Musser Minutes

Valentine's Day subway art

2012-01-12T17:56:00.001-07:00

I made this last year... still havent printed it out to poster size or wraped it to a wood frame like I planned.

Our Christmas Card

2011-12-23T17:25:00.002-07:00

Our Family Nativity

2011-12-22T16:48:00.003-07:00

30 years ago my mom worked with 2 slide projectors and recorded tape to create memories for me. I now do the same digitally on my computer with a lot less work, I hope in thirty years my children value this tradition, the love, and the memories as I do.

2011:
http://youtu.be/79HXJo9c0eY

Nativities of Christmas past

2010:
http://youtu.be/V8TH9vvO5hc

2009:
http://youtu.be/KiTvyyeFDxg

2008:
http://youtu.be/sUcyn7DfQU0

2007:
http://youtu.be/bKpSpbx4Gsk

The body

2011-06-09T10:05:00.001-06:00

I’ve been potty training Mikey, (again- 3^rd time’s the charm. Right?) and Grace has made some observations about the body and was asking very basic questions a few days ago. After we finished talking I told her that if she had any more questions about bodies she could ask me.

This morning she was sitting tentatively by as I changed Mikey’s nighttime diaper and said “mama I have a question about bodies” Me- deep breath “okay what is it?” Grace- pause and serious expression, then in a tiny voice “when is my Daddy’s body coming home?”

Dodged a bullet there! They always miss him when he is at work and it was an easy answer. (albeit one I answer at LEAST 10 times a day)

more randomness

2011-05-30T17:42:00.000-06:00

Josh and I bought kites for the kids while we had our weekend away. It was a very blustery day. The kites didn't stay up too well but we still had fun.

We made s'mores out of leftover Easter peeps. They were a big hit with the kids.

Grace finished at head start. What a difference 2 years has made. Her teacher Victoria was incredible! We loved her!

I made another Dress for Grace. Same pattern as her Easter dress, this time I added a ruffle around the bottom.

I have one more fabric to make her another dress. I doubt I will follow the pattern exactly this time either.

mikey being mikey.

Now that josh has a laptop for work he can skype the kids. He even took a few of our favorite books so he could read the kids bedtime stories. I just can't get over how great he is and how lucky I am to have married him.

Staycation

2011-05-30T17:28:00.000-06:00

When Jeni and Dennis came to stay with us one of my stipulations was that I needed a weekend away with Josh.
Josh has been working in Wendover so I took a bus out there for our first night.

We enjoyed a seafood buffet (I ate a TON of crab)

and then had some very yummy flan. It was so good I had to document it.

We went out to Josh's work site. I made him (practically had to twist his arm off) to get him to take this shot. His portable crusher is finally all back together (it had been spilt up for a while) he told me this weekend when it is all together they refer to it as the "mac daddy".

We got to the hotel and Josh started doing paperwork.

I had my priorities better aligned and spent my time enjoying a jacuzzi tub.

BOTH of the hotels had phones in the bathrooms... Don't worry Josh washed his hands after taking this picture.

the next day we headed back for salt lake. We ran errands, saw a doctor (Josh had been having some sores on his nose that we now know are due to sun sensitivity), we watched movies and were just lazy. We did enjoy a quick car show. I have no idea what kind of car this is- but it was pink!

After oil changes and trips to home depot to buy my tomato plants we made a final stop at the Happy Sumo and enjoyed a venus roll and some really good tempura veggies.

It was a great break and a nice weekend.

Random May

2011-05-30T11:39:00.000-06:00

We have had such crazy weather this year. not limited to suddent torrential hail that killed all of my starts for my garden.

We didn't get a family picture on Easter. The next Sunday we but the fancy duds back on and got our family picture.

clown shoes.

Mother's day. pumpkin chocolate chip waffles. Mmmmm. It was a great day.

And grace wrote MOM for the first time on mother's day. it says: Mom Grace E I had a picture of a rainbow on the otherside. Grace loves rainbows.

Easter

2011-05-18T08:49:00.006-06:00

I am sorry to say but this is the last post you may get for a few weeks. In the craziness that is my house my camera cord got broken. I have a new one ordered and hopefully the $5 walmart replacement will work as good as the $35 cord from kodak. it is worth a try.

These Easter pictures are the last I have downloaded on my computer...

We got back from Wendover and jumped right into Easter, coloring eggs is always fun.

I got this egg spinner this year. It was fun and the kids liked it. Hopefully I can figure out what kind of dye to use in it next year.

Our colorful bounty
Easter Morning the kids came downstairs to pictures of the savior pasted all over the walls. They found their Easter baskets full of candy, a game, a puzzle and bubbles.

We went down to visit my Grandparents that morning and I took some pictures in their backyard.

FYI- I MADE Grace's dress and headband. As in started with fabric ribbon and thread and made it. I took a lot of pictures of her because I was proud of how it turned out.

I also made Mikey b's tie.

After an hour in the car they were a bit wrinkled but still cute.

I could not get a good picture of them together. This was Grace trying to help.

My darling boy

A close up of my sweet girl and her headband.

We returned home for a dinner with Dennis, Jeni and family along with Sonjia. We made the tradition bunny Ham loaf and ate and ate.

Then the Easter egg hunt. Josh had fun hiding the eggs in difficult spots. We made sure we got all the real eggs but the kids have found a couple plastic ones in the back yard since then.

On the trampoline, sure

Mikey has started picking out his own clothes. He has a style all his own.

It was a great day. We tried to make the day about the Savior not candy. I think I may move our Easter egg hunt to Saturday like so many other do.

Mikey's birthday letter

2011-05-07T21:02:00.000-06:00

almost forgot to put this on the blog...

My dear sweet Mikey B.

Three years ago you were born, it is difficult to grasp. The year has flown by and I am once again writing you a letter. It has been a good year. You have become even more of a happy presence in our home. We are blessed to have you in our family.

They say the twos are terrible but I have my money on you really proving yourself in this third year. You become ever more like your father as you grow. You are happy, humorous, and ever moving while you are kind, loving and have a desire to help. You have a mischievous streak and a tendency to enjoy getting a reaction out of people. I love who you are becoming.

I love to kiss your sweet cheeks. And I love that you still let me. I love that you will come up to me and “whisper” in my ear “I love you mama”. I love you so much, I just want to hold you and soak you in. In the moment I seem to feel like I am doing a pretty good job but as I look over older pictures and see how much you’ve grown I miss the sweet baby you once were. Firmly entrenched in toddlerhood you seem to understand how precious the sweet affectionate moments are to me. Thank you. Please remember they will me as much (if not more) as you grow older.

You are a treasure Mikey. Your worth in our family and to our Father in Heaven is priceless. You are a beloved son always remember that. I am privileged to call you my son. I am privileged to be the one who gets to swat you on the bum or send you to time out. I am working on praising you more and it is easy because you want to please. I will continue to work to be the best mother I can possibly be to you. I never quite feel up to the challenge but I know we will learn together.

I love the way you point out tractors (diggers, dozers anything that is construction related) you have an eye for it. I love how you wear the princess slippers with your superman costume, you make it manly. I don’t always love but I ought to note the hundreds of hours you pretend to be a “doggie”. Shrilly barking until I tell you to use an inside voice. You are the happiest dog I have ever seen. I love how you always sing “cho cho choooo it’s coming down the track….” Any time we pass a train. Your sweet voice is music to my ears.

You are so darling. The way you put your head down and run. The way you skip as we take Grace to school. Your expressions are dazzling and I think you are the cutest most handsome boy around. I love you.

I am so proud to be your mother. As I look forward to the boy and man you will become I see such wonderful promise and happiness in your future. I can hardly grasp the image of you passing the sacrament but I know it is just around the corner. Missionary work and marriage I know that they will come all too soon. I know that as you grow you will only be able to find true and lasting happiness through the gospel. I know that the principles of the gospel are true. I know the atonement is real. I know that our family is forever. I look forward to seeing you learn these precious truths for yourself. I know your future will bright as you cling to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love you my dear boy. You bring me more happiness than I ever thought possible. I love being your mother. I love everything about you. Please please always remember that I love you and never ever doubt it.

Always,

Mom.

wendover

2011-05-07T12:01:00.003-06:00

A couple weeks ago Josh started a new project in Wendover. it was spring break that week and our travel plans had been cancelled so we decided to go out to visit him.
we stayed at the one hotel with an indoor pool and got two adjoining rooms. It was a nice little getaway. We went swimming 3 times in 2 days and Mikey made a lot of improvement in that short time.

of course I only took two pictures the whole time there...

the kids asleep in identical positions.
and us enjoying a pizza.... thrilling I know.

It was a nice get away from a crowded house. It was decadent to sit and watch TV all through nap time because there were no chores calling me. We may have to go back soon.

Mikey's Birthday

2011-05-07T11:42:00.004-06:00

Mikey's birthday was a blast. He is in love with buzz lightyear like every other boy so we went with a Buzz theme.
I know most of you know how I love to decorate cakes and get all creative and crafty. Unfortunately for me I was super busy and stressed. I had also scheduled a youth temple trip the night before Mikey's birthday, the time I normally would have been decorating the cake. Josh the kind husband he is thought that buying a cake this year would be good. So we tried out a local bakery and got this...

it was delish.

We celebrated with all of our traditions of balloons and cupcakes. We decided to go out to breakfast as a family. That afternoon we took Daniel (and fam) to Kangaroo Zoo. The kids had a blast even if it was crazy crowded.

this boy had a blast bouncing away

The next day (Sunday) we had Liz (the magnanimous)'s family and more specifically Kate Leigh over to swing at a pinata as well as enjoy some cake and ice cream.

Grace and Mikey loved it, they are still talking about it.

it was a great time with lots of fun and laughing.

Somehow the theme shifted slightly to pirates as Mikey picked out a pirate balloon and well this...

I think I may already know the theme for next year's party.

Mikeys haircut

2011-05-07T11:36:00.004-06:00

I have always cut Mikey B's hair and I am not good at it. I finally decided to give in and take him to cookie cutters right before his 3rd birthday.

We started our "date" with a trip to the favorite place Taco Bell.

When we got there we had the place to ourselves. Mikey picked a Handy Manny episode to watch and a plane to sit in.

getting nervous?

the after... still long on top but well trimmed on the bottom and the transition from top to bottom doesn't look all crazy like when I do it.

and so the birthday festivities began

March

2011-05-07T10:57:00.004-06:00

you can always tell when I have a lot on my plate, blogging is always the first to get cut. Unfortunately this go around so did my picture taking so I don't have many pictures to post.

Several times in March our driveway was blocked by illegally parked cars. one instance was when we were waiting for Grace's bus. After getting the people to move Grace decided a sign was appropriate to keep anyone else from blocking the bus' path.

a recipe. homemade chicken pot pie. total comfort food and totally bad for you.

Chicken pot pie

Combine and brown:

1 ¼ c flour

1 stick butter

Mix in till smooth:

2 cans chicken broth

1 bullion cube

Add and Cook till warm:

Lg Bag of frozen mixed veggies

Peas

2-3 cups cooked chicken cubed

¼ c. heavy cream

¾ c. milk

1/2 tsp ground thyme

Salt

Pepper

Cook 4- 5 minutes

Line 2 pie plates with dough add in mix and then biscuits on top –cover with foil. Remove foil and brown bread for last 5 -7 minutes

Cook 30 minutes @ 400

you can freeze this just don't add the biscuits.

Mikey spending some time under the table... odd.

another recipe... Pumpkin waffles I got this recipe from my good friend Liz. Now because she introduced this recipe to my life she will be known as Liz the Magnanimous

3. c pancake mix

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

2 eggs

6 T oil

1 cup pure pumpkin puree

2 c water

1/2 bag of mini chocolate chips

cook and top with whipped cream and nuts

very filling and makes 5-6 waffles

I am asking josh to make these for mother's day tomorrow. Yum-o

at the beginning of March we found out Dennis and Jeni would be coming up to Utah to clerk in American Fork until Dennis gets sworn in. We decided to have them stay with us during some of that time. A TON of cleaning, organizing, and moving stuff around resulted.

Mom and Dad were already planning on coming to visit us so they brought Dennis and Jeni and their stuff up. We had a great time with Mom and Dad, a trip to temple square and Cabela's were a given as well as the work we had for dad.

Grace wanted to lead Gramps around at temple square.

I had really tried to only have a day or twos work but Josh and dad found many projects to do around the house. The biggest was replacing the windows the middle schoolers had broken throwing rock at the house.

Grace wanted to feed Justin one night... cute.

Grace was also taking swimming lessons. She wouldn't stick her head in the water the entire first lesson.

Grace's first talk

2011-05-05T12:03:00.002-06:00

Heavenly Father has important things to teach us
He tells his message to the prophet
We have had lots of prophets like: Moses, Abinadi, Joseph Smith and apostles
our prophet today is President Monson
President Monson teaches us to be happy
The prophets teach us at conferencethe prophets teach us at conference
We need to listen to the prophet and be obedient
Heavenly Father is proud of me when I listen to the prophet
Follow the prophet he knows the way.

end of feb.

2011-05-05T11:49:00.003-06:00

As most of you know I am the YW president in our ward. It is a wonderful calling that I love (and sometimes don't love so much).

I don't love the planning and decision making that goes into the calling. Working with as team and figuring out how to take care of the last minute work that gets passed to us can be frustrating. Feeling inadequate and loosing some of the control over life has brought me to tears several times.

But I have a wonderful husband who is constantly there to support me, he helps around the house when I am stressed. He happily bathes and puts the kids to bed when I am gone at night. Even thought these last 6+ months have been very difficult I am proud of my growth.

But I REALLY I love working with the young women in my ward. Associating with them is a refreshing change of pace from daily life. They are fun and vibrant young women and while I sometimes worry about what the future may hold, my young women are a bright hope for the future. I enjoy being in their company. I enjoy laughing with them. I love them.

We are having our own ward girls camp this year and we decided to have a carnival to raise money. It was a huge success. I was astonished at our ward's generosity. We had food, games, movies, face painting, nail painting, a photo booth and more. it was a fun and busy night.

We practiced some of our face painting on Mikey B. He was not a fan.

The kids had a great time att he carnival and I did stop and take a moment to pop into the photo booth with the family.

grace's birthday letter

2011-05-05T11:47:00.001-06:00

Feb. 23, 2011

My dear Grace E. girl,

Another year has passed in a flash and I am once again sitting down to write you your birthday letter. A day late… We were so full of family festivities (a four day weekend was declared for your birthday this year) and with all that extra celebration the letter got put on the back burner.

You have been making leaps and strides this year, at school and at home. I have seen a lot of growth in your abilities and I am afraid you must always be a child now and have fully outgrown the toddler phase. With kindergarten around the corner and you attending preschool all day I have known it was coming but now that you are five it is official. Just another milestone I wasn’t quite ready for.

I will miss those sweet toddler years but the girl you are becoming is so wonderful I don’t long for them quite as much. I love how you have grown into yourself a little more. I love how you want to snuggle, I love how you want to help around the house, I love how you are making more decisions for yourself . I love the help you give me in cleaning the house, you are always so willing and cheerful about it. You are reliable I know when I ask you to put an item in a certain spot you will do it. I know you will do your best to unload the silverware and sort it. I love the laughs you give me when you tell me about the boy on the bus and how he is your “heart’s dream”. And how a week or two later you asked me if you could marry him. You bring happiness and comedic relief into our home. I love how you still dance all over the house. How you pretend play and amaze me with your imagination.

You are ever the bright and happy soul. Your charisma and charm has endeared you to all teachers, bus drivers, and adults in general. You are so masterful at charming your way through life already heaven help the world in ten years. You get along better with boys that girls (maybe because your energy level is so high) and I admit I worry a bit about where that will lead us.

You still set a fast pace but despite your speed you have absorbed knowledge that often surprises me. As you go through school testing you often surprise me with your retention and grasp of information I thought you didn’t know. Your mind is always moving, always thinking. I am doing my best to keep up with you now and I can’t even imagine what the future will hold.

You have a light shining brightly within you, the light of Christ. You have an innate and strong sense of right and wrong. You generously share love as Christ did. You are a sweet and pure spirit, a choice daughter of God.

I love you my sweet girl. I am thrilled for the person you are becoming, the growth I see and the future in front of you. I know it will be a joyous one as you cultivate your strengths and ask the Lord’s help in your weaknesses.

I love you. Thank you for making me a mother. Thank you for being more than I ever hoped for. It is my greatest privilege and blessing to be your mother.

You are ever still my sunshine and sweetheart.

Love, Mom

Grace's 5th Birthday

2011-05-05T11:26:00.003-06:00

Grace turned five in Feb. how the time flies. I am still having trouble coming to grips with it. Being at this phase of my life having a five year old. Crazy!

We celebrated her birthday all weekend with lots of family fun and activities. We didn't have a party but Grace still loved it. I remember on Monday morning she asked me, can it still be my birthday today? She is already anxiously awaiting her next birthday.

We watched movies, made shrinky-dink charms, colored, and all sorts of stuff. We had our traditions of a cupcake with breakfast and picking out helium balloons.

I didn't have any powdered sugar when I decorated her cake (and it was a Sunday night anyway) so her cake was not as fabulous as I 'd planed. She loved it though.

We hung the sun banners like in the tangled movie (josh even made them) and then we braided streamers to drape Rapunzel's hair all over the family room.

Mikey picked our a butterfly net and sidewalk chalk for Grace.

We colored a princess puzzle

Josh and I got her this Rapunzel nightgown (that she never wants to take off now) and doll.

it was a great birthday for our sweet girl. We are so happy to have her in our family.

Valentines

2011-02-23T10:55:00.001-07:00

Not quite handprints, but fingerprints count right?

Grace's valentine

Mikey's valentine

Tangled date

2011-02-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Grace needed some extra love and attention a couple weeks ago so I arranged a babysitter and took her out on a date.

We went to lunch at her favorite- taco bell. She wanted a picnic in the car which I accommodated. She thought it was really cool.

We then got to the theater and realized I had gotten the time wrong and were there 30 minutes early.

So we passed the time taking pictures.

We got pop corn, snuck in candy and soda. Grace loves Tangled- we saw it in December but she told me she wanted a Rapunzel birthday so we tried to go one more time before it left the theaters.

All month she has been dressing up and telling me to call her Rapunzel not Grace. Mikey is Flynn and Pascal is just hilarious to her. Even this morning she was telling me a bout Pascal and his tongue on the way to school .

Random February

2011-02-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Josh has been putting in a lot of hours at work since we've been home. Like 77 hours a week, plus commute.
At one point he had worked 20 days without a day off. He liked joking how he had only had on day off this whole year. I liked the extra money when winter is usually soooo tight.
It was a blessing- and I am grateful.
Josh falling asleep as he was spending some time putting Grace to bed.

Josh was tired. Luckily he has taken the last few Sunday's off and got 4 days off this last weekend.

The kids and I enjoying the snacks for the Superbowl. I read a book, the kids threw balls around the house. Josh enjoyed the game and commercials.
Grace wanted to cheer for yellow and since both of the teams wore yellow her team was sure to win.

Subway art

2011-02-23T10:28:00.003-07:00

I have been loving Subway art . All the rage on the craft blogs recently I decided to make an invitation of my own design for as baby shower I co-hosted last month.

And then I made this valentines subway art (same thing in different colors). I had intended to print it out poster size and then wrap it around a frame. Hopefully I will get it done in time for next year. I am thinking of maybe going through costco's canvas wrapping.

My favorite part? the line from "our song".

Fun times

2011-02-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

January was full of enjoying Christmas presents....

make-up

the tea set and costumes

they set this tea party up and dressed themselves up- so cute.
Note Grace's dress is on backwards? She thought the buttons went in the front like Josh's Sunday shirts.

I really didn't have too much time to take too many pictures in January. i kept forgetting the camera. I need an iphone.

Mikey B

2011-02-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

Mikey B and I have had a lot more time now that Grace is gone so much.

He and Josh built some shelves in my extra roomy basement. I love going down there seeing our food storage all lined up nice and neat.

Note Mikey's toy saw.

Mikey has been loving the new costumes he got for christmas. this one is his favorite. Anchors away!

another school

2011-02-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Grace started a second preschool in January. She got a lunch box and was thrilled.

She still goes to head start in the mornings but now hops on a bus and attends a second preschool. She is gone from 8- 3:30 everyday. It was a hard transition -for me- she loves it. The bus, the new friends and so many more outlets for her and her energy. It took me a while to feel comfortable with it but it has been really great for her.

First day of school picture.

Mikey crying when we he couldn't get on the bus with her. I took her to school the first day the second she rode the bus (I had to watch the whole process to feel comfortable with it) I cried and called my mom and wanted to follow my baby on the bus.

Grace's first ride home on the bus. Her driver Kenny is great. She loves it.

Wizard the lizard

2011-02-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

Valley Springs is teeming with wildlife- who remembers when I was stung by a scorpion 8 months pregnant?

While at my parents Mikey was roaming the house (not the outdoors) squealed, ran out of the bedroom Josh and I were staying in, slammed the door leaned against it and told me there was a bug in our room. The kids always tell me this at home- I always tell them to get a shoe and smash it.
He went in the room amd presumably got a shoe squealed even louder and shut the door again. Josh was around for this part and went to help him (I was working on Young women stuff- that or playing frontierville on facebook)
That's when I started hearing Mikey say "wizad its a wizad".
Wizard the lizard was in my room and Mikey had tried to smash him with a shoe.

Josh got a tupperware and trapped him. Mikey carried him around for quite a while showing everyone "wizad". Then Mikey got scared of wizard. We hadn't taken a picture yet so Josh kept trying to get a picture for me (what a good husband)

Christmas

2011-02-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

We drove down to California on Christmas eve. Made good time and got to attend the family Christmas party for a little bit before the kids totally melted down.

Christmas morning. They were up at 4 am! Josh and I had been up pretty late the night before and with the drive the day before it was painful.
We finally turned on Polar Express when we figured out they weren't going back to sleep.
The kids got just what they wanted.
Grace a tea set and Cinderella dress up

Mikey - a backpack and a bike

Gramps is a good sport. always

our Christmas morning picture.

We had dinner with my side that afternoon.

playing catch up

2011-02-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

My goal for the day- catch up. Many posts (hopefully) forthcoming.

First our Christmas card. They did not all get sent out.
sad.
December was crazy. (January wasn't much better)
I finally tossed them last week rather than send the out in February!

New Years

2011-01-24T10:41:00.003-07:00

a half finished post...

Back in December we had a bit of a stressful time as Josh was called into a work meeting for unknown reasons. It ended up that Josh's current employer had sold the company to Josh's previous employer. The transition was very smooth except for the unsettled feeling that just took time to aleviate. He got a raise and the new company has better benefits. We condiser this change a blessing.

The only negative was that we didn't think Josh would be able to take his planned vacation for Christmas. So after a week or two planning our first Christmas at home we were plesantly suprised to find we could make the trip.

The kids had croup the week before we left they were mostly over it by the time we went down. We went through a lot of benadryl on the trip down and had to stop to restock on Christmas day.

It was great to see family. I did not take many pictures but i have a few more in Valley Springs because I used mom's iphone.

We got to clear a bunch of trees on new years eve for my Grandma. Josh was handy witht he chain saw, mom and dad chopped and sorted, and I hauled the wood with the gator. Mike watched the kids for me so I could help.

eventually they did come over and Mikey spent some quality time enjoying candy while waiting in the gator.

Danielle brought a fun game for the kids. Grace had a unfair advantage with her extra height.

playing wii on new year's eve

Christmas Songs

2011-01-14T13:57:00.003-07:00

Here are the kids christmas songs... better late than never

Mikey's rendition of Jingle Bells

Grace's

Craft: lub dub, a shirt for Dad

2011-01-10T12:29:00.002-07:00

In college there I had a neighbor named Tasha. She was the kindest person I've ever met and I have always thought very very highly of her. Through social media I was able to reconnect with her a few years ago.

She has a craft blog that is a sort of readers digest of the many many craft blogs out there. I love the stuff she spotlights.
In June she shared a link to a site with a great tutorial for freezer paper stencils.

I finally got around to trying it out... on a shirt for my dad this Christmas.
I had found a shirt (that was ugly and pricey) online several months ago. for a fraction of the price I was able to make a shirt that looked better and that he might actually wear.

With freezer paper I found at K-mart I cut out the stencil on my cricut. I ironed it on just like the tutorial said and them applied 3-4 coats of paint.

It turned out pretty good. Best part? dad LOVED it!

Handprints: Snowman ornament

2011-01-10T11:57:00.005-07:00

I found these online months ago. I have been excited to make them. But since the kids were giving them to grandparents as Christmas presents I couldn't post them.

I bought shatter proof ornaments and used acrylic paint this time (instead of our normal washable)

Printing the Grace's hands went ok. We had to do one or two over but she has gotten pretty good at holding still for handprints and following directions.

We painted the top of the palm and the 4 fingers above.

then they grip the ball- (the hard part) and let go without smearing.

An impromptu drying rack.

With Mikey we had to print each ornament at least twice. Josh was not a fan of this part. Windex worked really well (imagine my big fat greek wedding) to clean the paint off the ornaments.

after I used a black sharpie and metallic permanent markers (regular ones are too opaque) and colored on the coal, carrots, branches, and accessories.

about 3 coats of clear coat and voila!

Mikey's

Grace's

craft: Nativity Blocks

2011-01-10T11:42:00.002-07:00

I am sick of loosing pieces of tiny nativities every year and having to retire them. So I decided to make some block nativities, big enough that they are easy to spot and sturdy. Many a donkey have no ears in our home.

I started just planning to make some for my kids out of scrap wood and m (as usual) got carried away into making 7 sets. Luckily it was about the time that Mike Woolsey came to town. He is a good painter and it wouldn't be a proper visit if he didn't help me on some random job.

the blocks all look like blocks of sugar to me.

I then stamped them with a nativity set I found at Michael's

Josh bought me about 30 colored sharpies for the job. With a little glitter glue, a lot of time coloring, and about 6 coats of lacquer we had our finished product.

I also put scriptures on the back of each block about that person/animal and if you read them in the right order it is the story of the nativity.

December- more Christmas festivities

2011-01-10T11:16:00.004-07:00

One of the things the kids got instead of a book on our count down was a little reindeer for them to color and decorate.
Grace wanted to get going, not take pictures.

Mikey finished and moved on way before Grace. So we paused to take a picture. Grace returned to decorating her's for days to come.

I included this one just for Josh's face.

The new furnace. more efficient, moved back so we have more space in our basement, and just wonderful all around. The house is so much more even now! LOVE being warm! In high school I remember making Christmas tree cookies with my best friend. Thanks to facebook I was able to ask her for the recipe. I ended up making towering trees for the kids to stack and decorate. They were very good.

There was a lot of snacking instead of stacking.

I meant to get the multi colored m&m's so they'd look like tree lights. Note to self= pay more attention next year.

Our sad attempts at taking photos of the kid's Sunday Christmas clothes

December- Christmas Prep

2011-01-10T10:18:00.006-07:00

The Saturday after Thanksgiving Grace told me she really wished we could have a pink Christmas tree. Me being the sucker that I am went out in search of some pink mini trees for the kids rooms. We hit the jackpot where the trees were not only pink but under $10! Mikey needed one too (but blue). Josh ended up having only Thanksgiving day off that weekend so the kids and I had fun decorating their tiny trees.

And as you can see in the background of this next picture- I have now started color coordinating my storage totes! Thrilling I know! I already have red/green for Christmas, but now I have orange for autumn holidays! Looking forward to pastel of some sort for spring. Hopefully this will make it easier for Josh when he crawls into our storage area to not have to search through so many grey tote boxes. I am such a thoughtful wife.

With snow storms on the horizon, company coming into town, and a limited amount of time when we could get a tree, we decided to hunt for our Christmas tree at night. I don't know why but I always like our tree better when we hunt at night.

we went to north pole pines an hour north of our house. Santa has another home there and dresses a little more casually.

This is the best picture we got, and no full family picture because through no fault of my own (other than lack of communication and not listening to tiny promptings) I locked the keys in the truck. We had (now we do) no spare key and had to call a friend to come break into our truck for us.

Mikey really wanted this tree. In a few years Mike.

Cutting down our tree. 9 feet of beauty

Mikey helped carry!

Santa let us keep warm in his house while we waited for our fabulous neighbor to come save us. It was an adventure to say the least.

the next 2 days we had quite a bit of snow.

My little snowman.

or is it weird-o? below. Mikey doing resistance training in a skirt.

he's hook the elastic headband on the door knob then pull (and make an accompanying grunt). So manly if it wasn't for the skirt.

All of the snow slowly melting lead to Huge icicles! everywhere. Some houses on the way to grace's school were really incredible. Ours were on the back of the house

Mikey loves KL. Notice the arm around her?

Company came to town and I don't have any pictures! Em has a ton on her phone. I hope to get them from her someday.

It was wonderful to see her. We got some priceless sister time in while she was here. She is a wonderful sister and I love her. Grace showed her our favorite way to enjoy the Christmas tree lights.

Mom and Dad also came at the same time. They stayed mostly with Grandma and Grandpa Woolsey. Maybe if I had turned my heater up a little more he would have stayed at my house. This was right in the middle of some furnace problems we were having. So Dad bundled up. it was so funny.

Mikey lounging in a basket of clean clothes waiting to be hung up.

Oh so many nativity pictures were taken about this time. We went out any afternoon when the weather allowed and took pictures.

We wanted to do the countdown to christmas with a book every night, we didn't have quite enough books so I supplemented a few nights with movies and with activities. Like these q-tip paint books. Just add water

The old furnace. Not working, hot and cold spots, and the beginnings of carbon monoxide leaks. We got a new one- that picture will be in a later post.

Pip- our elf. With a painted on face and wire arms he is a bit creepy but the kids really love him. He flew to the north pole every night to tell Santa how the kids were doing and then hid in a new spot when he came back.

Grace still tells me she misses Pip.

November- Thanksgiving

2011-01-10T09:56:00.003-07:00

After Mike left we got into preparations for Thanksgiving.
It was also about this time that I was called as the Young Women's President for our ward. I am loving working with the girls and my fellow leaders. I am working on learning to manage my responsibilities according to my time and family needs.

Twice a week (sometimes more is we get lucky!) KL comes over to our house. She has enough energy to keep up with Grace but is the size of Mikey B. That extra brain power leads to some great imaginary play in our home. Like playing doctor, with our temporary coffee table as the doctor's table.
(Mikey B broke the glass on my previous table I had gotten from my great Grandpa- look to future pictures to see the new ottoman, KSL deals are great!)
Josh, please stop bringing work home with you. Literally- in your pockets on your face. I sweep up huge piles of dust all the time.

We got a couple of big snow storms and a "blizzard" that was very anticlimactic. We pulled out the sleds we didn't get to use with Mike (woolsey) and played in the yard. We made a small snowman but Mikey b thought it would be more fun to pull balls around in the sled.

Grace REALLY wanted to ride her bike, when I finally let her try she kept spinning out. Finally she took her bike for a walk.

Thanksgiving morning, no turkey bowl for Josh because it was 8 degrees out. We decided to walk down to our park and take advantage of the small hills.

After about 5 trips down the hill they were ready to play on the snow covered play set.

after about a total of 15-20 minutes we were on our way home.

Walking in the snow is tough for kids.

As soon as they stopped moving they started crying about how cold they were. this was the last happy picture. If there had ever been any doubt that we would have been really bad pioneers that is gone now.

Watching the game. Grace cheered for blue (the rest of us red) but blue kept doing better. Grace quickly switched teams to cheer with her dad.

God blue go! touch down! there was lots of jumping.

The Thanksgiving turkey. Last year had turned out so well I was too confident this year. Soggy stuffing under done bird (broken thermometer it turns out). Josh using the neighbors oven and turning if off accidentally so the yams didn't cook.

It all makes for a very good story and maybe a little better planning next year.

at least the table looked nice. paper plates all the way baby!

November- Mike Woolsey came to town

2011-01-10T09:40:00.004-07:00

OH my life has been sooo busy.

In efforts to prioritize many things (like blogging) got pushed to the back burner. I am going to share my sporadic pictures from the last 2 1/2 months in efforts to jog my memory.

We were so lucky in November! My brother Mike bought himself a new car and decided to take the first road trip in it to our house! It had been WAY too long since he had visited last.

We tried to do so many things with mike- sledding (but there was not enough snow). Movies (that were sold out) We had to go to plan B many times but we still had a great time.

Like black light golfing. The kids though it was great.

I can't remember our scores anymore. There were a few holes-in-one and many many gimmes.

partially in part to this boy who likes to lay on the hole.

I kept finding Mikey b snuggled up to Mike. Grr! He hardly ever voluntarily snuggles- he must save them all up for when he comes.

Mike brought some hand-me-downs from my sister Emily. One of our favorite pieces? the suit coat. He looks so dapper.

After church on Sunday we went to temple square. In one of the visitor centers is a to scale replica of the salt lake temple. With views into many of the rooms int was interesting to look out and gather a feel for the layout of the temple.

the best family picture we could get- grace's default pose.

We sure love Mike Woolsey. We hope he comes back soon!

Family Nativity 2010

2010-12-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Here it is! After our many photo sessions and snow causing a few changes...
here is our family nativity for 2010

I am grateful for the opportunity this is to remember the true meaning of Christmas, Our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. How grateful I am all year round for His gospel, His plan, and His atonement.

Merry Christmas.

pluggin' along

2010-12-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Life has gotten busy.
New callings, Christmas, and traditions have made my spare time slim.
I have forgotten to keep my camera close and have very few pictures this month.
except for these.
We are working on our yearly family nativity.
We go out, dress up, and take pictures of the kids as the different characters of the nativity. And try to take time to teach them a little about each person and their part of the nativity.

today was nice and cloudy, the snow has melted and it was a balmy 48 degrees.
We took advantage of the weather.
Here are my favorite outtakes from today.

Mikey's Fall Poem

2010-11-17T11:53:00.003-07:00

Grace's fall poem

2010-11-17T11:40:00.002-07:00

Gobble

2010-11-16T13:29:00.007-07:00

Two Weeks into November and I am not sure where the time's gone. Not much has changed I've just been busy with holiday preparations and boring ol' life.
Here's what I have on my camera...

Thanksgiving handprints. kinda Boring- we did turkeys. But I did make Josh print his hand! Give that man some lotion! Painting different colors on individual fingers was trying for MB. I saw (after the fact) where you swirl the paint on a paper plate and can get more of a tie-dye effect. Mental note made.

Happy Thanksgiving from a Bunch of Turkeys

While we were painting Grace decided to document with the camera. I have about 100 from her. Here are some highlights.

This one is of her falling- laughed our heads off.

Grace is SO IN TO puzzles. Every time we go to the dollar store we pick up a few. The 24 piece ones are easy for her so we have just started her on the 63 piece ones. She can do it, she just needs a little encouragement from time to time.

Fall. Child labor.

Josh making a manger for our nativity this year. Old plywood, 2x4's and spray paint!

Add a handy husband and voila! In the hills by Josh's work.

FYI an early morning, 2 small children, and an actual purpose never seem to work well together. Especially when you add thorny bushes.

Grace at the camera again

What did we do with our extra hour Sunday Morning from daylight savings?

Made dirt cake with leftover Halloween candy.

Dirt, mud, and worms. Every child's dream.

Crushing "Rocks"

Just some snapshots I took before school- hoping for something good enough to send the Grandparents...

this is what I got.
Didn't have too much to send the Grandparents.

4 eyes

2010-11-04T15:36:00.000-06:00

Grace has failed two eye tests so we took her to an eye doctor to have her eyes checked.
She is far sighted with a slight astigmatism. She is borderline with her prescription so she only has to wear them at school and during reading or writing.

As her eyes were dilated I reflected back on the many times I had to visit the eye doctor.

These are the glasses she picked- red on the outside hot pink on the inside. She really wants a hot pink case to put them in.
We will have our new glasses in about a week.

just for reference... me same age.

monster mouth AKA Trunk or Treat

2010-11-01T14:49:00.001-06:00

Round 'bout September I was feeling unproductive. I was reading a lot of novels and didn't have a lot to show for it.
Since then I have started being crafty again... pumpkins, cupcakes, tutus, and other such things have followed.
Culminating in my trunk or treat decorations.

The kids were Boo and Mike from Monster's Inc. I like to go with a theme for Halloween; I know that soon enough the kid's opinions will be too strong for me to lead and persuade but I really do love the coordination.

This year our trunk or treat was a 4 ward combined activity- in years past the have been somewhat small. Last year, my attempt at the Groucho Marx nose failed miserably I was not going to let it happen again.

Spending $5.50 at walmart on fabric I was able to make this an inexpensive decoration.

Using a couple of yards of blanket fabric I strung it up across the back of my van.
I then used tape to make a template (which OCD grace did not like the curve of the tongue and "fixed" for me)

Using two 1/2 yard sections of red fabric I sewed them together to make the mid line of the tongue.
I then cut off the overlapping ends and used the scraps to make the uvula.
I basted all the parts on and then went over with a tight zigzag to finish.

I made Mike Wozowski bean bags.
I cut 10 CD sized circles and felt arms, legs, and horns.
Sewed them and then painted the circles with leftover acrylic paint using stencils I made from my scrap booking supplies lying dormant in my basement closet.
I then filled the bags half full with white beans that have been residing in my pantry awaiting to be transformed into delish bean dip my mom made for me (one of these days).

Here are the Mikes before filling:

I then cut about 35 teeth from my scrapbook supplies (3 teeth a sheet) and taped them to my tailgate.

I am proud of my finished product. We had many kids return to try again 9eventually I had to tell them no more candy but they could keep tossing)
The kids got 2 candies if they fed the monster, one if they missed

After grace and Mikey had made their trunk or treat round they sat in the van eating as much candy as they could. Every so often Grace's head would pop out of the mouth and I would tell the waiting kids they'd get extra candy if they beaned her.

October

2010-11-01T09:54:00.009-06:00

this is a LOOOONG post- just a teaser to encourage you to at least scroll to the pictures at the end.

So I've been posting my recipes and crafts but not much of our happenings and doings. Blogger hasn't wanted to upload my pictures, but today? Super fast uploading! So let's see if I can remember way back when it has been a full month.

This month Josh has been working in Highland and in Bluffdale filling in where needed. He has gotten to work on some new plants and learn new equipment. We are always happy for these opportunities (even is it does mean working 70 hours in a week). Now he is back with "his plant" crushing asphalt to reuse (he is so green), today is his first day crushing the asphalt and he told me that the asphalt is supposed to get black dust everywhere. I think we will be buying some coveralls very soon.

I have been making all sorts of crafts, planing for holidays, and enjoying time with the kids. These holiday months are so fun with little kids. I love to see how excited they get. I have been having a lot of fun as I get more into my Young Women's calling. Been trying to make it to them gym more regularly. And been trying to organize and simplify things in my house.

Grace has been doing really well at school. We (her teacher and I) are working on teaching her to identify her impulses and last week she actually did at school for the first time!!!! So excited. She is growing so fast (not loving that).

Mikey is growing and keeping up his weight (back up to 27 lbs from the 22 he dropped to). We still are having digestive issues but as long as he keeps growing we'll keep trying dietary restrictions and avoid invasive procedures.

Halloween has been really fun this year with two kids who were into it. We visited the dollar section at target early in the month and got some fun accessories.

The wigs were a big hit.

Every day Grace would ask if it was Halloween, it got old really quick. I bought 3 dollar packs of erasers and glued them to magnet strips. The kids loved taking one down each day. My front door is made of metal so it added to our decor as well.

A Sunday picture. We do these whenever we are ready a few minutes early for church.

Mikey being silly. He was very happy to be sitting on the counter (when we were doing hand prints).
We went to Wheeler Farm to try their pumpkin patch out. It was fun for my small kids.

The hay bale/corn maze was fun. They ran around like crazy.

And we enjoyed the regular parts of Wheeler farm. Need to bring bread next time we go.

On the tractor pulled wagon ride- apparently the camera was on panoramic mode.

Enjoying the livestock.

The kids loved "driving" the tractors.

Another Sunday morning picture.

We started a sticker chart for Grace to encourage good behavior. She loves it.

We decorated pumpkin sugar cookies. The kids loved all the access to icing and candy to eat.

We wrote her name on this one after we iced it. Grace is really into writing her name.

Another Sunday morning picture.

We got a Halloween package from Nana and Gramps. The kids were so excited I couldn't even get a focused picture.

one little Indian.

Carving pumpkins, I let the kids design their jack-o-lantern faces online.

all the pumpkins- orange and not so orange.

the kids once again did not want to scoop out the pumpkin guts. Mikey kept saying "Dirty! Dirty!" guess I should encourage a little more mess in their lives.

scary scary pumpkins.

Dressing up for the gym daycare Halloween

Just before the trunk-or-treat. Mike and Boo from Monsters Inc.

Boo really wanted make-up on.

Mike was not into having his picture taken.

But he sure is cute.

Saturday night we traveled down to Alpine to trick-or-treat to Grandma Rae and Grandpa DA. notice Mike's socks?

We caught a break in the rain to trick or treat to a few houses on their block.

The kids- not enjoying their candy bounty but the Tinkerbell puzzle (grace LOVES puzzles) and the Toy Story cards (Mike is REALLY into toy story) that somebody handed out.

the end. Did you make it?

Ever heard of the fall?

2010-10-26T23:02:00.000-06:00

Well apparently not in Utah!!!
SO NOT READY FOR SNOW!

Having a late night working on my trunk or treat decorations. Went to test things out and this is what I found. I am so disgruntled I am going straight to bed- no more Halloween stuff until the snow melts.

49

2010-10-24T12:18:00.000-06:00

I made 49 of these puppies, I mean pumpkins. They are distributed so now I can post.

I have been working on these on and off for far too long.
Now they are done and my fingers are healed.
I am happy to say that a few of them are happily settled in my family room while most have traveled to my loved ones.

I got the instructions from my dear friend Tasha, (of the yummy tortilla soup). Here are the instructions. They were simple and easy but time consuming and hard on the fingertips. Note to self- buy a thimble.

The large darker one was made from instructions on this blog. I love the fabric and the slightly frayed edges.
These pumpkins make me happy.

Today's lunch

2010-10-23T13:31:00.000-06:00

Today we made Mummy's for lunch (Grace calls them mommies)

ingredients:
Hot dogs
crescent roll dough
cheese

Here is where I got my instructions.

basically you cut the dough into strips and wrap it around the cheese and the hot dog.
ours were fun but did not turn out quite a beautiful as the pictures on the website.

Regardless of how they looked the kids thought they were great. Mikey ate 2.

and here are the cupcakes I made with my beehives for young women's last week.

I am proud.

Halloween Handprints

2010-10-16T14:20:00.001-06:00

So Grandparents should have these by now...
our Halloween hand prints.

Pumpkins (the smallest one is Grace E's palm)

footprint ghosts

spiders. all very spooky.

2 more recipes

2010-10-15T12:53:00.001-06:00

I have a confession to make... I do not love cooked tomatoes. I have never liked tomato soup, sloppy joe's or other things with that cooked tomato flavor.

That is why these recipes are so great. They are tomato-y without that overpowering flavor I dislike.

Number one: Sloppy Joe's
I started off with this recipe

I make mine with 1/2 turkey 1/2 beef.
I double the ketchup, sugar and mustard.
I add 1/2 tsp of dry mustard
2-3 shredded carrots (saute with the onions if you can remember- I usually forget and add them later)
1 can of rinsed beans (black or kidney)

now FYI you MUST toast the hamburger buns, otherwise these are gross :)
Oh -I don't always have bell peppers in my fridge so I don't use those generally.

My kids enjoy them and are they are good as leftovers.

My other recipe: Tasha's Tortilla Soup
YUM
Here is her recipe I follow it exactly (high praise from me who changes everything)

Yummy Tortilla Soup
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 (14.5 oz.) cans chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup black beans
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 Tb. lemon juice
1 cup chunky salsa
Tortilla Chips
Cheese
Sour Cream (optional)
Chopped Avocado (optional)
Cilantro (optional)

Saute chicken in oil for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cumin. Mix well. Then add broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice, and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Top with cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.

So my husband was chatting it up with our neighbor that eveing so it simmered down more than it should have...

Too bad I forgot to sprinkle cheese on top.
We made a single batch for dinner on Monday and there were no leftovers. Wish I had some right now. SO SO GOOD.

Halloweenie

2010-10-15T12:24:00.001-06:00

Yes Halloweenie, that is what we call it at our house.
Last Sunday, josh was working one of his rare Sundays and I had planned so well that I had the kids ready for Church 20 minutes early.

So we took pictures. They started our as our regular Sunday morning picture on the stairs and morphed into this.
Halloweenie pictures.

I told the kids to play peek-a-boo. The kept playing with each other and not with me and the camera.

I lu-u-uv this cute one of them hugging.

We tell Mikey that his horns are monster horns. We couldn't have him wear the witch headband now could we?

Time rolls on...

2010-10-04T13:21:00.004-06:00

I've started this post numerous times, Why is it that I am no good with playing catch-up? Oh well It is what it is...

It has been a couple weeks since my last update. things got busy and I wasn't able to get around to posting.

Josh is still in Nevada, today is supposed to be his last day (HE is now home!). I'll believe it in a week or two when they don't call him back out again.

Grace is doing well in school and dance, we have an IEP tomorrow. Not really much to report. ** The IEP went well, Grace has reached 2 of the 4 goals they set for her last year. She is now saying her final consonants over 80% of the time making her much more intelligible, she is still working on her sentence structure and grammar but she has made great improvements in this area as well.
She also is able to sit through circle time now- a huge feat! and we are continuing to work on her staying focused at different activities for longer periods of time.

Mikey continues to regain weight and improve. He is gaining a lot of new vocabulary (and I am thrilled).
He is also gaining a lot of personality and independence, just the other day I was telling him not to do something - he asked why, I responded :cause I'm the boss. Mikey's response: no I the boss.

We Have just been living life these past few weeks, no projects to share, now family outings to report.

Mikey enjoying a $1 toy.

Dance parties and dress up- they always go together.

Sponge curlers, I have so many memories of using these. Grace calls it Princess hair.

Making homemade Ice cream with our DI ice cream maker (five dollars! what a deal!) It is the kind with the frozen canister so the kids loved just watching it go.

enjoying the results.

A Sunday morning photo opp.

Josh was working it trying to help me get a good shot. He did pretty good.

We've been watching KL and started having "school". The kids love it. Shapes, colors, letters, writing their names all of it is thrilling to them.

I ended up taking a quick trip out to CA to see my Dad, I left the camera with Josh to take pictures while I was gone. This is the only one he took (and he took it after I was home). The kids conference coloring books.

Lo Mein AKA "noodles" in our house, another of our family's favorites. We use a variation of this recipe.

We use fresh noodles from the farmers market (love them) and add 1-2 bags of frozen stir fry veggies (depending on what I have to use up in the fridge). I use only 2 chicken breasts cut up into strips marinated in Lawry's ginger sesame marinade (and we love the marinade on flank steak too). We sometimes add a bit of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the recipe as well.

I had a great time seeing my dad. He is recovering well. I am so grateful that he is around, doing well and will be for years and years to come.

It was good to see him. so good.

The Mikuni citrus blossom wasn't too shabby either (AKA heaven on earth)

Only down side mom walked me through 13 miles of foot hills to make up for it. '

Yum

2010-09-29T09:17:00.004-06:00

We had this for dinner last week and it was a big success, even Grace loved it. It is going into my meal rotation.

Black Beans and Rice

from My Kitchen Cafe

Black Beans and Rice

*Serves 4-6

4 teaspoons olive oil
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
5-6 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 (16-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

4-5 cups hot, cooked white or brown rice

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bell pepper, onion and garlic and saute, stirring often, for about 15 minutes, until all the vegetables are soft and tender. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, oregano and water; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of hot water to thin to desired consistency.

Stir in the fresh cilantro and season with salt and pepper; discard the bay leaf. Serve over the hot rice.

*I only used a half of an onion, 4 garlic cloves, and an entire can of broth.

It was great I recommend you try it.

chicks, pigs, and lions

2010-09-21T15:48:00.005-06:00

I seem to be a bit of schedule with my posting, but I had time right now so I am doing it.

Josh is still working in Nevada, the job which has changed so many times has now been extended once again.
I hope to have Josh home again someday, I miss having him around. I have always appreciated the load of dishes he'll do to help me out on a tough day but the everyday things like: him playing with the kids while I cook dinner, putting the kids in bed, and just his company and the boost that he gives me, I miss having him around in the week. I am grateful for the weekends, and that he is able to come home. I am not a single mom, my husband is not away at war, so I focus on that and am using this opportunity to appreciate Josh a little more.

Grace's 2nd week of school is going better, fewer tantrums and after talking with the staff a more attentive teacher. Grace loves having her hair in a ponytail, loves our almost nightly snuggles, and really loves stories from my mouth (stories we make up together).

Mikey B has started talking more... and while most is unintelligible I love it. While running errands we were singing in the car and I found out Mikey knows most of the words to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, it has been really cute to listen to him. His digestive issues have been improving (I think we finally found the right dietary combinations). I took him to the doctor's office this morning to use their scale (confused the heck out of the office people) but got an accurate weight and found that Mikey has gained over a pound in the last month up almost 2 pounds from his lowest weight. We have decided to postpone his colonoscopy and endoscopy and see if he continues to improve.

Grace recently discovered these sponge toys- and has been playing with them whenever possible.
Mikey is not quite so patient as Grace but stills enjoys it.

Other than a few meager cherry tomatoes our garden has not produced this year. I did not devote the attention needed this year.

We did finally get our first tomato- and it looks like a tush.

We went to the state fair over the weekend, and had fun walking all over. I love this picture...

all the livestock is really thrilling to the kids. We took way too many pictures next to all kinds of animals.

and yet no one looked at the camera...

The highlight was the pony ride- Grace on Spider and Mikey on Rocky. Grace kept saying they were just like Grandma Ellen's horses. He had a lot of ye'hawin and hi daddy's.

they gave Mikey the smallest horse- he didn't mind.

See Grace's pony tail? See the baby chickens? imagine Josh telling me "no we aren't getting chickens" "no we don't need a bunny" "a pet pig?!" I really am turning into my mother!

I ain't chicken.

Mikey B was so worn out he fell asleep in the stroller-he can't hardly sleep in the car and he fell asleep in the stroller at the noisy fair! Plain tuckered out.

Josh and I celebrated our anniversary lat weekend. 7 years!

We went out to Market Street Grill known for seafood, Josh got a big huge slice of Prime Rib (I knew he would get it- one of the reasons I chose that restaurant) it was good, so good i had to eat some of his.

I got a seafood salad- and wasn't too impressed but the seared ahi tuna appetizer and the creme brulee made up for it.

We then went to Lion King and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Josh was a good sport and said things like: "do you see how sweaty Simba is?" "I couldn't stand like that" and "there are only 7 acts in the second half so it won't be as long as the first". I love him and am glad we got to go.

Intermission- where are my tic tacs?

passing the time

2010-09-18T16:11:00.005-06:00

Last week was full of randomness, and just kinda keeping my head above water.

We finally convinced Mikey to sleep in his toddler be full time and too down his crib...

and used the mattress to slide down the stairs.

The kids loved it, tried many variations, and were not ready to stop when we did.

We went with some friends to Peach Days up in Brigham City, njoyed a long parade and fun company. Mikey wasn't too into the parade- just the candy.

Then we went to the car show, we brought our hand-me-down wagon and Grace wanted to spend her time pushing/pulling not riding in it.

We always have fun with KL. Two cute girls.

We had a nice spot to let the kids play/relax, eventually Grace said she needed a nap and that lasted all of 2 minutes. They were worn out.

We didn't take any pictures of cars this time (can you believe it?!) but while I was off browsing (crafts not cars) Mikey got a shiner- here were the beginnings, just swollen and scratched really. Sunday morning- the Grace ready for the primary program.

I took this picture on the sly- naughty- but she was so funny in the front (by herself) smiling and waving. Eventually she began blowing kisses to the people she knew in the audience. She DID say her lines and she did very well. Primary programs are always better when the sunbeams provide some extra entertainment (and Grace provieded enough for all).

Feeling a little better- thought I'd take another before school picture since my first day of school ones turned out so bad. not too much better but still cute. Grace is in love with headbands and "pretty hair".

Practicing writing in the spare moments before leaving for school.

It was a tough week this week- sickness, Grace's poor transition back to school (6 major tantrums in one day), Josh being out of town for part of the week again, and stress related to Mikey's upcoming endoscopy and colonoscopy (this Wednesday). I am glad this week is over and will be glad when next week is behind me too.

But there are many blessings I could count, and I will focus on that.

Handprints

2010-09-18T16:05:00.002-06:00

I forgot to make 4th of July handprints, but these safari themed handprints seemed to go over well with the Grandparents.

Elephants

zebras

poor gimpy legged zebras, never going to outrun the hyenas and lions with legs like that...

there were some cute giraffes I was thinking about doing, but I didn't have time or paper for it. Must go restock my cardstock supplies.

on to figure out what to make next.

First Day of School

2010-09-13T09:25:00.002-06:00

Today Grace started preschool (for the second time). Spent yesterday afternoon picking out shoes, clothes, and getting a fateher's blessing. Grace was thrilled to start school again and I was too until 2:47 this morning when I woke up sick.
I decided I felt good enough to take her, and boy was she excited. Unfortunately my pictures are not so great....

She found her own name twice! and then settled down at the computer (She has really missed it this summer).

What a difference a year can make.

dino-mite!

2010-09-08T10:40:00.007-06:00

We've had quite a week, full of mischievous acts and me just trying to keep up. Luckily at the end of it all we had a three day weekend with Josh!
We've gotten Mikey's test results back from the specialist at Primary Children's center, he is going to have an upper and lower endoscopy but we have not scheduled it yet.
Grace started dance this week and preschool starts on Monday. We are all very excited for the return of a firm schedule.
Josh is working his last week in Wells and should be home very soon (thank goodness)!

We have been enjoying the declining summer temperatures. The breezes and thunderstorms are not unwelcome at this house. Bike rides walks and trips to the park were all part of last week.

Last week was FULL of mischievous children. Example: getting into my brand new markers- they were up so high! I am not sure how they got them, luckily the markers were washable.

I am now the second counselor in the Young Women's presidency- have I mentioned this before? We taught the girls how to give manicures last week and the kids loved playing with the paper on the table the next morning.

As I drew letters on the paper for the kids I realized Grace knows almost all her letters and Mikey knows quite a few. I was very pleased because teaching Grace letters has been difficult, very difficult. A majority of their knowledge is from this DVD, it was recommended by a friend. The kids love it and it has really helped. I totally recommend it. Totally worth the 8 dollars.

Mischievous kid: Grace cutting her own hair. All scissors have now been banished from my house.

Mikey- in sandals, shorts a a tutu. I guess I need to remember to shop the after Halloween sales so I can find him more costumes.

Josh got off work early Friday so we set up a date and went to the Happy Sumo at the gateway. I love sushi. I need to get out and try some more sushi joints in the area- but Josh is not a huge fan. Here is a picture (a bad one) of my yummy venus roll

Here is Josh eating sushi with a fork. Cracks me up. He ended up getting meal- miso glazed salmon with asparagus and mushrooms. The salmon was SO tender.

I have been meaning to go to this dinosaur park for over a year now. We finally did it on Saturday.

They had a few exhibits inside for the kids to look at- Grace loved the touch screen computers with each dino.

When we got outside and saw the statues of the dinos Mikey ran around running, shouting, and pointing. He was so excited by the "soaurs"

They enjoyed the sand where they could excavate fossils and eggs.

and really loved the playground.

They did not love mom making them take pictures at the end when they were hot and thirsty. But they turned out cute.

This is one reason why I love Josh. He is a good sport, and fun.

We had Grandma Musser's tacos on Sunday, a fast Sunday tradition in the Musser household. Easy, tasty and fast. Just what I want on a Sunday.

recipe?

1 lb. ground beef

4 cans pork and beans

1/2 chili brick (found in the refrigerated or freezer section- even at walmart)

Brown meat then add beans and chili brick, simmer for a few minutes while you prepare fixin's

I also add (not in Grandma's recipe)

a can of rinsed black beans

2 Tb taco seasoning

Then you can lightly fry corn tortillas (ym-o but not too healthy) or we like to eat them in hard taco shells or as burritos.
Leftovers are great and makes a great base for a layered bean dip.

Hand prints I know it has been a while- I totally forgot to make some for the 4th of July- but we made a new batch this weekend. I need to got to the post office to mail them- so I am not posting the finished product yet.

hand prints. We love hand prints.

We also love In-N-Out. They are really popping up all over the place and the burgers are Grace's favorite. All they need is a play place.

We bought school shoes this week. Grace got some stickers from the store clerk- when we got to the grocery store after.. well just look.

Monday afternoon we went to the Northwest Rec Center and went swimming. The kids had a great time Mikey really loves the water.

Today we practiced some writing. I found this website that lets you make personalized handwriting worksheets. LOVE it. Grace did really well...

What a difference 8 months can make

2010-09-04T21:13:00.001-06:00

Josh has a tendency to go through boots. Not just any ol' boot- high quality, steel toe, reinforced, red wing boots.
See...

being a foreman over a heavy equipment rock crushing crew is tough on the tootsies (note - Josh and his manly boots would NEVER refer to his feet as tootsies). I may have forgotten to make time for his shoe shopping (he hates shopping of all kind -excluding tool shopping) so he has even worn holes in the soles of his shoes. (*tangent* I now have diamonds on the soles of her shoes stuck in my head. Oooo ooooo!)

Mikey B is going to grow up to be tough just like his dad. Too bad red wing doesn't sell toddler boots.

Camping

2010-09-01T08:35:00.006-06:00

I have so many great memories of camping as a child. My Grandparents went all out and as a result I have developed a love of camping. I am not sure I would like camping so much otherwise it is dirty, smelly, and a lot of work. But I have all these great memories in my head and I want my kids to have them too.
Josh's birthday was last week. I figured we'd celebrated my birthday in Hawaii (a very Suzi location) we should celebrate his camping. It ended up only being an overnight camping trip - weather and work conspired against us- but it was a great introduction for the kids and we had a great time.

We went to a campground very close to 2 of Josh's previous work sites in the Park City area. We ended up getting there Saturday morning and setting up.

We spent most of our time walking around exploring.

We had maybe 5 minute sprinkles once or twice but after the umbrella came out Grace had to have it. The kids spent quite a bit of time washing their hands or silverware in the wash basins I had out.

Grace helping me get more water. I tried to get her to sing "fetch the water" from jungle book but apparently she doesn't know it.

no camping trip is complete with out a card table and some games (especially crazy eights)

Hot dogs for dinner. Mmmm

Our site was on the very edge of camp so we had some privacy. Grace loved being able to roam.

Mikey fell and scraped his neck on a walk. The band aids in the emergency kit... need to be replenished. Like his drool and bow tie?

The kids actually slept really well. At 7:30 Grace said she was "so tired" and needed to go to bed.

They actually fell asleep and except for the bathroom run at 4 am they slept through the night. The same can not be said for Josh with the leaky air mattress or me who just woke up all night long.
We had a leisurely morningmaking pancakes and enjoying all of the kitchen camping supplies inherited from Grandma and Grandpa. Siblings: can you see what Grace has in her picture?

The coveted hot coco mugs. (Gotta love the pictures Josh snaps). These mugs- we always fought over who got what color. I am happy to say that I got the purple mug and didn't have to fight anyone for it.

It was pretty cool but we stopped at Provo Falls before heading home and enjoyed the beauty. (and my daughter's silly poses)

There were several falls, and they were beautiful. The kids loved climbing around and of course tossing rocks in.

and they endured all the pictures mom wanted to take.

We had a great time and are excited to plan another camping trip soon!

Summer randomness

2010-08-29T17:24:00.005-06:00

A few weeks ago we tried to go to doughnut falls, unfortunately everyone else had that idea as well so we weren't able to find a parking space. I was not walking 4 miles with two kids so we nixed the plan.
We ended up just enjoying the river at a random spot. The kids threw dozens of rocks and thought it was great. We enjoyed the water (which was freezing) Grace kept wanting to put her toes in, for about 20 seconds at a time several time durring our stop.

They had to take their backpacks on the walk, full of water and snacks the kids were not about to leave them behind.

Now on to some random pictures that I thought were cute...

The kids enjoying the beaters from the made from scratch brownies we sent with Josh to work. Josh has been working a job out in Wells, Nevada for the last 3 weeks. He had his birthday while out there last week and we were sad to miss celebrating with him. It has been no fun to have him gone Monday- Friday but we have only two more weeks till he is back at at his regular site and home every night.

I have started watching kids on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Mike and Grace love their friends. They play together really well and I am enjoying it too.

I made a fruit salad when we went to dinner at a friend's house and later that night I was talking to a neighbor for a few minutes - this is what Grace helped her self to. It was a good watermelon, but boy she ate a lot.

We took Mikey to a gastroenterologist at primary children's this week. Diarrhea for 5 months and weight loss is NOT good. Test results back at the end of the week.

Ahh, Grace's school paperwork. She has been enjoying cutting with scissors recently, and I am glad it isn't her hair, but really!? Her school physical? And I know the doctor didn't make a copy for her records so he is going to have to fill out a new one for us.

A darn cute boy!

Cupcakes and balloons for Josh's birthday. I put a candle on each of the cupcakes because the kids just can't resist but that wasn't enough for Mikey who blew out all three.

Mmm cupcakes. Look Mom no hands!

Bought Grace a new body pillow, she had claimed one that was headed to the trash. We also bought some covers and boy does she love the fuzzy zebra cover best.

Summer highlights- Hawaii (last part)

2010-08-21T21:17:00.000-06:00

We rented bikes and dove to the very tip top of Haleakala. It was so gusty and it was so intimidating seeing all the hairpin turns I almost psyched myself out. But we did it- had a great time.

Taking pictures of our last sunset- em decided to join- after a few times around well can you see Josh's sneaky expression? Can you see em's eyes closed?

here we are moments later as she has triped (over Josh) and fallen to the ground.

it was an incredible trip. Wonderful.

Summer highlights- hawaii

2010-08-21T21:13:00.000-06:00

We toured a plantation- pineapple, coconuts and more... bought some art for my bedroom (thank you Grandma H!)

The Iao Needle. SO LUSH. what drought?

Scenic drives on one lane local traffic only roads. (we look local right? I am sooo tan)

On the snorkel trip. Swam with turtles, saw dolphins and saw incredible coral! FABULOUS.

Summer highlights- hawaii outtakes (pt 2)

2010-08-21T21:08:00.000-06:00

There were many a embarrassing picture taken... and although I only posted the ones of josh on facebook-(and will repost them here) I will share my own as well

Jumping for joy at the Iwo needle

Displaying my good core muscles (or at least that is what my water aerobics teacher tells me)

checking the fit of his snorkel

my birthday breakfast at the Gazebo (with a perfect view of the ocean and yummy yummy food) Arrg matey! pirate josh.

Summer highlights - hawaii pt 1

2010-08-21T21:00:00.000-06:00

We left the kids with Josh's parents, with many a tears on my side and a little anxiety, and went to Maui.
We got off the plane and could feel the ocean air and after about 10 minutes I said Grace? Mikey?
It was incredible.
The first time I had left the kids for more than overnight. I had forgotten what it felt like to be a person- not always a mother first.

We stopped to enjoy the beaches and windsurfers on our way to the condo

and made sure to touch the ocean every day.

Body surfing and snorkeling were highlights as well as fin with family

but the best part- reconnecting with my husband. Love you.

Summer highlights- on the road again.

2010-08-21T20:53:00.000-06:00

School supplies had just been put out at the stores before our trip-
Our car toys for this trip... post-it, twisty crayons, calculators(phones) and mechanical pencils in color coded boxes. The kids loved them and wrote Josh many notes as we drove.

And then there was Mikey.

Had a little itch he needed to scratch.

Summer Highlights- more random

2010-08-21T20:49:00.000-06:00

I started letting Grace watch Phineas and Pherb and lo! A miracle occurred! I was able to get her to sit still long enough to french braid her hair (I had to go back and do the ends later.

It was all big and poofy the next day when I took it out and I thought it was pretty cute.

But not a cute as this boy is.

especially when he dresses up in man clothes.

Summer highlights- random

2010-08-21T20:43:00.000-06:00

This summer Grace has developed a love of puzzles. She has three (from the dollar store) that she carries around in her purse for days at a time. eventually she looses too many pieces but I am impressed how well she puts them together by herself and without a picture. She has mastered the 26 piece puzzle we must now look for harder ones.

Many evenings this summer I have not prepared dinner and/or have been at wits end. That's when Josh swoops in picks up dinner and takes us to the park for a picnic. The kids play more than they eat, I enjoy hearing the kids laugh instead of fight, and we all remember Why Josh is everybody's favorite.

Our neighbor loves to share her hand me downs. This track lasted for all of 3 days before they broke it. It was fun while it lasted.

Summer Highlights: fireworks

2010-08-21T20:36:00.000-06:00

So I was talking to my Grandma H. yesterday (my most loyal follower) and she asked me if my computer was broken... Huh? What? OH! you mean cause I haven't posted in months. Yeah. Sorry. I have been meaning to get back to it. I keep wanting to but here were my two stumbling blocks:
1- I had way too much time to cover 9I usually will back track if I miss a week) but really- can you remember what you were doing on a daily basis 2 months ago??
2- I haven't taken a ton of pictures.

So I am doing highlights. Memorable moments that I took pictures of.

number one- fireworks.
We had been sick so we didn't light our fireworks 'till the Monday after the 4th. The biggest hit- the four boxes of snap-its that I got for a dollar each. The kids had a ton of fun tossing the snap its.

Mikey was darling as he learned to stomp them if they don't snap.

Eventually our neighbor came over and helped us toss them in the street. So thrilling. It was Josh's job to gather the un popped ones (and then throw them at me)

getting ready for the fireworks. We only spent 10 dollars and boy were they exciting.

they were noisy. Eventually it was more than Grace could handle.

oh my heart...

2010-08-06T16:45:00.000-06:00

If people ever stop cutting in line dad will be going in for bypass surgery soon.
Love you dad.

Chop chop

2010-07-14T21:43:00.000-06:00

got my hair cut.
the front may be slightly deceiving.

because it is short in the back...

I like it... what do you think?

holy smokes

2010-07-05T13:42:00.006-06:00

I don't know where the time has gone. I thought summer was supposed to be lazy. We've been back from CA for a month and I can honestly say we haven't done much worth blogging about but we have been busy! How does that work out?

On our trip down to CA Mikey perfected his escape and kept climbing out of the crib once we were home. We rearranged the house, pulled out the toddler bed, move the guest room and toys... and he hates the toddler bed. He has now stopped crawling out of the crib.

my goofy boy showing off his new mickey mouse shirt.

Josh joined the church softball team. He used to play while we were dating and first married, I am glad he is finding something to do. And he is better than I remember. Of course I forgot to take a picture till we were back in the swaggerwagon.

Mikey really likes softball.

My bountiful basket from week 2 (plus green beans I forgot to take a picture of.

Mikey B, happy to be fed.

We took a day trip up to Park City, Josh had to pick some stuff up from a work site up there. Everything was beautiful, the mountains were so green.

For father's day the kids drew Josh some pictures. This is Grace's drawing of Josh (in orange) I especially like the green beard stubble.

Mikey my little odd duck.

The weather really started warming up so I pulled out the sprinkler ball I bought months ago. The kids love it.

Following Melissa's suggestion I put it on the trampoline. Grace loved kicking up the water.

This pictures doesn't even come close to showing how much fun she was having.

Mikey took longer to warm up the the sprinkler idea. But when Grace was done he was ready to go.

I love those cute legs. in 18M swim trunks that fit perfect.

Partners in crime

I have started watching KL a few days a week. She is so much fun! The size of Mikey with close to the energy of Grace. They spend a lot of time dressing up when KL's here.

Grace begged me for this Dora bubble thing, it is no spill and the kids love it.

Hook 'em horns

My week three bountiful basket- I took last week off because I have SO MUCH PRODUCE in my fridge now. Swiss chard. Still haven't used that up...

I remember eating meals in a very similar fashion growing up- lined up against the carpet line to the family room watching TV. Why the kids prefer the stool when the table is right there I don't know.

Like I said, not much for a month (not much for me). We are just getting over another round of sickness in our house. Our fourth of July festivities will be tonight, the kids are really looking forward to the fireworks.

Josh is moving his plant and will working in Wells (NV) for a few days setting the plant up for others to run. Then he will be running a smaller pit in the same area in Herriman/Bluffdale area.

There is not too much news other than that.

the end

in the sticks

2010-06-14T09:58:00.009-06:00

Way back when in May the kids and I took a trip down to CA to see everybody. We loaded up our swagger wagon and made the trek with my dad. I was hesitant about owning a mini van back then- but throughout the trip I began to see how nice all the extra room was. The space (and then some) for all our stuff.
FYI- I have had this post in my drafts for weeks, I have been uploading pictures at multiple times so just be glad I posted anything.

We stayed for about a week and had a great time. We got to see all the grandparents while we were down and I tried (unsuccessfully) to get some pictures of the kids with them.

We were able to get some pictures with Grammie and Poppa, the kids had a great time playing in their backyard. They pulled around her wagon and played with all kinds of odds and ends. It was fun to sit on the swing with Grammie and laugh at their antics.

The kids painted a nativity they bought for Nana. The went with a abstract theme and had a lot of fun painting it.

notice the pinky-

We left Josh at home for the extended memorial day weekend. (oops sorry honey) But got to go to Grammie and Poppa's for some good BBQ

Later that night Gramps decided to work on indoctrinating Grace.

Nana encouraged face making and dogie kisses. Oh the joys of being a grandparent.

Like I said earlier, I tried to get some new photos of the kids with Grandparents. I really like this one.

that night after dinner mom pulled out some huge chocolate dipped strawberries and cookies. Mikey went to town.

Then they got to swim in the tub and watch cartoons. They loved the combination and begged for it every bathtime.

The valley was green and beautiful. Mikey made sure he had full use and wandered whenever possible.

It was always funny to see Mikey hanging limp on the swing.

There were multiple ATV rides every day.

and we filled my swagger wagon to capacity for a BK run.

We visited with grandma and Grandpa H. feeding fish, dancing to the player piano and had a ride in the gator. Their koi fish are huge now! Delta college has nothing on them now!

We were lucky enough to have Adam and Danielle come to visit. We had good food, fun laughs, we walked up the crazy hill and enjoyed each other's company. Danielle is so great! It is fun and easy to be around her. I can't wait for our upcoming trip to Hawaii together.

Mikey thought Jake was the coolest and was happy to just sit next to him, tag along, or try his patience by getting in his way.

Dad provided another heavenly smoked pork and Valley Springs provided a beautiful day.

aren't they cute?

this hill- we walked from the street in the foreground all the way to the top. Three times. I had blisters in between my toes. My mom is getting in to some great shape and inspired me to join a gym.

Mike was a great partner for walking- and left me in the dust.

We took the boat out to Hogan lake. Dad let the kids drive and they LOVED IT. Grace went in circles and I got kinda motion sick from her crazy driving but we loved it.

Mikey wasn't too happy in this picture. He wanted to drive.

And he got his chance. Not quite so crazy as Grace but still a rocking good time.

the kids decided to enjoy the water. Mom held on.

Mikey and Grace both got to drive for a second time and Mikey got the hang of it.

after dinner we made use of the outdoor shower and cleaned the kids of.

This swing is just like the ones I used to swing at Grandma h's when we would go to visit her.

Mike and Mikey two handsome men.

and no trip would be complete without a gator ride.

we had a great trip and other than coming down with a nasty case of laryngitis the day before I drove the kids home we had a wonderful time.

I've got a lovely bunch....

2010-06-12T17:36:00.000-06:00

of coconuts. 4 to be exact.

We did our first week of Bountiful Baskets and other than waiting in line for an hour in 48 degree rain it was worth it.
Bountiful baskets is offered in AZ, TX, WA, WY, CA, UT, and NV. That covers most of you my friends. You should check it out! they say the wait is not usually that long. The quality of the produce was good and we are totally doing it again next week.
here is our haul...

13 apples, 18 potatoes, 9 tomatoes, 4 small crowns of broccoli, 2 heads romaine, 2 celery, 12 nectarines, 1 cantaloupe, 1 large bag of red seedless grapes, one grocery bag of green beans, and don't forget the 4 coconuts. All for $15. we also got 5 loaves of nine grain bread for $10. yummy. They say that they had some extra fruit at the end so we got a little more than usual but still! what a deal.

anybody know what I can use the coconuts for?
anybody in the area want to go wait in line with me next week? 8 am in Bountiful.

a long time ago...

2010-06-07T11:50:00.006-06:00

So I blogged for a week straight and then I had to take a week off. Then I went to California and now I am home and recovering from a nasty bug.

But before all that...
May 17th Grace had her evaluation at the children's center. She is on the waiting list for their preschool, but I think I will keep her at head start. We like the social worker at the children's center and will visit with her once a month for a while to work on ways to help Grace's behaviors.
Grace had her last day of school May 19th.
By noon May 20 I was ready for her to go back after a morning of two children screaming and fighting and bitten through lips. Things got better after that and Mikey's lip is healing.
May 21st dad came into town for a short visit, Mikey got pink eye, and we got the swagger wagon
May 22 Grace got pink eye and Josh took a well deserved nap on the couch- tucked in by Grace

and we worked on our next round of hand prints. No holiday here- just late spring early summer fun.

While we did that I made the pioneer woman's lasagna, it used caned tomatoes and tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes and cottage cheese instead of ricotta. I liked the basic ingredients. Josh gave it his stamp of approval.

as sauce cooked we painted up hands.

the kids were not quite as cooperative as usual. Probably because it has been 2 months. But they loved it of course.
An executive decision was made that Mikey would not make a rainbow fish- his was polka dotted. please excuse my PJ's. We had stayed home from church that day to avoid the spread of pink eye.

The kids did their own finger painting after... started off pretty good

then they just started painting anywhere they could.

I think we only ended up with one or two that were worth passing along.

In the mean time I worked on a present for Josh's parents. Silhouettes of all the grand kids. I think it turned out pretty good. That M in the middle took FOREVER.

It was interesting to note the differences and similarities in the family. Each child was unique and easily identifiable.

of course these two were the easiest to recognize.

My kids begging for some stir fry- just a funny picture. Please sir, may I have some more?

and the final product on the hand prints... this was the fist butterfly I cut out they got better as I went.

and the fish...

the end.

I have hundreds of pictures from our trip to CA. I am not up to tackling the task of sorting and journaling the trip yet. You may have to wait till later in the week.

Got me a swagger wagon

2010-05-21T22:45:00.000-06:00

The new addition to our family, my swagger wagon: big blue the magic van (Grace loves the buttons for the power sliding doors- and so do I)

My cousin Jason is wonderful. If he was not such a healthy guy I'd be making him cakes and banana bread for a year.

Had fun finding all the sneaky storage containers and figuring out gizmos. it was like Christmas. It is so great I don't even care that I am a Mormon woman with a minivan living in Utah. I love it. la la la la la.

A week in the Life: Sunday

2010-05-16T21:42:00.006-06:00

8:20 am- Breakfast (hole in the heads) find out Mikey knows the word and shape star. So proud.

8:45 Josh is off to meetings

9:00- bathe two rambunctious children. Mop small pond up off bathroom floor. Think: who needs to mop a bathroom when your kids take baths?

10:00- snacks, a futile attempt to fill the kids up so they don't whine I'm hungry all through the middle of church

10:35- dress kids

10:44- kids sick of so many pictures

11:00- Sacrament meeting. Our stake has switched our meeting schedule to normal 9Sacrament first) finally! the meeting was so much better- Mikey was an angel.

12:18 find out Grace is supposed to give opening prayer in Primary. As I walk up to help her she says "no mama i don't need your help" all the kids start giggling and she gets self conscious. She then proceeds to say the prayer all by herself. So proud. I know this picture is blurry but I was taking on the sly. See Grace in the front waiting her turn? 2:04- beautiful day. Leave heavy bags and large note for josh on hood of car and walk home. Josh drives by part way home and Mikey runs into the street saying "Daddy! No! Daddy wait!"

2:12- lunch (leftovers from BBQ)

2:34- nap time

3:51 Grace wakes up

4;18 josh comes upstairs (we are roasting in the house) 80 degrees tomorrow- we decided the swamp cooler needs to be up and running now.

4:25 Mikey wakes up

5:01- Mikey climbs up the ladder almost makes it to the roof (according to Josh). Mikey climbs up again but gets scared this time.

5:09- HUGE cloud of dust fills my house as we turn the cooler on. (note to self dust tomorrow)

5:27 kids play in backyard. End up soaked from swamp cooler runoff.

6:21- dinner pork chops in the slow cooker, potatoes and more of yesterday's salad.

7:22- Josh and I do paperwork for grace's evaluation tomorrow. fill out insurance info and questionnaires. We each make a list of Grace's strengths and difficulties. We had different vocabulary but same ideas. Grace adds some pizazz to the rough draft lists.

8:00 family prayer

8:04 Kids in bed Josh watches mega movers I read a book.

9:45 I almost forget to blog- feel glad that tomorrow I won't have to blog before bed. Take picture of tired self. This Sunday was actually SO MUCH BETTEr than usual. Lovin the new schedule.

Well there it is! The last day of my week. I am glad to have done this, it got me out of my funk and gave me something to focus on. I will be happy to not have to spend a chunk of time at the computer every night. But I am glad to have this recorded. I hope to revisit this (in a year or so).

Special thanks to Erica who left a comment everyday cheering me on. I am glad to have followed in your footsteps.

I think it is a pretty accurate sample of our life. I didn't do any fun craft this week or go on an excursion (this project and Josh's work prevented that) but other than that I don't think we missed anything regular.

I will be happy to not be attached to my camera and computer. And I'll be glad when the next few days are over and things (like Grace's evaluation and the finalization of buying a car) are behind us. Grace also finishes up her school year this week. So my week in the life will be much much different in a week.

I just finally feel I need to bear a small testimony. My testimony of Jesus Christ is a part of my everyday life and a glimpse of our life would not be complete without it...

My testimony is my foundation, on our testimonies Josh and I have built our marriage, family and goals. My testimony of God and Jesus and of their gospel are the source of pure comfort and lasting joy. It is the sure place in my life.

When I have worries or anxiety I know that I can pray to God and He will hear my prayers. That happened this week. When life is hard and trials seem too great the Savior can make our burdens light. Thank happened for me this week. The knowledge that I can rely on the Lord in all things is a huge source of comfort. I know the Lord is molding me into the mother and woman I want to become, I am grateful for His ever watchful care, especially when I feel I don't deserve it. The gospel brings me such happiness and I know that it is true. It says in the scriptures "by their fruits ye shall know them" and the fruit is sweet.

A week in the life: Saturday

2010-05-15T21:18:00.006-06:00

11:48 pm- Grace has a bad dream, crawls in bed and snuggles up to me. I must say I love it when she does this- it isn't very often and her snuggles are priceless.

12:13 am- Grace takes herself back to bed.

6:10- Josh leaves for work

7:48- I wake up to no noise in the house and realize the kids are still asleep. feel really happy about getting to sleep in.

8:00 kids jump in bed to watch cartoons (Tom and Jerry) while I get cleaned up.

8:30- breakfast- (cereal, usually we have a hot breakfast on Saturdays but I didn't have time without Josh around)

9:00 kids dressed and told to go pick up toys in the toy room (Mikey's room)

9:28 kids want to watch a movie- I am getting ready for lunch with friends so we put in Tinkerbell 2. They watch it for about 10 minutes.

9:43- Can't find Grace's flip flops, only can find one Croc. Feel frustrated that Mikey has ended up with 4 set of summer shoes and I can't find any of Grace's.

9:54 after searching car, house, rooms, toy room (not picked up) Grace wears shoes to play in the backyard.

11:09 preparations for lunch almost done- bring kids in to help me pick up toy room. Feel happy about throwing away so many toys a few weeks ago because it makes clean up so much easier.

11:55- put burgers and dogs on BBQ

12:00 Aubrey and Sarah come with their entourages in tow. Grace is thrilled to have friends over (so am I).

12:13 toss most delicious of salads...

1/2 romaine, 1/2 spinach, grated swiss cheese, craisins, chopped apple, and almonds

dressing: 1 1/2 c. olive oil, 2/3 c vinegar, 1/2 c sugar, 1 tsp dry mustard, 1 tsp salt, 2 Tbs poppy seeds, and 1/2 small red onion. Blend dressing in blender, use half on salad save 1/2 for later.

try it- you won't regret it.

1:43 After a sunny lunch outside we lounged on the couch enjoying some good conversation, funny memories, and some Costco red velvet cake. I loved catching up with these girls and their husbands are darn funny! I am happy to be reminded that they found some awesome guys.

3:00- Mikey goes down for a late nap

3;30- friends leave (sad- but they leave RV cake and that makes Josh really happy when he comes home)

3:40- Grace goes to her room for some quiet time... and falls asleep.

3:45- Josh gets off work. 54 hours this week. :)

4:27 Josh gets home, finds Grace asleep, I am half asleep so I go upstairs.

4;59 hear Mikey yelling 'momeeeeee! dadeeee!" over and over, Josh gets him up, I wish I could fall back asleep. Afternoon naps are a rare treasure.

5:04 Mikey comes and gives me a hug in bed

5:09 Grace comes give me a hug in bed - I wonder if Josh is trying to get me up.

5:13- Mikey says his favorite phrase " mama I hungee". Let kids eat carrots and dip.

5:15 Start dinner prep- teriaki chicken, veggies and rice.

6:42 dinner

7:16- in car (since kids aren't going to bed anytime soon) drop off stuff from enrichment and sear for Grace's lost croc. It was left at yesterday's potluck. I don't know how we did that. grace is so thrilled to have her croc back she kisses her shoe over and over. Grace asks us to turn the car around and go home to get the match.

7: 32 Home Depot- return step ladder that don't fit trampoline, buy new swamp cooler pads.

7:46: return RS stuff to target, buy Grace another set of flip flops.

8: 14 Walmart- return more RS stuff and buy tons of DP 'cause it was on sale. I {heart} Dr. Pepper!

8:42- work on teaching Mikey how to buckle his own car seat. He's 2 he should be able to do it.

9:03- Mikey "calling" daddy on the remote. Dad's busy carrying in the groceries Mikey call back later.

9:07 Mikey in new PJ's. I bought 3T PJ's so they would last. See his capris? they're suppose to be shorts. That's my boy.

9:33: Josh getting the swamp cooler ready- it's going to be 80 degrees on Monday! too bad I couldn't plant my garden today with him at work, my tomatoes would've loved it.

Now: 10:16- I am going to go vacuum up the swamp cooler mess and then go lay in bed unable to fall asleep and regret my afternoon nap.

A week in the life: Friday

2010-05-14T20:47:00.003-06:00

7:03 am- wake up and groan... no school today, wish I could sleep in.
7:28- snuggle in bed and watch cartoons
8:27- breakfast (yogurt and granola)

9:06- wonder once again where Mikey's pants went. Get kids dressed and let them go play outside. I spend some much needed time cleaning up the house.

9:45- catch up with Jeni while doing the dishes... wish I could hold new little Justin.

10:14- clean dishes put away and dirty ones in the washer, hear delighted noises coming from outside... see the kids enjoying their noodles.

10:37 call kids inside- find Grace covered in the leftover melting chocolate from last night's dipped strawberries. 10:55- drop herb gardens from last night to my visiting teachees.

11:00- go to potluck lunch with some ladies in the ward. Have a great time full of uplifting conversation. Forget to take a picture while there- so here is ANOTHER car seat picture.

11:56- Josh leave message saying he is working late today and is working tomorrow- estimated work week- 55 hours. Yay! for extra hours and overtime.

1:08- leave potluck, kids crying hysterically in the 4 minutes it takes to get home. Both go to bed for naptime.

1:15 watch the first part of the masterpiece classic Wuthering Heights. Can't remember how long it has been since I read that book.

1:45 Grace wakes up

2:45- Mikey wakes up. Turn on Lilo and Stitch while I continue cleaning, sweeping, mopping, wiping down walls, and more.

3:12- Mikey has once again lost his pants, Grace is once again in PJ's

5:30- Josh gets off work

5:54- get upset that the children have once again lost the one vacuum accessory I use (can't find it anywhere). Of course the other two pieces are still there.

6:18 - Josh gets home and scares me- couldn't hear him or his truck over the vacuum.

6:43- there isn't much better about cleaning than the vacuum lines when you are done.

6:15 - dinner (freezer pizza- the Teriaki chicken did not defrost fast enough)

7:28- kids in bed

7:43 Josh mows the lawn, I weed.

Now: 9:16- glad to have had a relaxing day at home. need to go shower. Grace still awake. Josh getting ready for bed .

yay for my clean house. - next on the list: the kids rooms (groan).

now I must go drink a dr. pepper. (put that down for 9: 23)