What I've been up to lately...

I've just been dealing with sick kids on and off for the last 4 weeks!! YES, it stinks. But now I think we're over the keeping kids home because of sickness phase. They were all at school yesterday for the WHOLE DAY and to me that is a huge milestone after having one or more home just about every day for the last three weeks.

Lately I've been pretty tired, because I haven't been sleeping well at night. And yesterday was a day to get a nice MORNING NAP in. My boys just watched movies, or played on pbskids.org or they ended up in the room just playing with their toys. They didn't make a mess, they weren't loud ...to the point of not letting me get to sleep. It was perfect!! I couldn't ask for two better boys!!

And I wasn't feeling well last evening, and Chris sent me to the bedroom early so that I could rest and not have to do the regular duties in the evening. And let me tell you... it was NICE!! Thanks honey!!

The last of the regular season basketball games is set for tonight at our school. I'm getting quite excited to see an end in sight now. I've had fun, but I'm slightly burned out on basketball. So it'll be nice in a few weeks to have my afternoons back. And I'm sure the kids will like that too! That I'm home and not gone till dinner time every afternoon.

So I haven't disappeared I just have been busy dealing with kids not feeling well, and I was sick for a week as well. And while Heidi was home sick she lost two of her teeth that were lose. So now she's up to 3 that she has lost.

Crazy deal is her adult tooth was already growing in where one of the baby teeth was at. It was wiggly for A LONG WHILE, but she just never worked on it to get it out. SO I had to pull that one out for her like I did on the first one. With the second tooth she lost in the last week, she was messing with her tooth and she got all surprised because it just came out!! I'm glad she had a painless experience with that one.

We just recently bought an external hard drive, and now I'm excited to clear up space on my computer's hard drive so I can get going on creating scrapbook pages again, and get going on creating the yearbook too! I know.. call me crazy!! I'm used to it.

This is what I've been up to the last little bit, boring, but a record for me to remember.

Random Friday.... once again..

Okay so it’s once again Friday. Time for a little more randomness. Let’s see….

Summer reading: Totally enjoy it!! For the kids and myself. All the kids were required to do was read any 10 books and write the names down and send in a paper/entry form to the “UTAH STATE FAIR” and in return they’ll get a free ticket to get into the fair, and they’ll get a free ride at the carnival, and then they can have a free drink too. So being the cheapskates we are, we’re ALL over that. And through the library the kids have to set a goal of how much time a day they want to spend reading, and upon completion of that goal they turn in the reading log and get a free pass to get into the water park that the library hosts an end of the summer reading party at. There are so many perks to getting the kids to read during the summer, I only wish these same perks existed during the rest of the year.

BBQ’s: Well, we aren't that huge into it. But we do our share during the warm months. And later today will be one of those times. We have done a few with extended family and have had them over, and they are so fun. But I do enjoy having low key BBQ’s too!! I still make the food I want, but it’s just our little family and our neighbor. And call me weird or something if you must, but I like to cook up all the burgers at one time even if they don’t get eaten right away. Because they always taste good as leftovers, later in the day or even a day or two later.

Pioneer Day: Must be a bigger celebration living here in Utah then anywhere else in the country. It’s an important event here in Utah. Kind of the beginning of Utah becoming Utah. I have recently found out that I have some Mormon Pioneer Heritage, and am so thrilled to learn of it. The dedication and sacrifices that these early settlers showed and made is such a strong testimony of the faith that they had, and their love for God. They left behind a great legacy, now if I could just do the same. Better get working on that.

Vision: YIKES!! This is a scary subject. I finally decided it’s time to get the old eyeballs checked again, it’s been like five years, and things are getting really blurry now. What event took place that made me so more aware of it?? Well the other night we were over at my friend’s house and they had a projector and pull down screen, and we were all playing Rock Band on the Wii, and I was taking the part of the singer which I was very hesitant about to begin with. The words scroll across the top of the screen WHICH WAS HUGE!!! And I was having major issues trying to read them as they scrolled across the top. I felt so retarded, like I almost didn’t know how to read; only I can. It was kind of scary. So now come Saturday, we’ll get some intervention again. The darn signs of aging are already starting to appear. Not that I’m old, but if I don’t get it under control soon, it could get really BAD, if you know what I mean?

Random Friday....

Okay so it's Friday once again, time for another Random Friday.



Otter Pops :


Are okay. Not Great, but okay. Why? Because one isn't enough. Am I the only one that finds this a problem? My kids will ask for one and then within in five minutes or less they are asking for a second, third and so on.... I swear they are like the equivalent of a few sips of juice or water or ___________ you fill in the blank.
Although one of my neighbors has something similar to them, but they are Otter pops on steroids. They are like 8 otter pops in one big gigantic thingy-majingy. He shares those with my kids and after one of those the kids are satisfied till the next time. (usually a day or two later). I think further questions are warranted. Time to investigate.



New Experiment:

Blueberry Banana Pancakes!! They ROCK!!! and might roll if you tried. But we experimented Thursday night for dinner and had breakfast (which isn't all that unusual for us) but we made the pancakes with chopped blueberries and mashed bananas mixed together into the batter. They smelled so divine, and my tongue is salivating now just thinking about the sweet goodness of those pancakes, which by the way were cooked to perfection. Because in my house, my kids think I burn everything. So what if it's slightly darker than it should be.... okay, you're right I burned those before, but NOT TONIGHT!! They were golden brown, just like they would be at a restaurant. Yippee for me.



Feeding Ducks:

We've been doing a lot of this recently and I'm finding it a very relaxing activity. And with my new discovery... I've inquired at a local bread thrift store and they sell DUCK BREAD!! Yes, I asked the last time I went to get the "CHEAP" loaves and they were up to .99 cents a loaf... yikes -- just for feeding the ducks, that seemed kind of pricey to me. So I asked the cashier if they had any bread in back that they can't sell anymore, that I could get for feeding ducks. She said, how much do you want? What?? You mean you have something?

They sell it by the grocery sack full. I got six loafs of bread for $1.03 just for feeding ducks. Now talk about a cheap activity. That's great. We still have two of those six loafs left, and we bought them last Saturday. But I'm sure later today we'll use them up. So check with your local bread stores and ask if they have expired bread that you can buy for feeding ducks, if the need arises.
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I'm enjoying the digi scrapping so much.... and I'm reading when I'm not doing that. And that's only if I'm not settling little arguments, washing dishes, folding laundry or anything like it. Just kidding.... I don't really do any of the above, I'm trying to make my little people do it for me. And to a point it's working.

Random Friday

It's been a while since I've done a Random Friday....

A DREAMY AMBITION OF MINE --
A dream I've always had was to write a novel someday. I've always had ideas, and thoughts about what to do, but really haven't ever put anything on paper. Well, that's all changed now. I've started putting words to paper, or rather typing to screen and forming words and thoughts, and feel like I'm on my way to really getting the book finished. Might not be anytime soon. But at least I've started. And in order to "finish" one must actually "start", right?

SLEEP IS A MUCH NEEDED COMMODITY THAT IS ALMOST EXTINCT ---
I've also had some time the last few days to get caught up on some much needed sleep, and have spent time with my kids playing at the park, and watching them have a water fight, while I waited safely in the house to avoid getting wet also. But don't think I'm a wuss either. Because sometimes I'm getting just as wet as they are and totally LOVE it. Today just wasn't that time.


SCHOOL DURING THE SUMMER @ HOME. ----
I'm going to start next week doing school with my kids. They are in essence going to have spelling words to work on, math worksheet(s), they'll have journal time, and then they will have reading time as well. And I'll try to fit in some " arts and crafts" and maybe even some science stuff. I guess you could say I just might do the "homeschooling" thing for the summer. Even T-man will have things to do to. Like working on ABC flashcards, learning to write his name, and practicing writing all the letters and numbers. He'll also have reading time to, but mainly it'll be mom reading to him and Ethan. This should be lots of fun, and I don't want the kids to get bored, but I guess you never know because they are kids.


BEJEWELED BLITZ on FACEBOOK ---
I think it's a healthy addiction!! NUF SAID!!

FAMILY GET TOGETHERS --- Are great but only when there isn't a lot of STRESS, CONFUSION, and LAST MINUTE changes that take place. And while doing the event, everyone needs to watch out for thier kids, and try not to be irritated with anyone, or for any reason. The best way to pull of a HUGE FAMILY GET TOGETHER is with a plan. A very well thought out plan, one in which :

1. The Day
2. The Place
3. The Reason
4. The Time
5. For Who
6. What Food if any
7. What Activities if any
8. What to wear

Are decided as far in advance as possible. Keep the food simple, keep the location neutral, and preferrably somewhere already familiar with everyone, access to bathrooms, and lots of room for kids to run around and be crazy. And when planning said event, have as few people as possible actually "planning" it, so that confusion can be avoided. You need to plan a time, when as many people as possible would be able to make it, and avoid getting together "outside" in the middle of the hot day. Now as far as food goes, is the get together really about the food?? Or is it just because everyone is meeting around the time of a meal, but what is really important is the togetherness and time being spent with each other?? Keep the food simple, finger foods are great, and food that is inexpensive for those on a limited budget is good. I've also discovered that everyone can help out with the food "assignments". Because everyone eats, and wants to eat, they can help bring something, especially if you don't spring it on the last minute. So since summer time is coming and I know "parties" are going to take place, just keep this in mind as you plan. But I'm also wondering if you have ideas for what goes well for the "menu" of large get togethers. I can always use new ideas...

Phone Confusion????

Am I the only person living in Utah in the 801 area code with the new 3 somethin something overlay area code who is sick and tired, and frustrated trying to make a neighbor to neighbor call and have to dial

10

digits instead of just

7 ?

Really why couldn't they have just geographically split the 801 area code and just add a new one without totally confusing me??

And to think that when an out of towner comes to Utah and visits me, I'm going to have to tell them to dial 801 because we're SPECIAL. Well not really special but because the " designers" seem to be "RETARDS" ....... But then again, I don't know all that goes into programing phone lines and operating them. But heck, other places divide their area codes all the time, right???


Who else has to go through this ridiculous practice just to dial your next door neighbor????

Random Thoughts FRIDAY

Okay so call me a goof ball, but I just want to say how much the last episode of ER touched me. I've been watching this show pretty often over the last 15 years, and to see how the final episode went was emotional to say the least. (Remind you this is my opinion) As with all shows there can always be elements in the story that don't make sense or characters that you don't like, but if a good show doesn't have those elements it wouldn't be GOOD right??? I don't watch too much television at all, but I'll be sad to not have the ER program continuing with it's story anymore. But I guess that's why there are reruns, you agree???


Onto other things, living here in Utah the weather can't seem to decide what season it is. While there are good and bad things to having such cooler temperatures and snow storms hitting us, it's a bit depressing to know that it's officially SPRING and it still feels and looks mostly like WINTER outside. So please, WARM weather bring us the mild heat.


My bedroom, Kudos to me (and yes I'm bragging) I spent all of Monday in my room trying to "DEJUNK" and CLEAN it up. It became the home to all things homeless and I failed to prevent it from happening before it got this severe. But not anymore, I only have a few more things to do and the bedroom will be clean from here on out. No more lazy practices, and who cares if I'm tired, if I can't finish the job before bed, it waits till the next day. Next project hit the girls bedroom hard core!!!! I can't even see the floor anymore. It's as if they don't care anymore. I guess it's time to play the "MEAN" mom role just so that they'll start doing their part. It's not like they aren't old enough, because they are plenty old. We'll hopefully take care of this within the next week.

Living here in UTAH I just discovered a radio station that I really like, with the exception of a few songs that play that are so/so. 92.1 The Edge. LOVE IT. It's the stuff from the last few decades that I love to listen to. My kind of music for sure.

School -- ready for it to be over.

My baby boy is going to be 2 in one week!!! My how time has gone by so fast. So I'll be getting ready to do a party for him.

I'm excited to go visit and meet my new nephew and new niece that live in California. I think babies are just plain cute.

And we started plants in a little seed starter green house and after only four days some plants have sprouted. EXCITING STUFF. And all the while when the weather has been good we've been working on expanding our garden . Hopefully sometime in the next month we'll have it ready to finally plant into.

Things that make you go Hmmm ....

Okay I was just wondering the other day, while I was driving my car, if anyone else ever "notices" the things they drive by like I do. I'll see something and then think about it, but in order for me to want to think about it, a few things need to be in place a) is it something I'm used to seeing, because if it is I don't really think about it, and b) would this catch someone else's attention -- well who cares if it won't what matters is if it catches mine.

So here are a few of my observations from a few weeks ago. I'm starting to think I'm liking carrying my camera with me everywhere -- because you just never KNOW when you might want or need it. Right??

This was a car that I saw while driving one afternoon to get my daughters from school. It was colorful, and bright, and I don't see how anyone could miss it. But I have to ask, what on earth possesses people to drive cars that have "paint" jobs like this. It looks like they tried to be frugal, and apparently are do it yourselfers, but please WHY??? It looks obnoxious, and almost looks as if they couldn't decide what color to use, and wanted to "spot test" a few different areas so that they could try them all on for "size". But then again, I don't know why they did this, but seriously if they think it looks cool --ummm I think they need to realize that it doesn't quite look that "COOL".

I saw this on the way to get my girls and just thought how beautiful it looked to me. I love overcast skies, and especially when you can see the trees that are bare that sit in front of such a beautiful scene. With how dark it looks you'd think it was near dusk, but it actually was around 3pm and I just couldn't help myself. I love the sunlight trying to get through the thick covering of clouds --- it's just AMAZING to me.


You're probably thinking why I'm putting this on. Well let me explain. I've seen this same thing a few days in a row, and it just makes me go CRAZY!!! This is a somewhat BUSY intersection by a school I drive by everyday. The shocker ??? I see a young boy about 1st or 2nd grade "aged" finishing crossing this street by himself. I then looked to the direction he came from and didn't see any parents watching him cross safely. I sat back and knew that I wouldn't let my own kids cross such a busy street by themself without another "responsible" adult to ensure their safety (as much as can be expected). Would you allow your child to cross such a busy intersection by him/her self and not think twice about it???

Luckily he crossed the few times by himself, but why didn't a parent go with him?? Hmmm.

Do you ever see things that make you question the "motive"???

Friday Ramblings.....

Time for a Friday Ramblings post again,



Facebook -- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!! I'm able to be in touch with so many "past" friends that it's just amazing. And I'm really quite shocked when I find that so and so here knows this other so and so -- that I thought didn't know each other at all. Really it is a SMALL, SMALL World. If you don't do facebook, you SHOULD!!!



Meal Planning --- It has made this last weeks worth of eating food, go so much better. I haven't at all stood around wondering what I was going to whip up for dinner at the last minute. This plan is working quite well, some days I make changes but that's what we need to remember. Be flexible. And now that I have the plan set out for the next few weeks, and then it'll just rotate for the rest of the year (until it's summer, and I start doing more "summertime" salads in the mix) it'll be easy to make the shopping list and have it ready almost instantly. Theoretically. At least.



Bedtime --- I've been instigating a ritual lately that focuses around the time the clock says. It all begins in the afternoon when it's time to make dinner. If I get behind on getting dinner on the table the whole rest of the night is a disaster. But on the other hand, if I get dinner on the table at the right time, then the evening goes smoothly. At 7pm I tell the kids to start cleaning up and to get teeth brushed and pj's on. Then at 7:30 they are to go to their rooms, and they can have reading time until 8pm when the lights go off. But they don't go to sleep right away they go to sleep a few hours later. But at least they stay in their rooms, and are mostly quiet. So I can have some ME time once again. (It's been a few months since I've been able to have some "me" time)

FRIENDS --- Can't ever have too many !!! But it is nice to have a handful or two that you can really "CONFIDE" in and do things with. They seem to understand me, and are there to support me. So a BIG THANKS to those who play that role for me. *** You know who you are ****

Music --- CAN'T Live WITHOUT IT!!!

HOLY COW!!! January is already over. (Okay so one more day ... but it's already gone) Is it just me or does the time just FLY by anymore. I never seem to have enough time in any given day to accomplish all my tasks. SAD!!! Something needs to change. Less sleep maybe?? NOT --- Maybe reducing the task list. Maybe.

Friday Randomness --- 16 THINGS

My friend Alyssa tagged me with this, which is perfect because I have no idea what I want to blog about right now. Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end choose 16 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you.





1. I really do enjoy shoveling SNOW!! Except when it starts snowing right when you are finishing up. It really is a nice workout.

2. I've been married for 10 and half years on Christmas Eve.

3. I enjoy making birthday cakes. And being really creative.

4. I love to play sports. Especially BASKETBALL!! I haven't done anything like that for almost a year now, I need to get started again.

5. I'm so a cat person. Even though I have a dog. Because once the dog is gone, after that we'll just have cats. The dog is seriously like having another person in the family, and more work to take care of her, than it is to tell my kids to go to bed ( which is not an EASY task by any means).

6. My favorite color is blue, always has been and probably always will be. Although I do like a lot of colors.

7. I love to READ!! But lately haven't had any time to read anything, need to change that too. Time for a trip to the library.

8. I hate HOMEWORK!! I have three school kids and they all bring homework home everyday (just about -- sometimes they'll get lucky and not have anything) but my kids hate doing their homework, so then I have to "encourage" and "persuade" oh heck -- I'm NAGGING, and SCREAMING to get them to do it after asking kindly for the 100th time. Plus I feel it gives them no time to do the "chores around the house" that I want them to do, and they are always getting to bed late because of homework. AGHHH..... okay enough of the complaining (for now).

9. I don't really like driving!! I do it, because I have to, but if my husband is in the car I'd much rather prefer him to do the driving.

10. I have 7 siblings in my childhood family. I'm the oldest, and have the most kids on either side of my husband or my families.

11. My birthday is in April -- I've always liked the month, and wish it could be APRIL ALL THE TIME. Well almost all the time.

12. I grew up in California near DEATH VALLEY in a little town called TRONA. And don't care to ever live in California again, to live at least. So needless to say, I HATE the HEAT!!!

13. Some of my interests include : learning new skills, baking, blogging, staying in touch with friends (someday after my kids grow up I'll have a life again). ** Working out when I find some time. Playing the piano.

14. Things I'd like to learn more: digital scrapbooking, photography, sewing, and getting ORGANIZED, how to get kids to do chores without the whining. Learning to play the piano better -- I'm such a NOVICE.

15. I'm very forgetful. Mostly with where I put things at. My cell phone, address book, keys, the remote, someone's phone number. Thus it goes back to being ORGANIZED. How is it that I missed that lesson as a youngster??? Oh yeah, I probably never learned it as a youngster.

16. Betcha couldn't tell but I'm NOT perfect. But I do enjoy this blog, because it releases a lot of tension when I need it, and I can keep track of all my thoughts, and happenings so that when my kids ask questions later I can ask them.


If you want to do this then go for it!!! I don't know who really reads my blog so I don't know who to tag. If you don't have a blog then email me, with your response.