30 Dec 2009

Thanks for the speedy feedback! I think I'll go with savor - great thinking! I was thinking that it was interesting that the past two years have been nouns and this year it's a verb :) I hope to get some wordart done to put on the blog reflecting my word :)

Griffen arrived last night and Mom and Dad are off to see him already. I'm sure there will be more details on the family site....

I'm busy working on a new calling this week - Primary Chorister! The best calling in the world! They know that we plan to move this summer (after the house closes) and just want to keep me as long as possible. I wonder what they will think after this first Sunday??? Sounds like they have some different thoughts than I do - hopefully it will all work out :)

Hope your day is great! More later....

29 Dec 2009

It's been a while :) We had a special Christmas. We accepted a lease-purchase offer - and signed papers over the holiday. The lease will last probably until Juneish. Very exciting! The girls all enjoyed spending time with Grandma Kaye and Grandpa Dan (and various cousins and aunts and uncles). DJ and I enjoyed the time we had as well - although DJ was busy fixing the suburban most of the time - and I was alternating rest with working on a pesky light switch at the house. All in all - it was wonderful! We even spent time with Jared and Cory. Thanks to everyone for making it a great vacation :) Sorry we didn't make it to see all the friends we would have liked ;)

So this week we're having a great time. Waiting today to hear how Jared & Cory are doing - Cory's being induced today :)

I've been thinking lots about what my word for next year is going to be. The word that first comes to mind is Bask...so I've gone to the:
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Antonyms of 'bask'

1. (verb) enjoy, bask, relish, savor, savour
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
Synonyms: love, bask, enjoy, taste, revel, savour, relish, delight, savor
2. (verb) bask
be exposed
Synonyms: relish, savor, enjoy, savour

So give me some feedback - which of these words sounds the best for what I'm wanting to convey - enjoying life as it comes and living in the moment. Thanks in advance!

21 Dec 2009

Had a great weekend. Enjoyed spending time with Aaron and Kari and kids :) The house inspection went well - we're still waiting to see what happens next - no papers signed yet......

Not much else - doing laundry today. Have a good day!

17 Dec 2009

Thank you Becky! All these experiences teach us - it's easy to forget that when we're in the midst. I saw a talk on BYU TV - John Bytheway - What's in your teenagers' head. He had some really great insights - talked about experiences at the testing center. What a great reminder that we are in the Testing Center.


Quick update: We are trying hard not to get too excited - Someone is interested in buying the house. She's looked at it twice and is going to look again on Saturday - as well as have an inspection. Nothing has been signed yet.....so remember us in your prayers, please!

We're getting ready to go to McKay's program. She is a dancing Christmas tree. :) And very pleased about it! Hope your day is great!

16 Dec 2009

I think I forgot to mention a very important milestone here. Forgive me if I have already mentioned it ;) I can't remember. McKay is no longer sucking her finger at all! It's been long enough that I can't remember what started the end - but I know we had her wearing a glove at night - and that did the trick. One of those yarny gloves - yuck! Anyway - it's big news here as she came into this world looking for a finger. So very pleased about that!

The roller coaster ride continues - more on that later.....I keep telling myself that I will want to remember this sometime in the future. I haven't convinced myself, though.

We lost our internet for a couple of days - and I felt so cut off from everything! During that time, I read a couple of books - and my hand still hurts from holding onto the books (crazy!?!?) - it's like it's bruised at the base of my thumb. So I can't read for awhile - at least until the hand heals or feels better. Looking forward to a visit on Saturday from Aaron & Kari! We're going to Dan & Kaye's for Christmas - so looking forward to that! We'll be back home in time to enjoy some Christmas break here :) Best of both worlds!

Hope you are all well. I think of you often. Hope those thoughts count for something :) Loves!

14 Dec 2009

Had a good weekend here - DJ's almost got my driver's side door put back together and functioning :) This is a busy week. I took a moment this morning to write down what we had going - so I can keep it straight. Thank you for the words of encouragement regarding me seeking employment. There are jobs to be had - it's just the arrangements for childcare, etc that get in the way. DJ is pretty determined to do what it takes to keep me home :) What a love! Today we're listing two of our vehicles on Craigslist. He really needs a more economical car, too. So between the proceeds of the vehicle sales and savings on gas - we should be doing better. :) It's truly ironic for me to think of how we were focused on helping someone last Christmas - and this year it's us recieving help. Humbling.....

Not much more to say - everyone is doing pretty good. Hinckley is in the second week of her strep medicine. Looking forward to getting her all well! Hope your day is great!

10 Dec 2009

Time to catch up a bit. Still doing pretty good ;) Although - last night was horrible. I was awake until 4am (and possibly a bit beyond) - so I slept in until 9:30 this morning. Had a migrane and the migrane meds didn't work for me - plus kept me awake :( I finished an audiobook - Airman by Eoin Colfer. Maybe it was the long night - but it seemed to me that book went very slowly. Kind of a man in the Iron Mask story - but more twisted.

SO it's still day by day - but overall good. Not much else going on.....thinking about employment options for me. So not sure.....It's been so important for me to be here for my girls.....We'll see I guess.

Hope your day is great!

7 Dec 2009

Feeling so very blessed! I have had some mild withdrawls - but not consistently. So glad that things are going well - I remember last time all too well. Wish I could do without the meds - but they are all keeping me sane :) And everyone here is so grateful for that!

Took Hinks in to the doctor (again!) for strep. So she's on yet another medicine. I hope it works this time. She is feeling pretty good - except for the throat. I decided the home girls needed some special attention today - so they got morning baths, followed by nail polish and a hairdo. Wish I felt like doing this everyday for them :) They look so cute!

We get to attend the Aberdenia (as Hinckley calls it) Night Christmas parade tonight. Everyone (DJ and the girls, and Amanda) but me will be in the parade. The others will be home getting a birthday suprise ready for Amanda. I'll get some pics to post here.

I think that's about everything for now. Wishing you all the best!

6 Dec 2009

Good Sunday Morning! We had a great time at the party :) We even had a chance to watch the Monk finale! So far, so good on the meds. Watching and waiting :) We'll see how Church and Fast Sunday goes....

3 Dec 2009

I read our daily Christmas story last night as everyone else was eating dessert. I thought Chuck might have been upset with me - his head was in his hand. But I saw at the end that the story had deeply touched him. Powerful things, these Christmas stories.

So today has been pretty good - taking it easy in preparation for tomorrow. DJ has a work party tomorrow night - in Jackpot, NV! He's going to fill me in on the carpool details when he gets home tonight. Long story short - I'll leave with him in the morning as he goes to work. Should be interesting! It's an overnighter ;) I much prefered to be the wife of a long-time employee to a short-time employee. It's nice to know how things usually go - etc. So I'm a bit nervous. Also - changing my meds back from Pristiq to Prozac. Cheaper. However, that also means I'll be having some withdrawls from the Pristiq. Remember the Cymbalta?!? Dizzyness, nausea, blackouts, etc. That will start tomorrow. I had noticed recently that if I didn't take my pill right at the 24 hour mark I started having these symptoms. Fun.....The main reason is that the Pristiq affects your epinephrine as well as the seretonin systems. So - epinephrine is adreniline (ignore my spelling) - The pristiq raised my blood pressure and now I'll be dealing with lower blood pressure and other things resulting from less adreneline. When I went to get my prescription this week, I bought myself a cane. You may think this a bit rash - but I want to feel steady. Is it better to go down the hall with your head on the wall supporting yourself or use a cane. I'm trying the cane this time. No idea of how long the withdrawls will last. :(

Here's a list of the fun from a web site I found: PRISTIQ Withdrawal Symptoms May Include:


aggression, anxiety, balance issues , blurred vision , brain zaps, concentration impairment, constipation, crying spells, depersonalization, diarrhea, dizziness. electric shock sensations, fatigue, flatulence, flu-like symptoms, hallucinations, hostility, highly emotional, indigestion, irritability, impaired speech, insomnia, jumpy nerves, lack of coordination, lethargy, migraine headaches / increased headaches, nausea, nervousness, over-reacting to situations, paranoia, repetitive thoughts or songs, sensory & sleep disturbances, severe internal restlessness (akathasia), stomach cramps, tremors, tinnitus (ear ringing or buzzing), tingling sensations, troubling thoughts, visual hallucinations / illusions, vivid dreams, speech visual changes, worsened depression

So - it's going to be an adventure. :) The girls are all well as is DJ. I'll write more when I can. :) Loves!

2 Dec 2009

So, I'm up early today and getting ready to go to the Family History Library. Always a fun time. :) I've been busy adding sources to various individuals on new family search. Well, busy while I'm at the library. I've been organizing things in my external drive here at home. I have a huge folder called Desktop to deal with and I put way too much stuff in there indefinately. Still - I'm making progress.

We started reading our Christmas Stories last night. I just love the feeling it brings into our home. Now if I could just get the girls to wear their gloves!

Wish there was more to tell/say. Hope your day is great!

1 Dec 2009

As you can see - I'm ready for the Christmas season now. :) This will be short - the kids will be home soon and I have things I need to do. Just wanted to say hi. Days are long and the nights are short. I know it's supposed to be the other way around. Oh well!

More tomorrow!

29 Nov 2009

Wish I could share some of the stories - but they lose something in the telling....some of those - you had to be there sort of things. Here are a couple of funnies, though. Taylor usually asks us if we can take the shortcut when we're going somewhere. We assure her that we are taking the shortcut. Always makes me chuckle. We got the tree put up on Friday. Make that Grandma and the girls got the tree put up. Taylor got up Saturday morning and was surprised to see the tree still there - I think she thought that Santa was coming and would trade the tree for presents?!? Silly girl. She always makes us laugh with what she comes up with.

We had a lovely day yesterday going to the temple with Chuck and Sue. Did some sealings :) Had a bite of lunch. Then we enjoyed picking up Lori at the airport. Felt so sorry for her - leaving the warm lands to come back to Siberia. Good thing it wasn't a freezing cold day. :)

So - we're going to celebrate Festivus for a couple of days before I change to Christmas. Just makes me smile to think of Festivus. Makes me think of holidays past.....not that I've had any resembling Festivus in any way (except the feats of strength). I guess I like the idea of airing ones' grievances. I think the way it's done in Festivus doesn't necessarily lead to reconciliation, though. Learned that through experience (and I know I'm not the only one here!) - and I'm sorry (you know who you are and I still owe you). Better to work through those grievances on ones' own than hurt others in the airing. If you have no idea what I'm talking about you can look here: Festivus info

So I think I've got a good template that I can edit and change up as I like. Hopefully I'll do it often enough that I won't forget what I'm doing.

Have a great Sabbath!

27 Nov 2009

Thanksgiving has been great! We are enjoying time together and especially enjoying making Grandma Sue laugh! Some really funny stuff has been going on around here :)

The girls go back to the Mayflower on DJ's side - so alas I am not included in that - directly that is :) I figure I get points for telling them about their connection.

Although I did not eat too much yesterday, I have today. I think I've eaten both lunch and dinner today (all at Lunch). So - this is a short post as I must go rest my stomach. Loves to all! I'm so grateful for each of you and your special places in my life.

FYI - the house sale fell through. :( So it's back to watch and wait for now. It could always be worse. :)

25 Nov 2009

Sharing stories of the Mayflower with the girls today - fun as they are descendants from John Alden and Priscilla Mullins. :) Also cooking, enjoying and having great times. Hope your day is well!

23 Nov 2009

Your comment got me thinking, Sarah. DJ does sit and rest - but with 5 women of different sizes in his life - we are all constantly bugging him to get up and do something with one or all of us. :) Good thing he's such a great guy! Plus - he has a 40 minute commute to and from work - so he gets plenty of quiet time then (I hope)!

Still riding the coaster....but doing well. I'm almost done cleaning up my google reader. Thanks to going back through it I was able to come up with a Christmas wish list. Before that I couldn't think of anything I particularly wanted or needed. Now I have a few wants :)

For those without the season showing - we have snow here. It's been on the ground for a whole day. The roads are icy. It's a real adventure! Just wanted to let you know what you're missing out on. :)

Hope your day is great! We have two early-release days here then no school the rest of the week. My girls are very excited about that and hoping for more snow. McKay has FHE and is planning a snowball fight I think. Crazy fun times! More tomorrow!

21 Nov 2009

Good morning! (barely!) We're still riding the rental roller-coaster. Pray for us!

We went to the temple last night and really enjoyed some much needed peace. What a blessing! DJ is off getting parts to fix my car door (driver's door). I would post a picture of how it looks - but you really don't want to know. We're down to metal and pull rods. I just hope he can get the parts put in. He has it fixed up for me better than it was before - so I haven't been actively complaining. My window doesn't go down, I have no opening lever (is that what it's called?) and I have a rod to push/pull to lock/unlock. I think with everything I've put on here - you get a picture of how life has been and how much we needed some peace. It's so crazy it's almost funny. Still - I'm so grateful to have a vehicle just for me to drive. I'm grateful for the house we're trying to rent/sell. It has provided years of comfort and safety for us - and we've learned a lot there! I'm grateful for Chuck and Sue and a warm house, good food, and much comfort. I am reminded of a line from a Laurie King book - The Game. Mary Russell is talking with Sherlock Holmes about traveling to India. He is cautioning her on losing her temper. He says something to the effect that India provides you not with what you expect - but what you actually need. I think of that often - we aren't having what we expect but much of what we need - and surprise blessings all along the way in the midst of frustration and disappointment. Very interesting indeed.

Well, DJ is making me wait to watch just about anything I've recorded over the last few days - he wants to watch too. We are catching up on House. Haven't watched it in order and only begun watching a couple of months ago. Very fun! Also love Renovation Realities. Makes me think of Jared and I adventuring (specifically ripping up the linoleum in the kitchen). Good stuff. We've got the new Star Trek to watch sometime too.....looking forward to it all!

Hope everything is well with you all. Have a great weekend!

20 Nov 2009

It's been busy here - as always. We finally have McKay back to school. What a relief! Just a couple days of school next week and we'll have a nice long Thanksgiving break. We're still negotiating with our potential renter. Anxious about that....but a good anxious. Just working out details I hope.

My mind is pretty blank this morning. I've been doing math in my head since I woke up. Yes, Kimball, math isn't something that you will put away once you are out of school. Hope today is great for everyone!

OK - so I had to come back and edit this because it needed more. Here's what I've been interested in lately: ity virtues and ity vices

Some blogs that I recently started subscribing to in reader:
Hot lunch dates
Love Actually
Maggies Dinner dates - check out her New Moon party ideas!

That looks a lot better!

18 Nov 2009

SO after reading my last post - I think some explanation is in order. My post could have been taken many different ways. In order for it to be taken the way I intended here it is: I had been asking DJ to call the branch president from our old ward for a couple of weeks. We decided that we would need to rent the house out because the market has deteriorated so much since we put the house up for sale. There are 2,000 some houses for sale and 1,000 some in forclosure in the same town as ours. What that means is that someone could buy a house a lot cheaper there than where we live now :( And our chances of selling have greatly diminished. SO - DJ called a couple of people to see if there was any interest in renting our house. Some interest...which was good! Long story short - DJ is driving to Nampa today for work and will be meeting Jared and a potential renter at the house this evening :) One of those - blessing for them, blessing for us situations. My fingers are crossed! Very much deja vu - like our trailer (we rented it for a year then sold it and helped out several people in the process).

Yesterday was a bad day here. Shuggie was still feeling poorly - and we had to take her in because it was so bad. She's on antibiotics for strep (although they didn't swab the throat) - and they ruled out flu. She was feeling so good yesterday afternoon - so she's going to school today - albeit a little late.

Today is Family History Center Day and Costco shopping day. Busy day....but good busy. I'm enjoying listening to the Four Hour Workweek. Some great ideas - but I can tell he doesn't know anything about being a stay at home mom!

Well - that's about it for now. Have a great day all!

16 Nov 2009

The first time I made the bread, I used a cookie sheet - and it did spread out. Since then, I've used bread pans. I SO wish I had a long loaf pan as that would be perfect for this - but I make do with the regular pans - it still tastes great! Sorry I forgot to mention that....:) Heads up everyone else who wants to try the recipe! Also - FYI - the last batch I made had 5 cups of wheat flour and 3 cups of white. It was still nice and fluffy! I think that's about as far as I want to take that ratio :)

McKay is enjoying her last day at home. I wanted to get her able to take chewable Tylenols (versus liquid hydrocodone). She also is getting her homework caught up. I'm trying to talk her into going for this afternoon - not sure if I'll succeed.

So yesterday after I posted, I went and slept - for several hours. Felt so great! Just really crashed hard. So many things seemed to be dragging me down - sick kids, worry over the house, etc. After I got up - I had something to eat, then went to my FH consultant meeting. It was really nice. I learned some great things.....like: did you know that you can find out who has reserved that ordinance you were wanting to do? Go to labs.familysearch.org and click on family tree. Then look up your person and it should be in the info there (somewhere). I don't remember the final details....but I saw it for myself on the demonstration. Also if they have an email address - you can email them.

So after my meeting, (which I was for sure the youngest person there) I was feeling pretty upbeat. DJ reported on some progress he had made on an assignment I had given him (that sounds worse than it is)....and then we had some great inspiration. We followed through and went to bed feeling like it was Christmas eve. Does it mean our problems are all solved? No - but it does mean we have hope and we're feeling like our will is getting more lined up with the Lord's will. Just had to share that with you :)

Unfortunately, because of my great nap - I didn't sleep so well. But I got through my book I've been listening to - The Age of the Unthinkable (which I highly recommend). The day is going well - and Hinckley just got home so I better go. Have a great day all! I hope you're feeling the hope too!

15 Nov 2009

Sunday - Stake Conference. So it's 12:31 and I'm home on the computer. Can't remember what I was going to do - wait.....I just remembered. A short pause while I go do it.....OK - it's going now. Thanks for the help!

Rough day as we have been attending church at 1 for years. Really - years! Next year I think we'll have it at 9. After the circus today, I think I prefer 1.

We're getting ready to watch Emma's Story (I think that's what it's called). Should be a nice Sunday Movie.

I'm tired after church....Let me know how the bread turned out for you, Becky!

Loves!

13 Nov 2009

Friday. To clarify: McKay knew that she was getting her tonsils out. She didn't know she had to have some bloodwork done and and IV in as part of that procedure.

Today I took Hinckley in to the doctor and she has strep again. WILL THE FUN NEVER END?!?!?

I've been cleaning up my google reader. - Taking the starred items and either saving the picture in a special file or printing the item as a PDF and saving it in the file. Such fun stuff!

Other than that I'm just working on surviving. And that's enough for today. Have a great Friday!

12 Nov 2009

So we're holding our own today. It was a rough morning - with no pain meds through the night. Finally she took some (after much convincing and many tears). The pic yesterday was actually anger not sadness. She was really unhappy about the needle parts. We didn't warn her in advance (can you blame us?!?). So - she was pretty mad at us for awhile.

That's about all happening with us. Chuck has the flu - so we're staying away from him. He's on Tamiflu :) I really don't want to get the flu. Fingers crossed!

Have a great day!

11 Nov 2009

Surgery went well and she's resting comfortably. I am surprised at how tired I am! Don't know how you did it, A!
Here's some cell phone pics:

She did great. Now we get the easy part - watching TV and taking it easy. I'll keep you posted as I can. Have a great evening!

10 Nov 2009

She said it was the best day ever :) I got the call - and we're to be at the hospital at 6:30 in the morning! She will go through admissions then on to the lab. Then to outpatient surgery. No exact time on the surgery. I'm optimistic :)

We stocked up on ice cream and popsicles today. Taylor was such a help. Also picked up some Redbox's - including UP which we haven't seen. Looking forward to that.

Sorry I don't have more - just getting everything ready for tomorrow. Have a great day all!

Oh - one more thing. The whole-wheat (only) was really heavy still. I think a mix is good - I'll keep trying different combinations to get the maximum wheat in it. :)

9 Nov 2009

It was so sweet! McKay prayed last night that today would be the best day ever. This is the day for her first Activity Day! She is so excited about it!

Not much going on here today otherwise....I'm doing some laundry. Got a couple of books to read :) I have to say that I do enjoy the slow paced life! Oh! I was asked to make bread again today - same recipe as the other day. I might do 2 batches and try a whole-wheat one. We'll see!

Hope your day is great!

7 Nov 2009

Thanks for the compliments! And I'll give the readers a few more days to comment if they would like the aforementioned games and file folders.

Having a nice Saturday here. I'm trying to free up enough space to copy disks, etc on my computer. With my "boot" hard drive partion being 9.88 gigs - it's almost totally full. Hopefully I'll get things fixed sometime soon. If not - would you be interested in making copies of the Family Memory disk, anyone? I can't even make a CD! I will probably have to make do until Christmas when we visit my computer guy (ed bud).

After I took my pics, I realized I had left out the s'matches. And my printer is being difficult - so I tucked them in with the candles. Really a quick, easy gift! I'm hoping to make a few other gift templates like that up - so when I need a gift I can pull it together quickly. I have a file on my external drive called Gift Templates. Helpful! I do need to take Becky's advice and back up my external.

Well, not much else to say today. Hope things are well with you all! Later...

6 Nov 2009

Happy Friday! I have a recipe for you today. It's a fabulous bread recipe! I don't know the original source - but I got it from What's for Supper? compiled by Marcia Chambers. Additional books can be obtained by emailing chambers@bridgernet.com

French Bread

2 1/4 cups very warm water
 1 1/2 Tbsp. shortening (I use oil)
1 1/2 Tbsp. yeast dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water

1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar

2 1/2 tsp. salt

6 to 8 cups flour

Mix water, shortening and yeast. Add sugar and salt. Add 6 cups flour, then start kneading, adding more flour to make stiff dough. Raise 10 minutes, and then mix down. Repeat six times. Divide dough into thirds and roll like a jelly roll, forming three loaves. Make diagonal slashes across top with sharp knife. Top with melted butter. Raise for 1 1/2 hours. Bake 10 munitues at 400 degrees, and then reduce heat to 350 degrees. Bake 20 minutes longer.

*This recipe may seem intense as you have to keep punching the dough down. The last time I made this I just let it rise in the mixer bowl and would turn on the mixer for just a few seconds each time the 10 minutes were up. It works well to be doing this while you're doing something else in the kitchen as you get a "break" every 10 minutes :) It comes the closest to french bread from the store (I think). I substituted 3 cups of wheat flour this last time - and it still rose and had that wonderful open cell structure of the french bread. Just wanted to put this on if anyone loves store-bought french bread as much as I do :)

So we're getting ready for the weekend. Not much planned. Just the way I like it! Kimball is going caving tomorrow with the YM/YW. She's going to have such fun! DJ and I have a wedding reception in the evening. I went to the DI today and picked up a few things for a gift. Here's the inspiration: S'mores

Here's what mine turned out like:

Here's another little tip: Buy games at the DI (or Thrift store). Seriously! You can get great games - old and new for a fraction of the price! Recent finds for me include - Mormonopoly (ok - so I have to make new blessing cards - but I spotted the family faces cards for Family Bingo and I think family is definitivamente (sad that I can spell Spanish better than English - but you know the word I was going for - right?) blessings!) and Inklings. Both are great Sunday games! In the past I found - Family Fun by Cranium (complete - just with dried out play-dough). As I go through a few more of my homemade games - I'll have some to send to some lucky person. Anyone want some file folders (alphabet, numbers, etc) as well as a couple of Finch Family Games (Honesty Pays, Ordinance Opportunity, Parables Pocket, Trials and Trimph)? Let me know :)

Have a great weekend!

5 Nov 2009

The update: McKay's surgery will be next Wednesday. We don't know the time yet...not until sometime on Tuesday. I just took the earlies available slot. DJ unfortunately wasn't able to get time off to help me with getting everything covered that day. The Lord provided in an unexpected way: Next Wednesday is Veterans Day and Chuck has the day off! So grateful that I won't have to wrangle the little ones and try to manage meeting the kindergarten bus while not knowing what time the surgery will be.

How about some pics of our fitness evening on MOnday?

As you can tell - everyone had fun!

I'm busily trying to read the last book in the Foo series. Kimball is waiting on me so I have to hurry! Have a great day!

4 Nov 2009

Today's the day. I kept dreaming I'd forget the appointment. What nightmares! We should be setting a time that we will get tubes put in her ears and her tonsils out. More later....

We had a funny thing come up on Monday evening. We were talking about fitness - taking care of our bodies - and Mom mentioned the Go Chicken Fat, Go! song. I had never heard of it before. Long story short - she found it on youtube - so I wanted to share it with you: Chicken Fat - this is the complete song - there are other shorter clips with better illustrations - so depending on whether you want to just listen or watch.....

We are in need of get up songs. Guess what I'm adding after finding that my girls love Chicken Fat? Yep - that song! As I'm writing this I'm searching youtube for additional wake up songs! Ok - here's a cute one for little ones....Splish Splash. And I liked the Lion Sleeps tonight too - but wasn't excited about the video - and I know you've heard that one. You've probably heard this one too - Good Morning such fun!
I can't find the good morning song I sing to them. Maybe I should add it?

Anyway - I had better get going. FH center first! Have a great day all!

3 Nov 2009

Today started a bit rougher.....we're working on that :) DJ is driving the next three days - so we won't see him until sometime tomorrow - then he'll be off again on Thursday. Tomorrow we take McKay to the ENT for an appointment. I'm so glad that we'll be able to get her fixed up!

I spent way too much time online yesterday - so my goal is to spend less time today. Always something to do! Make it a great day!

2 Nov 2009

A good start to the morning - up early and going. I've cleaned out my girls room - thinned the toys and tidied up in general. It really needed my help. They are good at regular cleaning-  but not in depth cleaning. So - it looks really good and they should be happy with it. I hope....

Had a nice day working on family history yesterday. Found several errors in various places on various lines - and got a start on fixing them. Basically, you need to contact the submitter and have them claim the submission (if they haven't already) then they need to fix it. It's a complicated process at times - at other times it's a lot easier than you might think. Salt Lake must know my name by now - with how often I've emailed them for fixes and updates.

Today is one of our laundry days - and it's looking like a big one today. When I miss my Thursday laundry - it's gigantic on Monday. I'm grateful for washer's and driers. I can't imagine having to do all this by hand.

Well - I'm off on another errand. Have a great day!

Streamlined

You may notice that I've changed the look of my blog. I was ready for something new. This probably isn't the end of changes - I'm looking forward to mixing it up seasonally. Just wanted you to know when you saw this - it's still my blog! Have a great day!

30 Oct 2009

Lest anyone think I'm going gourmet - I totally used pre-prepared where I could (general tso and potstickers) and seasoning packets for the rest. I'm not CRAZY!

I put some pics on the family site of Chuck's costume. Such fun! Here's a few more pics from the Halloween Album:

This was the strep throat year :)

Now I'm working on printing out some popcorn boxes. The girls are cutting them out for me. Fun for all!

Have a great evening!

Oh - and Kaye - please send me your email address. I've lost it in the computer somewhere. Thanks!

29 Oct 2009

Had to post this picture - reading Sharon's blog about the snow and Mara & Spence made me think of where the wild things are :) Let the wild rumpus begin!

Since I missed yesterday - I'll have to post double the pics today. Just had a busy day yesterday - that's all!

I don't know if I'll get through all the pics I have in this morning's post. Here's a couple more:

This couple own a restaurant in Howe. That is not quite to Arco - but after Atomic City. Anyway -in the middle of nowhere. It is fabulous food! Chuck and Sue took DJ and I out for dinner to celebrate DJ's birthday last week. What a treat! Authentic German food! LOVED IT!

This is a pic of the food I made for DJ's birthday dinner at home. Chinese food: General Tso Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Spicy Kung Pao Stir Fry, Fried Rice, Potstickers and Beef and Broccoli. This is DJ eating:

He (and everyone but the kids) liked it!

Here's some snow at a house on Canyon Street in Pokey. It's the only snow left. There was some flurries but they didn't last. BTW - the Canyon house is still for sale - $210K. We went by the Rosewood house too - it is being cleaned up. I think someone has bought it. Looking improved! No for sale sign there. It was fun driving around memory lane (agaiN!).

Quick thank you to Aaron! You made my day with the magazine today! Thanks a ton!

Have a great day all!

27 Oct 2009

Happy Birthday to my love - DJ! Hope it's a great day for him. I'm cooking Chinese food for his dinner tonight - and mom made a pear cake (per his request!). Should be good!

Had such a nice visit with Grandma Jo this morning - and after seeing Becky's pics - I have to post some myself.

More pics tomorrow! Just got the mail and am enjoing the Costco Connection - some great articles - Creating a Chronicle (and that's as far as I've got - but I know there's another history related article after it). Also one of the regular writers talked about how adversity is good for us. I wanted to post a link to a story I remember - but couldn't find it anywhere. I think it was in an Ensign. The article talked about things that had happened to a family - and how what they thought was a blessing turned out to be a trial, and things they thought were trials turned out to be blessings. I guess it's all in how you look at it.

Well - I've got some cocoa to drink :) Have a great day!

26 Oct 2009

Feeling productive this morning :) Paid some bills....getting ideas for DJ's birthday dinner tomorrow....and general tidying (in addition to laundry).

Seems like I had so much more to say.....Did I tell you about spooky soap? Glycerin pour and melt with halloween fun inside? You could do any holiday, really. My kids are working hard on a bar of soap with a skeleton inside. Great thing for this flu season.

BTW - All the kids that go to school are back there today. Some more reluctantly than others. No one had a fever - so I felt good sending them - even though some are coughing (still!). We've had some sort of flu here - in addition to bronchitis (McKay) and Strep (Hinks and Taylor). So it's been a busy few days. Hopefully this will be a better week.

I made some pretties for my calendar/organizer. Using a scrapbook cover.....here they are...woops! I forgot that they are still in psd format. I guess you'll just have to take my word. OK - so I really want you to see - here they are:

Something else I've been enjoying - going along with the theme of a series of unfortunate events/where the wild things are is this blog with some lovely art!: http://www.terribleyelloweyes.com/

Go take a look! Some beautiful pictures there! I also liked this image from asoueclub.deviantart:

I'm thinking of doing a word board (you know the kind) with Steffler Family's A Series of Wildly Fortunate Events. Gives it the slant I'm wanting - and ties in the colors for my eventual room :) What do you think?

Well, that's about enough inspiration for today I think. Have a great one!

23 Oct 2009

We're on the mend - I think. McKay is back at school for the full day today. Still coughing...
From the sounds I hear - Kimball and Hinks are feeling better - just need to get over the last bit of fever. Taylor had the fever and all this morning - so she'll be the last to get over it.

Got my computer back last night. Almost good as new - I'm having to reinstall a few things. All in all - it's OK :) Nothing was lost - except old emails :)

It's so fun to hear what everyone is up to. I enjoyed seeing the pics on Bruno's blog. Very nice! I hope everyone else is staying healthier than we are. We should be over it soon, though. I've enjoyed the quieter, less bouncy children. :)

More later!

22 Oct 2009

Posting again with Amanda's netbook. Waiting on my motherboard to come in so my computer can be fixed. Yesterday morning, Hinckley came in coughing and had quite the fever - as did Kimball - so all my girls ended up staying home. I took McKay late this morning - but they haven't called yet saying I need to go get her. She ended up having to go in - and she has bronchitis. I think Hincks and Kimball have a flu. So, we're bunkered down here. I put a TV in their room so I can have some peace and fewer germs in mine. They are doing well being confined to quarters as it were.

That's about all going on with us. Just waiting out this sickness stuff. Hoping to be well soon. Loves to all!

19 Oct 2009

We had a very productive and good weekend in Nampa. Made it back just in time for church here. Thanks Dan and Kaye for taking such good care of us :) Here's a pic of the house (after a morning of getting it ready and cleaned up for winter. :)

McKay has strep so I get to take care of her at home today while I work on getting her medicine. Crazy times here. We're taking it easy. Should be a good day.

16 Oct 2009

I think it's the 16th.....not sure. Posting from Amanda's computer. Handy little thing!

We're heading to Nampa tonight. I'll post if I can.....we'll be very busy in Nampa, though. Not a vacation - working on the house, attending events. Thinking of you all!

Mmore later....

14 Oct 2009

Taylor has the sore throat now - plus the fever. So - I'm waiting out the time until I can call the doctor this morning. Poor little sickie! Now we play the waiting game to see if any other kids get this (or adults). Tis the season!


One of my prescriptions is ready - so I get to ask about the price of the other one (still taking trial pills). I hope it's not too expensive because it's really working for me - Pristiq :) I'm not even having to take my daily vegamita vitamins :)

I should have believed you, Regan. You said not to read Wicked. I went ahead and read it. YIKES! I kept hoping that it would get better - it never did. I think I'll ban that author from my reading list. For anyone else thinking of reading that book - don't! Really, don't! If it was on TV it would be rated R - with the VSLD additionally. Enough said?!?

I have some other books that I hope help us through this time - I'm reading a Michener novel. Not sure which one I picked......and I have a few other gems. I'll try to update my goodreads. If you have access to Flora Segunda - check it out! My kids really are looking forward to listening to it again soon. The reader really does a great job with it. I think it's a Netlibrary book if I remember correctly. They don't have the sequel on the Netlibrary - but I enjoyed it. It (second book)would be good to read first before you decide if you want your kids to read it - but for those over 16 - I would recommend it. Also on Netlibrary (if you have access) is the So you want to be a Wizard series. Again - a good read. I think there's nine books in the series. I really enjoyed them!

Well - time to call. More tomorrow!

12 Oct 2009

Just quickly....Gabriel has moved back in - and is in the office. So....my computer time is a bit more limited. Updates will be better later this week/next week.

We had a wonderful baptism with McKay. What a special day! We were so glad for those who could come and share it with us. Thanks! Also - thanks to those who called and gave their well wishes too ;) We love you all!

Today Hinckley had a sore throat and a temp so we took her in. They are checking for strep but treating us regardless of the results. Just FYI...for those who were here ;( I think we'll be taking this week one day at a time - seeing as how it's flu season and all.

Hope you are all well - pics later :)

10 Oct 2009

Very interesting reading about the different school policies :) The teacher gave me no trouble at all! :) And all the kids liked them - many even said thanks without being prompted!

Today is going to be great! I'm keeping this short so I can go enjoy it with everyone! Have a great day!

9 Oct 2009

It's been a busy week in some ways and a quiet week in others. Took the computer to the shop yesterday and found out that the motherboard is our problem. So....we should be getting our computer back late next week. In the meantime - I have two computers in the office that I can use. Just a small inconvenience really. We are counting the computer as the third appliance to go down here recently. First it was the dishwasher (replaced), then the dryer (replaced) and now my computer (being repaired).

Also yesterday I had some fun with two of my girls - the younger ones. First, Taylor and I went out to DJ's truck and I let her steer it around the yard. So nice having a yard big enough to do that :) She had a great time - no seat belt or anything :) Later, Hinckley hadn't had a turn so I let her have a chance to drive the suburban - also just around the yard (just steering really). They thought that was so cool! Then I went over the rules - you must have a grown up with you to do this and just in the yard. You can't drive on your own until you are big and have taken a driving class. I was remembering times with Bruno letting me drive his old pickup around the same yard. That's what life is about isn't it? Building memories that will last forever?

We are getting excited to get McKay baptized tomorrow. I'm doing the programs today. It's going to be a really great day! We're looking forward to seeing all of you that can come :) And we'll be thinking of the ones that can't too!

We have spider cupcakes ready to take to McKay's class this afternoon. I have a quick question for any who would be willing to respond. Does your school allow homemade treats? Or only store-bought? I'm breaking the store-bought rule today. Oh well! Our old school allowed homemade treats and it was a bigger school - so it's interesting to me that this small school doesn't allow them. Anyway - you can't buy treats as good as I make them :) I'll take a picture although it will take awhile for me to get it posted on here :) I also got her cake done already. For those interested - I used the Chocolate Cake recipe in Deceptively Delicious. Except I didn't have beets - so I used pumpkin in its place (seasonal after all!).

Well, that is about it....Hope you are all well! Loves to you!

5 Oct 2009

I'm posting from Mom's computer today. My computer is on the fritz - probably the power supply from what I can figure. Conference was really nice. Today everyone is back to school - and we're back to "normal" around here. I really enjoyed having the kids home and will miss them :(

Hope everything is good with you - more after I get my computer fixed :)

2 Oct 2009

So looking forward to conference! The doctor apt. went well - trying some different meds. Making plans for Christmas already. If I'm not on top of things and get feeling poorly - nothing will be done. Anyway - also working on family history. Using Family Insight to get all my place names corrected (and preparing to sync!). It's going to be a while yet.....

If you don't have something for your kids for during conference - Here's a link with some great links on it:
http://visitingteaching.net/blog/2009/09/oct-2009-general-conference/

I also have another idea that we'll be trying out with Kimball. I've got various beads - multicolored (thanks again Sarah G!)For each speaker she gets to choose a large bead - and each time the speaker says one of her value words - she puts a coordinating bead behind the large bead - making a conference necklace! I'm hoping it turns out well. We'll let you know :) For the younger ones - probably doing some conference bingo :) - as well as worksheets. We're hoping to attend conference tomorrow morning at the church - with the local Spanish Branch. They have a meal between sessions -you see where I'm going with this? Very excited about that. Also, I hope to be able to help some of them get registered on new.familysearch - it's in some other languages too (including Spanish and Portugese).

That's about it from here. Hope you are all well. Please remember baby Vanessa in your prayers!

These are the other little clips. I'm sick yesterday and today - so not much to post. Going to the doctor tomorrow :) Have a great day!

29 Sept 2009

Where has the harvest gone? We've been busy enjoying it. Today I'm working on getting a doctor's appointment - has to be done. Just prescriptions - I'm not any sicker than normal :) Thanks to everyone I visited with on the phone yesterday! That was great! I do have a surprise -


Sorry for the watermark - I just wanted to get this on here. We had a mystery roll of film that we had developed and put on a DVD at Costco. It's a short one - 2 minutes, some seconds. If you would like a copy of this - I'd be happy to send it to you. Maybe I'll call it Christmas for you all!
Very fun, though.

So the first post is the first of the film - the second post is the last. I'm not sure who all the kids are - so you'll have to help me with names, places, etc. There's a rollicking section in the middle with kids sliding down the stairs (at my parent's house I think). Something your kids might enjoy seeing. I'll post the other parts over the next couple of days - just so you see what's there.
ENJOY!

25 Sept 2009

Becky - I did use fat-free sweetened condensed milk. My other video just wouldn't load - maybe it was too big - but it showed how to do a cold-water test to see if your caramel was done. http://www.instructables.com/id/SG0HI1LFMEGHEYQ/
Here's a link in lieu of my video :) I hope it helps. I find things like this are best shared - that way you get a little taste and don't end up with all of it calling to you! You can also slice the apples and drizzle the caramel over the top (maybe with some chocolate and nuts too?). Give it a try! You should have plenty left over for your kids, neighbors, etc.

I'm a bit embarrassed that I haven't done better posting this week. OOPS! Anyway - a brief recap. Monday I talked about. Tuesday.....Grandma Sue & Kimball and McKay went to Nampa (and weeded in my yard a bit - Thank you so much!). They stayed overnight with Jared & Cory & crew. We took it easy here. Wednesday we had fun at the FH library. Then we went into town and returned a dishwasher part that we thought we had needed....and Sue brought home a new dishwasher. More expensive to fix than it was worth! Wednesday night DJ & I installed the new dishwasher while Chuck and Sue ran out to help with a death in the ward. Thursday - I did some more family history (having so much fun! - I might actually deal with all those scraps of paper I have lying around!). Then last night DJ, Kimball and I went to the IF temple and had a lovely time. Kimball did a family baptism and a few temple baptisms. DJ & I each did an initiatory. Then we had dinner together in the cafeteria. With the limited - use recommends, you can take your youth with you to the temple! And as we have other babysitters - we took advantage of that and had a really great experience. Can't have too many of those when you have pre-teens/teenagers.

That catches us up to today. Mom is off with Dad and Kimball at the viewing, then they plan to visit another former ward member in a care facility (as Kimball missed mutual this week and that's what they did in mutual). Harvest is going great - really looking forward to having less work outside :) Today we moved the bikes to winter storage area, and washed some buckets Jared got for us from the store - they had frosting, etc. in them. Also - I cleaned out my email! I was close to 2,000 emails and really needed to organize - so I did it! Very pleased with myself right now! Bit by bit it's coming along. I'm hoping to start our film art class today (for the kids during harvest). Interested? Here's the link:
http://campusstudios.com/wiki.php?course=Reviewing:_Becoming_Your_Own_Film_Critic_in_Eight_Lessons

Should be fun! We have a few movies to watch - Court Jester came from Netflix the other day and the girls haven't seen it yet. Danny Kaye - never disappoints!

Well, that's about it for now. Hope your day is great! Oh - and a picture just for fun:
Happy Birthday to all the birthday's from yesterday - DJ's side and mine :)

21 Sept 2009

Here's a picture of the spooky printable cut-outs completed by my kids. Picture by them too - that's why it's a bit blurry. They so enjoyed getting to use the scissors!

Before I forget: McKay will be baptized on her birthday - October 10th. Family/Friends are invited. I don't know the time - it's the regular Stake baptism day. :)

Day one of Harvest Break. We picked apples, pears and tomatoes. That was our service hour. Kimball mowed a section of lawn. After a delicious lunch - we made caramel apples. We've got a couple of movies to help you if this is something you've been wanting to do.

Caramel Apples:

1 cup salted peanuts (chopped into fine chunks) (optional)
1/2 cup butter
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
Dash salt
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
10 tart apples - washed, dried
10 lollypop sticks or Popsicle sticks

Melt butter in 2 quart saucepan. Add brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and cook to firm ball stage. (245 on a candy thermometer). Stir in vanilla. Dip Apples in caramel mixure. Place on buttered wax paper. Makes 10 (or more) apples.

Recipe submitted to Newspaper by Lorriane George.

Kimball is also working on some aprons :) They are turning out really cute. We are copying an apron I had got this summer at Opera. It is a good beginning project, I think.




Couldn't get the other movie loaded today - more about caramel tomorrow :)

17 Sept 2009

Having a take-it-easy day. Reading Leven Thumps - books 3 & 4. Done some laundry....just need to get my room cleaned up a bit. Sorry for the short post - but better short than nothing - right?

I remember your garage, Becky - hadn't thought of that in years! Thanks for the memory!

15 Sept 2009

Halfway through the month. Crazy! I've been working on getting the garage emptied out - and moving the rest of my stuff to the storage shed. A LOT of work - but I'm done and feeling good about it. We now have a "fitness room" - with the Wii and some other work-out stuff. That would be the garage :) Anyway - the girls are excited about it and we're all enjoying it. More later....and some pics later of the cute Halloween cutouts!

12 Sept 2009

Yes- I took all those pictures. Basically, someone here has tried to get all the cemeteries in the county listed and completed. They were apprehensive about going on to the reservation (Fort Hall) - and DJ and I were feeling ambitious. Two evenings, a couple of prayers for safety and extension of light. I was really impressed when I uploaded the pics and saw what I had gotten. They all turned out pretty good. I didn't have to crop them or anything! You really don't get much of an idea of how weedy and unkempt the cemetery really is! I threw away 2 pairs of socks (one each evening) rather than try to get the weeds out. And you know how frugal I am! Anyway - there's such a spirit about theses projects - you can almost feel these people pushing you to go on and make sure they are not forgotten. I think the gal said the rest of the cemeteries are accounted for (someone committed to do them).

I'm trying to work up to taking my girls on an outing. I'm dragging my feet because they are so full of energy (and noise). But - I know the house needs a break from them. So - we're off to get Kimball some more shoes. She needs an extra pair because her gym shoes have to stay at school. Didn't know that until recently....She's been babysitting and is excited to spend some money that she earned. Our Wal-Mart is undergoing major renovations - and the stock is down by half. So...we're heading to Idaho Falls for a better selection at Target. Have a great day!

11 Sept 2009

I just finished the cemetery! Here's a link if you want to see: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=80481&CScntry=4&CSst=15&CScnty=651&
Glad that's done! Just need to call and let the gal in charge know I finished.

Now I can enjoy the rest of this day! Have a great one yourself!

10 Sept 2009

Bruno - Some special dirt from Nevada. I don't know more than that. Who knew?

So we had some drama here - one of the cats - named TOM managed to get himself stuck on top of a power pole. Well - actually right next to the transformer. He was up there for a bit over a day (we noticed Monday afternoon that he was up there). We all were worried about him and praying that it would somehow be over. Wednesday morning TOM was down. We don't know how - but we were glad. We had contacted the power company who had told us it was too dangerous to send a guy out to get the cat down. So we had to wait and try to lure him down. In the end he came down (somehow) on his own. A little blessing!

The girls have just over a week more of school before harvest break. They don't know what to expect. Should be good. Lots of mommy school. :)

That's it for now....still finishing up the graves. :)

7 Sept 2009

I found a great blog - done by an high-school-days friend. You might want to check it out: http://printapenguin.blogspot.com/
Very cute printables. Plus - a poll for what you want next! Adrian is so talented and was doodling and drawing back in high school! So glad to find his art :) Thanks!

I've got to go back and see if I finished all my question a day things - I came across a book of questions and need to know if they still need answered. I also have had such fun finding little tidbits that I want to scrapbook. I'll have to give you an example another day. We went to the Fair today - and I'm tired! I don't know for sure when the last time we went was....everything is just so much louder, more vivid, etc....with the fibro! Going through the animal exhibits - I was having a bit of a panic attack - too much stimulus!

Anyway - back safely at home now and the girls had a great time. Sometimes that's all that matters, I think.

DJ is off for dirt this week - on Wednesday I think. Not sure when he'll be back. Saturday - Sunday. Such adventures we have!

Well- must finish the laundry...or at least try! Have a great day!

4 Sept 2009

This week has been busy! I spent yesterday working on sorting through my stuff in the garage. Made more room for Dad's scooter. It's going well.

Hinckley goes to Kindergarten in the morning and when she comes home she gets mommy pre-school. I'm waiting for my big girls to get home now - they should arrive any minute.

Sorting through so much stuff! Getting ready for DJ to have another long trip - 2 loads of dirt in Nevada. Trying to load his MP3 player :) Lots of fun!

Well, Let's see if I have a picture for you....
This is one of the ones from the mystery roll I mentioned before. It's been waiting a while to get developed. Crazy fun! Have a great day!

Kari

So - I saw this today and thought of you! Wanted to make sure you saw it too!
http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2009/09/clara-french-cake-stands/

1 Sept 2009

Just a quick post. Busy as always - emptying more boxes each day :) Decluttering and Dejunking especially. Our hikers made it back fine - but I have yet to see my camera ;) Hopefully it made it back too.

We're settling into some semblance of a routine. I think....
Taylor is loving Mommy pre-school. Hinckley loves getting in on it when she gets home too. They love doing worksheets and singing silly songs. Such fun!

I've been meaning to take a picture of the field behind our house. You can't really see it unless you go back behind the trees - but they have big rolls of hay? I think that's what it is. It's making me feel like I'm in a strange country where they just let them sit out. Don't know if that makes sense - I'll try to add a picture for you.

Homework over here is much more involved than it was where we used to live. I spend at least 20 minutes with McKay and her homework. That doesn't count the math she does on her own. It's all good.

Well, tomorrow is my shift at the Family History Library again. 9-11. They gave me a key last week. Guess I'm doing an OK job. :) Have a great day all!

28 Aug 2009

So glad that the packages are arriving and everyone is enjoying them. I've heard from several of you :) I have to report that I got my last "roll" of film developed at Wal-mart this past week. The courteous helper suggested I get an index print and a CD. Such a good idea - I really had no clue what was on the film. Baby Taylor pics :) Made me smile....and made me realize how long that roll has been sitting around. Our store is remodeling and won't be developing film anymore after the end of the month. So....if you have a mystery roll sitting around too - get it done before it can't be done!

It's been a good day here. Taking it easy. Sorted through my file box - and probably threw away 20 lbs worth of paper. So lucky that my mom burns the garbage - I don't even have to shred it first!

Hope all is well with you - DJ and Kimball just left to go hike Mt. Borah tomorrow. Crazy fun. There's a group of guys (plus Kimball) who are going. Too bad you don't live closer, Traci! They are going to be so tired tomorrow ; )

Take it easy!

26 Aug 2009

OK - in case I haven't mentioned before - www.findagrave.com
I am working with this website (as a volunteer) to add cemetery entries. I am doing a cemetery on the local Indian Reservation. So...it's not an Osborn that you know. If you are interested in helping the effort - you can also register on the above web site - enter your zip code and you will get photo requests from time to time in your email :) Depending on how many other people near you are volunteers (and how many people request) - you can also help the work. It's actually pretty fun - and your kids can help (practice reading?!?)

Sarah - so glad that the kids are enjoying the games. I thought you might have some so I figured that you could pass some on. Glad that's going to work for you :)

Well - catching up on my mending. Better get it done! Loves!

25 Aug 2009

I've been busy - and continue to be busy - entering in the names and pictures from the cemetery. Here's a picture....
If you look closely - you can see my reflection in the headstone ;) I had to take another picture so my reflection didn't show.....Gives you an idea anyway....I have 699 files left to go (pictures to be entered....) So it's going to take awhile....I am pacing myself. Just an hour today.

Hope you're all getting your packages! Thinking of you!

Congratulations!

I'm just off to the post office with some packets! Congratulations to you all! I decided to go ahead and send stuff to all interested parties. I am sending Becky the file folder book - because it will take some work to translate it into actual file folders :) What a nice Grandma! Tina is getting some activities specifically geared for little ones. Sarah is getting some games for older ones. Cory is getting a little bit of everything as is Aaron. I gave him the benefit of the doubt on entering. :) I'm also including a little note with further links to other fun if you find these to be something you would like more of. :) If you just want to see the links on here and didn't enter - make a comment and I'll post the links too.

DJ should be home later today! YEAH! We're taking it easy :) Have a great day all!

Loves!

21 Aug 2009

Temple was great! Amanda took the names back today for her weekly temple trip :) What fun! Sarah R - keep an eye out for some names coming in the mail - I got the envelope out today ;)

I'm working on a new pic for our room - played around a bit - and want your opinion/thoughts. You probably know my theme is A Series of Unfortunate Events (think of the artsy stuff at the end of the movie).....Here's some pics to look at:1 Different pic from the others - had its own challenges.....
2 - pic above this number
3
4
5
6

7
So what do you like the best? Haven't had a chance to ask DJ as he is still driving....I'm calling it Lake Lackrimose at any rate. Also - don't forget - last chance to put a comment on to get in on the giveaways :) Mail goes out tomorrow :)
Have a great day all!