9 Sept 2012

Had a wonderful day yesterday! Friday was pretty good as well. Looking forward to 2 job interviews tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

Have to say Thank You to all you regular bloggers who I read and gain inspiration and perspective from. I don't often comment but your posts make a big difference to me. Thank You!

Hope it's a great week for you. I'll keep you posted on the job situation. It is amazing how much it affects one to be looking and needing a job and not finding one. I hope to always remember what I've learned from this experience.

14 August 2012

Hey there! Wherever you are, I wish I was there. I have someone playing the flute very loudly and a yippy dog in his crate. UGH! One of those days....

6 Aug 2012

Hello again! We had a good weekend! DJ returned from a week in Aberdeen. We went on a date to a fun little Mexican restaurant. They had someone who came to your table to make fresh guacamole! It was amazing! I paid attention and here are the ingredients: 1 avacado, 1/4 onion, 1/2 tomato, 1 small lime, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder (like lowry's). I attempted to make it yesterday and discovered my kitchen knives are nowhere near as sharp as they should/could be. Next time I'll use the food processor for the tomato and onion to get it chopped fine enough. The lime is simply juiced, the avacado crushed/mashed. He used a whisk for this, I think I have a whimpy whisk. :) Anyway - as DJ has trouble with garlic, we omitted that when we made it at home and it was wonderful! I will probably chop the tomato and onion in the food processor then add the lime juice, avacado and salt and just pulse so I still have good chunks. Had to share the tastiness!

We have a friend over today for the little ones. I wonder if I will always think of the two younger girls as the little ones....McKay is busy doing extra jobs to earn Kindle time. :) Kimball is reading on the porch. Before long, they will all be off to the park for lunch. Should be fun! I think I'll make some more guacamole to share with DJ for our lunch. The girls have adjusted wonderfully to more chores. We have a rotating chore wheel with morning chores being: making bread in the bread machine, making cookies, emptying the dishwasher, and doing laundry. They each do one of those for a week, then we change. We also have evening chores: setting and cleaning off the table, loading the dishwasher, sweeping/mopping floors, and cleaning the bathroom.

Today I'm hoping to finish emptying boxes in the back room and get the office arranged. I got the winter coats hung up downstairs and a bit of the camping things arranged. It would also be good if I scheduled dentist visits for this fall.

That's about it for me.

2 Aug 2012

The second of August?!? Really? I am so sorry to have been MIA for so long. We are moved back to our house. I'm getting over the surreal part and digging into the phase - rental repair. Mom was over mid-July and painted our living room for us. Thanks again, Mom! Overall, it could have been so much worse. However, I have learned over the course of the last month that I was overly generous in returning a portion of the rental deposit. From what we have learned, it seems we came back just in time. Our renters mail is finally going elsewhere - but from what we saw, they had several legal problems as well as other issues. Our neighbors report that there were about 9 people living in the house at one time. Unbelievable! Still....we are doing well. I have ordered a couple of parts for the microwave and dishwasher that were missing, I need to find my mineral spirits and clean their "repair" of the scratches on the floor. The grass has already recovered from not being watered at all this year, waiting to see if one of the apple trees is going to live after having most of the bark stripped from it from the ground to about 3 feet up. We'll be working on the yard for quite a while - probably at least a year to get it back looking good. So many little things.....

In good news, the music/guest room is ready for company. I got things hung on the walls, and all the boxes have been emptied from that room. Now I just need to do the back/office and the basement :) Still no job offers - so discouraging! DJ is doing well with his new job. The girls are enjoying their space again and especially like the new puppy - Perry. I'll post some pics sometime.

Part of the craziness of it all is that the day we were moving in, DJ and I got new callings in the ward. He is a clerk and I am 1st counselor in the RS. I am feeling rather overwhelmed with it all. We are beginning to have our good days, though. Just wanted to let you know what was up with us. Loves to you and yours. More sooner rather than later....

Refried Beans

So with my healthier eating - we're making many things that we would otherwise buy. Refried Beans is today's find. This is the tastiest recipe I've found: http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/03/how-to-make-homemade-refried-beans.html

I didn't use the oil - nonstick pan and onions do fine on their own. No added milk for me either. Very tasty!

Lowered Expectations

So, today I went for a ride as Kimball drove me around town. Pray for me! I have a much greater understanding of the full motherhood experience as I am now the parent of a teen driver. I'm so glad we began this adventure in a small town! It could be so much crazier!

Really, she is doing well. She is so good at most everything that I think I expected she would be a driving prodigy or something similar. She is a learning driver. I know we'll get there in the end.

When we first approached the car, she holding the keys, we exchanged nervous smiles. She requested me give step by step directions that while appreciated at first, grew a bit irritating - perhaps just because they came from me? I quickly found that I needed to speak up and well in advance. We almost missed a couple of turns. However, in the end we made it to our destination and home again. Then we invited the sisters to join us in the car. They were nervous in their own ways. I instructed them to be silent and we were off again. Just a quick jaunt to the library. We arrived safely and I took my time, allowing my anxiety to decrease before we set off for home again. Now we are home and I have probably never been so glad to arrive safely. I'm thinking I'll take my time and ease into this slowly. For my dear friends who are not at this stage yet - your time will come. For my dear mentor mothers who have been here, I love you all. Thanks for your patience!

More later...

May 22 2012

I got my teaching certificate! Now the job hunt begins....or continues. I have applications in at a few districts, feeling pretty good about things. DJ has officially received word that he will be transferred mid-July. SO LET THE PACKING BEGIN! Back to our house! We are really excited. There are some things about here that we will miss but overall we are ready to be heading home.

We're working on eating healthier as a result of seeing a couple of shows - Forks over Knives and Engine2 Kitchen Rescue. The kids are enjoying it. We're not being too drastic - just using up some things that we currently have and trying some new things.

Now the trick will be to fit in all the adventure we want to have in the time we have left here. So much to do - so little time. School is almost out - that will help our time. Just enjoying the warmer weather. I've even been biking on my new bike while DJ runs - we went 10 miles on Saturday evening. Parts of me are still recovering - but I did get out and do 3 miles this morning with DJ riding along on his bike.

Hope all is well with you! More as it comes....

Family Info

Wanted to let my extended family know that there is a ceremony planned this summer for Samuel Knapp - revolutionary war hero. His gravesite is in disrepair and the John Hancock Chapter, Society of Sons of the American Revolution are doing a grave marking ceremony. I found this info at :http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Knapp&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=37&GScnty=2127&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=64706927&df=all&
The date for the ceremony is 22 July 2012 in Sycamore, Ohio. There is more information at the link including an email address for those planning to attend the ceremony.

Cornelia Knapp (Gene's grandma) - Marquis Knapp - Benjamin Knapp - Samuel Knapp

As Kimball is getting ready to take a trip with Chuck & Sue I've been researching family history and found that a few of her ancestors attended the original Nauvoo Temple. She is planning on doing some baptisms at the new Nauvoo temple during her trip. Gives me a bit of chills thinking about it.

We're busy finishing up the school year here - just a few weeks to go! We'll keep you posted on other plans as they get closer.

Homemade Cottage Cheese

Found this recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/quick-cottage-cheese-recipe/index.html
Had to give it a try. It is so unbelievably easy! You end up with a lot of whey......if only you had some use for that. My milk got above 120 - so my cheese was more stringy and less curdy. Still, very tasty! Now, if I only had a inexpensive source for milk. 1 gallon made a lot less than I thought it would.....I guess I didn't read the part of the recipe that says that you get 2 cups of cottage cheese. :)

Went to a production of Schoolhouse Rock Jr Live and after the above experience- I'm thinking - Knowledge is power! Even if I never make it again, I know how to make cottage cheese.

Everneath

So I'm currently listening to this book. Enjoying it. Wondering how in the world Brodie Ashton described what fibromyalgia is like so well! The heightened senses.....Anyway, I'm curious about where the description of this character came from. Probably will never know - but if you want a glimpse into the world of fibrofun - take a bit of a read. Of course the part about the underworld doesn't apply :) At least, I've never been there.

Have a great week!

Education Links

I wanted to post some things that I had found that were helpful/of interest to me educationally. John Green has a history series on youtube - geared for high school age and up. Here's a link: http://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse
His brother does a biology series. It's also available on the same page.
http://www.softschools.com/math/games/ has a variety of math games - not as colorful or fun but still a great variety for particular items.
http://www.mathplayground.com/ASB_Index.html colorful fun games.
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm - great geography games for beginner to advanced.

Enjoy!

30 Mar 2012

Well, I realize I haven't been posting much. I think there are times in your life that are just too real to talk about. Not sure if real is the right word - vivid, poignant, clear, learning times. Still in those times - but feeling like progress is being made. SO looking forward to conference this weekend. "There is hope smiling brightly before us and we know that deliverance is nigh."

I got my "packet" sent in to the state - just waiting to receive my interim certification. I am making great progress on my app for a job in the district of my choice. One reference to go....now the waiting begins. I have been taking one step at a time in the direction that feels like the one the Lord wants me to go in. Still unsure of the destination (short term destination). So many steps feel like they are right on the edge of the darkness. Still, I am so blessed and my family has been blessed through these times.

Progress over the past few years is probably mostly internal - but here are a few external indicators: McKay and Hinckley were baptized, Kimball received her YW medallion, and we continue to read the scriptures daily as a family. The house isn't as clean as it used to be, meals aren't planned as they used to be, and we travel far less than we used to. My health overall is improving, DJ's work is steady, and we are all learning and growing.

Today Mckay and Hinckley have piano lessons. The three youngest are enjoying a day off with me. Kimball is in school :( but is OK with that. She begins drivers ed next week. Life just gets faster and faster. I appreciate all of you and the influence you have been and continue to be in my life. Thank you so very much!

More after conference.....

Spring Break 2012

We've had a wonderful spring break! We spent the time visiting Dan and Kaye. We've had a great time with them. Also got to see Jared, Cory and kids. So nice to catch up with everyone. Visited the "old" ward and it truly felt like coming home! We decided to add 2 to our family over the break - so now we have Sooty and Carmelita (guinea pigs). It's going to be so fun for the girls once the little animals get used to us!

Thanks for your words of encouragement, congratulations and well wishes. We send the same back to each of you. We'll keep you posted on progress here. I just need to be fingerprinted (yet again) to send in my app to the state. I'm mostly done with my app for the district of my choice. Just waiting on a couple of references.

Have a wonderful spring day!

Another hurdle passed

Last Saturday, I passed the Multiple Subject Exam to become certified (or certifiable!) to teach elementary school. Now the job application process begins! One step closer to getting back to our House!

Passed!

Just got word that I passed the essay portion of the PTK. So relieved, excited, etc. Now on to the Multiple Subject Exam. That is scheduled for Mar 10th!

Had to share the good news!

A wonderful Christmas

We had a great Christmas. Most enjoyable was spending time with family. Thanks so much Dan & Kaye! Had to tell you all about what I got for Christmas - besides the items I helped DJ get for me....I got a dream journal. Kimball got me a journal to write down my dreams in when I wake up in the middle of the night. I tried it last night and got 2 dreams written down. I'm not sure what she plans to do with it - use it for a bestselling book....?!? It's something totally unexpected and lots of fun! I woke up DJ as I was writing in the dark last night. :) Silly....

We are well on our way to cleaning up the Christmas fun and getting back to the normal schedule. I hope your holidays were great! Loves!

22 Dec 2011

Great news! I passed the multiple choice part of the PTK! Now I wait for the essay results. So relieved to have that behind me. Let the holiday's begin! After being under the weather for a couple of weeks, I am finally feeling good. We're getting ready to go to DJ's parent's for Christmas. Should be nice :)

In other news, my book of blessings continues to grow. It is a wonderful thing! I think my next project will be a map project - a album of maps showing ancestor locations. I also want to do a book of family/ancestor missionaries.

My girls are all excited for Christmas. I think there are some surprises in store for them. Truly there is nothing like having Christmas with kids :) Kimball got my Christmas cards out this year for a young women's project. She is just starting her last project - a cross stitch. Want to see? 



That's it! It will be interesting to see how it turns out!

McKay is enjoying having little sisters to play hair shop with. It's great to have willing "customers"


Hinckley is enjoying life and looking forward to her baptism in February. She got to try her dress on yesterday and was so happy!

Taylor lost a tooth last night. It's one of her front teeth so she's singing the song - All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. She looks so cute!

DJ continues to work hard for us although he has been taking afternoons off to use up his vacation time. Use it or lose it!

Hope all is well with you!

2 Nov 2011

Well, I made a sweet potato pie yesterday. SO TASTY! I especially liked it as it was not as sweet - so I could actually eat it! Of course, I used the cornmeal crust recipe. I also made some gingersnaps - and did caramel apples the other day. We have so many treats that the kids can't keep up :) I can't believe how much candy they came home with after trick or treating! Biggest haul yet! Anyway - life is still going along here.

DJ and I decided to be a bit more proactive with a budget and downloaded the basic quicken program. Our budget meeting was so much more positive because the program is user friendly. It downloaded the past month from our bank and mostly categorized my transactions. Those that weren't categorized I took 5 minutes and quickly categorized. It was so interesting to see where all my $$ goes - in a colored pie chart :) I thoroughly recommend Quicken Starter Edition.

I only get a couple of minutes more because Kimball needs to use the computer - for homework she says. More later....

26 Oct 2011

Just scheduled my first of two tests to become a teacher. It's called the PTK - Professional Teaching Knowledge test. My first surprise upon scheduling at a Pearson VUE center (only place to take it) was the information that I would be give a Palm Vein Scan. Has anyone ever heard of this before? I know I've been out of school for awhile - but I didn't think I was that out of the loop. So I checked into it a bit and it is legit. It uses close to infrared light to scan your hand to see your veins. Used in place of fingerprinting. I guess they really want to make sure they are getting quality teachers these days. Fingerprinting on the district level, vein scans before you're even hired, and background checks. Had to let you know.....

18 Oct 2011

It was such a beautiful fall day! Thoroughly enjoyed being out in it and also viewing it from the comfort of my couch. What a great time of year!