Dumb Movie

We just finished watching Toys Story 3. We got it for Christmas from my grandpa.

Guess what? I didn't really enjoy it. Yes, I did. No, I didn't. Yes! Nope!

Oh, don't worry. It was fun, silly, very creative, and cute...until the end when I was crying so hard I had to leave the room.


I think I may have worried my eldest son who spied me falling apart about 30 seconds before I snuck out.

*Spoiler Alert* *Spoiler Alert* *Spoiler Alert*

This movie is all about Andy leaving for college. The toys have to decide what they are going to do because they think he wants to throw them in the garbage. Needless to say, Andy ends up giving his toys away and this was extremely disturbing to me.

It wasn't the fact that he gave them away, it was that as I was sitting there watching my children enjoy this movie, I was hit square in the face that they were growing up and it kills me. I may joke about looking forward to the empty nest, but apparently, it's all a big lie. My children are what I live for, they are my joy. This period of time in my life is the most magical, amazing, and yes, it's even a sacred time in my life. What a blessing it is to have this sweet opportunity to have these near perfect little ones as my own. Sadly, I see their childhoods slowly melting away. And by slowly, I really mean at the speed of light. Pooers!








It's hard to put words to my heart's most tender feelings, but that's not important. It's getting my 13 year old to still wear a onesie and suck on a binkie so that I can keep these cute memories alive that matters the most. Creepy? Yeah, maybe a little. Disturbing? Most definitely.

Maybe my thoughts on getting a dog aren't too far off. You know, the kind that will always resemble a puppy (AKA:baby)? Ugh, but really? A dog?

Nah.

Tommy, Scotty, and Julie Sing!

So much has happened within the past little bit and I have been such a slacker with posting it all. Thank you to Suzie, my wonderful friend, who encourages me to continue with my blogging. She is my motivation!

A week or two ago, Tommy sang a solo in his school's Christmas choir. He was so excited and I'd have to say, he did beautifully.



A few days later, I had my 30-cough-cough-fifth birthday. It was wonderful. I got a few canning jars, some food to fill them with, a can opener, candy, jelly roll pans, and one of my dearest friends, Julie, came with her family (plus a few others) to sing to me. I have been waiting for that for months!

,

Then came Scotty's singing in his school's Jingle Jam. He's the one that looks like a sleepy, floating head.



Oh! Speaking of me getting old...Zacky shaved for the first time. Normally, I would say that he's too young and there is no possible way a 13 year old would need to shave, but pictures don't lie (this was towards the end): EW.



What else...hmmmmm....can't think of much except that we are having a wonderful Christmas break and that I have been cooking up a storm. Not nearly as much as last year, though. And last, but not least, I am so thankful that as of the 21st, there has not been any more of this crap in a full year!!! Blessings abound!

My Mikey Boy

When Mikey was a Sunbeam in church(3yrs old), he was asked to give his first primary talk. I happened to be in the Primary Presidency at the time, so my knowledge and wisdom allowed me to have a spectacular talk prepared. Just kidding. I wrote it that morning. Before we left for church we practiced it with Mikey two or three times. He had it down pat. His talk was about Noah and the flood.


Mikey's big moment had arrived. He proudly walked up to the little pulpit and looked to me for encouragement. I put my arm around his waist, smiled at him, and then I whispered in his ear, "Once there was a man named Noah."

Mikey said very clearly into the microphone with a gravely, evil voice, "Once there was a meeeean man named Noah."

My face went scarlet and I started to sweat. This wasn't going the way we had practiced. I then whispered, "Heavenly Father told him to build an ark for all of the animals." Mikey repeated it perfectly. We continued on. Disaster had been averted. Or so I thought.

I then whispered, "And then Heavenly Father made it flood."

Mikey creepily said, "And then there was blooood!"

I can't remember what happened after that. When I came to, he was smiling so proudly at me. He had done it. He had given his first talk and even had the kids spellbound. How many people can say that of a church talk - that they had the congregation spellbound?!

Mikey, I love you. You always keep me smiling!

Halloween 2010

I feel like I was a complete slacker this year. Our costumes were on the ho-hum side of things, but the kids still enjoyed their choices...and I use that word loosely. What I really meant was, "Mom is too cheap to go all out this year, so figure out something that's free." We have a wonderful friend who traded costumes with me which really helped us both out.

Zachary was a hobo.



Mikey was a Hippie and Dennis Rodman.







Tommy was the best looking caveman around.





Scotty was a racecar driver - can you say one track mind?



Emily was an Indian Princess.

Storytime!!

When I was a small child, I had a beautiful nose. It was feminine, dainty, and quite lovely.

See?


Stop looking at my hair.

Stop laughing at my ridiculous model's pose.

If you want to see it in real life on the second generation, look at my oldest son. Just never tell him that I said that the nose looked feminine because as we all know, his looks strong, virile, and down right macho.

When I was the young age of maybe 12, I decided that it would be a real hoot to scare my younger sister. I knew that she would have to go in our bedroom at some point, so I hid in our built-in laundry hamper. It was in the attached bathroom and was very large - similar to bathroom cabinets but taller. It was beautiful bathroom. Very lavish for a 12 year old girl. So was the house...I coveteth it. The size of the cabinet was very important because I had to be able to sit inside comfortably. I am sure that the dirty clothes aided in my tush's comfort.

*Note - Comfort is key when trying to scare someone...you never know how long you might need to wait.

When my sister finally came into the bathroom, I had to hold my breath to muffle my laughter. I was delirious with anticipation. I could see her through the tiny cracks of the cabinet doors and when she had finally walked in front of my hiding place, I knew my moment had arrived.

Three, two, one: BAM!!!

Her scream mingled with mine, but mine went from a "Raaaaaaaar" to a pained "Eeeaaaaaahhhhh!!!". I had forgotten that a wooden bar went horizontally in front of my face and I had smashed my nose full force into it. I came out of the hamper with blood streaming down 1/2 of my face and my eyes were throbbing and tearing. I was crying and bleeding and trying to see myself through my tears in the mirror. But...

Man! I sure got her.

All in the name of a good scare. I owned that thing!

Anyway, the next day, my eyes were a tad on the dark side and my nose was super sore. Looking back on my life, I have to give this experience the credit it deserves. I now have a crooked nose, complete with a bump in the middle. I claim it was my free nose job. It gives a whole new meaning to 'You get what you pay for'.

I am not self conscious about much. Heck, you can tell from all of my dignity lacking previous posts. I am only bashful about two little things. My eagle-beaked nose and my singing voice.

Ah, my voice. Now there's a story for another day. Can you believe that it actually has a story? How many people can say that about their singing voice?

I have always been touchy about the shape of my nose.

However, I am an adult now. I have since outgrown any type of embarrassment or sensitivity to my profile. Having said that, a few days ago, Scotty was waiting as patiently as any 6 year old can to have his turn on the computer. (I had it first!)

Anyway, he was watching me do my thang on the computer when he started rubbing his finger on my cheek, ear, and then my nose. As he did, he stopped halfway down my nose and said, "Mommy, you have a witch nose."


Thank you, Scotty.



The moral of this story? I loved that house.

I am an island, not a rock

Remember that question someone always used to ask? "If you were ever left alone on a deserted island, what 3 things would you want to have with you?" Well, my answer has changed from: a good book, a hunka-hunka burnin' love, and deodorant to: access to my phone, internet, and cable.

I absolutely love my Comcast triple package with On Demand. On Demand is a God Send. I just want to kiss whomever came up with that one. Well, at least I'd make him/her a batch of chewy cookies. The cost...way over the top, but I am not to the point of giving it up yet to save some much needed pesos. There's just one, teeny, weeny, itsy, bitsy problem:

Every year or so, our service goes in and out for about a month. About every 2 minutes or less, everything shuts down for a few minutes. It drives me crazy. I feel all alone...abandoned. I am on a deserted island with no one to call, email, or teleport.

I waste so much time hoping, praying that it will come back on. Our little black box has these little greenish-yellow lights on it and they all have to be lit up for it to work. One by one, they'll light up. I watch it like I'd watch someone giving birth. It begins with a feeling of fear, then excitement, then amazement, then relief, and then disgust.

When we are finally able to use our phone to call Comcast, they send someone out - very helpful. Thing is...everyone has had some weirded out idea of what our problem is. I've heard it all.

--There are too many houses loaded to that box in your yard.

--It's a bad cable box (lost everything on our DVR - waaaaaaah!!)

--Your entire house has to be rewired.

--Jupiter is too close to Mars at this time of the year, so...

What the...?

It's out now. If you can read this, send some help. I have to actually entertain my own children! Luckily, for the moment, they are at school except for my napping beauty. So for now...

"I am a lone read (reed in my mind)."

Name that movie.


Side note: The disgust I was describing was from what comes after the baby, not the baby itself.

Best Commercial Ever

As great as this commercial is, truth be told...I'm gonna miss them.

For about 8 minutes.

It's hard for me to see them go back, but I also rejoice in this time because they are growing, learning, and having fun. It also means holidays and colder weather. (Pretend to be shocked that I just said that.)

Here they are, in their new duds for their first day of school. Please pretend that Zachary's shirt is a nice, new polo or button up. Sheesh.

Zacky 8th Grade - Dude

Mikey 7th Grade

3% in weight - Awe yeah....

Tommy 4th Grade - 'Mary Poppins' (Practically Perfect in Every Way)

Scotty 1st Grade - My Baby Boy aka: Guillermo

Mr. Patience

AKA: Mikey

A couple of weeks ago we were able to go to Zack's parent's cabin for a small break before school started up again.

We had a very relaxing time. I cooked, cooked, and cooked some more (Aaaah, food. How do I love thee?).

Zack took the kids for rides on the ATVs. Zacky rode the ATV over and over again, and Tommy drove one for the first time. Shhhh, don't tell.

Scotty played with his cars and colored. Yes, we drove 2 solid hours to have him stay inside and play with his cars. Oh well, he was happy which means I was happy.

Emily sat on the pot 75% of the time. Yep, she's still enjoying the potty training issues. It seems we have had a set back. We were done too, dang it!

Sorry, I digress.

I have never seen a boy have as much patience as Mikey did while we were there. He would, for several hours straight, stand and watch for hummingbirds to come and visit with him. He would become a frozen statue and that's not too typical of a young boy, but for one with ADD? That's unheard of. He is in LOVE with birds.

Gotta Go Big Time!

Should I take this as a hint that we keep our A/C on too low? Scotty has even been seen wearing his winter coat around the house this summer.


Later the same day:


All because of these guys: Big Time Rush

Notice the winter clothing?

He does everything just like they do...remember when I threw out his birthday cake because he didn't want to do his chores? (I had forgotten an ingredient, but he didn't know) I had hoped for buckets of tears, but all he said was, "That is so not cool mom!". I think he may be growing up a little too fast. His favorite is Logan, 2nd from the right. Scotty jams to their theme song several times a day and awesome at it...someday, maybe I'll put a video of it on here.

Hey! Hey! Listen to your heart, now!
Hey! Hey! Don't you feel the rush?
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!

I made it!

I think that this is the first time, in many years, that I have been able to wait until after July to yearn for hot cocoa, sweater weather, and Christmas movies.


Oh, bummer...I just looked at the date at the bottom of my computer. Drat, I really thought I had made it. Oh well, there's always next year. I guess I should use this time wisely since I do have a few things to do before the most amazing time of the year arrives.

I need to get the sprinklers repaired (3rd time's the charm, right?)

I need to visit Logan at least one more time

I need to enjoy the fruits of my labors from the garden - finally

I need to soak up her blog on a daily basis - it's therapy for me

I need to decide on what Emily and I will be for Halloween - so little time

Oh, and I need to mention, for journal's sake, about our sprinklers/driveway problems... much, much more than a nightmare. Maybe someday, I'll find some humor in it to blog about it, heck, we even have the explosion on camera, but for now - it will just be 'the experience that shall not be named'.

Oops!

We just got back from a great family reunion. Whenever I say that to people, they always look at me like I'm crazy. Really, the Church family reunions are always a blast. This year, we stayed at Zack's parent's cabin for a few days. We played softball, went swimming (until Scotty choked and threw up in the pool), had devotionals, a talent show, a trip to the Vernal temple, ATV rides, and did so much more.
However....I feel that I did one thing too many. I accidentally goosed my 16 year old nephew, Nate. I was mortified. I thought he was Zack and this was why:

A Christmas Story...in June?

Two different people, same line...
1983:
Ralphie


2010:
Mikey

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!!!

At least the X-rays showed no internal BB's. His eye is huge! This pic doesn't do justice. Needless to say, his brother has lost his BB gun for at least forever and I need a nap.

Igor...

I nearly cried...

This past week I have been attempting to make homemade jellies and jams. Not so much to save money, but to learn the art. I made strawberry freezer jam, pomegranate jelly, and Orange-berry jam (raspberries, blueberries, and tiny bits of oranges). At first I was a little afraid to try my new concoctions, but when I tasted the orange-berry, I nearly cried - it was that good. I love this stuff. It's my new favorite and it tastes so incredibly fresh. Mmmmm-mmmmm.

If you'd like the recipe, I'd be happy to share it. It was from A Taste of Home magazine.

Also, I have discovered that I am entirely too anti-social recently. I don't even like to go down a row at a grocery store if other people are in the way. I'm pathetic - this is a cry for help, so if I drop by out of the blue, it's just me doing my therapy to get out of this funk I am in.

Apparently, the devil visits heaven...

Many of you know that I have been trying to shed some very unwanted weight. I have lost 21 pounds since January 1st and I only have 12 to 15 more to go.

It has been much easier than I thought it would be. I just make better food choices and try to run at least every other day. Having said that...

I do struggle with the food choices. Easter has not been an easy time for me. Three words: Cadbury Creme Eggs. Actually, my biggest weakness is ice cream. In a waffle cone. Which is kind of weird...I hardly ever remember eating it very much as a child & teenager.

We recently went to Disneyland as a family and we stopped to get some ice cream. I had their Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough Swirl in a wonderfully fresh waffle cone. I just about cried, it was so good. Unfortunately, Emily wasn't too entertained by hers so I had to eat most of it - Dang it! Sad to say, they do not sell it locally. Though this particular flavor is my favorite, just about any cookie dough ice cream will make me swoon.

Another flavor that constantly taunts me is the Aggie's Bull Tracks ice cream up at the Utah State Creamery. In a fresh waffle cone, of course.

Oh, and then there's Moose Tracks, Peanut Butter Cup, Butter Pecan, Burnt Almond Fudge, ......

I knew this post would be tough, but I'm dyin' for that ice cream!!!

(In a fresh waffle cone!)

Missionary Dinners - Round Two!

We finally are back on track with our Missionary dinners. If you don't know what these are, just click here for an earlier post and here for all of the fun that followed. Good times - especially for poor Mikey.
Anyway, tonight Zachary was called to the Cape Verde Praia LDS Mission. He had to be able to find it on a map as well as learn how to say, "My name is Elder Church" in Portuguese (the native language).
I prepared North African Meatballs and couscous with dates for our meal.


It was actually quite yummy and all but the two youngest liked it. I know Scotty will warm up to it as soon as he realizes that I am serious about him missing out on his dessert unless...

Mikey is next and he will be "sent" to the Jerusalem, Israel Mission - we can always hope there will be one someday. Our meal will consist of Hummus with pitas, something else I haven't figured out yet, and these for dessert.


A friend of mine lives in Jerusalem and she sent me a few very yummy looking recipes. I am so excited!

Lovin' it!

Could today be any prettier? Well, only in one of two ways: If there was a blizzard outside (can't get enough snow!) or if the grass was green and the trees were blossoming! The only down side to the latter option is that it means the summer of pure torturous heat was coming next. In the mean time, I'll enjoy this gorgeous sun and go for a run. Didn't mean to rhyme folks! Oh, and it looks like we'll be blessed with another day like this tomorrow and most of next week, then the snow can come back.

Joseph and Jessica

One of my younger brothers got married on Friday. It was beautiful. I only brought the camera to the reception and I unfortunately only took one picture. Typical...
Anyway, I just am so excited about how Emily's hair turned out. I had never tried anything like this before and I was so tickled that it worked. First, the pics of her hair (and extreme cuteness) and then the last picture is of me and our kids with a few of my brothers. The one I am standing closest to was the one who got married.











It was so nice to have nearly all of my siblings (8 out of 10) together again. We sure missed the others though. Congratulations to Joseph and Jessica!

She's got...personality

Zack and I are so in love with our little girl. It is so fun to see how some personality traits do, indeed, come with them from the pre-existence.



On Wednesday morning, Emily was being unusually quiet in the TV room. As I walked from the office to the kitchen area, she yelled out, "Noffing, Mommy!" Hmmmm, if I didn't know better...she did this each time I walked through the room. Finally, I investigated - she was putting chapstick all over Cinderella - on the TV screen.

Another example is the other day we were at my in-laws house. I took Emily downstairs to clean up the toys she had played with. Scotty came too and he help get his stuff cleaned up. I had thought that his good example would help Emily, but she went nuts. I was mortified at the fit she threw. All over a few toys. It was so "cute" to see her cry huge tears for the sympathy then sigh a huge sigh when it didn't work on me. Then she'd fold her arms, turned her back, and silently ignored me. She is barely 2 1/2! She is such a girl and we are in such trouble!

There have been so many "girly" things that she has done that I can't figure out where she learned them from. It's so fun to see her grow!

As difficult as she can be, I still love everything about her! She is such a miracle to us...

On a side note, I am bored out of my mind right now...since I can't travel at the moment, I am inviting anyone who'd like to to come visit us and our amazingly beautiful state.

Brussel Sprouts

Yuck! Bitter! Nasty! Vomitatious!

Until now...a friend of mine suggested I try them sauteed and I found this recipe. I cannot believe how tasty these are. It's a miracle. Mmmmmmmmm-mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!