29 Dec 2008

Did you miss me? I so enjoyed having some time away from the computer. DJ had part of the 24th off through yesterday - so we really had a nice break. I'm enjoying my favorite Christmas present this morning - my Homedics Quad Roller massager, with heat. My computer chair is just perfect for this - so my computer time is quite pleasant now :)

We really had a great Christmas - lots of family, fun and rest. I'm having a tough time remembering what I need to do this week - haven't even looked at my calendar. Guess I should....

Anyway - I'm off to read the blogs and get caught up on your holidays as well. Loves!

23 Dec 2008

We got things picked up and had a wonderful evening last night. I've been forgetting to eat regularly - preferring to stay in bed snuggled under my covers. It results in me being grouchy. Anyone else have this problem? The grouchy if you haven't eaten thing?

Oh well - I'm working on it. I took the girls to Barnes & Nobles today to redeem their gift cards from Grandma Kaye and Grandpa Dan. They had such fun and are enjoying their new things. It's been good to space things out a bit - everything gets enjoyed with plenty of time to spend on it.

What else? Oh - I was thinking of putting the homemade oreo recipe on here.....

Thanks Reg for having this on the family site - saved me from getting up and looking for the recipe :)

Oreo Cookies

Ingredients:
2 Devils Food cake mixes
4 eggs
1 1/2 C. shortening

Filling:8 oz. cream cheese
2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 C. butter or margarine
1 box powdered sugar

Directions:Mix cake mix, eggs and shortening together and roll into balls. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.Mix filling and spread between two cookies.

Really tasty! Sarah thanks for reminding me of these favorites :)

Well, I'm off to check the email. Have a great day!

Just two more sleeps until Christmas (as I tell my girls ;))

22 Dec 2008

Sorry to miss yesterday. We do have a bit of a backlog of treats around here.....so the cookie making is on hold for now. :( I did have to go and get some supplies - but overall I keep a stock of most baking goods on hand. In fact, I just had to get the oreos today as I discovered we had none! Alas! So we are going to make those yet. Kimball was a trooper and made 3 kinds of chex mix - so tasty! We especially liked the fiesta/mexican mix. We as in me. Jared liked the Ranch the best. I think there's just a bit of muddy buddy still around too. We're getting ready for the annual caroling on DJ side of the family. And gift exchange for the kids :) Such fuN!

I can't remember if I already posted this....quick pause while I look......OK - I don't think I did. So, now that we're officially in the branch we have callings! They issued me 3 callings - Primary Pianist (during the Sunday School hour - they will just have a combined sharing time with class during the other hour); Relief Society (Sociodad de Socorro) pianist, and Activity Day leader. So - basically I get to keep doing what I've been doing plus playing for the primary. It's all good because as you know - I have a hard time sitting still ;) DJ is going to be team teaching Sunday School for the 12-14 year olds. We're both very excited.

We had to go in for recommend interviews - and it was very interesting. I was asked the questions in Spanish (it was easier than trying to translate them) and understood which question was which (most of the time) - when I didn't I would ask and the President would clarify. So - I now have a partially done Spanish recommend! Yes - everything on in except my name is in Spanish! We still need our Stake interviews. And we could have got them yesterday - we just forgot :(

So - life continues to be plenty busy here. I'm hoping to get my girls trained to pick up after themselves a bit more during this lovely time we have together over the holidays. I just can't clean up faster than they can mess up! Alas!

Hope your evening is WonderfuL! Loves!

20 Dec 2008

We are so enjoying this Saturday. Chuck & Sue & Amanda spent the night last night - and we played Apples to Apples Junior. It was so much fun for all (Jared & Cory and kids were over too!). We watched Meet the Robinsons this morning - as Chuck, Sue & Amanda hadn't seen it. They all enjoyed it. Sue has a terrible cold that really set in as they arrived last night. She got some good medicine that helped her sleep and rest last night, though.

So today I'm going to try a recipe from this year's Costco Thanskgiving cookbook. It's Easy Oreo Truffles:

1 18 oz pkg Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, finely crushed, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 8-oz pkgs semisweet baking chocolate

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Mix 3 cups of the cookie crumbs and cream cheese until well blended. Shape into 42 one inch balls. Dip balls in melted choloate, place on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs. (Any leftover melted chocolate can be stored in a a tightly covered container at room temperature and saved for another use.)

Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm. Store any leftover truffles in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. Makes 42 truffles.

Sounds easy and tasty! A great recipe for success!

Well, We are off to the dollar store for stocking items before the next snowstorm hits. Hope things are well with all of you. Loves!

Elf Yourself

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/xiM6EQi2e4ULymQepWUh

Check it out - so much fun! Today I'm going to make some chex mixes.

17/18 December 2008

I was busy yesterday morning and didn't do the blog right off - so when I ended up with a major headache at the end of the day - guess what didn't get done....

We made Fudge yesterday - I like to add things to it but my kids like the pure stuff - so here's the pure recipe:

1 bag of chocolate chips (normal size - not Costco size)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt

Put all in a microwave safe container and micro until chips are melty. Stir up and refrigerate. You can pour this into a buttered dish if you want it to come out easier. :) And I like to add nuts and craisns.

We also made peanut brittle in the micro. Who knew? Now, this is not the exact recipe I used - but it is close. I'm sitting by a heater and don't want to get up. And I used some soynuts (not sure what they are - small and round and salty - not from Virginia).


MicrowavePeanut Brittle

If you have a microwave and you'd like to whip up some peanut brittle in a hurry, this recipe will let you do it in a little less than 10 minutes (plus cooling time, of course).
NB. Times are based on a 700W microwave oven so please adjust your cooking time to suit your equipment!
Ingredients:
1.5 cups of raw, shelled Virginia peanuts (leave the skins on)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon of butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
Method:
Mix the peanuts, sugar, corn syrup and salt together in a microwave-safe casserole dish until well mixed
Cook in a microwave on high for 4 minutes; open and stir the mix well; then cook on high for another 4 minutes
Open, stir in the butter and vanilla, then microwave on high for a further 2 minutes
Finally, remove from the microwave, open the dish, add the baking soda and stir quickly until the mix is light and foamy
Immediately pour the mixture onto a lightly-greased baking sheet, spreading it out thinly.
Allow the mix to cool - then break it into small pieces and store in an airtight container.
Tip: The trick to making thin, tender peanut brittle is to keep the baking sheet(s) you use warm. I recommend heating them in a conventional oven at around 200o F (about 95o C) before you spread the peanut brittle mix. This should allow you to spread the mix 1cm to 2cm thick without it setting up.

This is me again - I found that I only needed to refrigerate a short time and then it was easy to peel off and break up. Don't wait too long - but it does need to be cool enough to handle.

Also - I made my favorite Cream Cheese Cookies and added craisins and chocolate chips and just blobbed them on the cookie sheet (not rolled, cut out cookies). So tasty!

Here's the recipe from the Family Site:

Cream Cheese Cookies
1 c. butter
8 oz. cream cheese
2 c. white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract (I haven't added this when I've made it)
3 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder

Directions:Beat the butter and cream cheese until they are well combined. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture's fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts and beat in well. In a small bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well mixed. Divide the dough in half. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours. Pre-heat oven to 375. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use your cookie cutters to cut the shapes you want and place them on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

***In the real world where I bake - I don't divide the dough, or refrigerate unless it's real sticky and hard to handle - this dough was plenty firm and easy to work with as is. I also don't use the parchment. I didn't even spray the cookie sheet. We put chocolate chips on top of round cookies (in lieu of hershey kisses) and that was tasty. I want to try mixing in some crasins and see how that tastes.
Number Of Servings:Makes enough cookies for a small crowd
Preparation Time:Not long

So there are three recipes for today. Hopefully that gets me off the hook for not posting yesterday. This is really a committment - making cookies every day! Probably won't repeat this next year...

Anyway - we're off for great adventures today - it's piano lesson day! Have a great day!

16 Dec 2008

Good Morning! What a great day ahead of me! A couple of kids in McKay's class had lice yesterday - so we are washing everything here - just to be safe. Crazy fun. BTW - did you know that shampoo with Tea Tree Oil repels Lice. It's true. My sis in law has 2 boys. One was using the aforementioned shampoo, the other wasn't. Guess who had lice and who had none. Seriously, if one child gets it and the other doesn't - that really says something. They share a room, etc. I'm a believer. Since I don't have that shampoo - I've got some oil I'm mixing in my shampoo. Just wanted to pass that along in case it would be helpful to anyone.

Today we are making these: Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chips, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
about 1 cup peanut butter (chunky or creamy - not all natural), divided
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs

Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Melt 1 cup of chips in small saucepan over lowest possible heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

Beat sugar, 1/3 c peanut butter, butter, and vamilla in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add melted chocolate. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in remaining chips. Cover; refrigerate just until firm.

Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Press 1/2 inch deep centers with thumb. Fill each center with about 1/2 tsp. peanut butter. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until sides are set but centers are still slightly soft. Let stand for 2 minutes; removed to wire racks to cool completely. makes about 3 1/2 dozen.

Update about yesterday.....so despite my best efforts, we did not make it to the neighbors. We did have a nice evening with just one wreath for us. Kimball made it and crushed the corn flakes to bits! I still have some gingerbread left over so I'm going to crumble it and make a crust for a cheesecake with it. Sounds good eh?
Don't worry - we'll catch the neighbors later.....

Hope things are well with you - the tidying/cleaning continues here. Laundry all day!! Makes me wish I had 2 dryers. Someday.....Hey - do they make a 2 stack dryer unit? I should check!

Glad you enjoyed the Cookies Sarah! We'll keep the recipies coming!

14 & 15 Dec 2008

So I missed yesterday. I thought about it - if that counts. Kimball was sick in the night (again!) so we ended up leaving her home. She made cookies and did dishes (I'm thinking maybe we should have taken her?). These are the cookies:

Mini Chip Snowball Cookies

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter or margarine softened
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups mini chocolate chips (or just use regular)
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
Powdered sugar

Beat butter, 3/4 c. powdered sugar, vanilla and salt in a large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in flour. Stir in chips and nuts. Shape level tablespoonfuls of dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 10 - 12 minutes or until cookies are set and lightly browned. Remove cookies from oven. Sift sugar over hot cookies on baking sheet. Let stand for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Sprinkle with additional sugar, if desired. Store in airtight containers. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.


So that was yesterday - today is a new day - another cookie! Well - technically it's not a cookie - but it's what I'm making today so this is what you get:


Christmas Cornflake Wreath Cookies
Submitted by: Sharon P.Rated: 4 out of 5 by 55 members
Yields: 18 servings
"These cookies look like little Christmas Wreaths and are great fun for the kids to help with. Very Easy. People always look at these suspiciously, but once they try them, they can't get enough. Recipe may be halved."

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups cornflakes cereal
1 (2.25 ounce) package cinnamon red hot
candies
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Microwave marshmallows and butter on High for 2 minutes. Stir, then microwave on High for 2 minutes more. Stir. (This can be done in a double boiler if one doesn't have a microwave.)
2.
Add and mix quickly the coloring, extracts, then cornflakes. Drop by spoonfuls in clumps on greased wax paper and decorate with 3 red hots each.
3.
Once cool, transfer to lightly greased serving/storage tray with lightly greased fingers.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2008 Allrecipes.com
Printed from Allrecipes.com 12/15/2008
document.write('');

It was easier to copy and paste than to type that all out. Also - saw a great idea in case you don't have a double boiler. This gal used a glass bowl on top of one of her pots that contained boiling water. Worked great!

This is what we're taking to our neighbors while caroling this evening. I'm using jelly bellies (red) in place of the red hots - and doing plate size wreaths. Anyhoo....Just had to share.

Have a great evening!

13 Dec 2008

So we are having Gingerbread Cutouts today - here's the recipe:

1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1 Tbsp vinegar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Mix everything up - chill for a bit until it's easy to handle. Roll out dough on lightly floured (or sugared) surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out fun shapes (little people) - Put on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Decorate as desired.

The girls did this by themselves! Too much today to go over it all. I'm tired...and going to bed. More tomorrow!

Update on 1st Cookies

They are really tasty - I can definately tell they have corn syrup in them as they are kind of "sticky" if that makes any sense. I would probably try something different next time - no corn syrup and adjust consistency with flour - plenty sweet!

We are so enjoying REDBOX - if you haven't checked it out - you really should! We're watching Horton hears a Who and The Dark Knight - both for the first time tonight. The Horton for the kids and the other for DJ - I'm going to try to go to sleep. :) We'll see - I'll probably watch for a while. Oh - and the trick with REDBOX is to reserve it online - that way you know it's for sure going to be there when you get there and it's so quick! It's just a dollar per movie (got mine around noon today) until the following day at 9pm. EASY!

Well, that's about all. We got Becky's christmas letter - nice! And Gene & JoAn's card. Very nice! How did you do them? Printed message and all.....it had me figuring.

Well, Hope everyone's evening is great. We're allowing popcorn in the car as we look at the lights (personally seasoned little brown bags). I'm hoping DJ will clean my car following this grand adventure ;) Always needing done it seems (with kids and DJ). Are you ever like me and dream of a house that doesn't get dirty - a car that stays clean? Someday....Somewhere....

Enjoy!

The Honorable Jim Edgar
Former Governor of Illinois
Specialty Recipe
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup oats
Combine flour and baking soda and set aside. Combine corn syrup and peanut butter and mix well. Add egg whites, sugars, and vanilla. Add flour mixture and mix well. Fold in oats. Drop by rounded teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet and bake in 375-degree oven for 8 minutes.
Makes: 2 dozen*Approximate composition per serving:
105 calories 3g fat 0mg cholesterol 51mg sodium

These are cookies we're making today. Haven't tried it yet - sounds tasty. My girls were requesting peanut butter sugar cookies - but I talked them into these. I haven't got the 12 days of Christmas really figured out. Do I start today? When are you supposed to be done - Christmas eve or Christmas Day. Alas! We're starting the cookies today. Also - we're planning on doing the yearly drive and look at lights tonight with some friends ;) Have a great evening!

11 Dec 2008

Good Morning! We're off to a great start today. A few things to do - but not too bad! As for the time and expense - don't think about it - I didn't :)

Seems like so much to say - but I can't think of a thing today. Maybe tomorrow?

Aha! I found something. This sweet gal had a birthday on Monday that we had to celebrate. She was 41 so we put on 5 candles - 4+1 :) Looking forward to getting copies of this pic to her to send to her children in Mexico. Can't remember how long it's been since she's seen them - a while at any rate.

Enjoy!

10 Dec 2008

The stuff is in the mail! Yeah! Just a small caveat....I only sent one disk to you, Becky - because I wanted you to be able to add the last picture pages before burning more disks for your branch of the family. I sent one disk to Bruce and Sharon - we'll get you the missing pages ;) and then you can make copies for your branch. I'm going to send the missing pages to my branch of the family. Don't know if that makes sense or not....

Everyone - make sure you look through your file to be sure that the formatting of the pages is correct. Even after I finished with it - it got squirlly on me. A line hanging off the page - on the next one....There's instructions in with the disk.

And that's about it. Hooray!

9 Dec 2008

Good morning everyone! Had such a nice evening with the spirit so strong in our home! It was really great! We read the story about the boy who gets up early to milk the cows for his dad. Know the one? Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck I think it's called. So nice!

Trying to get things finished up today.....we'll see how it goes....I'll report when they're in the mail!

Well, Back to work! More later..

8 Dec 2008

The report: It went well, although it was probably the most nervous I've ever been. Crazy, I know - but true. I even had DJ come up with me - he just sat in one of the chairs - and I thought he'd follow me and fix any mistakes I made. He didn't say anything - just followed me back down. Everyone was so kind and I was really glad of the effort I made.

The BEST news today is that my voIP phone (T-mobile at home) is working! After several hours on the phone troubleshooting on Friday and waiting over the weekend and more troubleshooting today - I exchanged the router for another one at the store I purchased at, plugged it in and we have a blue light! That means it's working. So - we will have our same home phone number - we kind of have 2 lines right now and I don't want to confuse anyone with additional numbers - so if you're in doubt - call my cell. Thanks! The home number should be the only one by the end of the week.

Well, I got a book about the 12 days of Christmas and have decided to do something really fun and include everyone who reads the blog on this. We're doing the 12 days of Christmas Cookies. I'll have a new recipe on every day to share with you what we are making that day - so you can make it and join us if you like. We're starting on the 13th - that way we're sort of a day ahead of schedule and can enjoy cookies clear through Christmas. So - don't miss these tasty, tested recipes :) They are some of our favorites. If you have any you would like to share - put the recipe on your blog and make a note on mine so that I'll be sure not to miss it!

I'm going to the eye doctor today. No particular reason other than it's been a long time if ever that I have gone to the eye doctor. Insurance covers it and McKay is going too. We're also having friends from SB over for dinner. A little crazy - I know! It's all good - I'm making Enchiladas. Gringa Enchiladas I suppose but it will be fine.....

So probably tomorrow I'll get everything ready to mail out :) I had hoped to get to it today - but the day is getting the best of me. :) Have a wonderful FHE!

7 Dec 2008

So I'm really nervous this morning - getting ready for Church. Don't know if I could explain it all if I tried. Going over the words with DJ this morning I was feeling a bit discouraged in my pronouciation. I'm going to make some notes of certain words so I can get them just right.

Our family watched "The Errand of Angels" on TV last Sunday - BYU TV recorded. (got to put it onto a DVD as we have now cancelled the dish). The little ones especially have caught on to the idea of being sister missionaries. Such fun!

Well, I need to finish getting ready. Thanks for the good wishes, Sarah!

6 Dec 2008

It's kind of strange not "having" to get on here everyday. I've taken it easier today as the new medication seems to be affecting my blood sugar levels a bit. Alas! Eight days to go.

I got something very nice in the mail today. Thanks GG for thinking of me. I got misty :) Anyway - we love you so and your book will be in the mail next week :) I know you will enjoy reading and looking through it. Just have to get the file burned on CD's - and we'll be ready to roll. That's on tomorrow's schedule.

So tomorrow is fast Sunday. That doesn't necessarily mean it goes quickly ;) I wanted to share my testimony of the gospel in Spanish - so I used this great service - http://babelfish.yahoo.com/
You can translate web pages or just type something and translate that. So I'll be reading my testimony after DJ goes through to make sure everything is OK. Pretty excited about that - but nervous about my pronouciation. For someone who feels well educated - this is the perfect humbling experience - being surrounded by others (many of whom speak 2 languages) and feeling like I'm so slow ;(

It is nice though, and they are all so kind. Wish you could all come and go with us - it's a wonderful spirit there!

Well, it's heading for evening - so I better wrap this up. Still no local phone by the computer. I'll be making some calls on Monday. Have a great Sabbath!

5 Dec 2008

Well I wasn't sure I'd be able to post today. I've been hooking up a T-Mobile Router for my local phone and it disrupted the internet. Still don't have the phone working - maybe soon? Ah well!
What one will do to save a couple of dollars....

Anyway - lessons went well yesterday. And I got calendars out to everyone for next year's Winter/Spring lessons. That was good. Just working on getting things going.

Having lots of fun. On round 3 of antibiotics for an infection. Hopefully this round will work. Hope everyone is enjoying this great time of year!

More tomorrow!

4 Dec 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYIOIM6hHBk

For all those who think they have the coolest phone with the most features :)
Had to laugh! Getting in more laughs nowadays. A very good thing - it's been too long!

Well - I am off to a great start on reclaiming my home. It has suffered much during the past few months. It is happy to be recieving attention again.

Lots to do - as always so I better get on with it. Have a great day!

http://www.endfatigue.com/media_downloads/videos/Safetyatworkawards.pps#1

Another funny!

Only one word left to write here -
DONE!

http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx
You have to watch this - so cute! Jared sent it to me on my email. Thanks Jared! I had a good laugh!

Well - I had a productive day yesterday and was so grateful when DJ came home and took me out of the house for some shopping. I'm back at work today and hoping - (a line from Quantum Leap comes to mind - paraphrased a big) that each day is my last on this project :)

I've got all the girls presents - just waiting on one to arrive then they will all be wrapped. A couple of things to pick up for DJ - but that will wait until I'm done with the book.

Getting ready for lessons tomorrow. Such fun! Anyway - I will do another post as soon as I finish this book. Probably should explain one point. I haven't done my in-laws histories. So I left blank spots in the book for those. I figure that they or DJ can do them and I'll add them later - so finished is a realitve term I suppose.

Have a wonderful day!

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
Saw this as I checked my blogs this morning - had to pass it on. Good message! So how is Christmas planning going for you? We are doing really well here. Making progress and the few gifts I have purchased are wrapped and under the tree. No - I do not have really little fingers. I hope the medium little fingers can stay out of them :)

No - we didn't go to another ward - just driving in the mountains for half a day. Lots of bumpy road. Still recovering - but I am so in sync with you Sarah - the kids will remember I was there :) I did get a nap along the way (thanks Tylenol PM).

Anyway - I'm hoping for a super productive day - and I just might get it. Re-evaluating plans and figuring out what works and what doesn't. Finishing Dan & Kaye's book - no idea how many pages are left and I'm not going to count them. I might have to make a quick run to the ink store - out of ink again! AGAIN! It's all good :) Getting ready to mail things out to people. Thinking of doing some mass mailings - big packages to strategically placed family. For those who are loners - you'll get your own package. :) I really hope everyone is able to enjoy these stories! DJ and the girls haven't even got to read them yet - so lots of fun ahead of us :)

Well - that's about everything. Helped at the school yesterday. Thanks Jared & Cory for a delicious (as always!) dinner. It was a nice evening. Have a great 2nd everyone!

30 Nov 2008

Well, we're getting ready for church here. A couple of chuckles this morning - McKay singing "good tithings we give to you and your kids" - silly! Kimball tried to correct her but she was sure she was singing it correctly.

We had quite the adventure yesterday - way too much driving and jostling for me. Trying to be a good sport and go along doesn't always help me feel great. Well medicated sleep helped - now I have to get in another little meal before church.....

We took our SB friends N & A with us and really tired them out too :) They enjoyed the beauty of the countryside, though. I have lots of pics to go through - in time :) More later, I suppose!

Have a beautiful Sabbath (captial S).

27 Nov 2008

Happy Thanksgiving! We are having a wonderful day here. Didn't get my pages done yet - oh well! I'm on vacation!

Hope everyone enjoys the day and truly feels gratitude for all the many blessings we have!

26 Nov 2008

I am so excited to have DJ home for a couple of days. My house looks so great right now - much thanks to him. The piano tuner just left and my piano sounds wonderful. I'm so grateful ;)

Hope today is wonderful for you. I will do the last picture pages in Chuck & Sue's book today. A bit of vertigo - but as long as I'm sitting still I don't notice :)

25 Nov 2008b

I think it's b - maybe I didn't post already? Who knows! At any rate - I enjoyed your comments Sharon and left a special message on the family site :)

So - I finished the histories. Just so you know - it's totally overwhelming trying to pack my mom's 64 pages of history into 3 pages in my book. What to put in, what to leave out....Alas! For those who read it I hope I did OK. My hormone headache worsened as I worked and at least one of the Excedrine I swallowed is stuck to the side of my throat - I even tried to eat something and it's still stuck - and I still have a headache. Guess it's time to go to bed!

All in all it's been a productive day. Now for some well deserved relaxation. Have a wonderful evening all!

25 Nov 2008

I'm hoping to finish Chuck & Sue's album today. I have 3 histories to complete - and eight pages to do. Totally do-able I think. It's been a nice couple of days and I am so excited to have a few days vacation from my regular routine. No activity days, No piano lessons! I think there was something else - but I don't remember what.

Thanks GG for the Church News. So enjoyed getting it and reading it yesterday. What a thoughtful gift :) Hugs and Kisses!

Well - It's time to start my car so it warms up a bit before we drive off. Have a great day all!

24 Nov 2008

Just a quick blog as my house really needs cleaning and I still have 5 pages to do today. Yes- I am caught up and staying current! I can almost see the end of Chuck & Sue's album :)

Had a nice day yesterday but still haven't got the hang of later church - I need 2 meals before we go and have only managed one. By the time we get out I'm shaky :( We'll get it figured out yet!

Hope your week is shaping up to be wonderful! Have a great one!

22 Nov 2008b

Found these at the dollar store - thought the'y be a good addition to a wedding gift. I wouldn't give Voodoo Dolls in general - but these were so cute I had to make an exception. Don't know if the picture will go big or not - so this is what they say:

Pink Doll: Stop Nagging, No more shoes, No more purses, Let's order pizza, Give me the remote, Dishes don't do themselves, back rub, lets watch sports.

Blue doll: Listen to me, Buy me Jewelry, Make dinner, pick up your clothes, Wash the dishes, Mow the lawn, clean the house, Rub my feet.

Anything that helps communication - Right?

Anyhoo - just had to put that pic on for those who I told about this that were still wondering. Have a great afternoon!

22 Nov 2008

I'm so sorry to hear about the migrane - so been there! Alas! I did get in and am on some antibiotics. That's good :) Unfortunately, I'm not feeling it yet ;( So - life continues anyway. Kimball has a practice and a performance today and we have a wedding to attend. Busy day....

After getting caught up on Oprah - I'm grateful for the ability to forget. There was a gal on that remembers far too much and still feels the emotion of those things. Things we don't think about!

Well - I have only 5 pages to do today - YEP I got caught up yesterday! That's such a great feeling. Let me see....19 days to go (times 5 is...... 95 pages). Sounds like a lot and is - but compared to what I've already done - it's nothing!

We're wishing a safe trip to Chuck & Sue as they travel to Missouri. They left at 5 AM this morning (or that was the plan). Long drive - but I think they enjoy those long drives.

Have a great day!

21 Nov 2008

Greetings! And Happy Friday! If you were here I'd sing you - "OH what a beautiful morning!" - like I did for the children in my car this morning. They were all smiles. Sillyness does that :)

Well - I have to go to the doctor today.....and get some antibiotics. Just can't put it off any longer. Truly feeling terrible.....Alas! This is one of the many fun parts of the fibro - frequent certain types of infections. It has been a long while since my last one - so that's good. I just really need to get better.

Productivity continues. I have seven pages to do to be done through today - Yep - caught up! It's looking very manageable. I have a three histories that I need to finish for this book. A couple I was waiting on others for info on (my mom's side) - but I've decided to go ahead and work with what I have and I can always update it later. Other than that - it's just doing the pages!

Want a little peek? Here's one of my favorite pages:

Well, better get back to it. Have a great day!

Two more things...

You need to check out this: http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/
It has a feed you can subscribe to - for you google readers. This is the bread book DJ got to make us bread. We still haven't tried everything (don't know if we ever will). It is so tasty, though. Wanted to share!

Also found this great worksheet about chronic disorganization. Probably will appeal to the more organized to make sure they are organized :) Still...here it is: http://www.nsgcd.org/resources/factsheets/fs001.pdf

Later...

Sorry for the poor lighting - but you get the idea ;) Love you!

20 Nov 2008

Hello again! Making great progress today. As I've been behind a few days - I just keep opening 5 templates each day - and leave my computer on 24/7 - I'm hoping to shut it off today - Fifteen pages to go. Silly, I know....For those inquiring minds - I will NOT be doing a big project next year - other than learning Spanish. REALLY! I'm still working on the word for next year - the one that encompasses all that I want it to - We'll keep you posted.

So much to be thankful for! I love this time of year - other than not being able to get warm enough. I love my heavy blankets that I can use (finally!). It's really great! I got my Spanish Primary song book & CD and the Himnos CD's (words and music). So - when this project is done - I'll be singing in spanish and making a Singing House: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=d2217befabc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

I used the story in my latest talk for Church :) Great story!

Well - I better not interrupt my productivity too much. Have a great day, all!

19 Nov 2008

As I'm writing this the last picture page for GG & Bruno's book is printing out! Finished! I still have to finish Chuck & Sue's and Dan & Kaye's - but the first two are done! I'm feeling really good about this. I am planning on mailing it just after the first of December - so you still have time to get your pages done, Becky. You can even put them in after it arrives :) I will be mailing out the story disks about the same time.....so everyone can eagerly await that ;) Merry Christmas all! Oh - before I forget - will you all update your address at My Family? That will help a ton and ensure you get your disk!

So I'm at the computer again today. Not much longer to go, though! I'll be done before I know it (hopefully!)

Have a great day, everyone!

18 Nov 2008

I had such a tough time settling down and doing pages yesterday! Crazy! Anyway - I'm back here on the computer again today - hopefully to be super productive.

Sunday was really good - except for the part when we came home and the kids had decided to make play dough. The dough part wasn't too bad - just a big messy - but the food coloring was another matter. Hinks had taken the green and spilled it by the girls computer. What a mess! I could have done without that Sunday!

Last night we made a movie for A's dad - we even showed them how to play UNO. I think they had a good time....:) This is turning out to be quite the experience!

Have a great day everyone! So enjoyed reading your blog this morning, Sharon!

17 Nov 2008

So I am so behind......but that's what today is for, right? Anyway - working on it :)

Just wanted to say hi - hopefully I'll have more to say later....

15 Nov 2008

Saturday is a special day. I hope it turns into the good kind of special because it's been the grumpy kind of special so far :( I've got McKay working on a school project - the little ones doing projects too and Kimball is having quiet time. She went to a party and was out late so she's tired this morning.

I am going to dig deep into the pages - got lots of stories done yesterday. I think I only have Grandma Jo's left to do for their book. Pretty good! Now to the pages!

So nice to talk to Grandma Jo and Aunt Becky and Uncle Tony yesterday! Everyone sounded so young on the phone! Maybe phones are getting better? Hope the birthday was great!

Well - on with my work. Have a great day!

14 Nov 2008

Happy Friday! What a great day! I got a picture book ordered from Snapfish (per Oprah's offer - check it out today http://www.oprah.com/dated/oprahshow/oprahshow_20081029_messy). Another gift down! SO I'm about ready to head out on my morning bus run. I so appreciated what my friend A said - It's part of the mission (Spanish Branch). Gave me some great perspective. I am glad to be able to help (to drive, have a car, etc!).



Well - I better get going or some kids are going to be late!



Have a great day! Here's a quick pic of my nephew (from the picture book)

Later!

13 Nov 2008

Happy Thursday! We are doing great here. Just printing out and assembling the last of the Christmas Story books. Yea! Something finally done! So - I have some pages to catch up on in the family history book - but I'll get to it. Just trying to enjoy the day a bit before lessons begin.

I have found that I do enjoy teaching the lessons! Wasn't sure if I would - but am pleasantly surprised! It's going really great!

Well - I have work enough to do ere the sun goes down, for myself and kindred too - ere the sun goes down. Don't remember the rest - but I think of it often :) Have a great day!

12 Nov 2008

Things did calm down last night. I just had to chuckle this morning - thinking of the "veteran" parents and imagining their perspective - on Vetrans Day!

Things are going well this morning. I'm printing out day 3 of my Stories in Hand stuff.....Such fun! Didn't do my pages yesterday - not sure if I'll get them done today, either. We'll see!

We have a friend over and Gracie, Emery and Shilo! Speaking of Shilo - I better go and keep an eye on her. Have a great day!

Miss Ohohoaugha (Sheridan)

Right on schedule with the pre-teen attitude:

It says: Dear, you

from now on I will not care....grades, sisters (McKay) Activity days....etc., etc.,

You noncaring daughter

P.S. I'm thinking about going Goth.

So - for any who thought I was a good parent - here's proof that I'm not. ;) If you don't laugh - you cry!

11 Nov 2008

So I don't know how i do all I do either.....if that helps at all. I'll have to remember to do the eights thing - thanks for the compliment, Reg! But first - I felt compelled to help yesterday as a friend who has just herself and her son had to send her son to a different school that the one she works at. They moved and the bus wouldn't come get him. So I spent two hours (almost) at the school just working on getting him back enrolled there (where my kids go too). In order to accomplish this - I will be his transporation. So - beginning today I pick up and drop off McKay and this guy (A). I know I said no more crazy projects - but this isn't for me and it doesn't take much. His mom doesn't drive - doesn't have a car. Truly I am blessed and can give them this gift.

OK - I am so close to getting my Christmas story books done. With all the crazy around here - just doing them for local people. If you want one - I'll start a list for next year :) Really I will! They have a scripture, song, and story for each day in December up thru Christmas Eve. It has been a tradition around here since 1997! I love it as a tradition as we gather the girls close and bring in the spirit of Christmas. If you don't want to wait for me - here's a site to check out.....
http://www.theideadoor.com/Holidays/Christmas%20Pages/Christmas%20Stories/Christmasstories.html

Ok - the eight things.....
Eight Favorite TV Shows - in no particular order

1-That Underground History show

2-Heroes

3-Monk

4-Scrapbook Memories

5-Oprah

6-Frasier

7-Modern Marvels

8-The Apprentice

Eight favorite Restaraunts

1-Outback

2-Macaroni Grill

3-Red Robin

4-Local Mexican Restaraunt

5- Local Chinese Restaraunt

6-Local Mom & Pop Diner

7- Local Breakfast/Lunch place

8-Carinos

Eight books I'd recommend:

1- Another book about design (that's it's name)

2-Escrituras (scriptures)

3-The Beekeeper's Apprentice

4-The Game

5-A series of Unfortunate Events

6-Anything Dr. Seuss

7-Anything by Simple Scrapbooks

8-The dictionary

Eight things that happened yesterday:

1-Got up at 4:30

2-Did 10 pages

3-Blogged

4-Sat in the "office" at school for 2 hours (almost)

5-Saw a Police Officer closer than I was comfortable with (at the school)

6-Read a book with a boy

7-Spent time with my girls

8-Went to bed ;)

Eight things to look forward to:

1-Having "the book" done!

2-Did I say having the book done?

3-Reading another story to my girls (when the book says young adult - believe them!)

4-Going to sleep

5-Christmas!

6-Thanksgiving!

7-Visiting Utah next spring

8-No piano lessons on the week of Thanksgiving!

Eight things on my wish list

1-Unlimited ink for life!

2-A couple of days to sleep

3-A weekend getaway with DJ (we figured out how long its been - too long!)

4-Cleaning service in my home

5-Meals prepared for me for a week

6-My desk tamed

7-A clear mind

8-Health

Eight things I love about Fall

1-Cooler Temps

2-Sweaters

3-Hot cocoa

4-Roasty Fire

5-Quilts on my bed

6-Water without ice

7-Rain

8-Car Heater

Eight people I tag:

1-Grandma Jo - looking forward to more frequent updates

2-Becky - love the grateful posts!

3-Aaron - always has something on his mind ;)

4-Cory - if she can fit it in....

5-Julie - if she can fit it in....

6-Jeremy - I so enjoy his posts

8-Oliver - what a great little man!

Thanks for sending this on. Have a wonderful day! Wish you were here toasting marshmellows with us :)

10 Nov 2008

Just a quick update. I did get up early this morning - and am still current on my scrapbook pages. YEAH! I also spent some quality time at the school today - I think they're going to run out of books for me one of these days!

I've been working on my secondary Christmas project today - and almost have it done! YEAH!

So I'm feeling pretty good about things! Emery is over playing for a couple of hours....and they are having lots of fun together.

Hope this finds you well!
Have a great day!

8 Nov 2008

Saturday! What a week it's been! Still many things to do today- hope I get them all done. I am almost caught up on my pages (8 to go to be caught up thru today).

Yep - that's about it. Well - I better get back to it. Have a great day!

7 Nov 2008

SOrry to miss yesterday - I was on the computer but didn't get the blog done. Working on additional book issues.....

Just wanted to let you know I'm still here!

A couple of funnies - DJ as he was combing his hair this morning was told by Kimball that he should leave it spikey - she tries to convince him almost every day and he continues to resist :) Silly....

And yesterday as I took Biscut to the doctor - for a rash on her face - asked if the doctor was going to get rid of her freckles. I told her to be sure to ask and followed up by asking if she wanted them off. She said no. The doctor was able to reassure her that her freckles would stay ;)

Have a great day!

5 Nov 2008

What a change a day can make! Praying for the new leaders of our country......

Today I'm most thankful for the gift of smell. As I was in the grocery store - I enjoyed smelling the flowers - almost a herbish smell mingled with them. Very nice. Now I am roasting 2 chickens per the Oprah show directions - Cristina Ferrera (or something like that) had a wonderful recipe that I'm trying with accompanying ideas on how to use roasted chicken (like it lasts that long!).

Making good progress on a couple of projects - too many going at once I think.....but it's all good!

Just wanted to check in and say Hi!
Have a great day!

4 Nov 2008

So if I remember how DJ says it's spelled - estaca.....

Life continues like crazy here. We are having a great time. Today was less crazy....I have baking plans for tomorrow and I couldn't face doing pages today. Alas! I'm wondering if anyone has any input or suggestions on how to easily incorporate the pictures and stories for everyone. I was thinking of using Word and inserting the pictures where they would go - and just making a crazy big file. That way everything is oriented correctly and ready to print (and for those who want to just have an 8 1/2 by 11 - you just print and put into page protectors in a binder. Clean, easy.
Any other program suggestions? I don't have acrobat - although I did think of that too....

Anyhoo - thinking about that. Just wanting to make it easy for everyone. Easy is good. :)

Hope today has been good for you. More tomorrow!

3 Nov 2008

BIG ANNOUCEMENT!~

We're heading on a mission.....to the Spanish Branch! We made the decision and things are finally in the works. The biggest sign of the change is that when we spoke to our Bishop (Sunday before last) - we told him we were planning on attending Spanish Branch sacrament meeting starting this next Sunday. So we get a call yesterday asking us to speak in Sacrament in our own ward. Two sacrament meetings next Sunday! YIKES! But it is a sign that things are coming along and change is happening. It's not an official mission - but we are regarding it as a family mission whilst living in our own home! What could be better than that?

What to expect different on the blog - random Spanish words thrown in here and there....like Stahkah (that's how it sounds to say Stake in Spanish). DJ can correct my spelling.

I think this will be an excellent opportunity for our family to draw closer together and be more responsible for our gospel learning. We haven't been good about reading the manuals, etc.....now we will really need to do that or we will miss out on a lot! More details later.....

In other news:

I got a bunch of pages done yesterday but ran out of ink (on a Sunday!). Today I went and stocked up again so we're up and going once more. I have so many to print out and get into the book - but it's a good thing! I was really pleased with how the pages were turning out. I just need to take time to sit down and type up Grandma Jo's personal history interview (or parts of it) for the book.

Had a couple of good crash days to recover from last week. Onward and upward now! Have a great day!

2 Nov 2008

Sorry for the gap-I was in bed most of yesterday. Should be today too, probably....I'm taking it easy at any rate. Got 25 pages to do today. And yes - they will get done.

Here's a pic of our large group:

And yes - that's me in the middle of the back. I'm a chinese lady. Handed out fortune cookies "Old chinese fortunes for all!" Such fun. Thanks for stopping by!

31 Oct 2008

Halloween! We have lots going today - so pics will probably be tomorrow. Hope everything is well with you. More later.....

30 Oct 2008

So sorry to miss yesterday - just too busy! I painted the new "Music Room" - it ended up white ;) Still trying to get everything in its place so pics will have to wait another day or two. We are working up big plans for Halloween. The girls have the day off - otherwise we wouldn't be doing as much :)

I didn't do my pages yesterday and won't get today's done either - but hopefully I'll catch up tomorrow. It's so nice being home on Thursday mornings!

Well - have to run. Still putting the room together for lessons this afternoon. Have a great day!

28 Oct 2008

So much to do today! I'm going to have to start running soon. I got 11 pages done yesterday and am just printing my first for today (8 to go). Not too shabby! I do have some other things to catch up on too - so the work continues.

Yesterday Jared took a trailer to get wood. Ended up overloading it and amidst getting almost stuck in the field, getting out whilst popping a tire, and putting on a recently filled spare that leaked - it was an eventful evening! And yes - we did watch some Heros ;) Season 2. We're into disk 2. Such fun! Thanks for passing them on to us, D!

Well, as much as I would like to just sit here and type - I do have to hustle. Here's a look at my schedule:

Go shopping for Activity Days supplies
1 maybe 2 piano lessons around noon
3:00 Kimball to duet practice
3:45 Mckay gets home
Taking dinner to a gal I VT - she had a baby
Kimball has a band concert tonight.

There are some other things that just aren't going to happen. Alas! Can't do it all. This is probably more than enough. I have Becoming Jane from the library (due tomorrow) that I'm hoping to watch sometime today. Yes - like I have a lot of time to sit around and watch a movie. Alas!

Maybe I can put it on the girls computer whilst I work here?

Have a great day!

27 Oct 2008

Happy Birthday DJ! We are having a wonderful day here with him home. What a great day to have off. I'm still hoping to get layouts done. I'm two days behind - that means I have 15 to do today to be caught up. Hope I get there!

I am officially finished with the first book - last layout printed today. It's for DJ's grandma Dona. So excited to be done with it. So tempted to just mail it off for an early Christmas present (one less thing to do). Hoping that we can get a family pic taken soon - thinking of Christmas cards/postcards. Such fun!

Well, It's 2:12 and I better get on with it. One down - 14 to go. I'm really gettting a system down. Now if I can just stop downloading cute kits long enough to get something done :)

Have a great day!

25 Oct 2008

Hey everyone. I'm back in the chair today. That sounds a little crazy - and it is ..... Another 5 pages to go today. It's all good. I have to pass on a great template set idea if you are the organized type. Here's the link: http://www.godigitalscrapbooking.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_dnld_info&products_id=3022
Money well spent, I assure you! I got this on Thursday or Friday and am having so much fun getting all organized. It really is fun having everything matching - and looking clean and crisp!

Andrea Gold has to be my favorite template designer. Always has freebies - and I've bought several of her sets. Such fun!

So progress continues. I hope to have more updates soon for you. Thanks for looking and extra thanks for comments!

have a great weekend!

24 Oct 2008 ps

Forgot to put this on. Check out www.artscow.com
So many freebies if you sign up (which is free!). I'm going to get my Christmas pics printed this way! If you want to see how a book looks - you can check out this blog that gave me the tip on this site: http://digitreats.typepad.com/creativeteam/
She shows books that she ordered - very helpful! Anyway - just thinking of ideas for Christmas (semi-homemade).

24 Oct 2008

I had such a great day yesterday! Got my "life right now" album done - in the Real Simple Card holder size. Feeling great about that. Also did a quick flip book of "the plan" by Merilee Boyack (sp?). That way I can show my kids what they are supposed to be able to do.

So today - we're making spiders with some cute kits we got at a local store. We were trying to save them for a rainy day (with our friend R) but when she's here it's never rainy! So today is the day - just in time for Halloween!

I imagine some would like a look at my little album. If you are not one of these - feel free to look away....

Wanted to put on the recipe for those interested parties:

Coconut Pumpkin Loaves

5 eggs

2 cups canned pumpkin

2 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups vegetable oil

2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant coconut pudding mix

3 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground nutmeg

3/4 c. chopped pecans

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and pumpkin until smooth. Add sugar and oil; mix well. Combine the flour, pudding mixes, cinnamon, baking soda and nutmet; add to the pumpkin mixture. Stir in nuts.

Transfer to three greased and floured 8 X 4 X 2 inch loaf pans. bake at 350 for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Wrap and freeze (if you're not eating it) for up to 6 months. Yield: 3 loaves.

**Actually, I used wheat flour because that's what I had on hand. Also used vanilla pudding, 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 of nutmeg, and no pecans. That's just what I had - and no car to go get anything else :) Other than that I followed the directions.

Hope today is great for you! I have one more treat - especially for Grandpa Gene:

She knows part of Called to Serve :) And sang it most loudly on the front row of the stand - just to the right of the microphone :) Last Sunday in the program.

23 Oct 2008

So I ended up home this morning - instead of the library thanks to a non-functional truck :) It's actually been quite nice as I had no previous plans so I got to make it up as I went. I made some yummy pumpkin/coconut bread. Very tasty!

So I have some pics to share of the pumpkin crazyness. Here they are:

If you're missing out on all this fun - I do have another huge pumpkin you can come over and do....

We had such fun! I got pics of my two little ones in the pumpkin too - but thought these pics were enough for today. Anyone want the pumpkin/coconut recipe?

Have a great day!

22 Oct 2008

I've been thinking it's the 22nd for several days now :) Silly! I'm actually ahead on my pages - which is good since a migrane has been chasing me since yesterday afternoon. I'm thinking I probably overdosed on Tylenol last night ;) But the migrane was gone this morning. It's threatening to come back - so I took more Tylenol. If I don't catch it right at the first hint - I have a tough time getting it under control. All in all, though - things are good.

We tried making some Crystallized Pumpkin yesterday - tasty but not quite what I expected. And way sugary (could that be influencing my headache?). So - probably won't do any more of that. Planning to can the rest of the big pumpkin later today. We're heading to story time first thing today.

So glad you enjoyed the link, mom! So sorry I haven't been commenting on everyone's posts. Life is just so crazy!

Hope to post pictures later! Have a great day all!

My Family

Having trouble posting to my family - here's one reply:
I'm going to be a Chinese lady and hand out fortune cookies :) Taylor will be a bumblebee, Hinckley a pirate - she really likes saying ARRRG! Don't know about McKay and Kimball - they haven't informed me yet. :)

Also wanted to pass on this link from ABC that I got in my email. The Match-o-Matic:
Http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139

I thought it was fun!

21 Oct 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3eZvEIdmq4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QVQSZA9zSk

Got sidelined just for a minute today by these links. Check them out ;)

Later!

20 Oct 2008

Took yesterday off from the computer - so now it's 10 pages today! Really making great progress, though. I can see the end of the first book!

Had such a nice Sunday. Really not sure what made the difference - just spent time with each other (whole family) and it was happy time at that!

Well - I have to get going. Have a great day!

18 Oct 2008

QUick post - 10 pages to do as I skipped yesterday. DJ had the day off and we had a wonderful day - the best in a LOOOOONG time! He took me to breakfast....then we did some needed grocery shopping. We thank Cory for watching the kids :) Then we came home (after getting the kids) and put everything away. We took it easy (well I did) for a couple of hours and then got a babysitter (Kimball helped Cory out with babysitting - secondary babysitter) and left our kids again and went to a corn maze. We LOVE corn mazes. It's probably some of the best time we spend together. I hold the map - and give directions. He holds my hand and keeps me upright (cornstalks in the path and uneven ground). We figured it was the best weather we're going to get so we needed to go. We went 6.15 miles!!! or maybe just a bit more....Didn't get lost. Did I mention I'm really good with maps? Wish it was a marketable skill :) I'm so Mr. Monkish though, I have to keep my eye on the map - that's why DJ must hold on to me. And every now and then we would have to stop so I could re-orient the map. ;) Must mention also we did that distance in one hour and 25 minutes.

So I'm doing the pages today. Hope today is good for you! Ordered these books today:

The design book I saw at the school library - It looked so good about design that I wanted to get a copy for me :) The others are something I found in a serch about a series of unfortunate events. They sound really interesting - so should be fun. Have a great day!

15 Oct 2008

Not so quickly today....it was such a good move yesterday not to sign up for additional projects. I got songs printed out for my holiday binders (surprise A!) that I'm doing for friends/family/etc. Of course, they have to be done before December starts so that they can be used this year. It was fun getting them done and working with other sisters. So many commented that that's what they should have done too (their own projects instead of starting something new).

OK - some pics....

Me and a mystery buddy who doesn't want to be identified....she looks really good, though :)

The view from the Parking Garage in Boise on Friday evening. No pictures of how lovely I looked at the time ;) The snow is a comming!

Again - an unnamed vandal spreading cobwebs and Halloween cheer to a local home that is empty (we miss you Nate & Tina). :) Just wanted you to know we are keeping the place up!

The Party on Saturday. I caught just the end of it. Looks like it was a lot of fun!

The giant pumpkin - weighing in at 115 lbs. You really don't get the full scope of how huge it is - I'll put better pics on later :)

And finally, a visual representation of what is taking most of my time these days....remember the Illustrated Classics series? Pictures on Left, words on right? That's kind of what I'm doing....All well protected behind plastic :)

For those who look close - yes that is one of the Series of Unfortunate Events books that I put on this page. Really - what they had gone through was so much a series of unfortunate events that it seemed truly appropriate. Even the foot....read if you dare!

I have 4 pages to go today and am still on track! I know I'm nuts - It's just how I am. Well, back to the grind! Just wanted to share some pics with you! Have a great day!

14 Oct 2008

Really quick - got yesterday's pages done - working on the last one for today before heading out for Super Tuesday (Relief Society). Haven't signed up for anything - so taking projects of my own.

Sent you an email, Becky! Thank you!

Well, Loves to all!

Sheridan

PS - Also been adding stuffing to a thinking chair we got for Mckay's birthday - from a family member who had outgrown it. What a project!

13 Oct 2008

What a busy weekend! It was a lot of fun, but very exhausting as well. I'm in the 2 month stretch now - from now until December 10th. It's going to be busy, crazy, etc. But well worth it!

I can't pretend I didn't feel touched by your comments in your last post, Becky - about what if this day is it. Having had a focusing experience a few years ago - I remember my thoughts about getting things in order, and making the most of my time. I want to spend special time with my girls - and make sure they know I love them and will drop things to be with them. I can't ignore those parts of me that insist that work gets done, progress is made, etc though. I am striving to feel peace. I think that's the trick for me - greater peace.

Since this is the 2 month rush - please excuse me if I don't post as often as in the past. Maybe I will - maybe I won't. We're also working on making a "piano studio" for me - in our front room (formerly family room). DJ has agreed to help and work to make this happen and I'm grateful to him. What a lovey! It will be better in the long run - but has a lot of work to make it possible....:) All started as a result of needing to get the piano tuned - suddenly seriously out of tune - considering the location as a cause (outer wall), and looking for a solution. That's probably enough about that.

Additionall, I could use some ideas and help. With my crazy projects - I'm feeling like I'm running a little low on ideas for homemade gifts (for my girls to give their cousins on DJ's side - family drawing). Realistically - do you have any ideas that the girls could primarily make on their own? Limited help from DJ & I ..... or any ideas at all!

I really hope to keep the blog up because it is so therapeutic for me. I hope you enjoy it too!
Have a good day!

9 Oct 2008

Real quick - busy day. Two more busy days ahead. Just wanted to say hi. I did a few pages today - even though it was busy. More next week!

Have a good weekend!

8 Oct 2008

So I watched the Singles 2nd Ward last night - and really enjoyed it. Wish DJ had been able to see it :) Some really funny stuff.

Still going strong on the pages - getting the 5 done each day. I have 2 extra days done - so I just will need to do 5 extra on Sunday and I'll still be good (taking Thursday-Saturday off).

I wish I had something more exciting to share - I'm working on a quick album - Life right now. I'm using a Real Simple Card holder (from Target) - so they'll be little pages - but it is going to be fun. Hopfully I'll have time to work on it later ;)

Well, back to the grind! Have a great day!

7 Oct 2008b

Ok - Pork is for stew - any meat will do :) Just found a good price so I thought I'd do some up - Ended up with 18 pints (a full canner). Quick instructions - you have to pressure cook pints for 75 minutes, quarts for 90 minutes. 1/2 tsp salt per pint (1 tsp per quart). Pre-cook the meat in water and use meat and water to fill jars.

Still don't have everything done - I'll be up late tonight trying, though :) Enjoyed time with the Elders and took time to visit with my niece - Jessica who is starting piano lessons tomorrow! Very exciting! We're swapping for a half-hour of household help. I think I'm getting the better end of the deal.

I wish you were here, Sharon - just for the fun and laughs we'd have - in addition to getting some stuff done. You have a unique ability to find the humor in almost every situation. I so love that about you! And you would probably make me sit down and just chat. Which is probably what I most need.

I have movies due back at the library/movie store tomorrow and I haven't watched them all! I'm thinking after I get my five pages done - I'm staying up watching them tonight ;) Kimball is watching the presidential debate tonight - a school assignment. I'm curious to see what she thinks at the end of it....

Well, much to do - must go. Loves!

7 Oct 2008

Well, I don't remember the name of the book - Kimball grabbed it right after I got home and I haven't seen it. I also got a DVD - Blacks in the Scriptures. I think we'll save it for a Sunday ;)

I'm canning pork today. It's going well.....I just have so much to do! Even feeding the Missionaries tonight ;) Crazy day! I remember praying for patience with my children - but not for any other patience. Seems like I'm getting the package deal today...if you know what I mean. Working on getting my dishwasher to drain again (again!). Just a matter of troubleshooting the various things that could be wrong to find out what is wrong. :)

Well, sorry this is short - but I have a lesson in 45 minutes, zucchini to shred, dishes to wash, etc. Plus I need to eat. Wish you were here :) Enjoy your day!

6 Oct 2008

Monday! It's been pretty good - not got as much done as I would like - still, there's time! We're on the second batch of juice (grape) and will be canning some pork tonight. Think stew meat. Anyway - that's good. I need to get some pages done for today. So, this is going to be short.

Won something in a raffle at the local LDS bookstore! Yeah! I never win anything - so this is extra fun! Took my bike and the biscut down to pick it up. My cell phone dropped out of my pocket on the way - quickly retrived it. It was in three pieces. Luckily - or more appropriately - blessedly all the pieces went back together when I looked at it at the store and it even still works!

Mt. Washmore again today - again!

Have a great FHE!

5 Oct 2008

I'll let a couple more people guess before I tell you what that page is all about :) I've been busy today - 11 pages. I have to get ahead as Thursday thru Saturday will not be productive at home :) More about that later.....

Conference was good - enjoyed many of the talks. I'm so on overload though, that I am having a tough time telling you any specific talk I liked. Some were really blunt. Looking forward to reading them all!

Well, I'm ready for a break. Loves to all!

Puzzler!

I did 9 pages today hooray! And now I'm done - for today. But I wanted to share this page I did with you.....it's a puzzle. Anyone know what is on it?

Have a great Sabbath! We're enjoying conference here :)

4 Oct 2008

So....I finally did what I needed to do - I counted to see how many pages I have to do. 319 - Give or take a couple. Figuring I want to be done by the 10th of December that makes for doing 5 pages per day. Not too bad....

And if I want a day off (or two) I need to do those pages beforehand :)

So looking foward to conference starting in just a few minutes! I do have a bit of shopping to do between sessions - a sale at and LDS bookstore ;) Other than that - I'm hanging out here.

Enjoy conference, all!

3 Oct 2008

Work went really well yesterday! Even having piano lessons - I printed out the 7 pages I had already done (after putting in new ink cartridges) and also did 8 more pages - all printed, trimmed and in the book! Very exciting. Hopefully today will be productive too.

Enjoy the break, Becky! Sounds like a lot of fun. DJ - I so wish you were here as I'm dying to watch some more Heroes :) Alas! Our date tonight (for everyone else's info) is at a local trade show :) that DJ has to work. Silly! Then he's off for wood with Jared tomorrow. Has to be done - we have enough for this year - but next year's wood has got to be gotten - it takes time to dry. :)

I got through all the blogs on my google reader - I'll check the others later.....Sorry! I am interested in what you're doing too - but it isn't at the top of my list. :( Hopefully I can enlist Kimball's help to make cinnamon rolls and Pumpkin Cake roll today. So tasty!

Well, I had the most interesting experience! Last night I had a crazy dream (as usual). The interesting part was that I got the message - I figured out what it was trying to tell me - message recieved! That was really cool - and helpful. Never happens so it was nice. Usually I just wonder - what was that about? But today - I got it!

Well, Onward and upward. Tomorrow is conference. Hope the day is great for you! Enjoy the talks, all!

2 Oct 2008

I have conveyed the message, Traci. Kimball was very excited and hadn't mentioned a thing to me about it ;) It's all good! She's writing you a message now.

Today is piano lessons and hopefully a few pages. I wish I could take time and post more here - but it takes time from actually doing the pages so I'll avoid that. Trying to be productive. It's really tricky when my SIL gave me season 1 of Heros to see if I would like the show. I'm hooked! It's a bit more violent than I would like - but the storyline and confusion is right up my alley! Silly - so I really have to focus on these pages....and then piano lessons today.

Well - back to work just wanted to say hi! So enjoy reading your adventures, Ola and Kari especially :) That's about all I got to today. Have a wonderful day!

30 Sept 2008b

I LOL for real at your comment, Becky! I so would spend a ton of time getting ready for someone to come - like cleaning, getting activities prepared, etc. Crazy! But a good idea! I'm going to work something out with my Kimball - a trade of sorts I think. I don't have to prep for her - she knows how it looks and isn't impressed with my efforts :(

I haven't hung out the window yet - but I did rescue a child dropped off by a bus without an adult in sight.....kindergarden :) And in the process met a neighbor! DJ rescued me from a loose battery cable that threatened the food for the local blood drive :) And we had a great time at the dollar store on the last 88 cent day! Such fuN!

I'm ready for a nap!!!

30 Sept 2008

Last day! of September that is....I'm juicing grapes today and considering hanging out my window to fix a hole pecked in the side of the house by birds :) So fun. Haven't decided on that....have one lesson today and a couple other things going....I really just need to live by my computer for a few days and get a ton of stuff finished up! Fat chance of that happening! Oh well!

I'm finishing up Mt. Washmore from yesterday - really did make tremendous progress on it. I'm going to be so glad when it's just DJ & I making laundry to wash - that is when the girls grow up and move out and do their own laundry! It is just a lot of work. Thankless work too!

The girls have a couple of days off school - so I'm wondering what we'll do then....:) Maybe I can talk Kimball into being mini me while I do computer stuff? We'll see I supose!

Sorry this is short - just so unmotivated and tired! Try and make it a great day!

29 Sept 2008

Ugh! I can't believe I didn't blog all weekend! Ok - here's the rundown - Friday night DJ & I went on a bike ride of 4 - 4.5 miles. Saturday morning DJ had a race - he did well and I went with him. We had a birthday party to attend that took much of the afternoon - then I went to the dinner portion of the broadcast with my MIL and SIL. We decided with 50 minutes until the broadcast begining - we had time to go home and get comfy - so we did. Wasn't Elder Uctdorf's talk wonderful?!? Then DJ took me shoe shopping - I got 5 pairs! It was a big sale....and they are all comfy for me. You should have seen him - it was in a parking lot and he got me sat down, had his headlamp turned on - and just brought me pair after pair to try on. What a trooper!

Sunday was wonderful - we are considering moving our membership to the Spanish Branch. No decisions yet - just prayerfully considering. The stake sent a letter that was read in the wards inviting those interested to attend as the branch goes independant in January. A lot to think about - Primary will be in English as will YM and YW :) So that's good! We'll keep you posted on that later....

I even had a Sunday nap! Today has been nice - lots of laundry and my VTers came - so busy but good. I chuckled when they talked about being anxiously engaged in a good cause.....that's me! Unfortuantely, you shouldn't be so anxious that you need medication :)

Well, I need to get pics of the shoes and race.....Here they are:

TTTTHAT's all folks!

26 Sept 2008b

Another post today! I did a page and wanted to post it. Thanks to Mom for getting me a good start on the page. Here it is:

Also - next time I'm in Utah I'm heading to the Church History Library. I found on a web site that: "The original financial ledgers of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company are available at the Church History Library and Archives. Every person who benefited from the PEF were not included in the ledgers. The information that was included in the ledgers includes:
Name of the person who emigrated from Britain.
The amount they were loaned.
Interest charged.
The amount repaid.

An index to the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company ledgers is available at the Church History Library and Archives reference room in Salt Lake City. If you do not live near the Library, you can write and ask if your ancestor's names are in the PEF Ledgers Index. The e-mail address is churchhistorylibrary@ldschurch.org"

Sounds intriguing! First I need to gather a list of possible recipients, including ones I know recieved help. I just think it would be interesting to know more about this. What was a lot to them was a small amount to us. I did find this link that you can check for a partial list. It contains a list of debtors that had not repaid the fund as of 1877: http://www.mormonhistoricsitesfoundation.org/publications/studies_fall2000/mhs1.2JensenWardFall2000.pdf#search=

I always enjoy putting things of interest that I find on here and hope you will find it interesting too!

26 Sept 2008

Definately September today. We have had such a nice week with Mom here with us. The best part? I didn't have to have a baby to get her here for so long! We each had a bit of tummy rumblings but still enjoyed the time together and will remember it for a long time!

SO still no new pages to show - but there's a couple of hours before DJ gets home - who knows what will happen....

Thanks so much to A for being such a great piano teaching mentor - I so appreciate your time! We always have a great time together! She was over last night listening in on a couple of lessons - giving me additional tips and helps to help me be a better teacher. Excited about upcoming lessons to use these ideas! :)

Tomorrow already feels like it's out of control! I hate that. So - DJ and I are having a planning session to figure out how to have a better day and do things that we want to do while still getting things we have to do done. Looking forward to seeing you later, love!

Well, that's about it - especially if I want to get a page or two done. So - I'm off. Have a wonderful evening - get a date night in if you can!

Here's a fun little movie for today. We got out the fall decorations yesterday and this is a favorite from last year. The boo box ;) Just figured out this year that the tune is Ghostbusters.

Still don't have any other layouts done - maybe later. Today is piano day. We had a good productive morning at the library. Thanks so much Cory for watching my girls - as always :)

Well, on I go! Have a great day!

24 Sept 2008

Again - almost August! I don't know what's up with that. Anwyay - so loved seeing Becky's new pages - they are so wonderful! I love to see other's creations - it does make me wish mine looked more like that.....but I remind myself that my current project is very different - and doesn't need many words on each page. I do try to take time to do each page - but I truly am a scrapbooking sprinter rather than a marathoner....In that I want to get it done and quick. Looking for the pictures slows me down some.....

Anyway - I really need to get back to doing some pages. Haven't done any for several days. So I'm feeling a bit guilty for not doing more. SO much to do....so little time. I even took my scrapbook (one of them) to church and made notes about several pages so I know what I want to look for picture wise. I usually pay much better attention - but wasn't feeling well at all. Alas!

So, That's what I'm thinking I need to do most today - some pages. We'll post them here as I finish them. When you're ready to help, Becky - let me know. :) There's plenty of fun for all! And, many of the pages are really basic - so and so was born on such and such at here and there. They married so and so at such and such on this and that. They had this many children. They died on this and that at here and there. So the pages just will have pictures of the places mentioned - as we have no photos of them. Pretty quick, really. But still something!

Well, we're getting ready to head to the library for Storytime. First time in a long while - I'm dreading the crowds. I do have many things to return, though - so I better get going. Have a wonderful day!

23 Sept 2008

No special story about the two pictures page, Reg. Just both BYU the university and the DUP organization were mentioned on the accompanying page and I needed pictures that represented those things.

So today I've been reading Midnight sun - partial draft and enjoying it. Kind of feel like I'm being lazy just sitting at the computer reading - oh well! I have a piano lesson in about a half-hour so I'll be busy soon enough.

Mom and Dad arrived safely and we had a great evening with them, and Jared and Cory and clan. (is that enough ands or what?) A fun week ahead!

My week is filling up...more and more. It's all good....just busy.

Hope you are having a great Tuesday! More later!