31 Aug 2007

Good Morning! I am pleased to report that the repair man is comming this afternoon! We're still in the 1st year - so the warranty should cover it....more to come later. I took a couple of pictures to give you an idea of the upstairs:

This is to the right of the stairs - The girls wanted to be in the shot - this the the play/reading/get dressed area - the dressers to the left. Shoe cubbies are facing the girls - the boxes in the bottom right of the picture. This is the view at the top of the stairs - all those dresses! It's a bit tricky with Kimball's dresses being longest. We'll figure that out in time :)And finally - to the left of the stairs is the sleeping area. Yes it's messy - but it's not my mess! I have a deal with my girls - If they want movies on the weekend (see little TV - currently just has a little joystick video game hooked up) they have to clean their room on Friday. Kimball, ever the one for details asks - just clean on Friday or everyday? I said just on Friday. It's a start! I control the TV cable that hooks up movies - so I hold the power! You can see two beds on each side, though. They really like the space!

Well, I'm meeting some friends this morning, so on the the question: How do you know you're in love?

A couple of songs come to mind - Do you love me? from Fiddler on the Roof, and Have you ever been in love? by Leo Sayer (sung by many people). It's almost as tough as explaining what salt tastes like. In short - when you want to be better and do better I think you're feeling love. "In love" refers to more than this - it adds a component of physical interest with charity for another. How's that for a 5 mintue definition?

Gotta run! Have a great Friday!

30 Aug 2007

Such fun memories, everyone! Thanks for sharing them with me ;)

On to the picture:

Such a cutie - she was a bit nervous about me leaving - but in the end gave me a hug and I left! She had a really great day and is nervous about the bus today (first day for that). I called to find out when/what time and they didn't have her on the schedule! So glad I called! So now I'm waiting to hear.........a bit nervous myself!

We had a rough evening last night. Taylor fell on her face outside:

She looks so little here! She had a huge goose-egg that is covered by the cloth. Poor girl. She's doing well this morning - just will look a little rough for a while! DJ had a meeting to go to - so I was on my own. And just before he left we discovered the dishwasher has decided to not work. I'm feeling some stress today - washing dishes by hand. There are messes in every room of this house - and I don't think I can do it all - or even a portion of it! Sharon asked about if I ever slow down - I do! I'm aiming for Saturday to be a crash day. I try to plan my crashes - and so far it is working. I run like a crazy woman most of the time then take a scheduled crash day. Sometimes I want to crash earlier (like today) but I know if I do the mess will just get bigger! That's some good incentive to keep going. Tylenol helps too!

Well, I can't be on too long today - and no picture work either. Too much to do in 'real time"

Question: If you joined the circus, what act would you most want to perform?

I'd probably want to do the trapeze. Just thinking about it makes me feel some vertigo, though. So I probably would have to choose something else. Can't think of anything I'd really want to do otherwise....The idea of swinging through the air sounds effortless! How about you?

Have a great day! I just got a brilliant idea - I'll use the racks in the dishwasher as "drying racks" for washing by hand. That will help with the volume of dishes! I love it when inspiration strikes!

29 Aug 2007

School is still ahead of us - so pics tomorrow! I got some more of Kaye's pictures done - now I only have a couple hundred pages left (about a third). I really need to get those done. It's almost September! So enjoyed Becky and Sharon's answers - I feel the same about understanding them, but that price is too high.

Got some errands to run - and I have 5 bags of stuff to drop off at DI! I'm so pleased with myself. I've really needed to go through the boxes of clothes for my girls as they grow and I finally did it! I just don't have the storage I once had so I'm having to be more selective in what I store!

Question for today: What is the best time you've ever had with your family?

Family of origion - I remember a game night that was especially fun. We played Piggy-Piggy and got my mom laughing harder than I've ever seen her laugh before or since. I love that memory! Family now - probably the drive in this summer. The girls are getting older and easier (in some ways) and I think we've got a lot of fun ahead.

Have a wonderful fun day!

28 Aug 2007

We're just about peached out! We did 5 bushels worth of peaches - ending up with 98 quarts altogether. Without planning it - we each got 49 quarts (with 1 jar not sealing for each of us!). I don't know how much more even you can have things! We're really tired today - understandably. I still have a few peaches from our tree that I'm going to try Cory's Peach/Plum jam recipie with. Someone could do a series of youtube videos about canning - for those that want to learn. Even though I grew up helping my mom - I didn't retain much of that knowledge. I went to my local bookstore (pick a big one) - and got a book on canning. You can get the slim Ball book of canning (and I have that too) but I really recommend Stocking Up - mine is the 3rd edition (it's been a few years so there might be a new editon) - Author Carol Hupping and the staff of the Rodale Food Center. It has way more than I'll ever need - but starts at the beginning - like which varieties of fruits and vegetables are best to can/freeze/dry, etc. It talks about meats, and how to make cheese....you get the idea. Everything is explained - step by step, just as if you were working with someone else! I figure if I have a book - I can do anything!

Mckay's teacher is really nice! I haven't met any bad kinergarten teachers - but I know I had a bad 1st grade teacher. So negative and mean! Anyway - we had to decide if Mckay's name had a big or little k in it. Usually I put a little k - but I wanted her to have a say so we asked her and Mckay decided it would be a big K. This all in anticipation of writing her name a million times. She'll probably go back and forth - but the teacher wanted to know how it "should" be. Mckay is getting a bit nervous - I'm sure she'll do fine, of course! Just have to get past the first day jitters....

Kimball was off today for her first day - and is taking a lunch this year. She's really excited about deciding what to put in each day. Today she has a really nice salad and a cup of pudding. We even put in a piece of bread to tear up for crutons. She's planning on making cookies to include in future lunches - her cookie skills are wonderful!

Question for today: After you die, you are given a chance to be reborn and choose your gender. Would you be the same sex you are now?

What's this about comming back? I want to be moving on - not comming back! And I certainly don't want to have to learn about different "equipment"! I'm very happy being female - even with the challenges it gives me - at least I'm accustomed to them. I guess I'm pretty opinionated on this.

Well, Better get on with my day - have a wonderful day everyone!

27 Aug 2007

I so loved your answer, Sharon! I don't want to cross the plains, either....

Monday - we're heading to meet Mckay's new teacher. She is so excited! I'm doing peaches today - jam and just canning slices. Cory and Jared will be over soon to help. We did 49 quarts of peaches for Cory on Saturday - and will finish the rest of the peaches today.

Quick question for today: Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them? --Abraham Lincoln

Very clever! I love questions like this - that teach us something while making a statement from a question!

Have a great day!

26 Aug 2007

Sorry I haven't been on for a couple of days - they have been whirlwind days of work!!! I'm so tired and sore - it will take several days to recover. But it's good stuff - the stairs are in and I've been busy moving things around so the girls have their room. Still have some work to do - but most of it is done. Jared has been such a trooper getting things going for us.

He's really working hard. And here's the stairs:

They are so nice! Not too steep or anything. I'm learning that going up and down several times a day really wears your legs out, though. It's all good - more exercise for everyone. Something I hadn't thought of before.

I'm home with sick Hinckley pinks - trying to take it easy.....you know how hard that is for me :)

Question for today: Given the ability to project yourself into the past but not return, would you do so? Where would you go?

I wouldn't. I'm here for the long run with my family. I wouldn't want to give up the opportunity to enjoy this time to experience any other time. However, if I could return......that's a completely different question.

Have a great Sunday!

23 Aug 2007

The project continues - no new pictures today, though. You can't see much difference, although progress is being made. Jared is almost to the point of assembling many pieces - so probably we'll have a picture tomorrow!

Mckay got a postcard from her teacher today - and is so excited to go meet her on Monday. We just have to start getting to sleep earlier - a bit tricky with the bedroom in the works and all! Kimball has figured out that she will need to be up at 7 am to be ready for school on time. Mckay has more time - since she's going in the afternoon. I'll get to stand at the bus stop with her just after noon and then all us home bodies will take naps. We'll wake up in plenty of time to walk down to the school (little ones in the stroller) and get the big school girls! It's nice to be getting everything figured out. I'm thinking I'll need to start getting some crock pot recipies out - just so we have dinner ready before my big trek. I'm pretty sure I'll be too tired to do much after we get home. It's fun anticipating the new schedule!

Question for today (grim!~) How do you picture your funeral? Is it important for you to have people mourn your death?

In my fanciful state of mind today - I can imagine some exotic death in which my body is never recovered....That would be interesting. I really don't want people to mourn me - but I think that's probably something inevitable. It will probably be a run of the mill - usual funeral.

Have a nice day and stop thinking about funerals!

22 Aug 2007

I remember that trip too, Sue. Memories are nice in that they remind us of what we have been through, and make us glad for what we are not in the middle of!

The stairs are comming along - some new pics for today:

The new door from the living room into the guest room/stairwell.

This is the view looking up where the stairs will go - you can see that more of the ceiling has been torn out. Jared is waiting to move the wiring until he has the stairs in place - easier to access, I guess. The guys say we'll be going up and down by the end of the week! It's just getting so exciting.

Well - onto the question of the day: If you knew that there would be a nuclear war in one week, what would you do?

Very good question. I'm not sure. I don't know that I'd want to know - so I'm not sure that my family would want to know. I would probably pass the word along to those I know - or try in some way to avert a war. That reminds me of the Mrs. Pollifax books. She's an old lady who gets bored with life and applies to be a spy. Very fun stories. I just learned that there was a movie made in the 70's of one of the stories - and it's waiting for me on my TIVO. Realisitcally, I'm not sure what I could do....Anyone have any better ideas?

Have a good Wednesday!

21 Aug 2007

Great discussion everyone! I so enjoy when a question sparks so much discussion.

Before I forget (again) - I have an answer to a previous question totally pinned down. Question being: Is there anywhere in the world you don't want to go?

My answer is Papua, New Guinea! After seeing some tribal/taboo shows there is nothing that would take me there!!!!

Today we spent at S's house. Girls had a great time and we had a nice visit (the grown ups). Stairs are progressing. The hole is getting bigger and we will probably have some actual steps within a couple of days!!! It will be nice - just to have a place for them and their toys. I'm hoping my house will stay cleaner overall. Can't remember if I've said that or not.....But I'm thinking it. A few other things - No, we don't have a plan for what to do with the triple bunk bed yet - we might sell it, who knows....We'll have to build little platforms for the matresses upstairs - we're thinking of doing those as Christmas gifts for the girls - Don't tell! And the big beanbag is going in the "guest room" - Jared pointed out that it would be ideal to just sit and read in, so that's my plan!

Question for today: What was your most disasterous trip or vacation?

None stand out as the most disasterous - I've gotten sick on vacation several times, as have my kids. That's really not pleasant. Kimball was the worst car-sick kid when she was little - several memories there. Overall, my kids travel really well - and we look forward to the drive almost as much as the destination - since we discovered books on tape or CD. They really make the miles go quickly!

That's about it - Got a bit of work to do yet. We'll post some more pics tomorrow! Have a nice evening!

20 Aug 2007

Hello Again! We enjoyed a weekend away from home - at Chuck and Sue's. It was a hot trip over - and we saw a wildfire from a distance. That was a bit crazy! We had several adventures....and some quiet time too. Sadly, I smashed my thumb in the motorhome door Saturday Night! Here's a quick pic - I'm keeping track of how long it takes to get back to normal...

Also, progress was made on the stairs while we were gone - here's a couple of pics:
This is the view from the hall - showing the new wall (left). This view will be blocked by the stairs going up over the hall.

In the previous picture - the hint of 2X4 on the right really looks like this. This is where the new access to the living room will be. Just a new doorway - the stairs don't begin until you get into the girls former room. You can see some of the old insulation at the top of the wall where the attic is open to view. This is the view looking up - the direction the stairs will go. The girls are so excited - as am I! We won't be done today or tomorrow, though. It's going to take a bit to get it really going. DJ's off at the store picking up some lumber. Jared and Cory are comming tonight to help us get some more done. I can hardly wait!

Question for today: Does the devil know he is a devil? - Elizabeth Madox Roberts

My opinion is yes, he does know. Although I imagine that he thinks his way really was the better way to go.

Have a good Monday - and remember - This is only a test!

15 Aug 2007

Halfway through the month! Thanks for the comments, everyone. I suppose the stairs are a bit sudden, Cory. I guess I just got some hope that it could be done and that it might make life better for everyone. Jared will be over today to take a look at things - and he's bringing the real expert - his bro-in-law Dennis! That way it gets done right. I'm really anxious to hear what they say - other than I heard Dennis asked Jared - Don't they know you can only remodel a house so many times? I guess we don't. I just keep thinking - this is so much cheaper than moving! I mentioned to Kimball and Mckay what we're thinking - and they are so excited. It's been really nice having the storage space up stairs - but it will be even better being able to use it for another purpose on a daily basis!

Can you tell what my mind is fixated on?

Anyway - it will be nice to feel like we're making progress again. I'm looking at it as a back to school gift for everyone.

Enought about that....We're taking a few days break from the house. Should have lots of fun.....We'll tell you all about it when we get back!

Question for today: Who do you nominate as "Man of the Year" for 2006?

DJ of course! I am sure I am biased but he does such a good job putting up with all his girls! I'm guessing most of you would nominate your hubbies too?

Have a wonderful weekend. And in case I don't post - we'll be back early next week.

14 Aug 2007

I'm definately ready for a nap - not that I'll get one :) Just that tired. We have S's girls again today - only one more time after today then everyone will be in school. I think my girls are trying to pack all the fun they can into today.

So enjoyed your comment, Sarah. Sounds like something I might do.....:)

Question for today: What is the most romantic present anyone has ever given you?

DJ planned and made all the arrangements for a belated birthday getaway last year - that was so nice and unexpected! I'd have to say that was the most romantic in the past. I'm already angling for a gift for this year - permanent stairs to the attic! We're thinking of moving the girls up - knew they'd end up there someday. I'm thinking the sooner the better! Jared's comming over tonight to plot with us. You might not think this is romantic - but hearing them breathe (and everything else) at night is decidedly unromantic! We'll keep you posted.

Have a nice afternoon - and as DJ would say - "Take the rest of the day off"

13 Aug 2007

I forgot to mention last entry - that the rule about no parents going sliding with kids was new - last year I went down the slide with Hinckley. So I did have cause to worry.....I suppose :)

It was fun reading what you like to see your spouse wear. I usually see DJ dressed pretty casually so maybe that's why I like seeing him in a suit....not sure?!? I remember him looking especially nice in some levi's and a crisp white shirt - rolled up to the elbows. That's been quite a while ago. I don't usually get to pick out clothes for him - he likes to do it himself - and I don't like his taste as well as my own :(

Anyway, we had a really nice weekend. Enjoyed the camping and accompanied driving around. DJ packed us all up - I didn't have to do anything! He did a really great job. Then we took it easy the rest of the weekend. It was eye opening for him to see how quickly the girls can make a big mess. Once again we appreciated how small the house is and how quick we can clean the small area!

Yesterday was nice - I had visiting teaching and while it did take quite a while - at one house me and my partner helped one of our sisters learn how to use PAF. She needs to import individuals - so it was a bit beyond basic stuff. I felt really good - I much prefer a practical visit to just visiting (although just visiting is nice too).

Question for today: How do I know what I think until I see what I say? --E.M.Forster

Interesting. I guess my personality is a bit different than Forster's - I like to think things through before speaking. I do know people like Forster, though. They discover their opinions as they are talking. Different - but life would be boring if we were all the same!

Have a wonderful Monday!

10 Aug 2007

Back from swimming - and a great suprise today! I was informed that parents aren't allowed to go down the slide with the little ones - the teacher had to do it! I didn't even have to get in the cold pool! I was so relieved and pleased.

So now we're waiting for DJ to get off - and pack us up then we'll be off and away! Should be a nice time for all.

It's a short entry today - because I'm anxious to get going on S's girls scrapbook. I promised Lindsay (the youngest) a scrapbook of our summer fun. Got a JoAnn's coupon yesterday and went right to the store to get a book to put the pages in! Now I just have to do the pages. I'm going to use the gree Shabby Princess Quick pages from last summer. They will go really well with the pictures I have. It's fun to have a project with a end in mind!

Question today: What outfit or article of clothing do you like to see your mate wearing the most?

That could be a very personal question for some. I'm trying to think.....I really like how he looks in his suit - getting more distinguised and grey each week it seems :) The best color on him is green - it really lights up his eyes. That's about as good as my answer can get today.

Have a good day, everyone!

9 Aug 2007

Regan - you don't even have to know how to sew to make an apron like I did. I just made it up as I went along! If it takes longer than about 10 minutes to make - I steer clear of it. I do know how to do more but I'm just not that patient. If you like - I'd make some aprons for your girls :) My girls would love to send a package.

So much I could say in response to Sarah's comment. I can stay home and feel poor, or go and feel poor. Might as well go - most of the time :) I really believe that we all do what we can to help those around us. Our talents and abilities are different as are our resources and challenges. There are times when we all feel like not doing anything - and that's OK too. The trick for me is figuring out how to help others and not shortchange my family. Usually I do pretty good - but then there are times that I don't. I guess that's part of the agency we are given. No matter our circumstances - there is good to do and choices to make.

Today is a little low - I'm really dreading tomorrow. I thought DJ would be able to be there for the last day of swim lesssons - but he has to work. SoOOOOO, I get to be part of the "fun" day - which includes going down the big slide with Taylor at least a couple of times into a cooler pool than I'm used to. I told DJ - I think I'd rather slam my finger in the car door than shock my whole self by going down that slide! I'm trying to psych myself up to this, but I'm still dreading it! You might think that a cooler pool is no big deal - but part of my fun is extra-sensitive nerves. I really think that Fibro is some problem with the nervous system.....Anyway, imagine jumping into icy water - with everyone around you having a great time and you thinking - this is nuts! The way the sound echos in that room, the splashiness of little kids, all make for quite the time!

Sorry to complain. I'll make it through - and then we're going camping tomorrow evening - my Father in Law's ward's - Daddy-Daughter campout. DJ is comming along to be my girls' daddy - and we're taking a couple of cousins whose mommy is about to deliver her 5th. I'm so glad DJ will be there! ANYWAY - just wanting to help give some perspective about how unique and unusual everyone's challenges are. I'm really glad to have what I have instead of some of the challenges others around me have. I think that's part of the trick too - being glad and using your challenges to grow and make your life a good one.

That brings me to the question of the day - What is the worst thing that happened in 2006?

I'd have to look back over my entries for the most "accurate" answer - but in light of my entry today - I could say - My Fibromyalgia diagnosis (March 2006 - I think). But really - even though that was a real blow, and has changed my life, it has been a blessing. Many places I've read that you should be glad of a diagnosis - because then you know what you're dealing with. So many who have this suffer for years wondering what's wrong with them - or thinking it's just in their heads. As Dumbledore says in HP 7 - (paraphrased because I don't remember it exactly) - Of course it's in your head! But what makes you think it's not real?

Well, I'm afraid that's as far as my mental train is going today. Have a nice evening! I'll write tomorrow after the swim lessons ;)

8 Aug 2007

Thanks for all you add to the blog - all the comments were right on track with my thinking!

I realized yesterday that my swimsuit was getting really thin in strategic places - so I guess I have to get a new one! Not sure if I'll be able to find one this late in the season or not....We'll see!

Had so much fun with S's girls. Had to post some pictures.

Maddie and Kimball cleaning up after a cooking project.

The girls under DJ's lightweight tent.

Lou, Lindsay, and Hinckley (and Mckay) picking cherry tomatoes.

Yesterday's "Table Time" - doing puzzles and various games. Cheesy Taylor.

Maddie was really happy about something!

Seven girls is a lot of girls! I made aprons for them so they could help with cooking projects - Blue dishtowels with two corners tucked over to form a casing for a single piece of elastic with the ends sewn together. For a little extra something - I made 3 pockets at the bottom by folding the towel up on itself (keeping the cute pattern side to the front). and sewing the edges and two straight lines just to the side of the design. Quick and easy!

Also found some pictures of our camping trip this past weekend:

Hinckley had to be on the big rock with Daddy and Kimball. Didn't want to jump - just to be on it.

Kimball got some good practice swimming - and even jumped off the big rock a few times!

Our group is in the foreground of this picture - from left to right: Taylor, DJ, Ashlyn (cousin), Nate (uncle), Hinckley, Mckay, Kimball (in purple).

It's activity days tonight and I found a few pictures to share of our group. This is a little backyard pedicure party. The girls were clustered around our little pool - just big enough for the pedicure.

Check out all the little hands and feet!

Well, that brings us to our question of the day: If you were at a friend's house for a holiday dinner and you found a dead cockroach in your salad, what would you do?

I have found dead things in food at friend's homes. Since they won't kill you I don't say anything - but I don't eat any more either. No need to cause a stir! Anyone else have another take they'd like to share? And I don't think any less of them for it, either!

Well, we're off to the library, then I plan on spending some quality time in my bed before the activity tonight. Have a wonderful day!

7 Aug 2007

Hello again! So fun to read what superpower you would want! So much room for imagination there. As to the question - all the girls are in swim lessons - Taylor is doing a Mommy and Me (with me) and so loves the water that she can hardly wait for me to count to three to have her jump in to me. Little trauma today - Taylor sat down on a step that was a bit too low and did dunkers (all under) - she stood right up, though. Didn't seem bothered by it. Hinckley was doing a back float in the kiddie pool with her legs tucked up underneather her (bent in half backwards) and lost her balance and went under. I was right there and got her right up - but I saw her eyes fly open in panic! We'll see how she does tomorrow.

Mckay was a good student today and jumped in to her teacher (including getting her face wet). She wouldn't do it yesterday so I bribed her today with the promise of a piece of candy for each face-wetting incident. She earned 3 pieces. Kimball is working on the butterfly and breast strokes. It is a summer tradition to have swim lessons - so I'm glad we're doing them - through the end of the week. I'm especially glad it's the last year for mommy and me lessons. Last year I did them with Hinckley and put Taylor in the childcare during that time. I don't remember whether I did them with Mckay or not - but I know I did with Kimball. This year has been really rough on me - it hurts having Taylor hanging on to me.....But we're almost through it!

We have S's girls over today - Kimball and Maddie are making cookies, and the other girls are playing school. Such fun!

I went ahead and bought PSE 5.0 - I don't know how to use everything yet - but as school starts and life gets into a new routine - I'm hoping to figure a lot out. It's already been really helpful.

Question for today: Who do you nominate for "Woman of the Year" for 2006?

This question must be from last year? - I am not up on women in the news enough to know who I should or shouldn't nominate. I think we as women are far too competitive with each other and don't give each other (or ourselves) enough credit. We can't do or be it all. I think anyone who tries to be who they need to be (mother, wife, etc) is doing enough. I can't think of a year at a time - too overwhelming. So, I'll do my best today - and hope that it's enough.

Have a good day!

6 Aug 2007

Sorry for the brief break. Hopefully we won't have another break like that!

We've been busy here - swim lessons, a short camping trip, the funeral, etc. We still have swim lessons this week so the busy keeps going. Can't really think of much to say this morning...We did finish Harry Potter - so that was fun! Really enjoyed the ending - much we had figured out but there were some surprises, too.

Question for today: If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one ability or quality, what would it be?

For me it would be to know how to speak spanish without any of the effort learning! Then I'd be all set for my trip to southern skies :) What about you?

Have a nice day! Thanks for the thoughts and prayers!