Whimsy

Look at this little number I made (okay, it is a letter) Isn't she beautiful!? The idea was in my decorating folder for a long time and I decided to attempt it the past couple of days. I am quite pleased if I may say so myself.

4

That is how many days Katie has been bugging me to let her wear deodorant.

7

The age she is.

It started off 4 days ago when she told me....

"You take four fingers, rub them in your armpit back and forth, like this (little demo) then you smell them."

Me: "What do they smell like? Here, let me smell." (I sniff and don't smell anything)

Katie: "See they smell, I need to wear deodorant."

Over the past couple of days I have explained that she doesn't need it until she reaches puberty, I am not letting her wear it now because she is seven, ect...

She has told me she has reached puberty.

She told me that she wants to spend her money on deodorant, razor and shaving cream. She said that it hurts when she pulls the hairs on her legs. She explained that she pulls them out because I won't let her shave. She told me that she is a midget (She is the tallest in her age group) and that she wants to be taller so people think she is 15.

It is consuming her.

I started shaving at 11, I think she can wait until then.

I don't remember when I started wearing deodorant, but I don't think I was seven. I told her I would think about it for a few months, then I lamented to Michael that she is still a little girl, my baby, and I wish she would love each age she is at. I do know someone else who always wanted to be older....maybe it is Genetic.

How old were you when you started wearing deodorant?

Ride 'em cowboy!

As we were going through all our storage items, we found these boots that used to be Jeffrey's. As soon as Mr.P saw them, he fell in love. He regularly wakes up from his nap, takes them off his dresser and puts them on before he comes out of the room. Since there is still ice and snow outside, and cowboy boots are like ice skates, we only let him wear them to church. He was so excited this morning when he realized it was church day. He put them on nice and early...when he still had his jammies on. But notice his hair is done, except for a weird alfalfa thing we took care of soon after the kodak moment.

The horse is what Jeffrey and Katie got him for Christmas. They painted it themselves, and it is small enough Mr. P gets on it, rides, then carries it and walks to his next destination. I have a great idea for a cute paint job, I am trying to figure out how much time I should let pass before I make it over.

And, yes, he is riding it on the couch....hmmmm.

I love this little guy so much. It is really hard that he goes to nursery all by himself and that he is okay with it. He is so happy to see me, and is so tired after church (2:30 by the time we are home) so he nurses and goes down for his nap. It is a good time for me to bond and re connect with him. I am such a baby about it. I know he is growing up, but he still seems like a tiny baby to me. I wonder if I am keeping him little, good thing it is his disposition to be independent. I can really see the reason the "babies" in the family are treated differently. If Savannah had been the baby...oh, that would have been bad. She actually acts more as the "baby of the family" than Parley does.

Savannah and I have been doing Kudos chart for her. It seems to really be working well. I know that part of it is age, and part of it is us letting her wrap us around her finger. Things have been going much better with her the past two weeks. She is such a smartie, and loves to learn. She is close to Jeffrey's level academically because she cares and will ask to sit and do school or get read to, or what not. Jeffrey really couldn't care less, unless it has to do with tools, working outside, large trucks, using his muscles, ect. But he is very smart in that department. Katie is as sharp as a whip in life skills, what is happening with everyone around her and math. Her handwriting is horrible, and she honestly doesn't care. She is doing well in reading, but hates it. (Didn't get that from me!) I am not sure if there is a kids in the wold who doesn't like Katie because she is SO FUN!

We will be doing school all summer because we have not been very regular since Christmas break. The kids finished their books, and we have been working on the new house or this one. We have done a lot of sorting and organizing...that is important too.

On Friday night we sat down to have scriptures and a can of worms was opened. Everyone vented/ cried and expressed their feelings. It had been a long week painting and working on the house.

Katie was upset because she hadn't been able to wear good clothes in five days

Jeffrey was frustrated because he said we didn't have enough food at the house when we were working on it

Savannah was upset because she didn't have any clothes to change into when we were down there (I am surprised she didn't mention no toilet...maybe she is used to peeing outside for a year now.

I was upset because I was tired, physically and emotionally

Mike was upset because he has gone to work on the house after a long day at his job almost every day for almost a year

Parley was running around playing "Duck, Duck, Goose!"

It was good that we all got things off our chest. After it was all said and done, we told the kids that the next day would be spent at the house too. Jeff and I got up early and went grocery shopping (we were out of a lot of essentials, I don't think I've been to Wally World since before Christmas) then we all headed to the house. We laid sub flooring until 6:30 pm. But it is DONE. The vinyl is being laid on Tuesday. Tonight we are going to plan something fun to do as a family this week. And let me tell you...we will be wearing our GOOD clothes.

Paint Colors

Of course pictures don't do justice, but here are some promised pictures. There aren't any of the girl's room because I didn't finish until yesterday and there are closet doors in their room, so you can't see the walls. Their room has one pink wall, it is the wall with the window. The other wall has all different size and colored polka dots on it. I was nervous, but I really like how their room turned out. Of course they do too.

This one is of the living room as if you were walking in the front door.

This is the opposite way, looking at the front door.
This is one of our bedroom, looking into the alcove/sitting area/office..whatever it is.
Another one of the bedroom, looking towards the alcove, from the bedroom door area.
This is the boys room. Just this window wall is done, but I think it is the only one of these that the color actually looks the same as in real life.

There you have it!

Top 5..well, I guess 9

I have to make a top 9 list of my favorite kitchen tools. I love being in my kitchen, and I LOVE useful things to help me. I got a new knife set for Christmas, and I have to say...WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING? Serioulsy...these bad boys are amazing! But, they don't make it on my top 9because a dull knife will work..as I have proven for the past 9 1/2 years. (1 being the most loved..shh don't tell number 9)

1. Kitchen Aid

It is literally my third arm we all wish for. It kneads my bred, mixes cookie batter, and whips cream. And it can do it all on its own!

2. Crock pot

This baby I use at least once a week, usually more. I am like my grandma and start dinner in the morning, but then I leave it and go on with my day. Even if I forget about it, it is fine. Then I take the dish out of the warmer, and it makes a pretty serving dish. (I have chicken in it right now for Chicken tortilla soup for dinner)

3. Tupperware carrot peeler

Because we have lefties in this family, and they are usually the ones who peel the carrots, this is essential. I have had it for several years and it is still sharp, takes just a little peel off, and has a lifetime guarantee.

4. Pampered Chef Garlic press

I am not into expensive tupperware and pampered chef items, but a few of them are really worth their money. This little guy really presses the meant of the garlic out and leaves the husk in it. I love it and use it ALL the time.

5. Stainless Steel hand washer

I hate the smells that stay on my hands when cooking (I think my hands have a problem and really absorb the smells) but this really does work!

6 IKEA flexible cutting boards

I love the flexible ones, but IKEA's are thick enough that when you cut things like celery, it cuts the strings too. (No this doesn't have to do with sharp knives) You know the board has to give a little....anyways. Love them, need to go get more (they do crack over time...just like me).

7. Blender

Need I say more? I go through these waaayyy to fast though. I have back ups in my basement...just had to replace the canister base.

8. Presto salad shooter

I think I am lazy because I grate cheese and carrots with this. It is really the only two things I use it for, and I am on my third one. ( I have two back ups in the basement) I don't use it tons, but the kids can use it now and it is easier than a hand grater for them.

9. Microwave timer

I hardly use the microwave, but the timer is an essential. I lose the little ones that stick on the fridge (What am I thinking, the kids lose it), so this one is loud, and easy to use, and always where I left it.

I couldn't limit it to 5, but 10 way too many...so 9 it is.

PS..The tread mill called my name, and VT and Mike's BB game so I never made it to the house yesterday. But TODAY!!

Painting

I spent almost 12 hours straight painting yesterday. I recruited two friends who helped most of the day.

We had three women...

8 children..

no bathroom..

no carpet to absorb the sound of 8 children..

5 gallons of paint...

7 blank walls..

.one return trip to the paint store for more paint...

and lots of chocolate chip cookies...

We got a lot done!

I went back with the kids after a potty and food break, and I got the girl's room and the edges to the ceiling in two other rooms done. So all that is left is the boy's room, and the polka dots in the girl's room.

Mike had to work until 7:30 so he missed out on ALL the fun!

I REALLY like how it turned out. I was really worried about the colors I chose, and how it would all tie together. I will take pictures and show it off.

The girl's room was a light shade of pink, but on the walls it is BRIGHT. Katie loves it and I am glad I only did one small wall with it. I think it will be great for their room, and awesome with the dots, but I am glad it is not my room.

So today I am spending doing dishes and laundry and house work that has piled up. Bread baking, kid kissing, book reading (to the kids) and all the other stuff that we missed out on yesterday.

But...knowing there is another room to do..I have ants in my pants. I think that the shower is calling my name, then loading up the chickadees and opening a can of paint, and painting that blank wall.

Calling

I was laughing all through sacrament meeting because we were informed that we were to meet with the bishop after sacrament meeting. I knew it was for Mike because the bishop and I were talking just last Sunday during my temple recommend interview that he was on a sabbtical.

After sacrament I went to Primary to help Bana with her first assignment...scripture. It is the first Article of Faith. She has been working on it all week and was really excited...until it was her turn..I gave the first Article of Faith...good thing I had worked on it all week.

So after helping her, I mean doing it for her, I headed to the bishops office. I asked the slacker in the hall, I mean the umm, helper in the hall if Mike was in the office, he said "yes", so I said "Good, I'll go teach my class" Then someone else said "You need to be in there" So they knocked on the door, and I was granted passage. Long story short...

Mr. and Mrs. Mike both have new callings.

I still have my old one.

He said they have been praying about it for a long time and finally got our names. We reminded him that we are moving soon, and he said we will use you up before you go. In my heart I hope that doesn't mean we are staying here, I had finally resigned myself to really moving.

...and my heart is breaking just for you, just for you

...and these tears I'm crying are for you just for you....

Mike fell asleep helping Savannah go to sleep. She had a rough day, but she did earn 5 smiley faces on her Kudos chart. She was in the process of having a rough evening watching Super Nanny so, he decided that it was bed time. The two oldest watched that (the deal is if they ever start acting like the kids on it, we don't watch anymore) then I let them watch 1/2 of Shark Tank with me (I'm a great mom, I know) then I sent them to bed.

By 9 the hose was quiet and instead of going to bed, I decided to watch the 20/20 special Earthquake in Haiti.

It broke my heart, and I sat there, by myself in the quiet crying for these little babies, older children, young adults, mommies and daddies, Grandmas and Grandpas. Their world literally came crashing around them.

What are you going to do to help?

I am frustrated that supplies are sitting on the tarmack, and they have no food or clean water. But I am not going to get into that.

600 miles from the US border.

Over 50,000 people have died...but aren't they the lucky ones?

You can go to http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/haiti-earthquake-help-victims/story?id=9547030 and see what you can do to help.

Or you can also go here http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,6392-1-3260-1,00.htm

I think we will do something from here since I won't have to worry if it is going to the right place.

http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse

...tell me what you want

What do you think of this baby?

Does it make you want to grab a knife, soft butter and dig in?

Or maybe some spinach artichoke dip,

or homemade strawberry jam.....

Mamacita was reminicing about a certain kind of bread, and I took it as a challenge.

I found the recipe for this beauty and who cares about taste, isn't it beautiful. Doesn't it make you want to make some. It is a sort of sour dough...but guess how you cook it..In a dutch oven! I am serious. I can now make use of the little dutch oven that I don't use very much because it is too small to make a dinner for the family in. So basically, this is great for camping!

It has a hard crust with holey inside, and a delicous taste

Mamacita is getting a loaf tomorrow when Gary heads home. Do you think she will share? It might pass the test, and might not, but it is a keeper for me.

Goals

Last night for FHE we wrote down our goals. It is a family tradition, and since we were out of town for New Years, and last week I was sick, we got to it this week. I warned them all last week to be thinking of what goals they want to set. It was fun to see what they came up with. My list from last year was an embarasment I didn't do very good. I am hopeful about this year, and I know I can accomplish them.

1. Get out of bed each day.

2.Brush teeth morning and night...

no I'm kidding, they are real goals

But I am so nice and and love to share too much information, I am going to share SOME with you. Who am I kidding Mike and the kids don't read this, they will never know...hint hint.

So One of Mike's was, you'll never guess coming from a workaholic..

Take the family on a family vacation!! I am serious. This is a sensitive subject in the family and we have decided that I can take the kids on trips and leave him home to work. So when he said this, I tried not to let my jaw drop to the floor, and nicely wrote it down. We will have to see where to. I am okay with camping, but we already do that, so I bet it is something different.

I'll share two of mine. one is learn to set better at volleyball. The other one is be in a 5K (this is an unaccomplished one from last year.) Jeffrey and Katie decided to do this one with me, so I am really excited about it.

Katie's is go to church without complaining. Yes, we are already dealing with this with a 7 year old. I think 11 o'clock church will help this one.

Jeffrey's are always funny. Last year he had one..Open doors for elderly and girls. He is really good at it now. So this year one is..Help mom clean the house.

Savannah's is to write her name.... i'll add legibly.

Parley's are (i'll share all of his since I helped him write them) Sit through sacrament meeting. This has only happened once and that was the week I was sitting on the stand for the Primary Program, and he had 4 adults to entertain him, and no siblings to compete with. Bana was sitting with someone else...that is what happens when I am on the stand.:) His next one is..no night nursing. I am not sure if we are ready to do a complete weaning, but I do need to sleep at night. Have I mentioned that before? And his last one is....Potty trained! I am so excited....My number one least favorite thing about being a mommy. But at least it is better than the other option...peeyew!

The baby

Disclaimer: Just because that is the title of my post, doesn't mean I have baby fever.

I call this our baby because:

We have been helping it grow for 9 months...

It has occupied our minds for many nights....

It has taken blood, sweat, and tears....

It doesn't look like us (or our dream home) but we have kids that don't look like us....

It is overdue!

Isn't she beautiful...

Yes, she even has a name. It is the first time I have named our home, but even though we aren't in it, and possibly may never be, she just like a baby has to have a name. I am not sure if I should share it...I try to not let myself get too attached until it is official ( that is how I am with babies too) But the truth be known, I am attached, just like I am with the babies.

Her name you ask?

Look to the right of the picture, that is the hint. Do you see the sloping ground? Just beyond the photo is a beautiful, magical, right on our property, creek. And thankfully for my sanity, it is only about 6 inches deep on a good day. ( I know, children can drown in an inch of water). It is otter creek, minus the otters (another thank you for my sanity).

Her name....

Otter Creek Homestead

.... the goods

What do you think about these. Do you see those little caps, those are to put out the candles. Delicious or what!! Do you see the little piggy toes...guess who wants to be in the picture. I am not sure how to polish these. I would love to really burn candles in them, but the wax would not be good to deal with. (These are not my courting candlestick, you have to come to visit to actually see it in person. I might even let you touch it...if you wash your hands first.) 1.85 for both.

See this ugly fellow (I know, I am mean) He is about 5 inches tall and uglier than heck. But do you see the potential!!?? He will go along great with my staircase idea, like I mentioned earlier. Should he be brown or black? Oh, I love him!

Thrift Store Morning

I needed a little Amber time today so I brought Katie with me and we hit the three second hand stores in Vernal. I still can't believe there are three...and how does Amber time still include one child? I didn't bring much money because I was more interested in shopping rather than purchasing. I also told myself that I wasn't going to buy any books. On the way to the second one, Julie called and told me about fabric at the Thrift store...I said "We are headed there right now" So we met up with our favorite shopping buddies. I didn't buy the fabric (With cleaning I realized how much fabric and blankets we have) but I found something WONDERFULL!! Something I have been wanting for a VERY LONG TIME.

A Courting Candlestick

I know, I am thrilled. Three and a half bones and it was mine.

Then we convinced our buddies to head to DI with us and finish up our shopping. I walked in, and there they were, in the glass case for ONLY 3.00.........

A complete set of McGuffy Readers!!!

Oh, I am tickled pink. I have been wanting a set for.....well ever since I started homeschooling. They run about 100 plus I think.

It was a good day Thrifting. (yes it is a word in my world)

PS I did get two things that will be made over for personality in our new home. I will take some before and after pictures and keep you posted.

Eureka!

Either spring is here, or I have cabin fever. I am ready to de-clutter, clean and organize. i made Mike bring in the crap, I men stuff from the garage and I have been going through it. I shamefully say some of it has been packed since I moved away from home. I have been finding some great stuff, and we have had many laughs. We showed the kids our scrapbook from our trip to Canada. We explained that even though we looked about 12, we really were married.

I found a notebook that on the front in big writing it read:

1/2 finished Play

1/2 finished Novel

I was on the floor laughing, trying to explain it to Mike. He asked, "How do you know when it is half finished"

The play seemed A LOT like Little Women if you ask me.

I found travel permits for Boy Scouts of America. I am really glad I have been saving those.

I found this recipe:

2 C Flour

1/4 C Shortening

2 tea. Bak Pow

2/3 c Milk

1 tea salt

8 oz tom sauce

1 onion

1/2 tea oregano

1/4 tea pep

garlic pwd

425 20-25 min

What is this, like onion casserole!!

Oh and at the bottom of the page it says:

The gospel won't be influence, it will be what you are.

Have I mentioned I need to organize my recipes?

Pictures

Future Mothers of America
Future Missionaries if I've ever seen them! Where is MY son's tie!!??
A play the kids put on with their cousins
Yes, we are sisters. No wonder that girl kept calling me Shana.
The cuties before the Nutcracker (The real one we went to)

Sorry these are random pictures, and kinda sloppy. Someday I will figure out ow to make this cute and organized.

New Years Weekend top 8 (So what...I couldn't think of 10 before the kids woke up)

Aren't these just the cutest kids in the world!!

Meeting Rosa and visiting with her and Dad

Hearing Randy's DETAILED story of his missing finger...pictures included

Buying a broken shot glass at Ziggys 5.24 Parley though he would see if it bounced like a ball.

New Years Eve party at Jaques playing Pinocle

Visiting with so much family

Going to Miracle Hot Springs...I think my children are fish

Eating a dinner of Chinese Haystacks with the Ray family...If that isn't a tradition, I don't know what is.

Realizing still that I love where I live and don't miss Gooding. I did miss Idaho for a long time, and wanted to go back. Over time Vernal has grown on me. I truly love it here.

Vernals got talent

I have so much to blog about with Christmas and two trips, but I am a little behind in other things from traveling, so the blog is having a little break. However, tonight Michael and I got an in house show. It was called the Nutcracker and it was two ballerinas, one grasshopper, and the music of Taylor Swift.

It was very ummmm Inspiring.

I loved it but made myself not laugh because it was so cute.

The kids have been so happy...I think they like being home as much as I do.