?) accent that I could listen to all day--don't worry, he was older and looked a bit like Albert Einstien to me. The epidural went in great and soon my legs and lower body were warm and tingly and mostly numb. So there we sat with Lucas watching the monitor as I had contractions and the babies heart beat kept right on going.

At one point the nurse was in watching the monitor and Lucas and her noticed something was wrong, and pretty soon here comes another nurse with a big smile on her face and they told me baby wasn't liking something so they had me turn this way and that way until the heart rate when back up---so if you ever have a nurse come in with a bigger than normal smile--be prepared.

We were admitted around 8:00 at night and around 2:30 I started to feel a little uncomfortable. Then I started to feel pain--so I called the nurse in and said "I can feel pain" so she called in the anesthesiologist again and he have me a "booster shot" which is suppose to work with in about 5 minutes, but nope--it didn't take. I have always heard of women having their epidural run out, but I always thought--how could that happen? It goes straight to the brain-I am not sure how it could run out.--BUT I am here to tell you that it CAN! Even with the medicine still in the IV bag (yes I use very technical terms) I was now fully aware of all feeling--NOT the way I wanted to have a baby. So by then my pain was INTENSE so the nurse checked me and low and behold--I was ready to have a baby.

Poor Lucas was not prepared--not that I was either, but--and he was really good--he kept saying "what can I do?" I finally told him--"just be here!" and then he was really good at telling me to try and relax and my body was made to do this--and all those things I had told him before. Most of the time it was really helpful--I only remember once thinking "MY body was not made to do this!"

So I am in pretty great pain by now and the nurse tells me to push a few times which I do--but what no one told me is that once you start pushing your body wants to keep pushing and there is no stopping it. Try to stop yawning in the middle of a yawn--or stop sneezing in the middle of a sneeze---it just doesn't work. So I push a few times and the nurse tells me "ok, great, now breath through the next few" So I am trying, but the pushing sensation is to great. It is a VERY strange feeling. Lucas asks the nurse "why does she have to stop pushing" and the nurse said "because I don't want to deliver this baby" and then just like in the movies she yells "I need a Dr. in here!" The room comes alive--it was like all the nurses were waiting outside the door for a more dramatic entrance--the bottom of the bed gets pulled off, the baby warming table is prepped, the doctors tools are prepped and in walks the Dr.

I do remember saying things like "Tell the Dr. to hurry, please." and "i am sorry, I am trying not to push, but I can't help it!" and"oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness." (I said that a lot) and "I hope I don't wake the women up in the room next to me." Lucas said the nurses thought that was kind of funny and I remember one of them saying "It is OK, don't worry about her" and the one thing I remember saying alot was "I CAN FEEL EVERYTHING!!"

So I pushed and a few minutes (maybe 15) little Wheeler was out--What it is like to have your body open up to deliver a baby?--lets just say I thought that each time I opened up a little more I thought for sure this is it, but nope--it keep right on getting more and more intense. The thing I remember was that opening feeling didn't cause a lot of pain, the contractions caused pain, but the body opening up was more like --hell--ok really--it was more like finally some relief to the pressure. When Wheeler was finally born I just remember relief. anyway--hope that wasn't to much info. Wheeler came out and Lucas said "Amy look down" and plop --Wheeler was on my stomach. I picked him up and held him for a few minutes before the nurses took him to do all the measuring and stuff. Image our surprise when the nurses said "9 pounds 2 ounces"!! After having him I remember saying "that was horrible!" but I will say 2 weeks later and I am forgetting alot of the pain--what a blessing!!

The doctor finished up all his work down there and soon the bed was put back together, and the room got quiet again. I was flipping back and forth between total exhaustion and being super excited about having a new baby!

Lucas and I just sat there amazed. I got up not to much later to go to the bathroom and I walked just fine over to the bathroom--the nurse was worried since I had the epidural, but I tried to tell her, I can feel my legs 100% the epidural is totally gone and has been for a while.

They gave Wheeler a 8-9 Apgar score, which is really good. He was the highest scoring of all my kids so I was happy! He was a big, healthy (mostly except jaundice--which I will write about another night) boy and it was really a great experience over all. The nurse told me later that Wheeler was the biggest baby she had ever delivered. I said "I am not sure I want that 'award'" and she answered back--which helped put things in perspective "it is better than the award for the smallest baby"--VERY TRUE!!

I don't recommend it to anyone, but I will say after his birth I felt the best even thought he was WAY bigger than the other two.

So--if you have any questions about how to deliver a baby or what to expect, I have now had a C-section, a successful Epidural birth (my favorite), and a "natural" birth. I say "natural" because I was able to relax during all the pre-pushing contractions--so take it for what it is worth. so I feel I can talk to all the "mommy crowds" about any type of child birth!

I will say that Breastfeeding is STILL the hardest part about having a kid. I would rather have natural child birth and NOT have painful breastfeeding, then to have no pain child birth and painful breastfeeding, but since we don't get to choose--I just suffer through it, but I will say this one has been better than the other two. (Yes I have talked with a lactation nurse--not much I can do about the pain--)

Anyway--that is the basic story of Wheeler Lucas Larson.

I will post about Jaundice and our extra 4 days in the hospital some other time.

update still on hold!

2011-06-12T11:38:00.001-07:00

I still am unpacking the car and getting things put away- (yes three/four days later)-but an update will come soon. I hope!

Life on hold--

2011-06-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

everytime I have sat down to blog Wheeler starts screaming--I call him
screamer wheeler

It has taken me about 7 minutes to just type this post--so until life is calmer

bye!

Once a month cooking will return

2011-05-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

check in for the updates maybe Monday or Tuesday!

thanks!

Sonic Ice, Once a Month Cooking, & Strawberries

2011-05-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

I am quite in love with the ice that you get at Sonic. Did you know you can buy it buy the bag for about $2-3 dollars....TODAY I also found out that the 1st stop this is just 5 miles away (compaired to Sonic which is 20 miles away) has very similar ice! YEAH!! I wonder how much they would sell a bag for?

-------------------------------------------------------------

So the once a month cooking is going to happen tomorrow!

Today was the grocery shopping day, but I am not sure how much after that I will get done.

so here is what $203.50 bought -- I am NOT a bargin hunter so I am happy-

I was planning on between $150-175 but in the end I bought two packages of diapers..and canning stuff (see below) so that is about $50.00 in those 4 things!

These will be made useful when I use all THESE (see below)--and make Jam! Yumm!

This is what happens when Strawberries are $1.00 a pound--

First I cut all the tops off--

wash and dry them--I let them dry really well so I don't have to worry about flash freezing them--I don't think it is worth the time!

Makes a cool pattern on my dish towel--just hope it washes out!
This was the results of round 3 of my massive stawberry buying--I think I bought about 13 pounds overall---I should have bought lots more!!

PS: I do NOT know the difference between Jam and Jelly and even if you tell me I will forget.

These were items I had on had, or bought in prep for once a month cooking. I just placed it all in a big tupperware which will become a packing box after tomorrow---and after the baby is born it will become a clothing/diaper/wipe/catch-all storage bin.

----------------------------------------------------

EVEN THOUGH it says Friday and Saturday

this year I am doing it Thursday and Friday since that is when

my exchange student has time to help me! Yeah again for Yeerah!!

So here is the basic start of Once A Month Cooking

Friday Morning
1. Go shopping early in morning for the groceries. (If you can afford/or find on sale—shredded cheese, buy that—Boneless Skinless Chicken—buy that—Meat already cut into strips—buy that—any little short cut that you can use will help, but stay within budget!)

2. Unload Groceries (but don't put any canned food away-put them on my large counter top--you are using them tomorrow anyway)

3. Put meat and freezer/fridge things where they belong--if possible put everything in fridge possible.

Friday Afternoon
1. Chop all veggies
a. Cut Bell Peppers into Strip (For Fajita’s)
b. Cut green peppers into cubes (for Stroganoff)
2. Shred Cheese (if you don’t buy shredded cheese)
3. Wash and chop Mushrooms (beef stroganoff)
4. Wash potatoes (don’t chop or peel until the next day)

Friday night--IF you don't do anything else do these things
1. Clean the kitchen and ALL the dishes
2. Clean out freezer space
3. Have your Master Plan out and ready to use
4. Put as much chicken in the crock pot as possible on low for all night
5. Make an easy clean up meal tonight, so that you can start with a clean kitchen tomorrow. RUN the dishwasher (even if it is NOT full) and put the dishes away--you will be glad when clean up comes around tomorrow that you did.
6. Empty the trash

(Most of this is NOT going to happen for me since we are having out of town guests tonight and I need to get my house in order---so tomorrow you will see some of this happen!)

Like I have said, each person does Assembly differently. I like to get all the meat cooked first so that I only have to assemble after that and not have to stop and cook in-between meals. SO with that being said---here we go--

Some people label the cheese and place the cheese in baggies in the freezer all together/some tape it to the meal it goes with. In this plan I am putting the cheese with the meal since I haven’t tried that before.

TUNE IT TOMORROW (or the next day)

to see pictures and the WHOLE LONG post!

YEAH!

here fishy fishy fishy....

2011-05-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Pepper and Sedona's school has a fishing trip for them once a year.

I love the proud & excited look on her face in each of these pictures!

SO CUTE!

A private land owner stocks his river/pond area with trout and then has the Department of Wildlife is invited to take the Headstart kids to that pond and fish for the day.

After which they give the kids all free fishing poles---pretty amazing if you ask me.

I normally go, but Lucas was awesome enough to volunteer to take both girls, and I got the house picked up. Yeah Lucas!

THE FISHY STORY

as told by Pepper Larson.

"In the first five minutes then I catched the fish and then dad helped me and he said 'what the heck'. So we put a stick in his mouth and put in back in the water so he could be fresh and yummy. Then I said 'I don't think I can catch anymore' and then dad said 'when you are done fihsing come over here' and then dad carried it to the man and I saw his eyeballs. and then the fish was moving his tail in the water, and then he stopped and I think he was asleep and then we ate it and then it was all gone. We don't eat the little white string things (bones) in there"

SO if you need a little translating.

Lucas, Sedona, and Pepper all got to the stop and set up. Lucas got Pepper set up first and while helping Sedona he heard Pepper's little voice "Umm..dad...I think I got a fish." He looked up and suprise, she had caught a fish! First Sedona helped reel in for a minute, but then dad took over. It was a pretty rainbow trout. It had swallowed the fly so Lucas had to use his pocketknife and pull it out. He put a stick through the gils and placed it in the water to keep it fresh. When they took the fish to the Wildlife department man--he said "wow, this one must have been in since last year." It was a good sized fish. They wrapped it in a plastic bag and brought it home. We cooked it for dinner and the girls ate almost the whole thing, being very careful to look for bones. Quite the adventure for a little 3 year old!

Easter

2011-04-28T13:08:00.001-07:00

Easter Morning

I really like the tradition that Lucas's famiy did where the Easter Bunny comes on Saturday so that Sunday can be Christ Centered, but this year Yeerah had a track meet on Saturday and had to leave early in the morning so we did Easter on Sunday.

Easter isn't a huge holiday in our house, but it is still fun. We do Easter baskets and then always get some church items--this year coloring books about Christ and the Easter Bunny always leaves us the story about Christs Atonment, death, and resurrection...but in Easter eggs.

After church we dyed Easter Eggs and then had Jeff and the missionaries come and join us for dinner. It was yummy.

Marinda (Lucas's sister) and her husband Steve were in town Saturday so I took most of my food and prepared most of Easter dinner at Pam's house so we could hang out with Marinda and Steve more. They are so fun! Poor Steve is a favorite with the neices and nephew--so he becomes a human jungle gym.

Some pictures from Easter morning....

Not sure why Sedona looks kind of scary in this picture.

Sedona is so excited for Easter morning

Pepper still isn't awake enough to figure out what is happening.

Coloring Easter Eggs that afternoon

Lucas has always enjoyed doing art, so dying eggs is his job--while I finished picking up the house and finished dinner he, the girls, and Yeerah enjoyed dying eggs.

I can't believe I didn't get one picture of the eggs!!

Sorry--

loosing teeth

2011-04-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

First Lost Tooth

We are now in the season of loosing teeth

When Sedona came to me and told me she had a loose tooth I went to the computer to see if this was indeed the time for her to start loosing teeth and guess what?! IT IS!

She has lost the two bottom teeth and couldn't be more proud--I on the other hand am already worried about the cost of braces.

She was so excited when the first one fell out she told EVERYONE and we even had to give a call to cousin Asia to let her know the exciting news. (I think Asia and her must have talked at length about teeth because she always associates loose teeth with Asia).

Her mouth is all green because she bit open an easter egg dye packet and got it all over herself.

I had to add one of Pepper--she tells me all the time she feels a loose tooth--or that "I can tell this one is going to be loose".

Letting go of control

2011-04-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

I am a control freak.

If you wonder if you are a control freak or not, host an exchange student and you will find out soon enough.

We have a exchange student (for another few weeks), who is a model student. Straight A's, never does ANYTHING that I have to worry about--no parties, no smoking, no drugs, no alcholo, no boyfriend, no stealing---really compaired to SOME of the stories I have heard we are really blessed to have the one we have BUT

I like things done a certain way. I like to live my life a certain way. I like my rules followed and people to understand the unspoken rules and regulations that run a house.

Throw in a teen-ager who doesn't know any of those rules and you have a control freaks delema. Like I said, it isn't her, it is me.

PLUS I have been living pretty much alone (with out adult compainionship) for the last 5 years with Lucas gone so much--so then to have someone there alot is kind of strange. Plus she is a teenager and likes teenager things (make-up, jewerly, and so on), and that is different for me.

SO I have been trying really hard to let go on control this past month. I have learning that I will soon have 3 kids and even less control then I do right now. My focus for this year has been to simplfy and focus. Maybe by simplifying my expectations of self, family, and others I can learn that control isn't all that it is cracked up to be.

I am winning the house battle

2011-04-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

not sure if it just me nesting, but for about the last month I now feel like I have 85% control of my downstairs. I know I said I wouldn't blog about my house, but here you go anyway... Laundry, dishes, and the bathroom are my next focus. My mom told me once: "If you can keep up with the dishes and laundry, the rest of the house is easy." I really believe her. But Out of the 7 rooms on the lower level I can pick up 3-4 of them in about 20 minutes. Wow!--I have 7 rooms alone in the downstairs part of my house--maybe that is why I have a hard time keeping up. 1. Mudroom 2. Kitchen 3. Bathroom 4. Master bedroom 5. Dining room 6. Middle Room 7. Parlour/TV room Wow--yep that is 7! Upstairs I have 1. "Landing area"/Pepper's room 2. Toy room 3. Yeerah's Room 4. Scary Room 5. Craft room It makes it sound like I live in a huge house, which to me it is, but it is about 2,500 sq. feet. the rooms are smaller, with high ceilings. SO even if each room took me 10 minutes to clean, I would still be cleaning for over an hour easily a day. I know to most people that is nothing, and to me that should be easy too--- Looking at it that way I think I need to change my attack plan on my house---stay tuned for more because as boring as it is, I can't stop blogging about it!! maybe next time you might even get pictures!

Being Prego

2011-04-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

So I use the word prego because I can't ever remember how to spell pregnancy, not because I am chic.

BUT...moving on.

I had someone request me talking more about being pregnant. So here you go...

I am huge! No really. I have had more than one person ask if I was having twins. I still have the last month, which is the month of the biggest weight gain, and I am at where I should be in my weight gain (meaning yes I have gained already the 35 pounds).

SEE BELOW! Whoa Mama!

I understand why overweight people sometimes have their belly hanging out of the bottom of their pants--their pants don't stay up and it is hard to find a shirt long enough. Even my maternity shirts aren't long enough alot of the time!

While most of the time I love it, and it will be the one of the things I miss the most, this kid is kicking hard. I haven't ever had a kid do this to me---I know the following sentences will be WAY to much info---but here it goes. I am pretty sure he is head down, and one hand is pushing my on my blatter most of the time and the other one likes to try to "break out" by punching a certain part of my body, which stops me in my tracks every time. (see too much I know). Its bottom is mostly right above my belly button (which is now super sensitive to the touch and pokes out so much), and his feet are to my right side. I am pretty sure if I could look down and see into my belly he would be in an "L" position. There is always something pointy and sticking out to the right side of my belly. It hurts sometimes to touch it.

It is fun to see my belly rock back and forth and he tries to move, or see the whole belly jump when he has hicc-ups.

I am really tried and my joints are starting to shift, which makes me get up and walk like most of the 80 year old women I know. Plus I have to go to the restroom about every hour, which is frustrating.

I don't really have any cravings, but I didn't with the other kids until after they were born--strange I know...I craved food WAY more after they arrived then before.

I have heartburn with most everything I eat--and I carry tums with me.

I have acted irrational a few times (ok more than a few, but hey I have an excuse!), and of course I get teary eyed at stupid things, but stay stone cold unmoved by others...This is also somewhat of a new experience for me--normally I am more level with my emotions and feels when prego than not.

I am incredibly blessed to be able to nap when I need. I try to nap in the late afternoon, but sometimes I just don't make it that long. Other times I am roaring with energy.

I am nesting on and off. I have a whole list of things I need to get done, but then spend an hour washing half of a window--I know--My house will look great, and then two days later you would have never known it was spotless (normally it doesn't even get to the spotless stage -- that is how I know I must be nesting). Plus projects that haven't even been thought of in years are now very important and I am working on them.

BUT...I love it. I will say that I am more excited for this kid to arrive than I have been for any of the others. I know now why women say "they are easier to take care of when they are out, then when they are in". With my first two, that wasn't true, but with this one....I am a believer!

so far that is about all I have to report--was there anything else anyone wanted to know? I am happy to share :)

Sedona is SO PROUD to have lost her 1st tooth!! I think she looks adorable! This picture kind of makes her other teeth look strange, but it is SO cute!

Have to put a few pictures of my girls in--this is my little cutie who LOVES to have foot baths!!

PS: my masterlist is still underway--just slow!

Micro fiber cloth

2011-04-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have got to tell you three things I learned today-- first: I think I am in my nesting stage. I am enjoying the results of a really good clean--which my kitchen was in need of. I took about 2 hours to clean the kitchen. After 15 minutes I normally am sick of cleaning the kitchen. Today, I cleaned the counters really well, cleaned the oven knobs and the front of the oven, I cleaned the front of most of the bupoards and really cleaned the floor. What made the difference... second: I used a microfiber cleaning cloth, and not even a really good one. I had two that I bought at the dollar store a while ago. I didn't have anything to clean the window with, so I used it and wow! It was so much easier to clean with that...so if it works well on windows... why not the floor? I normally use flimsy washcloths, but I am sold. I just hope the dollar store still has about 20 more for sale. I will get rid of ALL my rags and just use those. I love them that much! -------------------------------------------------------------- Pepper goes to headstart and when I went to pick her up---she was still asleep. She told me this morning she was really tired and didn't want to wake up, but I made her. I guess she wasn't joking. The teacher said she asked for her napping map right after lunch and sleep through the afternoon---Poor girl, I know just how she feels. ------------------------------------------------------------------

Last one--total random---I am still totally freaked out by UFO's. Never seen one, never want to see one.

Ok that is it for today!

PS: Can anyone tell me how you can tell which postition the baby is sitting in when you are getting close to the end? I think baby is head down, but I can't tell and since I won't have an ultrasound for a few more weeks I just would like to know.

Want to win Chocolate!?

2011-04-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't!?

Look at this YUMMY gift basket

I entered thru

http://www.myorganizedchaos.net/2011/04/hersheys-drops-prize-pack-giveaway/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MyOrganizedChaos+%28My+Organized+Chaos%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

sorry--I can't figure out how to put a button with a cute link--but it still works!

enjoy!

what a mess!

2011-04-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

I have never written out my Master Plan for my once a month cooking and it is very difficult to follow--so while I have MOST of it written--I won't post it until I can make it a little easier to read--plus most everyone I talked to said that the blog posts were to long and hard to follow... so sorry everyone---just be patient and hopefully my next once a month cooking post will make more sence. PS: I went grocery shopping and instead of my normal 25% savings--I saved 28%--thanks to a couple coupons! I think I could get into this!

To Be or Not To Be

2011-04-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today in one of the General Conference Talks--the speaker--sorry can't remember who--said something to the effect of--We write lists of what we want to do, so why don't we write lists of what we want to BE. So here is a quick list of what I want to BE My list is all the NORMALS 1. Be a good wife 2. Be a good mother 3. Be a good homemaker 4. Be a good cook

I am going to put some real though into this and work on it! So keep your eyes out for a more in depth TO BE list soon ;)

HUmmmm...remember how my post a few times ago was about how all my previous blogs are so similar? Looking at my TO BE list I can see why my posts are all so similar.

ugg!!

2011-04-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

This is NOT going to work--how frustrating! I had the last post looking so nice and organized, but then when I posted it-- everything ran together! Since I am not sure how to do blog formatting so I am frustrated. I will post what I have, but I am warning you that it will be difficult to follow. If you are really interested in having me send you all my freezer meal information in a correct format I will email it to you-- You can email me your email at chaplin222@hotmail.com that way you don't have to leave your email address out in the open. Sorry about that! I was so excited to share it with all of you!! OK--so the first post didn't work, but the second post worked fine--gotta love computers and my lack of knowledge---I will keep posting as I finish up the posts. Thanks for checking it out.

Prep and Grocery list for Freezer Meals

2011-04-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

Each step of the freezer meals are important. So prepping your kitchen is important too. Can you image having a kitchen full of food to go into a freezer, only to have a freezer already full of other food. So here are my prep suggestions: (do at least a week or more before) 1. Make a grocery list--My Grocery List will be at the end--I do not include Fresh items that need bought (like tomatoes--and lettuce) 2. Take inventory of what you have - you don't need to go and buy 10 pounds of Cheddar Cheese if you have 5 pounds in your fridge or freezer already--I suggest pulling out what you have on hand that you will need and place in a box, or other location so you don't use it before you need it. 3. Clean out your freezer. Toss what is no longer good, give away food you are NOT going to eat, and make sure it is free of frost. This alone will take me half an afternoon. I have a normal fridge freezer, a stand up freezer and a deep freezer. The deep freezer is the "family" freezer so I don't use it much, but the stand up freezer and fridge freezer full. With what, I am not sure. I have tried not to buy anything that needs to be frozen the last few shopping trips (Unless it is directly related to the meals I will make.) Some of it will be eaten in the next month so that I can clear out even more space. 4. Make a place for your freezer meal ingredience to be stored until you use it. I use a box and leave it in a room not used much in my house-- 5. Clean kitchen: Sounds simple, but having a clean kitchen to start with helps alot. (do this the night before!) 6. Make sure you have all the "extras" also--like Paper towels, aluminum foil, mixing bowls, dish soap, Freezer Zip-lock bags, Disposable food containers and so on. I will add a section for your help in a later blog.

Here is my grocery list: Remember this list looks huge and will be expensive, but it feeds your family for at least a month and if you start looking for great deals now you can save alot of money (or if you are lucky enough to live near a bulk food store you can save a ton!)

SHOPPING LIST--SHOPPING SHOULD BE DONE THE DAY BEFORE--more on that later

Meat

Chicken (17 Pounds of chicken)—I buy boneless skinless—it just saves me some time.

Need the Food For: How many Pounds I am guessing I need

1. Enchilada Chunks 3

2. Chicken Alfredo chunks 3

3. Chicken Fried Rice 1.5

4. Shredded BBQ Chicken 2

5. Other cubed and Shredded chicken 5

6. Shredded Chicken Pot Pie 2

Beef Ground Beef (25) Pounds

1. Burrito’s 1

2. Taco meat 4

3. Manicotti 2

4. Baked Ziti 2

5. Meatball 5

6. Meatloaf 6

7. Beef Pot Pie

1 Sirloin Beef (cut into strips or cubes) (10 pounds)

1. Fajita’s 4

2. Beef Pot Pie 2

3. Beef Stroganoff 4

French Dip (deli Meat) (1 Pound)

1. Roast Beef 1

Sausage (1/2 hot & ½ Country)

4 pounds of Hot 6 Pounds of Normal

1. Manicotti 2

2. Baked Ziti 2

3. Chicken Alfredo 1

4. Meatloaf ½

5. Chicken Fried Rice ½

6. Breakfast Burrito 3 (I buy sausage links for this)

HAM

1. Ham & Cheese Casserole 3 pounds

Fruit & Veggie (Fresh/Frozen/Canned)

+9 Bell Peppers (various colors)

+1 Bag Frozen Spinach

+ 9 Avocado’s (buy early enough to have them ripe the day you need them)

+ 2 bags frozen peas and carrots +2 bags cubed frozen potatoes

+2 bags hashed brown potatoes +2 packages Mushrooms

+1 small bag potatoes

+6 cans of Veggie

DAIRY

1 medium container of Sour Cream

5 Dozen Eggs

5 Pounds Colby Jack (or kind you like)

5 Pounds Cheddar

4 small packages ricotta cheese

4 packages cream cheese

1 can Parmesan cheese

1 pound mozzarella cheese

2 packages of sliced Pepper Jack

2 packages of American Slices

Canned Food

10 Cans of Cream of Chicken Soup

3 Cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup

4 Cans of Green Chili (or 1 big can)

8 Cans of Green Chili Sauce

3 cans of chili

4 Cans of Refried Beans

8 jars of spaghetti Sauce

2 cans tomatoes sauce

2 cans tomatoes paste

2 cans of Evaporated Milk

2 cans of Aujou soup

Bread/Pasta

24 Corn Tortilla

40 Flour Tortilla

1 package Bread Crumbs

3 package steak Rolls

5 Pie Crusts

2 packages Alfredo noodles

2 packets Penne Noodles

3 boxes Manicotti Sauce

1 taco shell

4 pounds rice

OTHER

3 containers of BBQ Sauce

1 package Beef Bouillon Cubes

1 package Chicken Bouillon Cubes

1 bottle Soy Sauce 3 packets of Guacamole Mix

I also took a while to write down what recipes need what ingredience--

so here is that list.

Chicken enchilada -Corn tortilla -Green chili -Cream of chicken -Green chili sauce -Chicken -Spices -Cheese

Burritos -Flour Tortillas -Ground Beef -Rice -chili -Refried beans -cheese -green chili sauce

Fajita -Strip meat -Bell Peppers -Tortilla -guacamole

Taco Meat -Shredded cheese -ground beef -Cheese -Shells

----------------------------------------------------------------

Manicotti -Ricotta Cheese -cheese -Sausage -hamburger -Spinach -spaghetti sauce -manicotti shells

Baked Ziti -Penne Noodles -Spaghetti Sauce -Cream Cheese -Sausage -Hamburger -cheese

Lasagna BUY FROM STORE--I got a really good deal on it so I bought 3 of them.

Chicken Alfredo -Cream Cheese -milk -Chicken -butter -Flour -spices -Parmesan cheese -white cheese

------------------------------------------------------

Meatballs -Buy? -Hamburger -Tomato Sauce -Bread crumbs -eggs -Green Pepper -spices

Meatloaf -ground beef -sausage -bread crumbs -milk -egg -spices -Tomato Sauce/paste

French Dip Sandwiches -Deli meat -Anjou sauce -Cheese slice of choice -Rolls

-------------------------------------------------------------

Chicken Fried Rice -Rice -chicken Bouillon Cubes -Eggs -Soy sauce -Frozen peas and carrots -Chicken -sausage

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches -Chicken -BBQ Sauce -Rolls -Cheese Slices Chicken—Shredded and cubed

BREAKFAST BURRITO -Sausage -Tortillas -Eggs -Green Chili's -Potatoes (cubed small) -Cheese -Refried Beans (A few) -Any other veggies you want (peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and so on)

Cheesy Ham & Potatoes Casserole -cubed potatoes (or hashbrowns) -Cubed Ham ( I use lunch meat cut into chucks, but good ham is the best) -Sour Cream -Cream of Chicken

Beef Stroganoff -Mushrooms -Strip Beef -Cream of chicken -milk/gravy Beef /

Chicken/Beef Pot Pie -Pie Crusts -shredded Beef/chicken -Cream of mushroom/chicken -Veggie All -Mashed Potatoes (or biscuits)

(I am going to buy some fresh herbs—and I didn’t include any onion in any recipe—so you might want to add some to yours)

One more thing I did was figure out what type of container I would need in order to store it--so here is that list.

Mexican

-Chicken Enchilada 2- 9 X 12 Pans

-Burritos 2- 9 X 12 Pans

-Fajita (Meat) Freezer Zip-locks

-Taco Meat (Meat) Freezer Zip-locks 4

Italian

-Manicotti 2- 9 X 12 Pans

-Baked Ziti 2- 9 X 12 Pans

-Lasagna BOUGHT

-Chicken Alfredo Freezer Zip-locks

-Meatballs (lots for spaghetti or Meatball sandwiches) Freezer Zip-locks -

Meatloaf 2-Bread Loaf Pans -

Roast Beef Sandwiches (French dip) Freezer Zip-locks 3 Chicken -

Shredded Chicken Freezer Zip-locks -

Chicken Fried Rice Freezer Zip-locks -

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches Freezer Zip-locks

Breakfast Burritos Aluminium Foil

Cheesy Ham & Potatoes 2- 9 X 12 Pans

Beef Stroganoff Freezer Zip-locks

Beef pot pie Pie Crust holder and Aluminium Foil

OK--this one is long enough, so on to the next post.

Freezer Meals

2011-04-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the WHOLE story... I had my first child by c-section. But it was all her fault! Ok--she was frank breech, which means even if she did turn she would have most likely been feet first, so I just decided instead of risking it (the doctor gave me a less than 1% chance of her turning) I did the c-section. The second child I didn't want a C-section so I hoofed it up to Denver and got approved to have a V-Bac at the hospital up there. So three weeks before I was due- Sedona and I headed to Denver to live with my mom-while Lucas stayed home and worked. He came up the week I was due and ta-da--she was a week late, meaning I wasn't home for almost a month by the time I did get home. They have you go up early to make sure you aren't traveling when you go into labor, and plus going over the pass isn't good for really prego women---besides, I get to live with my mom for a few weeks--who wouldn't want that right before they are due! This is where the freezer meals come it--- I am now due with baby #3 (A BOY!) and again I am headed up to Denver a few weeks before the baby is due. Lucas said he was really sad that no one brought him a meal once the whole time he was home alone (in our community it is common to have church members check up on each other, and bring meals, and do that kind of stuff for each other)--He wasn't really sad, but just making a comment. SO with this baby I will be working on that. I have a whole list of meals I am going to make before I leave so that Lucas has a freezer meal and so that I have about 15-20 meals when I get home waiting to use so I don't have to cook either. Yeerah (our Korean exhance student) really enjoys cooking so I have enlisted her help for the day--and possibly my sister-in-law Pam will be in on it too. I did freezer meals once or twice and loved it. I have also done once-a-month-meat cooking too. When I didn't have time to do all the meals, I just cooked up a whole bunch of meat and froze it. Instead of having to wait for hamburger to thaw, or chicken to cook, I could grab a pre-cooked meat ziplock and use that--really handy! Like I said in this area women often bring in meals to each other when we have had children, an illness, an accident, and anytime we might need a little boost--Infact--there is a lady I should take a meal in to today! Gotta work on that later. So this is going to be a LONG post about Freezer meals. First I came up with meals that I really wanted and some meals that I knew Lucas would want. I wanted a variety so this is what I have as a To MAKE menu Itailian -Manicotti -Baked Ziti -Lasgnana -Chicken Alfredo Mexician -Chicken Enchilada -Burrito's- -Fajita's -Taco's Beef Meals -Meatballs -Meatloaf -French Dip Sandwiches -Beef Stroganoff -Beef Pot Pie (In cupcakes) Chicken Meals -Chicken Fried Rice -BBQ Chicekn Sanwiches -Lots of extra shredded/cubbed chucks -Chicken Pot Pie (In Cupcakes) Other meals -French Toast Sticks -Cheesy Ham & potatoe casserole -Breakfast Casserole (in cupcakes) -Breakfast Burritos -Frozen Fruit Chunks -Muffins Over ambious!? YES!? But I will have an extra pair of hands, and I am NOT planning on doing all of this in one day. OK most of it in one day! The Blue is what I want to accomplish in one day. Yes--still over ambious--but remember I will have two extra people in the kitchen helping. I will have a plan for each person and a plan for the whole day. So next I will post the Prep I need to do to the kitchen and my grocery list.

Looking Back

2011-04-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Wow--looking at my past posts--both on this blog and the previous one-- I am really boring. If I had a housekeeper I am not sure anyone would anyone hear from me! :) I had to laugh because I read some blogs and I think--do they have no faults? And then I read mine and think--wow--my faults are clearly out there! well the faults that I am not too scared to share--but really I do try to "keep it real". So here is a list quick list of 5 (ok 6) things I need to work on! 1. Eat more healthy 2. Early to bed, early to rise 3. Have my scary room total clean out 4. Put the needs of my family first no matter how tired I was 5. Exercize at least 3 times a week 6. Keep up with daily chores THE SAME TOP 6 I HAVE BEEN BLOGGING ABOUT FOREVER!! So I am going to do something that isn't "cool" in our society. I am going to make a list of things I am good at or proud of about MYSELF *GASP*. I am sure some people could do a list of 20-100 things that they like about themselves, but I am going to start with 15-- Why 15--because it is easy to do 5, a little harder to do 10, but 15--I might need to actually think past the "normal" proud of myself things. 1. I can get along with a variety of people pretty well. 2. I have good leadership skills. 3. I am self taught with most of my computer skills. 4. I have been within 5 pounds of my goal weight between each kid so far. 5. I love to learn--and I am passing that on to my kids. 6. I love to read--and I am passing that on to my kids. 7. I am proud that I went from City Girl to Country girl and love both! 8. I honestly want and try to be a good mom and good wife. 9. I like to find weaknesses in myself and improve on them. 10. I am pretty creative and love to plan things. 11. Most of the time I like change. 12. I can let go of things that hurt pretty easy. 13. I try to be self-sufficent. 14. I am someone people can count on. 15. I am willing to share my life with you! Ha ha--OK I had to have one freebie right? -This was hard for me, but what was even harder was not to put a negative comment after my positive comment--for example: I am self taught in my computer skills--I ALMOST wrote--"which might not be a strength after all". I am learning - those negative comments after a postive comment will not work for me anymore! Self discovery is a good thing. I challenge you to either do a list of 5, 10, or 15 things you are proud of, and then a list of 5 things you could work on.

A sad goodbye

2011-03-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Pepper found a rolly-polly bug in our back room the other day and I told her to take it outside. Today I found the rolly-polly in a small purse she likes to play with and I told her it had died and she needed to throw it away. She started crying and said she wanted to keep it! I told her that it was dead and it wouldn't do anything so she is now having a crying fit just saying Rolly-Polly over and over again. When she finally threw it away (after saying "good-bye Rolly Polly" in the saddest voice you ever heard) it was only because Sedona told her she was going to get blood on her if she didn't. Death is a sensative subject at our house. Sedona cried the other night for about 1/2 hour because she was so afraid to die. I have a feeling Pepper and I will be having a heart to heart tonight about death again. death is a hard subject no matter what age.

2011 in pictures part 2

2011-03-30T09:24:00.001-07:00

More Pictures

In the folder I have it is labeled Jan-March 2011

So I am not sure when these pictuers take place for sure.

Pepper looks horrible, but they like to sit together and play the Wii

so cute

Yeerah made these for the girls Cute rabbit towels

Getting the gifts

Pepper's Valentine from the family

Dancing together at a Head Start family night

More of Pepper's great moves!

Hanging with dad

My Pretty Pepper!!

2011 in Pictures Part 1

2011-03-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

ALL IN VERY RANDOM ORDER

The footware worn by "valley" kids

Sedona after taking out her hair--

Year of the Rabbit New Years lunch with Yeerah as the cook

Rice with Tuna fish, some sea weed (eyes & nose) Ketchup (blush), and ham (ears)

A few of Pepper's awesome dance moves

The bump--it sticks straight out---kind of huge!!

Yeerah was more interested in making a snowman (who never made it past a snowball) than sledding.

Sedona did great --she really enjoyed it for the most part--the last run of the day and she feel pretty hard--

Pepper--Not so much loving the snow--she was tired, cold, and hungry.

Not a fun combo!

At a basketball game where Yeerah was dancing--

Pepper loves being in charge of the video camera.

The happy couple at the basketball game.

Giveaway Fun from Organized Chaos

2011-03-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

I wish I had something to give-away, but truth is I entered a give-away and I get 5 whole extra entry just by blogging about it!

This Blog--called My Organized Chaos--is an excellent blog about a mom with twins and an older child. It is fun to read and she always has great giveaways!

This giveaway that I want is a cute basket full of cute baby things--and since I haven't even started to buy diapers or anything yet (but some clothes) I am really hoping I can win this!

Since I have forgotten how to do all the cool things on this blog, like post a hyperlink with a picture--you guys get the boring link--

http://www.myorganizedchaos.net/2011/03/gear-for-the-first-year-giveaway-from-cdhp/

There also is a link to a Childrens Dentist thing and Since Sedona just lost her first tooth it was really interesting to read on that site about things dealing with children's teeth.

To do list Day TWO

2011-03-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

Since I didn't get finished on Tuesday I have rolled over my list to Wednesday--it is still Tuesday, but we are going to pretend it is Wed.

So here is how my day will go:

7:00-7:50: clean house
7:50-8:15: Shower and get ready
8:15-9:00: Get girls ready & feed animals
9:00-9:30: take Girls and Puppy to school
10:00ish: Lucas home to mostly clean house
10-2:30: Clean up other parts of house
Lunch
Keep Laundry Going
2:30 Pick up Pepper
3:45 Pick up Sedona
5:00 Ices people coming to see Yeerah

Animals

Start Laundry
what is left --2 big loads & 1 mini load-- fold & put away 2 loads

Kitchen
Pick up dishes from last night
Cover burners with foil
Sweep
Mop
Get out dinner stuff (chicken Pot Pie)

Bedroom
Bed
Pick up
Dust
Vacuum

Bathroom

Sink
Toilet
Tub
Sweep
Mop

Dining room
Hutch
Table
Computer area
Sewing area
Vacuum

Back Two rooms
General quick pick up
Take things upstairs
Dust
Vacuum

Upstairs
quick clean up and put away
Vacuum

Who said it was 9 months?

2011-02-27T21:11:00.001-08:00

OK--I want to know who said pregnancy was 9 months--because if you do the math---

40 weeks is actually about 10 months---SO that makes it really strange when you tell people you are 7 months prego, but still have 3 months left. They look at you a little strange.

Someone told me it is because the first two weeks kind of don't count and the last two weeks kind of don't count so you end up with 9 months. I think that is stupid logic.

Anyway--I am about to enter my 7th month and this kid is still beating me up pretty good. I just want to video tape my belly one of these days doing all sorts of stranges movements. It really is weird. It is hard to have a converstations sometime when the kid is trying to push his way out of your belly button (which hurts), or hic-uping so hard your body is literally jumping!

anyway--nothing overly profound--just another little annoying/fun/strange/wonderful thing in the wonderful world of pregnancy!

one week

2011-02-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

starting on Friday life has been yucky!

Friday we got a puppy. We knew we were getting it so it wasn't a big surprise, we just didn't know for sure when it would come and live with us.

So Friday we went and got our puppy and came home for a few hours before my mom came in from Denver!

Then the "fun" started. Both girls woke up Saturday not feeling well so we took a trip to the clinic to find out if they had strep (which is going around). All three of us were tested and both girls came back positive, but not me. Sedona also had a major cold.

After doing some things in Alamosa, by the time we got to Sanford I was feeling pretty crummy too.

The girls started medicine and I laid around the rest of the time.

My mom, who loves to clean, cleaned my kitchen--the fridge and even under my sink.

Yeerah our exchange student said "I can't believe you are her daughter" --lets just say the love for cleaning is NOT genetic nor was it passed down to me!

So mom stayed the weekend while the rest of us laid around and tried to get better. By Sunday I had lost my sense of smell and taste and almost a week later I can taste somethings--and my sense of smell is coming back. The puppy is not as cute when you can smell that doggy smell!

I have lost weight this week (I know--very bad for a prego lady), but that is because any and all desire to cook or eat is gone. I forced myself to eat this week, which is strange for me...but maybe it cured me of my nightly quasadilla habit! My kids are loving it. Since i have haven't had a ton of energy the nightly beggings for Ramen or Mac n cheese has been met---but this week life is a little brighter so a healthier and happier diet is on the menu---right after tonights ice cream!

More like guidelines...

2011-02-16T21:32:00.000-08:00

Hello Blog world.

In the movie Pirates of the Caribbean--Captain Barbossa says "And thirdly, the code is more what you'd call guidelines..." when talking about the Pirate Code.
Anyway, if you don't remember that part-watch the movie again. I have seen it many times and find something new and funny each time.

SO...what does that have to do with me? OK, the Life Dare has become more like a guideline than a rule for me.

In fact--shhh--don't tell anyone, but I skipped today. I knew I wasn't going to see Lucas, which I did, but I feel like I have been doing super good so I didn't read today's--don't worry I will start again tomorrow.

The other day Lucas was really grumpy because our house isn't square (build well), so it was really hard for him to deal with putting in the shower for our bathroom (which he did and it looks good, but still needs the water hooked up)--so I went in and calmly asked him if I could help in anyway. He said no, then I started to ask some other questions (mostly what did he want to eat before going on the truck that night) and he got frustrated and told me he couldn't think about that stuff. Instantly I was hurt and mad. But I walked away and thought about a time when I was so frustrated with something how would i have reacted. Truth be told, I would have done the same thing (actually REALLY truth be told, I would have given up on the shower hours before Lucas did and never finished it, instead of working on it until it was done).
So I cut him some slack. I didn't bother him again and I (took a nap) did my own thing.

Then again he called today and was upset because of our bank account--He had asked me along time ago to tell him if I spent any money out of the business account. I haven't been very good at telling him when I have, and he was upset. Normally I would feel hurt and try to defend my actions with stubbornness--but instead I knew I was in the wrong so I apologized. I didn't try to make myself out to be right, because I wasn't.

Since the Love/Life Dare started those are the first times I have had to deal with a conflict in our marriage. I have been able to defuse situations by letting go of my pride, anger, and selfishness, and will continue to do so. I have really tried to put Lucas's needs first as much as I can--sometimes it is not possible to drop everything I am doing to go take him dinner--but I try. I figure he has sacrificed so much of his time, talents, mind power, energy, and enjoyment to earn a living for our family and so I can enjoy an amazing and easy life, that he deserves to be treated really well.

So while I feel like I have excelled at that portion of our life, the other parts are not so hot! Overall the house is more organized and stays cleaner (except the kitchen!--ugg!). The spiritual/physical is not so gung-ho right now. I had a friend make the comment when I first published my Life Dare exercise to not over extend myself--he suggested I focus more on one thing--and that is what I have done. Maybe in about 29 more days I will focus on the spiritual/physical side instead of the marital/house side. and then flip flop it again after those 40 days and just keep going.

As for now I will continue to read my Life Dare daily and focus on doing what I can.

PS: almost the whole time I have been writing this Wheeler (my baby in tummy) has had the hiccups. such a fun/strange feeling.

blog design--

2011-02-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

Some days I can change my blog design no problem--other days, like today it won't let me

what is the problem?

I have deleted the link to this winter background, but it still shows up?

Anyone know what i am doing wrong?

hello

2011-02-12T21:09:00.000-08:00

So this 40 day thing is awesome--but I am not following it.

I know strange how this is working out.

I am picking and choosing each day what I want to do and then doing it. However I am doing the Love Dare almost 100% and it helps.

One reason it helps is not only because it is focused on making a more Christ like marriage, but because it helps me focus on doing things that have been bringing me down.

For example many of the days it tells me to do something that will make your spouse feel your love. -- So I clean the house, which in turn makes me feel much more calm and happy. Today in fact before even reading what the love dare "to do" item was--I had already done it! It is great.

Plus the biggest lesson I am learning is giving love without expecting anything in return, and learning to see the things he does as things he does to show me he loves me.
Does that make sense?
For example, today he trimmed the apple trees. In the past I would have thought.
"Great--Does he expect me to make applesauce, apply pie filling and dried apples with the apples we will get? He knows I hate picking apples and dealing with worms and half eaten apples--and cleaning them up off the grown--that is just what I need another thing to do this fall!"
But until I sat down I didn't think any of those things...I only thought.

"That tree looks much better. I hope Lucas enjoyed that and I hope that gave him a break from the boring repetition of what his life is. Now maybe we will get a few more apples that I can reach instead of watching all the apples at the top of the tree get eaten by the birds!"

I am reading a book right now written for a Mormon couple, but ANY and ALL couples would benefit from it. It is called "For All Eternity" By Dr. John Lund. (Spelling?)
I am also reading another book—including “Making peace with yourself" and "The Freedom from Depression Workbook." I am not depressed, but this book helps me not go there. It helps me keep things in perspective and know what I need to work on.

If you are struggling with your marriage--I suggest "The Love Dare" and "For all Eternity"--overall happiness I suggest the other two.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Since my dad passed away I haven't been able to read books that were more than simple story lines--and I gave up almost all my Self-help books, but these ones have been helping a lot.

Life Dare

2011-02-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

I am going pretty easy on myself when I don't do this Life Dare to the extent that I would like. I normally would be totally beating myself up because I am not 100% on it, but maybe that is one thing I needed to learn was that maybe my expections on myself and all others is too high.

+It doesn't matter if my kids don't have their shoes on with in 1 minute of me telling them to get their shoes on--(which was an issue today, which I didn't handle well
+If Lucas doesn't choose the movie I want to see (because I didn't tell him which one I wanted), I am letting it go, because I am learning that most of the time he will choose the movie I want to see if I tell him.
+If I don't do everything on my list for my life dare for that day, I let it go. I do what is most important and let the other things slide.

a million things like that happen everyday. I often find myself yelling at my kids because they aren't acting the way I want them to act, but they are acting like the way they should and they way THEY want to act. I am learning to settle down and ask ... "if my kids aren't in the car right now--what is the worst that will happen? We will be late. OK..but isn't my peace of mind by not yelling at my kids worth more than 2 minutes of playtime at the start of school? Don't they deserve to have a mom who isn't yelling at them every morning? How would my day go if Lucas started the day by yelling at me like that?"
I am learning to look at the big picture.

I will try to post more of what I am doing each day of this LIFE DARE with in the next few days...

Monday I help Lois with family history and normally find some motivation in cleaning my house on Monday---
Tuesday--all morning I have doctors appointments! It will be the big day!! Blue or Pink will be decided!! (lets just all pray it isn't blue AND pink---twins would not be a good thing for me!)

I will write again Tuesday!

blessed life

2011-02-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

I just read a friends blog--he kids are all sick and her husband is an intern as a doctor so he is gone all hours of the day and night...and I just think how blessed I am. We have our own issues, but Lucas being gone for days at a time, but really my life is wonderful. I have food in my fridge that will go bad before I can eat it all. I have water, hot and cold, at the turn of a switch. I have LOTS of clean clothes to choose from every morning. I have a big beautiful house that is super warm and that is just hte start of the list. I have mentally and physically healthy happy children. I have a husband who I love, who I know wants what is best for his family and is willing to work so we can enjoy a comfortable life. I think everyday why was I so blessed to be born into the family I was -- at the time I was -- in the country that is full of opportunities. I get bogged down on daily mundain routine, but then I think--I am glad I have a sink full of dishes and I am not worried about what to feed the kids tomorrow. I am glad I have 4 more loads of laundry....literally the list could go on and on...one day I will make a thankful list again. I love nights when things are put into perspective again.

Today in Relief Society the lesson was somewhat on Journal writting. I was thinking--I blog--doesn't that count? I think that is a yes/no answer. For one thing I try to tell things how they are and not just the good stuff...I hope everyone knows that my life is far from perfect (but most likely closer to perfect than I think it is), but I don't share really personal things (nor will I) and I write knowing that people will read this. I need to write more for me. I need to get things out on paper that I am struggling with and dealing with. Things that maybe in the black of the ink on the white of the paper, will become more black and white for me in my life. My personal handwritten journal goes from major event to major event and very little inbetween...I need to work on that. Also I type about 100 times faster than I write so I think--I will type my journal, but then I never print it out--and I think handwriting is so important. SO I think I will do a "multi-media" journal. I will type most of my journal AND PRINT IT OUT, but then I will add some handwritten pieces in it also...
How do you find is your most successful way to journal?

"You will be happy--you just won't know it."
This was in a line from a movie I watched the other day. The movie had some great lines (but overall the movie was a waste of time). This was my favorite---I feel like I am in this state of mind. If I ever gave up my life I wouldn't find a way to be as happy as I am now, but I just don't see it clearly all the time.

Sedona tonight started crying while laying in bed..
"Sedona are you sad?"
"No."
"What is wrong?"
"I just love you so much mom!"
How does that not melt your heart!! I love my girls. They are a totally blessing in my life. Yeerah told us that she didn't want kids---maybe 2% of her wanted kids, but after living with us she wants kids 10% now.

Day one and two

2011-02-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

I am NOT sure why--but parts of this post showed up in red and some in black/purplish--there is no reason for it to be like that--nor does it have any special meaning--so sorry!
AND--I have learned that it is much easier to type your blog in another word program and then paste it on here--Also these posts are kind of long, but they are also doubling as my journal (I keep all the really good stuff in another handwritten journal--sorry) :)---now on to the real post.

------------------------------------
The first thing I have learned while doing this life dare is...

that when Lucas is home it helps me accomplish one part, but hinders the other parts.

Of course the marriage part is much easier to accomplish when he is around, but the housekeeping part is a little harder. I am not sure why when Lucas is home I am less motivated to do the housework. strange.

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Anyway--here is just a few notes I have from day one first

Day One

From the whole Love Dare section--this is the part I highlighted...so if it doesn't seem to flow easlily, it is because I stole bits and pieces through out the whole thing.

Love Dare:We are born with a lifelong thirst for love. Our hearts desperately need it like our lungs need oxygen. Love is built on two pillars that best define what it is. Those pillars are patience and kindness. When you choose to be patient, you respond in a positive way to a negative situation. You are slow to anger. Rather than being restless and demanding, love helps you settle down. Anger almost never makes things better. In fact, it usually generates additional problems. But patience stops problems in their tracks. It is a choice to control your emotions rather than allowing your emotions to control you, Patience is where love meets wisdom Patience helps you give your spouse permission to be human. It understands that everyone fails. Few of us do patience very well, and none of us do it naturally.
For the next day, resolve to demonstrate
patience and to say nothing negative
to your spouse at all. If the temptation
arises, choose not to say anything.

Personal Dare
Get up ontime and Shower--get all the way ready for the day first thing.

Spiritual Dare
Pray both morning and night

House (This is from Flylady)
Shine your sink.

Well first day---

I didn't shower--mock me if you want, but I don't shower daily--I shower about 4 times a week, and one of those times is on Sunday morning (or Saturday night), so I didn't feel the need Monday to shower (if I did something that got me dirty enough to shower daily I would). So I didn't shower and I didn't do anything special with my hair or make-up so I feel like I kind of failed at this one-

Spiritual
I did pray both morning and night and even a little though out the day, but not the on my knees type of prayer I desired--so I will keep working on it.

House
I did get most of the dishes done and the kitchen a little cleaned up--which to me is better than shining my sink.

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Day Two

Love Dare
(again--this is just the parts I highlighted! Let me tell you this was something I needed to hear!)
Kindness is love in action. kindness is how love acts to maximize a positive circumstance.
Patience avoids a problem; kindness creates a blessing. One is preventive, the other proactive.

Even if you need to say hard things, you’ll bend over backwards to make your rebuke or challenge as easy to hear as possible. You speak the truth in love.

Being kind means you meet the needs of the moment. If it’s housework, you get busy. A listening ear? You give it. Kindness graces a wife with the ability to serve her husband without worrying about her rights. Kindness makes a husband curious to discover what his wife needs, then motivates him to be the one who steps up and ensures those needs are met—even if his are put on hold.

Rather than complaining and making excuses, you look for reasons to compromise and accommodate.

Initiative. Kindness thinks ahead, then takes the first step. It doesn’t sit around waiting to be prompted or coerced before getting off the couch. The kind husband or wife will be the one who greets first, smiles first, serves first, and forgives first. They don’t require the other to get his or her act together before showing love. When acting from kindness, you see the need, then make your move. First.

Do you wait to be asked, or do you take the initiative to help? Don’t wait for your spouse to be kind first.

It is difficult to demonstrate love when you feel little to no motivation. But love in its truest sense is not based on feelings. Rather, love determines to show thoughtful actions even when there seems to be no reward. You will never learn to love until you learn to demonstrate kindness.

Personal

Floss and brush teeth REALLY well--

Spiritual

Pray and Read scriptures for at least 10 minutes

House

FLy Lady again---But she is just helping my goal from yesterday

Get Dressed---down to your shoes.

Self Evaluation

Love Dare---I did ok on this, I think I could have done better, but I can always keep trying. I hope this one gets easier.

Personal---Done

Spiritual--Didn't read scriptures this morning (but I did make Lucas breakfast--my excuse, but not a good one--I had time to do both--so I will quit lying to myself. I am reading scriptures as soon as I am done here.

Home---didn't do so well---Girls didn't have school this morning so I slept in--but then I did get dressed, but that hair and make-up thing is hard for me! Gotta keep working on it!

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The first two days were not successful--I can make a list of reasons why, but they are all excuses (ok, here are some of them--Lucas was home for two nights, and I am not normally that lucky to have him home two nights in a row, the girls had a snow day, Sedona had a doctors appointment yesterday, it has been colder these last few days than all of winter so far, Sedona is sick, I have an infected finger, I watched my nieces and nephew today, I have gone to Alamosa way more than normal this week, and papers dealing with getting our taxes together are still everywhere--we are self employeed so it isn't like we take a W2 form in and we are done--we have to know each month what we spent and where we spent it --have it documented with recipes and bank statements and all that joy!) Fine it is out of my system--tomorrow is a no excuse day.

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By the end of the first week (actually 10 days)---I will have build on the love dare each day--trying to keep building on the lesson the day before--

House, personal, and spiritual--They will have somethings that will last all 40 days--such as getting up at a normal time and getting dressed, keeping up with my kitchen daily, and praying and reading scriptures daily--that sort of thing.

------------------------------------------------

So I have been thinking---I wonder if it would help me the next day by reading a day ahead, or if I should keep doing what I am doing and read it first thing in the morning? I am not sure, this week I think I will read in the morning and next week change to the night before and see which one works better.
Anyway--it is almost bedtime so have a lovely night!

40 Days

2011-01-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

So I recently rented "Fireproof" again from the video store.

This time when I watched it I wasn't thinking "Oh I hope Lucas heard that" or "See Lucas should know that is how I feel." I am SO THANKFUL that Lucas and I don't have some of the struggles that the couple in the movie had, but we did have a few of them.

So this time, by request of a friend, she said I should watch it again...and look for ME in both people. Wow--different movie when you are pointing the finger inward and not outward.

So after the movie I looked online and found the Love Dare.

So starting Monday I am taking a LIFE DARE.

----------------------------------------
I will tie the two subjects together in a minute...

I found my "brain book" from a few years back and when I compared it to this years brain book---guess what---same stuff. I am dealing with the same challenges, my TO DO lists are almost the exact same...8 out of the 10 things in my "to do in each room" were the same...if not more.

SO Why do I let years go by and let the stress of the sames things eat away at me day and day, week and week, and literally year after year. Habits? lazy? pride? All of the above and more?

so seeing that 3 year old brain book and looking at my "new" brain book --and not seeing much change in my life -- I knew I had to do something.

---------------------------------------------
In the movie "Fireproof" the husband is trying to win back his wife so they don't divorce. He will feel like a failure if they divorce, not necessarily because he totally is in love with her at the start. (At least that is what I got out of it.)

So his father gives him a book---in the book he is to do something everyday for 40 days. Somethings need to be daily---only speak kind words--
while other things only once in a while---do something nice unexpectedly for her (or in my case him)

Anyway---by the end of the movie (of course) the husband and wife found a new respect for each other and their marriage is on the way to be healed.

SO...

why not do a LIFE DARE.

I have 5 area's I want to work on: Not in order of importance!

1. Marital (I am taking the love dare and just do that--with some items tweeked for a truckers wife)
2. House (I looked up Fly Lady and took her first 21 days and made them work for me--the last half will be focused on house projects that have been on my to-do list for years.)
3. Personal/Physical (What I can do to be a better person)
4. Parental (I am taking the ideas from the Love dare and adapting them to work for children.)
5. Spiritual (This will overlap some of the other things I will be doing.)

So each day (some items will be weekly), I will have a new habit to incorporate in my life.

BUT in order to do that. I have to look at my schedule and see what needs to go by the wayside. I am thinking Facebook FOR SURE!! The computer is my BIGGEST time waster. I am like the husband, without the porno addiction, but none the less most of my spare time I can be found at the computer.

so for 40 days I am also giving up "useless" computer. I will check my email and work with my blog. I won't spend 25 minutes looking up a stew recipe, when the first one I looked up in 2 minutes worked great (that happened last Saturday).
-------------------------------------------------

I was going to post my day to day Life Dare habits on here, but I think that would be a breech of some sort of copy right laws---so I will report as often as I can on the progress---for good or bad.
If you would like to join me--for the next 40 days change habits that drive you crazy about your life! Order the Love Dare online--Look up Flylady and follow her routine---do SOMETHING in the next 40 days to make life better for you, your loved ones, and your life.

The rest of this week will be spent.

1. Getting my Life Dare Book in order (Brain Book with new title)
2. Finishing up my taxes

Between those two things and daily life---I am going to be busy!

See you Monday, if not before!

Someone's Hero

2011-01-24T16:25:00.000-08:00

Lucas was someone hero's the other night.

He came across a car that had been flipped after hitting horses on the road. He radio other truckers to let them know what was happening.

The first person on the scene was in a car, so they drove to where they could get cell phone service and called 911. Lucas stayed with the elderly couple who were both hurt badly. They got blankets and coats and such to keep the couple warm. Lucas talked with them and helped keep them awake while it took over an hour for the first cop to arrive.

Lucas said that a car pulled over and one of the men was an EMT and told them to send someone to call and get a flight for life helicopter to get these people out. While waiting for the helicopter Lucas spoke to the young police man and suggested that they needed to clear a place for the helicopter to land, since his truck was right next to the accident. Something the officer hadn't thought about. Lucas also suggested that the truckers who had stopped all help sweep the glass and horse parts off of the road. The cops said they couldn't do it because it was still considered a scene of the crime and until they took pictures and measurements they couldn't touch the scene. From the sound of it the police didn't even start doing those things while Lucas was still there.

Lucas stayed at the scene for two hours and helped with what he could. He said that he was very calm about everything. He said ---you would think watching people who could possibly be dying would be more traumatic, but really it wasn't---

He was frustrated with the amount of time it took for those people to get help. They police finally told him and about five cars behind him to move along--so that the helicopter could land.

Since Lucas couldn't stop again anywhere on the road--no space--he didn't know what happened to the couple. I have tried to look it up, but haven't seen any information on it.

We wish we could find anything out. We wonder if they lived or not? If they are OK, if they will heal all the way? Even with the unknown I am so proud of him for stopping and helping the strangers.

Zola's House and New Years

2011-01-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

Art work that Lucas did when he was younger that is still kicking around Zola's house---I am pretty sure it was in Lyman's room.

A cool hat made from glow sticks--Sedona is a great model!

The MK room--Red room---I thought it was so pretty!!

Lyman's room--the Orange room--again I thought it was really cool.

He looks a little suprised I am taking his picture.

These pictures distort the color some, but they look great in this house!

Nice landscaping in the front--looks good.

Hard to believe it is just after Christmas!

I didn't ask if I could take pictures of Zola's room, but it is so feminine and pretty. It is perfect for her!! It was fun to be there and see Grandma.

On the way home we asked Sedona and Pepper what their favorite part of Christmas/New Years Eve vacation and they said

"Grandma Zola's!"

Yeah!

Hanging out in Arizona

2011-01-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

So these next few blogs will be of our Arizona Christmas Trip.

These are haning out at Mons and Ambers house and some from Jim & Stephanies house.

Enjoy!

Mons & Ambers living room--where a ton of the action/fun/mess happened!

Grandma Zola playing "Where is Thumbkin" with the girls!

I had never seen all five be used and you say

"Where is the happy family? Where is the happy family? Here they are, here they are..."

cute huh!

Queen for the day--Amber had fun projects all the time, like these cute crowns and the fun fort in the backgroud.

Wish Pepper didn't have a trampoline burn on her chin :(

How many pictures does it take to get a cute picture with Grandma and the Girls

(1)

(2)

(3)

Finally got it!

actually there were about 4 more, but I didn't want to post all of them.

One of my favorite pictures. Amber makes me laugh every time I see this one!

She was trying to get a hair out of the dinasours mouth I think---I can't remember.

You can't see it real well, but she was one ticked off Princess.

Jamie is so cute. She was fun to get to know and it was so cute that she would change her clothes about 7 times day. Totally cute!

Pepper having a blast and Jim & Stephanies

Eatting a yummy soup Jim made (including the noodles!)

Do I remember how to blog?

2011-01-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

It has been forever since I blogged and I have a sitereader that told me 12 people checked my blog this week, but nothing has been written in about a month so I figured I better do something.

I am not sure I remember how to do this! I guess I will just randomly type and babble and see what happens.

Lucas got me an external drive so now I have somewhere I can download my pictures and not worry about the space on the computer! Yeah Lucas! Which I am hoping means more pictures for you guys. Not this post--but maybe next.
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We had a great Christmas--starting on the 22nd and lasting till Jan 2nd. We had Christmas in Colorado then headed to Arizona and had a blast there! I will be posting pictures of all of that---along with a rundown of the events, so you will just have to wait! :)

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some goals
1. actually do some of the stuff on my calendar--l have had the same goals on my calendar for years---THIS is the year to do them.
2. write a family letter and send it out (even if for the 4th of July and not Christmas)
3. get family pictures taken
4. have a baby (I put that on there so I know I will accomplish at least ONE of my goals) :)
5. finish my brain book

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I blogger I read (sorry can't remember who) prays and chooses a word to work with each year. This year I really feel strongly that I have two words (which kind of goes against my first word, but....) my words are...

SIMPLIFY

FOCUS

Simplify my house, my marriage, my parenting skills, my expectations on self and others, my routine....just about everything.

Focus on what is important. Focus on what I know I need to accomplish and do it. As I stated before I have had the same things in my TO-DO section of my brain book for years. I could teach hour (or more) long classes on the things I know I should be doing...such as
1. food storage: (Organization & Having it)

2. 72 hour kit: (I have the master list of everything I need--and have most of the stuff, but do I ever put it together?!)

3. home decor: I have read tons of books, thousands (literally) of magazines, and know what to do and how to do -- so you think I would JUST DO IT!

4. organization & clutter: I could literally teach a semester worth of classes on these two subjects, but everywhere I turn in my life is clutter--clutter of the mind, car, and house.

5. be more spiritual: I really feel that as the Beatles said "All you need is Love". We need to worry less about who is living the "Gospel" and start loving people more.

6. Have a Clean house (which is related to #4): again, I have read books, and magazines on how to clean a house quickly, how to clean a house so it cleans itself, how to clean something everyday so nothing piles up, how to clean your house once a week, how to clean a house for 15 minutes every hour....and yet my house isn't "clean". I have lists in my brain book (see I have the lists I am very organized that way!) on what I need to do in each room to "skim" or daily clean it and then a list to "scour" or monthly clean it. If the Skim is done the Scour takes no time, but it is the "skim" part that gets me. Also I have a master list for each room on things I would like to see done in that room....
for example

Sedona's room still needs
1. New Light Fixture
2. Curtain Tie Back
3. New Carpet
4. Finish "finishing" her bed (I only got the head board painted, not the foot board or whatever it is called).
5. Matching furniture

I have a list like that in each room. I have had a list like that for each room since we moved in.

anyway--time to get back to life!

kids and Christmas

2010-12-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Sedona just said to Pepper they are playing lost puppy....Pepper is the puppy...

"Puppy are looking for some owners? How about the Larson's? The O-N Larson's?"
(I am forever telling people here our last name is spelled with an "O" not and an "E".

funny what kids pick up.

Then Sedona brings Pepper to me and introduces me as "Mother" so now Pepper is calling me "mudder". They are cute!!

most of the time...

What is it about Christmas time that turns kids into Angels and Devils? We don't watch TV, but my kids are still full of the give me's. Pepper has totally stopped listening to me and Sedona cries at everything.

I was thinking about things that I don't like about the holiday's...
here are a few of the things...

1. Not having a gift for someone who gives you a gift (posted this on facebook)
2. Getting stuff mailed off...like Christmas cards and Christmas gifts
3. Going to kids parties and getting a bunch of gunky little trinkets or a bag of peanuts--what a mess.
4. Having so much stuff scheduled at dinner time (school party at 5:30-7:00 and no food--not great planning), if you do a party at dinner time, feed us or tell us you aren't feeding us---kids with no dinner a ton of candy are not fun to be around.
5. Having pressure (self-inflicted) to make cookies, candies, and all the Christmas goodies even if you don't like them.
6. I love Christmas lights, but I stink at putting them up---so I hate the guilt I feel over that.
7. Christmas decorations. Again...I love going into peoples homes and they are so pretty and decorated---I really went through my decorations this year. I have such a hodge-podge of stuff that I want to start over, but then the clutter freak in my mind jumps in and I pull out a few things and repack the rest-
8. The process of getting ready to go to Christmas stuff. I love being at them, but getting ready for them is not fun for me, at least I know i will be the one holding the camera so I am never "pretty"....I just make sure the girls look cute and away we go!
9. Candy---my kids want candy all the time. I finally got a candy bucket and gathered all the candy up and put it in the bucket--that way it is out of sight, unless I want to give it to them.

OK---enough for today---maybe I will make a list of what i LOVE about the season!!

still going...

2010-12-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

I know I read a quote---don't know where or who said it, but it was something like....

"one thing I have learned in life-it keeps going."

That is so true.

after reading that quote I had the courage to confront a friend about a difficult circumstance she had gotten into. I felt better afterwards and even though I was dreading it the results (which turned out fine)--guess what--life when on.

i am trying to deal with control issues. Tonight the man behind me at Sedona's School Christmas Operetta decided to talk through all the songs the honor choir sang. I sat fuming that he didn't have respect enough for the kids who were singing, the parents sitting around us and how rude of him to think that it was only important to be quite when HIS granddaughter was on the stage. I saw the issue in myself and calmly got up and moved seats. I knew him and didn't want to "shhh's him"---so I removed myself from the situation.

Also having our exchange student. She is an excellent student, very well mannered, but I have issues because she does things differently than the way I would do it. She doesn't do it bad, just different. like the way we put the toilet paper on the holder---I like paper to go over the top, the few times she had done it, she puts it going under---not a big deal right? So why am I clutching my teeth as I wrote it. I have issues I know.

So do you have any suggestions, books, or personal ways you deal with control issues--

also this Christmas season had been fun and I have enjoyed it a great deal. I am not in charge of anything, I volunteer for what I want (and help if I am asked). It is kind of nice. This is a new thing for me.

It is also nice having Yee Rah around so if she is home I can say "will you watch the girls while I run to take Lucas some food?" So much nicer than trying to get the girls in and out of the car--Only 7 more years till Sedona is a "built-in" babysitter.

haven't check comments in a while

2010-11-28T09:44:00.001-08:00

Hey all--

wanted to thank you for leaving a comment on my
"do you care" post.

I re-read it and it sounded rather pathetic---sorry about that.

I am glad that people care about what I write--so

a BIG THANK YOU

to everyone.

Christmas Countdown--

2010-11-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

This August I was so excited to really do each holiday really big so Yee Rah could experience "holidays" American style....
Fast forward and I didn't even decorate for Thanksgiving---SLACKER---
I lost all motivation when I found out I was pregnaunt and sleeping became more important than decorations--pathic I know.

BUT...
a few year ago at Hobby Lobby (I think), I bought the most expensive Christmas decoration I have ever bought. It is a advent calendar that is for the whole month. I am not functioning clean enought to do justice to decsribe it, so I will post a picture as soon as I pull it out. I will say that it is kind of like a shadow box and it has 25 doors--one for each day of course.

I do however have a list of fun things that happen in December to help make the season more merry--I will post my 25 things at the end of this blog. Last year I even put in the things I was going to do for exercize each day---it was fun and the girls loved opening it up to see what fun thing was in store for them that day.

so here is my list of fun 25 things to do: (somethings will have to switch because of Church Christmas Program and last minute things, but overall this is it)

1st: get out Some Christmas Decorations (start Christmas lights?)
2nd: get out Some Christmas Decorations (more Chirstmas Lights?)
3rd : Denver
4th : Nutcracker
5th: Denver --- Read with Grandma Minnie
6: Christmas Pictures (Girls & Family)—FHE??
7: Christmas Cookies
8: Christmas Caroling as a family (in our own house with Hot coco & Cookies)
9: Christmas Shopping--??--Mail out Christmas Gifts (cuss because I haven't started the Christmas lights)
10: Put up Christmas Tree
11: Muppets Christmas (Freeze while hating every second I put up lights)
12: FREE NIGHT (do a crappy job of putting up the rest of the lights and hate them)
13: 12 Days of Christmas Secret Santa--do or not do---that is the question
14th: Write Letter To Santa
15th: School Party
16: Movie night as a family
17th: Read Christmas stories by Candlelight
18th: Yee Rah piano recital
19th: Deive around to look at other christmas lights (feel so guilty I didn't do a better job on my lights)
20th: Christmas Ding Door Ditch
21st: Reindeer Food and Santa Cookies (turn on all lights for a few hours---have Lucas tell me I shouldn't turn them on at all)
22nd: Gingerbread Houses
23: FREE NIGHT
24: Look up Santa on the Internet-is he almost here? (forget all about the Christmas lights and enjoy the peace)
25: Do the Nativity Story (Start dreading taking and putting away the Christmas lights)

SO hear is hoping that this Christmas is more decorated than Thanksgiving.

do you even care?

2010-11-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

Some times I read blogs and I think
"wow--I really didn't care about a thing I just read"

BUT those are by people I don't know---so I wonder...

When people read my blog do they really care?

Do I blog to prove something? To entertain? To get comments? To purge feelings?

I think I blog for many reason---maybe some of each of those.

Mostly I try to be honest, but I have started about 20 posts I have never posted---why?
I don't know? Maybe because some of them are too personal...maybe I feel some are too shallow, or just plain embarresing. Do I really want everyone to know "that" about me?

I find that it is easy to post things like To Do Lists, and things that don't share the "real" me.

one reason I haven't posted is because I haven't felt well and haven't felt like blogging, and I feel guilty about that---

I need to let go of alot of guilt and worry that I carry around so IF I don't post for a month I am letting go of the guilt---I won't worry what people think if I post a blog that they might not find interesting!

PS: I had 3 more sentenses written here and deleted them--because I was worried what you would thing---*sigh* I will keep working on it!

Got it done---only to do it all again tomorrow

2010-11-11T22:10:00.000-08:00

I know I left everyone is such a cliff hanger the other day--ha ha ha!

Anyway---I got everything buy my bedroom cleaned---and I mean really clean!

So tomorrow I am doing it again, but instead of 5 hours it will take me 1! Ahhh that feels good.

Tomorrow is also Sedona's Ballet so look for pictures coming to my facebook soon---

Another To Do list

2010-11-09T08:36:00.002-08:00

OK--my house is about at 60% mess--and I have friends for dinner tonight and a big apron swap on Saturday here---so TODAY is my clean day.

I am childless today because Pepper started school. I miss her. I hope she is having fun.
Walking her into class I asked her "Do you want me to stay for a while or go home?"
Pepper didn't even look at me and said "Go home mom."

So

here is what I am doing today

1. Kitchen (I think an hour including the floor)
2. Back Room (10 minutes)
3. Middle Room (20 minutes--including takinge everything upstairs)
4. Dinning room (1 hour)
5. Bathroom (20 minutes)
6. Bedroom (30 minutes)
7. Mudroom (1 hour)

That is about 3 and 1/2 hours BUT I also need to do these things

-bring wood in (looks like snow soon)
-Buy Sedona tights for Ballet
-Make an Apron
-Make Food for dinner
-Go shopping for some of the food for tonight and for Apron swap
-Not get sick
-not take a nap

READY SET ......

GO!!

I will keep you posted on my progress....

OK 40 minutes later the Mudroom is clean and the wood pile is restocked--PLUS I got some of the trash and stuff picked up around the porch---I am off to a great start! I am +20 minutes--I will start a load of dishes and work on the middle room---that way I will be +40 minutes!! YEAH ME!

Now about 20 minutes later and ALL the dishes are done (not put away yet)---which since I didn't allot a certain amount for dishes, just kitchen---I will finish the kitchen--according to plan I have 40 minutes to do the rest of the kitchen--including the floor--

HERE I GO!

Got distracted---had a few phone calls--I kept working, but didn't get as much done as I would have liked. It is 6 minutes to noon---so I am taking a break till 12:30 so I can eat and regroup---See you at 12:30 :)

OK 12:15 and I am ready to go again.

I still have almost everything left to do---

Here is the NEW plan

1. kitchen (30 minutes)
2. Bathroom (20 Minutes)
3. Dinning Room (1 hour)
4. middle room (30 Minutes)
5. Vacuum (20 minutes)

I will have to go and get Pepper before I do the vacuuming--so that is my goal---Everything done by vacumming before Pepper comes home! :)

if this isn't boring enough--here is my grocery list for tonight

1. Garlic
2. French Bread
3. Cream/ Half and Half
4. Trash bags
5. Salad stuff

Alright GO!

Kitchen and Bathroom Done!
Yeah!

Dinning Room and Middle room with about an hour to go!

I need 5 minutes to look up a few things and I am off again!

5 questions about me

2010-11-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

http://dandelionfluffoflife.blogspot.com tagged me with these 5 questions:

1. If you had one super power to wish for (X-ray vision, invisibility etc.), what would it be and why?
My friend said never having to sleep anymore! That would be awesome--but since i better be creative and come up with my own--I think the ability to read minds. It would save alot of time--but could be really strange and embarrassing---so I think I will stick with the best ever answer of never having to sleep again. (unless I wanted too)

2. What is your favourite book of all time?
I love books, but there are a few I can read over and over...like Jane Eyre and My Side of the Mountain (favorite book from when I was a kid)...to read allowed to children I think The Monster at the End of this Book...for the illustrations I love The Napping House. I also love listening to the books on tape by Jan Karon and the Redwall series by Brain Jaques (sp?)--honestly I could go on and on.

3. What is your idea of the perfect day?

Again--stealing my friends--
1. Having a perfectly clean house all day
2. Sleeping in unti I wanted
3. Delicious breakfast of bagels & Cream Cheese
4. Play on the computer
5. Play with kids--games, drawing, just talking---whatever we wanted!
6. Out to lunch at restaurant.
6 1/2. Buy one great new outfit that makes me feel pretty!
7. Go on a afternoon activity with the whole family--maybe Hot Springs pool
8. Home to nap and bath
9. Dinner out (or pizza delivered)
10. Movies with my kids
What would make this the MOST perfect day is if someone did all my laundry, and put it away, along with my iron and mend pile---and not have my kids argue---and have them listen the first time--and my husband be generous with complements.

This one would be a dream/no money day

1. Fly all my family (extended--aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, (and of course ALL the in laws too) into Disneyland for the day

2. Have credit cards with $500 limit for each person for the day

3. Eat at a character lunch

4. Have front of the line passes for every ride

5. A wonderful dinner where everyone got exactly what they wanted

6. Fly everyone home to a house that had been professionally cleaned.

I have many dream days---how about finding a Italian Mormon relative that had all our family history done, but no computer--I could spend a whole day in Italy doing that..

Or going to a war torn country and liberating men, women and children and set up a new way of life for them---I mean if I can dream lets dream big!

..but honestly most of my days are perfect, but they are wonderful and I am thankful for them.

4. If you had the chance, what one famous person would you meet and why?
I have no idea. There are so many people I would like to meet---the obvious ones like Christ, Joseph Smith or the Prophet, of course those are an easy one---
But I would also like to meet Joan of Arc or Emma Smith or Lucy Mac Smith or Jane Austin or some famous movie producer who just fell head over heals for my acting--that would be nice too!

5. If you could possess one talent (singing, painting, writing, etc) and be truly proficient in it, what would it be?

maybe writing, because I already love to write and if I was really good maybe I could finally get an agent. :)
also right now since I am practicing I will also say the piano---it is frustrating to plunk out notes when I hear the whole song in my head.

work in progress

2010-11-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

I once had a great friend who was excellent at writting poems---he wrote one about a knight who would do anything for the princess. When he started to have some serious problems in his life come to light, I wrote this as a response.

The Lonely Knight

A knight stood so strong, brave and true.
If any dragons came he knew actually what to do.

He had won the heart of a fair maiden, and she worked by his side,
But he would never tell the deepest of what he had to hide.

He had a dragon that came to him years before.
This dragon was fierce, horrible, and so much more.

The knight felt hopeless, fearless, and weak,
Whenever they had to fight, the dragon would not be beat.

After years of the terrible secret dragon the knight let go on his pride,
And knew facing the dragon was his journey alone to ride.

Knowing this time his victory will be known,
He faces the dragon, with better weapons, yet still alone.

While the knight feels defeated and sometimes is,
The battle against the dragon isn’t over until the victory is his.

He needs to defeat this dragon until it is no more;
if he does not win, he will be ruined, even down to his core.

2 Little Inches

2010-11-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

My big question the last few months is how can something smaller than two inches make you...

1. So TIRED all the time
2. Dry heave for no reason--even in the middle of conducting a song at Church --lovely!
3. Crave Pizza and Taco bell and give you heart burn after eating ice cream
4. cause me to gain over 4 pounds (OK maybe closer to 9?) -- it is the size of the baby carrot!!!
5. Cry at stupid things
6. Get upset over stupider things
7. Get sick trying to cook eggs
8. Have my belly already totally showing--again---the baby is the size of a mini candy bar!!
9. give me strange/weird/scary dreams more than normal
10. make me want to stay in bed all day.

The Embryo is now called a fetus officially at week 10--in my opinion it should be called a BABY from day one-

So almost 10 weeks along--not even out of the 1st tri-mester---*SIGH*

interesting facts about week 10----who knew?

This week is somewhat of a landmark for your developing baby. By now, your baby's complete body plan is laid down. Your baby has taste and tooth buds at this point. The brain will continue to grow at an amazing rate and nearly a quarter of a million new neurons are produced every minute! The embryonic heart is completely developed. External genitalia are not apparent until next week, but a male's testes will already be producing testosterone. (HOPING FOR LOTS OF TESTOSTERONE!)
The Mom to be may notice an abundance of emotional and physical effects.---(Oh great!)

Race Car Party...

2010-10-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Actually it turned more into a "speed" party, but no one really noticed the lack of race car... :)

I had the cutest Littlest Pet Shop party all planned out and was very excited. I had the cutest activities and such cute little decorations...and then Lucas pointed out...

"Why are you doing Littlest Pet Shop? She likes race cars." and that was the end of it. From that comment forward she just wanted a Race Car Party.

Lucas was the smart one and said, "why don't we have them ride in Tug, and a motorcycle, and 4-wheelers for the party?" OK. so that is what we did. We invited a few nursery friends over and each kid got a turn riding in the vehical of choice. Pam and Micah (Big THANK YOU to them) took kids on the 4-wheelers and Lucas drove them in Tug and then in his black bug. It was actually really fun and none of the kids did the other games that I had because they were all able to ride something each time. I was TOTALLY fine with that--(but I thought switching the name of "follow the leader" to "follow the pace car" was pretty creative on my end) :) We would switch after a couple minutes and start the engines again...

Then we had cake and ice cream. I am proud of my cake. I normally have great idea's for my cake and then try to make it happen about 20 minutes before the party starts (and do everything else)...so this year I planned a little better and did it the night before. It is pretty plain, but I am happy with it. If I had any of the pictures of my other cakes you would see why I liked this one so much...

and of course opened presents....

Pepper had a great time, and it was overall a good success! We were a little sad our race car was not able to make it (maybe Pepper will get a ride some other time), but totally understand moving cows from down from the mountains is more important! Hopefully they get them all before the snow comes! :)

Thank MOSTLY to wonderful Lucas who is SO CREATIVE!!

and to PEPPER for turning 3 and being such a fun and wonderful daughter!!

she is alive!

2010-10-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

I am alive, I just haven't felt like blogging AT ALL lately.

Well things are changing in my world, for the good, and the bad.

I am prego--and along comes the pregnancy brain. It really is bad! Also this time around, I am SO TIRED! Really---one load of laundry adn one meal a day is draining me! I am really worried for when I am further along if this is what I have to look forward too. And I dry heave like mad. If you see me in the grocery store heaving--I will not throw up, I just do that. Infact Sedona told someone the other day---"that is what my mom when she has a baby in her tummy--she is ok."

Funny kids---one good thing about being tired--I am not making messes---which means a cleaner house. I am the mess maker in my family as many of you know. I am famous for starting projects and leaving them 1/3 of the way finished...but when you don't start projects you don't have to clean them up.

I also no longer an employeed...I know I worked very few hours a month, but I resigned and that is that. I may have fallen asleep at work anyway--so maybe it is better. :)

Lucas has been trucking on and off---I feel bad for the guy because when he is home he wants to go to sleep right away, but bedtime (actually between 9:30 and 11:30 at night) is when my brain turns on and I have 100 things to talk to him about. I am no longer offened when he falls asleep in the middle of a story...most of the time. So my pillow talk is a good time for me to get things out...but when he is gone I have no pillow talk time, so I blog---I have about 10 blogs started right now, but none of them ready to publish--maybe I am just taking my mess making and putting it on the computer where it doesn't make as big as a mess---ANYWAY---I am hoping that my energy will become more constant so I don't spend all my time cleaning when I feel well enough to do anything.
also I have posted most of my pictures on facebook--so you are out of luck if you only read the blog and do facebook too. :)

anyone know how to...

2010-10-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

two things....

1.
How do I find a blog and follow it while logged in.

My brother has a girlfriend who blogs and I want to read it, but I have only learned how to follow blogs by click from one blog to teh next---since i have no direct link to her I don't know how to do it.

Please help---if you can understand what I am saying :)

I will hopefully write a real post soon...

2.
How do people make money Blogging? I was reading a little about it, but I just don't get it...
Thanks!

Bits and Pieces

2010-09-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

I woke up today feeling so yucky and haven't gotten much better. Both girls and hubby have colds (but Sedona went to school since she is the least affected), so life isn't that wonderful here. Hopefully Luke will feel better since he had to go trucking today! :( That makes me so sad to know he is feeling bad and has to drive instead of sit around and watch Blue's Clues with Pepper and me.

Last night I didn't sleep well and wrote about 10 posts in my head, but alas, I can't remember a single one of them today--which might be why I don't feel all that great today!

My media fast has mostly turned into just a Facebook fast. I logged on once to see pictures of a friends new baby! I had that great list of things to accomplish, but mostly it isn't going to get done. I think I finally got all my online banking up and going! Not on the list, but needed done! Yeah...now I won't have an excuse...I will be responsible, take my finances by the horns and look them straight in the eyes! I will know daily (OK weekly) where I am at and not worry about bounced checks or what account to write what check out of. I will say that my net worth is pathetic. But considering that we owe less total than alot of people own on a house mortgage makes me feel a little better (but not much!).

We finally ordered parts for our bathroom. We have lived in this house since 2004, owned it since 2005, and never had a working bathroom. We have most of the parts we need for the bathroom, we just buy things a little at a time here and there. We have been waiting for plumbing to be fixes, but it couldn't be fixed till we bought our fixtures. Lucas did some good loads so we sat down, I showed him what I liked--then had to go--so he went in and found what we wanted for about 1/2 the price of the ones I was looking at! Way to go!! So maybe this bathroom will be finished before Luke's B-day in October? OK wishful thinking---maybe this bathroom will be done by Christmas!

Pam (sister-in-law) has a family friend who was in a motorcycle accident. Denise had just won a motorcycle so her husband got one too so they could go riding. I don't know any details really, but Skip is being moved to an acute care facility soon. Reading her blog is like Dad all over again. It is almost surreal reading someone else going through this and using words in her blog almost word for word what I wrote. I keep her in my prayers all the time.

The family went up to Creede on Saturday to see a car show and to look at the cute little shops. I could spend SO MUCH money if i had it. Maybe I am not rich because I already spend to much money on junk! If I had unlimited money, my house would be full--image the show Hoarders! OK, not that bad (but you have all seen my scary room), but I would buy stuff I wouldn't need that is for sure! Anyway---the car show was ok (just like very other car show in my viewpoint), but I saw an old friend. Rose was there! Rose was the costume mistress at the college I went to. She looked so good. It was fun seeing her and getting caught up on her life a little! That was fun!

Well I am off to go work on Lois's family history---only 933 names left to match and merge--then I will start her other files! Wow--she is going to have a great reunion with these people in heaven!!

Media Fast Plans (Revised)

2010-09-15T10:12:00.001-07:00

Hello all---

This is the first day of my Media fast. Yes, I am blogging, but I am allowing myself that much, because I use it as kind of a journal.
There are alot of loopholes--I can read to my kids, I can read books to help me do things (like how to clean a chimney), I can listen to classical music (thru YouTube), I can have the kids watch movies, I can use the computer to do Family History, finance stuff, or to help make my lists and such. So see there are lots of ways I will still be using Media, mostly I have given up Facebook, looking at others blogs, and the useless Internet surfing that normally consumes good portions of my day!

I have big plans for this week....

So I have changed this to figure out what I want done each day.

Friday:
Morning: Take Yee Rah homecoming dress shopping---Bank---Libary in Alamosa---Grocery Shop (make a head meals)
Evening: Pay Bills & Apron Swap Invite

Saturday:
Morning: Pull Garden Weeds & Black Plastic
Afternoon: Cut down all flowers and clean up
Evening: mow Lawn (I think it is Stake conference this weekend?)

Sunday
Morning: Stake Conference
Afternoon: Lois Family History & MAKE AHEAD MEALS
Evening: MAKE-A HEAD MEALS DO!

Monday
Morning: Spring Clean two rooms
GO TO LOIS HOUSE
Evening: FHE & Apron Swap Invites

Tuesday
Morning: Clean out Garage some
Afternoon: Clean Cars out (Vacuum) & Wash Cars
Evening: Figure out how to do Quicken

Wednesday
Morning: Work on Christmas and Birthdays & Laundry
Afternoon: Paint the rest of the porch
Evening: Pack for Denver

Thursday:
Morning: Spring Clean Kitchen & Laundry
Afternoon: Organize Magazines a little & Finish Library bag (Tandy)
Evening: Catch up on what needs done

Friday: DENVER!
Yeah!

See if I can clean out Chimney--SCARY FOR ME!!

This is a big list I know....but I have a week....If I work on 3 things a day I can accomplish it!
Since some of them are big (Lilac bushes) and will take all day, I better use my day wisely in the other pursuits!

Here we go!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know today's post is kind of boring, like most my "List posts"---but they really help me stay focused and motivated.

Well off to the library---Yes I am on a NO media fast, but the kids aren't and I can still read to them.

Mountain Getaway Part 2

2010-09-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

A view looking down at the valley--much prettier in person!

Wish I was an amazing photographer and could capture the beauty!

See Lucas hand---See how huge that fish is!!

We saw 4 Big Horn sheep at the upper lake

Lucas feeding the masses (ok a group of about 7 guys asked Lucas to get them fish---they traded for granola, dried fruit, and propel water flavors)--see I told you he was a good hunter/gatherer

You can't see it, but there is a Big Horn Sheep literally about 10 feet from Lucas...awesome!

Tug watching over our cabin
When we first pulled up--a guy came right over and said

"I have heard that sometimes when people come up here there is a bug here,

can I take a picture?"

Mountain Getaway Part 1

2010-09-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

Lucas way up on a big rock

We fed the hikers up there. This was breakfast burritos that we shared, we also shared Bratwursts, fish, and S'mores. We were the "favorites" on the mountain. I loved doing this and will remember to bring extra food every time we go up!

One of Lucas's "Hunter" rewards. I don't like fish at all, but ate more of these fish then I have ever eaten of fish in my whole life. They were good!

More of the wonderful Lake

Still not sure if I like fishing or not....I do like "fly fishing" better than "sink and wait fishing"

Lucas was a great Hunter/Gather this trip!!

The sun would hit the mountains they would GLOW! It was so pretty!

Our Cabin

This fish has the coolest colors--Pink, yellow, blue, greens. You can't see all of them-but it really was pretty

Inside the Cabin--I swept it out--and someone has even left a toilet seat to be used outside--How nice of them (No I didn't even touch it!)

Lucas has some great fishing locations

A man and his faithful friend

The water was really clear

More beautiful views

All the way up the trails were balanced rocks like this. I think they are neat.

Remembering

2010-09-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

so I didn't blog on the 11th, it was the 10th, but I thought---I blogged on September 11th and could only talk about Christmas!
What is wrong with me...

I think Sept 11th is an important day in our history. Rarely has America been attacked on our soil...Dec 6th and Sept 11th I think are very important days. They are to remind us that we are not unbreakable, but we are strong. Think about how you felt the days after the 11th. I was scared, I was worried, but I tried to be nicer to my fellow humans. I wanted to connect to them more.

We were living in Arizona at the time and I remember being scared for weeks anytime one of those really low flying planes came into land.

BUT...I also feel in our land of peace and plenty, we are very spoiled. We forget so quickly the hardships that others face. People are now talking about the 11th like it wasn't a big deal and our children don't even bat an eye at it (and I didn't either since I blogged about Christmas!).

I do want to share my thanks and up most gratitude to those who served to protect our country, in any way, shape, or form. The government officials who keep an eye for the bad guys...really who had heard of all these bad guys, and within minutes the news were spewing out names of people they had been tracking for years....The soldiers, the fear, boredom, and utter terror they live with....I am forever grateful to anyone anywhere who has fought for our freedom.Korean war, Vietnam War (conflict), Desert Storm, and any of the unknown battles that take place that I have no clue about...the local law enforcement, they keep my community safe. They keep the bad guys away from me and my children! Right now in our town we have a great cop. He is a great combination of compassion and justice. He didn't make the girl who re-ended another boy at the school feel like a moron, but he held her accountable...That isn't always the case with some of our other lovely cops we have had in the past---(like the cop who pulled me over to flirt with me...really!)

So while September 11th is already passed, I do think about it often. I will never be able to forget the images of burning buildings, people covered in ashes, and the worst, those people jumping to their deaths instead of burning to their deaths.

War and acts of violence and totally beyond me and my understanding, but I believe as those in the Book of Mormon, that anyone who is trying to take away our freedoms (or the freedoms of others) need stopped, and I thank those who do just that!

Wedding Bells

2010-09-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

THE WEDDING

In no order what so ever.....

Josh (my Step-brother-in-law) and his new wife Michelle

The Bridesmaids

The Groomsmen

Yee Rah (Our exchange student from Korea)

and our lovely Sedona

Yee Rah again :)

Suzie "Dancing" down the isle with her grandson William

Some of the wonderful decorations

The Cemermony took place under the gazebo

The Buffet line that had AMAZING food!!

Really SO YUMMY!

Josh and his Mom Suzie

Lucas and Pepper weren't really that miserable, that is just the face they were born with!

The cake and punch

The Reception area

Very Pretty Garden Location

Waiting for the Wedding to start--we look so happy!

So pretty!

Look how pretty! The Grooms Cake was very cool!

Newly home Elder Phillip

and Best Man

Some of the Grandkids and cousins Sedona is hugging William (Josh's (the groom's) little boy)-and the two girls--Dang! I can't remember their names. They are Suzies sisters kids.

Random thoughts

2010-09-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Today is September 11th?, but I am already full swing into Christmas....CHRISTMAS!? I know!
I like to have Christmas done by October...a little anal, but it saves that last minute splurge on stuff I don't really want to give people.

So I started my list of people to give too....

Husband
Sedona
Pepper
Yee Rah

Mom
Mom-in-law
Step mom-in-law
Nana
Grandma Cluff
Grandma Bev

Dad-in-law
(he looks so alone on this list) :(

Angie & Brad Family (my side)
Larson Family (yet to know we have)

Uncles & Aunts
(I will not name them all)

Teachers (Sedona has 4 this year)
Kitchen Staff (head start)
Bus Driver (head start)
Principle (2)

Friends

Church Leaders

Garbage Man

Who else DO you send Christmas gifts too?
And what do you get for all those "non-big gift" people? Like teachers, or bus drivers....
What do you sent as gifts to those you Mail things too?

Like I said...I know it is early, but I am already getting it done.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Home Making--or whatever the crap it is called now.

That sounded very bitter, but it was not. I just don't know what it is called....anyway

Last night we had a great homemaking night. We learned how to make....

1. Lip balm
2. Lotion
3. Soap
4. Fire starters
5. Butter
6. Cheese
7. Laundry detergent

IT WAS SO GREAT!
I am so grateful to live in an area where the people have so many talents.

I would have never thought to make my own lip balm--I always have them everywhere! Now I can make it for much cheaper--and I can add my own smells!

Plus ricotta cheese--I would use it a ton, but it is kind of expensive, not anymore (well, not if I owned a cow, which we do not...)

What is something you wish you knew how to make, or do...that you just never have done?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am trying so hard to be a morning person, but my body (and mind) fight me like crazy! I get up at 5:30 two days a week, and try to be up by 6:30-7:00 and rest of the week, but man it is killing me. PLUS the hours between 9 and 11 just fly (it use to be 11 till 2--so I am getting better)...so when I want to be in bed by 10:00 I have to set my alarm to remind me to go to bed.

any other suggestions?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

girls are in the tub yelling for me, so I gotta go. I hope to post pictures next time. So be prepared :)

Wonderful Morning--kind of

2010-09-09T10:33:00.001-07:00

I woke up at 6:20 and headed out for a run, but was so exhausted that I only got 1.91 Miles walking.

then I came home crawled into bed until 8:15--got Sedona ready--and then crawled back into bed till 10:45.

Yep I had a wonderful morning...

but now the rest of my day---

here is the list
1. Finish blogging (DUH)
2. Shower
3. Clean Kitchen
4. Do my House cleaning routine (but skip a few of the less important steps)
5. Finish reading Mockingjay
6. Dinner (super easy Chili--cause I have...
7. Relief Society tonight

What does the perfect morning look like for you?

Nightmares

2010-09-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

I have nightmares.

When I dream, it is almost always a nightmare.

Last nights nightmares included

Me trying to save my family, and extended family during the end of the world, not to bad last night, but a common dream for me....Variations on the dream--
there is a flood and I can only hold on to one of my children, the whole dream is me choosing which one to let go.
...or that I have in charge of a whole (primary) bunch of kids and there is no food, medical supplies, or help.
.... or an army is taking over my town and I have to hid my children so the bad guys won't find them, but they won't stop crying and the army men are entering my house....
...trying to get my family into the mountains to hid from the bad guys coming into town, I am alone with the girls and I can't carry our supplies alone, and Pepper is so tired and hungry and Sedona is sick....
and the list could go on...these dreams often keep me awake for hours after I have them. Last night wasn't so bad--I wasn't up for more than about 15 minutes.

I also dreamed (dreamt) that Lucas and I weren't married and I was hanging out at a club with a bunch of people from high school and a Sanford friend kept telling me, "wow these people all really hate you...what did you do in high school to make them hate you so much?"
Not really a bad dream, but not a good one either.

Last dream of the night--not so scary, but totally weird. I was driving my PT Cruiser and stopped at a red light. With the car in neutral, I get out of my car and watch it go down the road hoping that it doesn't hit anything. It keeps going and going so finally I call the cops and tell them what I did...stop at the LDS bookstore while telling the cops and buy a movie, before going to find my car and face the tickets and repercussions of my decision.

All and all I woke up about 5 times last night---I kept hearing things fall (I think they were in my dreams, but they would wake me up) and 3 times with unusual dreams. I think I deserve a nap today :)

I don't believe in France

2010-09-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

So imagine this conversation

Women: I don't believe in France.

Man: Really? why?

Women: Well I went there once a long time ago. I believed it then, but since leaving France and having a strong disliking for everything French I just don't believe it anymore. My whole family is from France, but I just think they are blinded to the truth...that there is no France. Plus, alot of bad things have happened to me, my family, and society, and most of the bad things have been done by people who are from French or believe in the country of France.

Man: Um....but don't you know there are French restaurants, and I could show you some money from France--would you believe then?

Women: You are trying to convince me of France by using French things...convince me by not using french things.

Man: ummm....Ok, could I introduce you to people who have lived in France?

Women: No. There have been people in the past who were from France who treated me poorly, so I won't listen to anyone French.

Man: What if I TOOK you to France?

Women: I could go, even get a glimpse of the French life and remember it, but I still wouldn't believe it.

Man: I don't think the problem lies within people convincing you there is a France. There IS a France even if YOU choose to believe or not. People can show you things that OBVIOUSLY show there is a country called France, but you won't except them.
The problem does not lie with them not showing sufficient and relevant evidence, the issue is in your arrogance and unwillingness to believe the truth.

How many people do YOU know that feel this way about religion?

No fluff for now

2010-09-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hey all--I can't get my blog to do a cute background, so no fluff--just the basic.

I only have about 3 minutes to write, but I think I am getting over this cold quickly!

That is amazing! Normally these things last weeks...

In exercise class today I was looking around (I normally don't wear my glasses so I can't see anyone) and Annie was totally kicking bum on every station (think curves on steroids)--she would be the gold star A+ student if we were being graded! I don't know how she does it!! the class is 1/2 over (3 weeks) and I have lost only 3 pounds--which is a pound a week, so I guess it isn't that bad, but I just wanted to see results faster... I will take my measurements some time this week and see if I have progressed any there.

I am transferring all my old notes from my high school Scriptures in to my new ones. It is taking alot longer than I thought it would...plus I have no idea what some of those mean that I wrote back then. It is kind of like taking a trip down memory lane. I had two seminary teachers--Brother Heap, who was AWESOME! The best teacher I EVER had...truly a totally amazing Christ-like man, and Brother Peterson. Brother Peterson was a great teacher, but we didn't see eye to eye on alot of things. We clashed a few times, but I still remember some of the lessons he gave clearly in my mind! Plus he helped me understand how to get over hurt feelings in a great Christ like way.

Well my 3 minutes are up--you wish I only had 3 minutes every day, but maybe tomorrow I will write more. I have to laugh because through out the day, I write blog posts in my head, but can't remember a single one when I sit down to write. Maybe I will jot notes down today and write a whole novel tomorrow...

photo bucket

2010-08-31T20:59:00.001-07:00

anyone know how to get rid of the photobucket thing?

This week has not gone according to plan

2010-08-31T20:44:00.001-07:00

So first I heard that my sister and her hubby sold their house! Yeah--so quick--Angie if you read this I want to know more details.

Lucas, the girls, and Yee Rah, and I--all climbed into lucas's truck and took off for New Mexico. I stayed awake as long as I could--About 4:00 AM, and then we stopped for the "night" -- then got up and drove to Texas for Lucas's Step Brothers wedding.

The wedding was in a beautiful garden area and the reception had YUMMY food and was so pretty. There was dancing which only reminded me how much I love to dance and how horrible at it I am.

It was all very romantic and lovely!

I am not sure if it was the change in sleep schedule so quickly, or what, but I was worthless the whole time we were there. I was so tired!

Then today I work up sick. I thought I could be just fine exercising, but man I was wrong! I am getting old---they say everything falls apart when you turn 30--I just never experienced before!

Also we did chore charts for FHE yesterday, and started them today. They work pretty well, but already need vamped a little.

My cleaning schedule also needs vamped, but I haven't actually done it 100% since the first week. I am starting up again tomorrow.

On my non-group workout days, I am not going to wake up till 5:50--then work out from 6-6:45. Then instead of scriptures right after I want to take a shower--1. it will help me stay awake a little more 2. I don't seem to do it later in the day if I wait.
then I will read scriptures and such until it is time to wake the girls.

so anyway...

not much new in my life. Maybe when I get ride of this stupid cold/sinus infection I will tackle the scary room or garage again.

PS: Do you work out when you are

1. Sick (not laying in bed sick, but just feel crappy sick)?
2. On Vacation?

New Life Week 2

2010-08-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

so far so good.

In my new life I have

1. Worked out 4 times a week
2. Kept the house mostly clean
3. Gave Blood--first time
4. Had a yard sale
5. made pretty good meals almost every night
6. Had a Lia Sophia party (jewerly--still taking orders)
7. Welcome a new Exhange Studen
8. Started Sedona at school
9. read scriptures and had prayers
10. started a new calling at church
11. Learned how to use the Roots Magic Program
12. Attended a Relief Society Party (which was really good)
13. Finished a book
14. Started 2 new books
15. Was Visit Taught

good week---ready for this week---bring it on!

Some things still working

2010-08-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

I can say that I am enjoying my new life, but I am still making adjustments.

I am trying to figure out this "new" mom position called Exchange Student Mom. So far, great, but I feel like I have to entertain her somewhat.

I will write alot more about Yee Rah (ye-raw), just not right now.

Getting up early and exercising is working, but now the class will start at 5:45, which will be even harder for me.

I fell asleep reading scriptures after exercising---that means I gotta go to bed earlier! that will be tough for me.

Anyway---life is going good, the clean house plan to music, is still good in theory, but until my kids are in school (Yee Rah) I feel like I should spend time with her. So next Tuesday, that part of my NEW LIFE will be put into motion.

I am not giving up---just revamping a little for a few more days.

Next week I want to Can food like crazy---anyone have extra garden items they would like to share since I didn't do one this year?

PS: I had a Lia Sophia party---check out the website and let me know if you want to order anything before Wednesday...Thanks!

Train of thought

2010-08-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

As I was running this morning (day two of "new life"), I had a hundred things run through my head about what I could blog, but when I got home and studied scriptures I couldn't remember most of it....

Here is what I remember---
-That rooster is SO loud
-Stupid Dogs
-How does a baby bird end up dead in the middle of the road when It can't even fly yet?
-I should have worn my glasses
-car, you better move over a little more, you are making me nervouse
-Stupid teenager driver--could you drive ANY faster (yes I am getting to be an Old person)
-perfect morning
-Holy cow those bike riders scared me
-should have worn sunglasses
-yuck---what is that smell?

OK---I will stop now, but you get the idea.

Also the other thought I had was how I will study the scriptures...this is what I came up with.
Really it sounded much more profound in my mind----

Monday: Subject Study (right now Celestial marriage)
Tuesday: Read Scriptures ( I am just starting 2 Nephi--)
Wednesday: Subject Study
Thursday: Read Scriptures
Friday: Read Sundays Lessons, and plan FHE
Saturday: Free Read (What ever I want in scriptures)
Sunday: Free Read (what ever I want in scriptures)

my new life

2010-08-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Well today I started my "new" life.

I have been trying to get it in order for about a month, but it started today.

I am changing my sleeping pattern, my house work routine, and my outlook on a few things.

All I have to do is remind myself when I slip back into old habits--that wasn't working for me--I don't want to live like I was--and that will give me renewed energy!!

Yes I am positive, but I have totally changed my life once (except the sleeping pattern). When I went to college, I choose a college where I didn't know anyone so that I could start fresh, and forget my old bad habits and begin new. I was able to change some things about myself, and had success.

NEW LIFE

1. I will be up by 5:50 so that i can start my exercise at 6:00--I have a class T & TH (which started today and kicked my bum, and the rest of my muscles), and will exercise on my own M-W-F.

2. Since I will wake up at 5:50, I will be in bed by 10:00 and asleep by 10:30. This might be my hardest challenge.

3. I have about 2 hours worth of songs on my YouTube account set up under "clean house". I am able to clean downstairs in 2 hours. Once the downstairs is clean enough to have extra time on each song, I will start working more upstairs, until I will be able to clean my whole house in about 3 hours. I work fast and sweat while I am working so not only does my house look better, I will continue to loose weight!

4. We have an exchange student living with us now, so I want to make sure that we do more as a family so that she won't miss hers so much, and so that I can grow closer to my kids. Sedona has school all day (Head start & Pre-school--she wanted to do both), and Pepper will start school in mid October, so I will have all morning to get my house stuff done, so that I can be ready to do fun things with the girls after school.

5. Lucas and I had a wonderful weekend in the mountains, just us. The girls stayed mostly with Pam & Micah and a few DEAR friends took the girls for a couple of the mornings--THANKS AGAIN!!--We had a good talk about our relationship and we both have things to work on. One of the things we discussed (notice that the word cuss is in discuss?--no worries non of that happened during out talk) :)--Anyway, we discussed how I need to change how I perceive, receive, and accept what people tell me. For example, Lucas comes in and tells me "the house looks good." and I hear "The house looks good, but why didn't you do the dished, or vacuum?" He did not say those last things, but I put them there---example Lucas says "you look good in that skirt" I hear "that skirt hides your fat well." See the problem? It is only with him that I do this--why? I think maybe because I want to be better than I am--so when he gives a complement, I only hear the bad, since that I what I am focused on. I really need to work on that!!

6. I want to de-junk. I am having a yard sale on Friday & Saturday, so I really am going through my stuff and thinking "do I really need/want this?" I have already gone through most my kitchen, and while it isn't amazing, I was able to clear something out of each area. If feels good to toss--something I don't know if I have ever said before!! This evening I would like to try to go through the "scary" room. That is where most of my junk is located--

7. On Friday, I am going to donate blood. I am SO SCARED to do it, but that is why I am doing it. I have never done it, and I think I need to. At least once a month, I need to find something that I am scared, or nervous, or challenged to do, and do it!

8. I am no longer in primary, and I am not going to substitute in Primary for at least 3 months--harsh I know, but I really want to enjoy RS and Sunday School for a while, before I get sucked into subbing alot. After working out, I want to come home, and study scriptures and have personal prayer time. With our Exchange student, I am thinking she will be getting ready for school between 7-8 (school starts at 8:20?) so I will get ready after the girls are at school. I went to relief society, and was read up on the lesson, and had even read a few things about it on the side, so I really got alot out of it.

9. Another part of my new life, is owning my time. I use to feel like I had to say YES and be involved with everything. I like being part of a group, and being in charge, but I have learned, that this year is about my family. I am saying NO to anything that doesn't bring me closer to my family. I am NOT doing the Headstart Parent committee, because I am not good at putting boundaries on myself. I end up stressing and spending WAY to much thought, time and energy, on things that don't need it. I also have a "Sunday calling", which is really nice. So I won't over exert myself with stress about a calling.

10. Which leads to my last "new life" question. With both girls in school and all this free time, is it time to have another baby? I always said I would wait 5 years after Pepper to have a kid, but I am getting to selfish with having free time, so I think I might want to rething that 5 year thing, plus I am not sure what Lucas will think. He has always said one, maybe two kids, but I would like 2 more---so the conversations will continue.

alright, I have been using my Scripture/prayer time to type (maybe I will take 10-15 minutes to write on my blog daily, kind of like journal writing)--we will see..

Happy New Day (and life) to everyone!