M.I.A.

It has been way too long since I've dropped by. I guess I was just in a funk or something just as depressing/boring. Plus, I was a little addicted to watching the TV show of Alias on DVD. All 5 seasons, in less than two weeks' time, but that's normal, right?

Today, I am going to share a little secret. OK, maybe not a secret at all to most, but...

I LOVE PINTEREST!!

I feel alive!!! I am looking forward to enjoying and living life again. It's been a long time coming.

Don't worry, I'm still me. I still think that Armageddon and the Apocalypse are coming and that we're all gonna die, but now I can wait for them with crafts, fun, and inspiration!


Another great thing about this website is how cheaply I can do it all! Now, I just need more space to put everything I want to make.


So, Zack...are you going out of town anytime soon? Ha, ha! No worries-ish!

P.S. Anyone can post stuff to this website...visitor be forewarned. Every once in a while, something not nice is posted.

I'm off in dreamland...again

This is my dream: Laketown

Someday, I would love to have a home in Laketown...or at least some place like unto it.

Gorgeous summers and hermit-like winters. It's super secluded which equals AWESOME!

It's just about as anti-social as one can get.     What is my problem??

Even if it meant a smaller home. As in only 3 bedrooms (as long as the boys' room was huge).

I'd like a few horses as I am now a professional horse rider.

See?



SEE?!



Really, I just want the land and the solitude.

So badly, it almost hurts.

But, until that elusive day comes, I'll just traumatize my dear husband with reconstruction of our backyard to fit in as much garden as possible. The poor guy. I know that his blood pressure stats just went through the roof while reading this post. Too bad he's not going out of town anytime soon so he can miss the whole mess. Ha! Ha!

Sorry, babe.

Fruitland Visit 2011

Zack's parents generously invite us to use their cabin and we like to generously accept said offer. So, this summer's vacation was spent there. We like to relax, go swimming, go hiking, ride the ATVs, drive 40 minutes just to drag Main Street in the thriving metropolis of Duchesne (not even one traffic light in town), and do a few other things here & there. We also celebrated Scotty's 7th birthday while we were there and enjoyed a thunderstorm or two. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show...


Zacky was the 1st off the high dive - ever the 1st child syndrome :)



Not to be out performed, Mikey tried the diving board for the 1st time ever and immediately went to the high dive. Mamma's so proud!



Tommy's 1st time without a life jacket - baby's all growd up, now!



Scotty's 1st time ever off a diving board - so brave!



Emily only likes the shallow end.



The family pic - can you tell who hates going swimming?



Rippling muscles!



Tommy & Scotty with the car Tommy gave to him for his birthday.



Zack and I on our ATV ride up to the reservoir. I love to just get away with my sweetheart!



Awesome sunsets!



Back at home catching Emily playing space aliens with Mikey & Tommy. Weirdo.

The new do & Cher

Emily got her hair cut today. She was so excited. She refers to it as, "I get to take a hair a cut!"

Anyway, we think she looks great. She lost about 4 1/2 inches! Her hair was getting so long that she was starting to remind me of Cher (a much more modest & cute one)! Sadly, our lighting is so dim that it makes her a tad unhealthy looking, but whatever.

The Before:






After:





Speaking of Cher - this totally cracks me up!!!

Crocodile Dundee Jr.

A few weeks ago, Mikey's grandfather bought him a small knife to use on his camp outs. He does, after all, have his Tote-N-Chip card. Which apparently means to Mikey, that he is fully entrusted with knives and all that goes with them, regardless of his less than stellar judgement and self-discipline.


Anyway, after he returned from his camp out, Mikey asked, "Can I get a machete?"

Zack, very tongue in cheek said, "Gee, I don't know Mikey, let's go ask your mom."

When he asked me, I hemmed and hahhed for a few seconds, and then said, "No way, Jose."

So then, Mikey asked, "Then can I get some throwing knives?"


Is this kid serious? Why is this the only thing I can picture at the moment?

Freedom Festival 2011

Balloon Fest!!!

We woke up this morning around 5:40 am to get to Provo by 6:30 am. Apparently, when they say they'll start the balloons at 6:30, they really mean 6:00. They were almost all full and ready to go by the time we got there. Bummer. I guess next year, we'll have to wake up at 5:00 am - UGH.

Anyway, the weather was still cool and the crowds were friendly. We ran into Zack's older brother Matt and his family as well as a few other fun people.

Emily is not a fan of loud noises or fire - Winning!

This was about as high as Darth was able to go. I guess he forgot to use the Force. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!

Family Reunion!!!

This past week was the Church Family Reunion. It would have been much better if the whole family could have been there and if I had not been sick the entire time, but what can you do? Here are a few fun pics.

Hiking: Emily 'fell' into a stream so grandma took her back to the cabin.

One of our many finds: deer carcass.
The boys later found two skinned coyotes. Yummy!

Target Practice!

The artillery? Water balloons!

The Targets:

Minute to Win It Games:

Ritz on the face

Knock the cups down

Amber getting schooled

Championship game!

Swimming:

The water was freezing - not that I would know, I was too chicken to get in.

Our only real swimmer so far.

Don't worry, Scotty didn't forget to throw up in the pool again - 2 for 2!!

The highlight of the reunion - Sorry Kali, I can't help myself!

New F.H.E. Tradition

Recently, we started a new tradition in our family. Every month or so, during our Family Home Evenings, we ask if anyone noticed someone outside of our family setting a good example in tough circumstances.

Our first time doing this, we made cookies for a family whose son is a friend of Tommy's. His friend had mentioned to him that their family went to see the new Gulliver's Travels movie with Jack Black in it. It was so rotten and crude that they stood up and left the theater. I think it would be very difficult to do that, knowing that you were probably going to disappoint your children and kind of cause a scene trying to leave a crowded movie theater (well, as crowded as a theater can get at a Jack Black movie - ha, ha, ha!!). Anyway, We made a card with the word 'Valiant' on it and made them a plate of our favorite chocolate chip cookies. We took it to them and expressed how their much their example meant to our family.

This week, we are going to honor a schoolmate of Zachary's. There is a kid that rides Zachary & Mikey's bus that is nasty, mean, perverted, rude, and just plain bad. Let's just call him "Lou Cypher". Also on their bus is a girl that stands up to him every time he gets really out of hand. Last Friday was such a day.

Zachary came in the house with a very troubled look about him. I knew immediately that something bad had happened. I talked to him about it and he told me that Lou Cypher had brought something on the bus that was terribly inappropriate. I asked him how it made him feel and he said that it grossed him out. As Lou Cypher's behavior was getting worse and worse, this remarkable young lady got up and chastised him about it. She did this knowing that it can bring rough treatment by Lou Cypher. He has cursed her out and has even threatened to hit her. So tonight, we are taking their family Caramel Brownies, another favorite, with a card that says, 'Courage' on it. We are going to thank her and her family for doing what was right in a very tough situation.

I am so grateful for the examples of strength, courage, and righteousness we have all around us. We are watching.

Hopefully, by continually recognizing others for their good examples it will inspire us to shed our fear in the face of evil and stand up for what is good and right.

What a dollar can get you...

A dollar can buy so many things. Most are only worth just that, a buck. However, every once in a while, a dollar can go pretty far.

Last week, we stopped at the BYU Creamery for ice cream as a send off to Spring Break. While we were enjoying our heavenly treats (waffle cones:mmmmm-mmmm) a group of BYU co-eds sat down at the table behind us. Tommy, ever the ladies man, made a wager with his mom. A dollar for a pick up line. And it had to be good. Not the rushed and run away type. It had to sound real. Why am I encouraging this type of thing? Because it was hilarious.

Tommy got up as we were leaving and went over to their table. He said, " Hey, ladies....come here often?"

They all giggled and Tommy about fainted. His face was so red and he was so nervous. As we were driving away, I asked him if he was OK and he said, "Yeah, but my legs are still shaking."

I have to admit, it was well worth the dollar. I think he thinks it was worth it as well because he now has bragging rights that not many other 10 year olds have. He has a way with women.

Cha-ching, baby!!

I have really developed a love for couponing. It is challenging and yet, extremely rewarding. This week, my newest discovery is that all of the Utah Valley Wal-Marts double their coupons (up to a dollar) every Tuesday. When you couple that with their best deals and sales, you can have a very fun time.

I bought all of this for only $21.35. That is an average of 66.7 ¢ per item!!!




We're talking brownies, donuts, pickles, potatoes, chocolate chips, and so much more!

In recent months, I have been spending like mad trying to get my family's year supply. I used to spend around $1,000 to $1,200 every month on groceries. ACK! It was weird, but I never could seem to get past the 6 month mark either.

Since I have started couponing, I am down to less than $400 per month (total) and I also have finally reached my goal. We have our year's supply. Please don't think it's the cannery stuff either. I have plenty of that, but that's not what I am including as my year supply. It's all the GOOD & YUMMY stuff - most of it name brand, too! (not that I really care). I never thought it could be done for 7 people and I especially never knew I could do it so quickly and so inexpensively. I have only been couponing for about 4 months, too.

I know that it's because of two things: couponing and making it a priority with the Lord. I was once told that once you make your food storage a priority, the Lord would help you. He would put sales and opportunities in your way to take advantage of. Boy, has He ever come through for us. I am so grateful for my new found hobby.

Now, please don't thing that I am bragging (even though I am just a little bit - I am so excited!). I just want people to know that it can be easy, quick, and anyone can do it.

My Version - Ace of Base

I saw the SUN, and it opened up my eyes

I saw the SUN

Life is demanding without understanding

I saw the SUN and it opened up my eyes

I saw the SUN

No one's gonna drag you up to get you into the light where you belong...

The worth of 2 cents

A penny for your thoughts, remember that old saying? How much can thoughts really be worth?

Some thoughts/ideas can be priceless. Here are two of my current thoughts. They race through my mind at breakneck speed and they will not leave me alone. They are a constant in my life right now.


1. Grow a garden.

2. Work hard on your food storage.


I know that so many people tire of me blabbing on and on about this subject, but I feel that it is vitally important. If it wasn't, then why have our modern day prophets counseled us to do so? How much longer will people either hide their heads in the sand or pretend that nothing bad can happen?

Hard(er) times are coming. Better safe than sorry.

Business 101

Our version of Donald Trump.

This is Scotty's sign posted on his door:

I like the way this kid thinks!

He makes me laugh

Today I asked big Zack, "Guess who I saw today?"

Scotty hollered, "Chuck Norris?"

Doesn't everyone know it's all about ME?

Hmmmm, they must have missed the memo.

I always look forward to Relief Society Meeting, especially when it involves food. So, why then, am I so bitter about tonight's? It is going to be a fun activity, some of my dearest friends will be there, and there will be new friends to meet...

Oh, wait, I know why - the refreshments are supposed to be light and healthy.

Crap.

I get it, really, I do. It's the new year, new goals, a new 'you'. BUT...when I get to have a night out, I want to indulge and splurge a little. Please don't preach to me that healthy food can be sublime. I know it can be. And yes, I know I'll learn new ideas, taste new things, blah, blah, blah...

Want to know a little secret? Shhh, come closer and I'll tell you.

Did you know that I cook healthy food? More than just periodically? You can even ask my family if you don't believe me. But that's when I am 'on'. Do you get my meaning? I have this whole drama or play that I put on almost every night with a cast of characters that are as diverse as they are beautiful. Crisp veggies, tender fruits, delicate fish, olive oil - you get my drift. I even have an OCD thing about not having the same color or texture more than once on the plate. So much pressure!


I also am always expected to set a good example for my children in what I eat (what's up with that?). We have dessert nights only on the weekend and I try to encourage fruits or nuts for their snacks. I think I am doing OK.

Yes, over the years I have been considered by many to be a junk food junkie, but I am much better when it comes to what my family eats. I am accountable to them, therefore, I eat my junk food in private.

I know that the sisters in charge of the activity have worked hard and I love them all to death. I also know that many sisters have even asked for and suggested this healthier idea. I know that I will love it all once I am there, it's just all in the build up, so please, forgive my whiny ways.

So, what have I learned? Apparently, it's not all about me all the time. Who knew?! I guess I'll let them have their way - just this once. However, in the future, on my once a month girls' night out,

"Back off, I'm starving!"

Name that show.