Confessions of A Motley Mom

Protest!

2009-04-16T10:41:00.006-06:00

I have SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much to blog about that it just seems too overwhelming to try and catch everything up right now. So in the meantime, I thought I would post this... My mother-in-law and I went to one of the "Tea Parties" yesterday and of course Jarin tagged along. My sign says "Change is the only thing you'll have left when Obama is done!" I got lots of positive responses for it. And the funny part about it, I think Jarin truly enjoyed himself! Maybe I can mold him young!!!!

2 Links

2009-03-16T12:24:00.004-06:00

I am just so happy to report that I removed 2 links from my watch...I feel like my shoes are slipping off all the time...and I really, really love being able to take off my wedding ring (when I need too) instead of having it permanently assigned to my appendage...and, last but not least, my "skinny" clothes are beginning to feel loose!

Thank you to everyone with your wonderful compliments! Weight loss is a big accomplishment and it is a terrific feeling when some one recognizes it. It is a complete validation of all the hard work and determination it takes and I want you to know how sincerely I appreciate the support shown to me!

On a side note, I have officially signed up for my first triathlon. I will be doing the (individual sprint version) of the Cache Valley Classic on Saturday, June 20, 2009 in Hyrum. It is a 1/2 mile Swim, 20K Bike, and a 5K Run. My only goal is to FINISH the race!!!!!!

(BTW I am at 70lbs+ loss to date and still going strong...only 13.8lbs to go to my final goal!!!)

What is wrong with me???

2009-02-19T11:12:00.005-07:00

Yesterday I am running on my treadmill...making really good time (for me)...really running not just my normal run/walk stuff...and what do you know all of a sudden I am CRAVING sour gummy worms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can only remember having one true craving and, of course, that is while I was pregnant! So how in the world do I have one now while running on a treadmill???? What can I say I must be a fffffffrrrreak!!!!!

Forty Fun Facts For Landon

2009-02-04T19:13:00.007-07:00

Let me apologize up front for this VERY lengthy post...but if you take the time to read it all...then you'll understand why!! Guess you will know more about us in one week then you ever wanted to know!!

1. Landon was born on Super Bowl Sunday III.
2. Landon has only kissed one girl!
3. Landon’s favorite hobby is reading.
4. When Landon was 8 years old he decided he wanted to be a pilot.
5. Landon earned his Eagle Scout Award when he was 13.
6. When Landon was 14 years old his parents weren’t home and he wanted to play basketball out in the driveway. He didn’t think anyone would mind if he just backed the car up and parked it in the street…that is until he hit the big green power box in front of his house and caused all the houses in a mile radius to lose power!!! (I laughed when we bought our house and we have a big green power box out in front!)
7. When Landon was 16 years old he got his private pilot’s license.
8. Landon rarely dated as a teenager because he wanted to spend his money flying instead!
9. When Landon was looking to get a scholarship he applied with the Air Force…that is when he found out he needed glasses and that is when all hope was lost to fly for the Air Force. They told him to go apply with the Army. The Army was happy to take him…but failed to make a commitment to let Landon fly!!
10. Landon served in the Indianapolis, Indiana Mission.
11. Because there was never much to report in Landon’s mission his “reports” that he turned in each week became somewhat fictional literature. Landon became famous in the mission for what he wrote and when he was going home his Mission President handed him the entire stack…they are definitely among Landon’s most prized possessions.
12. Our first date Landon flew me to Wendover for Lunch…talk about impressing a girl!!!!
13. Landon made a list of his life goals and planned out when everything was going to happen…when he brought me home to meet his parents his mom said to me, “You must be something special because this is waaaaaay ahead of schedule!”
14. When Landon and I were dating he told me he wanted to have 12 children. (And he meant it!)
15. Landon asked me to marry him 6 weeks after our first date and we were married 5 months to the day of our first date! When it’s right, it’s right!!
16. When we got engaged Landon was carrying 21 credits and got straight A’s…don’t even ask me what I got!!
17. Landon’s lowest grade in college was in Movie Appreciation!
18. When Landon and I drove off for our honeymoon the crowd was chanting…”Score, Score, Score”… and Landon was grinning from ear to ear!!
19. Landon was President of the Flying Club in college and won many awards at competitions!
20. When I was pregnant with our first child Landon gave me “Hugs & Kisses” for Valentines…that is Huggies for the Baby and Chocolate Kisses for me! That is when I knew he was incredibly clever!! For our Anniversary one year…we didn’t have a lot of money…so he bought me four different kinds of Flour and a food storage bucket and made an arrangement with the flour and a few flowers with a note that talked about how he wished he made more “dough”, but that he really “kneaded” me! (I know you are all jealous!!!!!!)
21. Landon graduated from Utah State University with High Honors and received the College Of Engineering Student of the Year Award.
22. Landon served 4 years active duty in the Signal Corp for the United States Army. Then he served 5 years in the Army Reserves. And then was on Inactive Ready Reserve status until just a few months ago when they finally honorably discharged him. (I sleep a little easier now!)
23. While in the Army, Landon served a hardship tour in Korea for a year. (Being apart was absolutely the hardest thing!)
24. The best thing he has ever done was to take his wonderful wife on a 14 day trip to Europe!
25. Landon is a WORKAHOLIC!! But if you ask him he won’t agree! Landon wakes up every morning at 5:30AM. He leaves our house at 6:15 and arrives at work before 7AM…his office doesn’t even open until 8AM!!! Landon usually doesn’t come home from work until 6PM (sometimes 8 or 9PM!) On RARE occasion when he comes home before 5PM I immediately ask him “Did you quit?”
What is your definition of a workaholic???
26. Landon never calls me during the day unless he needs me to do something. (But on the other hand, I don’t call him because I know I will interrupt him!) So I guess it works!
27. Landon is a true blue pessimist!! To him the glass is ALWAYS half empty!!
28. Landon has really bad luck…so much so that he actually makes decisions with thinking about the worst thing that could happen so he can be prepared when it does!!
29. Landon is a very talented writer. He would like his first book to be called “When Life Gives You Lemons, Pucker Up”. (I know it will be a best seller!) He has written 3 Musical Spoofs that our ward and stake up in Idaho performed. And he creates the best Christmas Newsletter you will ever read in your life!!
30. Landon has an unbelievable Green Thumb that he inherited from his mother!
31. Landon has a way of thinking “outside the box” he always can find solutions to problems! I know he could solve the problems of the world if just given the chance!!
32. Landon is a wonderful public speaker.
33. Landon would make a fabulous politician!
34. Landon was an Early Morning Seminary teacher one year and taught Book of Mormon…he was always thinking of great teaching methods…I thought some of his best were when he had the students run around the church parking lot carrying a bag filled with blocks that were the exact weight of the gold plates so they could get an idea of what Joseph Smith had to do…and the other over the top lesson was when they held a funeral for Nephi…Landon even made up programs!!!
35. Landon’s specialty in the kitchen: Chili Dogs…he perfected them on his mission!
36. Landon’s favorite dessert is Black Forest Cake.
37. Landon has the funniest sense of humor!!!! And it is fun to see it rubbing off on his children!
38. Landon does NOT give a lot of compliments, so if he ever gives one to you…you need to know that is a big deal and he is very sincere!!
39. I believe there is nothing Landon can’t do! He is the most talented man I know and I have seen him in action. If he wants to do something he figures out how to do it and then does it! It is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
40. The final fortieth fun fact…Landon just turn the big 4-O on January 12th and I wanted to do something special for him…but it was really crazy…so I am trying to make it up to him now!!

Oh how I love you Babe!!

25 Random Things About Me!

2009-02-02T17:03:00.006-07:00

I posted this on my Facebook and boy I found it kind of difficult to come up with a bunch of stuff. So I figured I already took the time to share it there...I might as well put it on my blog too! Plus...I really needed to post something since time apparently stopped in my blog world!! Even if my real world is full steam ahead!!! Enjoy learning crazy things about me if you didn't already read them on Facebook!

1. I am not a morning person. I hate to get up before 7AM. (I do…but I really really really hate it!)
2. When I make my elementary age kids lunch I draw a smiley face on the brown paper bag.
3. Even though we have a king size bed, I sleep on the very edge (even when Landon is out of town.)
4. I am totally a whimp when it comes to needles. I delivered 4 children naturally and DON’T donate blood. (Not donating blood really bothers me because that is something I would totally do if they could just figure out how to get it out of me without needles!)
5. I can’t fall asleep (even to just take a nap) if I am not covered with a blanket, sheet, or whatever I can find.
6. If we had a lot of money the first thing I would want is a house keeper!
7. I am VERY grateful to be a stay-at-home mom and dread the day I might have to go back to work.
8. I always have a To Do List – always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9. I have a really bad memory and sometimes it makes me sad I can’t remember more of my childhood and youth.
10. I love the feeling of clean sheets.
11. I just learned how to swim last month.
12. My favorite sport is basketball (both to play and to watch).
13. I love to make new friends and honestly believe you can never have enough.
14. I love my handwriting when I take my time, but my normal scrawl I hate!
15. I wanted to have 6 children my entire life and most of time I really feel my family is incomplete.
16. I have always secretly wished I had lived in pioneer times.
17. I was a huge TV addict when I was a kid, but hardly ever watch it now.
18. I live to be busy! I am a much happier person, way more organized, and can accomplish a lot more things when I am busy. The wiser I become I realize there is a fine line to be crossed and I try not to cross it anymore!
19. The only soda I enjoy drinking is rootbeer (A&W is my favorite brand) but I only drink it when I eat pizza or an occasional rootbeer float.
20. I love spell check.
21. I hardly ever get stressed about the things that are going on in my life (the day-to-day stuff and the things I am in charge of), but I do worry (probably a little too much) about things like: Are my children happy? Am I doing enough in my roles as wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend? Do we have enough Food Storage? …you get the idea!
22. My favorite time of day is 10PM. When everything is calm and quiet, it is often the time you will find me reading, pondering, or even sometimes cleaning. (Refer here to #1)
23. I am a perfectionist…most certainly to a fault!
24. When I was a teenager I remember a lesson I had one Sunday on Self-esteem. I remember my leader telling us to find at least one thing you like about yourself. Of course, because I was a typical teenager with struggling self-esteem it was a very difficult assignment. I finally discovered that my toes were cute! Having one thing I liked about myself really helped to get through some rough hormonal adolescent years! To this day, I still love my toes!
25. I wish I could freeze time right now! I love the place I am at. I love the ages of my children. And I am learning to love the person I am becoming. My heart is already breaking for the day I am no longer in this wonderful stage of life!

Santa Surprise

2008-12-27T00:16:00.000-07:00

Like Christmas Eve doesn't wind up my kids enough...we had an extra special treat when we had a surprise visitor ring our door bell! Thank you Santa for making our night!!

Piano Players Playing Proudly

2008-12-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

Oh no...I discovered that Sis's camera takes video clips...you will be wishing that I didn't figure that out. Now the big dilemma of pics or clips will run through my head constantly!! I have been using Sis's camera a LOT lately because my nice Cannon SLR has broken and I just can't justify that $250 that it will cost to repair it...so if anyone has connections in the camera repair world feel free to let me know!

Tonight was our Christmas Piano Recital. A bunch of the kids in our neighborhood take from one of the cute, strike that, beautiful teenage girls in the neighborhood (I was hoping that this point would make Jake a little more excited about taking piano lessons - but NO - not even a beautiful girl can outweigh the bad attitude of my hopeless 12 year old...as will be apparent at the end of his clip!) I took little clips of each of the kids playing their recital pieces. I didn't realize I could take the video clips until after Keebler had already played his piece, so his is actually a reenactment that is why people are talking during the start. I feel really bad because he makes a small mistake in what I recorded, but you'll just have to trust me that he played it without any mistakes during the actual performance.

Enjoy!! (they are all short I promise)

Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Up On the Housetop

Pat A Pan

Just a Little Side Note...
Sis was just reading my blog checking out some of my latest posts and read the one titled "Before and After". Oh how I wish I would have had a camera handy to capture her expression when she saw my "Before" picture...it was priceless!! We both had a good laugh and I am glad she doesn't really remember me like that (even if it was just 6 short months ago). I guess all my hard work of making sure I wasn't in many photos really paid off!! That should be incentive right there to try and keep the weight off, right? Apparently, my kids will only remember me how I am today!!

Christmas Lights

2008-12-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

This year we tried something new...we went to Thanksgiving Point to see their Christmas Lights. We went with my side of the family (with a few of my nieces bringing dates there were 25 of us in total), so we rented the trolley that took us all together to see the lights. It was fun to all be together to sing Christmas Carols as we viewed the lights. Afterward, we had hot chocolate and donuts by the big water tower and even got to see the "reindeer". All in all a very good time. We were all pleasantly surprised to see that the trolley was a heated bus...we had all envisioned an outdoor ride and we were afraid we'd all freeze to death! Nothing like a good heater to warm up a party!!

Santa Claus is Coming To Town

2008-12-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

This morning was Jair's Preschool Christmas Program which included a wonderful musical performance from 30+ preschoolers! What fun!! Their grand finale song was "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" in which Santa came "Ho Ho Ho"-ing through the door and surprised them all!! Santa let each of them sit on his lap, gave them a candy cane, and then each student got to have a wrapped book from their teacher. After Jair's turn was done he started to cry, I asked him what was wrong. He told me he didn't want a book because he didn't know how to read! It was totally funny to me but unfortunately it ruined the rest of the morning for Jair! Of course, he was going to have a bad day from the start...when I was helping to get him ready he asked, "Is it church day?". I said, "No, why?". He asked again, "Why do I have to wear one of those?" pointing to the shirt I was holding. Apparently I must let Jair dress too casually all the time because I didn't realize button shirts were only for Sundays - my bad!!

Ring Christmas Bells

2008-12-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Landon and I and our 2 oldest children (the other 2 are not old enough to attend such events yet) were able to go this morning to Music and the Spoken Word followed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Concert "Ring Christmas Bells". It was so Fab-U-Lous!!!! I thought I was doing a good job at getting into the Christmas Spirit (and the recent snow really helps), but after going to this wonderful concert this morning there is no doubt that Christmas Cheer is racing through my blood!! I am so grateful to our Savior and to celebrate His birth makes this my favorite time of year hands down! Heck, I just love a good party and Christmas is like one big party for an entire month!!

I think my favorite part of Christmas is the Christmas Music!!! I am so grateful that we have all been blessed with different talents. And sometimes I feel because I haven't been blessed with a particular talent it makes me more grateful for those that have been blessed with it....and that is how I feel about EVERY thing musical!! I am sincerely blessed when others share their musical talents with me! I'm not just talking about those that can sing...it would definitely include those who play musical instruments; those that compose such beautiful lyrics and songs; those that can dance so gracefully to the rhythm of the beat; and those that can conduct and choreograph it all!!

Thank you Paul and Sherry for giving us the tickets that you were unable to use. I am so sorry that you were not able to go but grateful that you would think of us!

Christmas Tag

2008-12-12T12:30:00.001-07:00

I saw this tag on Natalie's blog and thought I would participate since she invited anyone to do it. I just thought it was a great idea!! Thanks for passing it along Natalie :D

Our Christmas Tree...
We bought a new tree last year and therefore all new tree decorations to go with it. I love our new tree...if it were up to me we would not even decorate it...I think it is pretty enough to stand on it's own! It has pine cones and twigs all over it and it is one of those great kinds that already have the lights strung so you just build it in sections!! (Terrific invention in my opinion.) The kids just love to help put the ornaments on the tree, so of course we decorate it!! We are still in search of the perfect topper...hopefully we will find one soon!

Favorite Christmas Decoration...
Well that is easy...because it is what is "new" this year. I was wanting something great for our coffee table and went out hunting at some of my favorite shops...I finally found the perfect thing...unfortuanetly it was $170!! And even if we were swimming in money I would never pay $170 for a center piece...so I decided to make one myself!! I am happy to report I got the same great look at a fraction of the cost!

Finally my favorite Ornament...
That is a toss up...the ornament would be the Snowman in Santa hat...just love him!! But I also love the garland on our tree. So I took a picture with both in it. The garland has rustic jingle bells and miniature yarn balls...gotta love that!!

I invite any one else that would like to share some of their favorite Christmas Decorations to do so! I know I for one would love to see them!! Merry Christmas!

Joining the Metal Mouth Ranks!!

2008-12-11T09:11:00.001-07:00

The right of passage for teenagehood has imposed itself on Jake! On Tuesday, December 9th Jake got braces, and of course, I was there to photo document the entire process!! We NOT only got the family discount (since Sis is a client too) BUT we got the holiday discount as well!! So just a tip out there December is a good month to get braces on your child...of course, I told Jake that this would be the most expensive Christmas present he ever gets from me!!! I am happy to report he can almost eat solid foods again!!

The torture!!

Sis and Jake with our Orthodontist

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

2008-12-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

But since we probably won't get one here is a list of things I like to do to help me get into the Christmas Spirit!!

* Drink LOTS of hot chocolate (don't forget to stir it with a candy cane stick)

* Listen to a wide variety of Christmas music and hit "Repeat All" (and NEVER before Thanksgiving Day)

* Sit in the peacefulness of the night(after children are in bed) and enjoy the Christmas decorations all lit up (with, of course, above said music playing softly)

* Wrap ALL Christmas presents before Christmas Eve
I use to wrap everything on Christmas Eve to help keep the kids from peeking (we have had severe cases of present peeking in the past) but that was NO fun and way to much work for me on Christmas Eve. I came up with the perfect solution a few years ago...each member of my family get an assigned wrapping paper and I wrap all their gifts in that paper. Then on Christmas morning I announce which wrapping paper is theirs! It has stopped the peeking and now all they do is wondering which paper is theirs and take pride if they have guessed everyone's paper correctly.

* Assign the traditional "Christmas Letter" writing to my husband - that was one huge task taken off of me and Landon does such a fabulous job that it really was the best for everyone involved!

* Visit Ogden's Christmas Village (it is not near as crowded as Temple Square)

* Use the phrase "Merry Christmas" as much as possible...I would never be offended if someone came up to me and said for example, "Happy Hanukkah"...so I am going out on a limb that someone else would not be offended if I expressed holiday sentiments in this fashion! I have to have faith in people that we can be tolerant of others religious beliefs or I would be in a world of hurt!!

Christmas Eve Traditions:

* Open one present (but shhhhhhhhh it's new jammies and my kids don't know)

* Reenact Luke 2 (right down to the robes and headdresses along with a baby doll that we keep around just for his big debut each Christmas Eve because no one around here plays with dolls!)

* Read a Christmas bedtime story (from a new book bought each year and of course, we will probably reread some of our favorites too)

* Set out Cookies & Milk (Chocolate is Santa's truly favorite kind of milk and only gets it from the children that love him best) and of course, we use our special Santa plate and mug - only the best for Santa!

* Pour oats and leave in a tin on the front lawn...ya know the reindeer need nourishment too!

Before & After

2008-12-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post for a while but just can't seem to find the time...if I am ever going to really use this blog for true "journaling" and "family history" kinds of reasons than I MUST get better about posting! (Oh I feel a New Years resolution coming on....)

Many of you have been watching me over the past several months and can see that I am half the woman I use to be - LITERALLY (well at least a third of what I use to be)!!!! Back in May I joined a Biggest Loser contest hosted by my very caring and oh so wonderful friend and neighbor, Ann. I almost did not join the contest because just the thought of having to let others know my actual weight was almost unbearable! But when push came to shove I realized two things...first, it's not like I could hide the fact that I was fat! It was kind of obvious!! And second, I really wasn't joining the contest for any one else but me!! So I swallowed my pride and joined in the fun...determined that I would have to be successful OR would have to hide my fat butt in shame forever!!

The contest was from May 17th to August 9th and I felt I was very successful. I lost 40 pounds and was more determined than ever to continue to lose more! I was very sad to find out that Ann was taking a hiatus from hosting the contest, but being so very determined to continue losing...I decided to host my own. That second Biggest Loser contest ran from August 30th to November 22nd (I'm no fool...I wanted it over to enjoy the Holidays!!) And again, I feel I was very successful. This second contest I lost 20 more pounds. I am only 10 pounds away from reaching the original goal I set for myself back in May. But now that I am here so close and doing so well I have decided to tack on another 15 pounds to that goal. I am now hoping to lose a 25 pounds more. That would bring my grand total to 85 pounds...so wish me luck!! If I can do it I know I will be VERY satisfied!! Hence another New Years resolution (okay I know I am really a big dork...this year is not even over and I am already looking on what to improve about next!!!)

Let's just hope that is part of the new me! You see almost 5 years ago I was in that same bad shape and managed to lose 60 pounds. But as hard as it was I was always just focused on losing the weight. I never once thought about the future and how to keep it off. Unfortunately, I gained it all back plus 10 more! And as many of you know out there...it is a lot of hard work to get weight off....I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN!! So now it is all about thinking ahead and knowing what I need to do even before I have to do it!! Maybe that kind of thinking can rub off on some other aspects in my life :)

Needless to say when I am over weight I do NOT like to have my picture taken...so I really had to dig to find a "Before" picture to use! Here I am just 60 pounds ago. I am still a little amazed that some people haven't noticed that I have lost weight...but again I don't really care...I didn't want to lose weight for any one else but me!! BEFORE:

Here is what I looked like at the end of the First Biggest Loser. Sorry, I am really hardly in any pictures...so ones of just me are even harder to find! MIDDLE:

I got smart and with the second Biggest Loser contest I actually took pictures of everyone at the weigh-in! AFTER:

I just want everyone to know how thankful I am to Ann for inviting me to join her contest. I will be forever in your debt! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Ann! But that doesn't even come close to thanking you...honestly there are NO words that can truly express my deep gratitude!! It is funny because one of the contestants in the contest I hosted gave me a big hug at the final weigh-in and told me that she was grateful to me. And of course, I told her how grateful I was to Ann. I told her maybe this is a "pay it forward" kind of thing...since Ann was so kind in helping me and now that I have helped others...maybe they too can in turn help someone else!!

I have decided to host another contest in January. The first weigh-in will be January 10th and the contest will run another 12 weeks. Let me know if you are interested in joining in the fun...or if someone you know might be interested as well!

The Big Loss!

2008-11-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

So we hauled the Expedition to Rice Eccles Stadium filled with 8 Titan Fans...only to sit through a three hour slaughter!! All I kept saying was I am glad it wasn't a complete shut out; and I was so thankful we had some points on the board!!!! The biggest loss of the evening wasn't to Alta...it was the loss of Jaden!! Talk about a mother's worse nightmare coming to life!! For about 25 minutes this mom was in complete panic mode!! All I am saying is that if a mom can cry that much at just the potential of her child being gone...I can't even imagine the amount of tears when it is the real deal!! I am sooooooooo happy to report that we found Jaden and all was well. He thought Kaylinn and her friends had gone out to the car and he was just following them...no big deal that he wasn't with his mother, right!?!?! Anyway, Thank you to Jann, Jim and Emily for helping to search for him...The very nice Security people putting an all points bulletin out for him...And Landon who was turning around on the freeway to head up to the stadium!! So in total Alta 42, Syracuse 14, Jaden 0, Mom 4 (children that is!)

Showing Our Team Spirit!

We Had To Find Drew!!

I can't imagine why we lost, when we were trying our best to show how tough we are!!

HAD to support #65 - GO ARRON!!

Fun After The Game...And After the Drama!

Many Posts

2008-10-30T12:53:00.000-06:00

Many posts today...make sure you read all the latest...yesterday was a busy day so lots to share!!

YW In Excellence

2008-10-30T12:27:00.000-06:00

After a 3 year long "battle"...Sis received her YW Recognition Medallion last night!! I am so proud of Sis for earning it. And so happy she did before she was 16!!!!!! I know it would have been that much tougher after 16! Truth be told...yes, we are those kind of parents that say you can't drive if you don't have your YW Medallion or Eagle! I know some really frown upon that kind of thing, but it really worked for us!! Way to go Sis! I sure love you!!

Sis with her BFF - Thanks for the support!!

The Big Moment!!

Proud Parents!!

Band Concert

2008-10-30T12:22:00.001-06:00

He does clean up nice to make it to the band concert! Here is Jake playing his trumpet. Beginning Band is so much fun to listen too!!

WaCky HaiR DaY!

2008-10-30T12:14:00.000-06:00

Need I say more?!?!?

No More Pain in the Neck for Necklaces!!

2008-10-30T11:26:00.000-06:00

I was talking with my neighbor, Kathleen, last week and we were talking jewelry...I told her how I had created a clever way to store my jewelry, but then she wanted to see it!! That would mean taking a trip through my horribly messy bedroom to get to my bathroom to show her. So last night I saw her again and she said "why don't you just email me a picture of it". What a great idea!! And, as long as I had the picture I might as well post it on my blog, right!?!?!

These were really easy to make. I bought 4 12x12 "Scrapbook" Frames (I bought mine at Roberts and they were $2 or $3 a piece - sorry I can't remember). I bought 4 coordinating pieces of scrapbooking paper (purchased at $.50 per sheet). Wal-mart sales cork board in 12x12 pieces in a package of 4 for $5. All you have to do is take out the glass/plastic from the picture frames. Glue the paper onto the cork board using stick glue. Assemble together and use push pins to hang up your necklaces and hoop earrings. To make all four it cost me under $20!!

Simple and inexpensive...could make a great Christmas gift for any woman in your life young or old!! And now no one needs to see my messy bedroom!!

HaPpY 5th BiRthDaY

2008-10-23T07:40:00.000-06:00

I can't believe my baby is 5!! How time does fly!!

The birthday boy asked last night "what time was I born?" This question came because his older brother told him he wouldn't really be 5 until the exact time of his birth and this caused a little panic! He was grateful to find out that he was born in the afternoon and his party isn't until tonight! **Whew**

This morning the birthday boy was crying (hence the wonderful picture I posted above) and I asked what was wrong. He told me that his leg was hurting. His oldest brother yells as he is walking out the front door for school "it's probably a growing pain". I tell him "it could be a growing pain after all you are 5 today". Birthday boy replies, "I don't want to grow up, I like my size".

Despite Jair Bear's or his mother's best wishes...my baby is going to grow up!! **sigh**

Wishing the best birthday to the best boy around!!

Another Fun Fall Recipe

2008-10-21T22:56:00.001-06:00

Caramel Apple Pizza

I saw this recipe a few weeks ago and wanted to make it. I was going to take it as my "treat to share" at the Enrichment Activity last week, but that night when I started to make it, I realized I was short cream cheese and could not do it. Then I decided I would buy cream cheese and we would have it for FHE last night. While we are eating dinner my wonderful visiting teacher drops us off sugar cookies (yum, my favorite)! And I am thinking... "great, I won't have to make a dessert for FHE". After dinner and homework, we start FHE and Jair Bear asks "where is the Caramel Apple Pizza?" We had spoke about it several times at our house and he knew tonight was the night! When I tried explaining the situation and how we didn't really need a second dessert he breaks out in tears and yells "you lied to me!" I felt so horrible that I went ahead and made it anyway! And I am glad I did (it was delicious)...unfortunately, I don't think my weigh-in Saturday for the Biggest Loser is going to be very good...I had both a slice of Caramel Apple Pizza with ice cream AND a sugar cookie!! The funniest part about the whole evening for me...Keebler saying to me as he brings me the camera "don't you need to take a picture for your blog?" What have a created here?!?!?! I guess I should let you all in on a little secret...even though I am a big loser about getting posts on my blog...I think about it all the time and even take pictures of things with the greatest of intentions of putting it all on my blog!! So can the principle of "it's the thought that counts" really apply here???

Here are my little boys really enjoying the Carmel Apple Pizza!

The fun, easy, and fast recipe is as follow:

Caramel Apple Pizza
Pizza crust (unbaked)
1/2 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 brick cream cheese
1 t vanilla
1T cinnamon
1 t nutmeg
2 chopped apples (any variety)
Caramel sauce
1/2 can sweetened condensed milk

Soften cream cheese and mix with 1/2 sweetened condensed milk and spices. Spread over crust. Spread chopped apples on top. Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes (or according to crust directions). Drizzle with caramel sauce and 1/2 sweetened condensed milk before serving.

Passing on the Politics - Early Voting

2008-10-21T22:45:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone realized that early voting started today! I was up at the County Courthouse tonight (for more election training) and Pat (our wonderful Elections Director) told me that there were over 3,000 people in Davis County that voted today! I am so proud of you if you did it today!! I would strongly encourage you to early vote. Why would anyone want to stand in long lines on November 4th (unless you are just dying to see me, of course)?? You have until October 31st to early vote. For a complete list of locations and times visit www.leaveyourprint.com or give me a call and I can help you out too :D

Martha Stewart Moment

2008-10-06T23:07:00.000-06:00

Can I just say that I am so excited for Fall weather!!!!! And of course, this weekend got me to thinking that Fall temperatures were here to stay. I planned my dinners for this week thinking soup, soup, soup!! Then I remembered that I was watching a cooking segment on Studio 5 last week that showed how to make Bread Bowls. I decided to make those to go with my soup (because duh what goes better with soup than bread bowls?). So I put my apron on and Jair Bear decides he needs to help. I get him all washed up and of course, he gets an apron too... he is thrilled to help pour in ingredients and touch the dough...all up until he taste the dough, then he decides it is disgusting and he is now NOT interested in completing the project. Never fear...in walks Jake to take his place! Jake was all over kneading the dough with me and creating the dough balls. It all turned out great too which is the very exciting part of the story!! The disappointment was that it did not feel like a Fall day while we were eating our soup in delicious bread bowls! But that is okay...I still feel like I am one up on Martha because I've never seen her cook with her little boys!!

I thought I would share the recipe in case you'd like to try...it was really simple and very fast (for bread). So the next true Fall day whip up a batch!!

French Bread Soup Bowls

2.5 Cup Warm Water
3 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Yeast
1 Tbsp Salt
5 Tbsp Oil
6 Cup All-Purpose Flour

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In large bowl or bowl of an electric bread mixer, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and stir. Wait 10 minutes until yeast mixture is frothy. Add salt, oil and half of the flour. Beat well in the mixer or with a wooden spoon. Add remaining flour and mix well until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto floured board and knead 2 or 3 times to coat with flour. Divide into 10 equal parts (makes a great kid sized portion). Form into balls and place in small foil pans (small pot pie pans work well). Allow dough bowls to rise for 20 minutes. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans. Cut off tops and hollow out insides. Serve with soup.

Makes 10 bowls.

Nutritional Information:
354 calories, 8 g fat, 3 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 9 g protein

Passing on the Politics

2008-09-28T23:26:00.001-06:00

This has been a totally busy week and, therefore, I have been ignoring my blog and yours!! Sometimes I really struggle with finding the balance in my life (I am sure none of you ever feel that way *wink*wink*) and blogging just isn't always going to be high on my priority list. But there have been a few things that have been high on my priority list this week and so I hope you don't mind if I use my blog to pass on a little information regarding things that I get very passionate about. This is a post that is the first of it's kind for me (not that I have oodles and oodles of posts yet), but I am sure it won't be the last of this kind either.

First, there is a Public Information Meeting regarding the intersection at 1000 and 2700 on Tuesday at 7:30 down at the City Building.

Second, I have a petition that I am hoping some of you might be interested in signing. It is petitioning for a light and a crossing guard at the corner of 3200 and W Hill Field. I will probably be asking you to sign it...so start running from me if you don't want too and I promise I will take the hint :D

Third, the process has begun for the boundaries of the new junior high. I went to a meeting last week and I can tell you what I know if you are interested. The meeting was the first of several to come and I have the names of some people you can contact to express your opinions if you would like!

Fourth, because they are expecting a HUGE turn out for the presidential election in November they are having more polling locations then in the past and are still in need of more poll workers. I have the name and number of the person to contact if you are interested in helping out with that!! FYI many polling location have changed for this election, if you live near me I can tell you where we will be voting!

I will title all my posts regarding information like this "Passing on the Politics" so if you are not interested you don't have to read any of those posts AND it so will not hurt my feelings :D

The Highlight Of My Year

2008-09-23T09:16:00.000-06:00

Okay, so if you know me very well at all then you know that the highlight of every year for me is our annual trip to Bear Lake with our closest and dearest friends! We always say that we solve the worlds problems while we are there... (too bad no one listens to us). Regardless, we always come home refreshed and ready to be better parents and to tackle another year!!

Here are a few pictures from our good times this weekend...

Having lunch at Mandarin Gardens
(we were a little bummed, we didn't get our "usual" table)

The Logan Temple
Thanks Matt & Corrine for letting us help with your family sealings

The boys having their fun...eating and watching football!

The girls having our fun...
swapping recipes and good parenting tips!

Fun playing games -
this year we broke 2 chairs having sooooooo much fun!!

The traditional group picture taken before going to church -
sorry Dan it is tradition even if we don't change much each year!!

The Best Trip Ever!

2008-09-17T12:05:00.000-06:00

I thought before it gets too late...
I should really post a few pictures from our wonderful trip to Nauvoo!

It was a great opportunity to take our family there for the first time in August.
Although, Landon & I had been there before, this was our first time since the Temple has been built. And can I just say how absolutely lovely it is!! Landon and I were able to take in a session, leaving Sis in charge of the boys back at the hotel...what a blessing that was! Thanks Sis!!

I won't lie...it was an incredibly LONG drive, but oh SOOOOOOOOOOOO worth it! I know for our entire family it was a very faith promoting and testimony building experience.
How much more appreciative we are of our pioneer heritage!!

I am grateful we were actually able to take this trip.
(We had been worried about the price of gas and the flooding from earlier in the summer.)

Pushing the hand cart in Winter Quarters.

Outside the Kearns Tabernacle where the Brigham Young was
sustained the 2nd Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Walking down the "Trail Of Hope" leading to the Mississippi River
where the Saints caught the ferry to leave Nauvoo.

Posing with the oxen before we took a wagon ride in Nauvoo.

The Beautiful Nauvoo Temple.

Swimming Fun every night at each hotel!

Our family outside of Carthidge Jail where Joseph Smith Jr. was shot and killed.

Our family at Liberty Jail.

On the way home we stopped in Hannibal, Missouri
for a ride down the Mississippi River on a Steamboat!

Our last stop was in Colorado Springs, Colorado where we visited the Air Force Academy and saw the coolest Indian Cave Dwellings!

Keebler's Dentist Day!

2008-09-12T21:40:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we had a little trauma at our house. Keebler Kohn (that is my third child's nickname at home, so that is what I will be referring to him as on my blog) got 2 teeth pulled out at the dentist! Keebler has been having some crowding issues that our orthodontist has been watching now for about a year and a half. Wednesday Keebler had a 6 month check up at the ortho and he decided that it was time to take matters into our own hands because the teeth were just not going to be doing what they should be doing on there own. They made him an appointment for the next day at our dentist and Keebler Kohn was just about the bravest little 7 year old I know. I wasn't even sure what to expect as nothing like this has happened in our family. I was very impressed by how easily the teeth were removed...I totally thought to myself, "no wonder it's a common thing to have a tooth get knocked out". A couple of big toughs with a pair of pliers from the dentist and pop they are out!! Of course, with some serious numbness beforehand! (Which was by far the worst part for Keebler...I hate those shots too!!) And just in case you are wondering, it is really inexpensive to get a tooth pulled out by the dentist...my philosophy from here on out will be to just yank out those baby teeth because it is cheaper than filling the cavity! So when you see my children all toothless know they must not be brushing their teeth good enough!!

Keebler absolutely scared out of his mind...
I thought laughing gas was suppose to make you happy?!?!?!

Keebs proud moment once he realized it really didn't hurt!
And wow did he have a show and tell for class today!

Big gapping holes and crowded bottom teeth...next step back to the ortho Monday to have an appliance made that will keep the space there while the permanent teeth come in.

Midnight Sun Cabosh!

2008-09-11T11:43:00.000-06:00

As most of you know I was a little obsessed (okay that might even be understating it just a tad) with the Twilight Series. I would just like to update you in that I am doing fine now that the fourth book (Breaking Dawn) is out...I feel like I can go on with my life now. But of course, I was looking forward to Midnight Sun (Edward's version of Twilight) and the promise from Stephanie Meyer that this was the next project she was working on!! Then yesterday morning I was walking on my treadmill and watching the morning news when LOW and BEHOLD they give the breaking news that Stephanie has put a hold on Midnight Sun indefinitely!!!!! I guess she handed out some manuscripts to trusted friends and some how one of them ended up on the Internet! This, of course, has made Stephanie feel very betrayed and violated (as it rightly should!!). So she just doesn't feel like she can continue writing it with the sour taste in her mouth!! I want to know who the culprit is and if Stephanie doesn't press charges, I would like to. Isn't this after all what all our mothers taught us when we were children..."your actions always have consequences that don't just effect you!" Hello, this is like Humanity 101!! I was incredibly sad to hear this story and thought I would share it with all of you, in case you had not heard!! So you can go to Stephanie's website and read the 264 pages of the unfinished draft. I looked at it, but haven't read one word yet. Still deliberating if I will...not sure if its the right thing to do...feels a little wrong.

On a lighter note....In case you didn't know...Twilight the movie's release date has been moved up to November 21 (3 weeks earlier than originally set). I guess Harry Potter has been moved to Summer '09 so this allowed Twilight to move up. I know this is "old" news, but give me a break...I haven't had a blog for that long!

Big Mistake!

2008-09-06T21:11:00.000-06:00

Okay, so in one week I am trying to can peaches, learn how to blog, and I opened up a facebook account! Am I out of my mind??? My 15 year old daughter, whom I will refer to as "Sis" on my blog wants a facebook account. So I tell her..."I will open one first, see how it goes, and then decide if you can have one." Pretty good parenting logic, don't you agree! Just didn't know how little time I would have on my hands!! FYI...Facebook is pretty fun and I think I am going to give her the approval. If anyone has heard of horror stories they would like to share, please feel free to...I probably won't tell her for a few more days.

I'm A Little Scared

2008-09-02T13:17:00.000-06:00

Okay, I have just entered into the world of blogging! I have all these friends with blogs and spend all this time looking at your blogs....that I just thought why not just bite the bullet and get a blog myself. I am totally blog clueless, so bare with me while I experiment and figure out how to make my blog as cool as all of yours!! Any tips will certainly be appreciated!! TTFN
Melinda