It's What I Do

My 2010-2011 10 things I want to do list

2010-10-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

1. Try something new, something scary for me to do.
2. See an NFL football game in person.
3. Run 15 minutes without stopping.
4. Read 25 books.
5. Make a difference in at least 1 persons life, besides family.
6. Get an article published in a church magazine.
7. Plant and harvest a garden.
8. Go to a broadway play.
9. Try Gumbo.
10. Travel somewhere I've never been.

Ones I've accomplished so far:
1- I have never played soccer before and am playing in an indoor soccer league. I still get butterflies before every game.
2- I have tickets for a game in November! So almost done...
8-I went and saw Beauty and the Beast a few months ago.

I need to get cracking because I'm almost 1/2 way through my goal period and still have 7 more things to accomplish!

Korean Candy Chicken

2010-10-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

This was really yummy. A little bit of work, but the family loved it. Actually my kids liked it, but I had some Orange Chicken sauce from Panda Express leftover and coated half of the chicken in that- they loved that more, but they still liked this too.

2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 eggs
2 cups flour

sweet sauce:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
toasted sesame seeds

cooked rice (I used quinoa instead)
Green onions (optional)

In a pan, pour about two inches of oil and heat on medium heat til hot. Beat eggs and put chicken pieces in the eggs, to coat. Then coat the chicken in the flour (which is in another container).

Place coated chicken pieces in oil and fry for a few minutes on each side until done. Place cooked chicken on a plate with paper towel to rest.

Mix the ingredients for the sauce. The sauce will be kind of thick, but not grainy. Then place the chicken pieces into the sauce and coat.

Serve over rice (or quinoa) and place sliced green onions on top.

Yummy Pretzel Turtles

2010-09-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Besides filling that void in my sweet-deprived belly, these were just plain EASY!

Ingredients: Pretzels, Rolos, and Halved Pecans.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Place pretzels on wax paper on a cookie sheet. Place a rolo on each pretzel.
When oven is preheated, place cookie sheet in oven for 4 minutes. When done, place a pecan half on each rolo.

YUM! And oh-so-easy! Enjoy!

Menu Update

2010-09-16T10:27:00.001-07:00

The Buffalo Chicken Salad was a success! And what's even better is that my kids LOVED it! They aren't usually too fond of anything green, but they devoured this salad. Yay! In fact, they devoured it SOO fast that I didn't even get a chance to take a picture of it! But take my word for it, it was good. We even tried the less-guilty version, so I can't imagine what the real thing would taste like.

Also, I made the mistake of going to a Mexican grocery store this morning and the aromas that enveloped me (sigh) made me crave some good ol' Mexican food. YUM! So, I'm switching up todays menu. I bought some Carne Adovada meat (that has been marinating) and I'm going to make us some yumminess. Now I've never done it before, but I'm thinking just sticking the meat in the crock pot and then eating it on the fresh tortillas that I bought, smothered with some pico de gallo, avacado, and cheese and lettuce will be just the thing.

Menu Mania

2010-09-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a LONG time since I've posted my meal plan. I've actually gotten really bored with my meals, so maybe that's why I lost the motivation to post them... and to cook them.... I haven't done very good lately.
Well, I finally found the time to try to redo some of my menus so I'm slowly building up the motivation.

Here's what's cooking for this week:

Wednesday: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Thursday: Cafe Rio Pork Salad
Friday: Breakfast for Dinner
Saturday: Alfredo with breadsticks and salad
Sunday: Ham, Potatoes, rolls, green beans
Monday: Stroganoff and salad
Tuesday: Leftovers

The Buffalo Chicken Salad is a new recipe, so I'll let you know how it goes.

How We Do Chores and Allowance Part 1

2010-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

I'm super excited about our new chore and allowance program we started a couple weeks ago in our family. I'm a huge believer in having the kids do chores. It teaches them some responsibility and it teaches them that I'm not their slave!
But in the past we've had some issues with getting an actual organized program in place. Oh and being consistent! Yikes! So a few weeks ago, the hubby and I sat down and talked about this with a goal of not leaving until we had figured something out.

So our problems: 1.Having a consistent chore program that would work for us.
2.Wanting to give the kids an allowance, but not having that be
a condition of chores. I want them to do chores because they
are part of our family, not because they get paid for it.

So this is what we came up with for the chores part (I'll share our allowance plan in another post):

The 2 older kids and mom do chores every Wednesday. I hate having the kids do chores on Saturdays because as a kid, I hated having to work on my day off from school. Plus, that is sometimes our only family day and I don't want half of the day devoted to working. So Wednesday it is. After everyone is home from school, we have a snack and then immediately start our cleaning time. We turn the music on and get to work.

Each of us gets a jar and in each jar are a few popsicle sticks with our jobs on them. (Mom assigns them before they get home from school). On one end of the popsicle stick is the job and on the other end is a smiley face.
So, we get to work. All of the sides with the job on them are up-smiley faces are down. After we do the job, and after inspection, we get to turn the stick around so the smiley face is showing.

The only rules we have for the chores are : Do it quickly. Do it right. And do it happily.

Some kids do it happily.

Others are still working on that.

And even the 2 year old tries to get in on the fun.

And if they decide to break a rule or refuse to do the chore, they get punished. Not by taking any allowance away, but by making them sit on their bed (no laying down) and staring at the wall. They can come off their bed when they decide to follow the rules or decide to do the chore.

So far it's been totally successful. Sure, there have been some grumblings, but overall it's been great! I love having one day set aside to clean. Oh, and most of all- I LOVE having a clean house!

Scrap

2010-08-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

Just some more pages I made. All of my stuff to create these pages comes from The Lilypad.

Jerk Chicken Salad

2010-05-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Even if you're not a salad person, you'll like this. It's so yummy! The kids weren't super fans when they saw that there was green in it, (they hate all things green) but they loved everything else. This is a Pampered Chef recipe and it's delish!

Ingredients:
1 TBS olive oil
1 TBS Jamaican Jerk Rub (can order Pampered Chef's or can find in grocery store spice section)
1 pound chicken tenders
1 medium pineapple (fresh is SO yummy, but I'm sure you can use canned too)
1 red bell pepper
3 green onions
2 heads romaine lettuce
1 can (15oz) black beans, drained
6 slices bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled

Dressing:
2 limes
1/3 cup reduced fat mayo
2 TBS pineapple preserves (I couldn't find this, but I did find apricot and pinapple preserves and it worked)

Directions: Whisk together oil and jerk rub. Add chicken tenders, mix well to coat and set aside.
Peel and cut pinapple into slices. Heat a pan to medium heat and add chicken; cook 3-5 minutes on each side, until done. Remove chicken and add pineapple to pan. Cook 1 minute on each side. Remove from pan. Set chicken and pineapple aside.

Slice bell pepper and green onions. Arrange lettuce on large serving plate.

For dressing, zest one lime and juice both limes, put into bowl. Add lime zest, mayonnaise and pineapple preserves to bowl, mix well.

Layer chopped lettuce, beans, bell pepper, chicken, pineapple, bacon and green onions over plate. Drizzle dressing over salad.

Enjoy!

I Want To Go Back

2010-04-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

Lava Flows

2010-04-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

Since we've returned from Maui, we've been craving these drinks - the Lava Flow. Yum!
Well, for our date night, I tried to recreate it and it was pretty similar.
Here's the recipe:

3 oz of pina colada syrup
1 cup of ice
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 cups strawberry puree

Blend all ingredients except the strawberry purree. Pour into glasses and garnish with strawberry purree.

(I made my own strawberry puree by blending 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries, a little bit of water and about 1/3-1/2 cup of sugar)

I think next time I'll add a little bit of sprite to the mix so that it gets a little kick since we don't add rum to ours.

And I totally forgot the whipped cream to put on top, so next time I'll add that too.

Digital Scrapbooking Pages

2010-04-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

Easter Wreath

2010-04-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

I made this Easter wreath a few days before Easter. It was really easy and under $5.oo. Bonus!

I bought a wreath like this for half-off.

I glued ribbon around it so that all of the little hay pieces didn't stick out all over.

Then I started to glue plastic eggs around it using hot glue. You just kind of squish them in there. I used about 5 dozen plastic eggs for my wreath.

I made a ribbon, glued it to the front and then I used a piece of the same ribbon to hang it. I actually duct taped the ribbon to the top of my door to hang it. I was worried it might not hold, but it's been almost a week and so far it's still hanging.

Ta da.

Easy AND inexpensive. My kind of project.

Aloha!

2010-03-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

I was able to take a long-needed break from life. But we are back and in full-swing. I will post some things later.

I Also Serve

2010-03-10T11:14:00.001-08:00

I'm sure I'm not alone in this feeling that I'm just not doing enough. There are SOOO many good things that I should be doing. One is to serve better. I feel like I just don't serve enough. I may not look for opportunities to serve enough, or I may just be too tired to serve enough, or I may just be too busy to serve enough. Whatever the reason, I get feeling very guilty about this.
I'm a mother of 3 young children who keep me so busy that I just feel like it's all I can do to keep them happy and in cleanish clothes and food on the table for their ever-growing bellies. AAGH!

But this week I was looking through our copy of the Ensign (a monthly magazine put out by my church) and there were some art pieces that were published in the magazine. Now, I usually don't spend a lot of time looking at these when they are published. But for some reason I felt like I should pay a little more attention this time. And this is what caught my eye and my spirit:

She Also Serves by Julie Lochridge

The picture is beautiful, but the name of the picture is what really touched me. It's called She Also Serves. I read this and I immediately felt peace and comfort in knowing that it is true. There is nothing more I should be doing than just serving my family.

I Also Serve

Menu Monday

2010-03-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

Last week ended up being a weird week and so I didn't follow my meal plan like I usually do. But when that happens, then the meals usually carry over to the following week- like this week.

And now... the menu:

Monday: Breakfast: Eggs Lunch: Quesadillas
Dinner- Baked Potatoes with broccoli and cheese on top

Tuesday: Breakfast: Cereal Lunch: Leftovers Snack: Veggies and Dip
Dinner: BBQ Chicken Pizza and Banana Cream Trifle

Wednesday: Breakfast-Bagels with cream cheese Lunch: Sandwiches to go to the park
Snack: Apples with Peanut Butter Dip Dinner: Italian Chicken Pasta Toss

Thursday: Breakfast- Cereal Lunch: Leftovers Snack: Hardboiled eggs
Dinner: 7 layer bean dip and chips

Friday: Breakfast- Oatmeal Lunch: Leftovers Snack: veggies and dip
Dinner: Operaman's birthday party and we are ordering pizza

Saturday: Breakfast- Pancakes Lunch: leftovers Snack: pudding
Dinner: Dumplings (This is totally a new recipe, we'll see how it goes)

Sunday: Breakfast- Toast and applesauce Lunch: sandwiches
Dinner: We're having a ward party and I think the theme is favorite cereals, we'll
probably have various kinds of cereal.

Toothy Grin

2010-02-27T08:05:00.000-08:00

Menu Monday

2010-02-22T08:00:00.001-08:00

I need to figure out a better way to post these. But in the meantime- here you go. I am S-L-O-W-L-Y trying to figure out how to get more veggies into our days. My kids are SO picky so I have to try to sneak it in if I can. Any ideas?

Monday: B- Waffles L-PB/banana sandwiches Snack- veggies and dip
D- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, chips, fruit salad

Tuesday: B-Oatmeal and fruit L-leftovers S-Pear ice D- Chicken fajitas

Wednesday: B- egg muffins and fruit L- leftovers Snack- yogurt and granola
D-Porkchops and Parmesan peas and rice

Thursday: B-Cereal L- leftovers Snack- apples with peanutbutter
D-Baked potatoes covered with cheese and broccoli

Friday: B-French Toast L- Mac and cheese Snack- popcorn
D- Mandarin Chicken with Rice and Fruit Salad

Saturday: B-Cereal L- Hotdog octopuses/pasta Snack-Veggies and dip
D-Italian Chicken Pasta Toss and Fruit Salad

Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup

2010-02-15T11:16:00.000-08:00

I've made this a few times over the years, and I think it tastes just like the soup at that one Italian Restaurant... :)

Here's the recipe. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

1/2 pound of Italian Sausage (I like the HOT kind, but the family likes Medium)

3/4 cups diced onions

6 slices of bacon (I use the pre-cooked bacon and it tastes the same)

1 1/4 teaspoons minced garlic

2 cups of chicken broth

1 quart water (4 cups)

4-5 russett potatoes, cut in half and then into 1/4 inch slices

2 cups Kale (I use fresh spinach)

1/3 cups Heavy whipping cream (I use milk if it's all I have on hand)

-Cook the sausage and crumble it. Place onions and bacon in large saucepan and cook over medium heat until onions are almost clear. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Add chicken broth, water, and potatoes. Simmer 15 minutes. Add sausage, kale, and cream. Simmer another 4 minutes and serve.

-Top with parmesan cheese.

Ready

2010-02-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

I'm ready for a change.

The kind of change that would take us to a new kind of life.

It's not like our life is terrible or anything. It's very blessed. But I still want a change.

I want:

to live in a place where neighbors are nosy and care about what you are doing.
to live in a home where kids can play in the front yard.
to live in a city where litter and graffiti aren't just a way of life.

I want:

to see my husband more than just a couple minutes before we go to bed.
my kids to be able to go to school without fear of the school going on lockdown.
my kids to have their own space in our home.

I want:

to be able to drive without getting flipped off for going the speed limit.
my kids to really know their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
to just know what time I should plan dinner and have my husband actually be able to attend.

I want:

my kids to be able to celebrate holidays in school.
to be able to do my visiting teaching without having to travel over 50 miles.
to feel safe.

But really, it's not about what I want. It's about what Heavenly Father wants. And right now, it seems that He wants us to be here, with this job. So, my challenge is putting my wants aside, having faith, and living my life like I should. Maybe if I do that, then someday, when the time is right, I will be blessed with the life that I want.

Menu Tuesday (Yes, I'm a day late)

2010-02-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

So, I've always planned our dinners, but I've been planning out ALL meals and snacks lately. It's going pretty good. So here's my plan for the week:

Tuesday- Breakfast -Oatmeal
Lunch-leftovers
Dinner- Tacos, beans, and rice with salad

Wednesday-B- Waffles
L-leftovers
Snack- Yogurt and Granola
D- Zuppa Toscana Soup and rolls and salad

Thursday-B- Cereal
L-Ham Sandwiches, carrots/dip
S-Edamame (if the kids will eat it, apples if they won't)
D-Easy Skillet Lasagna, rolls, and salad

Friday- B-Toast and Fruit Smoothies
L-leftovers
S-Popcorn
D-BBQ Chicken Pizza and salad

Saturday- B-Heart Shaped Cinnamon Rolls (yeah, we'll see if they really look like hearts)
L-leftovers
S-string cheese and heart shaped sugar cookies
D- Husband and I have a hot date planned, so the kids will probably get mac and cheese. :)

Sunday- B- Cereal
L-leftovers
D- Hamburgers, chips, and fruit salad
S- Probably leftover sugar cookies

Snow Day

2010-01-30T07:20:00.000-08:00

I keep trying to do some digital scrapbooking when I can. I'd like to catch up on the last couple years (yes, years) and get them published in a book. I'll keep working on it.
This one is one I did yesterday of our snow excursion we took last week. FUN!

Some More...

2010-01-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

It's a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood

2010-01-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

It's not even 9:30 AM and I've:

Worked out, gotten breakfast for the family, cleaned 2 bathrooms, done a load of laundry, made 2 beds, given CCB a bath, taken CCB off of the table 4 times, taken him off of standing on the toilet 2 times, found our shampoo and conditioner on the floor of the kid's room, pulled toys out of the toilet- twice, cleaned up a spilled bottle of perfume, broken up one fight, cleaned up some puke off of a doll house, changed two diapers, wiped a runny nose atleast 10 times, and refolded laundry twice because it was pulled off of the bed and unfolded by CCB. I think that's about it. It's just starting to dawn on me why I am always tired.

Unthinkable

2010-01-12T12:37:00.001-08:00

Today I ventured out to the grocery store and bought some tids and bits. I purchased one thing that I have never bought before (and probably won't again) - I got me some coffee filters. Now those who know me, know that I don't drink coffee (besides the fact that it's a religious thing, I think it's nasty and makes your teeth turn yellow). So why did I purchase them? Well, for my 72 hour kit of course. Why do I need coffee filters in my 72 hour kit? All right, I'll tell you. To help filter dirty water in case of an emergency. Yes, you'd still use a water purifier (which I don't have yet), but this would help clean out all of the muddy, nastiness first. And considering that we live right by a muddy, nasty river named the Rio Grande, I'm thinking that these could come in handy if such an emergency occurs.

Also on this grocery store venture, I got overcharged like 10 bucks! So, I will be making another venture there later today to have them rectify that situation. I totally hate that! By-the-way Albertsons has a policy that if something scans in for the wrong price, you get it for free...

I'll be testing that policy out today. I wonder if they'll do it for all four items that they charged me wrong on.. I KNOW! FOUR things!

Now before you judge me and think that I should have noticed this at checkout, let me just say that you don't know my one year old son. Enough said.

Kids Are Funny.

2010-01-08T14:18:00.001-08:00

In our church, the first Sunday of the year is when all of the children change classes and teachers. Well this past Sunday was the day and Chuckles (3 1/2) got to go into Primary (the organization for the children) for the first time. She was a little nervous, but really excited too. She came up to me that morning and started yelling, "I'm getting older! I'm a submarine, I'm a submarine!" I had to think for a minute to realize that she meant to say that she's a Sunbeam. (The name of the class she goes into) I laughed so hard I snorted.

Menu Monday

2010-01-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

Monday: Breakfast Pizza and Oranges
Tuesday: Chicken Chow Mein
Wednesday: Stroganoff and salad
Thursday: Leftover night
Friday: Alfredo with breadsticks and salad
Saturday: Bean Burritos
Sunday: Um, I'm not sure yet. We're having the missionaries over so I'm still deciding...

I already plan breakfasts for the week, but one of my goals is to plan my lunches and snacks. I think I will do that soon and then maybe I will post those as well.

New Years Resolutions

2009-12-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

I'm one that almost always makes New Years Resolutions... and for the most part I've kept them. The last few years however, I've not really made any. This year is going to be different.

Here are my goals:

1. Get my 72 hour kits done- and not just some peanut butter and saltines like I have now. I'm going to gradually get nutrient dense food, diapers, clothes, etc. Wish me luck!

2. Doing family scripture study more regularly- so every morning as we eat breakfast. We have been doing fairly well with this, but we need to do better.

3. And of course, what New Years Resolution would be complete without a health goal. Mine is to keep exercising 3 times a week, but to push it so that it's not as comfortable. And the big one is that I'm going to only eat two servings of treats a week. This may seem like an easy one, but trust me, lately I have been having like two servings a day! Yikes!

So, these are my goals, what about you?

Motherhood: Definitely Not For Wimps

2009-12-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

Ahh, motherhood...I'm exhausted! And not just because I slept bad last night, but because my kids are wearing me out! Operaman is sick. He had a temperature of 104.4 this morning. He feels like crap and, poor kid, looks like he feels like crap. Then CCB has learned how to climb and tease and torture me; he likes it too mind you, all of it, especially the torturing me.

He thinks he's the funniest kid when he pulls my nicely folded clothes piles off my bed and runs for the hills, clothes in hand, laughing all the way. Then he thinks he's hilarious when he climbs up onto the table and jumps up and down(yeah, we'll see how funny he thinks it is when he falls off of the table and breaks an arm). I counted 5 times that he did this before 9 am! He also is in stitches when he stops the dishwasher ten times in an hour...if my dishes ever get clean it will be a miracle. Oh, and have I mentioned that he's down to one nap now? (I know, it was bound to happen, but the way this kid moves, he should need like 6 naps a day!) And folks, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

So, right now, the kids are all in bed and I am soaking in the peace and quiet while I can, because who knows when one of them is going to wake up and need something...

Ah, motherhood.

Perfect Day

2009-12-13T17:59:00.000-08:00

Thankfulness

2009-12-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

Just because Thanksgiving is over, doesn't mean we shouldn't think about all that we are grateful for.
So, here is a post devoted to some things that I am thankful for.

I'm thankful for computers. I'm thankful for money. I'm thankful for cars that work. I'm thankful for talented people. I'm thankful for slacker. I am thankful for Christmas music. I am thankful for heaters. I am thankful for peanuts. I'm thankful for Richfield. I'm thankful for family. I'm thankful for bleach. I'm thankful for good books. I'm thankful for cilantro. I'm thankful for wipes. I'm thankful for sales. I'm thankful for President Monson. I'm thankful for people who don't judge. I'm thankful for triangle edges on blankets. I am thankful for church. I am thankful when kids get a long. I'm thankful for Josh Grobin. I'm thankful for Michael Buble. I'm thankful for Disneyland. I'm thankful for 7 0'clock bedtimes. I'm thankful for health. I'm thankful for stay at home moms. I'm thankful for good leaders. I'm thankful for my mom. I'm thankful for dishwashers. I'm thankful for sleep. I'm thankful for my sisters. I'm thankful for being a classless Ute. I'm thankful for vacations. I'm thankful for Brandon Mull. I'm thankful for Trader Joes. I'm thankful for quirks. I'm thankful for ear plugs.

In no particular order.

Menu Monday

2009-11-30T10:26:00.001-08:00

Monday: Hamburgers, Rosemary red potatoes, and fruit
Tuesday: Breakfast for Dinner
Wednesday: Tator Tot Hotdog Casserole and salad
Thursday: Potato Chowder with bread bowls
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Italian Chicken Pasta Toss
Sunday: Easy Taquitos and salad

Sah-weet Chex!

2009-11-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

The first time I was given this delicious treat was my very first married Christmas and my mother-in-law had made it. Well I snatched the recipe and have made it every holiday season since. It is a staple in our home during the holidays and it's usually gobbled right up in no time!
It is seriously SOOO easy and gets rave reviews!

Sweet Chex

1 large box of Corn Chex (14oz)

Cashews

*Mix together in large bowl

Mix the following in a small pot:

1 cup Karo syrup

1 cup sugar

16 TBSP butter (1 1/2 cubes)

1 tsp vanilla

*Mix and boil for two minutes.

Pour mixture over the chex and cashew mix and stir. Cool on a cookie sheet or stir until cool.

Disney Fun

2009-11-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

We just got back from a family vacation to the happiest place on earth. And it was fantastic. Here's a quick page. More to come.

Luke, I Am Your Father.

2009-11-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

The Bumblebee

2009-11-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

A Witches Wardrobe

2009-11-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

Tortilla Stack Goodness

2009-10-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Tortilla Stack

1 can refried beans (16 oz)
1/4 cup sour cream
½ pkg. Taco mix
2 cups cooked chicken - chopped
1/4 cup green onions - finely chopped
1 can olives - chopped
2 Tbsp. Cilantro - finely chopped
1 can black beans - drained & rinsed
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10 flour tortillas
vegetable oil
tomatoes - diced

-In a small bowl stir together refried beans,
sour cream and taco seasoning.
-In a larger bowl, mix together the chicken,
green onions, olives, cilantro & black beans.
-Spread 8 tortillas with the refried bean mix.
-Sprinkle the chicken mixture over the bean
layer. Then sprinkle with the grated mozzarella.
-Stack 4 tortillas on top of each other. Top
with remaining tortilla. Coat lightly with oil.
-Bake until top tortilla is golden brown - 25-30
minutes at 375*
-Garnish with tomatoes & salsa.

(I usually add more filling and less tortillas so I only have like 2 layers, topped with a tortilla. So make to your own liking.)

No Halloween is complete...

2009-10-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

This is a Halloween staple in my book... goes right along with the dressing up and begging for candy thing.

(A Garfield Halloween Adventure)

Love This Girl!

2009-10-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

Letters Written After Helping Chaperone The Stake Halloween Dance

2009-10-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Chubbyesk boy wearing the Mario Costume,
Brilliant! Way to make the most of what yo’ mama gave you. You look just like Mario. Now… if we could only find you a little Luigi-girl to make it complete.
Love,
Me

Dear Hall Rats,
Instead of lurking in the hallways texting the entire time, why don’t you go in and do the Cha Cha Slide?
Love,
Me

Dear Tall Girl With The Perfect Figure, Perfect Hair, Perfect Clothes, Perfect Everything,
It would be so great if you went and asked a short little shy guy to dance and were sincerely nice to him. And when you do, if you could have someone come and tell me so I can watch. I’ve never seen a grown boy pee himself.
Love,
Me

Dear Boy Wearing the Shiny Cape And Jumping and Running All Around Being As Loud As A Boy Could Be,
Mission accomplished. We all see you.
Love,
Me

Dear Spazzy Girl,
Instead of striking poses in the corner by yourself and instead of dancing every slow song by yourself, why don’t you take a trip to the bathroom for a while? Or better yet, why don’t you just go ask someone to dance? How about the Boy Wearing The Shiny Cape? I have a feeling you two would hit it off.
Love,
Me

Dear Cute Boy With The Straight Brown Hair,
Even though you didn’t ask a single girl to dance last night and decided it would be cooler to hang out with your group of guy friends (bonus points that one of those friends is Mario) than to actually talk to girls, you’re still really cute. It would probably freak you out to know that a thirty-ish mom of three kids secretly dubbed you the guy I would have kind of stalked 15 years ago.
Love,
Me

Dear Girl Who Reminded Me of Myself 15 Years Ago,
Stop hanging out in the hallways. You're just stalling because you know you're going to head back into that gym and eventually a slow song will come on. You may get asked, you may not. If you don't get asked after 3.5 seconds, instead of going to the drinking fountain and standing in line to get a drink, swallow your pride and go over to that cute boy with the straight hair and ask him to dance.
Love,
Me

P.S. Don't be intimidated by The Tall Girl With The Perfect Figure, Perfect Hair, Perfect Clothes, Perfect Everything. You may not know it now, but you'll come to figure out later on that you're just as good as she is.

My Girl

2009-10-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Finally Did Some Scrappin!

2009-10-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Pillows

2009-10-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

I think Fall is my most favorite season. I love the cooler weather, football games, leaves changing colors, the start of school, and I especially love Fall decor. I sewed these pumpkins up on Thursday morning. I got the directions here. The orange pumpkin was my third attempt... the other two (especially the red one), my hubby says, look like turkey legs. HA! Well, they work for now. Happy Fall-idays everyone!

Four Tids and Bits

2009-09-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

1. So... I am not a runner. I know, big surprise. But this morning I ran for 10 minutes straight. This is a huge accomplishment for my post-3-baby-self... bring on the marathon!

2. I don't like having to say (or type) "Just kidding." I feel like people should just automatically know when I'm kidding or when I'm not, which I know is unfair but come on, it doesn't take too long to figure out that I usually am. (For further enlightenment, see the marathon comment above.)

3. My house is messy and so far I haven't talked myself into getting it clean today. I have company coming this weekend but it's like my vacuum is covered with a layer of acid and I'll burn my palms off if I touch it.

4. I act like a 10 year old when I'm tired.

Menu Monday

2009-09-28T06:54:00.001-07:00

Inquiring minds want to know... so I'm posting this.

Monday- Hotdogs, potato logs, fruit
Tuesday- Roll-ups (Like Crepes)
Wednesday- Turkey Roll-ups, mashed potatoes/gravy, corn
Thursday- We are going to the Ranch Market for dinner because my sister will be in town and she's requested it. Yum!
Friday- Chicken Pot Pie
Saturday-BBQ Pork Sandwiches, chips, Strawberry jello Salad
Sunday- Fajitas, beans and rice

And there you go.

True Friends

2009-09-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

There is an assumption by many, that when you get a group of women together that all it is, is a big gossip fest. Or cat fight. Well, last night I had the opportunity to get together with a group of women who SO DO NOT fit this stereotype! Thank goodness!

Every 3 months a group of us (about 6-8 of us who can make it) get together for dinner and catching up. I am so blessed to have friends who are uplifting and genuine. We laugh, giggle, cry, share each other's joys and disappointments. It is how it is "suppose" to be. What a great group of girls!

We come from different backgrounds, different races, different family situations, different ages, different lives. But one thing that we have in common is that we all know that we are daughters of God. This common knowledge makes our friendships more strong, more enduring; it makes it so much more than friendship, it is sisterhood. We are kindred spirits. We love each other and want to help each other be better. They are a great example to me and they make me want to be a better friend to everyone. They are wise and wonderful. I honestly can't say enough good things about them. I am so grateful for good friends!

"All of us will be tested. And all of us need true friends to love us, to listen to us, to show us the way, and to testify of truth to us."- President Henry B. Eyring

Happy Fall-idays!

2009-09-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, if you know me, you know that I'm not a super creative person. Try as I might, it just isn't in my DNA. So, I've been trying to decorate for fall and this is what I came up with. Yes, I made that plate thing. I paid 3 bucks for the plate at Wal-mart and just bought some scrapbooking stickers to put the saying on. Nothing fancy, schmancy, but hey, for me- it's awesome! :) And it added the nice touch of fall that I've been wanting for my shelf.

Menu Time

2009-09-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

So, I have gotten out of the habit of posting what my weekly menu is because it seems kind of boring. But some people are interested...

So here goes.

Tuesday: Satay Chicken Pasta Salad, fruit
Wednesday: Biscuits and gravy, green beans
Thursday: Easy Taquitos, veggies/dip
Friday: Sandwiches, chips, salad
Saturday: Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday: Tamales, beans, salad

A Little Creepiness for Today

2009-09-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

So there's this blog that I stalk. Like seriously stalk. I don't know the chick. I don't even know someone who knows her. Or anyone who knows someone who knows her. I am so far removed from this girl, that I should not be reading her blog, but I totally do. I do more than read, though. I pour over it. I salivate even.
Confession: I want to be her. No. I won't tell you which blog it is. Because I plan on stealing her life one day and it's going to be mine. All mine.

Then Why Don't You Marry It?

2009-09-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Something about fall makes me feel all crafty... yes I know it's still in the 90's and not technically fall, but throw me a bone...
So, I whipped up some headbands and some keychains last night.

I think they turned out mighty cute if I do say so myself. Follow the links if you want to make some for yourself and I suggest you do.

All I need

2009-08-31T12:35:00.001-07:00

Just call me Miss Crafty Pants

2009-08-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

This is what Operaman and I made yesterday. I have been watching a little Martha Stewart here and there... well, who knew, but Operaman LOVES it. He's totally into self-help shows and cooking shows. Too funny. Anyway, Martha was making these shirts and Operaman was in love with them. So, he talked me into trying them.

He wore it this morning to our local Growers Market and was so proud! It's such an eye-catching shirt. HA HA Hiiiiiilarious!

Be You

2009-08-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Cook a Frozen Turkey

2009-08-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Ever want to cook a turkey, but haven't thawed it out for the like 2 days it takes?

Never fear- did you know you can cook a frozen turkey? Yep and I'll tell you how.

Wash off your turkey. Spray your roaster pan with a non-stick spray. Make sure you position the turkey so that you can see the pop-up timer, but you want the turkey breast-side down. This makes it nice and juicy. You can season it however you want (Lowry Salt works great). Cover it with foil.

Now, you will want to cook it on 325* for about 30 minutes a pound. It usually takes a little less time than this, so you will want to check it after about 5 hours.

Of course the giblets will be cooked too, but I never use those for gravy or anything anyway. So when the turkey is finished, you can take those out. Carve as normal.

Enjoy!

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers

2009-08-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, my picture taking skills are lacking, but these chicken kabobs are yummilicious. We made them for the missionaries and they devoured them and kept saying how good they were. They are a little bit of work, but SO worth it!

1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground thyme
1 /2 tsp ground red pepper
1 1 /2 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into chunks
3 red or green bell peppers, cut into pieces
1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
12 wooden skewers, soaked in water

- Mix spices, oil, and dressing mix together and put into large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken; seal bag. Coat chicken evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate. (I marinate mine all day)
-Thread chicken onto skewers with bell peppers and pineapple.
-Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Turn frequently.

Happy When...

2009-08-06T09:12:00.001-07:00

I totally scraplifted this from my friend Jacque. Hers is a lot cuter, but I tried.

Sometimes I do the right thing.

2009-08-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday was my first day back to Relief Society in quite a few years. I was recently released from my calling which took me to the realm of crazy, but fantastic young ones. Anywho, I entered the room and had all intentions of sitting by a couple of my friends, but looked across the room and just decided to go sit by this older woman (older as in probably 60ish). It was kind of awkward for me and out of my comfort zone. But here's the deal: There is talk in our ward (church congregation) that it is not a very friendly ward. Well, I've decided that since I have also thought this about our ward, instead of complaining about it, I would do something about it. Though it isn't much, my first step was to sit by someone I normally wouldn't sit with. It was all fine and good. Nothing too exciting. After church, one of my friends even asked me why I didn't sit with them. I didn't have a really great answer. Oh well.

Fast Forward to Monday. I get home from doing something and there is a message on my answering machine. It's the 60ish year old lady. She says how much it meant to her that I sat by her in Relief Society and that she enjoyed playing with my one year old boy.

Yep, it's nice to know that sometimes I do the right thing.

Breakfast Pizza

2009-07-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

This is a terrible picture of a really yummy dinner we just had. Everyone gobbled it right up. So, I'm sharing the recipe. Here you go!

1 pizza crust (you can also use a can of refrigerated crescent rolls)
1 pound sausage
1 cup frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

*Put uncooked pizza crust on pizza pan. Cook sausage while crust rises. Drain the sausage and cool slightly.
*Sprinkle sausage, hashbrowns, and cheddar over crust. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk and pepper; pour over pizza. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
*Bake at 375 degrees for 28-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

I heart summer!

2009-07-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Southwest Pasta Salad

2009-07-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

I made this for a potluck church activity last night and I loved it. It's light and full of flavor. It's also a good vegetarian option for a main dish or as a side.

Ingredients:
8 oz rotini pasta
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1-2 Tablespoons chili powder to taste (I used 1 TBSP)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 1/2 cups whole kernel corn
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup chopped roma tomatoes

Directions:
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain.
-Combine oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic. Stir in pasta and set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
-Stir in rest of the ingredients. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Recent Ponderings on Things of Angst

2009-07-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Lately I'm having a hard time with:

-Picking my battles and trying not to be such a control freak. Usually this is with the kids at home, but lately I find myself doing this with my current church calling. I am almost always alone nowadays. I have to keep reminding myself that people have different levels of dedication to church things and that that's okay. Pick my battles, pick my battles... some things are just not worth my time and energy, but where do I draw the line?

-Hubby's schedule: long hours, tired bones, missed dinners, not a lot of time with him. Sick to death of it. I miss him.

--Keeping my house clean: I can't seem to keep up with my kids' wake of utter destruction. I feel like all I do is bark at them to clean up their messes. And clean. And bark. And clean some more...without anything actually getting clean.

-My children growing older. I don't have much time left to teach them the things that they need to learn, and I just don't know how to do it.

-Trying to be grateful for having the many things I need (and more) and trying not to need the many things I want.

One of the things I've been up to

2009-06-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

These are just some of the hairclips that I have made. My sweet S-I-L has a salon in her home and has offered to sell these for me. We'll see what happens, but I am super proud of how they turned out. I will also be selling some on my etsy store.

$4.00 for the bugs & felt clips and $3.00 for the bows.

More...

2009-06-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

2009-06-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

How about s'more?

2009-06-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yum. This is a fun and easy treat, perfect for a summer day!

Who needs a camp fire to make smores when you have this recipe- it's one of our favs.

S'mores

8 cups honey graham cereal

5 cups miniature marshmallows

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1/4 cups light corn syrup

5 TBSP butter/margarine

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup miniature marshmallows

*In a glass bowl, melt 5 cups marshmallows, chocolate chips, corn syrup, and butter for 2 minutes- stirring every minute until smooth. Stir in vanilla and toss in cereal. Add extra marshmallows if desired. Spread into 9x13 inch pan, buttered. Serve squares when set.

Hint: This is very sticky and you want to mix in the cereal as soon as the mix is out of the microwave for best results.

Make your own {healthy} waffle mix!

2009-06-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

Homemade Waffle Mix

This is a yummy waffle mix recipe that I got from my mom. It's nice because it's healthier than the mixes you can buy and it's easy. Enjoy!

4 cups oats

2 cups wheat flour

2 cups white flour

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup dry milk

3 TBSP Baking powder

2 TBSP cinnamon

5 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

This is your mix. I keep mine in a covered bowl in my pantry until I'm ready to use it.

To make the waffles:

2 cups of your "mix"

1 cup water

2 eggs

1/3 cup canola oil

There you go. Now go make some yummy waffles!

Oh what do you do in the summertime?

2009-05-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

So, #1 is officially out of school. Thus marks the "first" day of summer. So what are we going to do? Hmmm.... here are our goals:

1- Get to know New Mexico better. We are starting out by traveling to Tent Rocks tomorrow for a good hike with the fam. If it doesn't rain on us, it will be fantastic.

2-Get some learning in. I am going to have themes for each week and we will do science, language arts, math, art, reading, some field trips, and library days devoted to those themes. I am really excited about it, so hopefully it goes as planned. First week will be all about Abraham Lincoln. Then 2nd week will be about Dr. Seuss. (Different ages mean different complexities of subject.) Wish us luck!

3- Take advantage of all the free things to do around the city. Luckily, ABQ has some great summer activities.

4- Just spend more time together as a family and have fun!

So what are YOUR plans?

Menu Mania

2009-05-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

I know you care, so here it is:
Okay, so I post these for my sake so here it is.

Monday: Orange chicken and rice with salad
Tuesday: Tator tot hotdog casserole with veggies
Wednesday: Italian Chicken Pasta Toss
Thursday: Breakfast for dinner
Friday: leftovers
Saturday: Easy Taquitos
Sunday: Hamburgers, chips and salsa, and fruit

Pages Shmages

2009-05-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

2009-05-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

See what I mean...

2009-05-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post, I mentioned that one cool thing about being a mom is that you can make food in the shape of animals.

Menu Madness

2009-05-11T12:47:00.001-07:00

So, some things came up last week and we didn't have some of the dinners that I had planned. This is good because I can use them this week instead :)
And now, without further ado:

Monday: Satay Chicken Pasta Salad
Tuesday: Biscuits and sausage gravy with green beans
Wednesday: Kung Pao Chicken with rice and salad
Thursday: Meatballs with rice and vegetables
Friday: Leftovers (It is Fathers and Son's weekend, so us girls and baby will make do with leftovers- and I don't have to cook! :) )
Saturday: Fried Rice Concoction
Sunday: Breakfast for dinner

I'm talented!

2009-05-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

So, last night I went to #1's kindergarten teacher's baby shower. It was fun. All of the moms from the class were there. We had food that was delish and played fun games. (Not the corny ones that you seem to play at most baby showers.)

It was time to open presents. Miss H got to mine and there was a blanket that I had made in the gift bag. She said thankyou and passed it around, like she had done with the other gifts. It got to like the third mom and she asked if I had made it. I said yes and what ensued was total craziness. ALL of the moms freaked out that I had made a blanket. (It wasn't even a really cool blanket, just a really basic one.) There was squealing and gasps and mouths open. It was fantastic and hilarious at the same time. They told me that I needed to get my website up and going again and many of them asked if I would make them one.

So here's the conclusion that I came to: In a non-LDS world, I am totally talented!

In an LDS world, well, let's just say I am way below par.

So... I CAN'T make wild mushroom ravioli just out of wheat and powdered milk; and I can't make all of my bedding ensemble from fabric scraps that I found at the local thrift store. But man, I am pretty dang good at making a simple blanket that causes pandemonium with a bunch of baby-deprived, middle-aged women, who may or may not have been sipping a little of the "sauce".

So yes, I will take that as a compliment!

I am me!

2009-05-07T13:29:00.001-07:00

Menu Mania

2009-05-05T09:29:00.001-07:00

A little late, but better late than never.

Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Fajitas, 7 layer bean dip and chips. (Happy Cinco De Mayo time)
Wednesday: BBQ Chicken Pizza and salad
Thursday: Hamburgers/hotdogs, chips, fruit salad
Friday: Biscuits and gravy (sausage) with green beans
Saturday: Crisp Chicken Burritos and fruit/veggies
Sunday: Kung Pao Chicken

Hats off!

2009-04-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

So this Friday I attended the Relief Society birthday dinner for our ward. I debated about going, but am trying to support the ward by attending all of the activities that I can. So I went by myself and sat by some "friends".

The whole theme was an "unbirthday party". They played off of the mad hatter/Alice in Wonderland theme as well. So they talked about all of the "hats" we wear as women in the church. They had a single woman, a mom, and an older woman talk about their particular
"hats" and how they do it. This was all fine and good.

Then they started calling on random women to do the same and yes, you guessed it, they called on me. I said the expected things like mom and wife. Then they asked me what I like to do and you know, that stumped me. I don't know anymore! I said I knew what I USE to like doing, but that I don't know anymore. Why is this?

My answer is that as we become moms, we have a tendency to put ourselves last. This makes us lose a part of who we are... or were.

I use to be fun and crazy. I use to LOVE to dance (yes, even in public). I use to hang out with friends. I use to play every sport that I could. I use to have dreams of traveling. I use to think I would always work as a nurse. I use to love to stay up late. I use to work out! I use to be spontaneous. I use to go to school and learn.

There are a million things that I use to do. Not so much anymore. But there ARE some things that are pretty cool that I do now.

I can kiss little necks and make laughter. I can listen to a little boy discover reading. I can tell you what it feels like to love somebody so much, that your heart may burst. I can tell you what the underside of our table looks like. I can play on the playground and not feel silly. I can teach the gospel to minds that believe everything you tell them. I can cook food and make it into animal shapes. I can get the BEST hugs!

So I may have lost a part of the girl I use to be, but now, I AM a mom! And that's pretty cool too.

Digiscrapping

2009-04-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Confessions of a sleep deprived mother

2009-04-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

So... I only had about two hours of sleep last night. Part of that is my fault- I played volleyball until 10:30pm and then couldn't wind down until almost 1:00 am. Part of it is #3's fault. The dang kid woke up like 4 times AFTER 1 am! So... thus explains the disaster day today.

When I am sleep deprived, I go off on everyone in my path- poor people don't know what's coming. Also, it doesn't help that #3 has cried ALL DAY LONG! The combination of no sleep plus an inconsolable baby is just no good.

Then, when I went to pick up #1 from school, I got a report that he had not done very well today. So much for the park outing we had planned! Like I am going to reward bad behavior with a fun day at the park... except poor #2 deserved to go to the park. So what's a mom to do? Well, I threw a tantrum that was above par and drove home in a huff.

I know we've all been there, where we've judged people a little too harshly without thinking about what they might be going through. I wanted to shout at everyone, "Don't mind me, it's just the sleep deprivation talking!" as if they'd understand (because, really, they probably would!) So, next time you see a parent acting worse than their kids, just remember that they probably didn't get any sleep last night either. Smile, (and laugh on the inside) because you've been there... and if you have kids-you'll be there again! And, maybe, when it DOES happen again, someone will offer you a sincere smile and not judge you so quickly.

And as a side note- I apologized to #1 and he said he still loves me... phew. Seriously, if my kids turn out normal, it will be a miracle!

Menu time

2009-04-14T10:24:00.001-07:00

Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Chicken Chow Mein
Wednesday: Stroganoff and salad
Thursday: Alfredo and breadsticks
Friday: Breakfast for dinner
Saturday: Bean burritos
Sunday: Marinated turkey, potatoes, rolls, and green beans

Princess Pages

2009-04-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

This week in food

2009-04-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

A few days late, but here it is: What we will be eating this week in our house. Enjoy!

*Tuesday: Spaghetti and garlic bread
*Wednesday: Leftovers (plus hubby is on-call so there is no need to make a big dinner when the kids would be happy with mac and cheese.)
*Thursday: Orange Cashew Chicken with rice
*Friday: Hawaiian Haystacks
*Saturday: BBQ Chicken Pizza with salad
*Sunday: Easter Ham and funeral potatoes with green beans and rolls. YUMMO!

These is my words

2009-04-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

I got this book on CD so that I could listen to it in the car while I am driving #1 to and from school (About 1 1/2 hours a day). I am a little more than half way through the book and now I am regretting that I have it on CD because it lacks the convenience. There is something to be said for being able to pick up a book whenever you want. Although...I now look forward to the car ride to and from school, so I guess that's an accomplishment and worth the CD afterall.

Anyway, it's a fantastic book and I recommend it.

This week in food

2009-03-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

The meal plan for this week, because you care, you really do.

Tuesday: Mexican Pork Chalupas and salad
Wednesday: Breakfast burritos (yes with some yummy green chile)
Thursday: Tortilla Stack with blackbean salsa and chips
Friday: Pizza and veggies
Saturday: We will probably go out for Carly's birthday. (I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Red Robin)
Sunday: Turkey, Mashed potatoes, green beans and if I'm really feeling good- homemade rolls.

Now, aren't you glad you know?

2009-03-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Me in 25

2009-03-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

1. I have 3 kids. Wish I was done, but feel like we're not. Grrr...
2. My pinkie finger is still swollen from an old softball injury (sliding into home, dislocating and breaking it).
3. I can forecast the weather by using my pinkie finger.
4. I was a cheerleader my senior year of high school. Ra Ra.
5. I chased pigs and saddled a horse for the ONLY pageant I've ever been in in my life.
6. I was a clogger and used to be pretty good.
7. I am a Registered Nurse, but haven't worked for 3 years.
8. I have some GREAT stories from being a nurse. Especially here in NM. Holy Cow! There are some weirdos out there!
9. I have broken people's ribs by doing CPR on them.
10. I am so afraid of rollercoasters, but go on them so my hubby doesn't have to go alone.
11. I wish I was a better piano player.
12. I get annoyed by people who are late.
13. I have insomnia. I think it's because of my night shift working days.
14. I went vegan for a whole month. (That's right, no meat, no milk, no eggs, nothing made with these things.)
15. Laundry is my most dreaded chore and I can't seem to ever get it finished.
16. I homeschool Spencer for a couple hours a day. Never thought I'd be doing that!
17. I get myself involved in too many things sometimes.
18. I hate doing my hair everyday... so I sometimes don't. These are the days I don't leave the house.
19. I love rainy days.
20. I get nervous easily - butterflies in my stomach and everything.
21. I hate painting my nails.
22. I HAVE to make my bed everyday. It drives me nuts if I don't.
23. I love getting totally engrossed in a fantastic book. This doesn't happen that often.
24. I am a total list maker. I get made fun of, in my home, for all the lists I make.
25. I love the invention of DVR!

Today's arithmetic problem

2009-02-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

alleriges=sneezing

having 3 babies=weakened bladder

sneezing+having a weakened bladder= i'll spare you the details.

Welcome to my life. I hate juniper is all I can say.

Life as a book

2009-02-20T12:26:00.000-08:00

Here are some pages I made today. I sure wish I was more creative, but I guess I am just a simple soul.

The Beginning of the End

2009-01-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

As if I need something else to take up more of my time, but I have decided to create a blog devoted entirely to random things by me. This will include favorite recipes, favorite books, thoughts by yours truly, movies I recommend or don't, and anything else I deem random. It will be just an outlet for me, so that I can stop thinking about these things at night and maybe get some sleep already!

It's What I Do

My 2010-2011 10 things I want to do list

Korean Candy Chicken

Yummy Pretzel Turtles

Menu Update

Menu Mania

How We Do Chores and Allowance Part 1

Scrap

Jerk Chicken Salad

I Want To Go Back

Lava Flows

Digital Scrapbooking Pages

Easter Wreath

Aloha!

I Also Serve

Menu Monday

Toothy Grin

Menu Monday

Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup

Ready

Menu Tuesday (Yes, I'm a day late)

Snow Day

Some More...

It's a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood

Unthinkable

Kids Are Funny.

Menu Monday

New Years Resolutions

Motherhood: Definitely Not For Wimps

Perfect Day

Thankfulness

Menu Monday

Sah-weet Chex!

Disney Fun

Luke, I Am Your Father.

The Bumblebee

A Witches Wardrobe

Tortilla Stack Goodness

No Halloween is complete...

Love This Girl!

Letters Written After Helping Chaperone The Stake Halloween Dance

My Girl

Finally Did Some Scrappin!

Pumpkin Pillows

Four Tids and Bits

Menu Monday

True Friends

Happy Fall-idays!

Menu Time

A Little Creepiness for Today

Then Why Don't You Marry It?

All I need

Just call me Miss Crafty Pants

Be You

Cook a Frozen Turkey

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers

Happy When...

Sometimes I do the right thing.

Breakfast Pizza

I heart summer!

Southwest Pasta Salad

Recent Ponderings on Things of Angst

One of the things I've been up to

More...

More pages

How about s'more?

Make your own {healthy} waffle mix!

Oh what do you do in the summertime?

Menu Mania

Pages Shmages

More Pages

See what I mean...

Menu Madness

I'm talented!

I am me!

Menu Mania

Hats off!

Digiscrapping

Confessions of a sleep deprived mother

Menu time