My Life

10 on Wednesday

1. Kade loves him some wheels.  When riding outside, he switches from skateboard, to bike, to roller skates to scooter.  Hey mom he says today, "I need a new board."  Hoping to get a way smaller board that is more his size for his upcoming birthday.

2. I cannot tell you how many times a day I tell this boy to take his wheels OUTSIDE!  He doesn't know what the big deal is.

3.  I whipped up some flag garland for the playroom/school room.  I still need to finish the other windows.  When I asked Steve what he thought.  He said, "We aren't selling used cars." Um yeah, whatever.  I like how they turned out.  I'm no pro, but my sister Candace is.  Check out her etsy shop HERE  

4.  I was supposed to be sewing humanitarian aid school bags.  I've got six of them.  I am feeling very depressed and overwhelmed about the quantity.  I'm not a seamstress.  Last time I did 2.  That about did me in.  Does anyone want to split the bag and do 3?  I feel even worse about calling her and giving up :(

5.  Look who learned how to tie his shoes.  It takes a really long time, but he is a determined, independent fella and hardly ever asks for help.  He was so proud he made it into the expert shoe tying club at kindergarten.

 

6. The weather has been so nice.  Our tree out front surprises us each spring with pretty flowers.

7. Preschool is winding down.  We are taking a field trip to Redrock tomorrow.  

Should be fun.  

This has been a great year with a good bunch of kids.

8. This little trike made it on one of our family bike rides minus dad (he was working).  I thought for sure we could convince Brandon to ditch the trike and ride in the trailer.  He was a trooper. The older kids were quite annoyed.  He was slowing everyone down.  So is the cycle.  Same thing happened when Kade was his age.  I guess it's time for a real bike with training wheels.  

9. PS Lauren was coughing up a lung in that picture.  

10. According to Brandon, "Lauren and Kyle know everything!" 

Brandon says, "Mom, we eat baby chicks when we have eggs."

Me, "Um, no we don't"

"Yes, Mom the yellow part is the chick."

Me: "You mean the yolk."

Him: "Yep."

"No sir it's not, who told you that?"

"It's not? Lauren."

Later I asked Lauren.  She really believed that.  I set her straight, letting her know the eggs have to be fertilized in order to grow a chick.

Kade came home that day to tell us that the yolk in the egg is food for the baby chick.

Who told you that?

"Mrs. Evans!"

"Oh." says Lauren.

  
  
 

10 on Monday

1. So I didn't really get to this last week.  I had a super busy one.  It was kind of a blur, and I'm still recovering :) So just pretend I posted this two days ago.

2. I was released from YW and am now in the Primary Presidency.  My counselors were also in YW and we had the big fundraising auction on Friday so we were involved with that, and I spent two days out of the week attending wppi, met up with Kristin, Jenny and Lesli.  It was a good time.  Taught preschool this week, squeezed in a presidency meeting and planned for a sharing time.  Plus tried to get my house back in order.  Still working on that one.

3. Kade celebrated Dr. Suess' birthday last week.  Their homework assignment was to make a diorama of their favorite Dr. Suess book.  One little problem....we don't own any Dr. Suess books.  Seriously, how can that be?  I am a children's book collector.  I have tons of titles.  I still need to remedy that.  Good thing Mrs. Evans read plenty of books during the week.  Kade thought it was silly that I knew parts of various books.  He decided on Green Eggs and Ham.  They even sampled a little in school.  It was a hit.  He has been asking to make green eggs for breakfast.

 

4. Kade is being large and in charge.  He's got the spray collar remote for Lily around his neck.  The boys feel safer having control of the remote when they are out alone with the dog.  She gets a little crazy, jumping and biting.  Funny thing is, she is too smart for the collar.  She only acts the way she should when the collar is on.

 

5. Brandon says "Dad we're best friends....best friends means you go together."

  

6. First day of track break.  We are adjusting to the time change.  Lauren is bummed she still has to go.  I keep 

reminding her that she gets out for good the beginning of 

June and the boys still have to go.  I'm sure the whining 

and complaining will start, but for now, they are happy with 

just relaxing in their PJs playing the wii.

7. Got my hair done this weekend.  Love that.

8. Going to start digging into replacing our tile countertops.  We still need to go pick out some granite, but I am so stinking excited.  I told myself I would never complain about this house....because we have all the room we need and I heart my kitchen space.  BUT I hate the tile countertops.  They are so disgusting!  So we are putting in a new farm sink that Steve has been holding on to and vegetable sink in the island.  It's gonna look awesome!

 

9. I have been loving this weather.  It was crazy cold/windy the beginning of the week, 

but by week's end, it was just lovely.  I've been waking up to the birds chirping outside my window.  

10.  Lauren is MIA from these shots. Note to self: get some pictures of Lauren. 
 

 
 

10 on Monday

 So you've seen the posts.....10 on Tuesday.  Well I would certainly like to record more often than I have been here on the blog.  So many things go unrecorded and documented.  I used to post so much more regularly, but life has just gotten in the way.  And since I clearly can't get it together, my goal for this month is to post once a week a 10 list.  It may not fall on the T days and  I'm OK with that.

1. 60 days in on the photo a day.  I also have challenged myself to do self portraits on that one.  They are hard.  I'm not vain, I just need to be more present in our recording of our year.  So to date, I currently have 9 self portraits for the year.  Not too shabby.

2. I am going to institute a monthly family shot as well.  Steve is going to triple heart that ;)

3. The dog is driving me insane.  She is no longer in the cute little come to me stage, she is now in the rebellious, don't want to listen, chase me around the yard, everything is a game stage.  Steve purchased a spray collar.  We'll have to see how that goes down.

4.  Because of our sweet Lily, my little boys have holes in almost every article of clothing from her sharp little teeth.  Maybe if Brandon would wear clothes, there wouldn't be holes in his underwear.

5.  I am going to wppi.  A photography convention.  I am super excited.  I still haven't made arrangements for kids.  I'm so on the ball.

6.  Kade uses "writ" for the past tense of write.  "Look what a writ."  "It's Dr. Suess' birthday tomorrow mom.  He writ Green Eggs and Ham."  Everytime I say "Oh, look what you WROTE."  Yep Mom.  So cute.

7. Started the diet my parents have been on.  I have been totally depleted.  

Been knocked out by 10 each night.

Sleeping so well, controlling my portions, my body has 

been working hard on eating my fat :)

I modified the diet today.  I feel so much better.  

Went to the gym.  That was nice too.  

8. Kyle had his Blue & Gold banquet.  He was so excited about 

making cupcakes.  I was borderline grouchy/hungry.  I wanted 

to lick the frosting......he wanted me to 

have one of his cupcakes.  He actually got teary 

eyed that I wouldn't eat one.  I told him to save it.  It's gone.  

Someone else ate it.

9.  Track break will be here in a couple of weeks.  Hoping we 

can go and do a few fun things....just me and 

the boys.

10. I need a new book.  As always, I'm up for suggestions. 

Bogged Down

I have been MIA.

Currently, we are on track break: friends are over and no Christmas shopping has been done, preschool is still in for one more week, I have been editing pictures like a crazy woman; seeing the end of that tunnel, I have lost my voice AGAIN that's three times being sick in two months, I am freezing cold today, had some dental work done and now my mouth feels worse...hoping I don't have to have a root canal, planning some fun surprises for the kids for christmas, christmas cards done,  working on 12 days of christmas surprises for a neighbor, trying to have a stress free holiday season.

Hopefully, there will be more regular posts from me.

No

extra sugar, soda, candy or dessert for one month.

Plus at least 4 times at the gym a week with 4 miles down at each trip.

I have such a sweet tooth.

Never could have imagined I could do this.  Let alone during the month of October.

Guess what?  I'm 8 days in and holding.

I am the boss of me....I can so do this :)

 

Do you know what's cool

1. This tutorial for drawstring bags

2. This fabric store for cute fabric to make the drawstring bags.

3. and pandora type in an artist or song, it will give you similar music.  Give it a listen.

I thought this was summer break

You wouldn't know that by looking at my planner.

the two little boys started swim lessons at LV swim academy.

Kade loves it.  Brandon well, not so much.

I've forgotten how totally exhausting it is to drive so far every. single. day.

It is quite enjoyable to be all alone watching them swim and not have to worry about a toddler getting into everything.  That is a nice plus this year.

The big kids are still in school and have multiple projects due at the end of the week.  

Not your easy breezy ones either.  Time consuming, I want to put it off till the last minute kind.

I hate "family projects"  Don't teachers know we have enough family projects that we create all on our own?

We've had piano lessons, t-ball, trips to the grocery and Costco, loads of laundry in between....always loads of laundry :) a quick trip to the new centennial hills library.  I love kids books and that library makes me happy.  Lots of titles and variety.  Definitely going to frequent that place.

We've been working on our backyard.  Steve has been a trooper getting the grass into place.  Such a long process, but it's going to look awesome.

I was looking forward to a day at home to get caught up on the disaster that we have been living in.  That day was Friday, until Kyle reminded me of his class field trip that I volunteered to chaperone for.  And the afternoon is shot as well.  Got VT  appointment scheduled.

Rats....maybe this weekend will be the perfect time to get my house in order.

Wish me luck.

I photographed these cute kids as a surprise for their mom.  We had a good time.  Such a thoughtful gift I think.  

Since the Last Time

• Our 50/60 something neighbor who wears not enough clothing in public had a interesting conversation with Steve.  She wears little terry cloth one piece short sets.  Conveniently her name is Terry which works great for Steve because he as problems remembering names :)  Anyways they are building a pool and our playset happens to be right next to their wall.  This week they planted a TON of trees.  Steve happened to be up in the playset measuring for a replacement canopy.  Terry was outside and he commented on the trees and how it would help in shading our yard as well.  She starts going on about how they needed some privacy and how our kids are always looking over their wall....blah, blah.  Then she softens the blow by saying yeah, it just startles us.  We don't want to scare them when we go skinny dipping. SERIOUSLY....people KILL me! I think she was for real.   
• I found Kade's glasses.  The ones that I had been looking for forever.  The ones that we had to replace.  Yep, they turned up in the swimming bag.  Nicely zipped in the little pocket that could hold your coins. I have not a clue why I didn't think to look there :) 
• Went to the butterfly park today.  At one time the kids were the only ones there.  Enjoying the whole park by themselves.  That is a rare occurrence.  Brandon was shy at first, then proceeded to drink the water.  I could not make him stop, so oh well, he'll live right? 
• I have been couponing and saving lotsa bucks.  I was most pleased with my stop in at Smith's midweek.  I couldn't pass up the dishwasher soap.  .40 something cents.  For the love.  This kinda stuff makes me so flippin happy.  So I spent $27.26 and saved $42.87.   
• Steve says don't be one of those crazy coupon ladies.  Too late, I am.  
• No really, he's good with it now that he sees the savings. 
• Been thinking that I am going to pull my hair out with the dirt.  Constant dirt incoming from the backyard.  It gets everywhere!  Hopefully the yard will be complete in the next couple of weeks.  Tonight Kade comes in with filthy, dirty hands.  He has been helping load more dirt into the backyard from a pile that was just placed in our front yard today...good times.  Anyways, I say go to the bathroom and wash your hands.  No, mom I got it.  He opens the fridge and begins to wash his hands with the water dispensor.  No lie.  Grrrrr! 
• Taking pictures, editing pictures.  Wondering why the heck I do this because I can't get the flippin skin tones right.  Remove myself from the computer and try again.  Such a hard process.  I'm still learning and this stuff takes serious practice.  So, I really should cut myself a break. 
• Two more preschool days.  Did you hear me? TWO.  That is a piece of cake :) 
• I kinda feel like I have been running a marathon.  A never ending marathon.  The end and relief is in sight.  It's gonna feel so good to not have that on my plate for awhile. 
• I baked bread today.  My house smells yummy and I think I could go for some toast and strawberry jam. 
• We welcomed Kyle back from his trip to Arizona to stay with Kason and Kyron.  He had a blast.  The stories just keep a coming. 
• We are preparing for Lauren's GATE trip to San Diego.    
• picking up clothes, washing clothes, sorting dirty/clean clothes that have a tendency to get mixed together daily by children rummaging through to find socks.  I hate folding socks.  I hate when my laundry mixes. Sigh.

   

I love this talk

Daughters of God by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

and think that is is worth rereading this weekend!

Response to a Comment & The Roll Recipe

I received this comment today from this post:

All of the above is true IF you believe in God. We live in a FREE country where we are able to choose...This is our given right! You moromons are so judgemental & hypocritical.

--from Claire in Springfield, IL

I tried to respond privately in an email.  It turns out the email she provided is no longer valid as it was returned to my mailbox.

Since this is a "FREE country" and this happens to be my blog, I will respond here.  Not sure if she'll be back, but I'll feel better about responding.

Dear Claire,

Yes we do live in a free country and I expressed my belief.  That is my right.  Just as it is yours to disagree.  I hesitated to even post my feelings, but sometimes standing up for what you believe is difficult. I felt strongly about the situation.  I find it interesting that when anyone is opposed to same sex marriages or any moral issue, then they are attacked personally.  You don't know me.  I am not judgmental or hypocritical.  I will not attack you personally because our views do not match up.  I live by a set of rules and can't just go with the flow when my moral rights and the rights of my children will ultimately be challenged.  I am a very tolerant, open minded individual.  I don't care what homosexuals do, that's their business and their choice.  I do have problems when the family is redefined to fit their lifestyle and then shoved down my throat and I'm supposed to accept it and be alright with it.  Last time I checked, I was entitled to choose how I felt about the issue.  Hoping we can agree to disagree.
Thank you for your comment
Heather

On a lighter note.....

the "easy" roll recipe

2 to 2 1/2 c. flour

3/4 c. lukewarm water

1 Tbs. yeast

2 Tbs. sugar

2 Tbs. oil

1 egg

1 tsp. salt

Put water in the bottom of a large bowl.  Sprinkle yeast on top.  Add sugar, oil, egg and salt to yeast with one cup of flour.  Mix until well blended.  Place bowl on rack over another bowl filled with hot water.  Cover with dish cloth; wait 15 minutes.

Gradually add remaining flour until dough is thick and somewhat sticky.  Knead until dough is soft about 6 minutes. (this is where the bosch comes in handy) Turn dough out onto floured surface.  Cut dough into 12 equal pieces and form rolls.  Place in greased pan and let rise for at least 25 minutes (may rise longer if desired) Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 10 minutes or until browned on top.

While you're at it go ahead and double the recipe.  These rolls are so good!