Surviving a family of NINE

Christmas Adam

2011-12-23T22:43:00.005-07:00

Today was Christmas Adam. The day before Christmas Eve.
We were kept quite busy.
We started with pancakes made with cookie cutters. (Christmas shapes.)
Then we did a few chores.
We went shopping in the late morning to help the kids finish up.
During lunch, I helped them wrap a few things.
Then I took Cheerful Cheerleader to the mall.
When I got back, I realized I hadn't eaten yet.
After eating, I decided to take the younger kids to see Santa.
I didn't think we would do that this year.
I don't like focusing on Santa as much as the Savoir.
And Master J and Miss K had been asking a
lot of questions concerning the subject.
But I felt that for Little Misses it would be a fun thing.
I asked who wanted to go, and the Little Misses did.
Miss K said, "It's not real."
I responded with, "I know, he's Santa's helper."
Master J didn't want to go, but changed his mind in the end.
I'm really wanting to keep the magic alive as long as possible.
Kids have to grow up so fast.
If you could hear the stories they come home with (the older kids),
you would want to keep them young as long as possible.

Master J has learned a lot this year about holiday traditions around the world.
It has opened his eyes to other cultures, but has also brought up questions.
Why La Befana come give presents to kids in Italy?
Why does Santa look different in different countries.
They learned about Ethiopia, Hanukkah, Russia, and other places.

We really love the tradition of Santa.
Santa even brings stocking stuffers to the adults.
I hope he finds Glamorous Graduate, since she isn't at home this year.

I do have to tell the story from the second year we lived up here.
Glamorous Graduate was in 5th grade.
Cheerful Cheerleader was in 3nd.
And Master A was in Kindergarten.
We took them all to see Santa.
We were all so amazed at how much he knew.
He knew where we lived and asked if the kids
were going to be here or with their dad for Christmas.
They were so amazed that he knew their names,
where they lived, and that they might be at their dad's.
It amazed us as well.

Before and after dinner, I got laundry folded and put away.

Then we went caroling.

We love to go each year.
We will pick a few people and take a goodie or other thing.
This year we made toilet paper snowmen wrapped in
cellophane, put on google eyes and construction paper for noses and coal.
Then we put a not on that read:

Money is scarce and times are hard,
So I'm giving you this instead of a card.
Something to use, something to share,
So bottoms up! Just cause we care!

My sweet sister in law (married to my baby bro)
made one for us, and I just had to copy!

Now the kids are sleeping in the front room down stairs.
Well, watching a movie until they pass out from exhaustion.
I'm off to wrap more presents.
Then it is time to sleep for sure!

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

2011-12-16T09:41:00.003-07:00

Our ward Christmas party was so much fun.
The little misses are still talking about it
and say, "That was the best party!"
Thank you so much to the High Priests for putting this together!
And their wives, who I'm sure did the most work, but you know...

We got dressed up in our "Biblical" Garb.
Sheets, towels, pillowcases, and robes.

So we arrived and were handed our bag of coins to use for "buying" our food.
Then we went in and laid our blanket on the floor to eat on.
After which, we got in line and started "buying" our food.
There was cheese and crackers.
Fruit (grapes, melons, bananas, apples).

Bread (a baguette and bagels).

Meat (ham and chicken).

There was also a story "tent" (an awning set up in the gym).

And an Inn (the couches from the foray).

We returned to our blanket to eat.
While we were eating, "Mary and Joseph" were trying to find a place to rest.
Of course there was no room for them anywhere.
After we ate, the Primary children sang us some songs.

Then we all sang Silent Night.
(This just happens to be Master J's favorite song this year.)

Just finished Matched!

2011-11-03T11:11:00.002-06:00

Matched by Ally Condie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a good book. And fast to read! I have to get something else done before I go start the next one. I'm sure it will be just as good.

View all my reviews

Halloween Day

2011-11-01T17:32:00.004-06:00

I had so much fun this year making the costumes.
Some of which did take quite a while to make.
The Rapunzel dress, for instance.
But they turned out so well, and the kids like them.
That makes it all worth it.

Saturday we went to our neighborhood carnival.
Our ward puts it on.
The bounce house had the biggest draw.

Tinkerbell jumping with Spiderman.

Max the Spider Troll with a Jedi and Ninja.

Silvermist jumping with Ballerina Ghost.
I love how it looks like she is flying!

Rapunzel.

My favorite costumes.

Then we went Trick-R-Treating with the cousins.

I decided to dress up again this year.
I borrowed a costume that Cheerful Cheerleader wore.

They sure have a lot more energy than I do.

We didn't stay out too late.
They were tired by 8:00, so we went home.

Here are our finished/lit Jack-O-Lanterns.
They were so fun and turned out so well.
And I only had to help with one.
That makes it even better!!

Halloween

2011-10-31T08:40:00.000-06:00

This photo album personalized with Smilebox

Pumpkins, and costumes, and messes, oh my!

2011-10-24T22:46:00.005-06:00

We have been having some major fun!
Today was super busy.
It started at 6am with getting Master A up for school.
Then it was sew, sew, sew to finish Little Miss A's costume.
My sweet Sister in Law called at asked if I wanted to go to
the quilt shop to see Nancy Halvorsen, who was doing a demo.
It was such a needed break!

SIDE NOTE:
With Sir Spoil-Her-Highness gone, I needed to get out. He has gone on a business trip. Now I know that some other ladies have their Sweet Heart gone all the time. But when it isn't normal, it seems so hard. I rely on him so much. He does so much around here. He takes kids to bed. Cooks dinner. Does laundry. Cleans house. And now it's just me and the little helpers.

After lunch, we were off with the preschoolers
to the Pumpkin Walk.

Such a fun time!

Then it was come home and clean the kitchen,
Make cookies for after school snack.
After the kids got home and had snack, we went to get pumpkins.

We then came home and made dinner.

For Family Home Evening, we carved them.
(AKA, got pumpkin guts everywhere.)

I'm sure it is obvious what I'll be doing tomorrow.
Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with the helpers.

Swan Diving Practice

2011-10-19T16:54:00.004-06:00

The little girls were "practicing" the other night.

(September 26th)
Leaping from the piano bench to the couch.
I know that I should have told them to stop,
but it was just so fun to watch them.

Red Ribbon

2011-10-14T18:25:00.000-06:00

Red Ribbon Week is so much fun!
They dress up, learn lots, and have a blast.

Wednesday they had a magician who came in whose theme was
Magic with a Message.
One thing he discussed was how important reading is.
If you can't read, you can't find out how to stay safe.
For example, if you are put in a box, then have swords put in the box.
You will need to be able to read the instructions
so you can stay safe in the box full of swords.

The dress up day they like the most is Crazy Hair Day!!
The little girls even had to participate that day.
We spray painted everyone's hair.

It took a few washings to get it out.

Preschool: Bikes and Trikes

2011-10-13T17:53:00.000-06:00

For preschool the week of the 12th, the theme was bikes.
So easy.
At first I thought I would have a hard time coming up with ideas.
And it was quite hard to find good books to read to the kids.
I really like to read a book that goes with the theme.
But I found this one:

Duck on a Bike by David Shannon

After talking about safety and why riding bikes is good for us,
We (meaning they) just rode around.
I used sidewalk chalk and made a trail for them to follow.
They had a fun time.
And luckily the weather was pretty good.
It also helps that we are having preschool in the afternoons.
Mainly because the kindergarteners in our area
(which we and another family have)
go in the afternoon.

What do you think?

2011-10-09T19:01:00.002-06:00

Anytime Little Miss D plays dress up,
She comes up to me and asks,
"What do you think?"

The girls found Glamorous Graduate's "HIGH-high-heeled" shoes.
And surprisingly, no one broke an ankle!!

Miss K is trying on her costume mid-sew to see how it fits.

Here are the little girls with more than enough hair bows in.

So Exciting!!

2011-10-06T10:02:00.006-06:00

I am so excited for our Cheerful Cheerleader.
Some of you know that DD #2 went to live with her dad.
I haven't talked about it much
because it was a very hard decision to make.
I can see that this was for the best.
She has had some amazing experiences.
She has seen what we have been telling her for years.
That she is a great friend.
How smart she is.
How beautiful she is.
So when she was voted onto the Homecoming Royalty,
I was so happy for her.

The only down side, was the fact that I was 12 hours away and couldn't be there to share it with her. I did talk to her several times that week. I chatted with her on facebook. I also made sure that there were a lot of pictures taken so that I could see her and be there in spirit.
I sure do miss her. I know that I made the right decision, but I sure do wish she was at least closer.

Saturday Conference

2011-10-01T17:26:00.003-06:00

Conference was amazing today. But the thing that touched my heart the most was listening to the children sing.

I love music. It is how I feel the spirit the most.
I even have a spiritual playlist on Grooveshark.com

What are some traditions you have for Conference.
I have heard some amazing ones.

My former VT would take her family and they would stay in a hotel.
They would each get a notebook and would take notes of the talks.

We have Conference Candy that we keep in metal pails.
I used my Silhouette and made word to put on the sides.
Then when we listen to the talks, if we hear that word,
we get the candy inside.
I put out just two pails at a time so it is easier for the little ones.

Here is where I got the idea:
Brown Paper Packages
And hers are much cuter than mine.

I'm sure that is the only reason the kids listen,
but hey, I'll take it.
This means I get to listen.

And boy is it great to listen!

Court of Honor

2011-09-25T18:44:00.000-06:00

Master A had Court of Honor today.
He has earned a lot of awards.
It was great to see all that he has accomplished and show his younger siblings all that he has accomplished.

Spirit Week

2011-09-23T18:03:00.000-06:00

Master A had Spirit Week the week of September 19th.
He had such fun dressing up.
Monday was blah blah blah

Tuesday was ... I can't remember.

Wednesday was "Harry Potter Day".

Thursday we "Super Hero Day".
He dressed up as Captain Obvious!

Friday was school colors day.

Mom's Preschool Co-op

2011-09-06T15:51:00.004-06:00

As most of you know, we do a co-op in our neighborhood for preschool.

The main reason for this is to save money.

I feel strongly about school. I love school. And I want my children to love school as well.
So when we moved here and I started looking into preschools for Master A, I was shocked at the price. I was doing daycare at the time, and just implemented learning activities into our day. (This is the same thing I did with Cheerful Cheerleader).

When Master J was old enough to participate in preschool, I was doing the "Queen of the Castle" thing and not daycare. So I decided to start a co-op for preschool.

When Glamorous Graduate was of preschool age, we did Joy School. That was great, until I found out that I had to keep paying for the materials with the next children, even though I had already purchased them.

So I decided to just find a curriculum that we could use.
The first we used, that I LOVE, is The Complete Daily Curriculum for Early Childhood.

I purchased mine at Borders. Some of the moms got theirs at half.com.
I love how there are different ideas for each theme to make sure each of the senses are used. There are a lot of hands on activities, gross motor, math, science, and others.

Then two years ago we decided to use the Month-by-Month Preschool Almanac.

This book has activities that correspond with the time of year. Again, there a several different learning activities to make sure all learning types are covered.

We don't just go by the book, either. If you have a great idea you want the kids to do, then do it. There are so many fun things that can be done, but the books give ideas so that it isn't too hard to find something. Plus, it gives us a theme to go on.

This year we are only doing it once a week. Some of us have Kindergarteners who go in the afternoon. We decided that we would do preschool in the afternoon, as well.
Here is the schedule we are following this year:

Tomorrow I am doing "Apples, Apples, Apples". It should be fun! And coming up with the snack was a cinch. I am not going to make apple butter, as was suggested, but I might show them how to make applesauce. That is, if I am up to it.

First of School

2011-08-26T11:10:00.000-06:00

I love the first of school.

I love the pencils, paper, books, backpacks.
It was an especially fun year since Master A moved up to an upper school,

(Ugh! So early in the morning!)

Miss K started kindergarten,

And the little Misses started preschool.

Master J is in 2nd.

Oh What Do We Do in the Summertime; When all the Kids are Sick.

2011-07-31T18:26:00.004-06:00

Well, a few weeks ago we had some sort of sickness.

Mainly headaches. Some coughs.
When we had dwindled down to just one sicky,
I decided we needed to brighten the place up.
And what better way to brighten a place up than with a
RAINBOW!
And what better to make into a rainbow that Play-dough!!

I have a drawer in our kitchen
It is the kids' drawer.

In it I keep toy dishes.
Also play-dough and tools.
(This is a trick I learned from my former MIL and current friend.)
This gives the kids something to do while I cook dinner,
mop, clean up, or do dishes.

Hope this gives you something to do if you need some cheering up,
or just want to add a splash of color.

Here is the recipe I use to make playdough:

1 cups flour

1/2 cup salt

1 cups water

2 TBSP vegetable oil

1 tsp. cream of tartar

food color

Mix dry ingredients

Mix wet ingredients in separate bowl

Add together in a saucepan

Cook on low until the dough thickens to playdough consistency.

Kneed until the dough cools to

I Can Fly

2011-07-31T14:18:00.001-06:00

Miss K was wearing her wings and was flying down the stairs.
Landing on pillows and blankets at the bottom.
So much fun!

Family Wedding

2011-07-29T20:33:00.001-06:00

This wedding has been very much anticipated.
We all love both of these guys.
The main thing I did in anticipation was make 4 dresses
for the 4 girls born in 2008.
That was so fun.
I had to take 2 patterns and stick them together.
Then I had to lengthen it to be long enough and it could be worn longer.

But the most fun was the kids and how excited they were.
When we told the kids they were getting married,
Little Miss D asked, "Is O going to be a princess?"
I said, "Yes." Then asked, "What does that make R?"
After some thought, D said, "Happy!"

And yes, it does make him happy.

Summer Swim Lessons

2011-07-26T10:35:00.000-06:00

Last summer I didn't do swim lessons at all.
Not sure why.
Surely two 2 year olds wouldn't make it rough.
But needless to say, they did great even with the break.

Swim lessons this year were at a pool where afterward you could swim.
This made it even more fun.
We would take a snack and play in the water.
Sir Spoil-Her-Highness said that it's strange to think of food near the pool.
He was a lifeguard and there was no food aloud on the deck.
A big no-no!

Master J did great.

He learned a lot of new skills.
The Little Misses had a blast.
Little Miss D was swimming by the end of the summer.

Little Miss E was fearless.

Same with Miss K.

And that was the main activity for the summer.
We didn't camp or anything.
Just swam pretty much everyday.

The last session they were joined by their cousins.
That made it even more fun.

Laundry Tips: Stinky Towels and Wash Cloths

2011-07-18T16:40:00.004-06:00

I use bath and dish towels.

I use washcloths and rags.
And I wash them quite often.

But sometimes they still get smelly.
I hate it when I go to use a dish cloth and my hand stinks after.
And what germs were lurking in that cloth??

My Sweet Father-in-Law told me what he uses to fix this.
It is so simple, I was in awe!

Ammonia!

That's it!

He just puts it in where he would use bleach.
Then wash like usual.
The towels and wash cloths come out smelling great.

And I have found that I don't have to worry about
pulling one from the drawer
and having my hand stink afterward.
I also don't have to worry about spreading germs all over.

A New Member

2011-07-09T14:52:00.003-06:00

My niece was baptized this year.
Such an exciting day.
Together, she and I made her a scripture bag.

Her mom and I made a quilt.

Do you think she loves it?

Then I sent the camera around with my other niece to take pictures.
(Brave, I know, but I had a sick one I had to take home.)

Fourth of July Shirts

2011-07-04T16:52:00.004-06:00

Each year we love to do something fun for us (or atleast the kids) to wear.

Sometimes this is a matching shirt or some thing.
Last year it was skirts and hair pretties.
This year it was shirts.

To start off with, we found a shirt we could copy from Cafepress.

Then we purchased shirts to iron onto (mainly from Kohls).

Pulled up the Silhouette software.

Found some fonts I liked.
(Rockwell Extra Bold for "America" and Microsoft Sans Serif for "all" & "boy")

Then added some stars.

Reversed the image.

Cut out "America" on blue.
And "all" & "boy" in red.

Here is the finished product:

So of course we made some for the whole family!

The girls wore their skirts and hair bows from last year.
Jayden, poor kid, was the only small boy.
You can tell this from the above photo.

And they were a hit!!

Neighborhood Shin Dig

2011-07-04T14:35:00.000-06:00

Our neighborhood has this fun party every year for the 4th. This year was so fun. They rented a bounce house, paid a face painter to come, shot a candy cannon, and had a yummy BBQ. Then they did fireworks. We had a blast!

So many fun ideas, so little time!

2011-07-03T23:43:00.004-06:00

I love the 4th of July for many reasons.
The first is family.
I have a son (Master A) whose birthday is the 4th.
Hanging out with family.
Parades!
Fireworks!
Food!
Activities.
Crafts.

I so wish there was enough time in the day to be able to fit all these things in.
But I am so grateful to live in this country.
So thankful for the freedoms we enjoy.
And there is always next year.
And the year after.

Girls Night Out!

2011-06-17T15:21:00.003-06:00

Wednesday was so fun!
We went over to the house of a sister from the ward.
We did homemade facials.
I tried the yogurt/egg white facial.

Ingredients:

2 egg whites, separated from the yolk and placed in a bowl
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (I like Greek yogurt)

Preparation:

Separate the egg whites from a couple eggs and place them in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt (do not use flavored yogurt!). Mix them up and apply to face. Leave on face for a few minutes then rinse face in warm water, followed by a warm washcloth.

Made my skin feel so soft!

Then watched The Young Victoria.

I love this movie!
The strength she had.

So, with how much fun we had, why don't I do this more often?
Well, for starters: I love being at home with my family.
Second, I am so busy.
Just trying to keep up with all the kids
and their activities.
Third, why do I need to do fun things for myself?
It's not what moms do.
We are selfless.
Oh, so devoted to our families.
But we need to take time for ourselves.
Taking care of ourselves helps us take care of our families.
We need that boost to keep us going.

I am so grateful to my friend for suggesting this idea.
Thanks, Lindsey.

Right on the Beach

2011-06-16T08:51:00.007-06:00

Some have asked us where it was we stayed.
Well, here is a link:
312 S The Strand

We were right on the beach.
Walk out the door, cross the one-way road, and you're there.
It was quite fun for the kids.
They loved playing in the sand and water.

They loved looking for shells every morning.

There was even enough room for our family.
Three queen beds, a hide-a-bed, and a sofa sleeper.There was a small washer/dryer
so we could wash some of our clothes if we needed.The kitchen was great.Tony loves the sink.Might have to get one in our own kitchen.There was a shower down stairs, and a full bath up stairs.The hard wood floors were amazing.
The view was amazing!

We walked down to the pier and out to the restaurant.

We saw people fishing off the pier.
One guy caught a ray!
The kids loved to see that!

Here's the peg-legged gull we saw.

So, since we had such a great stay, we will be staying there next time!
Can't wait!!

Battling the Heat

2011-06-13T18:59:00.000-06:00

So, if you get hot this summer and find yourself in San Diego,
Go to Sea World and climb on this ride.

You will feel so refreshed afterward!

Traveling with Twins

2011-06-12T18:53:00.003-06:00

So we needed a stroller for the trip,
but we didn't want one that took up so much room.
Well, we got these at Target and
here is how you make it into a double/tandem stroller:

It sure worked great...for about 50 yards.

Reusable Activity Books

2011-06-10T10:09:00.002-06:00

Not sure how many of you have seen this post at

I am Momma, hear me Roar!

with the fun way to keep kids quiet in Sacrament Meeting.
I loved the idea.

We did something like it with the older kids.
Just used regular crayons and it worked okay.
I'd clean the crayon off with a wet wipe or with glass cleaner once we got home.
(Just so you know, Hobby Lobby has the dry-erase crayons and I used a 40%off coupon to get a good deal. They are also at Smiths where they have been 20-30% off each time I've looked the past few weeks.)

I took the crayons, eraser, and sharpener out of the box
and put them in pencil bags we found at Wal-Mart for $1.

Anyway, we used this a couple of weeks and the page protectors were not easy to clean off for the kids.
So I decided to laminate the pages and punch holes in them.
Then I hooked them together with binder rings.

We love the rainbow ones the best.
Got them at Staples and Hobby Lobby.

Well, for our long drive to California, I wanted something to keep the kids busy.
I hate crayons (especially for the little kids) because they will get it on their seats and clothes while we travel.
But the dry erase crayons wash out of clothes so well.

So I bought a few activity books and took them to the
FedEx store to have the spines cut.
(That was more expensive than I thought.
The next little one I just cut with my paper cutter.
The next big one I had my Wonderful Brother-in Law cut with his miter saw.
It wasn't as smooth of a cut, but looked great and was fine once the pages were laminated)
Then I took them home and laminated them.
(That took forever!! But now they can be used over and over again.)

I was going to take it back to be bound, but ended up just punching holes in the pages with my Crop-a-Dile and used binder rings to secure them together.
The hidden picture book is the favorite of everyone.

Revamping the Order

2011-03-28T13:28:00.005-06:00

I have been in a rut the past few weeks. I think it is because I am SO READY for spring.

So when I saw this the other day {at iheartorganizing.blogspot.com},
I just had to copy it.

She did such a great job! So colorful. I could FEEL spring with all the colors.
But I don't have that kind of money to spend at the moment.
I know mine don't look quite as good as her's, but it will do for now.

Now I hope this will help me get off my duff and get moving!!

Plug for Magic Eraser

2011-03-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

Tuesday afternoon, I came into the front room to find this:

Yes, the girls colored on a story book!!
After freaking out a bit, I thought,
"I wonder if the Magic Eraser will take the crayon off."

And, yes, it did!!!
Luckily it was a hard cover book.
I'm hoping it will work on soft back books.
Actually I hope it won't be needed.
But with our track record lately, who knows.

Science Fair 2011

2011-03-10T21:34:00.002-07:00

Master J entered the science fair again this year.

The kids love it, and have been quite sad to not have them in the older grades.
(What's up with that?!?)

This year he did his project was on pandas.
He is so fascinated with them.
Remember the panda cupcakes.
And he is always bringing home a book on pandas from school.

So it was so easy for him to do.
We just asked him a few questions.
Asked him what he wanted to focus on.
Then, after writing it down, we let him type it up.

After we did some additions.
He chose some pictures and maps.

Then glue, glue, glue.
It turned out great!

What Made These Tracks in the Snow?

2011-03-08T17:14:00.004-07:00

Oh, these are the creatures!

Keeping Dad in the Know

2011-03-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

I like making sure that Sir Spoil-Her-Highness knows what the kids are doing/learning in school. One way I do this, is I put their papers from school on his pillow.

I also make parent-teacher conferences for a time when he can be there.
(Today at 5pm)

He has a pretty open schedule, (last time they were at 3:30)
but sometimes there are meetings that he must attended.
Then I will let him know if there is an
activity the kids want him to be involved in.
(Helping paint scenery for a play or eating lunch on school lunch week.)

This helps the kids know how important education is to us.
And this is also a great way to let them know how proud we are of their successes.

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess

2011-03-02T11:35:00.005-07:00

March 2nd. Dr. Suess' birthday. I love this day.

It is all about reading, and fun stories that you are asked to read over and over and over.
Until you have them memorized.
"Big A. Little a. What begins with A? Aunt Annie's alligator. A...A...A."

Since Little Miss E is sick,
and Little Miss D is starting to come down with the same thing,
I decided that we should just take it easy.
(I know, it shouldn't be tiring holding a sick 2 year-old, but it is.)
So I found a few things to keep the Misses busy.

The first place that I went was to:
What the Teacher Wants

I printed out a few of the activities I thought preschoolers could do and would enjoy.
The fish graph.
Big, bigger, biggest and small, smaller, smallest.

Then I found some coloring pages at:
Lucy Learns
The Cat's hat
A dot-to-dot
and just what the girls thought looked fun.

Then I went to:
Barnes & Noble
They have online story time each month.
I was very glad that Green Eggs and Ham was on the menu.

This was Cheerful Cheerleader's favorite book growing up
and has become Little Miss E's favorite.

Then I googled (yes, it's a verb) "Green Eggs and Ham"
and came across this site:
Suessville
This site has fun games.
(I've been playing for a few minutes.)
Hopefully the kids will like it, too.

Pantry Organized (sorta)

2011-03-01T09:01:00.005-07:00

We have a tiny pantry. Especially for the size of our family. But we have done a few things over the years to help fit the things we use every day.

One is to add shelves to hold everything.
We (by we I mean Sir Spoil-Her-Highness) added shelves for the bread, canned goods, and boxes of mixes.
Then we used the big boxes of oatmeal and bars to keep the oatmeal and snack items together and easily accessible. I empty the boxes of crackers, fruit snacks, and bars into that one box. This helps to save space. But that was getting kinda boring after a while.

After I checked out some of these AMAZING pantries,

Tatertots and Jello
The Letter Cafe
a little of this
House of Smith's
Decor Chick
Brown Paper Packages

I decided I could make it look awesome, even though ours is so small. So I started on it. I found some plastic containers at Shopko (less than half off) and some glass containers from Wal-Mart (about $5). Then I got to work on the Silhouette to make fun labels.
I used the border shape that came with the Silhouette and then used the Christie font.
Then I just changed the size to fit each container.

Then I found some baskets at Hobby Lobby to put the bags of cereal, baking chips, and chips in. As well as metal boxes for cocoa, popcorn, and season packets.

Now to get rid of all the evil contact paper and paint the inside. Then I think I will be happy with it.
But definitely check out the other pantries. They are AMAZING!

Presidents Day "Done"

2011-02-22T19:33:00.002-07:00

We always have such a "To-Do" list for long weekends.

This weekend was no different.

The difference was:
That we actually checked off some of these items!

So wonderful!

The main thing we needed done was to make the
girls' bottom bunk bed from a twin into a full.
We had looked at a few options, and decided that it would
be much more efficient to change the bed instead of buy a new one.

So That is what we did.

Thanks Sir Spoil-Her-Highness (and BIL)

Now I just need to stain new wood.

And the great thing is that the twin quilt my mom made me when I was in elementary school fits the full mattress quite well (thanks Mom).
So glad, because I couldn't find a quilt I liked
at the store for a price I was willing to pay.
(Since the girls don't sleep with their covers on all the time, anyway.)

And a pict of Miss K and Little Miss D with the
chocolate lips we made last week for Valentine's Day!
So fun!

More Valentine Photos

2011-02-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Had to share some more photos.
Lips suckers were so fun!!

And we always do a candlelit dinner.
The kids love it and always look forward to it!

And we ate some very romantic French Toast!! Yum!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-14T09:09:00.005-07:00

Such a fun day! The sun is even shining! I SO love it!

Well, I thought I would share what we have done so far today.

To start off, I gave the kids (and Sir Spoil-Her-Highness) some Baby Pillow Pets (aka, Pillow Pet PeeWees).

A Pillow Pet Pyramid.

Along with some Conversation Hearts to ruin their appetite for breakfast.

Speaking of breakfast, we made the cookie cutter pancakes again.

I also thought I would share something that Sir Spoil-Her-Highness and I have done for 8 and 3/4 years. It is kinda silly, but a wonderful thing to wake up to in the morning.

We post messages on the mirror in our bathroom.

We use dry-erase markers.

Then the message will stay up until the next time the mirror is washed. Then we come up with another wonderful thing to say. You can really see the words better when the mirror has condensation on it.

I'm maybe Ready to Deal with This!

2011-02-09T14:42:00.005-07:00

I have been stewing about something that happened this week end. It was harder to handle than I imagined. I know it isn't super important. But it was important to me. I loved it! I had so much fun with it. Everyday! And now it is gone. Gone! I'm not sure how I will be without it. I'm sure that this will sound superficial, but I really, REALLY, miss it. I'm sure I will move on. But will be pining for it. For a quite a while.
Let me lay the ground work. Sunday was a busy day. We have church at 1pm. We were having an Anti-Super Bowl Party. And a family get-together for Master J's birthday (cake and all). So after we got home, we had to change clothes, dinner to finish up, a cake to decorate, etc. As I was getting ready to make the frosting, Miss K comes in and says, "{Little Miss E's} hair was too long so I'm fixing it." And she heads back into the front room carrying scissors. I follow her and saw she had CUT THE LEFT HALF OF HER HAIR OFF! I was so upset (am so upset). I sent Miss K into her room and tried to level out Little Miss E's hair. I cried for about an hour. Then when I would think about it, or have to talk about it, I would cry again.

Here is a pict of how long it was (Sweet Senior straightened her hair).

I called a wonderful friend, Jennifer, to come and fix it. She came right away, and did a great job, and Little Miss E's hair looks so cute!

The next day, I fixed it, and cried afterward. She does look so cute, but I LOVED her hair. I have always wanted curly hair. And she had LOTS of it. She would have me do her hair like a princess. I would do cute little ponies or buns or braids. I would leave it down and just let it be curly. I'm not sure how I will survive without it.

Eating snow on this sunny Tuesday!

I was threatening to cut Little Miss E's hair like Little Miss D's so that people would have to pay more attention to them to tell them apart. But I wasn't really going to, since I was really loving it. But now it is done. If they stand right next to each other, then you can tell them apart. I guess that is one good thing about it.

Getting ready to race down the stairs on their tummies.

Tron Valentines

2011-02-08T12:03:00.006-07:00

Sir Spoil-Her-Highness, Master A, and Master J all LOVE the Tron movie. We own the old movie, and they all went to opening night to the new Tron movie. So for class Valentines, I thought that Tron would be a great way to go. I got online and searched, and searched, and searched. Looking for some crafty person out there who had already created these things. Well, I found NONE! I have been checking at the store to see if I could find some, and NONE!
So, I found some at ebay.com and decided to copy them as best I could.
Here is what I came up with:

So I print them on card stock. Then punch a hole in it for a pencil. I also punch a hole in it for a glow stick.

I bought the glow sticks for $1 at Michael's. And, yes, there are 15 in there. Great Price!

Follow up: I did find some Tron Valentines at Wal-Mart for $2.50. Not a bad price, but all done and comes with pencils. I'm sure you could punch another hole in them for a glow stick. I did pick them up since they are the Tron pencils, and not just bright colors.

Scripture Bag Winner

2011-02-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

So since it was Master J's B-day, I let him pick the winner. And it is...
Drum roll.....


Curly Hairdo Ideas said...: I"m a follower!
curlyhairdoideas@yahoo.com; January 28, 2011 9:26 PM

Thanks Curly Hairdo Ideas. I'll be emailing you.

Kitchen Transformation

2011-02-04T10:41:00.004-07:00

We have been working in the kitchen the past 3 days. It's been a lot of work. And with preschool this week at our house, and then all the kid activities and jazz. But it was well worth it.

It has been transformed into a Panda Refuge.

Today is Master J's birthday. He is 7. He was trying to decide what kind of cake to have. He wants Chinese food for dinner. I told him to go look at our book to see what he wants his cupcakes to look like. (we don't do a party every year. We save it for the special years. 8, 12, 16, and sometimes 5. So I will make a treat to take to their class.) He saw the picture of the panda cupcakes and HAD to have them. He has been checking out panda books from the library. And any shows about pandas he loves.

The one thing I will say is that it did take a long time. I started yesterday. And got all the white frosting and cookie crumbs on. Then was working on the faces this morning. I wish I had thought about the fact that the heads wouldn't stick very well, since the frosting wasn't sticky after sitting all night. So we had to add extra frosting so the heads and arms would stick. But hey, the kids will like extra frosting, right?

One tip we have learned for getting black (having teenagers, black is a requested color for many things) is to start with chocolate frosting. Then you don't have to add as much black, and it IS black, not gray.

I did let Master J help with the process. He was in charge of cutting the Oreos in half. Then he helped with the frosting of the cupcakes. It was fun. And I'm sure he will remember this for a while.

Now to get off the computer and go clean the kitchen. There are crumbs, frosting, and stuff EVERYWHERE!

Make sure you check back here after midnight to see who is the winner of the CTR bag!!

Boy's Heat Pack

2011-02-03T13:31:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to make a heat pack for Master A for about a year now. It was just seeming so hard for me. He wanted a dragon. And not the cute kind. This was the basic idea he was wanting:
I just couldn't figure out how to make it work. Then last week I was making his pillow case (which has dragons on it) and it hit me. Just sew around the shape of the dragon head!!! Huh! Big Red Truck! So here is what we ended up with:

Filled with wheat. He even used it last night for his achy shoulder. No more butterfly heat pad for him!

Valentine Pancakes

2011-02-02T13:06:00.002-07:00

A while back I saw this on How Does She and was so excited. I'm not sure if you remember last year I was trying to make a wonderful heart shape out of pancake batter. Didn't work very well. But Master J wanted to try it, so when I saw Valentine cookie cutters at a great price, I snatched them up. This morning we tried it.

And it worked! Very well, I might add. They were quite thick, but cooked all the way through and tasted great!

Animal Homes

2011-02-01T12:57:00.004-07:00

Today at our house it is SUPER COLD. As in, 10 degrees when the kids went to school. Plus the wind is blowing. But the sun is shining, so it all evens out. Especially since I get to stay home.

For preschool today we are talking about animal homes. On the way home from the library I saw some vole holes. So when we had about half an hour left, I asked the kids if they wanted to go out into the freezing cold wind just to see the holes. And the answer was a resounding "Yes!" So we bundled up, walked to the stop sign and then to the field. Being blown. Walked on the trail through the field. Just to see these vole holes. They LOVED it. The littlest girl (mine) was crying by the time we were almost home. But it was a great "field trip"!

Side note: I was telling the kids that these were mice homes. One kid piped in and said, "They aren't mice, they are voles." "What?" "They aren't mice, they are voles. Voles dig holes for there home." Okaaaay.... Kids are definitely coming smarter.

We also made bird nests. That was such crazy and fun. The crazy part was that the kids didn't want to get dirty. The activity was to make a nest with your hands. Was sure the kids would jump at the chance to get all chocolatey. But no, they didn't want to get dirty. They kept asking how to make the nests. Finally I told them they would get dirty, but they could wash their hands afterward.

I do love doing preschool! It is a lot of work, but is so worth all the effort. I hope the other moms feel the same way.

Friendly Frogs

2011-01-31T11:39:00.004-07:00

There is a game that we play for FHE called Friendly Frogs. The object of the game is to catch the most "flies". To catch a fly you answer the question correctly. The questions deal with being kind and friendly. The kids used to love this game.
For preschool this week we are talking about things that go together. 1 of the 2 topics is Animals and their Homes. One of the activities suggested is to make some lily pads and frogs. Each lily pad has a number on it. The child is to count the corresponding number of frogs that go on each pad. I spent most of the morning creating this activity. As I cut out each pad and all the frogs, the girls were counting th frogs and placing them on the lily pad. (Miss K really loved being the "teacher" and "teaching" the younger two how to play and how to count each frog.) They truly enjoyed the game. So glad I decided to put the extra time and laminate them so they will last longer for many hours of play.
I googled lily pad, then found a line drawn image. Next found a frog. Then went into publisher and made 10 lily pads and 60 frogs. Probably didn't need 60 frogs, but it was fun for the girls to put all the pads in order from 1-10 with the correct amount of frogs on each one.

What's the Word on the Street (or in the House)?

2011-01-30T22:21:00.004-07:00

So, I rarely get to hear much of the talks in church. Just usually snippets, and I have to ask my DH what was said that was so funny. It frustrates me sometimes, but it is the stage of our family, and since it will be gone soon, I try not to get too upset.
A week ago was our Ward Conference.
One of the talks that have stuck with me,was by our Stake President. He told of a seminary teacher who asked his students what the most important word was. They had great answers, such as love, and took almost the whole class discussing all the words that were brought up. Finally the teacher told them what the most important word is.

Remember.
Our Stake President quoted a talk given by President Kimball: “When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be ‘remember.’ Because all of [us] have made covenants … our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day—to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray that [we] ‘… may always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us].’… ‘Remember’ is the word” (Circles of Exaltation [address to religious educators, Brigham Young University, 28 June 1968], 8).
Now I usually don't expect the kids to get anything out of it, and maybe I'm just noticing the word more, but we have been using it quite a bit more since then. If there is something that needs done, then someone will say "Remember". (I have LOVE hearing the kids say it!)
Remember...What we do with our dishes after we eat.
Remember...if you want a treat, you need to pick up your toys.
Remember...if we want to play with the blocks, we need to clean up our books.
We are working on keeping the little girls in their won bed at night. They get a treat when they do. All that Dad has to say to them in the middle of the night is, "Remember." They turn right around and get back in bed.
So amazing!
And then there is Mom. I have a horrible memory as of late. I forget so many things unless it's written down. And my schedule is crazy, so...
But I also need to remember other, more important, things.
Remember to pray.
Remember to read scriptures on my own.
Remember to keep an eternal perspective.
Remember who I am, and Who is helping me.
I also need to remember that I am not in this alone.
Remember that these are Someone else's children, not just mine.
Remember that He has a vested interest.
Then I'm not so overwhelmed.
Typing these things I feel so much better. I can do this. If I remember...

St Johns Tacos Recipe

2011-01-29T08:55:00.001-07:00

It's also called "Tacos San Juan Style".
This is a meal I grew up with.
The kids had it at my mom's, and have started requesting it.
I thought I'd share it with you all.

Ingredients:
1 and a half lbs of hamburger
seasoning as desired
(I sometimes use a taco packet.
Other wise I'll just add chili powder, garlic salt, and pepper to taste)
16 corn tortillas
1/2 inch of oil

Heat the oil in a skillet on MedHi heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the seasoning.
Split the beef into 16 equal parts.
Make each part of beef into a patty and place on half of the tortilla.

Place it in the hot oil. After the tortilla has softened, fold in half.

Turn it over to cook on the other side.

After the beef is cooked through,
place it to drain and cool on it's side in a
baking dish with paper towels in the bottom.

Add your favorite toppings.
We add lettuce, olives, onions, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

Hope you enjoy it!

222 Post Giveaway

2011-01-28T10:04:00.006-07:00

I decided that with 222 posts, I should have a giveaway.

For those of you who would love a scripture bag for your little girl (sorry boys, I'm working on one for you), then enter this giveaway. It is open from now until February 4th.

How to enter:

Follow this blog, and leave a comment, with your email.

For another entry, share on your blog then leave a comment here (and don't forget email).

Want another entry, share the giveaway on Facebook or Twitter and leave another comment (w/email).

Good luck. Remember, you have until February 4th.

T-Shirt with the Silhouette

2011-01-27T04:18:00.003-07:00

I have a cousin who is having twins. So exciting!
I just had to make her a fun shirt!

Sugar Cookies

2011-01-25T14:48:00.003-07:00

I used to love to make sugar cookies. All the cutting and the decorating. It was so much fun. Especially for the kids. But in the past few/several years, I haven't been up to the waiting, mess, and fighting. But a few weeks ago, I decided to make some felt cookies.

Now I only made 4 of them (the chocolate one was my favorite, and the girls' as well).

I went to a few sites to decide which way I like them.

Serving Pink Lemonade
Pamela and Susan
Petite Cafe
Pink Tea

There are so many cute cookies out there!
Thanks, gals, for the great tutorials, and the great ideas!

What an Amazing Year

2011-01-24T20:13:00.002-07:00

Here is the Family Newsletter we are giving to family members. It is amazing how many6 changes will be happening this year.

Christmas Gift/Happiness Investment!

2011-01-20T17:54:00.002-07:00

So, for Christmas this year, I added to our wii products for the little kids. The older 4 are fine with the games we have, but the little ones, the ones who are stuck in the house all day becoming couch potatoes, needed something to get them up and moving. We got theme this game when we first got the wii. But it was too hard for them and they would ask for help the whole time they played it.

So I went searching for a preschool game for the wii. Here's what I saw:

But they just didn't seem right. So I search on amazon.com, and here is what I found.

And so I HAD to buy it for them. And there was this controller in the "other things people looked at" that I HAD to get to go with it!
And it was a hit with the girls. I got two of the wii controllers because we needed to get more remotes anyway. And the price was way better. Plus the small size has made it so the little girls can play it. And Miss K plays on her own now. Which she didn't before.

I then went looking for another game and there just doesn't seem to be another one out there that will hold their attention and that they can use on their own. They love it and they are up and movin'. So thankful that I found it!

Fingernail Polish in the carpet

2011-01-18T17:02:00.002-07:00

Okay, so I didn't post this on my blog like I thought. It occurred December 8th of last year. But since I'm sure that someone will need this wonderful information sometime or other, here it is::

Did you know? Shaving cream takes fingernail polish out of carpet! I found this out this morning. Emma got into some fingernail polish and got it on the NEW carpet. I googled and found this site and thought I'd try it. I put the shaving cream on....waited a few minutes....sucked it up with the carpet shampooer (I dumped a cup of hot water on the spot while holding the hand tool right next to it) I can't even tell where the finger polish was!!! Here is where I found this info.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2094403_finger-nail-polish-out-carpet.html

My daughter called me at work, and told me she spilled Dark Red polish on my new white area rug. Since the finger nail polish remover, was spreading the spot. I told her to leave it alone. I came home, almost cried, then pulled up e-how on the Internet.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need:

Barbasol Shaving Cream, and paper towel

Spray the shaving cream on the stain
Rub it into the carpet, using your finger tips.
Rub dry with paper towel

Let's Go Surfin' Now

2011-01-14T16:45:00.003-07:00

Today was Beach Day at the Elementary school. Master J wanted us to have lunch with him today. I thought it would be too chaotic. But he was begging. I decided that this would probably be the one to take 3 preschoolers to. If it is already chaotic, then we won't be so noticed.
I so wish I had my camera. The kids wear flip-flops and sunglasses to school. They take their beach towels and sit on them for lunch. In the lunch room all the lunch tables are put up so the kids can sit on the floor. There is beach music playing loudly (for school) and the teachers, lunch ladies, and kids are dancing. Decorations show the theme of the day. The kids are in line to pick up their sack lunch. A blow up pool is full of Creamies the kids can choose. Chocolate and Vanilla. My niece, Mistress K, has lunch about the same time as Master J, so we were able to eat with her as well.
And it was nice not to have to make anything. And the clean-up was easy. Just toss the bags in the trash. The girls loved it and ate so well. I think that we may have to do this more often. I'll just have to try it a few more times, then it will be so easy.
It was also nice to have the kids from the neighborhood, our Primary class, and the classes I volunteer in at the school come up and say "Hi". Also nice to see previous teachers and workers come up and ask how the older kids are doing and what grade they are in.
I'm glad I went. It was not an easy thing. First off I walked to the school (seeing that we live just half a block away) and the girls wouldn't stay together. you know 3 year olds. they have to look at everything. And then once we got there and got our lunches, one had to go potty, even though they went before leaving home.
Now for the "Crazy Day" thing.
I am very grateful for friendly neighbors. On the way home, at the cross walk, Little Miss E was lagging behind while the other 2 raced ahead. I helped the first 2 get on the sidewalk and go the right direction while the 3rd was still crossing. I was half way between the two groups and was calling to her to hurry up so she could race her sisters. When she was half way across, someone decided that they could go ahead on through the intersection. Well, this friendly person honked at them in that "What-do-you-think-you-are-doing! Don't-you-see-that-little-one-in-the-crosswalk?!?" way. I was glad that someone could see that I needed some help and were willing to make sure we all got across safely. Thank you so much!

Freezing Fun

2011-01-13T08:55:00.004-07:00

After watching a cartoon yesterday, the girls bundled up in their winter gear and went outside to play. The theme of said cartoon was dressing warmly and playing in the snow. Boy, guess TV is a good thing. They didn't play out long. But 15 minutes is a good amount of time. Fresh (sorta--not really) air and a bit of sun (that could break through the inversion). Okay. But moving around is good. They even went outside again after lunch! Said they needed to practice sledding.

Sugar and Spice

2011-01-12T12:52:00.004-07:00

And everything Nice.

We have a niece being born this spring and are so very excited.
She will be the fourth daughter to a girls only family.
So to celebrate, we had Chinese Takeout and a family gathering.

But I just had to add a touch of pink.

I went to Six Star and bought a plethora of pink plates, pink napkins, pink utensils.
Then I added a sign with the "What are Little Girls Made Of?" rhyme on the front.
I printed on pink construction paper and stapled to the front.

I also bought pink balloons and streamers, but didn't have the time to go put them up,
and so it can be used for the girls' birthdays we will have this year.
I do have one this month, maybe I'll use it for that.

So now there is no way that (on this side of the family anyway) the boys will be able to catch up.
The girls are definitely the majority!!

First Investment of the Year

2011-01-11T09:13:00.003-07:00

So I have made the first big purchase of the year.

I had the old Bissell Steam Vac from 10 years ago, and I loved it. But after being used repeatedly, it finally died. Well, it would still suck up stuff, but not spray out the water and cleaner. So, since I still have small children, I HAD to have a new one. I had been using a spray bottle and spraying the surface that needed cleaning and then sucking it up with the machine. But it was not working very well. And let me tell you that after spraying a trigger spray a few hundred times your hand really hurts!

I got on Consumer Reports and checked out what machine they suggested. They suggested the Hoover All Terrain SteamVac.

So I ordered mine from amazon and got a great deal. Then it arrived less than a week later. So I put it together that very night. Read the manual. Then the next day I used it on my love seat. Oh My!! That thing was DIRTY!! And when I compare it to the other couch now, it is SUPER CLEAN!! So excited! Yeah, I know, crazy to be so excited about a steam cleaner. But I am!! The funny thing is that it took me more than 90 minutes and I didn't notice! I wonder how long it will take me to do the couch? I guess I also did the center of the floor. Anyway, I am so excited to be able to clean these surfaces. Especially for those of you who know the ages and stages of the children in our house. I really REALLY!! need it!!

Being the Best Me

2011-01-09T20:41:00.003-07:00

Today our Primary lesson was "Heavenly Father Trusts Us to Follow His Plan". One thought that we focused on is that He is our Father who knows and loves us. He knows what we are going through and what we need. And then we discussed how he also trusts us to choose the right so we can return to live with Him again.
I also felt so strongly that we need to remember that it is our choice how we handle things. How we choose to act or react in each situation.

I know that now days people are saying, "That's just how I am." "I didn't choose to be this way." "You need to love me for who I am."
Well, it isn't out of our hands. We can make our own choices and become what we want to become.
I want to teach my children that if they get upset or angry, they chose to be angry. No one "Made" them angry or sad or hurt someone. We can feel a certain way, but we then need to calm down and speak or react in a non-violent fashion.

I'm not sure if I mentioned before, but I grew up in a violent home. My father was quite abusive to my mom and siblings. Mainly the older 3 of us. And most especially to the middle sister. He used violence to cope with things. I, in turn, learned to handle situations in this way. I yelled all the time. Well, a lot of the time.
After becoming a mom, I had to learn how to deal with situations in a more peaceful manner. This was a very difficult thing to learn.
When I married my new husband, it became so much more easy. He yells maybe 3 times a year. (BTW--he has RED hair) He always speaks to the children in a calm way. When they are in trouble, he will sit them down and talk to them about what they did wrong, and what needs to happen to help them learn to make better choices. From his example, I was able to see how I should deal with things. I no longer yell on a regular basis.
Now, I'm not saying I was a violent person, but not the best I wanted to be. I didn't use my past to say, "I'm just this way. There is nothing I can do to change." I am still trying to be a better person and to help my children to be better people.

Okay, this turned into a much different post than I first intended. I hope that I have made sense. Thanks for letting me share.

Modeling Clay stuck in Carpet??!!

2011-01-05T22:27:00.002-07:00

The NEW carpet!!

Well, I found this post and will try it to see if it works.

"I just thought some other Mom's might need the information that I learned about today...
While in the process of moving, I discovered that there was some modeling clay that was ground in the carpet..right under where the ladder to our bunk beds rests. Anyway, after trying the freezing method, (ice) and placing a towel and ironing over it, (didn't work either) I then decided I was going to call Rose Art directly to find out if they had a product that they sold to help remove it..the very nice gentleman that I had the pleasure of getting was amazing..he laughed kindly at the situation, but didn't know of anything but if I would mind to wait, he would ask others to see if he couldn't find out! He came back about 5 minutes later and apologized for the wait and then told me the solution for getting it out is Canola Oil. As for the color, he didn't have any solution. So I tried the Canola Oil, by placing some on a paper towel and rubbing gently, and it worked!!! :-) :-) !! The color remained though, so I applied the same tactic only using nail polish remover...now there is no remnant of either, and we will have happy landlord!!

So if you ever have a modeling clay situation come up...this works..REALLY!!

I hope that this helps many, encourages others to know that they aren't the only ones with kids that take projects where they don't belong, and finally that I was able to bring some peace of mind that there is a solution to a sticky situation!

May your day be blessed with rays of sunshine and your nights be blessed with blissful peace!

Sincerely,
Mom of 3 boys,
Trish"

Calendars

2011-01-05T12:17:00.002-07:00

Last year I posted about my favorite calendar.

Well, they don't make it anymore!!!
I loved the fact that I could fit everyone in our family.
I loved how large it was.

So I had to go hunting for another one.

I finally settled on this one.

It's okay. I'm not sure if I will love it like the other one.
But I needed to get one.
I searched for 2 months, and
finally decided that if I couldn't find another one that was that great,
I would use one that was the closest.

I also use a planner. I like to be able to take it with me.
I am using this one,

but have just used cheap ones found at Wal-Mart.
I like to write things in it, kinda like a journal.
The funny things the kids say.
The funny things they do.
How my day is going. How I'm feeling.
What I want to do.
I'll use it for my "To Do" list.
But also goals, or whatever comes to mind.
Then at the end of the year, I keep the planner,
and have a little keepsake for later reading and reminiscing.
I count my blog as a journal as well,
but there are definitely things I don't put on here or Facebook
that I will put in a journal (if it's long) or a planner if it's just a short little thought.

Family Home Evening

2011-01-03T17:00:00.002-07:00

This last year I joined with a bunch of other ladies to create a year's worth of Family Home Evenings that correspond with the 2011 Primary Theme-- "I Know the Scriptures are True." I then put together a book for a family member, and now for our family (I'm only on Feb). It was a bigger undertaking than I had first imagined. But well worth all the work. I am so excited. I truly feel that if we are learning and teaching the things learned by the children, our testimonies will grow. Plus repetition is such a great teaching tool.
If you would like to check them out, here is the link:
A Year's Worth of FHE Lessons.
So great!! And it's wonderful to have all the amazing recipes. Plus it's great to have other perspectives on these topics.
So now I'm off to help Little Miss K make the snack, and give the lesson to Dad and Little Miss E; and the activity to Master J to get ready.
Happy Monday, all.

The Difference Between Try

2011-01-02T09:49:00.004-07:00

and Triumph is a little "umph"!--Marvin Phillips

Every year we make New Year's Resolutions. I can never seem to seem to stick to them very long. But then there are the habits I make. Those seem to stick.

For example, we always have Family Home Evening. We don't miss.
Family Prayer is another that always takes place.

But reading the Book of Mormon isn't a habit anymore. What happened to that one? TIME. We have scriptures and family prayer in the evening before bed. Right before bed. When it gets too late for reading from the scriptures, we'll just pick up the Friend and read a story from that. The month of December we read a scripture, sang a song, and read a Christmas story each night. So it has been over a month since we read from the Book of Mormon. (Well, there were a few scriptures we quoted from that book.) We need to get back into that habit.

So how can we make New Year's Resolutions into a habit? We are going to get the whole family invoved. I am a visual person, so I need something I can see. I have used a chart for myself over the past couple of years.
Here is the link:
Sugardoodle.net
It helps me to have something I can see.
I then tried to find a chart for the kids.
I found this one at Familyfun.go.com
And these at LDS.about.com
Then I made this silly one.

I will have the kids put stickers in each square everyday they
accomplish their goal.

I read a few articles that would help us impliment the habits.
This one at Cleaveland.com seemed the have great ideas.
And this one at CarrieandDanielle.com.
Then I found a few good articles in The Friend to read to the family to get them motivated.

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T22:05:00.004-07:00

Today was a great and crazy day!
To start off, Delta woke up at 4:00 am and cried for me to hold her in a special way known only by her. She wanted covers on in a special way known only by her. And this went on for an hour.
So not the best way to start the new year. Especially if you are superstitious (which I'm not).
It did improve, though. I went to the airport to get the 2 older kids (Sweet Senior and Areo) who were coming home from their dad's.
On the way, I was worried about the roads. They were kinda slick for 30 minutes, but then fine. And the sun was shining!! I loved that! It shone for quite a while today. So good.
At the airport the lines were terribly long, so by the time I was getting up to the front, the kids were already landed and off the plane. So I just met them at luggage claim. It took for-EVER for their bags to come. Finally they did come and we headed for the car. Got everything in the trunk. I had some m&ms in there that I got out. Then shut the trunk, checked to make sure I had my wallet and cell phone. But wait, where are the keys??? Oh no!! They are in the trunk. I called Dear Heart and then went to the costumer service desk to get help. I was given a number to call and told to go to a white phone by where we were parked. Luckily it was in the parking garage so not too far away. After standing in the cold for about half an hour, the airport police came and were able to unlock the door and then I could flip the switch to the trunk.
Thank you so much for freezing your hands and while helping me out of my bind!
It took about half an hour later until my toes and fingers were defrosted. We stopped for some lunch, then continued on home.
The sun was still shining, and even though it was cold out, it seemed warmer.
We got home and now it is so good to have them back. I'm glad they can go spend time with their dad. I feel it is so important to have that relationship with him. But I LOVE having them home with me.

The Reason for the Season

2010-12-28T22:00:00.001-07:00

This was my favorite new decoration for Christmas.

Huggables

2010-12-26T22:12:00.001-07:00

For Christmas Mimi (my mom) made the girls huggables.

They love them.

They wear them all the time.
I like them because they are warm and a nightgown.
Best of both worlds.

Just Around the River Bend (we just watched Pocahontas)

2010-12-19T15:28:00.006-07:00

Well, Here it is. The last Sunday before Christmas. I have had such a laid back month. There has been a lot to do, but not wanting to feel rushed, I have just taken it a little at a time.
There are some traditions that we do that I simplified.
The first is making Gingerbread houses. I bought a kit and had the kids put it together. The only thing I did was do the frosting and help construct the building.

Then, we have had sick ones, so instead of cooking fun treats to take around, we made ornaments. I bought the clear glass ones at Hobby Lobby. Then some Epsom Salt. I filled the glass ornaments with the salt. I used my Silhouette to cut out Initials to go on the glass ornament. Then afterward, we tied the tag and some ribbon to the top. So easy. (Go here to see the blog I stole this idea from) Then we delivered them to the families on our list.
The hardest part was narrowing down who to take to. We have such a wonderful ward, and we love every member, but I set the limit to 30 ornaments so it wasn't a burden on our time. So that was the hardest!!

Our ward does a giving tree. The last 2 years they have simplified things. We use to go buy each thing separately and then take it to the Relief Society President. This year we bought some food items, but the clothing items were purchased by the RS Pres and we just donated money. Less shopping for me. I am at the grocery store once a week, anyway.

Then for presents, I took each child separately to shop for each other. That helped me spend time with them, and not have to hide from the other. Then I had them wrap the gifts they bought. They did a great job, and it personalizes it for them. It doesn't need to be perfect. (Keep telling yourself that)

I am even helping Santa out. He usually wraps the stocking stuffers and the gifts for each child. Last year I told him not to wrap the stuffers. This year I bought some felt bags for him to put the kids big gift in. (Santa only brings one gift per child. They do NOT need any more than that. Can you imagine 7 gifts from Santa in one room!)

Merry Christmas

2010-12-17T19:47:00.001-07:00

Free greeting card created with Smilebox

Christmas Without Headaches

2010-12-06T23:24:00.002-07:00

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year. I love to do so much. But sometimes it gets overwhelming. I have found a way to stay on top of the hustle and bustle. I go to Organized Christmas and print out the pages I need.
The main page I print is the gifts list. I write what I want to give. Then I can mark when it's purchased, wrapped, and mailed (if need be). I keep a list of goodies to make and their recipes. I also have addresses for cards. Shopping lists for groceries. I can make a list of gifts I need to sew and make a schedule so I'm not having sleepless nights the week before Christmas.
I hope someone else can use this and feel less stress this peaceful time of year.

Blog with chore chart post

2010-11-03T23:24:00.002-06:00

Here is the link with the awesome chore chart. The cards I used for the summer, I just found clipart for each chore at google images. Then I used whatever scrap paper I had lying around. For the cards I'm using for the school year, I used some scrap paper I have and then cut the names out in vinyl to stick on the back (as the kids don't all have the same chores). The quote I got on the Idea Door. It was this same kind of idea (and some of their clipart is what I used). But I used velcro to stick them on. Some use magnets. They also have great ideas. The Idea Door is so full of info. I spend too much time on there sometimes.

When We're Helping, We're Happy

2010-11-01T10:06:00.001-06:00

And so is Mom!
I finally finished my chore chart I started earlier this year.
I made it for Summer to keep the kids (and myself) on task and focused.
I had everything done except the vinyl.
So last night and today I cut and placed the vinyl.

I can't remember what site had this awesome idea.
But when I find it, I'll post a link.

Since I did start this project several, it isn't in pristine condition.
The girls took a marker to it.
Plus since I'm new to this whole cut and transfer thing, the spacing isn't too great.
But for a chore chart, it's okay.

I also made the to do cards with a list. That way it would be more simple for school.
The other was getting too much for everyday while we have so many things going on.
Below is a detailed check list of what needs to be done to clean each room.
Also a day-to-day weekly list so I can see what everyone needs to do and when.
The kids can also switch days to accommodate if something comes up.

New Tradition

2010-10-31T22:21:00.004-06:00

This year we added a new tradition.
Candy making.
We saw on a blog candy mustaches.
Sweet Senior and I went crazy.
We purchases some molds at Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
Plus online at...I can't recall.
I'll post a link when I find it.
This is something we did growing up.
So we started with Halloween candy.
So fun!

"Not all moms let their kids eat rats."
One of the molds had rats with a pretzel handle.

Sweet Senior also made candied apples.
I called my grandma and got the recipe.
She said that any glass candy or stained window candy recipe would work.
I'll post her recipe in a while.

We did have fun.
The candy molds is something the little ones can help with.
Not the apples.
I got burned pretty bad.
The candy that ran off the apple cooled in a puddle at the bottom.
That was my favorite part.
I'm not a candied apple fan.
But I love cinnamon jolly ranchers, which is what it tasted like.

My 1st Silhouette Project

2010-10-29T22:57:00.003-06:00

Well, I finally used my Silhouette for a real project.
All the sewing put this on the back burner.
I bought a plate at Hobby Lobby.
So I used a font I had and the free turkey cutout that came with the machine.
Then I found a flourish I loved and downloaded it.
Here is the final product.

Pretty good for my first try.
Boy are there several ideas floating around my head now.

Halloween Costumes DONE

2010-10-27T20:56:00.006-06:00

Well, almost. Sweet Senior wants a few changes to hers. But other than that...

So here is the finished products of the past month:

Master J as Ash from Pokemon:

Mistress K as Belle (which she wore last year):

Little Miss E as Cinderella:

Little Miss D as Belle:

Sweet Senior as Strawberry Shortcake:

The two Belles running in the hall at the church:

There's No Place Like Home (with kids under foot)

2010-10-22T16:49:00.003-06:00

So, this summer was hard for me. I got burned out all the time. I just wanted to escape into my books. But There were four young children who needed me. I would make breakfast. Then after starting laundry, go get a book and read. I would let the kids watch TV or play or whatever.
Then, after feeling so bad for the lack of excitement of the summer, and counting down until the girls go to kindergarten, I knew I needed a change. How would it be in a few years, when they are in school and I was missing them, if I hadn't had some fun times to remember.
So, as I stated, I have decided to enjoy being home with them.
I began by praying to love being a mom of little kids. That has helped the most.
I started playing with the girls. After I send Big Man J off to school, I sit down on the floor and read or play with them. I don't start laundry (even though it's calling me). I don't clean the kitchen (even though it needs it). I just hang with the girls. I have to remind myself that it will still be there. And they won't.
I was just letting them roam. This was causing all kinds of mayhem. Buckets of water dumped in the carpet. Piddle puddles all over. Steakers running around. Pee-pee clothes lying everywhere. Books scattered around the front room. Monkeys climbing all the surfaces.
I also have one activity a day for them. We used to go to the park before it got too cold. But one day whilte I was cutting out costumes, I let them cut strips of fabric. I made extra copies of printouts for the Primary lesson and let them color. We made cookies together. I had them help me scrub the bath room.
The beginning of the month, at Relief Society, we were sharing our favorite things. After we were visiting. One of the ladies brought up that her favorite time of day was disappearing. We asked what that was. She said it was nap time. Well, I haven't had nap time for a year now. That could be one reason why I get burned out on kids. I don't get that break. I do make them watch a movie and rest for a bit. That gives me a minute to veg.
So, I have been reading all your wonderful blogs and will be copying all your wonderful ideas you share (thanks ahead of time).
More happy posts to follow....

Cinderella Head Band

2010-10-21T13:38:00.005-06:00

Been busy making costumes.
Got 4 done.
1 and a 1/2 to go.
Once of these is Cinderella.

Little Miss E loves Cinderella.
So of course she finally settled on that for her costume.
I decided I wanted a head band instead of ribbon for the hair.
She still takes her pretties out
and I didn't want to fix a ribbon several times when she did.
I looked online and found this:

I didn't want the crown thing on top.
Just the satin.
So I took the left over fabric from her gown.
Some card stock and a sheet of foam.
A blue head band.
Some glittery stuff from another head band.
A glue gun, and some ouchy fingers.
(Sewing it all together wasn't working too well.)
I used the head band as a guide.
I cut out some card stock and foam to cover in fabric.
Stapled the two together.
Cut two pieces of fabric, one for top and one for bottom.
Sewed the bottom piece to the card stock/foam.
Grabbed the glue gun and used it to glue the top piece of fabric on,
Rounding the edges and going an inch at a time.
Glued all onto the blue head band, an inch at a time.
Then I took the glittery stuff from a broken head band,
Centered it, and glued it to the top of the head band.

And here is what we have:

Turned out pretty, if I do say so myself.

Fire Station Tour

2010-10-12T13:24:00.010-06:00

This month is National Fire Safety Month.

For preschool today, we went to tour the fire station, watch a video,
and check out the fire trucks.
I spent most of the time trying to calm down Little Miss D,
who was quite frightened and want to go home.

But it was a fun day for the rest.
Thanks Firefighter Cody!
He even humored us by climbing the rope.

How Spoiled am I?

2010-10-07T15:09:00.004-06:00

I am the most spoiled wife in the world!

Today, when my Sweetheart came home for lunch,
He asked if I wanted a distraction.
Hmmm...
"Do you want a distraction from sewing?"
You mean, more than the three little girls that are running around?
So, thinking that he had something that he needed my help with,
I said, "Sure. What do you need?"
While I was starting lunch, he went out to his car.
He came in carrying two boxes.
I wondered what project he had.
He said, "Happy I Love You."
He set them on the table.
I started opening the smaller one, which was on top.
Then I noticed a word on the larger box.

A Silhouette!!
I was so amazed! I even started crying!
I know, some people cry over the amazing things their kids do.
Not me, I cry over wonderful gifts from an amazing Husband!
Okay, so I do cry over the amazing things my kids do.
But this was so unexpected!
He said, "This is for all the wonderful things you do."
I can't believe how kind and thoughtful he could be.
I told him the only surprises I give him, is having clean socks in his drawer.
He says he knows, and that with all the other things going on, that is a truly amazing surprise.

He then went to make lunch while I checked out all the goods.
My mind began spinning. What to do first?
Well, I started by trying out just cutting paper.
I cut out the Trick or Treat. (99 cents on their site)
And then I proceeded to get it off the mat, while having help from one of those little girls.
Well, needless to say, it didn't turn out very well, but it was a fun first thing to do.
I'll try again tonight.
Maybe this time with vinyl.

Did that really happen!??!

2010-09-24T19:42:00.005-06:00

Today was one of those "blah" days. I was kinda tired from the little girls waking up during the night. (I hope they outgrow the acid-reflux thing soon!) So I spent the morning sitting on the couch reading (The 6th book in The Sister's Grimm series). Then changed laundry. (Hurray!!! Only one load today!) I cleaned the kitchen and front room. We watched Sesame Street. I made lunch.
After I went with DS "Areo" to do baptisms. When we got home, "Sweet Senior" was wanting to go out, and asking for her allowance. I told her I had to go to the store to get stuff and would get change for allowance. So I left all but "Little Miss D" at home with "Sweet Senior", and the two of us went to get some groceries. While there I bumped into a good friend in the produce dept. I asked how she had gotten away without any one, then she asked how I got away with only one. While getting the needed fruits and veggies, I noticed that it seemed part of Sweet Miss D's french braid had been chopped.

WHAT??? YES! CHOPPED!!!

Now, the other girls didn't have any hair til about 3 years old,
so I have been LOVING the little ones having hair!

Anyway, together my friend and I assessed the damage.
TO THE SCALP!!

I was so freaked!
I called home, told Sweet Senior the deal.
(She had been babysitting,
or something, while I was with Areo).
She gave me the number to the salon.
I called them and asked if our hairdresser could fit her in.
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!!
She was busy, but another gal could do it.
Okay.
It will be okay.
So I said good-bye and thanks to my friend.
(How did she happen to be there when I needed her?)
I checked out, got in the car.
(Good thing I was just in the produce section when this was
discovered and all could be left in the car)
and raced (well, went straight to) the salon.
After Little Miss D knocked over all the hair styling stuff for the 4th time,
our gal was ready for her.
She tried to just trim and even out, but it was too obvious,
so she did a cute A-line cut.
Little Miss D cried and wanted Mom to hold her.
"Sorry, I want this to turn out. But I'll hold your hands."
After it was cut, and styled, she got a sucker, and we headed for home.

Funny thing is, I've been seeing this coming for a while. I've kept the scissors on top of the fridge. When I went to get my hair cut, I told both the Little Misses D & E that I was going to a professional. That I didn't cut my own hair. That if they wanted a hair cut, to tell me and I would make them an appointment. They have been the WORST with scissors. Cutting books and magazines. Wanting to help with coupons. Always asking for scissors and paper to cut. I've given them the chance to use them so it wasn't a foreign thing or a novelty
(that's what I did with all of the kids, starting at 18 months).
So why is it that these two have been so HORRIBLE with them??

But the worst part of this:
She also cut her sister's hair.
Right on the top!!
IT'S ONLY AN INCH LONG OR SHORTER!!
That one will be harder to wait for.
We will be experimenting over the weekend.
Hopefully this will be a fun adventure in hair!
And not a major trial that sends me crying on the toilet every morning.

The best things: I am so grateful for my friend for being there. To Heavenly Father for having her there, and for helping to prepare me, so that I wouldn't just break down and cry. I am so blessed that we could get it sorta fixed. Now to wait for it to grow a bit, then re-cut it.

Giveaway: Silhouette Craft Cutter

2010-09-24T19:41:00.000-06:00

Giveaway: Silhouette Craft Cutter ($300 value!)

I so love this machine!!
Go check out HowDoesShe to see all the other websites doing
a giveaway!!
You will want to go check out this site:
The shopping mama
then go to:
Twig and Thistle
and then:
Blue Cricket Design

Happy entering~

"P" (Personal Progress) Night

2010-09-15T08:31:00.004-06:00

Our ward does something quite fun for Personal Progress activities. On Tuesday night, when they will be working on Personal Progress, they wear pajamas, and take something that starts with the letter "P".

Last night, this is what Elyse made to take:

She made Penguin cupcakes made with Pink cake mix. They turned out so cute for her first attempt, and on a time crunch.

Traditions make families STRONG

2010-09-13T18:55:00.003-06:00

tra*di*tion: adj. 1. The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially orally. 2. A custom or usage handed down this way.

Our family has several traditions. The reason? To help us spend time together, especially in a fun ways.

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."

So what do we do that is fun? Well, the little kids love to go bowling and swimming. We've even been able to convince the older kids to come with us. We make it fun. Call it our family date.

We sleep in the front room on Friday night. We fold out the couch or clear the floor. Grab sleeping bags. Watch a movie. Sometimes eat popcorn. We've been doing this for 16 years. The older kids don't always participate, but when they do, the little kids love it.

Food is a tradition in our home. We have crepes on Saturday. Cinnamon rolls on Sunday. Oatmeal for the little ones on Fast Sunday. Waffles on Wednesday. On your birthday, you pick what is for dinner.

There are the typical traditions: Scriptures and Family Prayer each evening. Family Home Evening each Monday.

Parenting Means Listening

2010-09-08T09:29:00.004-06:00

"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations."

Our family has a wide range of ages. Not as wide as some. My grandma's family was quite large (13 children) and the older ones would help care for the younger. Our family is smaller and I am able to care for the little ones. But I think that means the older children and left out.
I took a class a while ago at a Relief Society Conference in our stake. At the time I was so exhausted. Two newborns. A 15 year old. 4 others in between. It took every ounce of strength I had to keep up with the twins. I had little else for the rest of the family. A lot of the work fell on my sweet husband and the older two girls. But the one thing I did have time for, was to listen. Listen to how their day was. Listen to what they were liking at school. What they were hating at school. Listen to what they had planned for the weekend. I learned then that if that is all you can do, it will be enough.
Our second daughter went to live with her dad. That has been a hard thing for me. She had asked before if she could go live with him, but I always felt it wasn't a good thing. But this time, after praying unceasingly for a week on what to do, I felt she should go. I love and miss her so much. She is so fun, and she kept me on my toes. I learned from her how to keep going when I was tired. But after seeing how she is doing, it was the right decision. She had started to refuse to go to church. She didn't want to be home. She treated her siblings badly. Now she treats them better. She has had to be more responsible and take care of her things on her own. If she needs to be somewhere at a certain time, it is totally up to her to get there.

I am still there for her. I send her messages on Facebook, in emails, and talk to her on the phone. She still comes to me with her troubles, with her triumphs.

I watched this clip this morning, and it reminded me that we need to start being there to listen when our children are young. When they are not in school yet. Talk to them about our day, about their day.

Another thing we do to keep communication lines open, we always have dinner together. Sometimes we let the kids eat with friends, or let them have someone over for dinner. But for the most part, we are all together for this very important meal. We, as parents, need that time to check on how the kids are doing. The kids need that time to be together. The little ones need that time to learn how to behave at the table.

I love having my children around me. I love being at home. I want them to know they can come to me with anything. And that I will listen to them. Even if it something I don't want to hear. I love them and will always be there for them.

What is so Special About Marriage?

2010-09-01T20:34:00.004-06:00

Marriage is such an amazing thing.
In the Proclamation it states:
"We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

What do we need marriage for. Well, there are many things are need marriage for. To start with, just the companionship I have with my husband is worth more than I can explain. He is there for me when I am having a bad day, or week! He helps me know that things will work out and that I can get through whatever is going on. He reminds me of the eternal focus I need to have. That this life is only a blink, and then all will be wonderful.
We also keep each other going. For example, we walk together in the mornings while the older kids are getting ready for school. Then after they leave, we read scriptures together. This has led to so many great discussions. Mainly me asking questions and he giving answers. But it is so good to have someone to do this with. To have conversations about the meaning of things in an eternal perspective. I definitely didn't have this in my last marriage. In fact it was usually me defending things that I really didn't fully understand anyway, but knew they were true.
We also set goals and discuss problems and how to solve them together.
As a single mom, I really felt like I needed to have a man there to back me up. But also to listen to me and give his opinion. A male perspective is so enlightening. Sometimes I think that maybe if I keep listening to him, then I can think like him.
When I am talking to the kids about something we need to change, and they start talking back, I don't know what to say. I'm not good with confrontation. I don't know what to say. One day when I had one of these conversations, My brother in law was over, and tony asked what I said. Then he told me what he would have said. It was such a great comment. Not harsh. Not mean. Just something to get them thinking. So I said, "I wish that you could just be inside my mind all the time so I will know what to say in these situations." And that is how I feel. I wish I could know what he would do in times like these. Then I would be better able to handle things.
Needless to say, my BIN was amazed that I felt that way. He said that you know it's a great marriage when your spouse makes you a better person.

Also:
"Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

It is definitely a divine role we have as parents. It is so rewarding, as well as trying. I know that when it is all you, it can be harder than is should be. As a single mom, you feel that you aren't doing a good job. mainly because there are SO MANY things left undone. And when you are the only one doing them (especially if you have young children) then you are overwhelmed. Which makes you feel bad, so you do less. It is a vicious cycle.
But if you have a help meet (see Gen 2:18), then it is okay. You don't HAVE to do it ALL. You have someone there to do what you can't.
I am very spoiled!! I get so frazzled by the end of the day. So it seems like half the time when my sweetheart comes home, the house is in chaos. Well, he will walk in, give me a kiss. Say "hi" to the kids, then start helping find some sanity. I love him. It used to make me feel like a failure. But after a few times of him staying home and not being able to accomplish anything, I saw it was just how life with small children is.
We are also there for each other. It seems that when we have had enough of WHATEVER. The disobedience, the messes, the fighting, then the other is there to step in. Then you can get a break and be ready to face the next challenge. It is so nice, and I find I can control my temper knowing that the home doesn't just rely on me. My back-up will be here soon.

September (yes, already)

2010-08-31T15:01:00.002-06:00

Well, August is already gone. This went so fast! I'm a little sad. Summer was so short this year. Or so it seems.
But on to bigger and better things!
For next month, I am going to post more things that pertain to The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The reason for this is from the inspiration of a fellow blogger. Check her out at We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice In Christ.

She is so inspiring. I love all the gospel centered activities she does with her family.
For me, I get so caught up in the chores I need to accomplish each day to keep some semblance of order in our lives, that I don't think I focus on the things that REALLY matter. My family. The ones I want to be with FOREVER! Hopefully this will help me find homemaking and motherhood even more enjoyable.
Don't get me wrong, I love being a mother. And getting to be home with the ones I brought into this world is the best blessing! Trust me, it is so much harder to be a working mom. I had to work for nine years. I would cry almost everyday. Especially when I had to leave the really little ones. Julia was just 2 months old when I had to return to work. I would go feed her each day at lunch, then cry all the way back to work. But I was able to help get us off food stamps and that was worth it.
Then when I was able to leave the workforce and be a stay-at-home mom, I was so excited!! I had all these visions of how the days would go!! I would get up and make an elaborate breakfast. Start laundry, exercise, read to the little ones, do all kids of crafts and activities with them, all while keeping an immaculate home. I would always read my scriptures. Bake bread. Memorize all the scriptures and hymns. Keep up with all the sewing projects and craft ideas. Be a great missionary. Read to myself.
And now I am lucky if everyone has clean underwear.
But does this mean I'm not a good mom, or that I'm not living the gospel. No!! As long as I'm doing all I can do, and treating others well, then I am doing great. No where in The Proclamation does it say that I have to have a spotless house, or that all our clothing must be homemade.

My Obsession! The Silhouette...

2010-08-27T17:14:00.005-06:00

I am so in love with this machine. I have wanted one for about 3 years when I first heard about it. My mom and two of my sisters has the Cricut, which is so fun. But I love that this one you can hook it up to your computer and do so much more. The creativity is endless. and with all the things people are using it for and posting about, you are never short on things to try. So, once again, I am telling you all about these great giveaways for the Silhouette. If you already have one, or don't want one, enter anyway, and give it to me. I will gladly take it off your hands.

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/08/over-300-giveaway-santa-has-arrived.html

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2010/08/super-fantabulous-product-giveaway_23.html

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2010/08/silhouette-machine-guest-giveaway.html

http://karaspartyideas.blogspot.com/2010/08/silhouette-craft-cutter-giveaway-300.html

http://makingitlovely.com/2010/08/23/silhouette-sd-cutting-machine-review-and-giveaway/

http://www.crapivemade.com/2010/08/moment-youve-all-been-waiting-for.html

Tutorial Tuesday

2010-08-24T13:16:00.009-06:00

Well, this past spring, Katia broke her arm. She was really wanting a sling, because her cousin had used one when he broke his arm. So, we went to the medical supply store in search of one. We found one, but it had (bleck) dinosaurs on it. So, after checking online (and seeing outrageous prices), I decided to make one for her.
It was only used a few times by her, but she will still pull it out of her drawer and play with it. Then when her baby sister broke her arm (trying to use the rope ladder in the fort), she said that she could use it when she had a cast on.

So, here is how we did it:

Supplies:
1/2 yard of fabric (we chose princess, of course)
package of rectangular rings
a sheet of felt
package of matching velcro (yes, pink)
matching bias tape (uh huh, pink)
2 yards of matching webbing (pink again)

I checked out the dimensions on one website, and shrunk it down to fit her arm.

Then I found the center of the piece of fabric, and folded it in fourths. I then cut (all four layers as one) the basic shape of the sling.
The elbow is the center fold.

Like this picture (only folded in half).

Then fold it back over and sew the elbow from the top to the bottom, curving slightly the bottom in an inch.

Sew the bias tape according to the directions around the whole unfinished edge of the sling.

Cut three 6 inch pieces of webbing. Get a rectangular ring, slip a piece of webbing through, and fold the ends down about 3/4 of an inch towards the center. Place one at the top back of the elbow (where it was stitched first) and zig zag 3 or 4 rows to secure.
Repeat this step at the front (where the wrist will rest) one on the front, and one in the back.

Now get the felt, fold it in half, and cut a rounded rectangle. This one has been unfolded. Then cut slits (arrows are pointing to the positions) on the four ends, matching front and back.

Take the remaining webbing, fold one end down 1 and 1/2 inches, feeding it through the ring at the elbow. Zig-zag stitch 3 to 4 times.

Feed the webbing through the slits in the felt shoulder pad (folded in half). Cut about a foot of velcro and sew one side on top of the free end of the webbing. Then, leaving about 4 to 6 inches of webbing, sew the other side of the velcro to the webbing on the same side as before.

Now thread the webbing through the rings at the front. Secure with the velcro, adjusting to fit well. Here is your finished product:

Much more girlie than dinosaurs!

New Alarm Clock

2010-08-23T09:21:00.003-06:00

We have a new alarm clock.
We started using it about 3 weeks ago.
It is quite efficient.
Though the wake time is a bit sporadic, ranging from 6am to 7:30 am.
It doesn't have a snooze or good off switch.
It is quite loud and could wake most of the neighborhood.
We are forced to get up.
Get dressed.
And take it for a walk.
We call it Shasta.
It is black with white.
It jumps up on most everyone.
We have to feed and water it.
Play with it.
Take it to the vet.
Brush it.
And then it will still go off.
Bark.
Quite loudly.
Not non-stop.
It will bark once, wait a few seconds.
Bark again.
Until someone comes out to play.
I'm not sure why this has started.
But one day she started barking at 6 and kept going until finally we took her for a walk.
And it's been like that ever since.
I guess it has helped the parents start getting up earlier.
It will help us be less tired, come Thursday, when we HAVE to get up.
It has been a blessing.
We got the dog last fall.
To help the kids be less afraid of dogs.
It helped Jayden.
Katia is still working on it.
The little girls LOVE her.
Almost to death.
The older kids love her.
They will play with her and brush her.
Jayden will take her on walks.
So will Elyse and Ari.
Pets are suppose to teach kids responsibility.
I think Shasta has done that.
Ari will worry about her being too cold.
Same with Elyse.
Katia wants to teach her not to jump up people.
It was definitely a good thing for our family.

Summer Flies the Coop!

2010-08-20T17:33:00.005-06:00

I have no idea where the summer has gone. I don't think I did enough for 12 weeks to have passed. (Has it really been that long?!?)

Went swimming a few times.

We had a play at the park/picnic each Wednesday.

We went to a movie every Thursday afternoon.
Went hiking.
Fed the ducks.
Went to the small local zoo.
Worked in the yard.
Sewed a few items.
(bag, apron, pillowcase, skirts)
Watched a helicopter drop water on a wildfire.
Helped family put a roof on.
Visited family.
I picked up embroidery again.

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But the past three weeks we have done quite a bit.

Our oldest son was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood.
We celebrated his 12th birthday with family.

We went camping with the family.
Flaming Gorge.
So fun.
Quite wet.
It rained most of the time.
Then the wind blew.
But the kids we so great.
We ended up trapped in the travel trailer for most of the time.
Saw some amazing sunsets and lightning!

Then we headed to Mimi's house to get out of the weather.
Then we came home.

I painted my bedroom.
Just boring white.
I need a blank canvas.
I still need to finish the little girls' room.
Same color.

We went school shopping.
I took 5 of the kids to begin with.
It went okay.
But after that I only took one child with me at a time.
Less hectic.

Today I went to do the grocery store to do the
breakfast/after school snack shopping.
I like to have on hand easy, good, nutritious food for the kids.
It helps me keep them eating better.
Toaster Strudel.
Yogurt.
Cold cereal.
Totinos.
Cheese sticks.
Bars.
Juice.
I also make sure we have pancake mix.
And plenty of eggs and bread.

So now we are pretty much ready for school to start.
There is one thing left to do.
We need to get our sleep schedule fixed.
We've been staying up late (11:00 late).
Sleeping in late (9:00 late).
The little kids even.
DD, 17 says she will just wake up fine (6am) the first day of school
without starting to wake earlier each day.
We'll see how it goes.

Silhouette Giveaways!!

2010-08-07T20:59:00.002-06:00

There are two sites giving away a Silhouette machine! You have to check this out. There are so many amazing things that you can do with this tool, you will be up late just crafting!!

Here are the sites that you can go to to enter to win. It is an amazing deal.

http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6344

Homemadebyjill.blogspot.com

Enter to win. If you already have one, you can give it to me.

More Silhouette Giveaways!!

2010-08-07T16:35:00.002-06:00

I am so in love with this tool. I can't believe how many things you can do with it!! If you would love to have one of these for your crafting needs, then go check out these sites and enter to win one of your own. They are also having a major special on the machine so you can purchase one for yourself and use it for all of your ideas.

www.theidearoom.net

www.infarrantlycreative.net

www.venessachristianson.com

www.u-createcrafts.com

And of course you need to check out the silhouette website as well to see all of the amazing things you can do with it. It will probably add several projects on to your already extra long list!

What to do with all this sugar?

2010-07-06T13:22:00.003-06:00

Well, we came home with so much candy from the parade. We take gift bags to place our loot in. Great handles and I let them gorge themselves yesterday, then took it away. I combined it all in one bag and am using it to motivate the kids to help with chores. I told them that whoever helped clean each room, they would get one piece of candy. We started with the front room. We cleaned up all the things that go in that room and put it in it's place. Then took everything that doesn't go in there and put it WHERE IT GOES. Then they were given a piece of candy to eat while I vacuumed. This worked for the bedrooms and the kitchen. Now the kids have eaten lunch and are outside playing. I'm sitting here on the computer instead of cleaning up while they play. So much more fair. And more fun. Plus I get to be with them and teach them how to clean. They get a reward for a job well done, and the candy isn't just being consumed with no goal attached.

Happy 4th of July (Friday, yesterday, and today)

2010-07-05T15:53:00.009-06:00

Here in _______,Utah, we didn't have a parade or fireworks on Sunday. This has only made for a LONG weekend. Fireworks Friday, Parade Monday, and fun with family all 4 days.
I was able to play with my camera during fireworks.
Here's where I went to get tips on how to set it.
Then I just played.
(a tripod was a must!!)

Saturday doing sparklers was great fun.

Monday the parade was so relaxing. Took the shade and had a nice, cool, relaxing time. Came home with way too much candy.

Super Giveaway you have to check out

2010-06-21T18:15:00.003-06:00

Here is an amazing giveaway over at Tatertots and Jello.

They are giving away a Silhouette. Go check it out and enter. Such a great machine. I so want one! Hope to win, but if you do, can I borrow it?

Science Experiments in the Works

2010-05-27T10:24:00.001-06:00

Results of Delta and Emma experiment #1: Will cordless phones survive a nuclear explosion? Theory: No. Details: Place a cordless phone in the microwave, microwave on high for unknown minutes, remove. Findings: smell of smoke, phone unresponsive, dead, no more working. Conclusion: a cordless phone will NOT survive a nuclear explosion.

What are those people up to??

2010-05-06T15:41:00.004-06:00

For those of you who have driven by today (or not) and wondered what we are up to, here is the deal:
We have an awning with a bunch of stuff under it. Beds, dressers, boxes of things, desks, toys....

Then there were 2 vans outside that had signs on them advertising Sonya's Catering: Weddings and Special Occasions.
No one is getting married. We do have a special occasion happening in our house. We got new carpet!!
Since we moved in 8 years ago, we have wanted new carpet. But the headache involved has kept us from obtaining it.
This is what you have to do:
1st, decide you want new carpet and are willing to do what it takes.
2nd, find out where you want to get carpet and go look at what they have.
3rd, do you want new, or will remnants work?
4th, pick it out.
5th, paint the rooms that will have the new carpet.
6th, take everything out of the rooms and put them somewhere else (in the way). H
7th, have the carpet installed.
8th, vacuum each room 3 times (check the bag to make sure it doesn't need to be emptied.
9th, return everything to it's spot.
10th, enjoy!

This is what we did and how it worked for us:
We painted the front room and stair way.
Took everything out of the front room and put it in the kitchen.
Vacuum the carpet 3 times.
Put everything back in the front room.
After the front room was carpeted we had tile installed in the entry (this took 4 days and was a pain since we not only couldn't use the front door, but had to keep the kids off it, we had to use a "bridge" to get over it and down the stairs to do laundry/sleep, and the front room was not very usable).

A few days later we had to take everything out of the 2 bedrooms upstairs and put them outside, in the dining room, and the front room.

The carpet was installed.
Now we are recuperating before we take the stuff back into the rooms.
We are also trying to plan this, because we have to paint the rooms still. This means we might also have to leave some of it out until that is done.

We are so happy to get these things done. It is as much work as we thought (maybe more). But it is well worth it!!

video

2010-05-04T16:19:00.003-06:00

I have been so busy doing house repair/improvements. Hoping to have a tutorial for you soon of a sling (dd age 4 broke her arm).

This is a video that my daughter needed for a school project and needed it emailed to her. Too big for email, so posting it here so she can get to it at school. Just disregard.

10 Things That Make Me Happy

2010-04-16T08:56:00.003-06:00

Wow!! Thank You so much to Jordan @ MeanMommyAcademy for this awesome award! I am so grateful! I love her blog, so I feel so honored.
So here's the rules for accepting this award . . .

1. Copy and Paste the award on your blog.

2. Tell who gave you the award and link to that person's blog.

3. List 10 things that make you happy.

4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blog to let them know about the award.

So...It was hard to narrow it down, but...
10 Things that Make Me Happy
1) My Family
2) My Religion
3) Being with my Husband
4) Crafts
5) When the Sun Shines
6) Being Outdoors
7) Home-improvement Projects
8) A Clean House
9) Seeing My Children Shine
10) Chocolate

Now for the really hard part. There are so many blogs that I LOVE. Here are a few of them:

JK Made
Little Family Fun
We Talk of Christ
Serenity Now
Pitterle Postings
Chasing Cheerios
Pink Little Notebook
Play Explore, and Learn
Serene is my name, Not my life!
Hands full and loving it...mostly

There are so many more blogs I would love to share, but the kids are fighting and I really should go get a shower, after I solve the other problems.