Our Computer died on Monday, just before I was going to sit down to do email, blogging, and more internet fun...
So this is a quick note in the mean time.
We started TV tickets this week. They get 4/day. And the kids can use 1/show or 1/20 min. computer time (obviously not happening since the computer died!). Or 2/movie. They can also sell them to me for $0.25/each. They can also earn more by doing chores. It has gone so well, and they haven't used all of them in a single day yet. So I think I may cut it back to 2/day. Anyway, they have been happier, fought less, and played more. I love it, and it is so much more peaceful at home. Good idea Heather!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote of the week
Sophie totally randomly saud to me in the car "Mom, I'm not addicted to frosting. I think it has 199 grams of sugar, and that is why I don't like it!" She is so funny!
Anyway, I look forward to getting my computer back. It can't be dead forever, I have pictures on there I haven't put onto disc yet, and my blog book from last year is this close to being done, and it is on there too. So, keep your fingers crossed for me... And I can't promise when I'll be back, but keep checking! Take care!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Blog Blanks
Lately I have felt like my life is so busy and non-scheduled, and messy (in the house!). And at the same time I feel that it has been so boring and unintersing. The kids are the same, and I'm the same. Deffinantly nothing worth blogging about. And I want to be back on the wagon of fun and exciting blogs, and a regular fun and organized life. Any advice or feedback?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Me and My Valentine
How long have you been together? We've been married now for 6 1/2 years! Time flies when you are in love...
How long did you date? Well...... We 'dated' for 3 weeks before we were officially engaged! Can you believe it! I look at that and it sounds crazy. But when it's right, it's right. And we only spent 13 days together during our 2 1/2 month engagement! We were practically strangers!
How old is he? He'll hit the big 3-0 this summer.
Who eats more? He does. He eats everything. He even eats things he doesn't like because he doesn't like to waste food.
Who said "I love you" first? He did.
Who is taller? Rich is. He is 6" and I am 5"2'
Who sings better? We both like to sing. He is even in our ward choir right now, volunterily!
Who is smarter? That's a silly question. What does smart mean anyway? We are both smart. Some times in the same way, sometimes in different ways.
Who does the laundry? I do.
Who does the dishes? I do, but sometimes, if I'm lucky, he'll pitch in.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Rich does, but we usually both end up there, I like to cuddle.
Who pays the bills? I do, but only because Rich gives me money to pay them!
Who mows the lawn? Rich does. But I've mowed a row here and there
Who cooks dinner? I do--and Rich makes a hot family breakfast, almost every morning.
Who is more stubborn? He may say he can be. But we all know I am the true stubborn one, on certain issues.
Who kissed who first? Long story short, I did. He was the first person I ever kissed first. I think it's the guys job to make that first move. But I broke my own rule with Rich.
Who asked who out? Again, a really long story. But Rich asked me out, because he had nothing better to do when he was visiting friends in Rexburg. They were all busy and I was free. Funny how things work out!
Who proposed? He did- during my first ever easter egg hunt. It was so romantic and very well planned out. Taking me all over town. I loved it!!
Who is more sensitive? That's a toss up. Rich has a big sensitive side, but I'm right up there too.
Who has more friends? I guess I do. I don't like that question. Most of our friends are mutual.
Who has more siblings? Uh, Rich. He has 9 and I have 1.
Who wears the pants in the relationship? We both use a leg. (I stole that line, but love it)
Who are you tagging? Cyndi, Jamie, JaNece.
How long did you date? Well...... We 'dated' for 3 weeks before we were officially engaged! Can you believe it! I look at that and it sounds crazy. But when it's right, it's right. And we only spent 13 days together during our 2 1/2 month engagement! We were practically strangers!
How old is he? He'll hit the big 3-0 this summer.
Who eats more? He does. He eats everything. He even eats things he doesn't like because he doesn't like to waste food.
Who said "I love you" first? He did.
Who is taller? Rich is. He is 6" and I am 5"2'
Who sings better? We both like to sing. He is even in our ward choir right now, volunterily!
Who is smarter? That's a silly question. What does smart mean anyway? We are both smart. Some times in the same way, sometimes in different ways.
Who does the laundry? I do.
Who does the dishes? I do, but sometimes, if I'm lucky, he'll pitch in.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Rich does, but we usually both end up there, I like to cuddle.
Who pays the bills? I do, but only because Rich gives me money to pay them!
Who mows the lawn? Rich does. But I've mowed a row here and there
Who cooks dinner? I do--and Rich makes a hot family breakfast, almost every morning.
Who is more stubborn? He may say he can be. But we all know I am the true stubborn one, on certain issues.
Who kissed who first? Long story short, I did. He was the first person I ever kissed first. I think it's the guys job to make that first move. But I broke my own rule with Rich.
Who asked who out? Again, a really long story. But Rich asked me out, because he had nothing better to do when he was visiting friends in Rexburg. They were all busy and I was free. Funny how things work out!
Who proposed? He did- during my first ever easter egg hunt. It was so romantic and very well planned out. Taking me all over town. I loved it!!
Who is more sensitive? That's a toss up. Rich has a big sensitive side, but I'm right up there too.
Who has more friends? I guess I do. I don't like that question. Most of our friends are mutual.
Who has more siblings? Uh, Rich. He has 9 and I have 1.
Who wears the pants in the relationship? We both use a leg. (I stole that line, but love it)
Who are you tagging? Cyndi, Jamie, JaNece.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Chuck-E-Cheese
We had fun at Chuck-E-Cheese today with our fun cousins. We went to celebrate our boys birthdays. Max and Ben were born 3 days apart. So we had to celebrate together. We should have made a reservation because there was a 45 minute wait!!! Just to get into the joint! Talk about crazy! But once in we had so much fun eating pizza, and playing games. Sophie and Natalee went off and played, and they won tons of tickets! Sophie used hers to buy fun rainbow lollie pops for her and Peter. He had wanted it the whole time we were there, and we heard about it every 5 minutes. Peter liked to run off with Sam, and he got sad when Sam went up to play in the tubes and slides. Peter was too scared to go up there. Thomas kept disapearing, and we never knew where he was! That little rascal! To explain the top 2 pictures of Max. We put him and Ben on the Monster Truck ride, and Max did not enjoy it. The ride kind of tumbled and turned, and there were no seatbelts. He kept sliding around. We are hoping this is not a sign of things to come. Peter wouldn't even go on that ride, or any come to think of it. But we had a great 2 hours today playing and having fun. Happy Birthday Boys.
And on my happy note, this marked the end of birthday celebrations in any form in our family until the summer, and I am thankful. Three birthdays in 2 weeks, with celebrations on going for almost 4 weeks about did me in. I am done for now.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Preschool Party
Today was my turn to teach Sophie's Preschool. But instead of the normal class setting, we had a birthday party!!! We decided not to have a big party for her this year, so this is the closest she got. It was so funny when her friends started coming and handing her presents she would seriously ask "who is that for?" And she was so excited to find out they were for her. We had great fun playing party games, opening presents, and eating cupcakes. If you look really close in the cupcake picture, you will notice that Sophie's cupcake doesn't have any frosting on it. Just the way she likes it. And she was thrilled to share the news with each guest, and their moms, that she had gotten her ears pierced yesterday. It was all so fun. The best preschool day!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Super Play Group
Peter had Playgroup here today on Sophie's birthday. Josh (on the left) came with this great Superman costume on. It inspired Peter and the other Josh to want to follow suit, so I found some other Super Hero costumes, and they all had a great time!! Running around and having fun! Peter asks everyday if it is Wednesday (for playgroup)!
Happy Birthday Sophie!!
What a great day!! Sophie is 5 years old now! It seems like she has been 5 forever, but now she really is. Sophie had so much fun, being queen for the day. We started with the best breakfast of crepes with strawberries, peaches and bananas and bacon and orange juice. The presents were so fun, and Baby Alive is the favorite one. She drinks, wets, cries, and giggles. So Fun!!
Sophie has decided for the past little while that she wanted to get her ears pierced for her birthday! Our family rule with ear piercing is only that they have to be the one to decide they want it, and then wait till their coming birthday. Talking to my mom today, she said that I also wanted to get my ears pierced for my 5th birthday, and I did. I guess we're twins!
Sophie was SO brave. She sat in the chair, and didn't even blink when the gun pierced her ears!!!!
Her cute earings are little spakrly flowers with a blue center. They get to stay in for 6 weeks, and then the accesorizing begins!!
She decided she wanted to go to dinner tonight to Mexican at El Burrito. They came around at the end of our meal with icecream, maracas, and this big sombraro for her to wear while we all sang Happy Birthday!
Sophie has decided that she doesn't like cake. Strange, I know, but I think it's mostly the frosting. So, she decided she wanted an icecream cake from Dairy Queen. We went last week and ordered this one to pick up today!! Sophie was impressed and excited that their are five princesses on the cake, just like she is now 5 years old!
Make a wish!!!! We love you Sophie, what a great day we all had!!!
Happy Birthday to you!!!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
I wanted to start this Hinckley Challenge (of reading the Book of Mormon in 97 days (by May 10th) to honor President Hinckley.) I couldn't believe that there is a whole website dedicated to it where you can chart your progress and everything, www.hinckleychallenge.com . I didn't jump right on, but hesitated. I didn't know if I could truely commit, and didn't want to try if I thought I may fail. But I talked to Rich, and we are going to do it together, even if we are starting a day late. After all the reading we've been doing lately we thought this would be no problem. I have put my progress chart here on my blog to be more accountable to you and also myself. Wish us luck, and good luck to all of you who have also decided to do this challenge!!!!Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Work and the Glory, vol 4
We finished!! The Work and the Glory, Thy Gold to Refine. By Gerald N. Lund. It took longer than the last one, we took more breaks, but today we put in the long haul and read for more than 5 hours, finishing after midnight. But we couldn't put it down! We wanted to start the next one right away, but Julie is missing #5. But that's ok. I think we're going to take a break and do the Hinckley Challenge. Then we'll get back on track with the series and borrow book #5 from the library. The Work and the Glory is SOOOOOOO good! We love it!
Monday, January 28, 2008
C.A.A.D.D.
This was on a friends blog, but I HAD to copy it and keep it for myself (hope you don't mind...). Did someone spy on me one day, and then write about it??? This almost isn't funny it's so true!
Recently, I was diagnosed with C. A. A. D. D. --"Child Activated Attention Deficit Disorder" This is how it manifests: I decide to do the laundry. As I start toward the laundry room, I notice that there are cheerios all over the floor and my car keys are in the cereal bowl. I decide to pick up the cheerios before I do the laundry. I lay my car keys down on the counter, put the cheerios in the trash can under the counter, and notice that the trash can is full. So, I decide to take out the trash. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the trash I may as well pay the bills first. I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check left, my extra checks are in my desk in the office/playroom, so I go to my desk where I find a sippy cup full of juice. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I decide I should put sippy cup in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the sippy cup, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye --they need to be watered. I set the sippy cup on the counter, and I discover baby wipes that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back in the bathroom, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the wipes back down, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote, one of the kids left it on the kitchen table. I realize that after school when they go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote as they fight over who lost it, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down, get some paper towels and wipe up the spill. Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the laundry isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm cup of juice sitting on the counter, the flowers aren't watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook, I can't find the remote, I can't find the wipes, and I don' t remember what I did with the car keys. Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail. Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message, because I don't remember to whom it has been sent to. Don't laugh --if this isn't you yet, your day is coming.
Recently, I was diagnosed with C. A. A. D. D. --"Child Activated Attention Deficit Disorder" This is how it manifests: I decide to do the laundry. As I start toward the laundry room, I notice that there are cheerios all over the floor and my car keys are in the cereal bowl. I decide to pick up the cheerios before I do the laundry. I lay my car keys down on the counter, put the cheerios in the trash can under the counter, and notice that the trash can is full. So, I decide to take out the trash. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the trash I may as well pay the bills first. I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check left, my extra checks are in my desk in the office/playroom, so I go to my desk where I find a sippy cup full of juice. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I decide I should put sippy cup in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the sippy cup, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye --they need to be watered. I set the sippy cup on the counter, and I discover baby wipes that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back in the bathroom, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the wipes back down, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote, one of the kids left it on the kitchen table. I realize that after school when they go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote as they fight over who lost it, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down, get some paper towels and wipe up the spill. Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the laundry isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm cup of juice sitting on the counter, the flowers aren't watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook, I can't find the remote, I can't find the wipes, and I don' t remember what I did with the car keys. Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail. Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message, because I don't remember to whom it has been sent to. Don't laugh --if this isn't you yet, your day is coming.
President Gordon B. Hinckley
I was shocked last night when we heard that Presidnt Hinckley had passed away. It is strange living in Utah where this was all over the news for hours and hours last night, as well as today. But it is wonderful at the same time to know it is that important to everyone in the community. We heard calls from local state leaders, and other religous leaders, and college students. It went on and on. We heard details that we would not find anywhere else. He was 97 years old, and passed away in his home with his family around him at 7pm last night. He was an amazing prophet of God. I feel like he was MY prophet. He is the prophet I grew up with. I love his constant strength, wisdom, and sense of humor. I feel like I really knew him. I will always remember singing at the Nauvoo Temple dedication and sitting a short distance across the assembly hall from him. And I saw him speak in Vancouver, BC Canada, and also at Ricks College. It is sad to think he is actually gone away from this world. But it is wonderful to think he is with his sweetheart again. I love him, and will miss him greatly. I know that he will be remembered by so many for so many different things, including his building countless temples, and his 6 B's. If we live by his counsel, we will never fail.
BE GRATEFUL - Express appreciation to everyone who does us a favor or assists us in any way. Two little words - "thank you" - the mark of an educated man or woman.
BE SMART - The Lord wants us to train our minds and hands to become an influence for good "...that ye may be prepared in all things" (D&C 88:78-80).
BE CLEAN - We live in a world filled with filth and sleaze. We cannot afford to let it touch us. We should not be disrespectful of the body which the Lord has given us. Avoid evil talk, choose your friends carefully. You are a child of God.
BE TRUE - Let us be loyal to the Church under all circumstances. The authorities of this Church will lead us in paths of happiness.
BE HUMBLE - The meek and the humble are those who are teachable. Be willing to listen to the whisperings of the still, small voice.
BE PRAYERFUL - Look to the Lord for understanding and guidance, and walk according to His precepts and commandments. The miracle of it all is that He hears, He responds, He answers.
BE GRATEFUL - Express appreciation to everyone who does us a favor or assists us in any way. Two little words - "thank you" - the mark of an educated man or woman.
BE SMART - The Lord wants us to train our minds and hands to become an influence for good "...that ye may be prepared in all things" (D&C 88:78-80).
BE CLEAN - We live in a world filled with filth and sleaze. We cannot afford to let it touch us. We should not be disrespectful of the body which the Lord has given us. Avoid evil talk, choose your friends carefully. You are a child of God.
BE TRUE - Let us be loyal to the Church under all circumstances. The authorities of this Church will lead us in paths of happiness.
BE HUMBLE - The meek and the humble are those who are teachable. Be willing to listen to the whisperings of the still, small voice.
BE PRAYERFUL - Look to the Lord for understanding and guidance, and walk according to His precepts and commandments. The miracle of it all is that He hears, He responds, He answers.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Happy First Birthday Max
He started his special day with a whole, un-cut banana. His favorite!!
Since Max has a love for banana's , and Curious George, this cake seemed perfect. Rich and I stayed up late Saturday night to get it ready. We used fondant icing. It's like play dough. So we were rolling out baby banana after baby banana. Which wasn't that bad compared to the painting the black on each of them! But it was so worth it to have this cute cake for Max.
I was so excited for him to finally get this bike/walker for his birthday. We bought it before Christmas! And he keeps walking by pushing the chairs all over the kitchen. He loves it. The kids were so frustrated that he had NO interest in any of the other gifts.He just wanted to push his walker around!
He did like the other gifts, once he knew what they were, like this little car toy from Grandma Canada. It has lots of lights and sounds! And he loved his little cars too, he loves to hold them and push them back and forth on the hard wood floor. 
Can you tell Peter was sick today? His face is so red, and he slept most of the day. We were all so sad. He threw up a little, and mostly just had a fever.
The kids would open a present, and Max would go after the ripped paper they threw!
Max loved the cake, were we surprised? We think fondant icing tastes gross, but looks cool. But Max ate a couple of the bananas. I guess he doesn't know they are supposed to taste bad!
Let the fun begin!!
Using his own fork. It didn't help!
What a fun mess!
Happy First Birthday Max!! We love you!Saturday, January 26, 2008
My Birthday Isn't Over Yet...
Just when I thought my birthday was done, it keeps on going!! Friday afternoon Rich and were chatting about nothing and he all of a sudden blurts out "I can't keep it a secret any longer!!!!!!! We are going away over night up to Logan! And we are leaving the kids!!" I was in total shock, especially when I realized he had been keeping this a secret for 2 weeks, and now everyone but me knew about it! We were going to the Sherwood Hills Resort ( www.sherwoodhills.com ), Rich had a gift certificate that he got on trade. I was very impressed with his secret keeping skills which are usually non-existant. So when Aaron 
came home from work, we left. And we left Max too. Now that he is officially weened from all nursing, we could leave him, and that was SO nice. We started by going to Chili's for dinner. We used my birthday gift card from Rich's mom for that. When we showed up at the door there was a 40 minute wait! And we didn't want to wait that long. But luckily the host said there were 2 empty seats at the bar. So that's where we ate. And we were acutally in and out in less than the 40 minute wait. The roads and weather were good and luck seemed to be on our side, especially when we found the hotel (which is hidden in the mountians) with no trouble. What a nice and relaxing night! And we slept in the next morning, ahhhhh... With no kids, ahhhhh.... The weather and scenery were breath taking. We 
took a leisurely morning and then made our way 
into Logan where we had Jamba Juice and Einstein Bagels for breakfast. We had a Jamba Juice gift card from Julie, Rich's 
secratary. She gave it to us months ago, but this was the perfect time to use it. We were without kids and decided to go and do a session at the Logan temple. What a nice day, and then we drove home. It was all so wonderful! Thank you Rich. I have to say that being gone for less than 24 hours was perfect. I thought about the kids, a little. But didn't miss them too much. I just enjoyed being alone with Rich. What I did miss were 2 things I take for granted everyday. My pillow!! I use this great waterfilled pillow called a chiroflow pillow that always gives the perfect support for my head, and I love it!! So it was an adjustment to go from the best pillow to a flat nothing pillow at the hotle. And the other thing was my eye mask that I sleep with. It is so comfy, and contures to my face so well. You can even blink your eyes under the soft foamy eye mask. And it doesn't let in any light. I can take a nap in the middle of the day and it will feel like the middle of the night. ( I know that from experiece!) 
But this was such an unexpected, and wonderful getaway!
Thanks again Rich, I love you so much!!!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Happy Birthday to Me!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
I AM 28 NOW!!!
My morning started out great. I slept in, and didn't feel guilty about it! I thought I was really just laying there awake, but the next thing I know the kids come in with some birthday presents that Rich had woken them up early to wrap! I didn't hear a thing and they were right across the hall!!! Rich said that I needed to put this on before I came down. A super soft, warm, cute heart bath robe. I love it! I guess he was tired of me stealing his all the time. We went down stairs and Rich had made my favorite (one of my favorite) breakfasts. Pancakes with cool whip and strawberries. We were just missing the bacon and OJ. Need to go shopping. So we opened presents and ate our yummy food! Not many exciting thing happened after that. Sophie went to preschool, I got ready, and then decided that I didn't want to make a boring lunch at home, so all of us went to Pace's for burgers, fries and onion rings. It's one of our favorite burger joints. Just a tiny place that I never would have gone to without someone taking us first. Thanks Ford's! 
In the middle of the day Rich 
came home after running a quick errand. He had ordered this great fruit bouquet for me!! All edible! It is so good, and the strawberries are so big and juicy! I was very surprised. They have a website you should visit. http://www.fruitflowers.com/ Then I played with the kids all afternoon (instead of chores, who wants to do that on your birthday?!) till Karolee came over for a visit. She was going to stay for dinner, and then for cake after, but it was getting too late. So that just meant more cake for us!! Which by the way was to die for! This is my favorite cake, and Rich and I stayed up late last night 
making it together. The kids wanted to help me blow out the 6 candles on the cake (I don't know why 6 was chosen, but it was better than the 28 that could have been there. Who wants to eat waxy cake?) So they gathered around and I love it when the kids sing happy birthday, too cute! The night finished up with Rich and I watching a movie in bed. I love my birthday! And can't wait to eat leftover cake for breakfast!!!
Here is the recipe for my yummy cake!
Strawberry Cheesecake Torte
1 (16 ounce) package one-step angel food cake mix
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1 (1/3 ounce) package sugar-free strawberry gelatin
1/2 cup boiling water
1/4 cup seedless strawberry jam
1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
1/3 cup nonfat milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cups reduced-fat whipped topping
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package cheesecake flavor instant pudding and pie filling mix
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 kiwi fruit, peeled, halved and sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
Line a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with ungreased parchment paper. Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake at 400° for 15-18 minutes or until top is lightly browned. Sprinkle sugar over a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Immediately invert cake onto baking sheet. Gently peel off parchment paper; cool completely.
Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in jam until melted. With a fork, poke cake at 1/2-in. intervals. Brush with gelatin mixture; chill for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, milk and lemon juice. Add whipped topping and pudding mix; whisk well. Reserve 1 cup. Place remaining pudding mixture in a pastry bag with a large star tip.
Trim edges of cake. Cut widthwise into three equal rectangles; place one on serving plate. Spread 1/2 cup reserved pudding mixture in center. Pipe pudding mixture around top edge of cake. Repeat with second cake layer. Top with remaining cake layer. Pipe pudding mixture along top edges. Fill center with fruit. Sprinkle with lemon peel. Store in refrigerator.
PS- Thank you to all of you that sent birthday wishes. I got so many emails, posts on facebook, phone calls, cards in the mail, and stop ins today. Thank you all for thinking of me on my special day!!!! I love you all! You helped to make my day extra special!
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