Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The countdown is on....

....Paige and Kennedy's dad moved to Seattle a few months ago. They wanted to send him a video message and because I can't seem to convert it into a format that can be emailed....you all get to see it.

They are counting the days until they get to go and see him. Berkley HAD to be in the video too.


Friday, October 23, 2009

October 23rd Holiday

Did you know today is "Slap Your Co-Worker Day"? If you don't believe me Google it. Here are a few suggestions that seem fairly harmless.


Sunday, September 20, 2009

Volleyball

My girls love to play volleyball and they are improving each year that they play. This is Paige's 3rd year and Kennedy's 2nd. Today's post is for Paige. I coach Kennedy's team so it's hard for me to take video and coach at the same time. Next week.

Paige is so very pleased at her overhand serve....and she should be. Here are a few videos. Please notice, for girls just playing for fun, how many end up on their knees diving for balls and how good their serves are. If you are interested in coming to watch her play let me know!
(Paige is on the black team)

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

THANK YOU!!!

A few months ago my friend posted a "Pay it Forward" contest on her blog. I was one of the lucky people who received her gift.



Thank you Jen, I love it. I apologize it took me so long to blog about it. Isn't this purse adorable? If you want to look at the others go to her BLOG.

Sorry this is such a bad picutre. I took it while running out of the house this morning. If you go to her blog you will see a much better picture and drool over her sewing skilz.




As a reminder, here are the rules if you want to play.


1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me (yeah for handmade!).
2. Winners must post this challenge on their own blog, meaning that you will pay it forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!
3. The gift that you send to your 3 friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember it’s the spirit and the thought that count!
4. When you receive your gift, blog about it!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

As Promised

Here are my precious Brussel Sprouts. Bruce thinks I'm strange because I read them stories at night and bring them treats from the store. The kids are jealous.
Up close and personal. It's kind of like looking at someone's bloomers. See the little nubs on the center stalk, under the leaves? They will grow up to be big and strong Brussel Spouts. Which I will tenderly harvest and then EAT! with butter....**droooooooool******

Monday, August 3, 2009

I'm FREEZING!!!

Although this statement would apply to my current state (I have no idea why they insist on keeping my office this cold!!!) I'm actually referring to some of the produce from my garden.

I say garden like it's this lush green oasis of vegetables and berries to frolic through **insert image of person running is slow motion through a field of strawberries**

I have a few zucchini plants, 6 strawberry plants which have netted us about 8 wee strawberries, 2 sad looking tomato plants but we have picked about 4 tomatoes so that makes me smile, and a few measly carrots -probably not even enough for a Sunday dinner....for just Bruce and I....and I don't eat any carrots.

My pride and joy (yes, I can have pride in a plant) are my 4 Brussel Sprout plants. It was an impulse buy (kind of like buying a PEOPLE magazine while waiting to check out at the grocery store). I saw them at Olsen's Nursery and figured "What the heck!"

I will post pictures tomorrow because, as I just mentioned, I have pride in my plants and I'm proud that I have pride. Huh? Anyway, just look tomorrow.

I got off the subject. I found this great website that talks about freezing vegetables. As we discussed in Nursery yesterday (by the way, we have an opening...anyone want to apply?) Sharon is freezing her green beans and it just got me thinking..."Could I freeze my zucchini? I have 7 plants...did I go overboard? Maybe? Just a little?

Here is the website if you are interested.
http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=GH1503

Tune in tomorrow to see the awesome Brussel Sprouts.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Blast From The Past

I think the above was Christmas 2003 at Grandma Mackay's house.
Can you find the 2 cats in this picture? And yes, that IS Paige sleeping.
Trip to Jackson Hole Summer 2005(I think).
I love the look on Connor's face and Paige looks so cute crossing her legs. I think this is Summer 2005 as well.
My how my kids have grown.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Liberty, Opportunity, Prosperity, & Hope

Really?? Is this a joke??? Not that the POTUS is a joke, but......

Monday, July 20, 2009

I Think I Threw Up in My Mouth a Little Bit

There is a theatre in Seattle where people deposit their gum on the wall....on purpose.

I think Utah has a similar place. It's called "The walls where you wait in line at Terror Ride at Lagoon".

Friday, July 17, 2009

Anyone Hungry?

For Berkley's birthday I made "Hamburgers" and "Fries".



PSYCH


I'ts actually cake! Bill Dulle thought I ordered it through a bakery because they looked to 'professional'. Thanks Bill, you made my day.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY BERKLEY!



Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Keeping with the patriotic theme.....

A little lesson on toilet paper (I had to do this to get the taste of Michael Jackson out of my mouth):

Since the dawn of time, people have found nifty ways to clean up after the bathroom act. The most common solution was simply to grab what was at hand: coconuts, shells, snow, moss, hay, leaves, grass, corncobs, sheep's wool -- and, later, thanks to the printing press -- newspapers, magazines, and pages of books.


The ancient Greeks used clay and stone; the Romans, sponges and salt water. But the idea of a commercial product designed solely to wipe one's bum? That started about 150 years ago, right here in the U.S.A. In less than a century, Uncle Sam's marketing genius turned something disposable into something indispensable.

The first products designed specifically to wipe one's nethers were aloe-infused sheets of manila hemp dispensed from Kleenex-like boxes. They were invented in 1857 by a New York entrepreneur named Joseph Gayetty, who claimed his sheets prevented hemorrhoids.

Gayetty was so proud of his therapeutic bathroom paper that he had his name printed on each sheet. But his success was limited. Americans soon grew accustomed to wiping with the Sears Roebuck catalog, and they saw no need to spend money on something that came in the mail for free.

Toilet paper took its next leap forward in 1890, when two brothers named Clarence and E. Irvin Scott popularized the concept of toilet paper on a roll. The Scotts' brand became more successful than Gayetty's medicated wipes, in part because they built a steady trade selling toilet paper to hotels and drugstores.

But it was still an uphill battle to get the public to openly buy the product, largely because Americans remained embarrassed by bodily functions. In fact, the Scott brothers were so ashamed of the nature of their work that they didn't take proper credit for their innovation until 1902.

"No one wanted to ask for it by name," says Dave Praeger, author of "Poop Culture: How America Is Shaped by Its Grossest National Product."

"It was so taboo that you couldn't even talk about the product." By 1930, the German paper company Hakle began using the tag line, "Ask for a roll of Hakle and you won't have to say toilet paper!"

As time passed, toilet tissues slowly became an American staple. But widespread acceptance of the product didn't officially occur until a new technology demanded it.

At the end of the 19th century, more and more homes were being built with sit-down flush toilets tied to indoor plumbing systems. And because people required a product that could be flushed away with minimal damage to the pipes, corncobs and moss no longer cut it. In no time, toilet paper ads boasted that the product was recommended by both doctors and plumbers.

In the early 1900s, toilet paper was still being marketed as a medicinal item. But in 1928, the Hoberg Paper Company tried a different tack. On the advice of its ad men, the company introduced a brand called Charmin and fitted the product with a feminine logo that depicted a beautiful woman.

The genius of the campaign was that by evincing softness and femininity, the company could avoid talking about toilet paper's actual purpose. Charmin was enormously successful, and the tactic helped the brand survive the Great Depression. (It also helped that, in 1932, Charmin began marketing economy-size packs of four rolls.) Decades later, the dainty ladies were replaced with babies and bear cubs -- advertising vehicles that still stock the aisles today.

By the 1970s, America could no longer conceive of life without toilet paper. Case in point: In December 1973, Tonight Show host Johnny Carson joked about a toilet paper shortage during his opening monologue. But America didn't laugh. Instead, TV watchers across the country ran out to their local grocery stores and bought up as much of the stuff as they could.

Also telling was that, in 1978, a TV Guide poll named Mr. Whipple --the affable grocer who implored customers, "Please don't squeeze the Charmin" -- the third best-known man in America, behind former President Richard Nixon and the Rev. Billy Graham. Mental Floss: Cheetos Lip Balm and other bizarre brand extensions

Currently, the United States spends more than $6 billion a year on toilet tissue -- more than any other nation in the world. Americans, on average, use 57 squares a day and 50 pounds a year. Even still, the toilet paper market in the United States has largely plateaued.

The real growth in the industry is happening in developing countries. There, it's booming. Toilet paper revenues in Brazil alone have more than doubled since 2004. The radical upswing in sales is believed to be driven by a combination of changing demographics, social expectations, and disposable income.

"The spread of globalization can kind of be measured by the spread of Western bathroom practices," says Praeger. When average citizens in a country start buying toilet paper, wealth and consumerism have arrived. It signifies that people not only have extra cash to spend, but they've also come under the influence of Western marketing.

Even as the markets boom in developing nations, toilet paper manufacturers find themselves needing to charge more per roll to make a profit. That's because production costs are rising. During the past few years, pulp has become more expensive, energy costs are rising, and even water is becoming scarce. As the climate continues to change, toilet paper companies may need to keep hiking up their prices. The question is, if toilet paper becomes a luxury item, can Americans live without it? Mental Floss: Why does bottled water have an expiration date?

The truth is that we did live without it, for a very long time. And even now, a lot of people do. In Japan, the Washlet -- a toilet that comes equipped with a bidet and an air-blower -- is growing increasingly popular. And all over the world, water remains one of the most common methods of self-cleaning. Many places in India, the Middle East, and Asia, for instance, still depend on a bucket and a spigot.

But as our economy continues to circle the drain, will Americans part with their beloved toilet paper in order to adopt more money-saving measures? Or will we keep flushing our cash away? Praeger, for one, believes a toilet-paper apocalypse is hardly likely. After all, the American marketing machine is a powerful thing.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Star Mangled Banner

The title says it all.



(Note to Michael Bolton: we saw you reading the words from your hand...we're not dumb)

Monday, June 29, 2009

A Dream Come True

I've had a dream for a few years now, and that was to hike to Timpanogos Cave. Every year comes and goes and we never do it. I think the last time I did it was when I was in YW.....FOREVER AGO! Saturday my family indulged me. Thank you guys. Connor was in Texas picking up his step-sister so he was excused.

See the happy family? See how they have fake smiles for me?

Listen, it was a rule...I had to put my backpack on the front for the sake of the cave, ok? I'm not trying to be cool or anything.

Berkley had it rough.



My fear of heights did kick in a little.



Very cool.

Even cooler.

My baby girl.

My big girl.

Monday, June 22, 2009

One for you......


.....and one lick for me!


Berkley is so good at sharing and Moshi is very happy she is. He is her shadow, following her around waiting for her to drop a morsel of food. Bruce does the same with me.




Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I DID IT!!!

I think I found the ugliest shoe in the world.

Friday, June 5, 2009

I CAN DO IT!! by Berkley Mackay

So Berkley insisted on getting her own drink of water in the bathroom using her little stool. That's the last time she will be using that particular stool. Look where it got her......








Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Fish Net Stocking and G's.

So yesterday we went to Lagoon for our annual day o' torture...I mean family fun day. We went with my sister and her family, along with some of Bruce's family. My ex-husband and his family were there too! It was a jolly good day.

Here is Berkley sitting in her rocket waiting to blast off. Surprisingly she did very well on the rides and LOVED the Paratroopers (the umbrella ride over by the Samurai). We saw the Hydes, Bainums, and Hodgkinsons. Where were the rest of you?????



After Lagoon Bruce, Charlene and I went to the No Doubt concert. When Bruce and I were first dating one of our initial dates was to a No Doubt concert. I honestly had never heard of them before so I asked Jen who they were. I had to do some quick homework and study up before the concert. Bruce also made me a CD so that helped me with the familiarization process.

Here is their tour promo picture.
Here is the opening of the concert

They had an awesome stage with a screen behing them

Another cool shot of the stage

And another...ok, I realize this is getting old

They also had big screen on either side of the stage. Here is a close up of Gwen. She really is beautiful!

I guess today is Kingston's birthday (her son), so she brought him onstage so we could sing to him. He was adorable and waved excitedly to the crowd. He had headphones on to muffle the deafening crowd, but Gwen took them off for just a few seconds.

Here is a shot of the mosh pit...and we saw some young uns down there. Maybe 8 yrs old???

Have you ever seen a drummer wearing black lipstick and a tu-tu?


And the best part of all was the lady behind us. Do fish net stocking and G's really go well together???? I think not. (sorry, I decided not to publish the photo).

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Comfort Food

I've had a serious problem lately. I'm addicted to food. Just ask Jen. When we eat lunch I'm always saying, "Ooooohhh that looks good, and that....and that....and that...."

Food is definitely a comfort and it's different for everyone. Just last night I woke up about midnight and I would have been very comforted by a bowl of popcorn, but I was too tired to go fix it. AND last night Bruce was comforted by the lemon bars in the fridge and I know this because he left a trail of crumbs.

Here is a list of my own personal comfort foods and a link to a recipe if you are so inclined to look. I haven't tried any of these recipes (except my own) but a picture is worth a thousand words....and a thousand comforting calories as well.

CORN BREAD

MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH

LASAGNA

BANANA CREAM PIE

PIZZA

Friday, May 15, 2009

Blue Lemon

Bruce and I tried a new restaurant last night. I highly recommend it and it's worth the drive to Highland. It's called Blue Lemon. Here is how the website describes their food:

At Blue Lemon we believe in creating a clean food eating experience beyond what you experience at other establishments. Blue Lemon is always family-friendly with plenty of options for vegetarians and those of us afflicted with health issues. Our delectable menu features only foods that fuel the body in a healthy way without sacrificing taste. After all, what good is the healthiest food in the world if you can’t get it past your lips? Our clean food is all-natural, prepared in a manner designed to maintain and maximize nutrients. Never fried or microwaved, and absolutely never weighed down with anything artificial. We invite you to come and experience a whole new restaurant experience. This is not your typical place to grab something to eat, rather the ambiance and atmosphere will leave you energized, refreshed, and most importantly, satisfied.

We had the fish tacos, the veggie lasagna, a side of tomato and butternut squash soup, and also some sweet potato fries. You could honestly tell that it was done as if it was cooked in your own kitchen...not with a lot of preservatives and artificial ingredients.

It's off the Highland Alpine exit. Go East 5.6 miles, turn left just before the light at Kohlers. It's next the the quilting store.

Enjoy. www.bluelemonutah.com (to look at the menu)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Just Because

Just because everything, nay E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G has been sounding so good to me lately I will post this recipe I came across. I love Kettle corn and I'm always game for trying to make new things. I haven't tried this so I have no idea how it tastes. If anyone makes it let me know.

Kettle Corn (adapted slightly from Chaos in the Kitchen)
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1/4 cup sugar
Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:
In a large pot with a lid, add oil and three kernels of popcorn. Turn on the heat and cover the pot. Listen carefully - when the third kernel pops your oil is ready.
Add the rest of the popcorn and the sugar. Give it a quick stir to combine and fully coat. Cover the pan and shake gently (using potholders) over medium-high heat, leaving the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape from popping kernels. Remove the pan from the heat when the popping stops and carefully pour the popped kernels into a large bowl. Season with salt to taste (about 1-2 teaspoons).
p.s. I have one of those hand crank popcorn poppers that you put on the stove but obviously a pan will work too.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Texas Size Treat


So I saw this very odd looking item on a co-workers desk. I honestly had not idea what it was. She gave one to me and told me it was a Hot Tamale, from Texas...with Texas size heat.

I'm taking it home and we're slicing it up for dessert tonight. It's so big (compared to a wee tiny regular Hot Tamale) that I could probably share with the entire neighborhood.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Don't carry a goat under your arm.

Although you probably use it every day, here's some interesting trivia you may not know about deodorant.

1. Be thankful for your foul body odor. According to anthropologist Louis Leakey, it might be responsible for early man's survival. Leakey's theory claims that most predators avoided feasting on humans because our body odor was "too repugnant."

2. Not only did the ancient Egyptians give us pyramids and flush toilets, they also pioneered the field of deodorants. Egyptians were the first to popularize the idea of applying scents to armpits, usually using cinnamon and other spices that wouldn't turn rancid in the heat.

3. The Roman poet Ovid preferred a more proactive solution. In Book III of the Art of Love, he cautions women against carrying goats under their arms.

4. Antiperspirants are classified as drugs by the FDA. Technically, they affect and/or alter your body's natural functions.

5. The first modern brand of antiperspirant, EverDry, hit drugstores in 1903. The original formula was so acidic that it regularly ate through clothing.

6. Of course, modern antiperspirants can also ruin your clothing. Aluminum chloride, the ingredient that blocks glandular openings and prevents sweating, is notorious for turning T-shirts yellow. So, blame your antiperspirant for your pit stains, not your body.

7. Offensive body odor is actually illegal in libraries in San Luis Obispo County, California.

8. One thing modern antiperspirants don't do is cause degenerative diseases. Medical science has found no conclusive evidence that absorbing aluminum chloride through the skin can lead to memory loss or slurred speech.

9. Aoki, a Japanese company known for its menswear, has developed a deodorant suit that supposedly absorbs sweat and neutralizes odors all over the body.

10. But that's nothing! The greatest Japanese innovation in the fight against B.O. is Fuwarinka scented gum. The so-called "functional candy" contains aromatic compounds that cause your skin to release "Fresh Citrus" or "Fruity Rose" aromas for up to 6 hours after chewing.

11. When Kurt Cobain wrote the lyrics for Nirvana's breakout song "Smells Like Teen Spirit," he didn't know Teen Spirit was a popular deodorant brand. The Mennen Company, which produced the deodorant, wouldn't say whether the song caused sales to spike, but six months after the single debuted, Colgate bought the company for $670 million.

12. In May 2008, actor Matthew McConaughey revealed that he never uses deodorant or antiperspirant. The next day, he received a year's supply of deodorant body spray from the Axe Company, along with a note on why he might want to start.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

FHE

So we went to Thanksgiving Point's family home evening activity last night.
If you haven't been to the FHE you really should-at least once. It's $3.50 per person (but if you have a membership it's free) and you get a hayride OR a pony ride, there is a craft, and you get to hang with all the animals. I've heard rumors that they have a treat but didn't see any last night. Pictures will be posted later but here is what we saw and did:

*saw 2 itty bitty pygmy goats that were just born the same day
*fed corn to a lama, donkey, calf, turkey, and hens
*saw a Jersey cow get milked (but if you ask Berkley the cow was going potty)
*had a baby calf suck on my fingers...felt funny
*took a 'hay ride' around the farm and watched each horse relieve itself.
*saw a peacock trying woo his girlfriend
*witnessed Berkley FREAK OUT trying to get her to ride the pony (which is why we switched to the hay ride)
*had an ice cream

It was fun. I recommend it. Every Monday 5-7pm. Check out the website for details.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Pay It Forward

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me.


2. Winners must post this challenge on their own blog, meaning that you will pay it forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!


3. The gift that you send to your 3 friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember it’s the spirit and the thought that count!


4. When you receive your gift, blog about it! If you are not one of the first three to comment on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! It's all about paying it forward.

Friday, April 24, 2009

"In The Navy..."

Name the group that sings that song.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Traveling in Style


Berkley headed up to Idaho today to spend some quality time with Grandma & Grandpa Mackay, Aunt LaRae & Uncle Gary, and maybe a few kittens, horses and cows.

As a child I relied on a book, a travel game (Travel Bingo, etc.) or my imagination to keep me entertained.

My how far we've come. Berkley is watching Dora in the car with headphones. I guess she will learn Spanish and daddy won't.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Chicken Pot Heaven

I've been looking for a good chicken pot pie recipe that is family friendly, easy and large enough to feed our family. I found one. It's not necessarily very quick, but could be if you had leftover chicken or cooked it the night before. I love to buy the roasted chickens at Costco and depending on what I make I can sometimes get 2 meals out of it.

Filling:
3 Cups chicken broth
3/4 C. minced onion (I used the dry onions from the cannery but only did about 1/3 C)
1/2 C. chopped celery
2 C. sliced carrots
1 C. frozen peas
1 C. frozen green beans
3 C. cooked and chopped chicken
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 C. water
1/3 C. flour

Bring the broth to a boil. Add the carrots, celery and onions, reduce heat & simmer until tender. Add the peas & beans and cook until warmed through.

In a separate bowl mix the water & flour until the lumps are gone. Add it to the vegetable mixture. Stir occasionally until it's thickened up. Add the cooked chicken.

Put in a casserole dish. Put in a 400 degree oven (covered) while you mix up the biscuits.

Biscuits
2 C. flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 TBL dried dill (or 1 TBL fresh dill) *but this is totally optional.
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 c. cold butter
3/4 c. milk
Mix the dry ingredients and the cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add the milk and stir just until mixed. Roll dough to 1/2" thickness on floured surface. You can cut out biscuits and place on top of chicken mixture OR I just put the dough on the entire casserole dish, trimmed any excess, and then scored the dough into 12 squares so I could just dish out squares after it was cooked.

Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until the biscuits are browned.

The dough is so flaky and yummy. You can ad hoc the veggies. We didn't have green beans (although I could have opened a can and cut them up a little), and you can add other veggies that your family likes.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

What My Mom Taught Me

I've been thinking a lot about what my mom has taught me over the years. Actually not just my mom but my grandmothers and my mother-in-law. Mom's really do know everything.

My Mom taught me if a cookie recipe DOESN'T have milk in it...you don't need to spray the cookie sheet. She taught me how to make bread WITHOUT a breadmaker. I kneaded it and rolled it up, making sure to pinch it so there wouldn't be big air bubbles in it. She taught me how to cross-stitch and attempted to teach me how to crochet (multiple times) but it never took. She gets points for trying. She taught me how to fold towels into thirds. This was because of the odd shape of the cabinet in our bathroom. She taught me how to care for others. I watched my mom take care of my grandmother when she was sick. My grandmother passed away in our house and I feel a lot of comfort in the fact that my mom with with her when she passed away.

Both of my grandmothers taught me a lot.
*Keep licorice in a drawer at all times just in case my dad comes over.
*How to color decorative glass bowels by putting them in the sun.
*How to count to 20 in Dutch.
*How to throw the BEST pinata party in the world.
*Having a 'game closet' with lots of fun and unique games and toys is THE BEST!
*Oil of Olay is the only thing you need to keep your skin soft.

And now that I have a mother-in-law that is a MACHINE she has taught me a lot as well. She has taught me that butter is better than margarine, meat will make my husband happy, and ALL THE MOTHERS have taught my, by example, to give of myself.

I probably should have waited until Mother's Day to do this, but isn't every day mother's day?

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

What's wrong with this picture?

#1. I'm at work and not at home in my p.j's in front of a fire sipping hot cocoa and reading a book....that's VERY WRONG.

#2. It's snowing. Did the weather man check the calendar?

#3. I'm at work and not at home in my p.j's in front of a a fire sipping hot cocoa and reading a book. (but I am sipping a Diet Coke so it's not all bad)

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Ever wonder.....

....how the walkie talkie got it's name?

Friday, March 20, 2009

Copy Cat


I admit...I'm a copy cat. I found this LINK on Adrian's blog and had to try it. Super fun. This photo was taken way WAY back in 2008.....see how old it looks?


Monday, March 16, 2009

Berkley's Prayer


I realize many of you may not know the REAL Berkley. Outside of her comfort zone she is quiet and shy and really won't even look you in the eye. But behind closed doors, or 'comfortable doors' she is a ham. She LOVES family prayer and when we say it's time for prayer she gets so excited and calls the kids over, kneels down, and is so eager. Every time we say a prayer she insists on saying it and even if we tell her it's someone else's turn...she still has to say her own prayer after the original prayer is said. She dutifully folds her arms, bows her head and closes her eyes. Last night she said family prayer and here is what she said.

She starts out with all the correct wording and then says...."bless Jesus be safe, bless daddy & Connor be safe, bless my Sissies be safe, bless mommy be safe, bless Grandma & Grandpa be safe, bless food be safe, bless daddy be safe....." and then ends it with all the correct grammar.

We always end with a smile on our faces when she says the prayer. I think Daddy gets double blessings to be safe because he's not big into the seat belts.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Internet 101

So there is an unlimited amount of information you can gain from the internet. Truly a great invention. I can't say too much but I'm researching something for someone for a certain event that's happening sometime soon.


Did you know that all these things come in 'gummy' form?

Lobsters
Giant Anatomical Heart (for the budding heart surgeon)
Butterflies (super cute for a little girl birthday party)
Frogs
Alphabet
Teeth
Chicken Legs
3-D Spiderman
Fried Eggs
Poker Chips
Army guys

Dice (to go with the poker chips...note to self: remember "Poker Theme" for Berkley's 3rd birthday party....JUST KIDDING BISHOP!)
Brains
Boo-boo (bandages with a gummy scab)
If you want to browse more of if you are in the market for a Fear Factor lollipop with a real scorpion go to THE CANDY WAREHOUSE. (click on the yellow "Categories" tab at the top to help in your searching)

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

St. (In-N-Out) George

Recently Bruce and I had the opportunity to get away ALONE to St. George. The older kids were safely tucked away at their other parents, Berkley and Moshi were chillin' with my sister, and Potsy....well....Potsy was being babysat by my sis-in-law & my gracious neighbor.

Bruce & I had some awesome sushi and Thai food, In-n-Out was a definite sight seeing stop (twice), we went on a hike in Snow Canyon, and caught a movie. One fun part was that we met up with my friend Jen and her friends who were also on retreat down south. The weather man still owes me 10 degrees as it never really did get as warm as we thought it would. I'm going back with my sisters and mom for a girls weekend retreat at the end of the month. I expect to see a little more sun and a little more skin (Fran....bikini!).

Here is Bruce hiking the Three Ponds trail. I think there was a typo because it should have been the Three Puddles trail.
No one was around to take our picture so I had to figure out another way to take document our adventure.




Monday, March 9, 2009

Patience


To my loving sister:



I will update my blog AS SOON AS I CAN!!!! STOP BUGGING ME ABOUT IT!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Remember....


....my bacon post. How's this for a bacon goodie? (click here for the link)

If anyone makes them I would love to try a bite. Or maybe I will muster up some courage.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

"You're sitting in a chair...in the sky!"

As you know (and if you don't then you're not a regular reader of my super informative and highly educational blog) I like to post videos once in awhile. Most are funny because.... well ....they just are.
You have to watch the entire 4:11 video. It is so true. I will stop complaining about so many things (but I do love my drive-up at the bank).

(be patient...it takes a minute)

Monday, February 16, 2009

Random bits-o-info

Here are a few things I've been thinking about for a blog, but none are all that interesting alone. I've compiled a few for you to nibble on. I will also give credit where credit it due.

1. If you aren't hungry now you will be after visiting this website. It compiles recipes from websites and blogs. You click on the picture and it takes you to the site. Thanks Jen. Keep a napkin handy for the drool. http://www.tastespotting.com/



2. Another good food one is http://www.ourbestbites.com/ Thanks Becky.



3. I made homemade pasta this weekend. It was so delicious. The most time consuming part was making the dough but if you have a food processor it would be tons easier. I borrowed Jen's pasta roller-outter and made a little lemon butter sauce to go on it. Fabio would be proud. Thanks Jen for the use of the machine.



4. Berkley chose her own hairstyle today. Notice the little bows on her ears. They are courtesy of her Build-a-Bear. She has been obsessed with the headband since yesterday. Thanks daddy for letting Berkley's personality shine.

5. I went to dinner a few weeks ago with some great friends from high school. It was so good to sit and chat and get caught up. Bruce was a trooper, he didn't know anyone yet he was happy to go and did not embarrass me. Thank you to everyone who came. Let's do it again.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Creatures of Habit

Humans are creatures of habit. We all have something we do everyday, or every Sunday afternoon, etc. I was thinking about this as I dished up my salad from the rockin' salad bar at the COB.

My salad always consists of lettuce (duh!), spinach, peas, hard boiled egg whites (I try to pick out the yolks if I can get away with it and no one is looking), 1 sweet pickle, 1 beet, 1/4 C. cottage cheese, and lemon juice on top. Every darn day.

Other habits that I have:
I put my left shoe on first. One day I picked up my right shoe and went to put it on and it felt oh so wrong. I had to put it down and start with the left.

I like to go to bed with my socks on, but about midnight kick them off. Every night.

If I ride the bus - going to work I tend to sit on the left side of the bus, coming home is the right side. Weird.

I fall asleep on my left side nearly every night (so does Berkley). Once in awhile I'll be on my stomach.

Every morning I hit my snooze at least once, but usually 3 times. I cannot remember the last time I got up right when my alarm went off.

Oatmeal every morning sometime between 8-8:30am, 3 minutes in the microwave and there is a little line in my mug so I know exactly how much water to put in it. Not too runny, not to pastey. Oh so right!

What kind of creature are you????

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Thank you muffin!


Bruce is the best at giving gifts. He always thinks of unique things and loves to surprise me. One of the first gifts he gave me was when we were dating. He sent me on a savenger hunt around our neighborhood.

He thought ahead (which if you know him, is not his strong point). He sent me tulips and had them delivered EARLY so they would have time to open before Valentines Day.

Let's all sigh together..."Ahhhhhhh...."

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Monday, February 9, 2009

Shout out!

I have to give a huge, ginormous shout out today to my Connor, Kennedy and Paige. Let me set the scene:

Snow and cold have been upon us since mid-December. The backyard is the bathroom for 2 dogs, one being as big as a horse. The snow starts to melt and what is left behind??????

Yes, my adorable and obedient children ventured in the toxic wasteland (a.k.a our backyard) with shovels in hand to start the environmental clean-up.

Not one ounce of complaining and guess who is the only one who stepped in a pile?

Me.

p.s. we're still not done yet...much of it is encased in snow and ice. I pity our neighbors during the Spring thaw. ~P.U.~

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Dinner Blues

I began to dread the hours of 5-6pm. Dinner time. What to have? Do I have the ingredients? Will Cheerios and green beans be acceptable? Does it take 2 hours to make therefore pushing dinner to 9pm and then I'm afraid Berkley will pass out in her soup and suffocate?

So many questions.

I found a blog with some really good ideas for dinner and most of them have recipes. I found it through a friend (thanks Tera) and most of the recipes have ingredients which I would normally stock and have on hand. It also gets us out of our food routine we seem to be in. When the kids begin to openly weep it's time to switch things up.

I also committed to making a two week menu, making a shopping list, and the biggest thing....making a note of what I have to do the night before to prep for the following night's dinner. For example: take the chicken out of the freezer, brown hamburger meat, cut up veggies, etc. I've found if I write it down I'm more likely to do it. I keep my menu, recipes and 'night before' list handy in my kitchen. Although it's only been a few days I'm a much happier mother in the evenings and the beatings have been dramatically reduced.

Click HERE for the link to the dinner blog. (or it's at the top of my list of blogs)
Have fun! I tried the chicken cordon bleu crepes and they are fabo! I have a quick and easy recipe for homemade crepes. If you want it let me know. If you have a blender and a frying pan you can make them.

p.s. some of the recipes seem to be more like 4 or 5 servings. I've had to adjust a little, just pay attention if you have a large family or a large eater (like me).

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Bliss!

Every year we go on a family campout with my parents and siblings. Last year was a bit risky and we had a few surprises along the way but I honestly think it was one of the best campouts we've had in a long time. I always enjoy our campouts, but for some reason this one will stick with me for a long time. Maybe it was because I was fearful a lot of things would be miserable but it ended up being great. Maybe it was because I was with the best husband, kids, parents, brother, sisters, and nieces and nephews in the world.

We went to Lake Canyon campground which is east of Fairview. We had to pack in our own water & tables...and pack out our garbage. I think our trailer made it a good experience but honestly it was being with family, eating good food, and being outside. PLUS the family talent show was therapy-for everyone. (and it was only $25 per family for 3 days of bliss)