Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Bad Dog!

The Victims (Berkley's puzzle pieces)

The guilty party. "What? I've just been sitting here."
We've also decided to keep Mr. Chewy Chewerson but we are renaming him.

His new name is Potsy.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

A Lost Art


Bruce's grandmother made these wonderful dolls by hand. They have amazing details (tiny buttons, beads, guns & holsters, hats, pockets, etc). Each doll is only about 6" tall. There is no stuffing -just fabric rolled up which makes them indestructible. They all have faces that have been stitched to provide eyelashes, lips, and noses. All have hair even if they have a hat.

It's a lost art - using the needle and thread to make toys. Bruce's grandmother lived to be over 100 years old and left this wonderful legacy. If only there there was Ebay or Etsy in her day....she would have been a millionaire. But now we get to be the caretakers of these priceless dolls and we are millionaires in a different way.
(CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SEE SOME OF THE DETAIL. BRUCE IS EVEN IMMORTALIZED AS A DOLL...I REMOVED THE VOO-DOO PINS FOR THE PICTURE)

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Seven Pounds

No, I'm not referring the amount of weight I've gained since the holidays began.

I had a fun girls night out with M, B, and A (thanks girls!). We saw Seven Pounds with Will Smith. I had no idea what the movie was about and actually 40 minutes into the movie I still had no idea what it was about.

If you don't know the plot (or haven't heard spoilers) you will be surprised. I loved watching the story unfold. I have to say that it's probably a movie you will either really LIKE or really DIS-LIKE but it's one I am going to recommend to anyone who asks.

p.s. if you are a crier please bring tissues.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Snow!

I wish I had this much enthusiasm for the snow. I like snow and there are even times I LOVE snow, but this dog is IN LOVE with snow.

PLEASE CLICK HERE

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Double Take!

I was walking through Costco the other night with Bruce and I looked at the pictures they have displayed right now...the beautiful ones depicting different moments in Christ's life. I love them and think some are so touching.

This one caught my attention. Who do you think the young man looks like? There is no wrong or right answer. I'm just curious if others see the same resemblance.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Six Quirks

So, you can't really run away from Blog tagging like you run away from a cootie infested boy chasing you in the 3rd grade.

Six Quirks About Me:
1. I'm bugged that I live in America yet I still need to 'Press 1 for English'. I'm fine with pressing 1 for Spanish and I'm glad I live in a country that gives opportunity to all. Just don't make me press a number for my native tongue.

2. I listen to talk radio every night while falling asleep or if I wake up in the night and can't go back to sleep. KSL has some really interesting stuff on at 3am. Colon cleansing infomercial, Billy Graham, etc.

3. I make the kids pay me when they leave things laying around the house. The latest problem has been pens and pencils. This could be dangerous because we have a 2 year old around (right Stoddard?). If I find one the guilty party has to give me .25 cents. I've only collected .50 so far but they are getting the message loud and clear.

4. I hate fish sticks. This goes back to my childhood and eating them at least twice a week, or at least that's what it seemed like. I love you mom!

5. I prefer to drive to work on snowy days vs. taking the bus. The bus is always late and because we are the last stop it's always full because it's picked up multiple groups of people at each stop because it's late....it's much faster to drive and driving in the snow does not bother me.

6. I'm a mean mom (refer to # 3).

Monday, December 15, 2008

Birthmas

Love Christmas. Love birthdays. Not so fond of the fact that Kennedy's birthday is 10 days after Christmas. It's hard enough to come up with meaningful Christmas gifts that will be used for more than 18 minutes and not discarded to the black hole of forgotten gifts. I hate hearing 2 days after Christmas "I'm bored. There's nothing to do." Grrrrr......

This year I think I'm good. I have some good and useful gifts for Christmas PLUS plenty of good ideas for her birthday. Paige is also on the borderline of the birthday and Christmas conflict (November 20th).

Kennedy sometimes reads this blog so I can't say what it is, but I have a gift that I hope will bring tears to her eyes. Speaking of tears - a few years ago for her birthday we bought her a new bike. She had only had hand-me-down bikes and thought a new one would bring forth squeals of delight. Nope. Tears. Tears of sadness and disappointment. It was the last new bike she will ever get. Only hand-me-downs from now on. Oh yeah! There was also the time we got her a figurine from Lord of the Rings (of a character that she liked very much). After she realized what it was she chucked it across the room. She's either very picky or I'm a bad gift getter.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Blog Fog Dog

I've been in a bit of a fog lately. It all started last Friday night when I made an impulse purchase. Actually I've been thinking of buying this for years now and one just happened to fall in my lap, so to speak.
It's larger than a breadbox, smaller than a horse....barely, organic, cleans the carpet and wood floors, great alarm system (both by keeping strangers at bay and waking me up), and makes as much poop as a horse.

It's Tater. I took pity on the woman selling him because she was going through a divorce and getting deployed to Iraq in a month. He had little human interaction and needed a good home. Unfortunately 2 of the 4 kids have allergies to him. I knew it was a trial thing. We will give him the love he deserves until a good home is found. If anyone knows of someone looking for a big, lovable, nearly the size of a horse dog, I know where they can find one. Crate and Kennel included and I will throw in the floor cleaning service for free.

Tater is 2 years old and a purebred Weimaraner. His 'tots' were removed on Tuesday so he is very easy going now.


Don't make fun of my shoe/sock/pants combo. There's a reason for this hideous trio. I promise.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Gingerbread Houses update

Ladies:

I have a conflict for Friday night. I think Saturday will be better, about Noon. If you can make it - great. If not I'm sorry. I still have the pattern if anyone wants to borrow it - just let me know.

ICING RECIPE
1/3 C. (rounded) meringue powder and 3/4 C. water (or 6 egg whites)
1 tsp. cream of tartar
2 lbs. powdered sugar
damp kitchen towel

Beat ingredients thoroughly with electric mixer in a large bowl. Beat about 5 minutes until frosting stands at stiff peaks. Add more powdered sugar if icing does not stand at stiff peaks. Keep bowl covered at all times with a damp towel to prevent the icing from drying out and becoming hard.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeasy

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Recipe

If you want to make Gingerbread Houses here is the recipe for the dough. I was only able to bake 2 of my 4 houses last night...sorry. I will have a template for you to start passing around today after I get home from work. Who will be ready for it at 5pm??? I will run it over.

Gingerbread Recipe
1 square plus 1/3 C. soft margarine
1 1/2 C. firmly packed brown sugar
2 TBL cinnamon
4 tsp giner
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 C. water
5 C. flour

Mix well and knead by hand when you add the last cup of flour is added. Divide dough into 3 equal portions. Roll dough out on the back of a well floured 11x17 cookie sheet. Dough should be 1/8" thick.

In 300 degree oven bake (one sheet at a time) for 10 minutes . Pull out and place house pattern on dough and cut around the patter with a sharp knife. Return pan to the oven and bake 15-20 minutes longer. After completely baked remove from ove and IMMEDIATELY remove your pieces from the pan to prevent sticking.

Eat the extra edges.

RATS!!!! I just realized I don't have the icing recipe. Tune in tomorrow or later today.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Gingerbread Houses

I'm finally going to do it! I'm going to make my own gingerbread houses and have a fun evening decorating them with the kids.


If anyone wants to join in I would like to do it Friday December 12th, in the evening.


I have a gingerbread recipe and pattern as well as a frosting recipe. If you want to participate we could pool the fun candy used to decorate with.


You would have to make your houses ahead of time and assemble them as well.


If you are interested leave a comment. For you faithful 22nd Ward readers I've also posted this on the RS blog...but pass is along to others if you think someone else would like to do it.
(But you don't have to be in the 22nd ward to be able to participate, but that's the main demographic of my faithful followers)


Thursday, December 4, 2008

"But officer..."


With gas prices being much more reasonable lately I find myself driving to work more. I know it's not very 'green' of me but I pass the freeway entrance on the way to the parking lot and the seat warmer is just kicking in, the heater is beginning to toast my toes and if you had a choice of standing in the cold and waiting for a bus that will be packed and you have to either stand OR scrunch in between people OR staying in your warm snugly car listening to your favorite radio station and getting to work 15 minutes earlier...what would you do?

Well I digress.

Every day I have driven into work I've seen at least 4 (each day) people pulled over and receiving a bit of Christmas cheer from our beloved UHP.

So can I let my pride show through a little and say that in my 22 years of driving I've never, yes you read it right, NEVER received a speeding ticket.

I didn't say I've never been pulled over....but I've never received one. That being said I've only been pulled over once for speeding and that's when I was married to a policeman and I think I got a free pass for that one....which I gladly took. I admit that I MIGHT be a fast driver on occasion but I embrace the stereotypical 'women are fast drivers'. Someone has to give credibility to the image, right?

I HAVE received a ticket for an improper turn but the street was poorly marked and I was only following the car in front of me (who also got a ticket).

Lessons for the day:

Don't follow the person in front of you AND
Don't get caught speeding.

p.s. Do you dare admit how many tickets you have had?????????

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Happy Birthday

Today is my sister's birthday. She is the first born of the family and lives in a little town about 1 1/2 hours away.

Here she is at Dland with my other siblings. She has the brown braids and the blue shirt.








This was her birthday about 36 years ago. She is hiding behind that fashion forward sweater. Do I look like Berkley or what???? (I'm on the left in those totally cool pajamas).


Here are a few things I remember about growing up with her:
I remember her obsession with the Osmonds and the Donny and Marie Show.

I remember feeling so super cool when I got to sleep in her room on the floor. Remember those sticky tiles that were like a hybrid carpet? She had those in her room. I thought her 4 poster bed was a princess bed but I was convinced something lurked under it.

I remember spying on her when she and her boyfriend (Darin something) were in the basement 'watching t.v.' **wink**wink**

I remember when she went to college at Utah State and driving up there to drop her off. I was so sad. I also remember going up to visit for a weekend. She made me, her baby sister, feel so welcomed.

I remember her dating Ken and I didn't like him that much....but I was an angry teen so I was following protocol. I eventually grew to love him (I had no choice once they got married) and I loved him even more when he took me for rides on his motorcycle.

I remember when she had her first baby...the first grandchild. I loved going to help her out..even though my mom did most of the work. I was there for moral support.

Thanks big sis for always being a good example to me and loving me and supporting me through my tough times.

I love you.

Monday, December 1, 2008

P.S.

I have to say THANK YOU to my big sister who ran in the Turkey Trot with me. She got up early and drove from West Valley to run the race. I love my big sis.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Turkey Trot & Bowling Bonanza

Thanksgiving started with a Turkey Trot. A 5K race through The Meadows shopping area. Thank you to Sharon & Mary for inviting me, thank you to Jen for encouraging me, and thank you to myself for not throwing up. The picture is of my number and I was so pleased with myself I wanted to wear it all day long...pinned to the outfit I wore to Thanksgiving dinner....but I didn't. It's being framed and I'm so inspired I want to train for another race.



We went bowling while enjoying our glorious 4 day weekend. Sorry the pictures are a little dark. This is Connor strutting his stuff.


Here is Kennedy - her form isn't bad.

Berkley gets a little help from dad and from the ball ramp.












While waiting for our lane to become free the kids had a friendly little game of air hockey.

Kennedy won Bruce. I've NEVER won Bruce in all our years together. Maybe Kennedy will become the next Jr. National Air Hockey Champion.









Berkley is showing her true NRA colors.












And lastly Paige. Initially she used the 'chuck and run' method of bowling. By the end of the game she was doing much better.


**THE END**

Monday, November 24, 2008

Just in time....

I promised Jen I would share my creme pie recipe. If you want to be the hit of Thanksgiving I offer the recipe to all who are willing to try it. Be sure to read the tips and hints at the end. My only plea is *PLEASE DON'T USE A STORE BOUGHT OR FROZEN PIE CRUST and PLEASE USE REAL WHIPPING CREAM* I implore you to make your own pie crust and no Cool Whip or canned whipping cream allowed. I won't send the pie police if you don't adhere to the instructions, but I encourage full compliance.

Pie Crust:

The recipe I've been using since a child is the same as The Pioneer Woman recipe. See HERE. I wonder how she got it from me?


*Vanilla Creme Pie Filling*
1 C. sugar
1/2 C. flour
1/4 tsp salt
3 C. milk
4 egg yolks
3 TBL margarine
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

3 bananas, sliced and tossed in some lime juice so they don't' turn brown. Put the bananas in the bottom of the pie shell before you pour in the creme. Jen had a great tip - don't put the bananas in the pie, slice the bananas on top of the pie when you serve it so they don't turn brown.


In a medium saucepan combine sugar, flour, & salt. Gradually stir in milk. Cook & stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat, cook & stir 2 more minutes.


Remove from heat. In a separate bowl have the egg yolks slightly beaten. Gradually stir 1 C. of the hot mixture into the yolks. Gradually return egg mixture back into saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil & cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in margarine and vanilla.


Pour into baked pie shell. Chill, covered in the fridge.

***TIPS***
If you have a heavier cast iron saucepan you will have less chance of the milk scorching.
Be PATIENT. Stir and stir and stir until it's nearly the consistency of pudding. If you don't wait it won't be thick enough and your pie won't set up.
When tempering your egg yolks add the hot mixture very slowly and whisk, whisk, whisk, fast, fast, fast. I usually have someone help me hold the bowl. It's easier. Pour it back into the hot mixture very slowly and whisk, whisk, whisk, fast, fast, fast.
I have only used margarine, not real butter. I don't know if it would make a difference in the taste.
If the milk does scorch just be careful not to scrape the bottom of the pan when you are stirring. It makes little brown specks appear in your filling and it doesn't look very appetizing.
For variations I've put about a 1/2 teaspoon of coconut extract and added about 2/3 C. shredded coconut at the very end. I toast a little coconut to sprinkle on top of the REAL WHIP CREAM. (see picture below)
I've also served it as a plain vanilla creme pie. Yummo!


I will be making crust and pie filling on Wednesday night if anyone wants to come over. It'll be a pie party!


Christmas Q & A

Fine....I'll do it.....

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. Unless it's huge, then garbage bags with a bow come in handy.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial.
3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime between Christmas and President's Day.
5. Do you like egg nog? Love it, love it, love it! But I am a bit of a picky nog drinker and thin it out with some milk.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? One for sure was a Merlin...do you remember those hand held toys? It was the precursor to the GameBoy or DS. It was so cool. It would do tic tac toe and other nifty games. See this video for more info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX_wlcpNMaE
7. Do you have a nativity scene? No (sadly). My mom has a collection. I go to her house to get my nativity fix.
8. Hardest person to buy for? My parents. They have everything they need and they have limited space.
9. Easiest person to buy for? Berkley. She is happy with a piece of paper and pencil.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. I have such good intentions and then I never get anything done. I AM doing it this year....for sure!
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I love all my gifts....really.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf, White Christmas and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably but I can't recall anything specific.
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Food.
15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear, because it's a pre-lit tree. It's the only way to go.
16. Favorite Christmas song? Anything Harry Connick Jr. sings. and Little Drummer Boy.
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both. It's hard when family is in Idaho. There are years we stick around, there are years we go.
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes - even Olive the other reindeer.
19. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning.
20. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Nagging...er...uh...ENCOURAGING my husband to put up the lights. Then nagging...er...uh...ENCOURAGING him to take them down before Spring.
21. Favorite ornament theme or color? Right now our tree is stars and snowflakes with a few snowmen as an accent. Tai Pan baby!
22. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Anything warm and covered in gravy.
23. What do you want for Christmas this year? I really want a pasta maker. One of those sit on your counter and you crank the handle to thin the dough and then it cuts it. I'm itching to start making homemade pasta. I also want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle.

Anyone who hasn't done this yet I triple-dog-dare-ya!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Deep In Enemy Territory

We were able to go to the U of U and BYU game last night. It was fun but we treaded lightly, making sure not to have direct eye contact with those wearing red. I was wearing my BYU sweatshirt so I knew I was a prime target. Obviously we were dots of blue in a sea of red. Luckily we were in a very small pocket of BYU fans....VERY SMALL. But everyone was civil and there were no fights in our general vicinity. But alas, we all know the outcome of the game was not favorable for those wearing blue.

Here we have both teams on the field at the beginning of the game....before the slaughter began.


There was a lot of standing that went on. Per the picture you can tell I did a lot of sitting.

At half time both marching bands performed together. Both Bruce and I had the same thought come to us (that's why we are such a good match....we think alike). We thought of the pop culture quote from Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?".

Friday, November 21, 2008

Would you rather...

As I drove past the new Denny's today I realized life will get much more complicated once they open. I'm an IHOP kind of gal, Bruce is a Denny's Grand Slam Man. It made me wonder about my blog readers. What do you prefer? (my answers are in bold).

Denny's or IHOP? (you can't beat the Nutella and banana crepes)

Walmart or Target? (isn't it obvious why?)

Cafe Rio or Bajio? (Mmmmm....Chicken Green Chile Salad or quesadilla)

Lowe's or Home Depot? (I like the color orange)

Ross or Kohls? (more expensive=more organized. Have you ever seen the shoe aisle at Ross?)

Wendy's or McDonalds? (I have my reasons..OK? Don't judge)

Pioneer Party or Partyland? (No good reason, just because)

U of U or BYU? (I actually don't care but I know this will get me brownie points with my old man)

The Porch is Closed

Thanks for shopping.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

On The Porch

I cleaned out Berkley's room and found a few things that are still in GREAT shape and need a new home. These items are sitting on my porch right now, even if you are reading this at 3am (**wink**wink**Rachel). Click on the picture for a better view.

Post a comment on what you would like (so others don't arrive at The Porch and get disappointed) and please collect by Saturday 10am. After that you will have to go to the D.I. to pick it up.

If someone at work reads this please post a comment and I will bring it to work. If you don't know where I live you shouldn't be reading this blog!

These should be taken by the same person because the balls are interchangable. The train spits the balls out the back, the other contraption blows the balls up the top and then they roll down the loop again. Train batteries are probably ok. Blower needs new batteries - the ones in it are getting low. Both play music.
Only one of the Teletubbies work. They make Teletubbie noises (which are unintelligible to the adult ears) but again, only one works but I don't remember which one. Leopard and Frog Beanie need no explanation and unintelligible sounds not included.

Set of 4 Pooh Bear characters in a bag and a baby blow up thingy with a bell and ball in the middle. I guess a baby is supposed to roll on it - the older kids used it as a weapon.


Shape sorter, 10 finger puppets, and a little car with Big Bird.

2 set of keys that make noises when buttons are pushed, a tinker piano, and the Elmo piano is battery powered and there are a variety of delightful sounds. The Tiger is a flashlight that should 'roar' and the mouth opens up to reveal....drum roll......the flashlight portion of the show. It seems to be having some technical difficulties but it may only need new batteries.

These are for the younger crowd. Connecting rings, some chewy keys, another baby toy that rattles (looks like an atomic atom), 3 balls with little animals inside.
I have a strict return policy - there is no returning it.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Freedom is Not Free

This is a quote from the Korean War Memorial. Recently I was able to go to Washington D.C. for work but did some sight seeing as well. Here are a few of my pictures:

The inspiration for my Blog title

A crystal at the Museum of Natural History
The Wright Brothers plane at the Air and Space Museum

The Spirit of St. Louis (1st plane to fly from Paris to NYC non-stop)

Washington Memorial at night
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Jefferson Memorial
Korean War Memorial
Korean War Memorial again
Vietnam Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial
Layng on a bench at the base of the Washington Memorial
View of "The Mall" from the top of the Washington Memorial
Another view from the top of the Washington Memorial
Last view from the top of the Washington Memorial
Have I mentioned the Washington Memorial?
At the WWII Memorial
Jen, Me, Jersey, and Ansel just after we had breakfast with W.
A note to Jen: We didn't come up with nicknames for ourselves. I feel a little left out. How about Dini (because of how quick you changed pants at the airport...Houdini) and Fonda (because of my stretchy work out pants?)