my little corner of the world

February Photo a Day 15

2012-02-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

phone

PSU @ UVU

2012-02-14T15:32:00.003-07:00

Did you like my navy blue mani on Day 13?

I had to celebrate! As you might have guessed from Day 11, my little brother was in town and we actually got to see him wrestle in the lineup. It was such a fun night.

We were this close, 2nd row.

Total domination; final score 13-3

Love this kid. Matt is such a good example to me and my whole family. He does what's right no matter where and no matter who's watching.

photo by Abby Drey, CDT

If you are interested about Matt's journey from Iowa State to Africa to Penn State, here's a great feature in the Centre Daily Times:

A Natural Fit: Brown Helps Pace Upperweights After Extraordinary Journey to Penn State

February Photo a Day 14

2012-02-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

heart

Lovey Dovey

2012-02-13T15:05:00.003-07:00

I totally love Valentines Day.

In our house we make the day more about family than just about having a sweetheart (we celebrate the two of us every day) and the kids and I just love it.

I am preparing for tomorrow's annual fondue night:

Dinner: Cheddar/Gruyere Fondue

with french bread, smoked sausage, broccoli

Two dessert fondues: Milk chocolate and Dark chocolate

with bananas, strawberries, mandarin oranges, homemade brownie chunks, pink marshmallows, angel food cake, pretzels

It's like four days' worth of food budget money. But I LOVE it and it will be so fun. Oh yeah, and we eat by candlelight and use the good china. :)

February Photo a Day 13

2012-02-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

blue

February Photo a Day 12

2012-02-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

inside my closet

February Photo a Day 11

2012-02-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

makes me happy

February Photo a Day 10

2012-02-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

self portrait

February Photo a Day 9

2012-02-09T21:26:00.001-07:00

front door

February Photo a Day 8

2012-02-08T20:37:00.002-07:00

sun

this little piece of sunshine arrived with her family today, with more extended family members on their way...so excited to see those i love

February Photo a Day 7

2012-02-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

button

February Photo a Day 6

2012-02-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

dinner

Pinterest and The Best Fudge Brownies

2012-02-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

Ahh, Pinterest. I love to hate you. I hate to love you.

After a million invites from friends and pleading/cajoling/whining/begging from my sister, I joined Pinterest. Of course I knew I would love it. The problem was how much. I have heard tons of people say they were addicted to the site and the last thing I need is another computer-related time waster.

So I decided it had to take the place of something, not add something to my day. I pared down lots of my blogs in Google Reader. More than half were ones I read for their crafts or ideas or tips and I knew I would see the best of those circulate on Pinterest. So that was my compromise. I am enjoying the site but not spending additonal computer time on it. Win-win.

I found these "Best Fudge Brownies" on the famed pinboard site. And I can tell you - the name is appropriate. I never thought homemade brownies were better than the box. I like the boxed kind. But these are truly wonderful.

The Best Fudge Brownies (posted from Yammie's Noshery)

2 sticks of butter
2 1/4 cups of sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups of cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups chocolate chips

Grease a 9x13 in. pan. and preheat the oven to 350º.

Mix together the butter and sugar in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in the microwave, stirring about every 30 seconds, until the mixture is bubbly and smooth (you can also do it on the stove top if you want). Add in the eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.

Mix together the cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and flour and add to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for about 28 minutes.

They have a perfectly crackly top and fudgy-meets-cakey middle

What the? I started stirring the butter/sugar mixture and found a marble in the bowl. Who knows; my guess is that a kid put it into the sugar canister and I scooped it out with the measuring cup? Welcome to my life.

We totally loved them, and I am making them again next week for our traditional Valentines fondue dinner. The thought of these suckers being doused in more chocolate is enough to keep me going all week.

February Photo a Day 5

2012-02-05T10:29:00.002-07:00

(I didn't take a pic of a stranger for day 4. That's just weird)

10am

February Photo a Day 3

2012-02-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

hands

More Reflections

2012-02-03T08:04:00.002-07:00

The family accompanied Jedi last night to the awards ceremony where he earned top honors for his Reflections poem at the district level.

Jedi with Superintendent Bates

This was his third win for this piece, and it's headed on to the state level now. We are so excited for him!

I love that the medal is in the shape of Utah

I kick myself that I didn't scan the poem before he entered it. It was done by hand and written in an artful way, so it's not on the computer. But rest assured, I will show you all when we finally get it returned to us :)

Crazy enough, there was only one other winner in the school and they happen to be in the same class. Talented group!

February Photo a Day 2

2012-02-02T12:24:00.001-07:00

words

Happy #3 to Rosebud

2012-02-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Rosebud had a fun Saturday where she turned 3, believe it or not. How did that happen?

She had a little party with grandparents and a couple uncles and got spoiled by all.

Make-up, movies, dresses, play dress-up clothes and a Rapunzel doll. She was so happy.

Happy Birthday my (big) baby girl!

February Photo a Day 1

2012-02-01T12:56:00.001-07:00

my view

Crown cake

2012-01-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Rosebud turned 3 on Saturday! I will blog that tomorrow, but here is the cake.

I found my inspiration here at family.go.com

I baked an 8 inch layer and a 10 inch layer with 2 cake mixes between the two of them. Dang, those Wilton pans rock.

I leveled them and put a layer of filling in each.

Then I frosted and stacked the tiers.

I didn't have access to the large round sprinkles in the example and couldn't find a candy close enough. So I used giant conversation hearts...

...and put a crown on top.

Oh yeah, I also did 2 two-layer 6 inch satellite cakes for princesses to sit on.

It was more work than I expected it to be, but I was pleased enough with the results.

To-do today

2012-01-30T10:51:00.003-07:00

Photo by Chacee

I was making my list (done and yet to-do) for today and felt like sharing it.

++++++++++++++++++
up at 5:50
read scriptures
Pizzazz choir carpool (6:20)
regular jr high carpool (7:20)
elementary safety patrol (8:15)
call in one kid sick and coughing
start crockpot with salsa and chicken breasts
empty dishwasher instead of the sick kid doing it (yuck)
not make the bed - Strider did it!
clean hall and clear hobby/craft desk area
get papers out of the kitchen - file the pile
fill out permission forms for ski trips and spring play try-outs
upload Rosebud birthday pics
do 2 loads laundry
clean out microwave
schedule dentist appts
write 3 thank you notes
clean out purse
get my planner up-to-date
order jr high yearbook (finally!)
get ready to do taxes
ask Jedi's teacher what activities she wants planned for Valentine's Day
read over some merit badge requirements so I can help Potter & Bugs
decide FHE tonight
blog (hee hee)
stop wrestling with the decision to Pintrest or not
finally watch Tangled with my daughter

+++++++++++++++++
Phew. I love Mondays.

February Photo a Day Challenge

2012-01-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

I'm following along with House of Smith's on the photo challenge for the coming month.

Check it out:

Won't you join me?

A trim for Rosebud

2012-01-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

This cute scraggly-headed girl turns 3 this weekend, so she needed a haircut to get ready for it.

I didn't want to take off too much, but her bouncy curls were being pulled straight and the sides were getting stringy.

After just about an inch, we had this! So much better. All the curls were back.

Now the piggy tails look great again.

Valentine's shelf

2012-01-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here is my "mantle" shelf for the holiday. The only new part is the jar I filled with glittery hearts from the dollar store. Remember my heart garland from a couple years ago? Still love it, even though three of the hearts have gone missing somewhere.

Take a look at more lovey-dovey mantles at Home Stories A to Z.

Do you decorate for Valentine's?

Valentine's Day goodness

2012-01-25T00:24:00.000-07:00

It's time to start thinking about LOVE day and how you'll tell those around you how much you care about them.

Here are a million ideas:

75 FREE Valentines Printables

and

20 more Valentines Printables

A laugh a minute (or more)

2012-01-23T14:45:00.003-07:00

Ah, Mr. Brian Regan. You are a funny man. We were lucky enough to get tickets for Christmas again (we went a year or two ago when he was in town) and we were in the front row this time.

This is taken from my lap. No zoom. The stool with his water bottles on it is at the back of the stage. Obviously, this is before it began. You can't record or photograph.

We braved a huge storm and trekked all over downtown while getting drenched - and it was worth every second. The ruffles on my homemade ruffle shirt? Soaked, lol.

I laughed so hard my cheeks burned and I was actually crying when he did a bit about bagpipes and marching bands. I seriously love his style. ALL new material and I was so impressed.

(The post title comes from a "compliment" he got once from someone who attended a show. He told Brian it was a laugh a minute. Since that's not a great ratio of actual laughter for a comedian, he was hoping to give us a reason to chuckle a lot more often than that :)

Way too much slush for walking in flats. Oh well.

We even went to my fave cheesesteak shop. Fan-stinkin-tastic date!!

I hope all the new stuff this weekend means that a new DVD might be on its way? We shall see!

Yarn wrapped letters

2012-01-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

After seeing some cool yarn-wrapped LOVE art seen here, I decided to try it. I knew I had wire. I had a little red yarn and wasn't sure it it would be enough. Well it took almost nothing to wrap this, so I would say even a very small ball of leftover yarn would do.

I just started bending and making the letters. I just did the general shape to get my dimensions. Then after I cut my word off the spool of wire I tweaked it to my liking. I began with a glue dot to hold the end of the yarn. I was just lazy and didn't want to heat up my glue gun for a couple drops of glue. Every 3 inches or so I used another glue dot, just for security.

It was fun. Cost: $0.

For now I just stuck it in front of our family pic.

Church History Museum

2012-01-19T10:16:00.001-07:00

On Monday we went on a little outing with everyone off of school that day. We headed downtown to the church museum.

Life-size Angel Moroni statue

Ship bunks

Early chapel replica

Then we got to the upper floor which was the whole reason I wanted to go. They have revolving children's exhibits. Last year it was the CTR theme, now it's The Book of Mormon. It was so neat! There was beautiful artwork and creative activities.

Jedi with Nephi (does anyone else think Jedi's maturing right before our eyes??)

Potter looking through the gold plates

Rosebud looking out a port hole of Nephi's ship

Princess fishing off the side of the boat

Rosebud gathering eggs from the chickens

Princess tossing corn tortillas in South America

I highly recommend going if you're in the Salt Lake vicinity. They have even more than I showed here. The kids loved learning about the Book of Mormon while playing in this hands-on exhibit. It interested all of my kids ages 13-2. I'm glad we went!

Happy Birthday Strider!

2012-01-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

The hubby had a birthday last week.

I tried hard to make an amazing chocolate pb cake. It was less amazing than I was shooting for.

But any combo of pb and choc is a winner, right?

Happy Birthday! I hope your wishes come true.

Counter space!

2012-01-05T15:00:00.002-07:00

I hinted the other day that we changed something in the kitchen...

Our gift from my parents this year was an over-the-range microwave. What an important thing in a tiny kitchen!

Strider raised the cupboard 4 inches to accommodate the micro.

Once he was able to run a wire to the top cupboard for an outlet, the rest of the install was pretty easy (or so he says).

Now I have a counter for my important papers file, my toaster, bread box and baking canisters:

And one that is all open for....ANYTHING! What a wonderful work space:

We love it!!!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-04T15:39:00.001-07:00

We had a blessed and happy Christmas. The best part for me was the new "giving" we did in Strider's family. Instead of a sibling gift exchange with his brothers we adopted a 6 year old girl off a local Angel Tree and gave her a Christmas.

Here are my kids holding the toys and coat we got her. She also had clothes and shoes and underwear on her list. I took the generous donations of his family and mine and used my mad shopping skills to get the very best items I could for little Yisel.

I had many special experiences as I shopped for her. One in particular was on Black Friday. I had just the day before been given about $60 from Strider's family. When I went to Old Navy with my purchases I handed over total to the cashier and there was an extra $10 bill in the envelope. I have no idea how it got there. I had personally counted the money a couple times Thanksgiving night. I asked my sisters who were shopping with me and they denied knowing about it. I guess it's just a simple, beautiful miracle.

Here we are on the way to the mall to drop off our loot.

We will never know this little girl, but she made Christmas for us. We thought about her all the time, and lovingly and carefully picked things that we hope she'll love. It was a great experience.

On a side note, even little Rosebud got in the habit of asking if "this gift was for 'Eesel'?" We watched the Sound of Music a few days ago and she heard the name "Liesl" and was sure it was our Eesel. :)

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas season!

Reflections

2012-01-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

My handsome Jedi got his trophy in December for winning the second tier of competition with his diversity poem.

Congrats buddy, and good luck at district!

On my mind today

2012-01-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

~I think the Christmas break was a good amount of time. Strider and Potter head back tomorrow and the little ones are off track for another 2 weeks. We've had plenty of family time and I'm ready for a schedule again.

~ I really need to try these, and soon:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

~I have missed blogging so much.

~Aren't these so cute?:

Spiffy Scissors

~I haven't picked up a book for pleasure in a month. Need to remedy that.

~Christmas is put away. Living room feels large. Now I need to put things back on the empty shelves and I kinda don't want to.

~We did these and this lesson for FHE tonight. Time for goal setting again after TOO long of not doing so. I also love the stuff in this lesson and may follow up next week with it.

~We changed something in the kitchen that makes me so happy. More later...

HaPpY NeW YeAr!

2012-01-01T22:20:00.003-07:00

Games - Pretty dresses - Weird food

Our New Years Eve is always spent with Strider's family playing hours of games and eating too much. We love it!

This year, I suppose as a testament to the inlaws getting older, his dad wore this silly magnifier in order to read the questions for Cranium. It was so funny and we just had to document it. Look how my mother in law is looking at him in the top picture LOL.

The girls got to wear their pretty Christmas dresses from grandma - it's hard to see, but they are holding adorable mini purses that match perfectly. Perfect for a little tube of lip gloss and holding coins for Princess' church tithing.

We knelt down for family prayer and Potter snapped this one. She's so cute I want to bite her.

But the most important thing this morning (ok, other than prayer)? Getting the pork started before we left for church.

The oldest tradition we have on my side of the family is that every January 1st we do the Pennsylvania Dutch (German) meal of pork and sauerkraut.

Read more HERE. Also love THIS blog post about it.

That stinky pork that I didn't love as a kid but now cherish, is said to bring good luck throughout the year. In fact the purists eat it at midnight. But we eat it for New Year's dinner.

When I was younger, dragging my sleepy butt out of bed on New Year's morning meant that the first thing I'd run into was a wall of that distinctive cabbage smell. The memory is also closely linked to watching football bowl games with my dad.

Last year, because my parents were away on New Years Day I tried my hardest to do it like my mom and my first attempt wasn't too terrible. This year they are traveling again and I did even better. I bought a huge pork shoulder roast and it was perfect. We had Uncle David here to celebrate with us.

Since today was Sunday I had to prepare ahead of time but it was glorious to walk in the house after our meetings and be greeted by the scent of my special family tradition.
I did 6 hours in the crockpot and 2 in the oven using my mom's borrowed roaster. It's imperative that it be a huge pan to get lots of surface area for the final step.

Mashed potatoes on the side are a must!

The last 15 minutes of roasting are when the dumplings are added. Delish. There are also hot dogs under the dumplings, bubbling away in that stinky juice. Simply the best ever. Don't judge till you try it. Or till you're about 30 years into the tradition and the thought of not having it just about breaks your heart.

Happy and blessed 2012 to you all! And mom and dad, stop traveling on Jan 1!

The End

2011-12-30T23:16:00.009-07:00

If you read this blog, you know all the goodbyes that this year has seen. To put an exclamation point on it all my baby sister, the last remaining sister in Utah, moved to California today.

To say I will miss Jessica would be a huge understatement. Aside from my husband, she is my best friend. If you'd told me when I was 12 and she was a new baby that we'd be this close 24 years later I would have surely laughed. And as I type this it occurs to me that I think every one of our family members would say that Jess is the one they're closest to. What does that say about someone?

She is the one that listens for real. You know that kind of person; you don't have to wonder if they really heard what you said, because they remember it all and refer to it later.

She is gentle and good-natured and funny and forgiving. Not to mention stinkin' cute.

She is up-to-date on what's going on with everyone, so she is the glue to the family. She keeps us close.

She has two great girls and teaches them wonderfully.

We have so many things in common, despite the age difference. She is the perfect mix of feminine and sporty. She shares my love of board games. We have a passion for low tech childbirth. We have tons of wavy hair and both wear contacts.

She is a fantastic aunt and is more than happy to take the kids when I need help even though her own arms are full. She loves to do my girls' nails every time they ask.

When I am hesitant to give up my time, she is the one to give hers away. She says yes to everyone. She shares without being asked and gives without keeping track. I simply love her.

We we fortunate to have the ENTIRE family home for Christmas break last week and it was a riot. In fact, I dubbed the week "Brown Fest" and we sucked up every possible moment together.

Wednesday was our final opportunity to see Breaking Dawn, so we went to the movies. We were missing Ash who had already left for Nevada, but the rest of us had waited to see it with each other so we went anyway. Here we are after the movie.

Thursday was pack-up-the-truck day and Jess couldn't say goodbye till we'd had one more round of her new favorite game, Carcassone.

These two buds are just 6 weeks apart, and act like sisters.

Goodbye, Jess. Enjoy San Diego and the new adventures of hubby being in school. We love you so much and will miss you terribly! If you're keeping track, I have said goodbye to 4 of my 5 siblings in the last 5 months. No biggie.

And so... we are at the end of the year of many many endings. David, it's just you and me, bro. Gotta stick together.

So long 2011!!

Merry Christmas to me!

2011-12-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

At last, my dear Strider diagnosed the problem - a bad ethernet port! I am back up and so happy.

Stay tuned for some catching-up :)

Blog blues

2011-12-15T21:19:00.001-07:00

My computer is officially a mess. Can't do anything with media (pics, videos) and it makes it pretty pointless to blog. I get so frustrated with every upload and still get nowhere.

So, till Strider can clear off and restore this machine, I will take a break. I have plenty of baking, shopping, music concerts, sewing, choir practices and sibling homecomings calling my name!

Merry Christmas!!

Mending

2011-12-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

I've changed my thread 5 times today, but I'm thankful.

No, I'm not working an an awesome pair of curtains and I haven't yet sewn the skirt that Rosebud is begging me to make for her. But I am helping my family by doing something I enjoy.

So far today I have:

sewn up a winter coat that was torn in four spots
fixed holes in 3 ripped jeans knees
reattached the cuff on a hoodie
fixed a pouch on another hoodie
hemmed a pair of dress pants that I found at the thrift store for Princess

I am so very grateful for my sewing machine, for simple skills, for the ability to make things last just a bit longer around here before tossing them. The mending pile? It's not so bad.

Preteen in the house

2011-12-08T14:02:00.001-07:00

Here is my Bugs, celebrating 12 years!

First was his actual birthday, shared by the pilgrims. How cool is it to have everyone celebrating with turkey and pumpkin pie on your special day! :)

We had a nice meal at Grandma's house followed by a few gifts from family.

Friday was a day for shopping and partying! We did a little Christmas shopping and had the other side of the family over. Among other great gifts, my mom got him a suit to wear for his ordination on Sunday.

He has this funny habit when opening gifts. He won't look at it until the whole thing has been unwrapped. He's so funny.

Happy Birthday!

On Saturday, prior to passing the sacrament for the first time, Potter (his deacon quorum president) talked with him and trained him on what his duties are. He answered lots of his questions and was more patient than I expected him to be. It was so cute.

My three resident priesthood holders before heading to church.

He was super duper excited to go to the temple for the first time, which we scheduled just two days after his ordination.

Temple Square is so special at Christmastime. I'm very proud of Bugs for asking us to take him and for being worthy to go. His eyes were filled with wonder at the beauty and spirit of the temple.

We had some good food before heading home. It was a great week. He can't wait to go back to the temple this Saturday morning with the youth!

Ramped-up wreath

2011-12-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here is another make-something-out-of-nothing post.

Strider and I pulled out the Christmas decor and I noticed some stuff I picked up on clearance back in January.

I love these berry stems. Tagged 1.99 but at 90% off I paid .19 each. I think I have like 8 of them. First I was going to cram them in an apothecary jar. Then I considered adding them into a tree like a garland. Finally I decided to add them to a wreath.

I wrapped them and wove them into a circle. And I layered it on top of a rustic pine wreath I got at the thrift store a couple years ago for cheap. I wired it all together and ta-da!

I think I really love it. But sometimes it looks weird to me. Does it look cool to have two wreaths together, or just kinda dumb?

Join me at Someday Crafts and Creations by Kara!

Last two weeks

2011-12-01T14:35:00.001-07:00

Well, I broke down and ordered another $3 camera cord, but in the meantime I will share a few recent things based on pictures I have on my cell phone.

Jedi did a very cute poem about diversity for the PTA Reflections contest and it won the top award at the school level and is headed on to district competition. He got a real trophy with his name printed on the plate and everything.

His entry talked about being black/white not mattering and that what counts is how we live our lives. I love it. I should have scanned it before he submitted it. I will try to remember to share it once we get it back.

Here is Rosebud, moments after her ear piercing and as soon as she finished crying. She has been asking about them for a while. And as my "girlier" girl, she had a much easier time with it than Princess did. She looks so pretty with shiny, gleaming little ears. Big thanks to my mom who took her and her baby cousin to the mall together to get pierced.

Strider and I were asked to give a special talk on "marriage that endures the test of time" for our Relief Society Super Saturday just before Thanksgiving. It was a humbling experience but was a total blast. We have never collaborated on a project of that caliber and it was a ton of fun to compare notes/outlines and then take turns giving our portions of the talk. We grew closer together just as a result of the preparation, and then as I heard him speak about me/us it made my heart swell. What a neat opportunity! Maybe sometime I can share the outline we used. Gosh, I love him!

After I upload pics I will share things happening with the older boys. :)

Still here

2011-11-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgotten my blog.

1- My computer crashed a little over a week ago and although I'm running again, nothing is working quite right

2- The fantastic Thanksgiving weekend was super enjoyable

3- I lost both my camera's memory card (so I had to put some photos on my tiny internal memory) and the cable to upload (to access the pictures on the tiny internal memory). So frustrating.

But rest assured, we have lots going on here in my little corner. :)

Turkey Treats

2011-11-22T08:12:00.001-07:00

Aren't these adorable?!

see here

Science fair and crazy hair

2011-11-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Jedi has worked really hard this last week to learn about electromagnets and get his science fair project completed.

Phew, all done!

And Princess wanted to go all out for crazy hair day today at school. We did the ol' coat-hanger-in-the-braids trick. I hope she has fun! (Bugs isn't pictured here, but he had me shave a funky design on his head for 24 hours. It's getting buzzed off tonight).

Easy chicken legs

2011-11-10T16:01:00.002-07:00

I love the crockpot, especially on busy days. I wanted to share one of the things I've been trying lately. We aren't real big on bone-in chicken, but it's so cheap. I've been hoping for my family to love it at least a little.

My new favorite is cooking chicken legs in a little bbq sauce all day on low (even from frozen). Then, about a half hour before supper, I pull them out and put in a baking dish. I baste with a little sauce (like fake grilling) and throw it in the oven for 20 min or so.

The sauce gets all sticky and they practically fall apart when you eat them. It's really good and tastes like it was all baked/grilled. But you don't have to babysit it all day!

Joe, say it ain't so

2011-11-07T15:24:00.007-07:00

This picture of me and my classmates with the Nittany Lion in preschool was printed in the Centre Daily Times on Dec 18, 1979

Most who read my blog know me as a raving BYU fan. But long before I wore the Y on my shirt, I was wearing navy blue for dear ol' State; the anchor of the college town where I'm from, the alma mater of my dad and uncles, and where my brother currently wrestles.

Penn State has been a part of me since the day I was born. My dad was a sports writer for the above mentioned paper. When he covered games my mom and I would sometimes tag along and wait and watch and wait for him. My other brother and dad still fly back regularly to attend football games in famous Beaver Stadium. My mom is there right now, visiting my brother Matt. My family probably owns a hundred pieces of PSU memorabilia and clothing. It's who we are.

The scandal involving ex-Penn State coach Sandusky (I went to elementary school with his son in State College, PA) is shocking and disturbing.

The knowledge that the head coach reported one incident to his superior (in title only; we all know Paterno is king) is semi-comforting.

The thought that JoePa could have (should have?) done more to stop it is one that leaves me sad and unsettled.

For our family, this whole story hurts so bad. Read my sister's blog for a more thorough rundown of the legal vs. ethical issue in question: Life in Limbo

Joe Paterno

Football playoffs and whoopie pies

2011-11-06T15:21:00.009-07:00

Our team has had a great regular season and won their playoff game on Saturday (in a snowstorm!) 37-0.

source

When I saw these about a month ago I wanted an excuse to make them really badly. Post season was the perfect time!

Loved it! Cake mix? Cute? Easy? Count me in. So I asked if I could do game treats last week.

I made the recipe twice (recipe printed below) and for the filling I made one batch of butter cream and added a tub of vanilla icing and a small jar or marshmallow creme. It was wonderful! I used royal icing to make the writing.

The shape was tricky and the cookies vary a lot from each other. But I figured since the players each would be getting their own, it's not like they'd really be comparing them. Strider was my cookie-pair-matcher-upper so I could make them into sandwiches. I packaged the finished whoopies in clear cellophane treat bags.

I was able to make 25 HUGE whoopie pies out of the double batch. That was awesome because I had enough to do the coaches and the two team moms.

The photos were taken at about midnight, so I know they're crappy lighting paired with old used cookie sheets. But I wanted to document.

Here is the original recipe:

Whoopie Pies
from a cake mix

1 chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
........

2 sticks of butter, softened
3-4 cups of powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a mixer, combine cake mix, eggs, water and oil. Whip together for 2-3 minutes.

On a parchment paper or Silpat lined baking sheet, scoop out batter into round mounds. I used a small ice cream scoop that measured 1 2/3 inches in diameter. Use the back of a spoon to round out scoops of batter into perfect circles.

Bake for 7-8 minutes. Cool.
For the icing, in your KitchenAid with the paddle attachment, whip together butter and sugar (start with 3 cups of powdered sugar, then add more if necessary for thickness). Whip for 5 minutes until light and fluffy (the extra time makes all the difference!). Scoop into a pastry bag with the end cut with a 1/2 inch opening.

To fill, pipe icing (you can frost with a knife but it's hard!!) onto the bottom cookie (wrong side up), then top with another cookie (right side up).

~~Obviously for a football cookie (instead of round) you use a spoon or knife to pull the batter onto a more oval shape on the cookie sheet. The batter is quite thick, so it behaves pretty well. But they get enormous in the oven, so go smaller than you think you need! They come out fluffy and light and yummy.~~

I totally loved doing it. And I bet you could adapt them for other things. Maybe valentine hearts in Feb? Baseballs in the summer? Hmmm.

Next Saturday is the championship game!

Halloween day

2011-11-02T14:23:00.002-06:00

Over the weekend I found out that I am the room mother for Jedi's class. Yep, and a party was scheduled for Monday morning. Plus, the teacher I had offered help to ended up having another mom plan the party and didn't tell me?!? So that was interesting.

Anyhoo, welcome to the quickest and simplest planned class party ever! We did four fun activities and the kids were very well behaved. Good thing, too, because only one other mom stopped in to help. What a crazy day. My sister came to see the kids in the costume parade and it was fun. Usually we are off track from year round school over Halloween but since we switched tracks this year, we could participate.

Jess was kind enough to watch the baby for me during the party which helped a ton. Then we went to lunch and the girls got to play.

Squirt, my neice

After lunch I was exhausted and the angels were smiling down on me,because Rosebud took a perfect two hour nap prior to the craziness beginning again.

Time for costumes again!

Adorable little Cinderella

You'll notice that Princess isn't a witch anymore. She changed her mind between Saturday and Monday and went with the cowgirl. I was happy; she looked great. Last minute decisions, though. She owns two hats - pink and black. Her grandmother made her this awesome dress for her birthday. But it's neither pink nor black. Since her boots are brown and pink we decided on the pink hat. But how to make it coordinate? I sewed a band of pink (from an old sheet in my rag drawer) onto the faux suede belt. It was perfect!!

Da boys

They were so excited!! Look at that face.

We played Kids Bop Halloween ALL DAY and we could not stop dancing to Witch Doctor. We had a blast. When I set up the van at our trunk or treat on Monday night I had that CD blaring and everyone in the whole parking lot was lovin' it. Potter came straight from play rehearsal to meet us for trick or treating and brought a friend. They had fun together and we even brought him to visit the grandparents to end our night.

What began stressful turned out to be a rockin' awesome holiday for us. Happy candy hangover!!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T08:52:00.000-06:00

(sorry, this was supposed to publish yesterday)

Well, this was our pre-Halloween weekend. Pumpkin carving, pizza, trunk-or-treat.

More pics from actual Halloween coming tomorrow!

Awesome!

2011-10-27T14:13:00.002-06:00

My sister does posts every so often that she calls "Awesome" posts. She writes down blessings that give her perspective and that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Here is mine for today:

*A simple lunch date with the toddler today. We used coupons and both ate for $3 something total.

*My son finding his uniform socks, finally. After endless searching and a couple prayers. I was getting ready to ask the coach how we could purchase more.

*A clean van

*The library storytime lady that told me how cute Rosebud's costume was today, when I was feeling like a heel for not buying any new ones this year.

* It's super cold today, but the sun is shining.

*Finding out what everyone loves about Hilary Weeks. I am not much of a "Deseret Book music" type of girl, but this isn't church music as much as it is the inspirational type. Man alive, I am quickly falling in love with her songs like "That's who I am" and "Past the Point" and "Dancing in the Rain". She is amazing at pinpointing the feelings of doubt that can lead to wanting to give up in the face of trials. Then she writes about the strength to overcome. It's just beautiful.

* A husband that works every day with a smile on his face. I let plenty of days go by without cleaning the house like I should, but he never slacks at his work, ever.

*Convenience foods in the freezer. Not the healthiest, but during football craziness, what else can I do?

*Being able to renew library items online. I forgot to take the movies with me today and did not want to make a trip back to return them.

*Borrowed extra cell phone from my mom during musical rehearsal season. Potter can actually stay in touch with me after school. Huge blessing.

Little League Football

2011-10-25T20:58:00.001-06:00

My very talented brother and sister in law came to see Bugs play earlier this season and got some fantastic shots of him on their nice camera. Gear up to see more pictures of #36 than you ever imagined possible.

Thanks so much Stacee and Chase!

Surprise!

2011-10-21T22:25:00.004-06:00

My sister Wendy came home for Fall Break!

We pretty much packed in as much as we could in five days. We were so surprised to see her and it was a great visit.

We:

watched Bugs play football

window shopped at Pier One

took the kids to Gardner Village

had family dinner

read a book (she read it in 24 hours!) and attended book club

talked to siblings on Skype

played games and danced on the Wii

It was fun! Thanks for making the long drive home, Wend.

Halloween "mantle"

2011-10-18T11:42:00.000-06:00

This is my shelf that I decorate as if it's a fireplace mantle. I didn't put out all of my Halloween stuff this year, just enough to be festive. Do you go cutesy or spooky for Halloween? Or somewhere in between?

Ruffle shirt refashion

2011-10-17T08:49:00.003-06:00

You all know I love to copy the great ideas of others.

I love love love this tutorial from

Tea Rose Home to make this:

I started with two white tees I didn't like - not the same but close enough.

One was too short after being washed a few times and the other was too thin/clingy.

I took the short one and cut it into strips . Then I ruffled each one and laid them out in rows. They aren't all exactly the same length and I wanted it that way. I didn't want it too neat or perfect and I wasn't going for a tuxedo look.

Sew each ruffle on, overlapping slightly so the top edges are hidden. The best part of using old tees is that knit fabric doesn't fray, so all the edges can be left raw.

I went all the way down the front of mine (in the example she goes about halfway down the bodice). Nice coverage on the tummy.

I am so very happy about how it turned out! Now I want to scour clearance racks for pairs of matching tees to see what else I can make!

Here is a cell phone pic before leaving for a hot date with hubby. I love it with the blue cardigan even more.

Cost: $0. Don't throw that weird tee away. See what you can do with what you already have!

Library 'torytime

2011-10-14T11:01:00.000-06:00

Rosebud loves her weekly toddler storytime at the new library in town. What will we do when it ends? I don't even want to tell her it's temporary.

Down came the rain and WASHED the spider out

Do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself about...

To my kids

2011-10-13T07:35:00.000-06:00

It happened. My husband threw out the old "I hope you're given a son just like you" to one of our boys. Parents say that because when you're a kid, you just don't understand how frustrating you are to mom and dad.

Ya know, my mom could have said that many times to me. But she didn't. Well, not while I was growing up. She said it before I got married and she said if I got kids like me it would be a blessing. How's that for sweet? Maybe she had selective memory loss of my 15th year. It wasn't pretty.

Anyway, in honor of all that our kids don't understand,

I have been thinking of some things I hope my kids know. (They won't actually know any of these completely till they are parents, but it's my blog, and I can dream).

I hope they know that I actually am keeping score a lot of the time. I do try to give a make up call when I've been a tad unfair.

I hope they know that it's thrilling to me when they still aren't embarrassed by me and actually enjoy seeing me show up at school.

I hope they know that it wouldn't hurt once in a while to be thankful for all the time I spend volunteering (but I like doing it anyway) at their school.

I hope they know how much I sacrifice to limit my car trips for errands so we have enough gas to get to the away games they play in.

I hope they know that thinking of them needing me is sometimes just the thing that gets me through a tough day.

I hope they know how delightful the evening is when they go to bed on time.

I hope they know how delightful the morning is when they've gone to bed on time.

I hope they know that just doing it the first time I ask really is easier than arguing about it. You won't change my mind, you just make me more upset.

I hope they know I pray with all my might that they will live what they have been taught after they step out the door in the morning.

I hope they know how much I wish they had a cell phone - not for them, but to make life easier for me.

I hope they know that I've never been to Disneyland either, and I'm still alive and well.

I hope they know how my heart swells with pride to see them perform something they have worked hard at.

I hope they know how very much I love them.

Long distance embroidered pillow

2011-10-12T00:21:00.000-06:00

Isn't it nice to see my crafting mojo back?

As I have been blabbing about on here, one of my sisters moved away to Omaha for grad school.

I saw a similar idea to this on someone's blog who I believe had an out of state engagement or something. I have tried and tried to track it down to give credit (PLEASE tell me if you know). But the instant I saw it I knew I was doing it for my sister Wendy.

I'll call it the long distance pillow - perfect for any loved one who has moved away. Simple but classy.

I used natural muslin (about $2) for the pillow and a taupe scrap fabric for a ruffle. I didn't really measure. My guess is that my muslin pieces were about 12"x16".

Then I found outlines of Utah and Nebraska online and held my paper up to the computer monitor to trace the shapes. And I free-handed a heart.

To make the ruffle I sewed one long tube, encasing the raw edges inside.

Put your sewing machine stitch length on the longest setting and gently tug on the top thread while sewing down the middle. Perfect ruffle!

I pinned it where I wanted it to be, down the left side of the front. Then I sewed down the center to attach it, right on top of the ruffling thread.

Next I slipped my patterns inside my fabric to trace it lightly with pencil.

I stitched the outlines with a three strand thickness of embroidery floss, and taught myself to backstitch.

States are finished!

I added a red heart to link the love across the miles.

Time to make the pillow.

Pin with right sides together. Sew and stuff!

I loved the finished product! One of my favorites ever. I shipped it off right away.

What do you think of it??

Miss you Wendy!

The ruffle goodness continues Friday with a copycat clothing item. Don't forget to come back and see my next project!

Linking to:We Did it Wednesday, Look what I made, and Whatever goes Wednesday

Master bedroom lamp updating

2011-10-11T15:39:00.002-06:00

A week and a half ago we changed around the bedroom furniture on a whim. In the process I realized how ugly the lamps were looking.

I still have a little bit of birthday money left, and after buying a flip camcorder (yay!), some shoes and a pair of pants, I wanted something decorative.

Since my living room wishes are taking a hiatus till spring, I decided to grab these lampshades when I found them for 60% off last week. I showed them to my sister in the sale ad. When she saw how perfectly they matched my bedroom she said "you HAVE to get them". So I did :)

Before:

(ick! I promise the walls are not the color of vomit)

After some gorgeous $7.99 lampshades:

Isn't birthday money the greatest?! I feel like a queen for a whole month while I think of how to spend it.

Bats!

2011-10-11T08:39:00.001-06:00

source

Inspired by this photo above, the kids cut out a whole bunch of bats to add a swarm to our front porch.

Spooky!

Great and Noble

2011-10-10T09:49:00.004-06:00

Name that vegetable

2011-10-05T06:57:00.001-06:00

So, my squash and zucchini plants apparently had a baby. Squa-cchini?

I love spying on my kids

2011-10-03T14:24:00.002-06:00

I took pictures for several minutes before she had any idea I was watching her. I love kids!

Kid Friendly Dessert

2011-10-01T18:45:00.000-06:00

Well, of course dessert is kid friendly! But the kids can actually make this one too. All by themselves. No oven. No burning themselves or the kitchen counters.

Cookies & Milk Dessert

1 package of store bought chocolate chip cookies (Chips Ahoy)
1 large cool whip (16 oz), thawed
milk

Dip each cookie in milk and then arrange a single layer in the bottom of a deep glass dish (mine was a 10x7x3 Pyrex). Scoop out 1/3 of the cool whip and carefully spread over cookie layer. Repeat, using all the cookies and cool whip. I did three layers of each, ending with the cool whip.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours, but up to overnight. I didn't know what to expect with this one but it was very good. We totally loved it. And this summer Utah weather that is lasting into fall made it a great dessert for the heat as well.

We barely had any left!

It's so hard to say goodbye

2011-09-30T13:20:00.005-06:00

Two months ago these two sibs moved away. I was pretty used to having my brother gone, seeing that he served a two year mission after a year of college, so he hasn't been around much. I miss him, but my sisters are a different story.

My mom called for this impromptu family photo shoot just before Wendy left for grad school. We are very close. She and I have a unique relationship - the one of us having the majority of the kids in the family and the other without kids yet. We love late night hang-outs and quick trips to the store to get out of the house. She balances me well. She keeps me in the know. She is the aunt I will never be. She is sarcastic and emotional and honest. She shares my sports interests and my son's desire to perform. She is brilliant and beautiful.

We could barely smile in the previous pic - this is us wiping away tears 30 sec later. We had a tough goodbye, even though we'd known for many months that it was coming.

When another little sister (I have three) Ash told us 3 weeks ago that she was pregnant (!) and her hubby got a job out of state (!!) I was a little stunned.

I have never seen someone put together a move so quickly. Before that first weekend was over she had secured the best deal for a moving van and had emailed the whole extended family a detailed packing schedule and moving plan.

I still don't know if I was prepared to pull up yesterday to her driveway to say goodbye and see the truck sitting there.

It was bizarre to see the empty apartment. This fantastic fireplace where she decorated for each season so tastefully with decorations bought at small town boutiques. This room where she hosted dinner parties, birthday parties, girls nights, and book clubs. This room where we gathered and laughed and cried and drew together as sisters.

I helped her pack up her little kitchen, where we put in boxes all the things she has used for years of feeding her family. The kitchen that contributed to her embracing fully her role as homemaker and mother. Her kitchen, where she has made thousands of meals, hundreds and hundreds of cupcakes (she had a little business) and dozens of decorated cakes. This kitchen where she prepared food to show her friends and family her love for them.

Ashley, I will miss your goodness, your positive attitude, and the way you are the first to show up and help another. I love how you love your husband and nature and Cyprus High. I admire your organization, your baking talents, your sense of fashion and attention to what's right and proper. Thank you for all you have done to be an example of righteousness to me.

Rosebud doesn't really understand much, but I hope she doesn't forget about her sweet little cousin. And I'm SO excited for another baby in the family. Thank goodness for blogs and texting.

Change is hard, but a sister's love is forever.

Welcome Fall

2011-09-29T15:40:00.001-06:00

Well, or should I say I would LIKE to welcome fall, if the temps would fall below 87 for once. It's stinkin' hot for September.

I put a few fall things on the porch so I can trick mother nature out of summer mode. Bring me the 50's and 60's please!

My very very most favorite wreath (and I own a LOT of wreaths). Even better is that hubby bought it for me! He just saw it for cheap and picked it up last year.

Welcome Fall!

No birds, no bells?

2011-09-28T05:56:00.004-06:00

My sister posted a link last week to a blog that has this quotation as its header:

"Every life has peaks and shadows

and times when it seems that

the birds don't sing

and bells don't ring.

Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity,

those who are happiest seem to have a way of

learning from difficult times, becoming

stronger, wiser, and happier as a result."

Joseph B. Wirthlin

My last month or two has been one of the most emotionally trying times I can remember. My siblings (i.e. my best friends) have been one by one moving away from me. My strength and stamina have been weak. I have ignored friends and phone calls. I have battled sadness, doubts and fear. Obviously I abandoned blogging for a while. I have had no energy for things I usually love to do and only the bare minimun was getting done in my home. The smallest bumps in the road have sent me into helplessness.

I had no logical reason for all the darkenss I have been feeling (I know I have a million blessings), but it was nevertheless real and ominous. I decided to be proactive and made a conscious effort to increase my scripture study and deepen my prayers and go the extra mile in my calling at church. I knew I would be blessed for trying to be faithful so I tried harder and harder. It was taking longer than I hoped for something to pull me out of my misery. I was left feeling confused.

I was pleading with my Heavenly Father for a break in the clouds. This last week He began to send me tender mercies just when I thought I couldn't bear any more.

*He sent me a tiny bit extra in my grocery budget to pick up a few needs we had

*He sent me a beautiful daughter that sees my tears and asks, "you okay mommy"?

*He sent me a speaking assignment in church that will allow me to talk on my biggest blessing ever, my marriage

*He sent my children teachers who care about them, and who have eased some of my worries

*He sent me the chance to teach a visiting teaching message with the reminder of how to qualify for the spirit in my life

*He sent me a Bishop who issued a Book of Mormon challenge to read it cover to cover before Christmas

*He sent my son hope and a more positive attitude during this difficult football season

*He sent Strider help with getting a car problem taken care of that thankfully appears to be a part under warranty

*He sent me a night of inspired messages and gentle reproof: General RS Meeting

He sent me several other things that are too small to list here, but are answers to my dilemma.

I don't know why I was given these trials at this time. Does the Lord know the path more clearly than I? For sure. All I can do is trust that He will be there to lean on as I stretch and grow and try to become the person He would have me be. To become happy and at peace.

I don't share these thoughts for sympathy. I'm merely writing of my path to finding more joy in my life. But the birds ARE beginning to quietly chirp again. I can hear them if I am listening carefully for them.

I want to leave you with the words to a song.

Tender Mercies of the Lord

by Janice Kapp Perry

1. Tender mercies of the Lord

Come in quiet ways,

Not by mere coincidence,

But by heaven’s grace.

As we choose to follow Him

With full heart and soul,

We become His chosen ones

And tender mercies flow.

2. Tender mercies of the Lord

Come in times of need.

Gifts of faith and confidence

Fill us as we plead.

Words of guidance, hope, and peace

Help us feel God’s love.

By our faith, His mercies come

Like manna from above.

3. Tender mercies of the Lord

Come as we repent.

Sweet forgiveness, peace of mind

Follow, heaven-sent.

Faithfulness, obedience

Help us to discern.

Blessings sweet and personal

For which our spirits yearn.

4. Tender mercies of the Lord

Comfort us and guide.

In His time and in His way,

We receive His light.

As we yield our will to His,

Blessings freely flow.

We partake of love divine

Thru mercies He bestows.

Peaches

2011-09-27T06:36:00.000-06:00

Working my way thru the juicy Brigham City peaches my sister brought me...

p.s. She gave me the awesome silver bowl when I helped her do a little packing last week.

Gonna miss you so much Ash!

Measuring cups organized

2011-09-26T11:20:00.003-06:00

I have wonderful OXO measuring cups that I really do like. I have gone thru various sets during my marriage but these have lasted the longest. One problem, the painted measurement markings have worn off and I have to guess what size they are. I'm pretty proficient in the kitchen and can eyeball things well, but when I'm in a hurry I don't want to stop to make sure my 1/2 cup isn't really a 2/3 cup by mistake.

I saw some blogs recently that have made a rack for inside their cupboard door to hold/label their cups and I knew it would be great for me.

Here is the cupboard where they are kept.

Step 1: Fit a piece of wood to the inside cabinet opening

Step 2: Line up your cups and place a pencil mark where each hook will go

Step 3: Screw in your cup hooks. Make sure they're big enough. (My first ones weren't).

Step 4: Try it out

You may wonder why I don't have a spot for my 1 cup measure - it's because it's kept in the sugar canister. I have another 1 cup in my flour. It's just convenient that way.

Step 5: Label! This is a great excuse to break out the label maker. I love my Brother P-Touch.

Ta-da! Hang with foam mounting squares and you're done.

4 posts?

2011-09-23T10:16:00.002-06:00

4 posts for the month of September? Four??

It's not like I'm not doing anything. I just really have nothing to say. At one time I was having subjects for blog posts that would stream through my head. Now I just draw a blank.

I will tell you something that has been occupying my mind lately; my living room. It's making me crazy. Driving me nuts. The colors. The outdated-ness. Blah.

There are many things I wish I could change about our living arrangements but I can't do anything about most of them. What I can control is the mood and feel of my home. I love love love home and all it means. I love the comfort and the feeling of belonging and good food and warmth and coziness.

But I am over maroon.

I am over orangey pine tables.

I am over plaid.

I am over beige walls.

I dream of COLOR! Cool, calming, fresh color. It was time to get my thoughts out there and organized. Time to play!

I first heard of Olioboard on this site:

Under the Table and Dreaming

Boy, is it fun to create with.

I put together this design board of my wishes. I also included things on there that we already have, and need to stay. Like the dark brown leather chair and ottoman. Need to work around those. The pine tables - I can paint or change them, but I can't buy new. Things like that.

There's just a teensy weensy problem. My budget is about $150 for the the couch and not a lot more for the rest (not including paint; I'm making Strider buy me that). Yeah, I know. A little improbable. But with classifieds and patient do-it-myslef-ing I think I can make my wishes come true.

I want a pale blue wall. A lighter, neutral sofa. Keeeping in mind the brown leather we have to work with, what do you think of a two-tone couch like in the pic? If we move the aquarium downstairs I have room for a tiny entry table or bench. What should I do with the tables? Paint, glaze, stain, distress...?

Fun on Labor Day

2011-09-18T19:02:00.001-06:00

On Labor Day we went to Hollywood Connection to use some cheap passes we bought for the family. It was more fun than I expected!

We had over three hours of rides and fun. Definitely worth the $30 I paid for our family's all day passes. Rosebud was totally worn out!

A great fall centerpiece

2011-09-13T13:47:00.000-06:00

Go Cougars!!

Sept Menu

2011-09-06T15:30:00.000-06:00

Here is two weeks' worth of our family meals. I don't plan much for weekends - we just kind of grab whatever on those days.

Sept 5-10

Taco Salad: recipe here
Chili dogs and applesauce (mom at book club)
Chicken pot pie: recipe here
Spaghetti and green salad
Chicken broccoli casserole with rice
Baked Potato Bar

Sept 12-16

Mexi chicken (shredded chicken with black beans, salsa, corn)
Pancakes or Waffles
Chicken Alfredo (grilled strips of chicken breast added to alfredo sauce)
Pork chile verde on tortillas (pork loin chunks cooked in rotel all day)
Chicken noodle soup

*Chicken leg quarters boiled for three recipes: pot pie, chicken noodle soup, mexi chicken
* My favorite alfredo sauce comes from the Winco packets for .44. (Smith's brand, yuck).

Huge, big, massive OOOPS

2011-09-01T11:15:00.007-06:00

On Sunday Strider and I tried to catch a tiny nap after church. It wasn't working. The kids were making Ramen noodles for lunch and squabbling over it the whole time. Finally I just got up and came downstairs. I shooed them away and tried to salvage the overcooked noodles so they could eat and I set the pan on my counter next to the sink for about 30 seconds. I held it with one hand while I grabbed bowls to dish it into with the other. Something smelled funny and I picked up the pot. I had burned the counter.

One side of the pot burned the edge while the other burned the interior. I have lived in this house (with the same 80's laminate countertops) since 1997 and I put my hot pans directly on the counter ALL THE TIME. I have never had any discoloration or even the hint of a burn. Until Sunday they looked identical to the day we moved in. My best guess is that our new flat top stove cooks hotter than I am used to, and that it no longer comes off the burner at a temp that's okay to put on this surface.

I am still absolutely in shock and I am totally sad, mad at myself and devastated. Now don't get me wrong, I don't like the counters. Last spring, when we had a little tax money we got estimates on granite and manufactured stone renovations. We choked at the $$$$ prices. There is no way on earth we can replace these. And the laminate wood grain surface means I can't paint it, cover it, or replace just a section.

I can't even bear to go in the kitchen without getting depressed over it and playing the "if only" game. Here is a close up of the worst spot. It's completely bubbled up here and a few pieces have chipped away already. Since it's not just a cosmetic eyesore and the integrity of the finish is compromised anyway I am thinking of sanding the spots. I know it's just particle board underneath, so I guess I'd have to put a lacquer on those areas to protect it. I don't know. At least from across the room people wouldn't be glaringly reminded of my mistake.

Tell me honestly - what would you do? I'll go back to crying and wait for your suggestions.

Thankful

2011-08-26T10:54:00.005-06:00

I have had a grumpy, sad, blah-feeling last couple weeks. Time to focus on my blessings.

~I'm thankful that my husband has a job he loves. Heck, in these times I'm glad he has a job at all.

~I'm thankful for his constant help with bath time, bed times, sick kids, remembering medication schedules, etc. He is the other part of my brain.

~I'm thankful that my boys are into scouting and that it gives them worthy, attainable goals in their busy lives.

~I'm thankful for food in the house.

~I'm thankful for internet/twitter that keep me a tiny bit in touch with my sister, whose phone doesn't work in Omaha :(

~I'm thankful that the strep that has run through half the family hasn't hit me full blown. My body keeps threatening to get feverish and I'm achy some of the time, but there's not much of a bite when I swallow. I'm staying hopeful.

~I'm thankful for a couple football practice games this weekend.

~I'm thankful to get Princess into the Asthma Clinic at Primary Children's. They decided to put her on daily meds and I hope she will feel a lot better now overall. This is a picture before school today. She got dressed and said, "Mom, I look so cute; can we take a picture".

~I'm thankful that Rosebud is fully, completely potty trained. Including night. I have never ever had a kid potty train day and night together. We have always needed pull-ups at night for a couple years with the others. This is a huge, huge blessing!

~I'm thankful for the box of Tasykakes my mom brought from PA for me when I gave her a ride home from the airport last week. I am savoring them.

Speaking of food...
THIS post on I Heart Naptime called Delicious Desserts just about made me pass out after reading it. Really, go read it.

source

8th grade

2011-08-24T10:33:00.000-06:00

All the kiddos have officially started back now. How did this one get so old right before my eyes?

With shoes the same size as his dad's (11!) and pants just one size smaller, I am dealing with a boy/man/child hybrid. What an interesting age! I hope we have a great year.

State of the Family

2011-08-17T16:37:00.003-06:00

State of the ~~Union~~ Family, especially for my siblings who just moved away to college...

The biggest news is that Potter prepares to enter eighth grade on Monday. We took a walk around the school a couple days ago to make sure he knew where all the classrooms were and I made him show me that he could do the locker combo.

Three tries and he got it.

He is locker-neighbor to the drama room, which is pretty cool. He also ran into the drama teacher in the hall and she greeted him with a big smile and hug. She reminded him that musical tryouts are soon. Here we go again!

The other main happening is that Bugs is in football this fall. After wrestling with the idea and talking to him and discussing it as a couple we decided to go for it. It is the hardest thing he has ever experienced, and watching him struggle/suffer/endure is the toughest thing I've had to watch my children go through.

It is very vigorous and physically demanding. The coaches are intense and expect nothing less than their best, which I am thankful for. But man, it's HARD. Especially for a lineman.

He is the one in the green jersey at center.

There are tears almost every day. He begs me to let him quit. He gets to the field grumpy every day. He is proud of himself by the end of the 2.5 hours. Then by the next day he forgets how euphoric it is to complete a good hard practice and we go through the cycle again.

I love this picture. My favorite part is his cute little left hand, up and ready to spring.

The whole experience really wears on a parent, ya know? And yet, we see how he is getting stronger. He is getting leaner. He is doing really quite well for his first time. He is asked to push himself to his absolute limit. Even when he can't keep up completely he tries and that's all I can ask. I know once games begin in two weeks that he will understand how training translates to skill. Or at least I hope so.

Rosebud has a bit of a fever today. I knew something was up when I came downstairs and my shadow didn't follow me. I found her in my room. It turns out she had gotten her blanket and put herself down for a nap in my bed at 11:00 am.

Princess had the same fever on Sunday which caused her an asthma flare up again. She needed steroids along with the rescue inhaler to get through it.

I can tell most of the kids are back in school because I can clean the living room and it stays clean. For a while, anyway.

Strider's school is opening up a third location and he will be teaching there. School starts in 10 days, though, and it's not ready yet. So in between trainings and meetings he is helping with the new school.

I am slowly getting a handle on everyone's schedule. Bugs has practice daily at 5:30 which means we have to eat at 5pm on the dot. He is having a hard time getting his homework done since he doesn't get home till after 8pm. So I am trying to teach him balance and time management. Jedi also gets really distracted and his homework takes about three times as long to do as it should. And Princess loves school so much that she looks for extra homework papers to do. Go figure.

As for me, I am still reading a lot, about a book a week. I finished one last night and I'm in that strange limbo period when you're mourning the end of one and haven't gotten into another. I have been a crazy laundry fool this week and I'm as caught up as possible for having 7 people around. I am addicted to word games on my ipod. I am trying to get really creative with zucchini recipes. And I am itching to make good on my goal of getting back into college classes. No money to do that yet, though; hopefully sooner than later. I feel the pull stronger than ever.

Camping

2011-08-13T23:23:00.000-06:00

My poor children finally got to go camping. We spent three days in the mountains and had a great time. Sadly, unbeknownst to me, my camera battery was just about dead and I only got these three shots.

Princess was begging to get in the water the minute we got to camp. It was freezing, but I don't think it bothers kids nearly like the adults.

Jedi and Strider

Rosebud watching the ducks that kept swimming very near to us.

For beautiful shots of this area, check out my sister's blog from earlier this summer: Payson Lakes

My husband's family came to this lake for years and years as they were growing up. He has fond memories of adventures with his brothers and cousins, of bonding with his maternal grandparents, aunts and uncles.

His extended family is now too large so that tradition has ended. We decided to plan a few days together and continue with our branch of that tree - with his parents and brothers and their families. It was so much fun. I figure we can give our kids the same chance to make those memories as well.

I am not a real camping enthusiast, but I do love the mountain views and cool air and getting away from regular life. I was totally unplugged the whole time - no cell service up there. But I didn't miss it and it helped me to focus on the kids 100%. Nothing is more important than family. Nothing.

Wedding gift

2011-08-10T15:19:00.002-06:00

Maybe it's just my little corner over here, but we have been SWAMPED with wedding and shower invitations this summer. I saw The Dating Divas feature this Can 'O Dates gift and I knew I had to give it a try.

You start with a gallon size craft pail like this:

I got mine at Michaels and it was a little less than $4 with my 40% off coupon.

The original idea has files for you to print out to decorate the cans. My printer ink is about a billion dollars, so I decided to use my scrapbook paper stash instead. I measured the inside height of the can and cut paper to fit the inside. This was easy since the can is clear. If you had a solid can, you could just adhere your paper to the outside.

Since I used my own paper and color scheme, I also had to design my own title for the can and lid.

Next you need to cut out the ideas to fill the can with.

Here is the file of dating ideas to print out.

I didn't use all of them. I stopped printing at 50, and then put that on the lid.

Then I went to town using up ribbon scraps for the handle

At this particular shower, I was going with my mother in law and helping her present a gift card.

I made a gift card holder out of the excess paper I cut off.

Isn't it cute?!

I think it's the perfect wedding or bridal shower gift - with or without a gift card. It's basically enough ideas to help newlyweds with their first year of weekly date nights.
Even if you don't use this idea for a gift, look at the file of dating ideas. There are several fun things I want to plan with Strider!

The August garden

2011-08-03T06:09:00.001-06:00

My counter looks like this

because my garden looks like this.

In honor of the zucchini growing faster than I can keep up, here are some recipes I'm interested in trying.

Zucchini, Black Bean and Rice Skillet

Italian Chicken Zucchini Skillet

Zucchini Cupcakes

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars

This is the main quick bread recipe I use all the time:

Mom's Zucchini Bread

My kids inhale it and it's currently the only way they eat their zucchini.

I leave you with one of my favorite things about the summer garden - the sunflowers :)

I love how there is a busy bee at work on this one.

Here's to a plentiful August!!

New(ish) look

2011-08-02T06:14:00.003-06:00

First item: We have been thinking of refinishing our table for a long time. It's sturdy and has served us well, but the mid 90's honey pine was really getting to me.

Strider bought some ebony stain and glossy white paint for the legs.

Then we sanded our little hearts out. Well, I sanded about 5 min for every hour he sanded.

He worked so meticulously and the finish is gorgeous. It's a light black, if that makes sense. Maybe charcoal.

Before:

And after:

Obviously making the chairs & bench match is next on the agenda. All the spindles and crevices have us dreading the task. We are thinking of just priming all of them but instead of staining the seats black, just using black paint on that part. Then the wood won't have to be completely sanded perfectly. Hmmm. Jury's still out on that.

Second item: We weren't searching for a new range, but my sister's inlaws are doing a kitchen remodeling, including their range that is nice and not very old. They offered it to us, and even delivered it from Bountiful!

I didn't think I was a black appliance person, but it looks pretty spiffy with our black cabinet hardware and new ebony table.

I am trying to get used to the flat top. I have to clean it a lot, but when it's clean it looks way better than the always nasty coil + drip pan look I had with the white stove.

Bonus is that we were able to give away our other one (that still works great) to a neighbor who really needed it. Yay for new-ish stuff!

(Check out more crafts and projects at TCB).

Back to school

2011-08-01T10:26:00.000-06:00

Already?

Yes, we are alive. It's just summer. Sort of.

Since my kids are year round, they didn't get out of school till July 1. I'm a mean mom, and for various reasons changed their tracks for this year. Unfortunately they moved from the track that got out latest, to the track that started soonest. So with barely a moment to breathe they went back for a new school year a week ago. There was no vacation this year. No special outings. We did go to the pool a couple times. That's something, right? In my defense, Strider is teaching summer school this year, so none of us really got a break.

So, here are our traditional first day pictures, always in the same spot so I can look at past years and see how tall they've grown against that door :)

Bugs getting ready to rule the school in sixth grade.

Mr Jedi growing like a weed and ready for fourth grade. My baby boy in 4th!!

And the little girl who was a kindergartener just three weeks ago...

Princess is thrilled about her clothes and her backpack. She insisted you all see it.

Our family walk to the school.

Ready to head inside.

Checking in with her teacher.

Ready to go!!

I think she looks slightly nervous in this last pic, but she did great that day, and all week. I have never seen someone so excited to go each day. Is it because she's my first girl? She adjusted quickly and perfectly to full-day class, to lunch, to all of it. She's awesome.

That first day Rosebud asked me every five minutes where the kids were. She cried for quite a while when we walked back in the house from dropping them off. She is doing better though.

Now it's me at home with the oldest and the youngest. Pretty funny combo. It's good for them to be able to grow a little closer. They get lots of time together for a couple weeks.

Returned with honor

2011-07-11T20:49:00.002-06:00

Waiting for Uncle Matt to get off the plane

Strider was the first to spot him.

Trying to get Rosebud to not hate him

Then fast forward four days, when Potter is finally back from scout camp and gets to greet him as well.

He surprised me with his emotions. It was a tender moment.

Matt, we're so glad to have you back!

End of year interviews - Fifth grade

2011-07-11T15:19:00.000-06:00

BUGS

I am really good at: math

I like to: swim and play with water

My favorite thing to learn at school: science

1 person who makes me laugh: my dad

One word that describes me: talkative

I am really happy when: my dad does things with me

I am really sad when: I am left out of things

My favorite book: Leven Thumps

My favorite TV show: Suite Life

My favorite vacation: Idaho

I like school when: we have P.E.

I don't like school when: a lot of people talk and we have extra assignments

My favorite season: fall

My favorite toy: PSP

My worst nightmare: my dad got his leg cut off

Things that make me mad: when my brothers hit me

Favorite sport: football

I like my Dad because: he is funny

I like my Mom because: she cooks for me

I like my family because: they love me

Land that I love

2011-07-02T18:33:00.000-06:00

Oh my heck, do I LOVE the 4th of July.

I said my decor needed its own post, so here is a patriotic tour.

My shelf that changes seasonally

I did this flag craft with my sister in law and I love it. My sisters admired it, so we made them for their homes as well.

A paper 'firework' banner

The coffee table with a tub of Americana reads

One of the end tables

Other end table

My favorite piece; it's from my brother in law. Does he know me or what?

Sweet tub (from the thrift store) next to the comfy chair for all the other books we are currently reading

Speaking of books, here are some of the seasonal ones we love:

Whatever your plans this weekend, stay safe and I hope you are having fun! I know I will be :)

On my mind today

2011-06-27T13:52:00.001-06:00

Here is a blog brain dump.

I sent my oldest off to week-long camp this morning. I miss him already. I started crying when we packed his things and I have been emotional since dropping him off. When I went to girls camp as a youth and my mom was sad to have me gone, I just thought it was because I wasn't around to do chores and stuff. What a silly girl I was.

We are refinishing our kitchen table (and chairs, too, but that will have to be later). It's taking way longer than expected (what doesn't?) but I'm looking forward to showing you. In the meantime, it's a borrowed folding table and a mess of an eating area.

I am really getting the itch to decorate the new girls room. I drove all the way to Joann's to get large paper mache initials for each daughter and they only had one. The other was sold out. Bah.

Bugs did a really cool project for the end of year. The 5th graders were characters in a wax museum last week. Each student had a "button" in front of them and when you pushed it, they recited their 45 second monologue on a chosen favorite American. He was Babe Ruth and I got a real kick out of him. He never broke character, either!

The check engine light came on today in the van. Again.

Rosebud went to Urgent Care last night with a sprained/bruised/kinked wrist. Her brothers were being a little rough with her. She was in a lot of pain from it. We were just glad it wasn't broken. Today she is thankfully doing better.

We added a pair of guppies and a couple dwarf Oto catfishes to the mollies we have in our tank. They are such a joy to watch! (Not so easy to photograph, though)

I got a FREE ipod touch. Strider and the other teachers at his work were given them and he already has one. So he gave it to me!!! (It may or may not be the reason I have been so sparse with my blogging. Playing around on it is so dang much fun. Anybody want to match up on Words with Friends?)

I am getting gray so fast, it's ridiculous. I am now coloring every month. I wish I could afford more than just a box - I bet it would last longer.

Just a little peek, as it deserves its own post. I'm rockin' the 4th of July decor! It's got to be the best holiday ever. Here are some links of cool printable decorations and craft ideas-
July 4th stuff:
Let Freedom Ring Download

Land of the Free Download

Red White and Blue all over

Lots on my mind this week, as ...

THIS GUY

comes home in about 30 hours (his plane from Africa is already in the air!).

Bees game

2011-06-21T11:06:00.001-06:00

We had a fun time at an impromptu family outing a week ago. Strider came home and said that we should check out dates that we might be able to use our Bees vouchers for (from Jedi playing ball and him coaching). He pulled up the schedule online and said "how about tonight?"

We packed everyone up and headed to the box office.

The Bees got down early in the game, but pulled ahead in the 8th inning. It was fun!

Crayon roll revisited

2011-06-18T21:07:00.000-06:00

I made another crayon roll last week for another niece turning two!

I wanted to add a monogram this time

I really, really love working with felt and embroidery floss. So relaxing to me!

Happy B-day, Sam!!

End of year interviews - Third Grade

2011-06-18T15:39:00.000-06:00

JEDI

I am really good at: Reading

I like to: Play

My favorite thing to learn at school: Math

1 person who makes me laugh: Potter

One word that describes me: Funny

I am really happy when: I am with my family

I am really sad when: I lose something

My favorite book: Harry Potter

My favorite TV show: Phineas and Ferb

My favorite vacation: Idaho

I like school when: we do activities

I don't like school when: we do a lot of work

My favorite season: Summer

My favorite toy: Nintendo DSi

My worst nightmare: someone dying

Things that make me mad: when I can't play outside

Favorite sport: Baseball

I like my Dad because: He does a lot for me

I like my Mom because: She does a lot for me

I like my family because: they love me