The theme is pink and black

I can't believe that Christmas is already over, by almost a week! Wow! Time passes quickly when you are having fun with family. The kids were of course spoiled, but not rotten. In 9 days my baby boy will be turning 4! Once again where does the time go?

It has been unbelievably cold! Our street has been pure ice for about a week now. I know we need the snow, but do we need this much all at once and the freezing temps? I think I will hibernate until spring. Okay that is definately wishful thinking on my part!

Dance Show #2

She loves to pose and it shows!

So, Monday night was Katie's dance show. It went on without a hitch (at least on the dancers part). It seems that the lighting, the backstagers?(one who pulls the curtain), and the boys (I guess I should say young men- probably high school students) who Que the music were either a little off or were spacing off. Not that it bothered me by all means, but you could hear others in the audience who were wondering what was going on. During some of those down times (when the music nor the lights were on) I spent my time trying to keep Ben in control. He really was a good sport for the most part, but being three and having to sit through two shows was more than he could handle. My tolerance was wearing thin, but then I thought " you know, if I was three and had to sit through two off these I probably wouldn't be happy either". Taylor loved it both times and I think Ethan was waiting for the Earth to open up and swallow him whole.

Even though flash photography isn't allowed during the performances, we still tried to take pictures. My camera does an excellent job even without the flash, unfortunately though Katie dance was so fast and they were constantly moving that most of her pictures came out blurry. I did take a few before the show, and Katie just loves her picture taken and kept posing all over. Kinda funny. I did take video but I still haven't checked that yet (I tried, but we had just gotten a new camera and I figure out how to play it on a computer yet....).

I would be lying, if I said I wasn't happy to have it all over until January. I am ready for a break from kids activities.

So as I said January it will pick up again and Katie's dance class will be working on their spring show where she will be dancing to Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Also in May, she will be trying out for junior starlets (if she continues to want to dance). We also will be adding Jr. Jazz for Ethan with John as his teams coach.

Very blurry, but you get my point.

Dance Show #1

Last night was Taylor's dance show. We had to be there at 9am for practice. Who put the request of snow? Well according to the Dance Director it was her. Thanks Miss Lisa!

I spent most of the day at the school for practice between Taylor and Katie! Then back again in the evening for Taylor's show. Luckily my Mom and Dad helped out and had my other kids and brought them to us for the second show. That helped TONS!

This year her class was little dolls and danced to Are My Ears on Straight. They all did so well! I even got choked up while watching (typical, of me though). No flash photography was allowed, but I still think we got some good pictures! (Taylor is in the middle)
With all the snow, we had thought our drive home would have taken forever and be horrible. Luckily, it wasn't to bad. One we got out of Salt Lake and headed north it wasn't bad at all!

So Taylor is finished until January with dance where they will begin to work on their spring show, dancing to the Bunny Hop. So cute!

Tomorrow, dance program #2 (Katie program). Please pray for decent weather!

Family Pictures

So, on Sunday we finally made the time to go out and get family pictures done so we can send out Christmas cards this year (there we no cards last year). We went to a park near our home and along with many other families (I was surprised to see so many people out doing the same thing), got our pictures done. It only took an hour and we walked away with some pretty good pictures, if I do say so myself. I love having a camera with a remote to enable us to get all of us together, without having to pay someone. To keep Ben looking at the camera we had one of his tiny stuffed dogs and placed it on top of the camera. Ben thought it was funny especially when the flash would suddenly decide to pop up and his dog would go flying. I am so happy to get these checked off my "To Do" list! Now I just need to get them sent out. Addresses anyone?

I am a Great Aunt

Last night I became a great Aunt (man, I am feeling old now). My niece Ciahlee had a baby boy. He weighed 6 lb 10 oz and was 19" long. After an extremely busy day, we were able to go to the hospital to see the new momma and baby. He is so cute!! Ben wasn't to sure about Skylar, but warmed up to him quickly. My kids were so excited to visit and hold the baby! Congrats Ciahlee, he is a sweetheart!

Katie Dance Class

So, going along with my busy week, last night was Katie's dance class. She is doing real good and seems to be enjoying it a lot more than what she was at the beginning of the "term". She too has a late dance class and even though I still don't completely like having dance so late it isn't as bad as when the littler ones have it. Her performance will be December 15 at 5:30p and 7:30p. If anyone would like to attend (it's free) let me know by e-mail and I will send back all of the necessary information.

Dance Class

So after a long weekend with John being sick, and Taylor having a birthday party with her friends (was fun, noisy and I'm glad its over), this week has continued to be busy. On Monday was costume check/observation at Taylor's dance class. They were so cute! Taylor just absolutely loves dance. I wish we could just do something about the time class is (7:30p-8:30p). Why do 5-6 year old have to have class so late? Shouldn't the older girls classes be later than the younger ones? Especially since most of these kids are usually in bed by 8:00p on regular days. I know I am complaining, its not like I can't pull her out, but she loves it so much that sometimes I need to vent especially when Tuesday mornings can be bad with getting up for school. On a happier note, the date and time for the dance show has been given. So, if anyone is interested in coming, please e-mail and I will reply with all the info. FYI: these shows are free of charge and last about 1 1/2 hours.

Happy Birthday! Taylor

Today is Taylor's 6th birthday! I can hardly believe it. Where did the time go? Its so amazing to look back and see how fast everything has come and gone. Today I went to Taylor's Kindergarten class to tell about Taylor, pass out messy cookies (sorry!), and have Taylor show her poster of pictures. She was very shy and quiet while being in front of her class.

So, even though her birthday is today, we went out last night to dinner to celebrate (Katie has dance tonight), and I had forgotten my camera (drats). She choose to go to Golden Coral and by the time we left we couldn't decide if the kids ate the food or the food tried to eat them. Very funny. On Saturday, Taylor will have her little friend party, and as for family (grandma and such) we decided to celebrate it with Thanksgiving along with my Mom's and Jordan's birthday. Happy birthday Taylor! We love you Princess Coconut (she named herself that a couple of years ago)!

Halloween party at dance

Last night was Taylor's Halloween party at dance. It was not much of a party, because they still need to practice their dance (for the show in December) but they get to come in their Halloween costumes and pass out candy. She had a lot of fun and tons of candy. Who needs trick-or-treating when there are so many parties to go to? Taylor began to worry for a moment that that there wouldn't be trick-or treating, since I commented on how much candy she already has. No worries, the kids will still go out on Friday to get their "load" of candy.

Are you a VAMPIRE?

You Could Definitely Be a Vampire

Immortality, staying pretty forever, not having to get a job... you could definitely eat some flesh for these things. It's not that you're a murderer by nature. In fact, you're probably the furthest thing from it. However, if you woke up a vampire, you'd certainly be able to adapt and enjoy your new lifestyle. There might not be much better than living forever, even if it means giving up your soul. What you would like best about being a vampire: Being a total outsider What you would like least about being a vampire: Other vampires

Could You Be a Vampire?

My Vampire name plus Twilight pictures

My Vampire Name:
The Great Archives determine you to have gone by the identity: Anne Flanders
Known in some parts of the world as: Her of Gypsies
The Great Archives Record: A traveller of travellers, of good humour but dangerous.



Just wanted to share so random Twilight pictures from the movie. Enjoy!

HSM3!

So today, being Saturday, we each have our chores to get done around the house. I promised the girls if they could get the TV room and their bedroom cleaned in a timely matter and with little to know fighting we would go see the much anticipated movie. Well, I really can't say much for the timely matter let alone the lack of fighting. But they did work really hard when they weren't fighting or playing instead of cleaning.Once the work was done I decided to reward them and take them to High School Musical 3. They were really excited! First we all went to lunch at the mall when everyone could pick whatever, then we went to the dollar store to pick up some snacks for the movie. John dropped us girls off and from what I hear the boys came home ate their treats and played video games.
Now the movie, if you haven't seen it is 100 minutes in length, which isn't to bad. The movie itself was pretty good. The first outbreak of song didn't bother me until "Gabrielle" stands up in the crowd and she and "Troy" start singing together and my first thought was, man I hope it gets better (it does). Next thought, this should have been on TV (but then Disney wouldn't make as much money). All in all it was good and by the end you kinda forget the cheesy parts.
At first Katie kept saying, "this is weird". I think because it was different and a bit bigger production. By 30 minutes in the girls were so into it. I kept looking over at them to see their reactions, and they were mesmerized. When the movie was over Katie wanted to go buy the movie. I had to remind her that it just came to theaters and would be awhile before it hit DVD. She was bummed out about it at first, then I offered to take then to Target and see how much the soundtrack was. John laughed when I told him, but complied by taking us there. As luck would have it they had the CD on sale for 9.99 instead of 13.99. They were ecstatic to say the least.
Since the CD player in our car is broken (I have the Keane CD stuck in there, I think my car loves it because it won't eject it, and loves to play it over and over..)so they had to wait to until we got home. Boy were they excited! We listened to it the minute we got home, then had to load it on the computer so they could load it on their mp3 players! I bet I know what CD they will want to listen to for the next while when they go to bed!
So my take is this: The kids will love it, should have been on Disney Channel (although we all know that wouldn't have made them as much mula)and if you go to a matinee movie I would say it was worth the price.

Yummy recipes

Admittedly these aren't my recipes, but were posted by women in my ward and I thought I too would pass them along to share. Thanks Nicole for the Mint Brownie recipe(this is a BYU official recipe.)She had these brownie when attending BYU back in the day and always wonder why she had such headaches going to student counsil meetings. She found it was the brownie/sugar overload! Brook has a good recipe similar to the Pain au Chocolat. In hers you use pie dough and as yummy yummy as hers is I really liked Cami's recipe since it was more of an individual size portions and goes a little further with a bit more work. Cami spent her mission in France and this is a variety of one of her favorite treats. Thanks for the recipe Cami! Other good varieties to the Pain au Chocolat is instead of chocolate you can add fruit, butter and cinnamon, practically anything that sound good to you. ENJOY!

BYU MINT BROWNIES
MAKES ONE 9-BY-13 PAN OF BROWNIES
PREP AND COOK: 90 min.
COOL: 1 hr.
1 c. margarine
1/2 c. cocoa
2 Tbsp. honey
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
12 oz. chocolate icing (Use your own icing recipe or purchase some chocolate frosting. You can also search the Internet for chocolate icing recipes.)
MINT ICING
5 Tbsp. margarine
dash of salt
3 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
2 1/3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. mint extract
1-2 drops green food coloring
1. Melt margarine and mix in cocoa. Allow to cool. Add honey, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9-by-13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.
2. Prepare mint icing: Soften margarine. Add salt, corn syrup, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add mint extract and food coloring. Mix. Add milk gradually until the consistency is a little thinner than cake frosting.
3. Spread mint icing over brownies. Place brownies in the freezer for a short time to stiffen the icing. Remove from the freezer and carefully add a layer of chocolate icing.

Pain au Chocolat (french for Chocolate Bread)
1-2 pkgs. Pillsbury Dough croissants (depends on the size of your family)
1 bag milk chocolate chips (semi-sweet will work, but not as tasty)
Optional:confectioners sugar to sprinkle on top,and drops of butter to add with the chocolate chips before rolling up (to help melt the chocolate chips better)
1 large egg beaten and blended with 1 tablespoon water (for glaze)
Directions:
1. Open and unroll the croissants onto a cookie sheet.
2. Place a small amount of the chocolate chips on the larger end of the triangle, and a tad bit of butter
3. Starting at the large end, roll up your croissants like you normally would. (Your chocolate chips may start to fall out, so go slowly and just push them back in.)
4. Curve your croissants into a half moon shape.
5. If you want to use the egg glaze just brush it over the tops of your croissants prior to baking
6. Follow the baking instructions on the Pillsbury Dough pkg.
7. Let them cool for a few minutes, but make sure you serve them warm.
And there you have it. Pain Au Chocolate with an American twist. There are some more authentic and elegant recipes online, but this is quick and easy, and like I said before, kid friendly. Well I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
BON APPETIT everyone!!!!

Ward Halloween Party

Today was our ward Halloween party, and being on the activity committee I must admit I wasn't exactly excited for it. We as a committee had to change the date twice and the time three times, and being UEA weekend we really weren't sure how many families would be in town to come. To top it off I had two sick kids, Katie and Ben both woke up in the night throwing up. It really couldn't have happened at a more inconvenient time (but with kids, you'd think I'd remember that they rarely do things when it's convenient). I do think that this just maybe the 24 hour kind thank goodness. John and I were suppose to be at the ward at 10:30 this morning to get things set up. Ethan had slept over to a friends last night but was told to be home by 10:30am. He finally got home just after 11:00. We rushed to the church got everything set up, came back home to grab the chili we made and get everyone in their costumes. Ben was feeling much better but Katie wasn't and didn't want to be home alone so we dragged her along with the promise she would get to close to anyone and she wasn't required to eat anything. The party went off without a hitch and more people came that we had thought. Everyone dined on chili, chicken noodle soup, creamy potato soup, and corn bread. We had cooking decorating for the kids mainly, a fishing pond full of prizes, a costume parade and trunk or treat. I think it really turned out good. It took about an hour or so to get it all cleaned up after and thanks to the few who stayed to help clean up. We love any kind of help we can get! Our next party is the Christmas party and scheduled for December 6th where we are thinking of doing a breakfast.

Volcano Eruption Day

So yesterday was the day for the 5th grade volcano eruptions. The entire 5th grade participated which consists of four classes. They had two kids from each class come up to the table to set up and erupt at a time. Good think we were outside however because the kids used vinegar to help in the eruptions and boy did it smell, well like strong vinegar. It was a lot of fun and the kids really enjoyed themselves. John was even able to come and see (which was a huge surprise). As you can see I realized later that I needed to turn my camera and I did, but since the video editting doesn't let me change the direction its kinda bumpy, so sorry about the bumpiness. :)

Kindergarten Fieldtrip

I had the rare opportunity to go on a field trip with Taylor's class. It was a walking field trip to the fire station. I was able to bring Ben along so it worked out perfectly. Even though the fire station is pretty close to the school it was a long walk especially for the kindergartners. We had many that lagged behind most of the time. Thankfully we had MANY volunteers for this field trip. That helped a lot. While we were having the field trip a call came into the station and and firemen needed to leave. Usually that would end the field trip but luckily one of the dads that came along was a fireman. He didn't work at that station house but was able to continue the "tour" of a fire truck. The kids had fun and were very tired walking back to the school.

Volcano Project

The fifth graders have been given the project of building a volcano and having it erupt. I was always hoping that this wasn't anything that my kids would have to do, however here we are having to do it and is worth 50 points and will be graded on creativity. I must admit it made me think of that episode of the Brady Bunch where I think it was Peter who had to build an erupting volcano (that dates me now, huh?). After changing his mind at least a dozen times, Ethan decided to build his out of salt dough. We ended up having to triple the recipe to get it big enough. We made two batches of brown and one of green and with the idea from Cathy we added a scent to the dough,we made it mint. Ethan's job was to get it all "built" while I was gone to dance with Miss Taylor. I stopped at Zims crafts (for those who like Zims they are closing their store as of Nov. 1st)to pick up some miniatures to add to the mountain side of his project. I got him some houses, people (they are kinda giant size, but I know Ethan and he would love to see all the people get covered in lava), and a bunch of animals. Thankfully, Ethan did have it all done before I got home. Tomorrow is the day to make to volcanoes erupt. Should be good and I hope it all works out and I'll hopefully have some pictures of video of the days events.

Vote to save our FAMILIES!

I was shocked to hear what had happened to this family. I too would have been outraged had this happen to us. I firmly believe that marriage is between a man and woman and marriage should only be reconized in that respect. I am sorry if that offends anyone, but I know without doubt that it is what our Lord intended.

One Flaw in Women

I read this story and thought how true... So I thought I would share it with everyone.

One Flaw in Women

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?" And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything?from a scraped knee to a broken heart -and she will do everything with only two hands." The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish." "But I won't, " the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days." The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord." "She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish." "Will she be able to think?", asked the angel. The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate." The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one." "That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!" "What's the tear for?" the angel asked. The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride." The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing." And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Pumpkin Patch

So, today was our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. J&J Gardens has an annual free hayride and they take you to their pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkins off the vine. Ethan chose to play at his friends house and not to come with us, so Kate was able to bring her friend Lexi along.

Ben was a bit nervous on the hayride, but was all warmed up by the time we reached the pumpkin patch. We have only one rule for the pumpkin patch, and that is you can only pick a pumpkin that you yourself can carry. Mom and Dad cannot carry six pumpkins at once and keep kids in toe too. The kids seemed to find their pumpkins quite quickly. John the pumpkin king was on his yearly quest to find the perfect pumpkin for whatever design he has planned out to carve this year. He really enjoys creating his master piece every year. We sometimes make him carve ours too, after we have picked which design we like. I usually get the job of gutting the poor pumpkins, then I roast the seeds. Yummy.

We had lots of fun until it started pouring rain on us. Luckily by that time we were on the hayride back to the parking lot to head to our car.

HSM3!

High School Musical 3 opens in 23 days and counting if you are Katie and Taylor. My girls just love those movies, and after seeing (or hearing them when I'm lucky to get away) the first two over a zillion times, of course they are doing a count down to the third movie. Katie keeps begging me to take her opening weekend. She has it all worked out in her mind that we will go, invite a friend or two (ahhh whatever...), go to dinner if we go opening night or go to lunch if we go Saturday then off to the movie. To say she is excited for it would be an understatement. Now more than likely we will take them at some point, but opening weekend? Only if I am insane!

What Twlight Character are you?

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great
importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be
sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and
appreciate the kind way you always handle things.

Happy Birthday!

On Saturday Cathy celebrated her 35th birthday for the fifth time. Her Mother-in-law threw her a surprise party. It was really nice, and I thought I would share some photos. Happy Birthday Sassy! Hope you had fun!

Quirks

So, in reading other blogs about quirks, got me thinking about some of my own. At first I couldn't really think of any, but I knew I had some. Finally they came to me like a flowing waterfall so to speak. I thought I would share a few, so sit back and laugh with me....

While I am talking on the phone I must be constantly moving. I wonder from room to room and back again over and over during my whole conversation. I've bee known to walk around the kitchen table a few times at least, go up the hall and perch on my bed for a minute, then off to the living room to sit a spell, then I'm back again to the TV room/ kitchen to then turn around and wonder some place else. Sometime I even end up outside on the porch or walking around the outside of the house.

I absolutely can say I hate when lights are left on and no one is in the room. It drives me batty! I am constantly turning off lights and have been known to follow the culprits around and turn off the lights behind them. I have even resorted to threatening to take out light bulbs if they don't start turning off lights on their own.

Now you may not know this by looking in my house on any given day, but I can't stand messes! I am constantly cleaning after someone, with no avail. I have imposed a "MOM CLEAN" standard for the kids. There is clean then there is Mom clean. I can't say they like it, but it can help get a job done the right way or I will throw it away.

I sleep very strange. I absolutely have to have my backside completely covered up when sleeping. I can't have it poking out even a little bit. Now that may not sound to strange but I can't have my feet covered up. I can't stand hot feet. Needless to say, it makes sleeping interesting especially when I need to share the covers.

So now that we have established, how I sleep there is even a quirk to my quirk. Well, as you recall I can't have my feet covered while sleeping, but I also can't have them hanging off the bed. I have came to the conclusion, that I must have seriously been tortured by my brothers as a child, because to this day I swear something will grab my feet (the under the bed monster, thank you very much) if they are dangling off. Thank you, Cathy for helping me figure out why my feet, legs, and arms CAN'T hang over the side of the bed especially while I am sleeping. She to has the same quirk.

Well, really I could go on, but I think I have given enough for now for you to enjoy. Maybe another day I will share more. Now I really would like to hear from others about their quirks... Like Brook, Stacy well everyone, really.....

Picture day

This evening we took the kids to a nature reserve type park to take some much over due pictures of the kids. I am usually really good at getting their pictures done every year around their birthdays. This year I really slacked off. Ben's birthday was in January and Ethan's was in March. I did do good for Katie since she was getting baptised. Taylor hasn't had her birthday yet so, I was still good on her. While taking individual picture we also did a few group pictures with the kids. In all I took over 100 pictures! Thank goodness for digital cameras! It was really nice. I think I may already have my Christmas card picture in there somewhere!

A slow weekend

What a nice weekend when you can pretty much relax. That would have been our weekend, if I hadn't decided it's time to start Christmas shopping. I know it's a bit early, but I wanted to get a jump start on it for a couple of reasons.

1. I have four kids to buy for

2. It will be here quicker that we think

3. If I get most of it done by Thanksgiving, I won't be in the mad house with everyone else, and I can sit and relax enjoying the season (without being in the over crowded stores, usually sold out on that "had to have gift")

I'm not into buying my Christmas decorations and such yet, there are two other holidays to consider before, but the present factor can be done at any time. When Ethan and Katie were little I was really on the ball and had 90% of everything I needed by October/November. I'm tired of the rush I have placed upon myself the last couple of years and I am determined to be better prepared this year. I want to be able to get lost this year in the Spirit of the season and not worrying about who is getting what. This year we are doing a very "scaled" down Christmas, and we will spread more time with family and the True meaning of Christmas.

I am blessed with awesome kids, who do know the true meaning, but could still us more. We use to pick a Tree Angel off a tree and help provide a child who is less fortunate than us. We are hoping this year we can start that tradition again. So, I'm off to a good start. Hopefully I'll be able to continue with it.

This weekend we also spent some time at J&J Nursery to find bulbs to plant in our front yard that would bloom in the spring and summer months. Now that's thinking ahead for us! Too bad I didn't do that for Halloween... I've haven't even started that one and its only a little more than a month away.....

What Kind of car are you?-John

I'm a Chevrolet Corvette!

You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

What Kind of car are you?

I'm a Mercedes SLK!

You appreciate the finer things in life. You have a split personality - wild or conservative, depending on your mood. Wherever you go, you like to travel first class. Luxury, style, and fun - who could ask for more?

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Can one LOVE their garage?

I posed the question: Can one love their garage?, because I think I might actually love mine. Silly I know, but here's the story. As you may be aware of I was lucky to be "away" from it all this last Saturday. While I was gone, John got the itching to clean out our garage. To say that it was messy is an understatement of a lifetime. We had stuff that we had been neglecting to take to the DI for ages, let alone every ones bikes and scooters and such, as well as pegboard John got probably a year ago from his brother, we hardly had the space for our van, you get the idea! John pulled everything out and cleaned it. He swept the floors, hung up pegboard, and filled the van to the top with things to take to the DI and even took the stuff there. What cause this sudden "I should really clean this out"? Who knows! But I love it! Everything has a place and even space for the van. No more hitting the door of the van on the side of the garage! Now, if only I could get the basement cleaned out.......

BIKER BABE or WHAT?

Biker babe or what? If the answer is or what I don't want to know. Today I had the opportunity to be my Dads passenger on his motorcycle, and go up to Peach Days in Brigham City.

Here we are right before we left, about 7:20 am

We left around 7:30-ish this morning from my parents house in Sandy (Mom followed in the Mustang), and we met up with a few other motorcyclist, then headed our way to Brigham City. The ride was nice and cool at 5o degrees, however by the time we reached Brigham City I was cold! I thought I was bundled up quite nicely.The cool air on my face felt nice during the ride though. Once in Brigham City, we need to register the motorcycle and the Mustang for the car/motorcycle show. The line seemed to go on forever, yet in the mean time I was able to warm up. Then off to the park to line up the motorcycle and Mustang. By now it was in the mid-fifties and felt great. When we had everything all squared away at the park we went to look at the other cars that were there. There were some PRETTY nice cars up there (see below for more pictures)! So, being that it was Peach Days, we had to have some fresh peach pie. OOOhhh!! Can you say yummy? I absolutely love peaches and that pie was to die for! I am already wishing for a little more! We made it back just before 4pm and what fun I had. It was so great to be able to share the ride with my Dad and be able to enjoy Peach Days with my Mom and Dad without my kids, or even worrying about what they were doing. It was a much needed and welcome break, and fun to boot!

My Week

Last week, John turned the big 4-0. We decided to celebrate this milestone on Saturday, and invited family to come over for cake and ice cream. No we didn't put 40 candles on his cake, instead we put a sparkler candle on. John likes to joke that he talked to our neighbor who is a fireman, and he told John it would be a fire hazard to have that many candles lit at once. John is forever the comedian! Emily, Johns sister, made that cake. It was yummy! Thanks Emily!!

To get ready for Johns party we spent a lot of time in our yard to get it presentable. In doing so, I aggravated my "condition". I have what doctors call costcondritis. Basically its the swelling of the ligaments between my breast plate and rib cage. And YES it does hurt, but I have lived with this my whole life and I never really know what is going to set it off. It could be a simple as vacuuming, or even just waking up the stairs. But life must continue and I usually press on. This time my pain was so bad John insisted I see a doctor. So, Saturday morning we went to the doctor and even had x-rays done. They put me one two medications, one is a muscle relaxer and the other an anti-inflammatory. Both can cause dizziness and the muscle relaxer causes sleepiness. Needless to say I honestly don't remember Saturday or Sunday very well.

On Sunday, it was the fifth Sunday so it was a combined Priesthood and Relief Society meeting. Those are my favorite, because I get to be with my honey all day and get to use his suit jacket to keep myself warm. They keep that room so cold it feels like a freezer! I don't remember to much of the meeting, but I do remember them talking about needing volunteers to index census reports at www.familysearchindexing.org (you don't need to be a member to be able to do this either). This held some interest to me, because you can work at your own pace and with whatever time you have.

Monday, being Labor Day, and raining cats and dogs for the first half of the day, John and I decided to get the much needed new tires on the front of our van. We took it to Sams Club and got a really good deal until they left their impact wrench on the lug nut and they backed our car out and bang. They originally thought the impact wrench had fallen. With inspection (after we had left mind you), another words they went to use it and saw our lug nut in it. They gave us call and will be paying to have the lug nut repaired $85.00. They don't fix those so, they are sending me to an auto shop to have it fixed. I take it in tomorrow (Thursday). I have to admit I wasn't to thrilled about them breaking the lug nut, but I am impressed that they called me and took responsibility for it. I must commend them for that.

Tuesday. Taylor finally had her first REAL day of kindergarten. She seems to like it okay. She is a bit shy and says she only has one friend in her class. I told her that will all soon change I'm sure. She does have friends in other classes so, that helps at recess. Although, she was being chased by her friend McKinley, ans she fell down banging up both of her knees pretty bad. She said she didn't even cry. That impressed me quite a bit, it looked painful. She has resorted to not bend her legs. It's quite funny seeing her try and sit on the floor. She just kinda drops down with a big THUD. I told her it would her her less if she would just bend, but she won't. I also started indexing. They have a training course online to help you out. I was able to index 320 names! I was impressed with myself, mainly because some of those records are HARD to read. My goal is to dedicate a couple of hours a couple of days a week if not more.

Today was walk to school day. I usually drive them, because I refuse to let them walk on busy Gordon. So, today we got moving a bit earlier and walked to school. It takes 20 minutes to walk to the school from our house. I forgot how long that seemed until we were walking. I had Ben in the stroller, which made it easier until Taylor got tired and wanted in the stroller. Luckily, the stroller has the option of letting someone stand on the back. Wow what a workout for me! I have a "beautiful" blister on my toe to prove it. I was thankful that it was only Ben that I needed to push home. That was better. All in all round trip was about 50 minutes (I had to take Taylor to her class, she isn't comfortable yet finding it herself).

As for school the kids are doing great. Ethan loves his class and has an awesome teacher, Mr. Sanders, who is fresh out of college and is his first year teaching his own class. He is really young and seems to be able to relate to his class very well. Katie is doing well, but it seems her motivation is lacking. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks she will find it. Taylor likes kindergarten and loves her teacher Mrs. Gardner. She is an awesome teacher. Very bubbly.

That brings us all up to date.

Katies discouraging first day back to dance

So, last night was Katies day to go back to dance. She was excited all day. She loves dance almost as much as she loves school. So, as she and I went off to dance. Meanwhile, John had a chance to have a brief view of what my life is like when I have all the kids and have to go places (however he was down one since I had Katie). He took the other three to Back to School Night. I had to laugh, because usually I get the short end of the stick!
Back to Katie, this year in dance she will be doing ballet, tap and jazz. It is harder and faster than previous years and in May she will try out for juniors. Last night was hard and Katie got very discouraged, close to tears and already wanted to quit. I had to remind her of last years first day back and she had wanted to quit then too, but with more classes and practicing at home she had once again found her love for dance. I also reminded her that if it wasn't challenging she would grow bored with it, and I have not and will not make her take dance. She is old enough now to make those decisions her big self. So, we met with a compromise, she will dance this term and be in the Christmas show and if she decides she doesn't like it then we won't sign up next term if that is her choice. She is a good dancer but she lacks the confidence in herself, no matter how many praises we give her. She has the potential to go far with this if she chooses, I'd hate to see her give this up, partly because she has been dancing since she was three and she is really good when her mind is set to it, but also she keeps telling me she wants to be a dancer and a dance teacher when she grows up. However, it is her choice and I will support whatever she decides. Her teacher told the whole class that this year will be hard and they may shed many tears but she has known each of these girls since they were three and know with practice they all can do it. And I know it too. Now its up to the girls to believe in themselves.

First Day of School and Dance

The first day of school finally rolled around. I think I was just as happy or maybe even more so than the kids. I love school! I love kids in school! I was happy that my kids were looking forward to this day. Unfortunately, the first day was an early out day and within an hour of them being home I was wishing to send them back! Taylor's real first day will be Tuesday since she is starting Kindergarten. Yesterday she only had to go 40 minutes and today she went for her testing. Also, with the start of school means that dance has started up again too. Taylor started last night. She loves her class. She may have been more excited for dance than school. Katie will be starting dance on Thursday night. She is really looking forward to it. They will be having a Christmas show December 13 and 15 (more to come later on those).

Katie


Ethan

Taylor

at Dance