Merry Weather

Earthquake!!

2011-11-16T18:17:00.000-08:00

I have experienced my first earthquake. It was really a surprise. It was 2am and I was nursing little Elvis and I felt the bed shimmy. Later that day, well the evening of that same day, there was a larger earthquake and all of the kids were awake and able to feel it. I live in an area where earthquakes are extremely rare. So I had no intention of experiencing an earthquake ever. It was an adventure. I have to study what safety precautions to take during an earthquake. It has been the talk of the town that last few weeks.

Glimmers of light!!

2011-11-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today is my 3?th birthday. It has been great!! I have been in class most of the day with lab-Animal Biology and Lecture- Physiology. But I have received many surprise birthday wishes from friends and family!! I am feeling blessed today. I love how my kids do little things to make the day extra special. I love my parents visiting. I love getting gifts...voice recorder for school and money!! I used the voice recorder tonight. I am excite to use it, I hope it helps my grades. I am enjoying everything.

It is funny how just a simple acknowledgement of your birthday can bring a delight to your soul. Little bits of light just beam through all the stresses and frustrations. Light even glimmers are a good thing!!

Glasses for me!

2011-10-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

Well I have been noticing in the last few months that I have not been able to see the power points in lecture very well. So I finally went to the Optometrist and surprise I needed glasses. I have to wear them all of the time, which I must say is a challenge. I felt really trapped at first but now I am getting used to it. I have had them for 5 days. I got them last Saturday.

The weird thing is that no one really notices that I am wearing glasses. Or maybe they notice but they look weird and no one has the guts to say so. I think that they are pretty. My Darling Daughter helped me choose. It is fun to shop with her now that she is bigger. Anyway I went to church and no one said anything. I come to school and not a word is said about my glasses. I guess everyone assumes that I wear glasses. I am not sure what it is but I do think that it is strange.

One thing that is hard to get used to is the movement of the room through the glasses. I am not sure why but the lenses bend the light and it causes me to have a floaty affect. It is getting better the longer I wear them though. It is all good!!

Now it is time to rethink the whole schedule!!

2011-09-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

Well this semester has been difficult to say the least. It feels like I am juggling more than ever but only getting mediocrity. So, in the last two weeks I have had test in both lecture classes and lab classes. The results where only average I got a A, a B and 2 C's. That is just unacceptable!! Well the A of course is OK but I am at least a straight B student. My major problem is lack of study time. Since I have had the baby my ability to stay up and study at night is gone. I just cannot keep my eyes open. I will be reading and the next thing I know my head is bobbing. Ugg, it is so frustrating. And because school starts so early for the little angel, we all have to get up earlier. So there is no extra time in the morning. Plus if I get up and out of the bed and the little guy wakes up and sees me out of bed, he is awake. So the dilemma is when to study. The days are full of classes for me and the kids. The evenings just fly by. I hate to have to leave the house any more than I have to. I really need to get a part time job but my schedule is pretty full.

The solution- I have started making the kids go to bed at 8:30. They do not have to go to sleep but they do have to read for a little bit. Then they can play quietly till lights out. This helps me start home work earlier. So far it is great!! But I will continue to modify our schedule until it is functional, productive and supportive of a happy house hold.

What is new......lots!!

2011-09-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

The last year has been evolutionary. We began last year same as always. But then in April Scot lost his job. The next week we found out that I was pregnant. So I spent the summer with morning sickness. It was terrible morning sickness, too. I have been planning on applying pharmacy school but it keeps getting pushed back. It is so frustrating!! For a few years Scot has complained of neck pain. Last, March he was in a car wreck and had a neck injury. We settled with the insurance company and went on. We were broke b/c of the layoff. His neck was causing him so much pain. I knew it was bad when he said that it was hurting worse than his back!! His back hurts so much I don't know how he has functioned for the last few years. So this year he had surgery the first of August. It turned out that his neck pain was from two herniated discs. Well, he has several herniated discs but the doctor felt that the two he removed were the main trouble makers. Since then he said the migraine type pain that wrapped around his head was better. I guess he has had a little relief. Last week though he has had pain and burning in the lower part of his head which is associated with neck injuries. Because he is in such .... Oh wait, he also needs ankle surgery from an old injury. It has been hurting alot, too. But due to the large amounts of pain he is in daily we are going to file for disability. He just cannot go back to work. The most frustrating part is that his pain is so out of control. I wish there were more pain med. options or other treatments. He just suffers so much.

Needless to say we knew this day was coming. His back has been bad for along time. But I am just not prepared to be the bread winner just yet. I am still in school and will be for quite a while. I have 3 kids that I home school. I have an amazing little guy who needs a mom. I am feeling frustrated, scared and sad. Sad to loose my time with the kids. I love being with them. Each one is fun and amazing in their own way. They are the best!!! I am not sure where to go from this point. I should be looking for a job but how?? Between the kids school, my school and the baby. I am booked.

It is hard to write and catch up in just one post. I will try to keep a little more active. Hope all is good where you are!!

The rock in the road

2010-03-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

My darling daughter was reading a story about a king who had placed a rock in the road where his country men and women traveled. He watched and waited for someone to move the bothersome rock. It was quite large and hindered the travels of the towns people. The rock was left there for three weeks. No one tried to move it. The towns people blamed each other for not moving the rock. The king came and had his servants move the rock and beneath it lay a box containing a ring and twenty gold coins.

This, for some reason, got me thinking of my own life. Am I dodging the boulders that are placed in my path? Should I be looking for ways to remove them and find the treasures that await? My path has felt like a continuous mound of boulders. Some are immovable while others I am able to pick up and toss aside. But some of these rocks are so sharp and treacherous that I find myself asking is it worth the bumps and bruises?? I am not sure.

But what I have found is that the journey when accompanied by my family is not unpleasant. In fact, it is quite joyful.

New Year, New Stuff

2010-01-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

Wow, it has been almost a year since my last post. Time goes so fast. I am still busy with school and the kids. I have been working at a local department store since Thanksgiving. I really enjoy working there. My classes start on Monday. I will be in class three days a week this semester. I have been homeschooling 4 of my 5 kids this year. Which is a ton of work. We have been using K12 and it is a full load of work for all of my little people.

I got P90X for my birthday last year. I did it a few times last year but this year I have been consistently doing it every other day. It works your booty off!! I love it!! I am excited to see the results in just a short amount of time. Woo Hoo!!!

Wordful Wednesday

2009-01-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Chocolate, does Wordful Wednesdays so I thought I'd join in.

Wish upon a star...as a child I remember often wishing for things I did not have. I wished on dandelion flowers, shooting stars, wishbones from turkeys and sometimes just because. Most of the time the wish did not come true. Was I disappointed? No...not really. I guess I was raised to believe that wishes are not magic but that blessings are. I remember wishing for things and then praying for them. Some prayers would be answered the way that I wanted but others were left silent. I was always grateful for the blessings not the wishes.

As an adult I still wish, only now it is different. I wish for things and my analytical mind takes over and comprises plans to accomplish the wish. Maybe a wish is not a wish but a dream. It gives us a glimmer of hope which may cause us to make changes in out lives to attain the wishful dream.

I am grateful that my wishes were not granted. As an adult I am happy, as a child I think I would have been thrilled. But now having a different perspective on life and the paths we choose and the roads we take. I am glad that I did not miss the journey that has made my wish or dream come true. I am happy to have had disappointment because it made the reward that much sweeter. I still make wishes that turn in to dreams. But I don't expect them to come true unless I am willing to work for them. That is kind of sad...maybe I have lost all the magic.?!

New Year

2009-01-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

So it is a whole new year. I am guilty of making new years resolutions. I try to set the bar pretty low so I have a chance at succeeding.

My goals last year:

Read the scriptures as a family 5 nights a week - Success!!

Have family prayer in the morning. We do bedtime prayers all the time but the mornings with everyone going to school were a struggle - Struggled but 75% Success!

Be a better friend - Attempted but failed.

Being a good friend takes time and effort. I am sorry to say this but my time is over booked. I try to follow the council directed to us to eliminate activities that are not vital. But with the homeschooling(which is going pretty well), my school, being a mom and wife and taking care of the house I am left with very little free time.

This years resolutions:

Contact my friends by email or phone, once every 2 months.

Eliminate two non vital activities from my schedule.

Regular Family Home Evenings once a week.

I know my lists are not very impressive but they are small steps to a better me.

Things, they are a changin'

2008-08-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted about difficulties I was having with many areas of my life. I am happy to say that many have been resolved. I had to change every plan that I had made for this semester. I changed my class schedule to a lighter load. I have two children in public school and homeschooling two. I have not homeschooled before but I am excited about the possibilities. I still am volunteering with the PTA. I am still first counselor in the Primary. I still do parties for lia sophia, once a week. So things are finally calming down. It was difficult to get to this point but I am grateful for every blessing that directed my footsteps!

Inner Beauty....

2008-08-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

is a hidden treasure. Inner beauty is often not discovered until it has been allowed to grow and refine itself. It is the combination of moral strength, optimism, gentleness, and characteristics that inspire love and friendship. While inner beauty may not be the most desired, it is truely the most beneficial to the holder.

I spend a lot of time teaching my children to paint there spirits with colors of good report or characteristics that seem important to them. For example I am going to give my children an out line of a child and a chart of different colors that express specific characteristics. Green - generosity, Yellow - peacemaker, Blue - honesty, and so on. This gives each child the opportunity to choose what his/her inner beauty will look like. It gives them a chance to think about what characterists they find more important and to work on those. I also instruct them to watch there teachers and other adults and find out what they like about them. This helps them to discover atributes that they may like to have as an adult.

I know my views are simple but thanks for reading anyway.

We made it! Sort of...

2008-08-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I would love to announce that school has started and that everything is going nicely. Unfortunately, I can't. I have overloaded myself with commitments. The kids started school last week. I start, tomorrow. I screwed up the pre ordered school supplies. I have one little guy who is struggling with school already. I sent out invitations to a jewelry party for Friday but forgot to put my hostesses address and phone # on them. My calling at church is going....well it's going. I am just twisted in several directions and can't seem to control it all. I am praying for direction. I will let you know what unfolds.

Hope you are doing GREAT!!

Ahh shucks!!

2008-07-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

I just cannot get over how quickly the summer has gone!! I have already had to start thinking about school clothes and schedules. I am just not ready to dive into the hectic life of the school year. I actually dread it coming. I miss my little ones when they are gone. I just can't help but say "Ahh shucks!!"

What we saw....

2008-06-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

while walking on a local bike trail.

Dragon Fly

Raccoon print in the mud.

Neat picture of my beautiful children.

I think this flower is a Brown Eyed Susan.

Summer has arrived!

2008-06-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

It is finally here, hot, steamy, hair frizzing, weather. I really love the summer season until about the end of August when it hits the century mark everyday. We ate our first watermelon last week, Yum!!! We have been to the pool several times and I am a lovely golden color, Yeah. My brother and sis-n-law bought a boat last month and so we will be cruisin' to the lake a few times this summer, too. The kids start swim lessons in a couple of weeks. It just feels like summer is headed in the right direction!!

I have recently been reading the conference talks from the Ensign and they are just so wonderful. I did not get to listen to all of conference so reading it gives me a chance to bond it to memory.

The Bee Movie!

2008-04-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

We recently purchased the Bee Movie. It was one of those purchases, when you need your kids to sit still for an hour. I don't like for media to babysit my kiddo's but sometimes it is better for both parties to have a movie to watch. We have watched it a couple dozen times since I purchased it. It is a cute show. Now every time I see a bee buzzing around I have a twinge of guilt for swatting at it.

So what do you think?

2008-03-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

I am attempting a make over on my blog. Cocoa, from Chocolate on my sidebar, is doing a really great job helping all of us who are html illiterate. She is doing a step by step on how-to-make-over-your-blog. I am starting with flowers but I may change them later. I love going to your blogs and seeing all the beautiful patterns and displays, good job everyone!

I hope you all are doing GREAT!

I will blog ya later. :-D

Things for Spring!

2008-02-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

Thirteen things I love about spring:
1. Warmer temperatures
2. Longer days
3. The green - trees, grass
4. Easter
5. Spring storms - I just love the rain
6. Pulling out the shorts and Capri's
7. Working in the garden
8. Riding bikes
9. Just being outside in the sun, yeah!!
10. Visiting with the neighbors. During the winter we all hibernate inside.
11. Flowers - I love spring flowers and bushes.
12. School is almost out!!
13. Sandles - I go without shoes most of the time. Wearing sandles are the next best thing to bare feet.

Only a few more weeks till spring. Hang in there!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-02-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

Random girly shots.

100th Post part 2

2008-02-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

31. When I was a little girl I took gymnastics and loved it. I continued until I broke my arm.
32. In my teen years I took jazz, tap and ballet. Late teens my sister and I took ballroom dancing lessons.
33. The first time I kissed a boy I was 13.
34. The first time I flew in a plane was to Florida and I was 22 years old.
35. Growing up we never had much money and so we never went on vacation. Now with five kids it is still hard to find the money for a vacation. So sad to say I have never actually been on an official vacation.
36. My sister is 13 months younger than me and so we were close growing up, actually she was and is one of my very best friends.
37. My brothers are both geniuses. Lucky for me they married two of the best sister-in-laws ever!!
38. I am not very tidy. I tend to pile things up here and there. I let the dishes set over night sometimes. I don't was the sheets as often as I should. The hard to reach places of my house need a dusting badly. This is an area I am always trying to improve on.
39. I was 17 when I got my drivers license. I failed the test twice. I only passed by one point the last time I took it.
40. I have lots and lots of cousins. I love it! It makes it fun on the holidays. We all get together and laugh and catch up.
41. As a child I was always sick. I think that I had childhood asthma. I was never diagnosed with it but the first 12 years of my life I suffered with chronic Pneumonia. I had Pneumonia 5 times a year until I was about 12- 13. Then it slowly got better. The miracle came when I finally got an inhalor. I wish I'd had one sooner.
42. I collect tins. I have a couple of them that are antiques. Most of them are just pretty.
43. I need sleep. I have to have 8 hours of sleep at night or I am tired all day.
44. I found my first gray hair when I was 31. Since then I have found several more but I pluck them out.
45. I got married when I was 19 to a nice guy but I was just not ready.
46. I am allergic to evergreen trees or bushes. They give me hives.
47. I got the lead in the school musical in high school but I chickened out and ended up quiting the play. My teacher would not give me another part.
48. I am currently 2nd counselor in the primary.
49. I volunteer at the elementary school. I am in charge of pizza days and pre-ordered school supplies.
50. I currently taking Organic Chemistry and Humanities.
51. I drive a tan suburban.
52. My favorite appliance in the kitchen is my kitchen aide mixer. It is just pretty.
53. My favorite candy are M&M's.
54. My favorite drink is Caffine Free Dr. Pepper.
55. My favorite fast food is Taco Bueno's Nacho Salad.
56. My favorite steak place is Texas Roadhouse.
57. My favorite ice cream is Pecan Pralines and Cream. But I love lots of other flavors, too.
58. I love to grill. We just got a new charcoal grill. The other one we had only held 8 burgers. We needed one that would hold 12 and some hot dogs.
59. I am not a big seafood fan. I do like shrimp, crawfish and scalops but that is about it.
60. My favorite salad is Grilled Chicken Ceasar. Lots of food, I guess I'm hungry.

100th Post part 1

2008-02-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

This has been hanging me up. I just need to do it so I can move forward.

1. I am 5'8 and medium build.
2. I am a mom of 5 kids ages 10,9,7,5,3.
3. I met my husband on a blind date.
4. I like most women love chocolate.
5. I am the oldest of 4 children.
6. I have one sister and 2 brothers.
7. I rode a horse once. Can't say I liked it to much.
8. I am currently reading Jane Eyre.
9. I love Scooby Doo cartoons, the old ones.
10. I broke my arm when I was about 9 years old.
11. I have never had a speeding ticket.
12. I have never had a tooth filled. (I do need one now.)
13. I have 2 chocolate labs, Bo and Shelby.
14. I have been to Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, Colorado, and Utah.
15. My husband and I got married in a tiny chapel in town. I was totally bummed. I wanted something nicer. Still a little bitter about that one.
16. My favorite color is Navy but I really love yellow, too.
17. I love decorating cakes.
18. I am totally not crafty. I am not good at picking out colors or themes. I just was not blessed with a good eye.
19. I really love to bake. My oven just really stinks right now. We need a new one.
20. I love romantic movies. A couple of favorites are "While you were sleeping", "A walk in the clouds", "Bed of roses" and lots more.
21. I also really love 50's movies - Beach Blanket Bingo, Elvis, Doris Day and Rock Hudson.
22. I am also a step mom. A job that has many more joy's than I could have ever dreamed.
23. I was a lousy high school student. But I am good college student.
24. I have always been good at science and math.
25. I have always struggled with reading. I love to read, I'm just really slow.
26. I have one son with an autism spectrum disorder. Learning about his disorder has taught me about myself and why I as a child reacted to things the way I did.
27. I would love to visit Europe. It would be amazing to walk in areas of the world with so much history.
28. I am girly. I love getting dressed up and feeling pretty.
29. I really enjoy blogging.
30. I am not quickly angered. I am really mellow and laid back. I try to be forgiving in most instances.

Sorry I could not come up with 100 all at once so I will post this now and more later.

Chemistry?

2008-01-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

I have in previous years been a pretty good cook but lately, not so much. I am the bread maker for our families at the holidays or family gatherings. Unfortunately, the last several times I have made bread, it has turned out mealy. The rolls won't rise enough and the bread is very crumbly. I have made bread for years and have always had amazing results. I am usually the queen of dinner rolls. I think that my chemistry is changing and affecting the bread. When my mom-in-law touches bread dough it kills the yeast. She has something in her chemistry that kills the yeast. I hope that is not my problem. I love baking and hope my gift will be rekindled. I made chili for our wards Chili Cook Off. My chili looked great at home but by the time we made it to church, yuck. I think years of cooking skills have been lost in just a few months.

Lately, we have endured the same dismal menu week after week. I find myself making the same old faithfuls. I can say that my family is quite tired of the old faithfuls. My lovely children are a mix of "won't eat anything that looks different" to "I eat everything." So trying a new recipe leaves some of my little ones hungry. If you have any ideas on how to introduce new foods without leaving the little ones starved, please, share.

How's it going?

2008-01-21T06:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I have started classes again. This time I am taking Organic Chemistry and Humanities. I have been pairing difficult classes with easy classes. It helps me keep my grades up and I get all the hours I need. I also did some calculations and I can apply to graduate school next year! Yeah!!!

I quit my temporary job the week before school started. I enjoyed my time there but I am grateful for the time off. I have started the Lia Sophia Shows which are tons of fun. I am so hopeful for this to be positive business for our family. I had my starter show last Friday. I wish you all could have been there. We played games and tried on jewelry. It is a very girly to try on jewelry and giggle about cute you look.

I was trying to remember the last time I had a girls night out and I could not think of one. Sad, huh. I am busy but so are most of my friends. But just being with other gals, chatting and laughing, I miss it. I remember reading how much we, as women, need friendships. It is like therapy for us. I guess blogging is therapy, too. You are all my friends and I really enjoy sharing and laughing with you all.

Bloggie Award!

2008-01-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

Holly at 2kidsandtired has given me this award. I can't believe that she thought of me. I have been a terrible blogger lately. I have been so busy with "life" that my computer time has been cut down to almost none. If I get a minute I usually search through my friends on the side bar. I love blogging and the women I meet here are AMAZING. I hope that some day I might meet all of them. It seems odd to receive an award for inspiring someone because your blogs inspire me so much.

Now I pass on my award to some inspiring bloggie friends. This is really a hard one to do because you all give me so much. But I have to pick Wild Murdocks because she always has the best family pictures. She inspires me to catch a few more shots of my own little ones. I would also like to pass it to Thorny Tree Lady and Chocolate both of these ladies go above and beyond the call of duty in raising their families. I am always inspired to do better as a mother and a wife. If it was allowed I would award everyone on my side bar for inspiring me with their Ordinary Miracles.

The New Year

2008-01-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

A couple of resolutions or goals for the new year:

1. Do better in my studies (school and scripture)

2. Do more service. I try to help out when I can but I am sure I can do more.

3. Be a better friend. I have a couple of great friends but this last year notice that I had not kept in touch as good as I should have.

4. I want to say exercise but I don't think it is going to happen.

5. I am starting a new business selling Lia Sophia. I want to have party a week.

I guess that is about it. I know it is not very impressive. I hope that these are attainable and leads me to personal growth.

Christmas music!

2007-12-24T10:42:00.000-08:00

I have been looking for something special for all my bloggie friend for Christmas. I really hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. May your holiday be filled with the true joy of Christmas.

Best wishes, Inga

A gift for you

On my feet!

2007-12-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

This is one of those days where I did not get to sit down except for riding in the car. It was last day of school before Christmas break. Usually the last day of school before a holiday we have a pizza day at school. Well being the kind soul that I am, I volunteered for this position. Anyway the day went a little like this...
Woke up late at 7:10, quickly showered,brushed my teeth and wrapped my hair in a towel.
7:30 wake up kids 7:45 get them breakfast.
8:00 get the kids dressed
8:02 run to bathroom and dry hair while kids get dressed
8:15 brush kids hair
8:20 get the little ones dressed (2 years and 5 years)
8:30 put make up on and get dressed
8:35 Everyone puts on coats and backpacks
8:40 Go get in the car
8:48 Drop off kids at school
9:00 Go back home to brush the little ones hair and get laptop, movies and toy
9:15 go buy 9 bags of ice
9:25 go to school and start unloading ice and pop(you bought last night at 10:30)roughly 30-12packs.
10:00 set up tables and chairs
10:15 sort any late order forms
10:30 put order forms in teachers cubbies (all of the other 300+ order forms were sorted by my DH last night while I worked)
10:45 pizza arrives and the wonderful ladies who volunteer to work with me
11:00 classes start coming to cafeteria
Serving the pizza goes like this
-the teachers return the order forms to the kids
-the kids line up for pizza and turn in the form with what they ordered
-one nice lady tells the orders while another one fills the order ( we actually have two people doing both of these jobs so it goes pretty fast)
-After getting the pizza they pick up their pop from the iced down swimming pool

We get about 5 minutes of break between classes coming in. During which time we collect empty boxes and reload our pizza serving table. It is a fast and furious job but the kids love it, and that is why I do it.

We usually serve our last pizza at 12:45 but today I did not order enough pizza. We actually ran out. I had to call and order 9 more pizzas. The worst part was that it was for the kindergartners. :-( Their teachers were really nice and let them do recess first. When the pizzas arrived they came and ate. It turned out ok because the teachers said that they had doughnuts for snacks earlier and weren't that hungry yet. I still felt terrible!!!! So they finally ate lunch at 1:25.
1:45 finished clean up of pizza day
2:00 went to E's play - WWII play really good. My little guy sang his heart out!
3:00 finally head to the door to go home
3:10 forgot paper work had to go back in school
3:20 leave school and go home
3:30 home and happy to see hubby home early
3:38 kids come home (we live close and they like to walk on nice days)
3:39 pick up my oldest from school (he's on safety patrol)
3:50 home again
4:00 help get them snacks
4;20 get ready for work
4:30 I get a snack
4:40 go to work
4:55 clock in
5:00 - 10:00 stand behind register and check people out (occasionally a Scrooge or 2)
10:15 home at last
10:30 on computer reading bloggy things
10:45 posting

Thanks for reading this oddly shaped blog.

Icy weather!

2007-12-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

This past week my family and I have survived an ice storm. The ice coated the tree limbs so badly that even the largest trees were loosing branches left and right. We lost electricity for about 5 days. We survived by the heat of our fire place and candle light. It was certainly an adventure but all in all. It was fun. We played games and read books. We spent some time with family. We finally went and bought a generator which ran the heater and lights. I have to admit, I did miss the heater but what I really missed was light. The days were cloudy and the nights were coal black. We had lots of candles and lanterns but the darkness still loomed in the room.

School and work

2007-12-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I am now employed. I started working for a local Home decor store. I work mostly in the evenings (every night I am not at school) and no Sundays. I have been swamped but my burden is made light by my DH. I love how much he pitches in when I am so busy. The kids are doing there part as well. It is only for about 4 - 6 weeks. I am temporary and grateful. I realize that it is fun to get out and help people but I miss the family time.

School is almost over for this semester. My last day is next Wednesday. Yeah!! I am going to enjoy Christmas break.

Thanksgiving time thoughts

2007-11-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

1. This time every year my husband gets deer fever. It is contagious so you should use care when treating someone with deer fever. The cure for deer fever - gather necessary supplies, say your goodbye's and go in to the wilderness and attempt to shoot Bambi's Dad. Other side affects maybe an uncanny desire to buy everything camo, allowing facial hairs to go uncut, and the spontaneous story telling of the hunts of previous years.

2. The little angel is now almost 3 years old and I can not seem to keep her clothes on. She has seen the boys peeing in the back yard. I guess she thinks this should work for girls too. Anytime she is outside and has to go to the bathroom she whips off all of her clothes and squats. Yep, I know it is atrocious. I am hoping that it is a phase and that she will suddenly become aware of how naked she is. My others ones were about three when they became more modest. So we will have to wait and see.

3. The day after Thanksgiving I shop. The sales that day are awesome. I always save tons of money! So it has become tradition for my MIL and I to go shopping. It is so fun. It is fun to get up early (4:00AM), stand in line waiting for the store to open, and shop! The people are happy to be there, "high" on the shopping adrenaline.
The only downer is the lines are hideously long!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we have devised a plan for this, we get in the terribly long line when we first arrive, one of us shops while the other stands in the line and pushes the baskets. So if you can take a buddy, especially to ToysRUs.

4.The kids have been picking out a few items the past few weeks but it has kicked to high gear! Usually the kids pick a few reasonable items. This year, however, my lovely daughter picked the FurReal pony "Butterscotch" that is 250.00. When I said that was pretty expensive she said "Well, Santa doesn't pay for the toys. He makes them." So what do you say to that?

Good Friend

2007-11-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

I had lunch just the other day with one of the best friends I know. She is amazing! If anyone needs dinner she volunteers. She always sends thank you cards and birthday cards to everyone she knows. She is quick to love and forgive. She makes time for friendships. I just love her. I learn from her example and pray that I will in some way be able to serve as willingly as she does.

The sad thing is that I only get a chance to see her on our birthdays. We share November birthdays. I keep in touch with her during the year with sporadic phone calls. She is one of those friends that the conversations always seem to pick up where they left off. We spend a few hours chatting and catching up. But all to soon it is time to go and pick up kids and head to doctor appointments. I am definitely going to have to make more time to keep up with long time friends.

Thanks, Jessie!

You can see Jessie below in the slide show. She is wearing a lovely orange top.

Fun shots from October and November

2007-11-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

Contaminated!

2007-11-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

I awoke to the sound of a child vomiting, luckily into the toilet, about 2 AM this morning. Yesterday, my E had a tummy ache. He is feeling much better today so I think it is in the 24 hour category of stomach virus. Today, all of the others came down with it, too. I love when they are all sick at the same time. Yes, it is a lot more work but it is so much better than them taking turns being sick. We had the flu once and I didn't get to leave the house for a solid 3 1/2 weeks. It was the worst. I was just wishing I could go to Wal-mart. This little tummy virus should be an easy one.

I would like to thank you all for your moral support with my cheesecake issue. I do think that I am going to freeze the cheesecake. I was going to share but, since we have an illness issue, that won't work. I just think I will wrap it and freeze it. That way I can remember this cheesecake for weeks to come.

More Cheesecake?!

2007-11-05T09:42:00.000-08:00

Well, my birthday has come and gone. But there is lots of cheesecake left in the fridge. I have to say that I have had enough cheesecake. It is just so rich and yum. But as I sit here eating my #$ piece of this delightful dessert, I can actually feel my pants getting tight. Cheesecake is good occasionally but no one should eat an entire cheesecake by themselves. I had intended to share but daily chores have kept me busy. The cheesecakes calls to me at snack time, lunch time and anytime in between. I think it is time to toss it or freeze it. The problem is that frozen cheesecake has its own appeal. I really hate to toss it. Maybe tomorrow I will be a cheesecake fairy and share whats left with my sisters. It is a terrible dilemma to have to much cheesecake!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-11-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

It is my birthday today and I am happy to say that I am 34 years old. It is funny to age and have you spirit feel so young. I still feel about 23. I am happy to be getting older. Now, I don't like the fine lines on my face or that laying on the floor hurts my back but I love being more comfortable in my skin. It is constant growth in understand more details of my spirit. I have always had a hard time being in social environments but now I can tolerate them much easier. I love being with people but on a social level I am on the edge of the circle. I am grateful for my children and the opportunity to attend school. I am so happy that my family bought me an entire cheesecake for my birthday!! I excited to go out to dinner tonight for free!! (Scot's aunt is opening a restaurant) The weather is a beautiful fall day and I am feeling GREAT!! I hope you all have a wonderful day !!

I've been tagged!

2007-10-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

7 Random things about me:

1. I broke my arm when I was 9 years old.

2. I took jazz, tap and ballet for two years in high school. Then I took ballroom for another two years. I love ballroom dancing wish I knew more.

3. I love coconut cream pie.

4. I know how to do sign language. I can say alot but they have to go very slowly for me to understand them.

5. I am starting a pre school in my home this month. It will also include a mothers day out.

6. I am a good listener.

7. My favorite fast food is Taco Bueno.

Thanks Holly for tagging me.

I am tagging:
Bre
Jen
TRB
Dizzy Diaz Days
Living in spin cycle
Monkey Around
Wild Murdocks

I am the lucky one.

2007-10-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

It has been one of those weeks, when 3 of your 5 kids are sick and missing school every other day. You are constantly exhausted from wiping runny noses and making soup. The house is falling behind and you need a shower. Your littlest one is whining about everything and you are "all done" with all the sickness. You find a minute to sneak a way and blog, grateful for the peace and quiet. Still delirious you try to post but the two minutes you have been typing is interrupted by a little angel asking for drink. You manage to calmly agree to fill her cup and as you head to the kitchen, a little hand wraps around two of your fingers. All at once you realize that you are the lucky one. You are the lucky one who gets to wipe the runny noses and comfort them when they are feeling so badly. You are the lucky one who gets to love these little children. You are the lucky one because they bless your life SO much. You are the lucky one who gets to enjoy the warm feeling that fills you heart with joy by the simple thought of their smiling faces.

I am the lucky one.

What kind of experience are you having?

2007-10-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Life, well, has been crazy. I am running around and getting lots done. I am happy to see that I have accomplished so much. But as I look to the way side I see the lost moments of bonding with my husband, playing with my children, just keeping the house in an organized manner or tending to my spiritual needs.

I was watching a religious program on TV. It was put on by a local church but not the LDS church. I spent time listening while I folded laundry. It was great. I really enjoyed hearing the women share their testimonies of Christ. They were firm in their beliefs of Our Savior. It really was a blessing to my spirit. They spent some of the time sharing that we need to be still and listen to the spirit. This was just an echo of what our prophet has stated in recent years. They ladies then discussed life and how we perceive it. As they continued my mind was drawn back to a quote "We are not earthly beings having a spiritual experience. We are SPIRITUAL beings having an earthly experience." Yes,I know that is not exactly right but you have heard something similar. I realized that lately I have been living the earthly experience seeking for that spiritual experience. It really has been an awakening for me. I am not sure exactly what I am going to do to make the change but I am sure enlightenment is the first step. So I ask, what kind of experience are you having?

What's up!

2007-10-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

My husband switched companies this year, and so all of our insurance has been in limbo while waiting for the grace period to end. The new insurance became available to us in September. Which is great except they needed copies of our marriage license and all of the kiddo's birth certificates. I lost our marriage license years ago and I never ordered my baby girl's birth certificate. So we have been with out access to health insurance because I had to wait for the certificate to come. I finally received the certificate yesterday and so today I went down town to get a copy of our marriage license.

I don't go down town often because it is, well, scary. Downtown is where homeless people live (sad) and people are robbed. It is also hard to navigate. Some streets are one way while others are two way. I just get mixed up and I can tell you that I have driven the wrong way on a one way street more than once. The two little ones I took with me were thrilled by the height of the buildings and the new scenery. It was actually pretty fun. I wish that I had taken my camera. Everything went perfectly until we left on the two way street and ended up on a one way that was heading to a highway. It was all OK until I realized once on the highway that I was headed in the wrong direction. So I am having anxiety I am running a little late and I am headed in the wrong direction. I called my dad and he told me that the highway would have an exit that I could follow home. Yay for dad's!! It did and I got back just in time to take lunch to my lovely daughter at school.

Parking Lot Lessons

2007-10-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had gone to the local Walmart to by groceries. I had finished my shopping and was loading them into the suburban. When an older gentleman asked if he could help me load my dog food. (I had bought the 44 lb bag and it was below the basket on the flat) I looked at him, surprised because no one has volunteered to help before, and said nothing. I stood there thinking. Trying to decide if it is a good idea to let a stranger into my personal space. I thinking he could be a bad guy or just a really nice guy. I thought to myself that it was the middle of the day and if I screamed someone would help me. In the mean time trying to listen to the spirit for warning. I guess I stood there for a good 10 seconds with a questioning look on my face. Finally, he said "I don't have to, it just looked like you could use some help." I agreed to accept his kind assistance. He really did help me alot, those big bags of dog food get hung up on the carts. I held the basket while he wrangled the bag loose. If I had to do it myself, it would have taken a good 10 minutes and I probably would have ripped the bag. I thanked him but not enough. Is it terrible that a nice older gentleman asked if I needed help and I have to think it over?

Today at the grocery store, we had finished shopping and were leaving the store. Two big noisy boys, they may have been 23 years old, started spouting profanities about how much they had spent in Walmart. So I started walking slower to allow some space between their fowl mouths and my children's ears. I finally had to stop and wait for a few minutes because they had gotten so loud. Unfortunately, for me they had parked right next to me. I noticed that someone had approached them and that they were lost in conversation. The swearing a quieted and so I made a dash for the car hoping to get the kids in before anything else was said.

They stood there talking to the third man for quite some time. I was quickly unloading my basket and I could over hear their discussion. The tone of their voices had changed and they sounded almost sympathetic to the questions of the third man. I was surprised when I heard them discussing Jesus Christ. (We live in bible belt USA and so we have frequent encounters with independent missionaries asking if we have been "saved.") The third man was going from car to car asking and hoping to convert someone to accept Jesus in their lives. The miracle here is that flamingly boisterous boys turned quiet and gentle when brought to the discussions of Jesus Christ. It was a good lesson.

It is amazing the lessons taught in the Walmart parking lot.

Thursday Thirteen (on Friday)

2007-09-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things I need to do today:

1. Finish the Laundry - Only 4 loads left!

2. Get part to fix oven - Broken since May, :-P

3. Take kids to school - Three already there.

4. The dishes - never ending

5. Get dressed - my clothes are in the dryer.

6. Eat healthy food - Low fat, high fiber, my motto.

7. Vacuum - J is having a friend come over so I need to vacuum.

8. Make the bed - no one in my house made their bed this morning so all the beds need to be made.

9. Buy two new tires for the suburban and have it aligned. We bought new tires about two years ago and the back ones are in great shape but the alignment is way off in the front end so we need new tires in the front.

10. Shop at some garage sales - our neighborhood garage sale is tomorrow so lots of people sale today. I like to get first pick.

11. Work on picking out colors to paint the living room - maybe I will pick up some paint chips today.

12. Get things packed and ready for the carnival at church tonight. Tons of fun!!

13. Borrow a Weed eater so I can weed eat the nice lady down the street's lawn.

Here's wishing all is well with you and yours.

Devastatingly Interesting

2007-09-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged. Holly at 2 kids and tired, tagged me. Check out her site, as she's an incredibly cool mom. I've never been tagged several times before, but it seems like fun, so here goes. I'm supposed to share some facts about me: some random, some weird ... all devastatingly interesting.

1. I am socially uncomfortable. I spend most of my social time just on the edge of the social cirles. I love to be around people and hear the conversations. I am just painfully awkward unless I know a few of the people there very well.

2. I am husband is a deer hunter. Yes, every October he spends every weekend in the woods trying to kill the "monster" buck. The one thing wrong with that is the big ones taste so gamey, Yuck!!

3. I am a baker! I love to bake anything but especially cheese cake. My kids compare everyone elses cookies and cakes to mine, I love it. If we go to a family reunion or a church event the my kids all ask which one I brought so they can eat it. I am not fabulous but can hold my own.

4. I love romantic movies, the sappier the better. I really like old movies. Anything from the 40's, 50's and early 60's. I like Doris Day, Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, Judy Garland, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to name a few.

5. My dad has Parkinson's Disease, I know that is not about me but it is shaping me. It is hard to watch someone you love suffer and loose mobility. Just a few years ago he was a master carpenter, active grandpa and friend to anyone needing help. Now he is all of those things in a body that limits him. His mind has not left and is as brilliant as ever but his hands tremble and voice is quieter. It is heart breaking to realize that it only gets worse from here....

I'm tagging the following:
TRB
Bre
Jen
Dizzy Dias Days
Mom not Mum
living in spin cycle

The rules are:
1. Link to my tagger and post these rules,
2. Facts about me: some random, some weird ... all devastatingly interesting.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of my post and list their names (linking to them)
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

Funny meme

2007-09-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry one more meme. This one was funny.
Monteserrat posted this meme on her blog. It's pretty funny so I thought I'd join in.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)

Jingles Suburban

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)

Praline Ginger

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME:

I-Bru

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),

Navy Dog

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born),

Delora Tulsa

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first),

Merin

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),

The Green Pepper

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),

Lloyd Russel

9. Str*pper Name: (fav scent + fav candy) No thanks!

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),

Delora Lloyd

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter),

Jackson Jamestown

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower),

Christmas Rose

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)

Watermelon Sockie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),

Wheat Weeping

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),

The Blog Rain Tour

Something nice

2007-09-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Once when I went to the grocery store and it started to rain. I had finished my shopping and was ready to get home. I decided to brave the elements and load the my suburban with groceries in the rain. I scooped up my toddler and put the other one in the basket and made a run for it. Well it was a quick walk because you can't run holding toddler and pushing a full cart. I put the little ones in the vehicle and began to unload my basket. When all of the sudden I noticed an older gentleman approaching holding an umbrella. He said hello and said it looked like I could use a third hand. He then spent the next few minutes holding his umbrella over me while I finished unloading. I thanked him repeatedly and then jumped into the car. I wish that I carried thank you cards or gifts for such occasions but I am not that organized.

I always look for opportunities to serve. Many times I am overwhelmed with the amount of need for service. So I spent my days looking for little ways to serve. I used to be the door lady. I would try to hold the door open for people to go in and out of stores. But as you may know most stores have automatic doors so that is out. It has really made me look for new and different ways to serve.

Random thoughts

2007-09-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well I have started decorating for fall. I bought a the new scent from Febrese - Spiced Apples and Delight. It is really nice not to heavy just a sweet scent that reminds you of all things to come. I love the fall. I love the colors of the trees and crispness of the morning air. I am almost giddy.

The kids are well into the habit of going to school. It really rocks that we have almost made it through an entire month of school.

Today was grocery store day. I took one, count with me, one child to shop for groceries. I have to tell you it is so much easier with one than five. I don't know if you had a chance to read this yet but Kayelyn at monkeying around linked this groceries store experience. It is a typical adventure at the grocery store for any one with four children or more. Because once you get to 4 everyone asks "Are they all yours?" It is a little long but totally worth it!! Enjoy!
Read the discription

Grocery Store Mom with 6 kids

Your Five Factor Personality

2007-09-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

It was pretty accurate but I am not a perfectionist.

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:

You have low extroversion.
You are quiet and reserved in most social situations.
A low key, laid back lifestyle is important to you.
You tend to bond slowly, over time, with one or two people.

Conscientiousness:

You have high conscientiousness.
Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life.
Most things in your life are organized and planned well.
But you borderline on being a total perfectionist.

Agreeableness:

You have high agreeableness.
You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly.
Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone.
You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance.

Neuroticism:

You have low neuroticism.
You are very emotionally stable and mentally together.
Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly.
Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure.

Openness to experience:

Your openness to new experiences is low.
You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable.
You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea.
While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Time

2007-08-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

I need more hours in the day to enjoy my family. My life right now is filled with family business but not much "enjoy the family" time. I can't seem to find time to do a post and it really bums me out because I miss sharing. When I get computer time I check my email, and if I have an extra minute I am reading all of your wonderful post.

Now that school has started I find myself wishing for fall and the events that come along with it. I love the colors and smells of fall. At our house that means I decorate the house with leaves of different colors and pumpkins. I love fall but not so much Halloween. We trick or treat but that is the big celebrating we do. I like the house to be pretty and warm not so much freaky. I also start buying candles the apple cinnamon ones from Glade. (My favorite) The baking bug always bites. I love to bake but the summer months are too hot to light the oven. So when it cools outside I want the oven lit and I want to bake breads, muffins, cookies, and dinners of all kinds. Yummm!

School Details

2007-08-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

I started my Chem II class last night. I was happy to find out that the crumby instructor I was supposed to have was replaced by an awesome one. I had read review about the original instructor on Rate Your Professor. The reviews were mostly poor and those who did like him said that he did not teach much chemistry, he enjoyed telling stories about his life. SO I can say that I am blessed that he was replace. The new professor is great. He tutors sometimes in the math lab and he helped me with chem I. He really knows his stuff. I love teachers who can answer your questions.

The kids teachers are all sweet. Jake says that his English teacher is kind of a stinker but time will tell.

I miss the little kiddo's already.

I made it...

2007-08-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

through the busiest week ever!

The kids started back to school this week. This was a huge success. Everyone was so excited to go back to school. Mequell missed the first day because of a stomach virus. Caleb's first day was good - he kept saying "no big school." He came out of the school smiling and sharing his adventures at school. Jacob is in the safety patrol and gets to rotate classes since it is his last year in elementary school. Ethan liked his teacher and was happy to find friends in his class. Mequell was thrilled that one of her favorite friends was in her class, too.

I was in charge of distributing pre-ordered schools supplies. One of my good friends passed this job off to me because she moved to Utah. It is not a hard job just time consuming.

I marked clothes for the local JBF Sale. This is a Just Between Friends sale. It is one huge consignment sale. It is fun to shop because it has everything you could possibly want and you earn money from the clothes that your kids have out grown. YAY!! If you don't have one of these locally you should start one. The gals who started ours make tons of money for just a few weeks of work. Also, on the way to drop off my consigned items my little angel threw up in the back seat. It is one of those moments that you are glad you always have a change of clothes in the car.

I took the kids shopping for back to school clothes. This was actually fun. The kids had fun picking out different items and I had fun saying yes!! We live on a pretty tight budget. We have five little ones so we have to count our nickels and dimes, and sometimes pennies. SO when I get to shop with them and let them pick out what they want it is a blast!!

Everyone in the house has had a 24 hour stomach virus. It started early Monday morning and ended with Mequell on Thursday. Luckily it was only about a 12 hour virus. I was grateful that I accomplished so much even with everyone being sick. I am blessed!

Blog Funk

2007-08-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my past posts and have to say I was in a blogging funk. I have done tons of meme type posts. It was fun the first couple of times but I think I finished with that phase. Sorry.

I am however getting ready to start back to school. I am going to take Chem II and Art Appreciation. Not fancy but two more classes to check off the list.

I am also going to start selling Lia Sophia. I have a dear friend who introduced me to this jewelry line and I really like it. The parties are tons of fun. It looks like a fun way to make a little extra money and have a day out at the same time. I'll let ya know how it goes.

The kids start to school this week. I am so not ready to loose the days with them. I love to hear them play together. It is fun to have them shop with me and give opinions on the days activities.

My husband has been working tons! He has been working 6 days a week for at least 10 hours a day plus he has to drive an hour both ways. I have been missing him.

Football is getting a little easier. It is extremely hot and humid but he is doing well. Last practice he kept saying how hungry he was, so I knew he was not over heated. His skills are coming along too.

I hope all is well with you and yours.

Thursday Thirty

2007-08-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

These are thirty questions that are answered with three words or less.

1. where is your cell phone? with my husband

2. your boyfriend/girlfriend? married with children

3. your hair? despritly needs cut

4. where is your father? at his house

5. your favorite thing to do? play sing dance

6. your dream last night? playing at park

7. your dream car? 2007 Suburban Blue

8. the room you're in? bedroom

9. who did you hang out with last night? husband and kids

10. your fears? not doing enough

11. what aren't you good at? my penmanship stinks

12. muffins? any except raisin

13. one of your wish list items? new oven

14. the last thing you did? grocery shopping

15. your computer? Lola big white

16. your pet? 2 chocolate labs

17. you are wearing? capris itchy shirt

18. your life? slightly unstable

19. your mood? ready to relax

20. missing? my husband

21. your car? tan suburban

22. what are you thinking about now? money bill job

23. your work? list to long

24. your summer? not long enough

25. your relationship status? always improving

26. your favorite color(s)? I love navy

27. when is the last time you cried? two weeks ago

28. when was the last time you laughed? last night

29. school? Kids going soon

30. favorite 90's group? I don't know

Wordless Wednesday

2007-08-08T06:46:00.001-07:00

He can sleep any where!

8 Random Things

2007-08-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

I was tagged for this fun and random thing by Rockin with the Burr's - I hope it is as fun for you as it is for me.

1. I love to sing. I used to sing alot in High school but after high school not so much. But recently I have tried to sing more, for my kids and husband (not much appreciation) but my voice is getting stronger and clearer. YAY

2. I am 5'8 and 1%& lbs. I have brown hair and brown eyes.

3. I lost my wedding ring about 8 years ago and have been wearing a fake ever since then.

4. I am the oldest of 4 children. I have 10 neices and nephews, so far.

5. My favorite color is navy. But you can't find navy crayons or balloons so I always pick yellow.(my second fav.)

6. My favorite snack is cold cereal. I can eat it any time. I would serve it at breakfast and lunch if the kids would eat it. Dinner has to have meat or my husband won't eat. He is a meat and potato kinda guy.

7. The first time I went to a restaurant that you ordered from your table. I was 16 and it was on a date. I remember ordering a burger and they asked how I wanted it, I didn't say anything because I did not realize the came in different flavors. I must have a puzzled look on my face because she started listing well, medium well, medium, medium rare or rare. I said rare but she recommended medium well. The burger was great.

8. When I took drivers ed. I was the worst driver in the class. The first time I had to drive on the course, I drove over a pylon and the car got it stuck. The worst part was that all of the class was sitting on bleachers behind the pylon, which sent them all running. When we drove on the streets the my teacher never took his foot off of the passenger side break. I can not tell you how many times my classmates in the back seat were left screaming. I think if their parents knew I was driving they would not have let them come to school that day. I was bad but I had never driven anything before.

If anyone lists 8 random things let me know.

Zoo Fun

2007-08-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

This was a neat zoo to visit. We had a good time but it was HOT! I caught some cute pictures thought I'd share. It was definitely worth the drive to get there.

Marriage Meme

2007-08-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Montserrat tagged her readers to play along with the marriage meme. So without further ado, here are eight facts about our marriage:

1. Scot and I met on a blind date. I was going to school with a sweet girl named Shay and she was married. She and her husband thought that Scot and I would make a good match so it was double date with a blind date on the side. I did not like him at all. He was not a member of the church and spent the night drinking beer, a lot of beer. It was right in the middle of the cowboy fad. He showed up cowboyed out. He was also sporting a mullet. He kept calling and I enjoyed talking to him. Soon we were dating and the rest is history.

2. We have been married for 12 years.

3. I was 21 when we got married. He is 6 years older than I am.

4. We were married Jan 7th which is the day before Elvis's birthday. SO every year on our anniversary we watch Elvis movies. We used to have cable and could watch them on TV. We don't have cable any more so we have bought a couple of Elvis movies to enjoy on our anniversary.

5. Scot and I both were married previously. He has a wonderful son from that union.

6. We have five children Jacob 10, Ethan 8 almost 9, Mequell(Mekel)7, Caleb 5 and Makenna 2.

7. When we got married it was a last minute decision. I called around and found a preacher to marry us. I tried to get a Bishop but they were all out of town or had not registered to do marriage ceremonies.

8. We are total opposites. I am soft, sweet and quiet. He is rough, ornery and talkative. We do a good job compromising and working things out. Marriage is not easy. It requires work but if you are devoted to your spouse, and the Lord, the blessings come.

I tag my family bloggers. I also tag my side bar. If anyone else does it let me know. I love hearing how people met. So consider yourself tagged.

Thurday Thirteen

2007-08-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things that I love about my husband:

1. Patient - When I backed the car into our other car. He didn't get mad at all.

2. Understanding - He is never angry when I bounce a check here and there. I am always upset but he just cruises through it.

3. Good Dad - He will wrestle with them. He plays with them. He, especially with the boys, is able to heal their tender hearts.

4. Talker - He is the chatty one in our relationship. He can carry on a conversation any one he meets. I am quiet until I get to know you well, then I am pretty talkative.

5. Spiritual - He spends many hours in church service and enjoys it. He seeks the spirit and prays often.

6. Supportive - About six years ago my husband injured his back and ended up having fusion done in his lower back. Since then he has had lots of pain and is not getting much better. The MV helps a ton with the sciatic pain. But some of the nerve pain it just can't touch. I realized that he is not going to be able to keep working at his current level. So about two years ago I decided to go back to school. He is amazing! He watches the kids and gets them to bed. He makes dinner. I am just so grateful for all he does to support my school efforts.

7. Quick wit - He is a fast thinker and can get you laughing.

8. Charitable - He always is giving people money or lawn mowers. Usually our lawn mower. He just has a soft spot for the needy.

9. Animal person - He really, really loves animals. They love him too. The dogs are always so happy to see him come home. He loves the outdoors and hunting the big animals.

10. Adventurous - He is a regular Steve Irwin. Last summer a neighbor had warned us about a large snake that had slithered into our yard. I warned the kids not to go out but Scot was out the door. He found the snake, which had clibed the house and gotten into a tree, and killed it. I was a four foot long water mocasin.

11. Gifts - We usually spend most of our money on the kids at christmas so there is not much left. But he always finds something small that I have really been wanting.

12. Brags - I know you are supposed to be humble but it is so nice to have a husband that tells his co-workers what a good cook I am or how "hot" he thinks I am.

13. Loves me - He is the one I get to dance all my dances with. He is the one I sing to. He is the one that makes me feel safe even when he is sleeping. He is the one who comforts me. He is the one....who loves me.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-08-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

Something funny

2007-07-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

We have been shopping for protect gear for J the last few days. Caleb really likes it. He asks for a helmet every time we go the football store. We had been shopping for shoulder pads and trying to get the right fit. When my little Caleb walks up with protective cups (you know the ones that protect the male anatomy) on his little shoulders. This caught me by surprise and I started giggling. I leaned in to his ear and whispered what the cups were used to for. He pulled them off of his shoulder and placed one in the correct location with a questioning grin. He really brightened up that shopping trip.

More shopping adventures...
Shopping for Helmets We went to the good store. The one where they fit the helmets to your child's head. Well I guess everyone in town had the day off and was there trying to buy helmets for their child, too. We found the helmets but there were so many people and not enough fitters. I decided to go and find a couple of other items that we needed and then come back. We came back and still could not get anyone to help(frustrating). So I asked someone to call an associate to help fit a helmet for my boy and he said he would be there in just a minute. Well 15 min. pass and I am still waiting but I can see that guy is swamped with replacing face masks. I think this must only happen to me. I am always the nice lady who waits and waits my turn, just like in school. I think I am a lush because the salesmen always seemed to find everyone else who needed help but me. SO I heard a sweet guy on the other isle fitting a tiny little guy for a helmet and listened (hoping by now to figure out how to fit the helmet myself). He was so good he was whipping helmets on and off kids in two seconds flat. He finally had a minute and did my little sweetie. He was good and so I asked lots of questions and can now professionally fit a helmet for my child and any other child in the isle. By the time it was over we had spent a hour and a half in the store and most of it waiting. I guess I am just a lush, I worked retail. I know how hard it is when the store is swamped. I try to be nice but sometimes being nice stinks.

Did somebody say FOOTBALL?

2007-07-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

Yep, it is that time of year again. My oldest son has asked to play for the past few years but I made him wait till the fifth grade. I guess I made him wait till fifth grade so he would be big enough to understand, and take the rigors of football. I watched my fabulous stepson, Cody, go through what at times felt like torcher. But he survived and managed to do well. So it is very hard to send your little one out to be pounded upon. I like the drills and agility training its the Tackling that I don't care for. I love watching it on TV or at local High School games but seeing your little person out there being pounded left and right, makes me worry.

We had a pre season party and we got to meet the team. It turns out that Jake is the only one from his school on the team. But he did play two seasons with one of the boy's on a soccer team.

It was fun to be social and chat with the other parents on the team. The kids played on a giant slip n slide, Jupiter Jump and Zip line. The food was all, Yum. The team is well organized. Everyone I met was so sweet! Practices start tonight and are four nights a week. So that should keep us busy. I have to say that I am excited for the season to start.

GO SILVER!!

I hope all is well at your house.

What kind of soul are you?

2007-07-27T06:10:00.001-07:00

You Are a Dreaming Soul

Your vivid emotions and imagination takes you away from this world
So much so that you tend to live in your head most of the time
You have great dreams and ambitions that could be the envy of all...
But for you, following through with your dreams is a bit difficult

You are charming, endearing, and people tend to love you.
Forgiving and tolerant, you see the world through rose colored glasses.
Underneath it all, you have a ton of passion that you hide from others.
Always hopeful, you tend to expect positive outcomes in your life.

Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul, Prophet Soul, and Traveler Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

If you do this let me know what kind of soul you are :-)

This turned out to be pretty accurate. Unfortunately, I am a dreamer and I don't tend to follow through. I enjoy dreamin' and so what if I don't ever make a million doing it at least I am happy.

Says I am compat. with Newborn Soul, Prophet Soul, and Traveler Soul. Don't know what a newborn soul is but I absolutely LOVE newborn babies.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-07-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

I started a TT last Thursday and finished it today. But now it is posting in chronological order so my TT list is about three posts down. I could not figure out how to move it up, if you know how to do this please give me a hand. Thanks and Happy Thursday!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-07-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

This week I think I will do thirteen things from around the house that I love other than my husband and children. Thanks PJ!

1. My Kitchen Aide Mixer - I got the one with the 6 quart bowl so I can make triple batches of cookies in one bowl.

2. Electrasol Dish Tabs - I love the tab, no mess.

3. My Kirby Vacuum - my Kirby was a Christmas gift about two years ago, The best vacuum ever

4. Downy - the April Fresh Scent. It reminds me of my childhood and love how soft the towels are.

5. Bread Maker - Just handy

6. Cooking Themometer with handy oven probe.

7. Surround Sound - I put it in for my DH for Fathers Day and it really makes a difference.

8. Digital Camera- it has changed the way I take pictures, Love it.

9. Steamer - My sister gave it to me for Christmas and it is awesome. It makes it easy for me to keep every one's clothes wrinkle free and it is so fast.

10. Glade Apple Cinnamon anything - I love their candles and plug-ins. I am just an apple fresh girl.

11. Mona Vie - it is a juice, that gives you the nutrient and vitamins of 5 fruits in 1/4 cup serving. It is yummy and makes me feel energized.

12. Tins - you know like cracker tins or cookie tins. I collect them and place them in the kitchen above the cabinets. When was growing up my Nanny had old tins that she would paint and use for containers. I just love things that make me nostalgic.

13. My Mattress - It rocks. We got it a year and a half ago but I love climbing into bed every night! It is a Lady Americana King size with the Memory Foam topper. I even day dream of going to bed because of that mattress.

From my list I gather that I spent alot of time in the kitchen. You would think I'd be a better cook. ;-)

Wordless Wednesday

2007-07-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

A day at the sprinkler park.

Good Mail!!

2007-07-24T12:18:00.001-07:00

I received my first good mail last week from Tori:) She sent some really cute cards. Then just a couple of days ago I got a card with M & M's (My favorite candy) from Chellie. Yesterday I received an adorable card and recipes from JenniBoo. Thanks SO much. I had no idea how nice it could be to have good mail in you mailbox. It makes going to the mailbox so exciting. I have not been able to decide what to send but you all have got my creative juices flowing. Thanks again you all ROCK!!!

If you want to sign up for Good Mail check out Just Pretend Your Interested. I think she has a couple of openings left.

Summer has Arrived

2007-07-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness! The first half of the summer was rainy and cool. But this week has been awesome!!! We have been to the pool and the water park. It has been actually hot, like 96 degrees. Yahoo!! I didn't realize how much the weather has been affecting Ethan until this week. I thought that he was just be moody but it turns out he was just having rainy day blues. He came up to me yesterday and had expressed that he was feeling good and was happy that it was finally feeling like summer. I agreed. Until now E never wanted to leave the house. He just wanted to stay home and play video games but now he is excited to go anywhere except shopping. So I am grateful for the summer, heat, awesome kids and friends.

The Moaning Meme

2007-07-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

The Moaning Meme

I've been tagged! Oooh a meme! I've been tagged by Mom not Mum with a meme originating from The Freelance Cynic and this one's about my groanings. Affectionately called:

The Moaning Meme
4 things that should go into room 101 and be removed from the face of the earth.

Mosquito's They drive me nuts.

Wife Swap or any other reality TV

Baby bottle pop suckers - they make the biggest mess.

Tattoos-I just don't think that they are very pretty, the artwork is always amazing I just think it should be displayed on a canvas. (Sorry to all who have tattoos, my husband has one)

3 things people do that make you want to shake them violently.

Parents that are oblivious to what terrible parents they are.

Anyone who uses excuses to not reach their full potential.

Pushy people in the grocery store.

2 things you find yourself moaning about.

The summer is just to short!!

The sink never being empty.

1 thing the above answers tell you about yourself.

I am judgemental and whinny.

RULES:Link to the original meme at freelancecynic.com so people know what it's all about!

Be as honest as possible, This is about letting people get to know the real you!

Try not to insult anyone - unless they really deserve it or are very, very ugly!

Post these rules at the end of every meme!

Today I'm tagging:

T*R*B

Living in Spin Cycle

Beehive Academy

Bre Bre

Rockin' with the Burrs

Run a way baby!

2007-07-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

My little Makenna has been running out the garage door and then down the street. The first time she did it I caught her immediately. I had her sit in time out and that usually takes care of any misbehavior's. The next time my DH was watching her and started looking for her. Oh I left out that she has a partner in crime - our silver lab Shelby. It works like this. She opens garage door for what ever reason and Shelby darts out, the little angel then chases the dumb dog. Anyway my husband could not find the angel or the dumb dog any where so he knew to go out front and begin looking. He saw the dumb dog 4 houses up next to the busy street in our neighborhood and then he saw a nice lady with our little angel walking down our street. What a relief! Unfortunately, last night when I was grilling burgers I had gone in the house to wash my hands and notice the garage door was open. I quickly yelled for every on to look for the little angel and the dumb dog but they were missing. I ran outside towards the busy street and had my oldest son go up the street the other direction. No sign of angel or dumb dumb. At this point I am praying and running and listening to the spirit. I did not get any terrible feelings so I knew everything would be OK. But I am still getting ready to ask neighbors to help me look. (We have great neighbors) When my Lovely daughter said she heard her scream. SO we look in the direction of scream unable to pin point we call for dumb dog. The not so dumb dog comes when she is called. Then the little angel comes toddling right behind stark naked. They were "only" two houses down. This time I sat her in time out and grouched at her a long time. I am installing new lock on garage door TODAY.. This is so embarrassing. I am a good mom. I love my little ones more than life itself and would do anything for them. I have never had any trouble with runaways before. I did loose my littlest son in Mervin's for about 10 min I almost lost it that day. I hope the lock takes care of it.

I hope your having a good day!!

The movies and Baby girl..

2007-07-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

This past week for a summer time fun activity I thought that I would try to take all of the kids including my 2 1/2 year old to the movies. This was going to be her first movie. We decided to go and see Ratatouille a film that is almost 2 hours. We picked the earliest showing so hopefully it would not be swamped with viewers, unfortunately wall to wall viewers. SO here are some handy hints when taking a two year old to movie.

1. Arrive at least 20 minutes early - So you can choose where you want to sit and have plenty of time to get everyone to use the bathroom.

2. Sit in the back row or at least as far back as you can - That way when she or he starts to complain to much you have an easy and fast way out. We sat second from the front.

3. Bring your own snacks - I don't like to break the rules and I know the sign says "no outside food or drinks" but I think this is more of a guide line than a rule. Bring your big purse and fill it with at least 5 different snacks. It saves you a ton of money and gives your little angel something to be busy with.

4. Go a head and buy a drink - it cost a bundle to, so you have to time it right. You get the drink when the movie is about half over. That way the drink can entertain for a few minutes and when empty open the lid and let em' play with the ice.

5. Flashlight - find the smallest flash light possible and let them hold it. I think the ones on key chains work great. This gives them their own little light. Hopefully good for 20 min.

6. Time it right - Pick a showing that is not nap time. My daughter is transitioning out of naps. However, she still gets tired some day and cranky so try for a time slot that is not when they would take a late nap.

7. Change - If you are going to the lobby be prepared. It is a game room at our theater and so my daughter was constantly playing on them and wanting a penny. She did not realize the machines required money and was content playing the demo. Unfortunately, she watched a couple of really cute boys playing the crane game and figured out that they need a penny or two. I like to play video game so I plopped her in my lap and we raced a few laps. This was fun until my $1.50 worth of change ran out. She complained.

8. Movie choice - try if at all possible to go to a movie that is just over an hour long so you don't have to spend a hour in the lobby with the grumpy angel.

9. Try bringing a small blanket - I didn't try this one but I think it might have helped.

The best advice is if at all possible give it a year - the other children did really well at three years old but 2 is just 2 young for my little angel.

This was the first movie I have been to in . . . . I think about 5 -6 years. It was fun to go with the kids but what an adventure.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-07-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

Thursday so thirteen things ..hmmm... it is harder than I thought to come up with a new thirteen idea but how about being done having babies.

1. The bra's you buy don't have easy access flaps any more.

2. You get rid of all your maternity clothes and some of your regular clothes that look like maternity clothes.

3. You actually work hard to loose the "baby" weight - I gain at least 60 pounds every time I am pregnant. So it was hard to motivate myself to exercise and loose weight when the force was against me.

4. Now that you have lost the weight you realize just what pregnancy has done to your body. Things are definitely different some bigger and some smaller.

5. You enjoy knowing this is the last time I have to potty train.

6. You get to sleep again, all night with no interruptions.

7. This is your last time to make it through the terrible two's.

8. You are happy to give away your baby things to a deserving friend or family member. And you don't have that 'what if' feeling.

9. You start to realize what life is like with out a toddler or infant. no diaper bag! It has been along time for me I guess I have had an infant or toddler for the past 10 years.

10. You start thinking of more permanent forms of birth control. Sorry Honey.

11. You don't have to go in to the baby section at Walmart when you shop for groceries. I find myself passing through, old habits are hard to break.

12. You start planning things for yourself and remembering yourself. When I have very small children I live for them. I devote my life to their happiness and safety. I am an old pro now. So I have not had much time for me. But now I realize in about three years all of my children will be in school. I will have time for me again. SO I plan for the future.

13. You cherish EVERYTHING!! The last everything, it is the last baby and so you cherish the tantrums, but don't give in. You enjoy the little one that falls asleep in your lap. You try to etch the details of their little hands in to memory. You are sad, too! Truly bitter sweet.

I love having babies and will miss it terribly but my season is over. I can feel it when I pray and I know that the Lord has a plan for me and my family. I am grateful to know that my family is complete. I just miss the little ones.

But I know lots of people who are still working on their families so I can hold their babies.

Studebaker memories...

2007-07-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

I come from a long line of Studebaker lovers. When I was a little girl I remember riding with my great grandma in her Studebaker. I sat up front in the middle right next to her. I was small and could not see out of the windows so I spent most of my time watch a little plastic mouse swing on her key chain. Everything in the car was classic 1950's design. The nobs silver and shiny some were silver with black caps. The steering wheel was huge and when ever I had the chance I would climb in the wheel and sit. I was driving that old Studie with my feet dangling. The car was atleast 15 years old then and had a musty smell but I loved riding with my Nanny. She drove that car until she wasn't able to drive any more. Then my aunt drove it and I am not sure where it is now but that car was my first Studebaker dream.

As a teenager my brother was bitten by the Studebaker bug. His first car was a Studie. He spent hours repairing and repairing that car. It was what we rode to school in for at least a year or two. I got to tell ya if you want to have a car worth talking about get a 1950 anything. Everyone will ask what year is that?

I am not sure why Studebaker's where on my mind today but it was fun remembering!

P.S. The picture is a Studebaker Lark the same car that my Nanny drove, in black just like hers.

The "Zone"

2007-07-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

I have started running and it is starting to get easier. I have done lots lately to stay in shape but running for a mile strait is difficult. I still get winded and have to walk part but I can run 3/4 of the mile strait so I am almost to the mile mark. The last time I ran I was in the "Zone". You know when you are driving home from church or work and you realize that you are almost home and you don't remember driving the last 5 miles. You were in the "zone". I had that experience when I was running. I had run about two blocks and before I knew it I was at the half mile mark and I was feeling great. I hope that means my body is adjusting to the riggers of running and giving me break. Ya hoo! By the way girl in picture not me, she is much to thin! ;-)

Great family time..

2007-07-05T14:25:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a great day. We spent the day with my husbands Aunt and Uncles with all of their children and grand children. We swam in the pool and grilled burgers and hot dogs. His Aunt and cousins are amazing cooks so everything was delicious. I have been wanting pie lately so I made a Coconut Cream Pie. It was so good! I usually bake the crust but my oven is not working so swell but for a stove top pie, Yumm!!!

The kids lit fireworks and played the whole day. I took a pinata that we made. I have a really hard time predicting the break ability of a pinata. You want the pinata to last long enough that everyone gets a turn to hit it but not so long that you spend hours waiting for it to break. This one was OK , everyone had two turns batting until finally the rope broke through the top. Then we just dumped it.

Sorry no pictures, forgot to take the camera. :-(

Happy Independence Day

2007-07-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

It is my hope this day is that everyone:

Is safe!

Has watermelon!

Takes time to remember what it is we are celebrating!

That those who continue to battle, know that we honor them as well!

Is able to escape the rain!

Has a loved one to share it with!

May God bless you all, Happy 4th!!!

2007-07-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Rain Rain and more Rain.... Yep it is raining, again. Last Thursday the kids started finding worms crawling across the living room carpet. This was a mystery because we have never seen worms in the house. These were big night crawlers, too. Friday I was sitting next to a floor vent talking to my oldest, when the AC kicked on and I heard a drippy sound. I quickly whipped the vent cover off and sure enough water was in the vent. I called my dad and consulted with my husband on what to do. They suggested that we use a shop vac, which I had to borrow. But I ended up vacuuming out 140 gallons of water from my floor vent, Yuck! The water was surprisingly clean except for a few rocks, a hand full of Lego's and a Barbie shoe. The rain has just soaked the round to depths I could not have imagined. So when we have an extra $3000 dollars we will fill in all of our floor vents and have them mounted in the ceiling. The bad news is that as I sit here, I can hear the vent dripping again.

Good deal alert: I found a gallon size freezer bag of Polly Pocket stuff at a garage sale Saturday and it was only $3. My lovely daughters have been playing Polly non stop since I brought it home! I love garage sales.

Tag I am it

2007-06-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

What was I doing 10 years ago?

I had just had my first baby and was getting adjusted to the life as a mother.

What was I doing 1 year ago?

Same things I am doing now - playing with the kids wishing the house was clean.

What are my five favorite snacks?

Cold Cereal - preferably whole grain
M&M's - my favorite candy
Toast with Strawberry Freezer Jam - Yum
Fruit any kind
?

What 5 songs I know the lyrics to.

I am proud to be an American
T_R_O_U_B_L_E
that Karate Kid song "Glory of Love"
Lots of church songs
The River

5 Things I would do if I were a millionaire.

Get totally debt free!!
Go on Vacation some place tropical
Invest
Give to charity
give awesome Christmas gifts to family and friends

5 Bad Habits-

Don't tidy as I go
I don't RSVP or send Thank You's like I should
Procrastination - seen this on lots of lists
Eating cereal in bed
Laundry pile that never ends

5 Things I would never wear again-

Acid wash jeans
Jellies
Shortie Shorts and knee socks
Bangs more than two inches tall
leggins I am just getting to old

5 Toys I Love-

Kitchen Aide mixer
Lap top
Digital camera
Cooking Timer
???

Thursday Thirteen

2007-06-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things to do when it is raining:

!. Read - one of my favorites,

2. Rent movies - always look for coupons for this one

3. Go the the movies - we have a local theater that has .50 cent Tuesdays

4. Play board games - always a good choice

5. Make cookies - if your oven is working, mine is not

6. Play at the local Carl's Junior or McD's indoor playground

7. Crafts - if your crafty

8. Visit the Library

9. Zoo or Aquarium - if you got one

10. Have a friend come visit - so many I need to catch up with it is hard to choose

11. Nothing - just veg out in front of the TV with the kids, usually turns into a wrestling match

12. Secret Service - one of those make something yummy and secretly leave it at your friends and neighbors houses

13. Clean - this was the last resort but if you need to clean out that closet or organize the dresser go for it, you will be glad you did later!

Hope your days our sunny. We have had the rainiest June ever recorded for our neck of the woods. So we have not been able to swim much or anything else that requires dry ground.

BSA Camp Mission Complete

2007-06-23T18:09:00.001-07:00

This year of scout camp was totally a success. The leaders were great! They boys did an awesome job! It was hot two days and rained the other three but over all a tons of fun! These are a few pictures of some of the activities they participated in.

E on the zip line, no fear here! E is the boy on the far left.

Check out the little guy on the far right. He is hanging on for dear life. He did eventually go for it after some encouraging words from his fearless leader/mom.

J and E getting a little fishing in. (They are wearing the blue shorts)

J-man is the one in the red hat. He had just picked up his feet and was going for it.

Above J and E are brushing up on their archery skills.

The boys loved this game. It was like hockey only with half of a swim noodle and a tiny little beach ball. This was an awesome way to use up some of that youthful energy.

This was a Webelo Scout project. It was J's turn to drive. There were about 6 of these carts which are scout powered. The carts were raffled off at the end of the day and the pack that helped our boys build this one won our cart. They are an other LDS pack and so they said they would share. SO nice!

Boy Scouts Camp

2007-06-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

This week is Boy Scout day camp. It is so fun I have been busy with carpooling and working. We have a really great leader this year. This is her first year so she was a little nervous but has done a fabulous job! I love the chance to see my boys participating and enjoying the outdoors. My boys are on the left. This years theme Pirates. They have tried their hand at fishing, archery, BB guns, sling shot, crafts, and zip line. They are learning lots and having tons of fun! I had the chance to stay and work on Wed. which was a blast. I am working in Friday as well and I can't wait. My Mequell has been such a big help with watching the other kids. She is great!

Hope everything is good in Texas!

Out and about

2007-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

We were out walking last night and enjoying the rain cooled air. It was so nice to just be outside and moving. My baby girl, who is now 2 years old, made the walk last night rather slow. She kept stopping to look at the plants and puddles. The creek beds were full and everyone had fun throwing rocks. This picture shows off my fabulous five and the swollen creek. We managed to do the first half of our 2.5 mile jaunt at a snails pace I was happy when we finally reached the park. Then we played until we started to get sprinkled on so we ran most of the way home. I am usually very observant of the weather but last night I did not even check the weather for rain. Luckily we got home with time to spare. It was a real work out because I was pushing two kids in the stroller the entire way home.

It has been raining a lot lately. Which is fine with me, I love it. But I hope that it gives us a break so we can go swim soon.

Have a great day!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-06-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things that scare me :

1. The Lake - I know that it is nice and beautiful but when my son was 2 yrs old we went to the lake. He walked out about 20 ft and fell into a sink hole. Well I got over to where I had seen him bob up but the water was so murky that I could not see him. I just prayed to Heavenly Father ' If you let him pop up one more time I'll get him' and sure enough he popped right up but now I am scarred.

2. Spiders -Just do

3. Crickets - I 've just had too many of them in my hair.

4. Scary Movies - surprise, surprise

5. CSI - Just the music to those shows gives me the creeps.

6. Personal Interviews - It doesn't matter job, church or volunteer. They just stress me out.

7. When I see my child falling and cant get there fast enough!

8. Cold dirty sink water - when I was growing up my mom always was soaking dishes in the sink and I remember one time I reached in to the water and touched a dead mouse, Yuck, just thinking about it gives me the heeby jeebies.

9. Meeting new people - this is just one of those quirks that makes me, me.

10. Buying gas - the price of gas is so high that I just cringe when the total comes up.

11. Losing one of my family members

12. Night mares - When I have a lot of stress I get terrible night mares.

13. War - The war in Iraq seems to be so difficult. For every good stride of success the Insurgents and Taliban seem to react so violently that the hopes of us ever being able to leave seems low. It is sad because there are families in Iraq that want peace and security. The news this morning expressed a concern of the war spreading. I just pray for peace and tolerance of those involved.

I am not really creative so you will have to bare with me and I will try to be more original in my thirteen, :-)

Happy Birthday!!

2007-06-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

It was Caleb's Birthday this past weekend. We had a family birthday like we always do and it was fun. He has asked the last two months for a Giant Robot. I was so glad that his birthday was finally here so I could get it for him. It was one of those gifts that you know is going to be trash in about a week because it is cheaply made. But he was persistent, I was hoping that he would forget about it so I could get him something better. It was worth every penny when he finally got to open his presents. It was the first gift he opened because he could tell by the size of the box it was the robot. His little face lit up and he laughed with joy. It's funny how joy is contagious. If you see someone, anyone in a true state of joy, you just can't help but smile. It brings a little light in to my life. I love it! I know that the robot will soon be headed to the big trash heap in the sky but that moment of joy in my sons eyes will be forever tucked in to my heart!

OK so it is...

2007-06-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Not going so well. The last couple of weeks we have been doing alot of family exercising. Which was great because it was so much that I did not have to add anything but sit ups and push ups. But this week my husbands work schedule has been changed around and I am struggling to keep things on a good healthy level of organization. So I have not been exercising enough to keep up with my goals. It is just so frustrating!!! I absolutely LOVE to have my kids at home with me all the time but if I don't keep a good schedule then things go crazy. I have learned this from summers past. I really hate to do it but for the sake of the family I am going to post pone my exercise schedule for a couple of weeks. I will exercise as much as I can squeeze in but no long runs or rides till things settle down. I can live with that for now.

My youngest son has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Any changes in routine cause him to go through melt downs. Since school has been out he has had frequent melt downs. He just becomes an emotional wreck. I feel badly for him but try to get him focused on calming himself. That is my new goal for him, Self Calming Techniques. He is starting preschool in the fall everyday and I won't be their to help calm him so he has to learn how to do it himself. Which is a real trick because some days I can't help to calm his little sad spirit either. I just keep praying that his progress continues. He has come so far and I am truly grateful but we still have a bumpy road ahead.

Tuesday Two

2007-06-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

So often I think that we get to busy to offer kindness to others. I recently gave a talk in church about Brotherly Kindness. It was great because I really had a chance to think about the acts of kindness I have received and given. So I am going to share two that I have received. Hence the Tuesday Two.

1. I was at the grocery store with my two sons one 18 mos and the other just a tiny little guy a few weeks old. I was just finishing up and the baby had just woken up. I don't know how your babies were when you went to the grocery store but every time I went to check out they would wake up and cry, screaming cry. Most of the time it was because they had slept the entire time and were hungry. But I would do my best to console them while putting the groceries on the conveyor belt. This was usually futile and I would give all my attention to get the groceries out of the cart as fast as humanly possible. But one time a sweet angel of a lady came and offered to hold my little one while I attended to the groceries. This was such a blessing it calmed my child and I was able to finish without all of the hurry. I thanked her many times but I don't think it was enough. I decided when my little ones are no longer babies then I will do this for the young mothers that I see at the groceries store.

2. The whole family went to the local whole sale club. They had just recently gotten new baskets which were shallower than the older style. My baby girl was about 11 months old and was riding in the basket . Well a lady pulled out in front of us and I stopped short and my baby fell head first over the front of the basket. She hit her little head on the basket and the cement floor. It was terrible, one of those moments when you see it happening in slow motion. I ran and picked her up trying to sooth her but nothing was working. Then an angel came up our isle, he was a kind man who must have notice the screaming and the distraught look on my face. He quickly came over and began to talk to my little girl. She stopped crying for a moment when he spoke to her. But then he did the most amazing thing, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a balloon. One of those long balloons that you twist into shapes. He quickly made a little lady bug - as he was manipulating the balloon my little injured child calmed. He put it in her hair and made her a flower, too. He made swords for the boys and an other flower for my other daughter. He was an angel and a blessing. He took time out of his day and blessed our family, I will never forget him.

This was fun. I would like to hear a random act of kindness that has been done for you so if you post let me know.

Monday

2007-06-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend we did not do very much. It was nice just to hang out and play with the kids. J had a birthday party Saturday, Scot helped haul some siding for my brother and Sunday we went to chuch but that was all the going we did. Oh and we did squeeze in a five mile bike ride. I know it is not much but it is a start. My two youngest children were pretty tired by the end of the ride but over all they did really well.

This week I am going to start:

1. Chore Charts for the kids - helps keep things organized and the kids responsible.

2. Training for Triathlon - May 2008 - I have sort of been training by building up my over all fitness level but now I am going to do timed runs and go for mileage. Wish me luck.

3. Cleaning out the Girls room - Go through toy boxes - work on finishing the Bunk bed so the baby girl can get out of the crib. Maybe a little wall paper?

4. Service projects - I think it is important that we as a family offer service when we can, I think that we might weed the flower beds and something else. It is hard to find service projects that even a two year old can do.

5. Summer reading program - The library has alot of excellent activities for the kids during the summer.

6. Swimming - Wednesday - I tell the kids it has to be 90 degrees before we can go swimming. The weather guy says that Wednesday is the day. Ya Hoo!

Hope you all have a good week!

Family Night..

2007-06-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

We spent some time playing out side. The pools are open and all of the kids want to go. However, once they touch that cold water my two girls will be ready to go. SO they opted to jump on the trampoline and let mom spray them with the water hose. They still had lots of fun! They all look so cute in their swim suits. I hope I fair as well. The baby girl is saying cheese. J is makin' a crazy face. E is was being bashful. M is gorgeous and C, he is just cheezin'.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-05-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Thirteen thing's I randomly wish....

1. The house stayed clean

2. Groceries magically appeared when ever you needed them.

3. I had lost those last 10 pounds.

4. My husband did not have to work so hard.

5. I was finished with school.

6. I could be ready for the triathlon, NOW! - every year I watch the Iron Man triathlon in Hawaii and I get motivated to run. The Iron Man is a little out there but did some research and found that there shorter triathlons. I am going for the Sprint version which is the shorter type - swim 1/3 mile, bike - 15 miles and run-3 miles (much more reasonable than the Iron Man - swim 3-miles, bike - 125 miles and run 26-miles).

7. I would not find any more gray hairs - found about 15 so far.

8. The dog would stop shedding.

9. The ocean was closer

10. I was a scripture master.

11. I had new tires for the trucks.

12. My two good friends weren't moving - I know they have to follow the Lords direction but I am sure going to miss them.

13. Money to share.

Memorial Day Weekend

2007-05-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

This was a terrific weekend. We went to my brothers house. He smoked some ribs, boiled crab legs and home made Mac n Cheese. (Yum) I brought an awesome watermelon and corn on the cob. There was also shrimp. So the seafood lovers in my family ate till they could not move. They rest of us chatted and played on the swing set.

Sunday Church was good. The best part was that every member of our immediate family was there, including Cody. I love filling the large pew.

Monday, we lounged around for the morning and then in the afternoon we went for a family bike ride. The city has recently put in a bike trail that runs close to one of the local highways. We had not been there before and we are always looking for new places to explore. It was SO fun. The trail was beautiful. The weather was perfect but a little thundery. The weather gal said rain was headed our way in a few hour so we thought there would be enough time to do our ride. The ride to went fine the wind was cool and smelled of a fresh rain shower but nothing looked close to us. The trail runs through a flood plain which looks more like a swampy area. It also winds back and forth under the high way. We stopped under the bridges and the kids threw rocks into the water. The flowers along the path were beautiful and my lovely daughters picked small bouquets. We reached the end of our leg of the path and were heading back when the baby girl (who is now totally potty trained) had to go. So I whipped off her pants and let her squat on the side of the trail. Everyone else continued up the trail. She got her pants back on and we continued on. It was only about 3 minutes and the rain started to pour down. I grabbed the little sister and through her in the stroller and ran to catch up with the rest of the family. Fortunately, everyone else had made it under the bridge before the rain started and were mostly dry. Unfortunately, I was running right into the rain and so I was soaked and so was my baby girl because the rain was blowing into the stroller. But wet or not it was lots and lots of fun. The rain just added to the adventure of it all. E thought found a shower of water running off of the high way above and said it felt warm so he decide to step into it and soak himself. He is my adventurous child!

I hope you all had a great weekend, too!

Good Grades!

2007-05-27T04:29:00.000-07:00

My lovely daughter did a great job in school this year. She improved consistently through out the year. Her reading and writing have improved and she is doing so good in her math skills. She has made some really good friends and had lots of fun. Her class this year only had 5 girls in it so they were really close as you can tell.

E did a great job too. He read lots of AR books and advanced his reading level a couple of years. His report card was full of what would be the A - B range ( at our school they don't get grades just letters letting you know how well the material is understood). He received an award in Math for mastering 11 levels!

J is amazing, too! He received 4- A's and 2 - B's on his report card! Excellent work! He also received the Citizen of the Year Award for his class. He also got an award for doubling his AR goal.

What can I say my kiddo's are Brilliant, Smart, Beautiful, Funny, Clever, Strong and Sweethearts. Great Job everyone!

Fun Food Friday

2007-05-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

This is a really good recipe for pork loin chops. They come out tender and yum. I have not named them yet so if you think of one let me know!

You need:

Pork loin 1-2 pounds
Wishbone Italian Dressing (my favorite)
Cavendar's Greek Seasoning ( if using the one with salt omit additional salt)
Juice of one Lime or Lemon ( I like the Lime but the Lemon is great too)
1 tsp. Salt

1. Sprinkle the pork loin with the Greek seasoning - generously

2. Place pork loin in a Large Ziploc bag

3. Add the Lemon or Lime juice and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Italian dressing

4. Shake well and let marinade in the fridge for at least 1 hour

5. Tastes great on the grill, stove top or broiled.

This has quickly become one of our family favorites. I actually blackened it the other day by accident and it was still good!

Next time I make it I will add pictures.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-05-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things that remind me of my childhood....

1. Dr Pepper in glass bottles

2. Saturday morning cartoons

3. 10 cent bubble gum machines

4. Laundry on the clothes line

5. Houses without Air conditioning - there was air conditioning, we just did not have it

6. Tube tops

7. Drive in movies

8. Jellies - they were the new rage in footwear

9. Velcro on everything

10. Iris - Generations of the women in my family have had Iris flowers in their gardens so just the site of them takes me back

11. Studebaker Cars - It is a family tradition. Some day hope to have one of my own.

12. Barbie - I played with Barbie's alot and now seeing my girls play with them brings it full circle.

13. Cabbage Patch Dolls - total fad - Seemed like everyone had one but me.

14. Smells and sounds of the holidays, any holiday always makes me feel like a kid again.

Family Fun..

2007-05-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

on our bikes and scooters. We spent the evening walking, riding and scooting around our neighborhood. Our neighborhood has bike or walking trails built in. It is great because with the little ones we don't have to watch out for cars and we get to do some exploring. We traveled through some new places and found some really beautiful wooded areas. E said he just wanted to stay in one place we found because it was so serene. I really love our neighbors. If the weather is nice at all, everyone outside playing and chatting. We are so blessed.

Just say sorry...

2007-05-22T09:56:00.001-07:00

That was all she had to do! My baby girl bit one of my other children and absolutely refused to say sorry. It was 8:20 when it all started. My son came and said she bit me and so she did the marks were there as evidence. I quickly went to my little angel and told her that it was not nice to bite and that she needed to say sorry. She totally refused so she sat in time out for one minute. Then I tried again to get the apology but again she refused. While this little drama is all going on I am getting the three big kids ready for school because we have to leave by 8:40. So I am doing hair and helping to find missing socks, trying to remember if I needed to pack someone a lunch and try to keep it together so that the little angel learns that :
1.She cant bite
2. She has to mind what I ask
3. She needed to apologize
4. She is two and needs to realize that screaming and crying does not mean you get your way

The fact was that I was frustrated and trying to do everything in a calm manner but make my point. I continued to give her the opportunity to apologize and then she sat in time out until I finally had to take the kids to school. She never apologized but taking them to school was enough of a break that I could not start where I left off. I guess no body won in this situation. I know it is just a phase but this is a big one! Only six more months and she is THREE. I try so hard as a parent to be calm, gentle and loving. It is one of those days where you just want to scream!! She is much better now and is sweet as can be.

I hope you are having a great day!

Seventy five

2007-05-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my grand mothers 75th birthday. It was lots of fun! My aunts, my mom and my cousins helped to plan the entire party. My aunt D made this quilt with all of her descendants hand prints on it. My aunt L made a scrap book of all of the descendants. There were alot of activities for the kids - cake walk, pinata, and several other games. The food was good and conversation was even better. It turned out to be a total success.

I was making some rolls for the party but my oven at home would only get to about 200 degrees so I had to drag my unbaked rolls up to the church building and bake them. So I spent the first hour in the kitchen baking. Later I did get to have some fun with my Popeye.

Family night..

2007-05-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

..we roasted marshmallows on the grill for dessert. It was fun and messy. The charcoal was not quite hot enough to do anything but melt them. We could not even get them to turn golden. We still ate enough of them to fill us up. My baby girl is at that stage where clothes are not important to her plus she doesn't mind showing off a little baby fat.

I went to MV meeting last night too. It was fun. I love when someone new comes with me and is learning about MV because it gets me excited! Last night we had a new lady come and share a story about her mom and how the juice has helped. She said that her mom is severely anemic and the doctors have been trying different prescriptions and diets but nothing was working. The highest the doctor could get her iron level was a 9 and only for a short time. One month on the MV and her iron level was an 11!! Awesome. It was a new story and so I thought I'd share.

Best wished to all!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-05-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Thirteen things I love besides my family:

1. I love game night with my friends or family

2. I love to laugh.

3. I love to dance but don't get the chance much except at home with the kids.

4. I love romantic movies that are G - PG-13.

5. I love ABSOLUTELY love the smell of the rain when a storm is coming.

6. I love to sing but am not that good. I did get the lead in my high school musical but chickened out. But I have not practiced in years so I am not very good now.

7. I love brownie cheesecake!

8. I love to read a good books especially outside or inside next to a window on rainy days.

9. I love lay out in the hot sun next to a swimming pool or better yet the ocean. I know it is really terrible for your skin but it is so relaxing.

10. I love to see my entire family at church together! Pure joy!

11. I love to year my youngest sons voice. He has an Autism Spectrum Disorder and has been silent for many years but now he has started to volunteer words - not just words - sentences!!! I love it!!

12. I love that I am a daughter of God and that he loves me. I love that he has a plan and a purpose for my life and nothing is better than that!

13. I love that I have the privilege of knowing and associating with the most amazing women; be it through church, school functions, our neighbors, the Internet or simply my sisters.

PTA

2007-05-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, the school year is almost over and I finally went to my first PTA meeting. We will have a new president for next year and she is really excited and motivated. She has some awesome ideas for next year. I love to be around women who are strong, intelligent and fun. It keeps me on my toes and keeps me growing in the right directions.

Hope you are all doing wonderful!! BRING ON SUMMER!!!

Catching up

2007-05-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well I am going to try to catch up on the past 9 days. School is almost out so that means we are having picnics, parties, teacher appreciation and pre wrapped school supplies for next year! SO I have been busy. I took my little guy to the doctor last week because he had been really cranky and just not himself. He also brought me a small orangish brown ball and said it came out of his ear. I checked his ear and sure enough it looked gross. The Doctor said it was impacted and needed to be cleaned. So they cleaned it with ear drops and water. After several rinsings and all kinds of crud coming out of his little ear he announced " all better." She gave me some drops to help keep it clean. I really love my kids doctor she is my age, gorgeous, and just sweet as can be.

Next, we went to the local fair and carnival. It was lots of fun. Everything is over priced and this year because we had so much rain they were not able to put up all of the rides. (Bummer) The kids did manage to have fun and the food was yum. The weather was a little hot but beautiful. I love days when the sky is blue with giant puffy white clouds. I would have been content just to lay on a quilt in the warm sun and watch the clouds roll by.

Mothers day was nice the kids had given me what they made on Friday because they just could not wait. I got beautiful cards and pictures; in chuch they made coupon books and hand flowers. Then on Sunday we had breakfast and went to church. The church service was fabulous. Several dad's read letters that their missionary sons had written to their mothers. (did ya follow that?) I am not a big crier but I felt the tears welling up a couple of times. It was just beautiful. I can only pray that my efforts with my children will prove as fruitful! I hope and pray the lessons that I have been teaching my little angels are building their testimonies of Jesus Christ.

I have not written much because I have been making a blog for one of my best friends. She is moving far far away and I thought that this would be an awesome way to keep in touch. I hope she likes it.

B's

2007-05-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

I received B's in both of the classes that I took this spring. Which is not terrible but it is not great either. I hope in the fall to do better but with five kids, a husband and the holidays it may not be possible. I know "B's" are not bad grades but when those grades determine whether or not you get in to a specific program or not it becomes a lot more pressing to achieve the better grade.

Merry Fun!

2007-05-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

Finished

2007-05-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

I took my final on Tuesday and I think that I did pretty well. Overall in the class I should have an A or B. I will find out tomorrow. I'll let ya know.

We went to our ward(church) picnic last night. It was at a park on the North side (in our city the north side is scary). We decided to go because it was with the church so everything should be OK. We did a quick evaluation of the park and decided that it looked nice and clean. We had lots of fun and good food! The kids played on the toys, the teens and the men played softball, and the women shared good conversation. It started to get dark and we were all discussing that it was about time to go when we heard what sounded like fire works, WELL they weren't!!! All of the sudden, all of the softball players were coming back. My husband quickly came to me and said it was time to go, "did you hear the gun shots?" He said it was a drive by shooting and thank heaven no one was hurt. We discussed on the ride home how we are so blessed to live in an area where we are safe or at least we feel that way. It made me think of families who live in dangerous neighborhoods where shootings are common. I guess I live in a pretty sheltered world, a place where I "think" my family is safe. I think that for me it is a matter of faith. Faith that we are put here for a purpose and that the Lord will bless us and keep us. It is pretty simple but it gives me sanity in this crazy wonderful world.