The Zoo

Yesterday we went to take pictures of Jackie's family at Papago Park. The zoo is right over there so they invited us to join them. It was SO much fun!!! The kids loved it and enjoyed all the things to do there. Here are the pics from the trip.

Zoo

Jiciwhat?!!!

Jicima! Pronounced with a H (Hikima). It is a root veggie that takes like a very slightly sweet water chestnut. And it is my new favorite!!
I am having so much fun getting all this free produce. I'm trying so many new things. The garage is now my produce fridge with all my veggies & fruits on a large table out there. It's cool enough, but not too cold. What's out there now? 2 cases of Fuji apples, a box of zuchinni, half a box of bok choy, about 20 lemons, and a case of jicima. The lemons are pretty much done and the green beans are taken care of.
Do you wanna know what we had for dinner tonight? The yummiest stir fry I've ever had!! I started by cooking chicken breast in chopped fresh garlic. Then while that was cooking I cut up my veggies - fresh green beans, sliced onion, bok choy ( you have to diagonally cut off the leaves and chop the stems, but save the leaves to add near the end), I peeled and diced the jicima and sliced the zucchini. Then took the chicken out and added flour to the juices. I wisked that and added a little more water. Then I cut up the chicken while the veggies were cooking (all except the onions and bok choy leaves. I have some stir fry sauce and added that along with the onions, cut chicken, and a sprinkle of chicken boullion. Then lastly I added a bit of soy sauce and the bok choy leaves. I served all that over long grain white rice (bret had brown). It was SOOOOOO yummy!!! Bret's not a big stir-fry guy, but he enjoyed it too.
I know it's silly - but I enjoy getting things for free and USING it!!! Thank you Elise!!!!
Well, I need to go and make cookies now, burn CD's for the Primary kids, and plan Sharing Time!! Busy night for me!
By the way, does anyone have some canning stuff they wanna get ride of? :)

This Is Cute!! Click on it.

How To Get A Soccer Partner!!!

September 2002

Wow, really melts my heart, my sleeping sweeties!

Classroom Door

Ok, so I go to help in Elizabeth's class every Wednesday. I usually will grade papers, or anything else she needs me to do. The week before last Mrs. Isaac wanted her door decorated. She told me her idea and I went to work. Basically she wanted a blue hill, a white snowman and black sky. She'll be making snowflakes for the kids to write their favorite Holiday memory on. Then they'll glue them onto the black sky.

Well, this is my end result! I'm actually very proud of myself. It was my idea to tear the edging on the snowman and "poof" out his body and head. I also thought using the tissue paper as a 3D thing too. I even had a little bit of yellow paper at the bottom of the snowman. I showed it to Mrs. Isaac before the kids came back in, then took it down. :)

Oh, and of course - I had to have a little model!

Calling All Recipes!!

I was going to title this post - Using What You Got!
We have been blessed to receive 8 boxes of lemons, one box of bok choy, and a box of broccolli. I have a friend who has a friend who gets free produce (that's the quick story) and she has been giving me tons of food. I've gotten zucchini, sweet potatoes, cantalope, cucumbers, pumpkin, chocolate milk, and now the lemons, bok choy and broccolli. And we are talking about boxes of all this stuff! It has been so fun using the food. I just can't let anything go to waste. :) It's been a blessing too with my Sneaky Chef cooking.
Tonight I made chicken broth soup with noodles and dumplings. I put some chopped bok choy in the bottom of my soup and it was YUMMY!! I really like bok choy! :)
Soooo, I need some more recipes that have bok choy, or lemons in them. Mela, don't you have a really yummy lemon bar recipe? I'd LOVE that one.

On other news, we are sick! We had a real fun Christmas party planned for Friday and we couldn't go. Livvy did the winner of all barfs! She aimed for the toilet and missed completely! But she did manage to get the tub, the walls, and her hair. Yes, nasty!
She slept with me that night.
This afternoon Bret and Elizabeth went to church and came home early. She was sick. Fever and upset tummy. Within a couple of hours we had an almost repeat of Friday. Elizabeth actually made it into the puke bucket.
I sure hope it doesn't go through all of us. :)

When life gives you lemons.....

Make lemonade!!! That is exactly what I'm doing right now - making lemonade (literally). I got 3 cases of lemons on Wednesday night and today I am juicing them; making lemonade, lemon water and lemon Mt. Dew (yes, truly - and it's yummy). I am also drying lemon rinds with a little clove for potpourri, making lemon decorations, and going on the internet to find all lemon related recipes.
I'm doing all this today because tomorrow I'm getting 5 more boxes (at least, maybe more). :)

I LOVE lemons!!!

In other Little news, I have been BUSY (understatement)!!! This week I've been working the Holiday Store at the school. I did it last year, but this year I was in charge. So I was there the entire time. With and without kids. Do you know what it's like trying to keep 4 kids from destroying an entire school after it has closed? It's hard!!! On the evenings when we were doing the store, my kids (along with 4 others) broke a radio, shorted out a room (almost electocuting themselves), spilled apple juice on the carpet, and beat up Santa!
What a week (glad to be done)!!! I just have to go back on Monday to count up the money. We better have made a LOT!!!!

There is still so much to share with you all, but I have to get lemons done, 4 reports for school, laundry, and a house to clean. Besides, I have to hurry and get off the computer before Bret comes down the stairs and sees me goofing off. :)

Thoughts!

There is a family in our Church who recently had a son die a sudden, sad death. They weren't very active, but I have seen the growth they have made. They have started coming back to church and working on their testimonies. It is amazing to see how such a horrible tragedy can be used for good too.

It got me thinking - each of us needs to be closer to Christ. No matter where you are in your spiritual growth, you can still be closer. I need to be closer. Am I on the right track? Am I using experiences in my life to bring me closer? Or will He need to take some drastic measures to GET me on track? I hope that isn't the case. I hope that I can be meek and teachable. I really want to be the sort of person that when the Savior needs me, He can ask and I can hear.

There is a song that I love that talks about when others see me I want them to look THROUGH me and see Christ. I hope that at the end of my life I have reached that point.

I have people in my life that I admire and respect so much! I really wish I could just take bits and pieces of them and apply them to my personality. Just this weekend I was thinking about someone in particular who is SOOOO giving!!! I won't go into the specifics of her life, but she has been doing things that are difficult for her (and her family) because it will help bring others closer to Christ. She just keeps giving and giving and giving. I don't know how she does it! :) But I see that as she opens her arms wider to others, her heart is fuller and people are blessed. And her prayers are answered in amazing ways. I know that I feel closer to my Savior and Heavenly Father when I'm around her. She is an amazing example!! Thank You Rela (all names have been changed). :) LOL I love you!

Thank you all for touching me and teaching me! I really do see your hearts and try to be more like you all in different ways. I could go through my list of friends/family and pick out specific things that each of you are so amazing at. Thanks for being my examples! I love you all and as we go into such a wonderful loving season - I hope that we can all bring ourselves a little closer to Christ!
Hugs and Kisses!
and by the way - if I'm unreachable this week, please be understanding. my plate is overflowing!!! i'll be at the school all day, each day this week. my cell phone is over on minutes so don't call that unless it's an emergency or unless you have at&t. :) if you need a nonemergency issue, leave a message on my home phone. thx guys!

Christmas Beautifuls

I love this season for many different reasons! Livvy gave me just one more reason the other night. We were driving home from Judo and taking the scenic route. The kids LOVE looking at all the Christmas lights. Suddenly Livvy yells out, "Look, there's MORE Christmas Beautifuls!!!"
What a cute thing to say. We have now reverted to calling the lights Christmas Beautifuls!

What were you doing on the 9th of Nov.

It was a Sunday and it was a very relaxing, calming day for us. I took some pictures. Here is what we were doing on the 9th of November.

I've Had a Lot of Thinking Moments

There has been a lot of things happening around me lately that have really caused me to stop and think about my life and my priorities. Many of us just tend to go through life doing what we do. We simply exist - not really living!

We have had 2 devistating, tragic deaths in the past month. Our sweet Judo instructor is battling terminal cancer. And the other evening we found out that one of the little girls in our Nursery has a brain tumor. I feel so deeply how blessed I am. Not because I don't have trials - we all do. But because I am able to take a step back right now and wonder how I can make a positive change in my life. I can think about what I can do to show more love for my kids and sweetheart or how I can better serve the Lord. I can think about what I want kind of a person I want to be.

On my mission we used to set 3 goals each Sunday evening and post these goals all over the flat. We had a constant visual reminder or what we wanted to achieve. I'd find out what goals Sister Grant wanted to work on while I was sitting on the toilet. :) Often times these goals would repeat themselves for months. (I always did struggle with reading my scriptures!)

Anywho, I think I need to be setting goals again. But different goals. I don't care how many hours I should be tracting. I need goals to help me LIVE life!!!! If I passed away tomorrow I'd want to feel that I had learned everything my brain could hold. I'd want to feel that I had shoved every ounce of love into my family to last for a lifetime. And I'd want to know that my love for Christ was so strong that it would save my simple, weak soul. And you know what....
Even if I don't pass away tomorrow, I know I'd have lived a life of AWESOME todays!!!

Yes, I was There!

last night, at midnight - Dickenson's Palm Valley Theatre. We had such a fun group of people for our Twilight movie!!! When Edward first came onscreen there was a bunch of middle aged women whistling and cat calls. :) We had fun!!! Mela and I smiled at each other during the good parts and I'd looked back at times to see Cat smiling. We were all wondering if Becky would have to take Becky to the hospital (dilated to a 3, now that's DEVOTION)! :) I couldn't see much of April, Wendi, or NiKole during the movie but we all chatted after.
Thank You Ladies for such a fun, time!! :)

Now for those of you that haven't gone yet and are wondering how it was, I'll tell you that I'm not a picky movie person. Although Clone Wars and Batman & Robin were my limits! :)
I thouroughly enjoyed Twilight!! No movie is as good as the book in my opinion - I'm a reader. (shrug) But there is also something fun about seeing it visually as well.
Now of course there was cheese (and I'm not talking about the nachos), there were parts that weren't very well done. And the running parts were a little goofy BUT (always, a big butt) I loved it. :)
Edward was a hottie, Jacob was NOT!!! Jasper was also surprisingly HOT!!! :) Rosalie looked like an 80's streetwalker though - I was disappointed. Alice was very cute! Bella was very gloomy - I was also disappointed in her always confused, grumpy mood.
I liked the dynamic feelings though. It was very intense. I liked that. :)
So my opinion, if you critic and tear apart movies, don't go. You won't enjoy it. If you can just enjoy a movie for what it's worth then go. I loved it and would like to go again. :)
Thanks Mela for sharing it with me! I had fun giggling with you over the exciting parts! :)

Judo!!!!

I am so amazed at my little girl!!!! Yesterday was her first Judo Tournament. She did amazing!!! She got Silver. :) I am so proud of her - it was a tough day for several different reasons and she pushed through and dominated. I'll be posting video clips of each of her matches later today. But here are some pictures of the event.
Sorry that things are so unfinished today with my blog background and not having the clips up - we had a tough day yesterday and last night. I have Sharing Time and Conducting in Primary today. I'm busy. :)
Elizabeth didn't feel well after Judo yesterday and was up all night, sick as a dog. She seems better today, but she slept with me and we had a rough night.
Anyway, here are the pics.
Love you all!

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Halloween - Sliced Cheese and Discarded Clothes

Halloween has to be one of my favorite holidays. We always get together with my brother and his family and trick-or-treat with them. It's been a tradition for about 8 years, I think. Each year we have something new to add to the list of memories and this year was no exception. Last year Greg set fire to himself and the whole neighborhood (that's the way the kids tell it anyway). This year it was all about Cheese!
You know those houses where you know they don't come from the States and have no idea about our traditions and customs? Well, we knocked on one of those - Asian. Very sweet older lady who felt so bad about not having anything to give the kids that she handed them a pack of "12 Sandwich Slices." :) Elijah was so excited about this large item she had handed out until he saw what it really was. Luckily he didn't show his disappointment until after she had shut the door. He turns to me and says, "Aw Man, Sandwich Slices?! What, are we having sandwiches?" Oh, I love that kid!
Bret and I have also decided that we've got this trick-or-treating thing down to a science. And I am going to share my great wealth of knowledge with all those beginners out there.
1. Children only come home with about 10% of their costumes still on their bodies. The other 90% is in your arms. Don't dress them in complicated costumes. My homemade Puppy, Zombie, Doctor, and Hunter are just as cute as the Scream character whose mask is being held by dad and his robe is tied up around his waist.
2. Pillowcases really don't make good bags for the candy. Maybe they are great for older kids, but little ones - stay away. They are hard to hold open and it takes 20 years for the passerouters to get the candy into them. Your child then holds up the line for my speed demons. :) The best "bags" are the plastic pumpkin ones sold at Walmart for $1. They have the open top and a handle and are PERFECT for the little ones.
3. Little ones will complain 20 minutes into the trick-or-treating. Their little spirits are so torn! Candy/Tired..... Which one? After 20 minutes, the tired starts to win. After another 20 minutes they really get whiney. And I suggest you just don't go past 60 minutes total. You'll have an uproar on your hands.
4. Go in a group. My reasons behind this are not brought on by a sense of safety and concern. It's purely selfish. If you have a group (preferably one with a few older kids - 10 years old or so), then you can stand out on the sidewalk watching the door and send your littles up with the biggers. You have a lot less walking to do and fake smiling to do. Seriously, I'm a selfish person.
Sooo, those are a few rules of thumb for next year. Hope you find these helpful! :) And now because I know that there are Grandma's and Grandpa's out there waiting anxiously, here are some pictures.

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Locks Of Love

Elizabeth has been wanting to donate her hair to the Locks Of Love. We finally got it done (thank you Jackie). She looks so cute with the shorter hair. More grown-up. :( She can't be growing up, I'm not ready for that.
I will be posting Halloween pictures soon too. :)

Candace, I Know Your Out There!!!

:) Bret's mom called and told us that you found our blog. :) YEAH!!! Email me, he's wanting to see your blog - we both are!

YEAH!!!

The Primary Program is over!!! It went really well. And I got to sit up on the stand with the kids and just watch it all. I love these kids sooo much! As I sat down in my seat just before it started, one of the little girls next to me, Lindsey, cuddled right up to my arm and smiled at me. Then Ethan and Reagan behind me tapped me and grinned real big.
I really felt the Spirit as I sat and listen to those little testimonies and songs. So sweet, so sweet!

18 and Life!!

Does anyone remember the old 90's song called "18 and Life" by Skid Row? Well, this was the story of my life last night!! :)

Some of you may remember that I offered to babysit for those in our Ward who wanted to attend the Memorial Services for Brad. I would have LOVED to have gone, but Bret worked late so I offered my babysitting.
At the start of the day I had 4 kids set up to come. And then within the next few hours more calls came in. The grand total at the end of it all - 18!!!! 18 kids and little old me. :)
It wasn't bad though. Nothing that a 2 ltr of Mt. Dew didn't help cure. LOL

So I've been walking around cleaning up the house singing this song:
18 and life you got it
18 and life you know
Your crime is time
And it's 18 and life to go........

The Start of the Puppy Costume!!

Livvy really wanted to be a puppy for Halloween. I have decided to make their costumes this year (to save money) and I am so proud of this shirt!!! It's a white shirt with cut felt circles handsewn onto it. Then we added some brown capri's and puppy ears made out of her hair. We still have to add a tail and the face paint. But isn't this such a cute start?! :)

I've been debating on whether or not I would post about something that has happened. And I've decided to go ahead and tell everyone something that our little church family has been dealing with.

News Coverage

Brad was a member of our Ward who worked with the Scouts along with his wife. His wife is a sweet, sweet girl. They have a little 18 month old boy and another one on the way. Her pregnancy has been difficult and risky. Brad was an amazing father and a caring husband!!

This has affected so many of us. Whether you knew the Gerrard's or not, when something like this happens it really hits your heart. It makes you re-evaluate everything in your life and tell everyone you love just how important they are.

I am trying to get together groceries items for their little family, and there is also an account opened for them at Desert Schools Credit Union (in Arizona). This news has even been shown in Utah. I think there is an account open in a Utah bank as well although I'm not sure where it is. If you'd like to make a donation, the account is under the names Susie and Brad Jay Gerrard. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. And please, if you know anything about the incident, contact the authorities. Everyone would really like some closure and justice in this case.

Fall Break is Over.

I have mixed emotions about this. My kids were getting restless, but it was so nice to be with them and to sleep in and to have such a relaxed schedule. But it was time.
Things are back to normal now and I have so much to do. Time to get busy again. :)

Things are ok here for us. A few hiccups in this crazy life of ours, but we're ok. I don't have much to say tonight. I'm pretty tired. So I'll sign off for now until something more fun comes along! :)

Hugs to you all!!!

I am officially - DONE!!!!

I am so sick and tired of being nice and kind and polite!!!! I am sick of getting walked on and not standing up for myself. I have reached my limit. From now on, expect me to tell you exactly how I feel!!! I won't be rude, but I WILL be straightforward. For example:
1. Do not send your children to me to ask me why we are giving out candy on Fast Sunday in Primary! It's passive agressive and judgemental. Unless you want to deal with trying to get 97 children to memorize their Program parts then leave me alone! Oh, and why are you casting the first stone?!!!
2. Facial hair does not determine a man's righteousness or willingness to serve the Lord. My husband is one of the most amazing men and if all Young Men could emulate him then they would be alot better off than they are now!!!
3. Friendship does not mean calling someone ONLY when you need them!!! It doesn't mean dumping your kids on them and crying on their shoulder and never returning the favor. It' doesn't mean dumping them when you find another new friend. I'm sick of being the doormat and it really hurts! And the phone goes both ways, in case you didn't know. If I don't call you and you want to talk - then CALL ME!!! Think of ME!!! Maybe I'm having extreme trials in my life and can barely even get out of bed much less try to call every single person in my life every single day. I LOVE YOU!!! Understand that!!! But I am also busy and have things in my life that affect me deeply. Maybe I need some attention too.
4. Don't ask me my opinion if you don't want it!! From now on, I am officially a brutally honest person. I'm sick of being sweet! It hurts!

That is all I can comment on right now. My awesome facial hair husband has a meeting (yes, he is righteous) to go to and needs the laptop. I have to say - you are all lucky because I could go on all day.
P.S. If I've offended anyone, then I'm only a bit sorry! I am so frustrated that I can't be truly sorry. But I know tomorrow I probably will be! Oh well, I'll deal.

Having Fun Making Backgrounds!!!

I can't believe how much fun I'm having making backgrounds! I took down the page for my sister to try this one out and I really like it!!! I think I'll keep it for a while. For those of you that missed my sisters' page you can check out her blog for the next little while. I'm not sure when she'll change hers (I did mine and hers the same).
If anyone is really wanting a background, let me know. I can try photos like the one on my sisters (it's harder to make it work). Or themes or just colors. This is fun! :)

Happy Birthday Jen!!

This background is dedicated to my sister. Today is her Birthday and she is such a special part of my life! The picture is of the 2 of us. I'm the one on the bike, she is the one pushing. I must have bribed her to push me. :)
Jen, thanks for being such an amazing sister, but mostly for being one of my bestestestest friends! I love you!

I Made This!!

I'm so proud of myself!! I made this background all by myself!! I have figured out how to do lots of different backgrounds! Want me to make one for you? :)

The New Face of WestPark Elementary

Yep, that's me! I HATE to have my picture taken!!! Last week I got a call and was asked to have my picture in a flyer that the School District will be mailing out to all the people in Buckeye (and surrounding areas). There is an OverRide vote coming up at voting time and it is VERY important for our school district. WestPark is a Performing School right now!! We have awesome teachers and average sized classes. BUT if the Override doesn't get voted through then our school district will not get the funding it needs to supply new teachers and staff (even buses and other things) for the new schools opening up. That means that they will have to take the resources from other schools to fill the need. WestPark will be the first affect by this. They will take 9 of our teachers for a new school to open next school year. This WILL affect our Performance! Also it will affect my kids! :)
Sooooooo, the guy is coming over this evening to take a picture of me and the kids doing homework or something like that to put on the flyer. Normally I would have said NO!! But there were 2 reasons for doing this - and I don't mean to sound Hoitty Toitty.
1. My kids will be in the picture and dang, those are some cute kids!!!
2. I am at the school a lot. The other parents know me and hopefully seeing someone that they know is a Mom at the school and supports this vote, will get them to think about it.
Other than that, I would NOT have done it!!! And I will probably not post the end result on my blog (unless it makes me look thin and sexy). :)

Yum-O

Well, I made a hit of a soup for the kiddos! Thanks Jen for the recipe! I even Sneakified it too. :)

The original recipe is Tortilla Soup, but I really don't have the time to make my own tortilla's into strips and then crisped up in the oven. I just added corn tortilla chips and the kids liked that!
Plus, I also used green taco sauce instead of the normal red salsa.
Sooooo...

Spicy Shamrock Soup :)
1-2 lbs of chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
2 cans of chicken broth
1 cup of green taco sauce
1 cup of corn

Cook the chicken breast and then cut into bitesized pieces. I cooked them with some salt and garlic. Then add the broth, taco sauce, and corn (we didn't use corn, but I put in about 1/2 cup of green puree*). Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese and tortilla strips or tortilla chips. I was thinking it might need a little something more in the soup, but not sure what. Maybe some rice or hominy. If you have any advice, let me know. :)
*The green puree is from The Sneaky Chef and is basically a puree of brocolli.

The kids are on their 3rd bowl as we speak!!! It is a huge hit with them. I'm not sure if Bret will like it or not. We'll see later.
Oh, and Jen - I think I might try thickening it up for another meal and serving it over the Fry Bread.

The Nurse Won't Take Care of Your Child!

I got this call the other day. It was someone from the school, Wendi, telling me that if my son comes into the Nurses office with a belly ache then she isn't allowed to help him. What did Jake do?! Obviously it was something naughty to get him denied Nurse's assistance! And Jake has the abilityreally think that they check your child's lunch at school?! Well, when you are friends with the staff then they sure do. HaHaHa!!
We were OUT of lunch meat!!!! I guess that when I pack a butter sugar sandwich then I should also add an after lunch Tums mint! :)
By the way, don't judge me!!! You have all had bad Mommy moments! Just cause my moments are always a public display doesn't make me less of a bad Mommy. :)

Dude

Livvy and I were driving home from taking the kids to school today and there was a guy jogging along the side of the road who wasn't wearing a shirt. I hear a little 4 year old voice say, "You don't have to take your shirt off to impwess the girls, Dude!"
Man she cracks me up!!!!!

Wow... I am full up

I don't even know where to start! I've been thinking this morning. And I've had a lot on my mind about friendship and people in my life. I've had someone that has been a part of my life for almost 13ish years. We went through a REAL close phase of our friendship and then a real NOT close phase. There's been a lot of "stuff" involved and it's over the past few months that I feel that we are getting closer. I like this! And I've been thinking about this person today. Hugs!

Well, this afternoon I read my sister's blog and she had a post about hurting or offending someone. Something about a peanut allergy! At the end of her post she asks the question, What quality do you love to have in a friend? And I started thinking about my experiences and friends. Do you know what my #1 Quality is? Flexible! Odd response huh? Yep, I like the pretzel friends! :)
Truthfully I love a friend who will be what I need when I need it. Someone who will understadnd that I'm not perfect and I make mistakes. One who will also let me help and love them. One who will not just take and take and take from me but also willing to give too. Flexible! As we all go through stages in our lives we need certain people in our lives for certain reasons. To fill different needs. I have been blessed to have so many amazing friends to be what I needed when I needed it. I've learned so much from each one. I know it's a cheesy concept, but it's been on my mind lately.

You never know when you'll make a new friend or what they'll teach you. Jen, my advice - make up some real yummy peanut free cookies and take them to her. Nobody can resist sweets! If all else fails, I guess she'll be the one who fights against you in PTA - you know, the Peanut Gallery!!! LOL Did you get it - the Peanut Gallery.
(Ok, not my best material).

It's Getting Closer and I Can't Wait!!!

The Twilight Movie. I really can't wait to devle into the makebelieve word of Edward and Bella.

Today....

I am doing what I want and no one can stop me!!! After this past week of being sick and working my fingers to the bone on PTA stuff and Puppets (wait for the next post) I have decided that I get to do what I want to do today!
I have already gotten a Breakfast Jack and a Mt. Dew (only 1).
I've been blog stalking and a little bit of DigiScrapping.
Now I shall take a little doze on the couch while Pivvy plays with her toys on the floor next to me (she loves to play with her toys)!
Then while she's napping I'll do more of what I want. Who cares that there are 50 loads of laundry waiting to be cleaned, bathrooms that are growing mold, or carpets that have dog hair and chips ground in. This is a Stay-at-Home Mothers version of "me" time!!!
Don't call me during my nap or I might have to grab my shovel! LOL :)
Hugs to you all and remember to take a little of your own "me" time today. Jen, that's an order!!!!

In Sickness and In Health...

I have committed to quit drinking Mt. Dew. Some of you know of my lifelong struggle with this. And it's actually very pathetic! But that's my lot in life. It's not a lot, but it's my life. :)

I've gone 7 days without a soda! Well, I had one bottle of Mt. Dew right before our date on Saturday because I was starting to feel really sick and I needed a kick to make it through the night. There is NO WAY I'm not going out with Bret if I can help it!!! BUT, except for that one soda, I haven't had a single can of pop in 7 days!!! This includes ANY other type of soda too! I haven't seen the weight pour off, but I know why it isn't doing that yet. In an effort to "get off" the Mt. Dew, I allow myself a chocolate shake. Stop Laughing, it works!!! Now I need to find something to get me off chocolate shakes.... Hahaha. Not really!

I am expecially proud of myself because I have been VERY sick and the only thing that I wanted during the past 4 days has been my soda. There's nothing like a strong drink to clear your head and quiet your upset tummy. But I resisted the temptation.

Anyway, I just had to share that with you all! Wish me continued luck!

CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!!!!!

I am the PTA Secretary and we are REALLY looking for Crafters who would like to come and buy a spot to sell their things. You will only spend the $50 and keep ALL of your sales! There is going to be a lot of traffic through the school this night. The craft fair will be in the cafeteria and there will be a Carnival going on in the back of the school. Everyone has to walk right past the cafeteria to get to the back. :)

Please, if you are interested let me know or call the contact (Valerie)!!! It's a way to earn some extra money for Christmas!! Thank You!!!

Oh and feel free to post this on your blogs too or tell anyone that makes/sells crafts!

What's Left After A Raging Party (Livvy Style)!!

Yesterday we went to Greg & Jackie's for my Nieces' birthday party and it was SO fun!! There was a blow-up bouncy thing and face painting and cake and lots of lots of kids!!! :) And as you can see (sortof) Aunt Jackie painted Livvy the most cutest puppy face ever!!! This picture is from this morning though so almost all of it has worn off. She wouldn't let me wash it so we kept it on for bed. I would have posted a pick when it was fresh and super cute, but although you'd think that at least one of 8 adults would have brought a camera to commemorate the party - we didn't. Morons, all of us!! I am the smartest moron though, I at least had a camera ready to take and sitting by the presents to carry out to the car. The kids grabbed the presents and not the camera. It was left at home. :(

Giving my kids.....

a little bit of my childhood!

Last Saturday Bret and his BFF, Duane, planned a sand volleyball night at this park near us. They invited TONS of families from the Ward and we weren't sure who would show up. It was very causual and "whateverish". We had about 10 families come and it was SOOOOOOO much fun!!!
The volleyball nets were in a big sand pit with 2 courts side-by-side. Some of the adults played on one court and all the kids (about 20) played in the other one in the sand.
We all stayed out till late and as it grew dark I looked over at the kids. Their ages ranged from 2-12 and they were all interacting and playing and connecting without adults bugging them. They were close enough to keep an eye on, but far enough to just be themselves.
It reminded me of when I was a kid and we would stay out late in the summer and run around the neighborhood as a large pack of wolves (crazy and free). We'd play games like tag & hide-n-seek. Or run around in someone's front yard because their mom wouldn't let them leave the yard after dark. :)
It was amazing freedom and I didn't think about how great it was to be with other kids without adult interaction until I watched all the kids last Saturday. You know, you get all those emails passed on to you about the beauty of the old days. And I get sad sometimes about the fact that my kids will never have what we had. BUT I often tell myself that when they are 30ish they'll have emails (or something more hightech) passed around about the good old days of WII's and MP3 players. About the freedom of antibacterial everything and life lessons like 9/11.
But it makes my heart happy that I got to provide for them a little bit of MY childhood. That freedom and connection with other kids!!
They had so much fun! All the kids worked together to make a pile of sand as tall as Elizabeth's waist. I wish I had brought my camera! The big kids were even burying the little kids in the sand and the little kids were LOVING it!!! LOL - I think we'll have to do it again soon. :)

Would You Do It For A Pancake Snack?!

How can you pass up the opportunity to use that comment as a Title for your post?!

This morning we had Grandma Pancakes. My mom makes these pancakes and my kids LOVE them!!!! In fact, when we visit Jake tells me that he is most excited to have Grandma Pancakes. She even makes real cool shapes!! (sometimes you have to tilt your head and squint your eyes) :)
Every once in a while I make Grandma Pancakes for the kids. A few months back my mom saw these things you can use to pour the mix into and tada there's the shape! SO simple!!! I RARELY make shapes for my kids (I'm a horrible, lazy mom). But now I make them all the time!!! I even invented my own shape - PacMan. And for all you other horrible, lazy moms, here is how you do it. Just make a normal circle shape and then slather it in butter and lastly (the hardest part) take a bite! I'd like to say that I actually put thought into that shape (I've reached new levels of pathetic!!) but it happened because I made a few of the shapes (Mom, if you see more get them for me, I'll pay you for them) and then I made a few circles too. I gave each kid a shape and a circle. Jake walked up and saw Livvy's plate (the circle had a bite out of it) and he said, "Hey, I want a PacMan too!!!!"
Accident is the best invention! LOL

During breakfast Elijah said, "Mom, don't call me 'Elijah' any more. Instead call me Pancake Boy. Like Scooby Doo only with Pancakes."
I then said, "Would you do it for a Pancake Snack?" (You know, like a Scooby Snack, only with pancakes) :)

Oh Wyoming!!!

Yes Mom, you heard correctly - Wyoming!!!

Let me explain for the rest of you.
Many years ago in a time far away there lived a family. There was a hard-working father, a righteous mother, 4 completely ordinary (bordering on boring) children, and one completely amazing, sweet, beautiful, dazzling daughter. Lets call her "Stephanie" (all names have NOT been changed). LOL
This family lived through much hardship. They moved often and yet through all the trials they found joy in one another. Until that fateful day! The day they moved to Wyoming!!!
Mother looked around the desolate wateland and declared, "Wyoming shall be my new curse word!"
And hence the tradition was started within the family that when a particularly nasty word was needed to express oneself, WYOMING was used.

(present day)
Now, do you understand my post title?! Let me expound on it.

HOW MUCH WYOMING MONEY DO YOU PUT INTO A PIECE OF WYOMING VAN!!!???!!!! I don't even care at this point if its paid for. :(

Yet again we have run into a bit of problems with the van. When we left for church on Sunday it wouldn't start. Later that day we jump started it and Bret drove it around for a little while to get it charged up again. During his jaunt around the neighborhood the wipers came on and off, the lights flickered, and things went chaotic. I do NOT have, nor do I want, a magic van!!!!
The electrical was down. We took it in and I've had one Wyoming of a week with only one vehicle and having to be at the school every morning to help with vision and hearing testing. Our "one" vehicle won't even fit our whole family in it and Bret works until 10:30 some nights so I can't take him to and from work if I need a vehicle. (By the way, I HATE hassle of any kind)!!!
We got the van back on Wednesday and within a block I realized there were still problems. We took it back, got it fixed AGAIN and took it home. Then Thursday morning I get up to take the kids to school and as we are driving along I notice that there are more (other) problems. :( ARGH!!!! WYOMING WYOMING WYOMING!!!!! (Insert any or all curse words into that wyoming phrase)

When is too much $$ to put into a piece of junk? I think we just might find out my limits with this one.

So sweet Mom, kind Nikki, and gentle Jen (she's not really "gentle", that just sounded cool with "Jen") - please be patient with me while I hide from the world when I can and cry when I can't!!! I promise to call you each when I can deal with more than what is on my plate right now. I'll tell you - the van problems are only half of it. I'm just ultrabusy and frustrated. :(

A Very Nice Day

Well, it has been a very nice Labor day for us over at the Little house! While Bret was at his buddy's house drafting for the Fantasy Football, the kids and I planned a Surprise Family B-Day Party for him. It wasn't any grand thing, but something for the kids to do. His Birthday isn't until tomorrow, but we all have a very busy day so we did it today. The kids and I decorated the house and made a special dinner for him. We made Crab Stuffed Chicken. Bret LOVES seafood, but I VERY VERY VERY rarely cook it. I can't stand the stuff!!!! In fact, when I was pregnant with Elizabeth he'd always eat Linquine and Clam Sauce. The stuff was sooooo nasty and made me sooooo sick that he wasn't allowed to eat it while I was pregnant. :)
So, anyway....
I took chicken breast and pounded it out. Then I rolled crab meat in the middle and added some salt and pepper. After cooking that over the stove I made a very creamy green onion type of sauce to pour over the chicken. We also had Caesar salad and garlic bread. It was a very rich and fatty meal!!! Once a year, right?! :)
Then we all played games and goofed off. It was a nice fun day together! I sure am grateful for my little family! They bring me such joy and contentment. :)
We had a neat scripture reading tonight to top it all off. There is a scripture in the Book of Mormon that talks about Helaman and the Stripling Warriors. Before they go into battle Helaman talks about how they poured out their souls to God that they would be delivered from their enemies; that they would be able to protect their cities and their people.
I stopped at this point and asked the kids if they had enemies in their lives. They all nodded and I asked them what their enemies were.
"Bullies," Elijah replied.
"Satan's temptations," was Elizabeth's response.
We named off a few more and then I continued and asked them what are the "cities" they are trying to protect.
"Our Family!" Jake called out (I say "called out" because Jake just isn't a quiet boy - he shouts everything he has to say!)
"You're RIGHT!" I said and he smiled.
We talked about how special our family is and that they have to fight their enemies in life to keep our family strong and together. Then I read the next verse which talks about the peace that Helaman and his Warriors felt and they knew in their hearts that they would be protected! :)
I told the kids how important it is for us to pray everyday to conquer our enemies and in return Heavenly Father will help us feel peace in our hearts and the strength to handle those "enemies".
(sigh) There was such a calm, sweet Spirit around our little family as we read these scriptures.

Yes, it was a very good day today! :)

Oops

First of all, I need to apologize to my sister!!! Earlier this morning we were talking on the phone figuring some things out with our blogs and I posted something in jest. I forgot to take it off before I went to the store. I come home and realize that's it's still on (actually, I had 2 comments - one from her and one from my mom)! Talk about butt-chewing!!! LOL J/K

The funny thing is that I checked my stats for the day (how many people have visited my site) and as of this morning it's at 51!!!! Things that make you go Hurm...... Maybe from now on I should teasingly harrass my sister or some other loved one on my blog so as to attract more traffic. :)

Help?!

Well, I've been hesitant to post this, but I need some ideas. I know there is a wealth of experience and knowledge amoung my friends and loved ones! :)
Did I butter you up enough? LOL

Here is my dilema:
Elijah is struggling at school. He has a real hard time focusing and not paying attention. He doesn't hear/listen well and misses important information and instructions. It was manageable before, but this year it seems worse. We've cut WAY back on TV and video games during the week. I've been trying some focusing exercises at home. But it doesn't seem to be working (yet).
I love his teacher! He had Elizabeth last year. :) He's willing to work with us, but we are all at a lose for what to do to help Eli.

So if any of you have ANY ideas, please email me!!

On another side note:
Mom's & Dad's - I have gotten my testing done. I have been resting (took a nap yesterday). :) And I see the Dr. next Wednesday for a follow up. I'm doing fine! LOL

Well, I have been watching Rachel Ray and I'm hungry so now I'm going to go find something to eat!! :)
Hugs to you all!

Another 2 Pages

Sneaky Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

I have still been doing the sneaky chef cooking. During the summer not as much, but we are getting back to it again with school starting and our lives going back to some sort of schedule. Tonight I am going to fix Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup - Sneaky Style. We'll see how it goes.
Our favorite meal so far is probably the Sneaky Baked Ziti. It has sweet potatoes, carrots, and even tofu. The kids really like it and so do Bret and I.
But before dinner we are headed to the Splash Pad. The kids need to get out of the house and get some energy used up. We took our pool down today. I have mixed emotions about that. The kids really love playing in it, BUT....
as I looked at the backyard without that big eyesore :) I started to get excited for cooler weather. During the winter Livvy and I sit in the back yard and talk. And in the evenings we all kick around the soccer ball. I really can't wait!!

Well, I guess I should go and get ready to go to the Splash Pad. :)

Please Bear With Me

Well, Bret brought home PhotoShop for me from work. I've put it on the laptop and I'm now trying to figure it out. It isn't very easy to use. I'm having to do a lot of tutorials and reading the manual. My other software is SOOOOO much easier, but it is really limited. I'm wanting to do all the fun things that Photoshop can do. You know - take it up a notch. Plus, it's fun to learn new things. :)
Soooooo, here is my first page with PS, so bear with me while I learn this software.

Sister Kitty

Sister Kitty!!! Are you wondering who Sister Kitty is? Is she a cat? Is she a stuffed animal? Is she the really weird lady down the road with 50 cats?
Nope, she is a friend of mine. Her real name is Monica, but Livvy simply calls her "Sister Kitty."
Monica has 4 cats and whenever we go to visit, Livvy gets SO excited!!! She LOVES these cats. In fact, I had some coupons for free cat food and Livvy has been helping me find this food to give to Sister Kitty. We finally found it and today Livvy got to feed the cats! She was in Heaven and sat down on the floor in front of them as they ate their food.

One of my Joys!

I love all of my children IMMENSLY!!! I want that understood right from the start. But sometimes one of my children does exactly what I need at that moment! Let me explain.
I have been having some health issues lately. Not a big deal, but I haven't felt well. I have been told that I need to take it easy (no, I'm NOT pregnant!!!). Well, this is not an easy task when you have a house to run with a Hubby and 4 kids. They all help out and are doing what they can to make things easier for me. :) But today I looked at my littlest little and smiled. She has been such a joy to me! Livvy is so EASY!!! She is so content to just be with me in the kitchen playing with magnetic animals and talking (always talking) while I load the dishwasher and clean things up.
So I decided to share a little of my joy with you too! This is mostly for Grandma's and Grandpa's. :)

Sorry about not really getting her face in the camera angle. In order to do this without her knowing that I was taping her, I had to just set the camera on the counter. Oh, and sorry that it happened to be on the counter right above the dishwasher! :)

I've Been Tagged!

Well, I have been tagged by my friend Steph. It's the "Other Steph" on my friends list, not the "Other, Other Steph." :)

It's a tag about Bret and I - here goes!
How did we meet: On our mission. It was totally legit too!!! I actually thought he was a jerk when we first met. :)

Where did you go on your first date: Training Table (I had a chicken sandwich and fries with dipping sauce - yummy!) and then to Weber State Stadium.

How long have you been together: friends - 13 years, a couple - 12 years, married 11 years.


Who said I love you first: Bret

Who is taller: Me!!! That's why I'm not allowed to wear heels. :)

Who sings better: Bret.

Who is smarter: Without a doubt, Bret! He's a frickin' genius.

Who does the laundry: Both. Bret and I have an understanding around the house. I let him sleep in (his work schedule is different) but he has to help me around the house.

Who does the dishes: Me.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: looking at the bed, Bret does. Really, he sleep on 3/4ths of the bed.

Who pays the bills: Bret does, but we budget together.

Who mows the lawn: Bret - I'd probably chop my foot off or something. I'm accident prone.

Who cooks dinner: Me.

Who drives when you are together: Bret, he tries to get me to sometimes but I HATE driving with him!! I will if he's tired, but not often.

Who is more stubborn: Oh, without a doubt - ME!!!

Who kissed who first: Bret kissed me first. He actually ASKED me if he could kiss me. :)

Who is more sensitive: (boo hoo hoo) I am. I'm a big emotional wreck 90% of the time. I cried twice already tonight. :(

Who proposed: Bret (sortof). We went and picked out the ring. It was perfect right off the shelf so he bought it and took it home. On the way home I kept bugging him to let me wear it. I'm not a big showy type of person. Plain and simple. I really didn't want a big production made of the proposal. I just wanted my ring!! :) He wouldn't give it to me. "I haven't proposed yet!" But I lived in Logan and on the way to my house he stopped at the temple and proposed on the little bench there. :)
Then we came home and he asked my parents for their permission.

Who has more siblings: Me. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister. The question is - how many am I willing to claim!! LOL

Who wears the pants: If you ask Elizabeth the one who gives her what she wants is the one who wears the pants at that moment!! (We both do)

Now I tag Jesseka, Becky, and Stacy!

The Girls' Hair Today

I've been trying a few new "do's" with the girls lately. I have a few websites that I go to. Here is how their hair is today. I didn't get a pic of Lizzy before school, but I got Livvy's. Elizabeth's is basically the same only not wet, looser, and there is one less pony at the end. Her hair hangs down in nice curls. Well, here are Livvy's pics.

Our First Broken Bone

You know, I think that most mothers out there are going to be flabergasted. I personally know some that have had 3 or 4 broken bones with their kids. Sometimes PER kids! :) But honestly and truly this is our first one!


And it's only a broken finger! How did it happen? Being naughty of course!!! Livvy and Elizabeth were jumping off of my bed into a pile of pillows and blankets. She landed with her knees right onto her finger. Nothing like a Pinky to break your fall, huh?!
She's doing ok. 2 hours in Urgent Care really stinks though. :)

New Page

Well, it's been a while (and I'm rusty too); but here is my latest DigiPage:

Day Two of Our Trip

Day two for me was pretty much the same as day one - sick. :( Honestly though, I just really sat around in a camp chair (and I enjoyed it)! I really did. You see, I'm not a complicated person (please don't argue with me on that one). I have so much fun with people I love. The kids rode around on the Quads with Bret and Grandma and Grandpa. I enjoyed watching them come back to camp chattering about the things they saw or how fast they went. Apparently, Daddy goes the fastest. And did you know that Livvy likes to sing while she's riding? Yep, she does. In fact, she sings a lot, all the time. :)
The kids love the time riding and would go out all day if they could. Here's a picture of Eli and Grandma.


We had SOOO much fun being together playing cards, hanging out, camping, and 4-wheeling. I have posted the pictures from our Camping trip - check them out. :)

Day One of our trip...

As we drove to meet Bret's parents for camping we were all very excited. I couldn't wait to camp and go 4-wheeling and spend a lot of fun time with my in-laws! The kids were so good during the 9 or so hours it took to drive. I think that by now my kiddos are used to the driving we do each year to visit our loved ones. We go at least once a year, mostly twice, and even as much as three times.
We arrived in Beaver to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa to head up to our campsite and I got so sick all of a sudden. We had to stop at a gas station on the way up before my eruption (3 times)! And even then, I barely made it to camp before being sick again. So needless to say (but I'll say it anyway) I was sick the rest of the day/night.
You know the funny thing - the moment that I felt better in my stomach, altitude sickness took over! That stuff is HORRIBLE!!! I don't like to be a pain in the bottom region, but I wasn't really good for anything. The best I could do was help a little with things and not complain.
I have to say that our camp area was BEAUTIFUL!!! We had 15 head of deer right out our tent flap every evening and morning. Our campsite was right by a meadow where they liked to come and munch. It was a very nice place. Bret has decided to come back during hunting season - they'll probably all get the memo ahead of time though...
"Run Away! The hunters are coming!" Thank You Momma Little for warning them. :)

So that was our first day. :)

We are home now!!!!

Stay posted for fun and exciting blurbs from our trip to Utah. We had a LOT of fun and I can't wait to share stories and pictures! Keep checking back!

New Calling

Well, a couple of weeks ago I was called into church by a member of the Bishopric. I knew that they were going to be making changes in the Young Women's program (which I was currently serving in). I was HOPING to be kept in YW, but I was released and extended another calling. 1st Counselor in the Primary. :)
I'm excited and hoping to do well. I'll miss those young girls immensely! I really bonded and loved those girls. :( It'll be sad for me to not be there every Sunday and Wednesday.
But I did Sharing Time in Primary this past Sunday and had a lot of fun! The kids are sweet and I think that things are going to be good!

On other news, we leave for our vacation/trip tomorrow. We'll be meeting Bret's parents for camping and then after that we'll spend 2 days at their house and then 2 at my parents' house. And lastly we'll go to Moab with my family for some fun. It will be nice to hang out with my brothers and their families. :) Everyone will be there except for my sister, Jen. She's one of my most favorite people and I'll be so sad to not have her there. Wo is Livvy gonna play with now that Paige won't be there?!
Hopefully this is something that we all enjoy and maybe we can all meet and do it next year too.
I'm a little sad to be going on our trip. It means that when it's all done, I have to get back to business. New calling, PTA, school prep, and then school. I've really been enjoying this summer. It's been fun and relaxing for us all! We've been hanging out and playing in the pool. Taking some fun lesson and being together. I'm gonna miss this lazy feeling. :)
Well, my sweet loved ones - I need to go and get things ready to leave bright and early in the morning. We have a lot to do. If I can post some fun pictures during our vacation, I will. But if I don't, expect to be seeing a lot of fun stuff when we get back.
Hugs!

Happy Birthday Elijah!!!

Well, today is Elijah's Birthday - 9 years old! This morning when I woke up Elijah and Livvy were downstairs playing XBox together. And I heard them talking and it just touched my heart - classic tender Elijah. Livvy said, "I think I broke up with my boyfriend, Andrew." (I'm not sure about this comment, don't ask) Elijah very sweetly said to her, "Don't worry Piv's. When you get big you'll find someone who will really love you and you'll be happy." :)
It made me think about the little person that my Birthday Boy is! He is the sweetest kid that you'll ever meet. He is AMAZING with little kids (3 & 4 year olds). Everyone will tell you how he talks to them so kindly and explains everything to them. He doesn't get embarrased to kiss Mom or Dad in public. And he has the sweetest thoughts. Sometimes it takes a little bit of understanding to figure out what he means, but it's always sweet and kind. His prayers are wonderful honest talks with Heavenly Father. He is one amazing kid.
Anyway, here is my tribute to his life!

Stephanie Needs...

My friend Mela did this on her blog and I thought it was funny. You type in your name along with "needs" in the google bar and see the results. Here are mine - VERY funny!

Stephanie needs some help! Look at those pants! Should have stayed on the sidewalk!
Stephanie needs to be in a family where there are no other kids or animals!
Stephanie needs a soundproof home to protect her.
Stephanie needs a better computer.
Stephanie needs Rhinoplasty Surgery!

I did not know I needed rhinoplasty, and a new pair of pants. The pants one came up quite a few times! Should I take a hint? Hey, at least it's not a gold shirt. LOL Mom. But I would definetely agree with the 2nd, 3rd, ones. I'll have to talk to Bret about the 4th one.

Happy Birthday Elizabeth

Here is my little tribute to my Angel Baby Girl! I can't believe that she is now 10 years old. I look back at the years and think about what a blessing she is in my life - then and now. I am amazed at the person she has become and I see the beauty in what she will become. She is an amazing 10 year old and I feel SO blessed to be her mother! I love you Angel - Happy Birthday!

I changed a page.

I redid this Scrap page of Livvy with the vampire teeth. I didn't like how the other one looked. I'm not sure if I like this one better or not. Anyway, I've been fixing and organizing my Digi stuff and decided to post this new version. I've got some pages I'm working on, but in a bit of a slump. I've been a little busy lately. :)

Shake Your Undie Butt

Right now I am watching 4 little butts groving to the closing credits of the Chipmunks movie = and one of those booties is 4 years old and in underwear! There's nothing like a little underwear butt running (or dancing) around the house. This evening has been a lot better compared to this morning. We went to Walgreens and got a couple of movies from Redbook. Then got KFC. E and J LOVED the mac and cheese. :)
The beds are now out, a new movie is in and candy is sitting in Tupperware nearby. We are ready for sleeping (not me, I'm ready for them falling asleep and me playing Lego Indian Jones)!!

Bret called this evening. :) I love that guy! Distance sure does make the heart grow fonder. And we've had a lot of distance the past couple of weeks.

I've had some other things happening in my life right now. I feel the winds of change coming my way and usually I'm ok with change. I come from a Military family and kindof came to enjoy the changes in life. But this new change is actually hard for me. I've been on my knees in prayer and tears trying to find peace about this. Don't get me wrong, part of me is excited - it's just hard, that's all.
I also have a busy year in the PTA coming too. I've very excited about the changes in our school! I'm just worried that I won't be what they want/need over there at the PTA. Secretary - that's gonna be a lot of work. It was easy just being a board member.

Well, I really should go and get the kids settled down and ready to sleep. Have a great night everyone!

Swim Lessons

Well, our swim lessons started today. I was nervous and so were the kids. :) But they did well and enjoyed it. I'm not sure about Livvy though. She seemed to have fun. But they made her dunk her head and she didn't enjoy that. I'm curious to see how she does tomorrow when they make her dunk again. I envision a panic filled scenario. She's quite the stubborn little firecracker!

Elizabeth and Elijah and Jake did super! I was most worried about Elijah - but when he got out he walked quickly (because they don't run at the pool) over to me and said, "Mom, can we go home and swim in our pool because I can swim now?!"

Other news around here: Jake does NOT have any contagious disease. I think he must have had an allergic reaction to something (probably being good). He woke up fine - no spots or fever, just a mass amount of naughtiness! Could I trade that back for the spots? :)

Bret is gone until tomorrow. He's been at Scout Camp. I miss him. Could've used him yesterday to talk to. :)
Tonight is "No Daddy Party." The kids LOVE this time watching movies and eating junk. We pull their mattresses out and they sleep in the living room. I will sleep in my own big bed all by myself!
I'm trying to figure out what we'll have for dinner tonight. KFC sounds good!!! With an extra large Mt. Dew on the side. Or to be more sodaly correct - Mt. Dew with KFC on the side. :)

Well, Hugs to all!

Post for Lane!!!

Hello My Sweet Nephew!!
Guess what I have! Cheat Codes for Age of Empires! I'm not sure if they will work for yours, but you can try them and see.

if you press "enter" a little thing pops up and then you type in one of these codes:

woodstock (it will give you extra wood)
pepperoni pizza (will give you extra food)
bigdaddy (look over by your town center - there is something VERY cool) with this thing you have to be careful. when it shoots it'll destroy anything around - even your own people. But it is really fast and cool!

I hope you enjoy these codes. Are you glad to be back home? Did you have fun with Grandma and Grandpa? i wish I could have come and played with you and Paige. Let me know if these codes work for you or not.
I love you!

Green Tea is NOT allowed!!

I am SO embarrassed! I thought that Green Tea was ok for the LDS Word of Wisdom! I found out that I was wrong! I am SOOOOOO sorry if I lead anyone astray. I have stopped the use of Green Tea in my uses of cooking. :(

Ramen Noodles

You all know that I've been using the Sneaky Chef recipes and ideas, right? Well, can I just say again how much I LOVE it! I only have one of her books, she's made more and I think I'm going to save up my money to buy them one at a time. :)
I Sneakified Ramen Noodles. Yep, that's right - Ramen Noodles!!! I always cook the noodles a little "a dente" then when I put the flavor packet in I let it soak for a few minutes. This time I added a green tea bag in with the flavor packet and let it soak in with the flavors. Then I took the tea pouch out and fed the Ramen to the kids. They couldn't taste a thing! I used Roasted Beef flavor, I'm not sure how it tastes with any other flavor.
I also used the green tea in boiling noodles for stroganof the other day. Couldn't taste anything.

On another side note, the kids are still doing great at Judo. Our last class was a real good one. One of the Sensei's asked what Martial Arts Elizabeth has taken before. I was a little confused. But Sensei Sally mentioned that she is doing so well that they thought she must have taken some Martial Arts before. Nope! My girl is just picking it up quickly.
Bret also pinned one of the younger guys there. They were doing a few matches and Bret pinned him. Oh, did I mention that the kids is a BROWN BELT??!!! :)
The boys did a much better job listening this time. They've been doing ok, but last Thurs. class was a little unfocused for them both. Tues.'s class went really well.

Well, I still have 15 posters to make and stuff to return today. I had better get busy! I will probably not be back on the computer at all at least until Tuesday. Have a great weekend and send out a little prayer for me. I'm SO nervous and hoping that all goes well at Camp. :)
HUGS!!!

Countdown!

Camp is coming! This Friday I leave to spend 4 glorious days away from my kids and hubby. I know - pathetic! Girls Camp is glorious?! Well, let me put it this way:
1. I get to sleep in. 7am is a lot better than 6am.
2. I don't have 4+ kids calling for me.
3. I don't have to cook AT ALL!
4. I get a bed all to myself.
5. No cleaning house.
6. Spiritual High!!!

That's all I can think of. PLEASE, Please don't point out the negatives! I am trying to pump myself up for this weekend.

Well, I had better get back to my pot. LOL! I'm making 200 some odd pots for camp. But I might need some REAL pot when this is all done! :)

The Much Anticipated Judo Photos!

Drum roll please......
here are the photos I've been promising everyone. If you click on the pictures, it will take you to the actual slidshow website. I've got captions for the pictures explaining them. Go check it out!

The kids did really good with Judo on Thursday! I was so proud of them and Bret! It was a great evening.

On another side note, I got quite the impressive phone call last week. I was invited by the school district to sit on a board to interview and pick a new principal for our school. I think it's only cause I'm one of 4 or so involved parents. :)
We did the interviewing today and I had a really great experience doing it. It was amazing to be a part of it. I'm grateful. And you know, I started being more active at school just thinking it would be me doing simple things at the school. But WOW, can you get more involved than choosing your new principal?! I really do feel lucky and blessed that they asked me.
And I'm not allowed to say anything specific about what went on during that meeting so don't even bother asking! (I'm talking to you Melissa and Jeffrey! Heather you were there, so you know.)
I really have had a full day today. I'm quite reflective and would really love to share my feelings with you, but I don't want to bore you with all that "stuff" and I'm not sure my thoughts are very clear right now. I'm a little tired. But since it is my blog and you wouldn't be here reading now if you didn't want to hear about me then I will touch briefly on my thoughts.

I have had an amazing experience with being more active in the school. Yeah, I've been asked to be more active than I imagined I would be, but to me it's been the little things that have touched me. Simple things like walking into the school and having Jane at the front desk file out my visitor sticker with my name and not having to ask me who I am. Or having the students in my children's classes (or even other classes) smile and wave at me in the pick up line, "Hi, Mrs. Little." I like not being "Jacob's Mom" or Elizabeth's or Elijah's - I'm simply Mrs. Little and that is a good thing. It's comforting to know that when my kid pukes in the hallway (several times) that the janitor really doesn't mind cleaning it up because he knows me. And I really like having my thoughts and ideas about my childrens' schooling count for something and they are valid and listened to! Or having teachers/staff know that I'm willing to do what I can to help them so they are more willing to do what they can to help me as a parent. And honestly, I also like being something other than "Mom" and "Wife." I like being important to someone who doesn't have the last name "Little." I know these things are simple and silly, but that's what I am - simple and silly (more specifically "dorky"). Which actually leads me to my next set of thoughts....

I've been mulling this one over for a while now, and it has taken me this long - I have decided to embrace my dork!
I've always know that I was a Dork. I've tried to hid it in my youth and glorify it in my not so youth. But now I want to embrace it! I've realized that we try so hard to be pretty, or perfect, or some outrageous version of who we really are and its such a difficult struggle. We put so much energy and time into trying to be special. But do you know what really makes someone special (in my opinion)? Being normal and not perfect. I love so many people in my life because of their faults as well as their strengths. When someone truly sees who they are and enjoys (not just loves) themselves regardless, THAT is special!!! I'm so tired of people trying to stand out as the most creative person, or the spiritual giant, or even as the most brutally honest person (that one chick's blog I mentioned before). It's a bit of a slap in the face when I come across those people. As if I'm just not good enough to breath the same air.
I can honestly say that I know how to do some pretty fun things. I've been blessed to be in positions to teach others those things. But I also know completely that I'm not skilled at those things!! I'm ok with that! :)
Now, if you are creative, spiritual, or honest; please don't assume that I'm bashing on you. I'm not - I value your talents. I wish I had them sometimes. :) But understand that those talentS make up a small part of who you are. Don't let yourself (any of us) get caught up in being perfect because you think that it defines who you are! DigiScrapping, Coupons, or helping in school doesn't define who you are! More specifically and personally, it doesn't define who I am. I am also a goofy, clutsy, big hearted woman. I am more concerned about how others are feeling than myself. I like Mt. Dew and chocolate and books. I love piano music and my imagination. I am so grateful for God and who he has made me. My family is amazing and I will take a little credit for that - I make dang cute kids! :) And you know what, I have a great sense of humor!!! Sometimes I go a little overboard, mostly cause I get nervous - but that all plays into the dorkiness which I am now embracing. :)

Well, those are some pretty deep thoughts. I'm sure it didn't make one bit of sense. At least I know that my Mommy will understand. She has always understood me. :)

And that's it for tonight! I'm done.
Hugs!

Thump Thump BOOM

This is the sound at my house; and probably will be going on for quite a while. Guess what the kids started last night. No, not the drums - that would be my worst nightmare and something I would have a hard time supporting.
The real answer is....
Judo!
The sound, "thump, thump, boom" is the sound of them practicing their falls upstairs in the family room.

They LOVE it!!! I sent 3 nervous kids out the door with Bret and had 3 excited and rambunxious (I don't believe in spellcheck, by the way) kids rush back in the door 2 hours later. Yep, I think this might actually be something my kids will really get into. And we found a really AMAZING place to teach them. I hate those strip mall little Karate places. You walk in and come out missing and arm and a leg. Plus, you don't get to actually watch your child during the lessons. I'm not even going to go into the large class sizes and the extreme competetive learning. Although, if the only time you got to see your kiddo performing Karate is at tournaments, then I guess I'd be pushing for all the tournys I could get. I mean honestly, I'd like to actually see my "arm and leg" being put to good use.
So anyway, this place is laid-back and family oriented. They let you sit there and watch your sweetkins. In fact, Bret is going to take the class with them. :) It seems to be something really GREAT! Livvy is too small, but she is excited for when she is big enough to take classes.
At this very moment she is talking to me about Party Bear (one of her stuffed animals) and if he can take Judo classes too. I told her that animals don't go to Judo class. She responded, "I have a good idea, they could go to Animal Judo. You know, it's right here at our house."
I laughed and replied, "Yes, and you can be their teacher."
She liked that idea.

So as of right now I have a Judo Cutie, 2 Judo Punks, a Judo Wannabe, and a Judo Party Bear with others soon to join the Animal Judo class. Purply (a bunny) has shown some interest. :)

Yep, another one!

It's been a while...

since I did an actual DigiPage! I've been so busy making up the PowerPoint stuff for our class that I burned myself out of Scrapping. Until tonight. :) So here is one of Livvy.

YEE - HAW!!!

Well, our Digital Scrapbooking class last night was a hit! :) I'm so happy..... it's done.
It actually turned out really fun. We made a Powerpoint slideshow with all of our information made into scrapbook pages. Bret hooked up the laptop to the TV and we just clicked through the slides to show about Digital Scrapbooking.
We also made a slideshow with all of our Digital Scrapbook pages and some music along with it. This slideshow we had playing as everyone came in, before we started the presentation.
Becky, we did AWESOME!!! Thank You!!!

On another note, I've gotten quite a few comments about the MoHawks. :) I have to laugh and reply to some of these comments. You see, a lot of you are under the impression that my boys will start behaving like Rebels and Punks. The sad thing is that they already are - even before the Mohawks. I'm just making the outside match the "beauty" that's inside! :)

Soooooo, now my house is clean (had to clean it for last night), the kids have been fed and are playing video games (yes, I'm a very bad mom, deal with it), and I have nothing to do right now. Except maybe.........

Digital Scrapbooking! Yeah!!! Bret's still asleep so I won't even feel guilty either. Can it get any better than this?

Here they are - the 'Hawk brothers

Summer Hair

Well, summer hair is here! We've done the boys' hair and I still have to talk to the girls to decide how they want their hair. We're headed to Geek & Jackie's today (Geek is my brother and the kids in the whole family call him Uncle Geek - it started with my oldest Nephew and has stuck for all the kids). Anyway, maybe she'll cut the girls' hair for me.
The boys look COOL!!!!! Can I just say that I have the coolest redheaded boys in the world! You'll have to keep checking back today to see a pic of their hair. :)

Have you heard my music?

I've had these songs on my blog for a couple of weeks now. I was meaning to tell you a little about the songs, but forgot. I'm telling you now. These songs are ones for my kids. When I was pregnant with each child I chose a song that made me think of them. I'd sing this song to the belly and think about the little soul I'd be bringing into the world. Each of their song has special meaning to me. I've added more to the repwitour (that is so totally misspelled - so what?!) as the years have passed. My new favorite for how I've been feeling about these kiddos is "You're Gonna Miss This."
Elizabeth's song is - "Close To You" because she really is like an angel plopped down from Heaven for us!
Elijah's is - "God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You" because I honestly feel that he and Elizabeth were meant to be twins, but God must have spent a little more time on him. (And because He knows I would have gone crazy!)
Jake's is - "I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You" because I had some amazing experiences with my pregnancy with him. I knew that he was meant to be with our "Little" family and that he was being protected even before I knew I was pregnant.
And Livvy's took a little longer to find. But her's is - "I Hope You Dance" because she is my little dancer! She dances and prances everywhere she goes. I hope she always dances (if sometimes it's only in her heart).
So now you know! The songs for my Babies!
Goodnight Everyone - Sleep Tight. :)

I'm Watching You!

Oh, my little son - what a character you are!
The other evening Bret was watching the kids (I had some sort of meeting) and there was a knock on the door. We have a small glass window right next to the door and Jake ran downstairs to see who was at the door. Bret came walking down a few seconds after Jake and saw him doing the eye thingy - I'm watching you, through the window. You know, where he points to his eyes and then points to the other persons eyes. It was a salesman and he was laughing his butt off.

I share this story because:
1. it's funny.
And 2. it seems that his little (big) personality is blossoming! He has just become quite the joker and crack-up.
He keeps us laughing. And sometimes pulling our hair out.

On another note, today was the last day of school! Right now I'm glad about it. I can sleep in and not worry about homework or reading or things like that. Keeping things running smoothly during schooltime sure is tough. And summers are a lot easier for me than it is for others. My hubby is home to help with things and to have fun with us. I'm very excited for this summer!

(I'm sure you'll be hearing differently in a few weeks). :)

Summer Rules

It's official!!! Summer is here! How do I know? Maybe the 110 degree weather was a big indicatior. Or maybe the fact that the elastic in my underwear is melted! :) Actually, it's because "Summer Rules" has been invoked. Don't ask, I'll explain!

Our first summer in Arizona was back in 2000. And from that first summer sprouted a set of rules that Bret and I refer to as "Summer Rules."

Summer Rules:
1. When on a date, the man does NOT get the door for the woman. He gets in the car as fast as humanly possible and turns on the AC. If he's a real nice guy, he'll leave the restaurant/movie/bowling alley a few minutes before the woman and starts the AC.
2. Swimming pools are a form of bathing.
3. You have to turn on the outside water hose and give it a minute to "cool down" before touching the water. Third degree burns are possible if this rule is broken.
4. Oven mitts make great driving gloves.
6. NO NO NO (and I really mean NO) bare feet outside!!!!!

I'm sure there are some I've forgotten. But these are the rules. This morning, I invoked rule #1. It's all downhill from now on. :(

Why Can't I Sleep?!

I've been waking up early mornings and not able to sleep! My mind just won't shut down!!!! I have a lot of things coming up that are causing me a tad bit of anxiety. On the 29th a friend of mine (Becky, your Awesome!!!) and I are teaching a Digital Scrapbooking class. I'm actually pretty excited about it, but still nervous. I get that way no matter how well I know my material.
Then next month I have girls camp and there's a TON of stuff I still have to do for that!
We have our trip to Utah, camping, visiting, and Moab! BTW, anyone wanna watch a big friendly dog for 10 days? We'll pay you?! Just kidding - actually, I'm serious if you wanna do it! :) He's a VERY good dog - a big lug! He's GREAT with kids!! And we really WILL pay!
Oh, and I have some PTA things to do too. I forgot about that.
You know, I really need to start writing things down - I think I'm going to start forgetting it all.

I had to take a small break - I wrote some things down so I wouldn't forget! :) Now lets hope I don't lose the paper that everything is written on.

Well, I need to get to bed. I'll probably be up in a few hours anyway. Actually, Tylenol PM is a wonderful thing for Insomnia.
Hugs to you all!

Another Page

Well, I've been neglecting my house today. Oh well. It hit me that this is the last week with a little bit of quiet around the house. The kids' last day of school is Friday. I think that I shall take advantage of this until the end of the week. :) So today I did a page that took a little longer than normal - 45 minutes or so. But doncha just LOVE the pic of Livvy?

Oh, real quick

Bret just got a call from a friend of ours...
they're going golfing this morning!!!! Ahhhhh sweet peace! I will be alone for a few hours (just me and Pivs).
I owe you Jared! Could you maybe play 5 rounds of 18?! :)

So Much!

There is so much I WANNA do, and yet there is so much that I HAVE to do today! It sucks to have hubby home for the summer because I feel like I have to do 110% around the house. I can't just sit and blog for a few hundred hours (oops, I mean a few minutes). :)
This morning my sis called and told me I had to check out my blog (while I was on the phone with her). LMBOROTF!!!!! (Translated: laugh my butt off rolling on the floor)
Now for you all to get the BIG picture I have to go back in time on this story.

A couple of months ago I was helping my sister to get her blog up and running. We talked some things through on the phone, but there was one thing that wasn't working properly so I asked for her password and user name so I could go in and check it out. We got the kinks worked out and all was well. Problem is that I now had this important info and felt that I had to use it somehow. I mean what good is having someone's username and password if you aren't going to get some use out of it. I didn't feel morally correct if I sold that info for a few bucks soooooo...
I decided to post a little something on her blog as if she had written it herself. I was a very good person though and only posted truthful things! You know, what a wonderful sister she has and how superior I am. Yeah, truthful things! :)
Well, I guess payback is a....
real tough thing to take!
My sister was the one to post the NKOTB post below. She is bringing out an embarrassing part of my childish semi-adulthood. Yeah, I was a little old for it, but I LOVED LOVED LOVED the New Kids On The Block!!!!! Donnie Wahlberg was my fav.
The problem that my sister didn't realize that I have recently decided to embrace my dorkiness! (I'll have to post about that later). So I'm not that embarrassed.
In fact, I'll take it a step further and say that my BFF at the time had a huge room in her basement that we made into a NKOTB room!!! We set up a stereo and each wall was dedicated to a member of the group! A part of one wall stuck out a bit so we considered that 2 smaller walls. On one part we had posters of the group and the other little section we had posters of Danny Wood (he was our least favorite). :) We had each wall COVERED in posters!!!! We even had NKOTB pillows, it was Da Bomb!!!!
Yep, embracing my dorkiness!! Rest easily knowing that someone out there in God's green earth IS dorkier than you. Hey, tell your Hubby's if you feels so inclined I'm willing to take one for the team so that you all can look a notch cooler to your men!

On another note, tonight is Date Night! I think we're going to see the new Narnia. I stayed up late last night watching the 1st one so that I could be up to date! :)
I'm excited to be with my Dude! :)
Well, I have a little 4 yr. old demanding "Pivvy Milk!" That's chocolate milk to the rest of us. And who does she think she is DEMANDING from me. I better go and learn her!
Hugs to all!

Oh, I love this! I watched NKOTB on the Today show and I love them. High School memories are flooding back. I'm so in love with NKOTB (especially Donnie!!!!)