Mackaydisplay

2011-10-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 05 October

Did...Googletalked with my hubby, ate Tomato soup with croutons, went to JCW's with my 2 of my girls, folded laundry, watched Top Chef, Just Desserts, listened to Bossypants on my iPod.

Thought..."I'm not ready for Fall", "I'm never going to be ready for my daughters to date", "I need to buy a shotgun".

Saw...A chicken running down the road (no lie!), ummmm...I'm still laughing about the chicken. Oh yeah, I also saw this:

Wished...I could sleep through the night (I can't remember the last time I went to bed and stayed asleep until morning, even with a sleep aid), Dulce de Leche cheesecake was fat free and calorie free.

2011-10-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 04 October:

Did...I cooked breakfast for dinner. Yum! I think that's the best thing I did all day.

Saw...a jogger pick up a $1 bill he spotted on the ground, a dirty bathroom that needs to be cleaned.

Thought..."I should really work out tonight" and "I really don't want to work out tonight".

Wished...that I saw the $1 bill before the jogger, that my son wouldn't have told me the story about the boy in his class that ripped off a huge scab and then proceeded to smear blood all over his paper.

The End.

I'M BAAAAACK!!!!!

2011-10-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

After a long absence from blogging, which I'm sure resulted in a few candle vigils mourning my disappearance, I'm back. My format will be a little different but I won't lie. It's pure laziness. I'm going to keep this as sort of a journal if you will. I will list things I did, saw, thought, & wished for the previous day. This is groundbreaking journalism people!!!! Names may, or may not, be changed....depending on how mad you made me OR how happy you made me.

Oct 3, 2011

Things I did.....cursed my alarm at 5:10am, shaved my legs (your welcome), ate my oatmeal with a spoonful of canned pumpkin (don't knock it 'til you try it), the hours of 8am to 4p were a blur but I'm pretty sure I worked, fixed dinner, fed the neighbor kid sugar,ran and almost puked, fed the neighbor kid more sugar, passed out.

Saw....my sweet daughter try diligently to master her lower case 'a'.

Thought...."I hate my alarm", "I'm in trouble with the neighbor kids mom", "I can't wait for Biggest Loser tomorrow night"

Wished....that Harry Connick Jr. would be my neighbor, running didn't hurt my feet, for a good night's sleep.

For the record - I confessed my dietary faux pas to my neighbor & I don't think she is pressing charges.

The countdown is on....

2009-10-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

....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.

October 23rd Holiday

2009-10-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Volleyball

2009-09-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

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)

THANK YOU!!!

2009-09-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

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!

As Promised

2009-08-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

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******

I'm FREEZING!!!

2009-08-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Blast From The Past

2009-07-30T12:02:00.001-07:00

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.

Liberty, Opportunity, Prosperity, & Hope

2009-07-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

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

I Think I Threw Up in My Mouth a Little Bit

2009-07-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

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".

Anyone Hungry?

2009-07-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

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!

Keeping with the patriotic theme.....

2009-07-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Star Mangled Banner

2009-07-07T06:35:00.000-07:00

The title says it all.

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

A Dream Come True

2009-06-29T07:41:00.001-07:00

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.

One for you......

2009-06-22T14:21:00.001-07:00

.....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.

I DID IT!!!

2009-06-09T10:23:00.001-07:00

I think I found the ugliest shoe in the world.

CLICK HERE IF YOU DARE

I CAN DO IT!! by Berkley Mackay

2009-06-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

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......

Fish Net Stocking and G's.

2009-05-26T09:31:00.001-07:00

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).

Comfort Food

2009-05-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

Blue Lemon

2009-05-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

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)

Just Because

2009-05-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Texas Size Treat

2009-05-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Don't carry a goat under your arm.

2009-05-11T07:32:00.001-07:00

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.

FHE

2009-05-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Pay It Forward

2009-04-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

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.

"In The Navy..."

2009-04-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Name the group that sings that song.

Traveling in Style

2009-04-23T09:33:00.001-07:00

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.

Chicken Pot Heaven

2009-04-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

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.

What My Mom Taught Me

2009-04-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

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?

What's wrong with this picture?

2009-03-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

#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)

Ever wonder.....

2009-03-24T13:26:00.001-07:00

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

Copy Cat

2009-03-20T11:44:00.001-07:00

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?

Berkley's Prayer

2009-03-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Internet 101

2009-03-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

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)

St. (In-N-Out) George

2009-03-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Patience

2009-03-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

To my loving sister:

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

Remember....

2009-02-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

....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.

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

2009-02-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

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)

Random bits-o-info

2009-02-16T10:06:00.000-08:00

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.

Creatures of Habit

2009-02-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

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????

Thank you muffin!

2009-02-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

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...."

Need a good chuckle?

2009-02-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Shout out!

2009-02-09T11:58:00.001-08:00

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.~

Dinner Blues

2009-02-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

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).

Bliss!

2009-02-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

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)

So Unfair!

2009-02-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

I was taking my morning stroll through People.com and saw this picture. Do you realize Rebecca Romijn gave birth to twins on.........................................28 December?!?!

I'm no dummy- I know she probably has a trainer and a cook. But STILL!!!! How does one look so good after twins? There are basic laws of physics that must have been broken to achieve this body 35 days after giving birth.

I'm still trying to shed baby weight and Paige just turned 13.

Tylenol anyone?

2009-02-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

We had a big day in the Mackay household. Paige got her braces. She was very much looking forward to this day and we found a great ortho just minutes from our house and it's the new Ward hang out...because other kids from our ward are patients there.

Here is a before and after. We loaded up on Tylenol. Some for Paige & some for me and my wallet. How can $1.25 in metal, a few rubber bands and 15 minute check-ups cost so much??? I truly am happy to do it and even happier that she's back to eating solid foods again.

Love you Paige!

Why-Ma-Rhine-Er

2009-01-29T12:29:00.000-08:00

You've probably seen me talk about Potsy, our Weimaraner (see blog title for pronunciation), on this blog. He was a dog we adopted and weren't sure if we would be able to keep him (for various reasons). He has really become a part of the family and here is why I fell in love with the breed years ago. These are not my pictures (thank heavens for Google) but they help show why this is such a beautiful breed.

Puppies are born with blue eyes but they turn yellow as adults. They have such a regal presence. They were originally bred to hunt large game (bears, boars, deer) so if a bear shows up in our neighborhood Potsy will save us.
There is a famous photography who has done work for Sesame Street (see video below) and also books with his dogs posing dressed up. If you have a minute watch the videos. The first is short and the second one is longer.

I am looking forward to Spring so we can teach our Potsy some fun tricks and play with him outside. He's learned quite a bit and I can put a piece of chicken in front of him and he won't eat it until I give him the command. Now I need to figure out how to teach Bruce the same trick! (ha-ha...I just thought of that...I love you sweetheart!)

Personal Editorial

2009-01-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, I saw a rated R movie. Yes, I loved it. It is my opinion that the rating system is a little wacky. I would rather my children see Slumdog Millionaire then let them watch The Dark Knight ever again. I believe Slumdog had less swearing than in a PG-13 movie, 80% less violence than in Dark Knight. If you saw Dark Knight you can't tell me you finished that movie feeling good!!!!!

It is a movie about a boy from the slums of India who goes on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. They think he cheated because how could an uneducated boy know all of these answers? He flashes back to moments and experiences in his life that depict how he knew the answer. There is a love story mixed in but it's touching, tender and uplifting.

My OPINION as to why it's rated R is due to the fact it show the brutal and inhumane realities of life in India. The homeless children, the religious divide and a few violent scenes (all of which were far less graphic than any PG 13 movie) cause you to hold your breath a little. But it's reality, it's a fact, it's an issue.....a crazy man dressed up like a Joker is no where near reality.

I know I'm rambling, I know I'm picking on Dark Knight but I also I know I am entitled to my own opinion. Some might say I justified my seeing a rated R movie. Who cares. I saw it and I loved it.

Singing Time

2009-01-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the dark picture. Berkley was teaching us some songs last night. Top: ABC's

Bottom: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Can you spot the pseudo celebrity?

2009-01-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

Second from the left and second from the right are my niece and nephew. They had an encounter in Park City last weekend with some sort-of, kind-of celebrities.

Does anyone recognize the people on each end and the dude with the red scarf?

Hint: If I were to name this photo it would be "I SURVIVED Sundance."

I want to clarify that I'm not mocking Drew and Ashley's encounter....I would quite enamoured if I had run into these people myself.

Blast from the Past

2009-01-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

I know I'm taking a big risk. Subjecting myself to ridicule. Subjecting others to the same. I have immunity because I am a product of the 80's.

Here are some dance pictures from way, way back. The olden days. When a Walkman was cool. Big hair a sign of social status. Shoulder pads a must. Thompson Twins, Boy George, and Tears For Fears were at the top of the charts.

Every dance has it's own story, hairstyle, dress, and embarrassing moment. Maybe one day I'll share.

Update

2009-01-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

I caught the correct bus today!

(insert happy dance here)

True Confession

2009-01-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

So on a scale of 1-10....how brain dead am I?

The bus pulls in to the park-n-ride lot this morning.
I check the number, or so I think!
I get on.
I find a seat.
About 90th South I wonder why the bus driver is in the slow lane instead of the HOV lane. "What a lame driver" I think to myself. "I'm never taking this later bus again."
It hits me, like a hammer to the stomach.

I'M ON THE WRONG BUS!!!

I'm on bus 810 that goes to the U of U. I nearly start openly weeping. I frantically text Jen & Bruce (because somehow it made me feel better to confess my utter stupidity??).

I try not to have a panic attack in front of everyone. I slowly, as to not draw attention to myself, tuck my work ID badge in my bag so no one can see I work NO WHERE near the U of U.

As we approach the U of U campus I try to discreetly lean over to a woman (who I saw reading the Book or Mormon so I figure she will be nice and is familiar with the whole 'charity' thing) and ask her which stop is closest to the TRAX station.

"I don't normally take this bus, but I need to meet someone at the TRAX station (she didn't need to know it was the TRAX operator who would take me downtown). Which stop do I get off at?"

She politely answered and I'm hoping she didn't see the beads of sweat trickling down my forehead.

To make a long story semi-long: I made it to work and it only took me 1 1/2 hours instead of my normal 45 minutes, I got a great tour of Research Park, I rode a TRAX line that I've never ridden before, I made a new friend (thank you Book of Mormon reading stranger for not laughing directly in my face), and I've learned that 810 looks nothing like 802.

**Sigh** I need more sleep.

If you think I was brain dead today, you haven't heard about the day I drove to work and left my car running ALL day in the Church Office Building parking lot. It takes a strong woman to confess such idiotic actions.

Thank you Ash!

2009-01-12T10:38:00.001-08:00

Last time we went to Idaho I meant to take a picture of this house. Ashley did and posted it on her BLOG and I admit I'm stealing - thanks Ash.

Yes, it's a real house. Does anyone remember the Teton Dam breaking in the 70's? I think the owner lost his house in the flood and rebuilt in the shape of a boat for added insurance. I was actually in Rexburg when it happened, visiting my cousins.

Side story: My cousin went to school with Bruce. In all my years visiting family in Rexburg Bruce and I MAY have crossed paths. How weird is that?!?

Excuse me??

2009-01-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

I've done a few dumb things over the past thirty-something years....but watching this makes me feel like a Harvard graduate.

CLICK HERE (YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID..be patient through the commercial)

(I also want to know where the lady went to be by herself)

Carbon Imprint

2009-01-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

So, my carbon imprint on the world was quite high today. 45 Minutes between the Thanksgiving Point and Bluffdale exit.

This is me heading North, going up the Point of the Mountain. BEFORE I realized the nightmare which was awaiting me.

This was my top speed...and it was only for a few minutes. I think my average speed was 2 mph.
This is why. "Dude! You're going to wrong way!"

Too Much!

2009-01-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

I have too much to talk about today! If everything I was thinking of was an article in the paper here are the headlines:

Lehi Man Wins Husband of the Year! (Bruce got me a personal trainer for Christmas who comes to my house 2x a week)

Two Year Old Has Tummy Troubles. (Berkley is constipated...TMI? sorry)

Utah Woman Hasn't Slept For 3 Days. (I've been sleeping impaired...only 3-4 hours per night. The worst part? No particular reason except that I'm SLEEPING IMPAIRED!)

Winter Blues Settle In. (I am SO over this snow)

Money? What money? (2 kids start braces this month)

Child Protective Services Investigate Incident. (I'm such a mean mom. I make my kids take home lunch 4 days a week and they only get 1 school lunch per week. I think my kids hate me for that)

Happy Birthday Kennedy

2009-01-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Kennedy turned a whopping 11 years old yesterday. Here are a few things about Kennedy that make her unique.

She is named after a VJ fromMTV (VJ= Video Jocky...when MTC actually played music videos). When I was pregnant with her I was watching t.v. and this person was on and I just loved her name. She had a unique name 11 years ago...I hear it more now. I like to think I started a trend.

She loves cats. This is a picture of her from last Summer. Our family in Idaho has cats and that is where she gets her kitty fix.

She has had a tooth pulled without any anesthetic. It wasn't even loose but needed to come out because of an infection. Brave girl. She says she will never to it again but she gets a lot of points for doing it once.

She is quite the joker. Sometimes it gets her in trouble (a little bit) and we need to help her keep her sarcasm in bounds.

She is a sensitive girl and has a tender heart.

She also has tender arms due to her getting allergy shots 2-3 times each month. She will be so tough that the Navy Seals will recruit her.

She sleep walks...which is quite funny for me and Bruce. She wanders in our room once in awhile and we know she is under the influence of the REM cycle.

She is a good friend to many and it's fun to see her circle of friends grow.

As a baby she didn't develop a sucking reflex. Therefore we taped her binky in her mouth (not really but it was a thought) and she had to use a special bottle that babies with a cleft palate use.

Bad Dog!

2008-12-30T19:01:00.000-08:00

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.

A Lost Art

2008-12-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

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)

Seven Pounds

2008-12-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

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.

Snow!

2008-12-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

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

Ginger Cribs

2008-12-18T19:46:00.000-08:00

Double Take!

2008-12-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Six Quirks

2008-12-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

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).

Birthmas

2008-12-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

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.

Blog Fog Dog

2008-12-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Gingerbread Houses update

2008-12-10T07:02:00.001-08:00

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

Recipe

2008-12-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-07T16:56:00.001-08:00

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)

"But officer..."

2008-12-04T06:32:00.000-08:00

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?????????

Happy Birthday

2008-12-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

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.

P.S.

2008-12-01T07:51:00.001-08:00

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.

Turkey Trot & Bowling Bonanza

2008-11-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

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**

Just in time....

2008-11-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

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!

Deep In Enemy Territory

2008-11-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

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?".

Would you rather...

2008-11-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-21T07:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks for shopping.

On The Porch

2008-11-19T18:43:00.001-08:00

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.

Freedom is Not Free

2008-11-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

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?)

My Favorite Place...by Berkley

2008-11-17T06:36:00.000-08:00

I have a few places around the house that I love to be. A few weeks ago I took a nap with my Moshi.

My new favorite place is sitting right here.....

With a big smile on my face.

On a paint can.

Weekend Update (extended version)

2008-11-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

We had a busy yet refreshing weekend. On Friday night Bruce and I flew to Phoenix to attend the sealing of Ryan and Sally M (all of you ward readers...member them?). The older kids were tucked safely away with the 'other parent' and Berkley was spending some quality time with Aunt C. We were able to sleep in and lounge at the hotel until our ride came to get us. I don't want to take away from the special feelings and experience of the temple, but boy!!!! it was nice to sleep in, eat breakfast, go sleep some more and basically see how little we could do until 1pm. Note to Jen: I did go and run at the fitness center and THEN went back to sleep.

The temple was so nice and the spirit really touched me. We went through a session with them and then went straight to the sealing. It was sweet to see them get sealed but even sweeter to see the kids be sealed to them...I have never attended a family sealing before.

We ate dinner and retreated back to our hotel heaven. We started to watch Sweeney Todd but promptly fell asleep (and I'm glad we did because it seemed a little gruesome. I'm officially afraid of barbers now). Sunday morning we perfected our lounging, and napping until we had to depart.

We got home about 5:30pm last night to a sweet little girl who had been to the zoo and made cupcakes with her auntie. She gave us the proper amount of hugs and kisses and spontaneously said "I missed you mommy."

My heart melted.

Have you ever....

2008-11-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

....seen anything as cute as this? It's going to be a good day.

HELP

2008-11-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

Does anyone have the book Flicka? If so can I borrow? Well.....can Kennedy borrow it? She needs to read a book about an animal (fiction is fine, but not fantasy) and at least 200 pages.

Thank you.

Laverne & Shirley

2008-11-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is what I used to watch after school every day. I loved it. What did you watch after school?

bTunes

2008-11-04T06:18:00.001-08:00

I usually listen to Podcasts on my way to work but I've heard them all and need to download some more. I was forced to listen to music (or I could have chosen to listen to the man behind me snore).

My bTunes(bus tunes) were:

Barry Manilow - Could it Be Magic (I skipped it after about 20 seconds)
Bare Naked Ladies - Another Postcard
Wicked - Popular
Soulja Boy - Crank Dat
Bare Naked Ladies - Old Apartment
Harry Connick Jr. - In Love Again
KT Tunstall - Suddenly I See
Wicked - The Wizard and I
Bill Engvall (comedian) - Golf
Men At Work - Down Under

Honestly - I don't know how Barry Manilow got on my iPod. Really, I don't.

Pssst....In case you've been living in a cave for the past 18 months it's election day. Vote!!!

One more thing....I loved "Stepped On a Duck" instead of using the f word. I think we will work on that one being our phrase of choice.

The "F" word!

2008-11-03T11:42:00.001-08:00

We were sitting at the dinner table last night and suddenly Berkley announced, "I farted." Of course we laughed and I told her to say "I had gas." I think she learned it at daycare because we typically don't use the "F" word. Then I told her to say "I fluffed." Bruce hates that word-which is why I suggested it :-)

So what phrase is better? Fluffed? Gas? Bubble? Any other suggestions?

Haunting Part Deux

2008-10-31T07:47:00.001-07:00

Bruce was able to kill off Connor quite nicely this morning. If there was only a zombie lacrosse team we could find...

Happy Haunting and a Boo to You!

2008-10-31T06:18:00.001-07:00

Our ward did a great Activity Days recognition night. Mr. Pumpkin was honored to be recognized. He's almost done with his Faith in God book.

We did a trial run of the costume last night. She ran around the house saying "Buzz, buzz, buzz..." Paige is going to be a bee and I think Berkley was having a bug identity problem.

Watch for more pictures of the other kids. I will post as I get them. Connor should be next. A dead Lacrosse player. It depends on how long it takes Bruce to get him dead.

And to all those who remember the treat the Mackay house gave out last year.....lower your expectations.

I Pledge Allegiance.....

2008-10-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Good thing: I only had to stand in line for 1 hour.

Bad thing: I had to listen to the lady behind me in line babble non-stop. I'm sure she's a kind soul, beloved by many....just not me.

Ammendment to the previous post

2008-10-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

If you click on the picture to view it in a larger form and look closly at the bottom corner of Paige's mirror you will find a note. I think we may be in-laws with the Sheffields in a few years.

2 year old going on 20

2008-10-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Bruce heard Berkley get up this morning but thought she went downstairs to sit with Kennedy. Little did he know she was getting ready for the day, complete with bandana, courtesy of Paige's make-up.

Obviously I'm giving in with the last child. Make-up at age 2, dating will be next Summer, and she'll move out on her own just before Kindergarten.

p.s. Do you see all the glitter? Ugh! I see carpet cleaning in my future.

Sampler (no words needed)

2008-10-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Miracles Do Happen

2008-10-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

Miracle #1:
My former spouse let the girls come to Church today (on his weekend) for the Primary Program.
#2. I remembered that I had promised my SS class I would bring treats. I think I made Chex Muddy Buddies in about 5 minutes flat, picked up the girls for Church and I wasn't even late!

#3. I was able to take the girls back to their dad's, make 2 pies (banana cream and coconut cream) with homemade crusts **tangent** For all you out there who buy pre-made crusts at the grocery store I promise you it's easier, cheaper and less time to make your own. By the time you drove to the store you could have the dough made, rolled and in the oven before your return. If you want to learn we'll have a little pie making lesson one evening **end tangent** wash a mountain of dishes, drink a Diet Coke, AND eat some lunch all before 2:08pm. As a reference point I will tell you I didn't get back from taking the girls to their dads until 1pm. You do the miracle math. Credit should be given to Bruce for heating up my lunch and he did stir the cream filling for about 4.5 minutes which I totally appreciate.

We have to leave for family dinner by 4:45pm so I needed to be sure the pies had time to chill in the fridge and I really didn't think it would be done in time. There is nothing worse than serving banana cream soup, or coconut cream ooze.

Granted, it may not seem like much to you but I was stressing out and feeling like I wasn't going to be able to accomplish all that I wanted today. I feel as though I've used up a lot of favors, miracles, divine intervention, good luck, and anything else along those lines. So as a warning (and an apology) if you planning on having any special needs this week kiss them goodbye. Plan on hitting every red light, being on every solicitor's list, running out of gas, getting audited, and receiving a call from the bishop this week......me included.

Happiest Place on Earth

2008-10-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

Where is the happiest place on earth? Well everyone has a different 'happy place' and there might possibly be multiple happy places. We have been to the big D. Why is it my happy place? Not because of Mickey, Nemo, Splash Mountain or the Matterhorn. It's because 90% of the food there is fried....deep fried...Mmmmmmm...... Churros, corn dogs, Monte Cristo (or should it be Crisco?) sandwich, fries, and I think even the cotton candy may be deep fried. I love it all but only for about a day and a half. If I see a deep fryer or smell fried anything I may spontaneously burst an artery. I'm not sure if my life insurance covers death by way of hot liquid fat.

Minor bumps in the road- forgot the memory card for the camera, stroller rental was a big disappointment (storage was about 16 square inches), pants don't fit anymore.

Highlights - concierge lounge cookies & all the Diet Coke I could partake of, watching the kids have fun, eating my weight in fried foods, buying new pants.

More to come....stay tuned.

4 and 4 = 8

2008-10-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

Rachel tagged me to post my 4th picture in my 4th folder. I was hesitant because of course it's Berkley. I do have other children that I love dearly and take many pictures of, but it seems that Berkley always seems to take center stage...which the other 3 don't seem to mind and they are easily bought off with ice cream or electronics. So here is my picture - Berkley's aunt Char took her to get these done when she was about 6 months? Sad that I can't remember. She's not a baby any more. **sniff**sniff**
The 8 part of this post is also a tag from Rachel. Listed below are my top 8:

T.V. shows (in no particular order):
1-Project Runway
2-The Office
3-Top Chef
4-Amazing Race
5-Biggest Loser
6-Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends (I love this one because it keeps Berkley occupied for 20 minutes...I know...I'm a horrible mom)
7-'Til Death
8-20/20

Fav Restaurants:
1-JCW's (for the shakes)
2-Bajio (for the chicken green chile salad)
3-Johnny Carino's (for the food)
4-Macaroni Grill (for the chicken scalopini)
5-Olivas (in Miami for the waiters)
6-Cafe Rio (for the pork)
7-Ruths Chris (for the steak)
8-P.F. Chang's (for the lettuce wraps & Mongolian beef)

Things I did yesterday:
1-Went to Church
2-Ran 3 miles
3-Helped Bruce back our trailer into the driveway
4-Made crepes
5-Played games with Bruce, Char & Ashley
6-Ate split pea soup
7-Watched The Amazing Race
8-Ate crepes

Things I love about Fall:
1-My birthday
2-The leaves
3-The crisp air
4-Pumpkins flavored everything
5-Thanksgiving
6-Turning on the fireplace
7-Snuggling under warm blankets
8-Hot food (chocolate, apple cider, soup)

Things I look forward to:
1-Our trip to Disneyland
2-Retiring
3-Seeing what job our kids will have (McDonalds? JCW's? etc)
4-Going home today
5-The corn dog, Monte Cristo sandwich, and churros at Disneyland.
6-Berkley being potty trained
7-Exercising each day
8-Being with Bruce for eternity

Wish List:
1-My office to move to Lehi.
2-To be on The Amazing Race.
3-Pumpkin flavored shake from JCW's.
4-Berkley to be potty trained.
5-A maid (love that idea Rachel)
6-To be able to sleep through the night
7-Time travel
8-More wishes.

People I tag:
Everyone that reads this (I don't have 8 readers)