30 Aug 2008

Sorry for the break. Took a crash day yesterday - and listened to the story "The Host" by Stephanie Meyer. If you're going through withdrawls and haven't read this story - it's a good read. (or listen in my case). Different, but I'm not sure what I expected.

Already I'm making Christmas plans. And other plans....I really need to just sit at this computer and do a bunch of layouts for the memory books. Sometime....

Today I went and got a haircut - it had been 2 months and needed done. Plus - I'm playing the organ in Sacrament tomorrow so I wanted to look nice. :)

I am feeling a bit better. Still working to get my new meds just right. Temporarily thinking about not taking certain ones because I'm enjoying not having some side effects - but on the other side - there are other issues. Anyway - I'll get it figured out. DJ as always is the voice of reason.

Have a great Saturday! So enjoy reading your blogs and seeing what you're up to.

26 Aug 2008

Something I just heard that you never want to hear - "Hinckley, get off the roof!" said by McKay. Thankfully she was talking about the playhouse roof and not the real roof. Alas! Today I've been busily assembling decodables (SRA) reading books for McKay's teacher. I felt so bad for her spending what free time she has doing this - so I took it on. I'm more than halfway thorough and having a great time. What can I say - paper, staples, folding, perforation. LOVE IT!

I know I'm weird. I got about 6 layouts done for my book yesterday - none today. I have back to school night tonight and one lesson - so it's going to be a bit of a rush. I'd also love to get a haircut if I have time.

McKay has a thing with spagetti - she says it feels like worms - so tonight I thought I'd use pasta shells (never mind that they're really pasta salad - pasta plus dehydrated vegetables and small veggies at that. She started going off about how she doesn't like the vegetables. This is the girl who eagerly brought in a zucchini from the garden. WHAT DOES SHE EXPECT ME TO DO WITH IT? TURN IT INTO FRENCH FRIES?

Alas....I think you get a taste of my mood. Lastly, I'll add some pictures of my outing last night to Grandma Jo's cousin Opal's house. I'll say in advance I don't like how the pictures make me look - I spelled it out to DJ before Kimball was around so that the girls didn't hear my opinion - F A T. Alas! To have any sort of chest I have to have a bit of fat on me. I guess I like seeing myself look gaunt. There - I've said it. Here's the pics:

Your monitor is not acting up - that's a muffin top you see on my stomach region. I am trying to control these crazy thoughts - I watch that show "How to look good naked" and feel better after that. What is it that makes us want to look so differently from how we actually look?

Point o the story - we had a very nice visit - Opal and I. I'm planning on going back for another visit soon. Possibly doing a video interview? Should be nice....

Does the wig remind you of anyone? The whole time I kept being struck with the resemblance - and not just the wig - she's also short, and built much the same as someone we all know....

Anyway- it's hot and I'm just feeling grouchy. Sorry....

More and better tomorrow!

25 Aug 2008b

Still don't have the hang of posting some of these cute things - thanks Reg for the quiz - here's my result. No surprise to me :)
You Belong in 1951
You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!



Interesting....Working on some picture pages for my book - slow and steady!



:)

25 Aug 2008

Well, another break. Saturday was tremendously busy traveling to and from Burley for Grandma Dona's birthday party. It went really well, my kids got tired and grouchy - what more can I say. After about 5 times of - "Get your seat belt on properly or we'll pull over ...." I finally did have to unbuckle and head to the back to encourage firmly. After that it went better although there were still a couple of reminders needed.

Yesterday was crash day. I thought DJ would be taking the girls to church - but he was having stomach pains and decided to stay home - so we were all home together. He and Kimball did make it to the Temple Dedication. So glad - they had such a nice time. My house is still recovering from all of the attention (or lack of it) yesterday.

I'm heading to the school this morning to pick up some more decodable books (like they use). They come in a big workbook and need to be torn out (perforation) and folded and stapled. Just what I like to do!

Anyway - I guess I better get on with it before I hear another chorus of - "Is it time to go yet?" that has to tie with another favorite "Are we there yet?" to which I generally respond - "When the car stops and we all get out - we'll be there." It works.

Have a great day!

22 Aug 2008

The apt. went well....so glad I didn't have longer to think about it. Thanks Cory for watching the kids :) Getting ready for McKay to get home. Got car issues to deal with tonight....then Grandma D's birthday party tomorrow. Should be lots of fun!

Yikes - surely I have more to say......

Change in my meds....:0 Been waiting to use this cute graphic from mommishdesigns. Such fun! Totally me.
Also totally me. Anyhoo - have a great weekend all!

21 Aug 2008

Funny story....I tried to schedule my yearly in July - and set a date in December. Also got on the waiting list....then I got a call today confirming my apt for tomorrow. I said sure, thinking that someone had cancelled, thus I was getting an appointment. Went to my last year's planner to make sure it had been a full year (insurance purposes) and found that indeed - I did schedule my yearly while I was there last year. :) Silly me....so I guess I'll have to cancel the December Apt. Now I can stress out over having an apointment for the next sixteen hours or so.....:) Had to laugh at myself.

Today was a very productive day. Thanks to Cory, I was able to go to the school and help in the library. It went great! Still enough to go back for next week :0

Oh, and Cory said that she will babysit for me tomorrow to go to the doctor - and I'm swapping with her for later tomorrow so she can go give blood.

Had such a nice surprise call from GG this morning. Thanks!

Don't know if I mentioned it or not - but I have 2 spots left for preferred status on my phone. We got a new plan and I can call five people for free. 2 spots left.....if you want to hear from me more frequently or have similar spots to fill, let me know :) Heck, I'll call you anyway!

Anyhoo - I have 2 lessons to go and then I'm hoping to go to bed. I'm so behind and tired! Alas! School and getting up early don't agree with me. :(
Have a great evening!

Took a personality test....don't know why....I think I know myself. Got some bread rising....The big girls are off to school - little girls are playing school. Off to a good start. Thanks to DJ for helping me resolve my new cell phone issue - different provider - same number. :) What a guy!


You Are An ESTJ
The GuardianYou're a natural leader and quick, logical decision maker.Goals are important in your life, and you take many steps to acheive them.You enjoy interacting with others, mostly through work related activities.Your high energy level means you are great at getting things done!In love, you tend to bring stability to relationships.You feel comfortable being in charge, and you enjoy being a provider.At work, you take charge. You thrive in structured environments and don't mind enforcing the rules.You would make a great teacher, judge, or police detective.How you see yourself: Realistic, stable, and pragmaticWhen other people don't get you, they see you as: Rigid, bound to rules, and a bad listener

www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/

How close is it for those who know me?

Alas! I must get to work - so much to do so little time! Kimball will be home in only five hours! Have a great day!

19 Aug 2008

Sorry to be MIA - yesterday I spent 6 hours at the school library - it's coming along! Sunday and Saturday were full of adventures of their own...too tired to go into it now. Kimball started school and is enjoying it - especially riding her bike to and fro with friends. Ah - the freedom!

I have way too much to do and too little time to do it in. Will I ever get it done? And do I really want to? Questions that may never be answered.

I need to get a final count on the page protectors 8X8 size. Maybe this afternoon. I've turned all the canning responsiblities (mostly) over to DJ - he gets so excited about the garden, I'm letting him get excited about canning too.

Busy week ahead - but I hope to continue to post. We'll get into a new schedule soon.
Have a great week yourself!

15 Aug 2008

Thought I wouldn't get a post in today? Surprise! It's 9:20 and I'm doing it. Don't remember if I mentioned that day before yesterday I went through the clothes boxes to go "shopping" for school clothes. Found enough stuff that we don't have to buy anything! Yeah! And, A - I have enough long sleeve shirts for fall/winter to share with your B. :) Forgot to mention that the other night.

I'm missing the scripture power - I faintly hear it....I really have to finish this, though. The big reveal:

Quick break and I'm back....It's the flute! We thought it would be clarinet and she surprised us. Anywho...she's excited, we're excited, etc.

Here's another picture or two:

...at the Twin Falls Temple open house!

Well, it's late and it's been a long day. Off to bed to watch Olympics :)

14 Aug 2008

So today I'm really tired, now. I've been driving, busily most of the day. We had Kimball's registration - and went and rented her an instrument to be in band .....any guesses which one? She told us right before I went to get it. Thought we knew but we were wrong. I'll let you wonder until tomorrow.....She is very excited! And grateful - YIKES - who knew instruments were so spendy? Anyway - she's willing to be extra helpful which is great!

Band camp starts tomorrow - I'm going to bike over with her. We live close to her school so that's really nice. I'll have to get a pix with her and her new instrument. Today I taught her how to work the lock on a locker. Felt like such a "moment" - wished I had my camera with me! I've really got to get it back in my purse....

Then we went to Costco, and to Target. And I'm done. Too tired to do much else! I should get some quality Olympics time in tonight - that will be fun! We are enjoying watching on the TIVO - really the only way to watch. I especially liked the winter sports with the TIVO - lots of setup for short events.....

Well, I can't think of much else to say - we will still have veggies, mom. I got the stuffed tomato recipe on the internet (of course!). It had tuna, mayo, celery (didn't have any so substituted chopped walnuts for crunch) and seasoning - pepper, etc. It just was the perfect summer taste!

Check back for the instrument update.....I'll put a poll on the family site:)

13 Aug 2008

Thanks for the comments! She sure is pretty - I'm thinking of having everyone guess how old she is in the picture (prize for winner). Anyway - got the postcards mailed today. Didn't enjoy the perforation/separation as it was a bit messy. Also the cards seemed flimsier than I thought they'd be....but it worked.

Our local fair is past - so no entry for the zucchini. Yes, Reg, they do keep growing until you pick them - probably up to a certain point and then they might rot. Haven't let any go that long. Everyone should grow zucchini at some point in their lives.

I was so tempted to take a picture of dinner last night - corn on the cob (from our freezer - fresh last year), tuna stuffed tomatoes (oh so tasty!), homemade bread (thanks DJ), and stuffed zucchini (with meatloaf in it). It was so good and filling. I felt so healthy - then I had some ice cream - from Cash and Carry (huckleberry heaven). Couldn't resist. We have a huge thing of it - like what they use at ice cream stores....:) Silly I know. Didn't feel quite as healthy after the ice cream. Alas! There really is nothing like fresh garden veggies! Tonight we are having BLT's - my FIL gave us some of his "special" bacon - less fat, really good stuff. We'll use our own lettuce and tomatoes. Going to be good! I do have to get going as DJ wanted homemade bread for the BLT's - we're out of store-bought and we have dough in the fridge after all.

So it's been a good day. I've got a soft bed waiting for me to do some work on. Filling out school forms, finishing Dona's ancestor book - well the story pages anyway. Still need to order more page protectors. Going to get a final count on that (sort of). We're watching Jared & Cory's kids so they can take Amanda to the temple with them tonight. Great fun!

Well, that's about it....I did do a bit of research today to see where the birthday spankings come from.....not that we do that. It died out between when DJ and I were kids and when we had kids. Turns out it was a superstitious thing to do - and that they did one spank for every year of life, with about 4 additional spanks. The four extra got narrowed down to "one to grow on" - Wikipedia even suggested that it might have come from the doctor spanking the baby to get it to cry shortly after birth. I'd just been thinking and wondering about that. Had to share.

Make it a great evening - and be glad you don't have eight children at your house! :)

12 Aug 2008

Finally back and posting. We got home yesterday and I am recovered enough to post. Thanks for the tip on the dresses, Reg (and everyone else). It's tricky trying to get the right size online :) Anyhoo - we went to the Twin Falls Temple open house yesterday - it was busy but nice. The girls really enjoyed it and Kimball is eagerly anticipating attending the broadcast dedication. Yep - she's old enough.

Wouldn't you know it - she asked about getting her ears pierced over the vacation. We (DJ and I spoke via cell phone) decided 12 sounded good - months away yet. She was pleased, we were pleased, etc.

I just got done making some postcards for DJ's grandma's 90th birthday party. Here's the front of the card (her pic)

I used Office Depot's white gloss postcards and they look great - the template worked wonderful. Just wanted to pass another good product along.

Not sure I know how to edit my post in HTML - alas. So what you see is what you get. I think I'm almost caught up (do I dare say that?) with what really needed done. Now back to all the other stuff. Oh - can't forget, DJ didn't pick the veggies while we were gone - so we had a ton of stuff to pick yesterday. Here's a pic of the biggest zucchini - 14 1/2 lbs!

The girls are sitting at the table - but it gives you an idea of the scale of hugeness! I got it all shredded and in the freezer, awaiting delicious zucchini creations.

I caught up on everyone's blogs - so glad that everyone is well and having fun - hope the allergies are getting better, Reg. So enjoyed reading Traci's posts ;) I did enjoy Wicked - what I heard of it that is. Sort of got some of the story line. I'll read the synopsis later. And listen to it on my own again later too.

Well, that's about everything - Amanda is here for the week. We're having a great time. Hope you are too!

8 Aug 2008

Just a quick post from LOGAN! We are having such great fun. I just read your comments from the last 2 posts and laughed! I do tend to plan a bit too far in advance. Just wondered if I could assign holidays now (like I did colors - they say the colors are the favorites now...little ones that is). Anyway - I'll have to check out that White Elegance! Sounds neat.

Had so real fun with our young male server last night at Olive Garden. Derek....he had very white teeth. ;) The operas have been great - we're seeing Into the Woods tonight - fairy taleish. I also picked up the soundtrack to Wicked. I'm hoping its as good as you said it was, Traci! What else.....I have to hurry a bit because we are changing before the opera tonight. No camera - so no pics. The kids are doing well, DJ is hopefully missing us enough to get some work done around the house. I love you DJ :)

ANyway - have a great evening - I should be able to post again tomorrow. I can still see potential in the Twilight series - the war refered to....and we have to hear about other things...no spoilers here...:) I'm not sure it's done. Maybe I'm just in denial. Not the river:)

Loves!

6 Aug 2008

Anxiously getting ready to head to the Opera's. We will be seeing Gypsy tonight. Tomorrow we see Aida and 1776 and on Friday not sure which one - either Manon Lescaut (sp) or Into the Woods. What fun! I saw 1776 and Gypsy on AMC recently so I'm pretty familiar with those - the others not familiar with at all.

Have you checked out iTunes U? Classes and other lectures available for download - FREE! Found a show I really like - Piano Puzzler.
http://www.npr.org/programs/pt/puzzler/index.html
I did get a couple of them - but it really is a good workout for your mind! Alas - it looks like it was back in 2005. Oh well - they have archives that make it just like new for you! Basically - he takes a familiar tune and puts it in another composer's style. Really tricky! One I got was "Tradition" - another was "Greensleves" - didn't get that one. It was one of the first I heard - so I didn't know what I was listening for.....
Ok, I just checked and there are still episodes more recent. Check here: http://performancetoday.publicradio.org/piano_puzzler.shtml
Even if you aren't familiar with composers, it is educational and each episode is only 10 minutes. Not to bad!

Well, I better get on with my day. Have a great day yourself!

5 Aug 2008

I just checked out when the new Harry Potter movie is coming out - looks like Nov 21st - such fun! Also - looking forward to the twilight movie. That is in December. We picked up a copy of the new book at Costco. So enjoyed it - I was up until just after 1 in the morning a couple of nights ago reading it. No spoilers on here.....but it was good!

Today I've been working on the ipod - getting it loaded with songs and podcasts. So much out there to enjoy!

Glad to hear that Ola's doing well. Sorry the pest control guys haven't come yet Kari! Glad that Grandma Jo's OK with having the casts a bit longer. We'll have to start planning a trip to see you!

I started thinking the other day that with my girls - I'll have to be creative in planning trips to see them and organizing visits home. After all, we're never moving! Although, I might put in a full basement someday.....I was thinking of assigning holidays to my girls - around their birthdays....Valentines Day, Easter, Summer Solstice, and Halloween. Think that will work? For me to go visit them....anyway. It will depend on where they live. Anyone else crazy like me and think about these things way too far in advance?

Haven't made any new t-shirts yet. But I am getting very exciting about doing so.....thinking of all the things I could put on a shirt.

Hey - I need some recommendations for a place (online or otherwise) to get me a new temple dress. I've been wearing the one I wore when I first went through - my mom's old wedding dress that she fixed up for me. Alas - I'm so healthy that it barely fits anymore. During those in between years - when it definately didn't fit, I wore DJ's grandma's old dress. It's too tenty for me...So, I'm in the market for a new dress.....

For those who have read the new book - what did you think? Kimball read it first here - and it's probably a good thing because I'm not sure I'd have let her read it otherwise. Just a little too grown-up in some ways I think - the book that is, not Kimball.

Well, I hope today is great for everyone. I'm also hoping DJ's sending some bread my way....with his mom tomorrow :) That would be so nice! Enjoy the day!

4 Aug 2008

Greetings! I'm on vacation and enjoying myself. Not sleeping enough, alas! The girls are having such fun with Grandma Sue! They enjoy watching movies with Grandpa Chuck too. Not much to say today......

I haven't checked all the blogs yet - off to do that next. I'm heading for the Opera's on Wednesday...so another day of relaxation yet to go. If you know Grandma Sue, you know I'm kidding about the relaxation. There's always work to do. Thankfully we get it done early so we can enjoy the coolness of the house.

Have a wonderful day! We're off to the dollar store later for a diversion :)

2 Aug 2008

While I'm waiting for my hubby to fix the problem following his home-done oil change....I'll do a quick blog. Then we're going.

Have to recommend Mama Mia! I loved it for the songs! Some of the movie was laugh out loud fun - some was definately PG-13. Alas! Overall - I liked it. And DJ liked it too. And the military guy a few seats over (by himself) liked it as he was singing out loud to some of the songs. :) Made us smile.

What else? We have a book to recommend - Artisan Bread in five minutes a day by Jeff Hertzeberg and Zoe Francois (insert french pronouciation marks). DJ has been baking me bread - and it's wonderful! Really - you need to check this book out. Tasty wonderful bread! You make a batch that you keep in the fridge - just taking out some when you want to bake it - fresh bread, quick!

I have pictures of the bread - lets see....

Makes you hungry, eh? It is good stuff...:)

Well, he's almost done - wrong oil filter, just hanging on, no oil pressure. Enough said? Good thing I ran some errands this morning!

I'm hoping to pick up a copy of the new Stephanie Meyers book - for the trip and all :) It's not on iTunes yet - alas! Otherwise I could just listen and enjoy ;)

Anyway - I'm off! Have a great weekend. So enjoyed reading Becky's blogs :) And Regan's -and Traci's....

Our school list is:

Crayons - 24 count, White school glue 8 oz or 4 glue sticks, fine point dry erase markers (just realized I got regular - oops!) 1 box quart baggies (dependant on name - quart or gallon), Eraser, Kleenex, 2 Pocket Folders, Scissors, Container to hold supplies, Pencils (pkg 10-12)

That's it! For McKay anyway - still waiting to hear about Kimball's list....

Later!