Directions Needed.

I bought these in the beginning of the month with grand ideas.

So, here is the funny thing about me. IF I think I know how to do something, I really don't try to read the directions. Or search out how to do it. However, if it is something I have NO clue about, such as putting together a bench seat, I immediately look for the directions before starting to assemble the parts.

On this culinary creating day, I didn't search out directions. And what I thought I knew was ALL wrong.

I wanted to really make something fun and different. Spice up our lives a little bit.

Seems like the fresh strawberries are really good right now. I don't know if that's because I am so tired of the bananas and apples that we have eaten all winter or what. But, fruit this time of year is always so delicious.

After trying my hand at making heart shaped "cups" to place fresh cut strawberries in I realized that I need a candy mold not this silcon baking pan. Here is what happened:

They all crumbled, some just more then others.

I also tried to make chocolate swirls, but realized it would be soooooo much easier if I had a squirt bottle. I will have to get one of those. The only thing that I knew that was right was that non-artistic people like me, print out swirls to tape underneath the parchment paper so all I do is trace. Now how did I know that? I just didn't have the right tools, the squirt bottle.

So, I changed my plans and made brownies in the silicon pan instead. Here is what I was able to present Steve with when he came home.

He didn't have any complaints!

Summer is Here

Seriously, it seems like yesterday that it was Christmas.

No, really.

Here they are riding their bikes on their last day of 1st and second grade:
And, now here we are saying goodbye to Tyler and Ethan's wonderful teachers. Today.

Ethan and I have just fallen in love with Mrs. Lamb. Just look at her, who wouldn't?

I was able to go in and help her on Thursdays. I loved it, and I think Ethan loved having me in his classroom too. I loved seeing him interact with the other students. Mrs. Lamb had the perfect personality for Ethan. She was loving and a little sarcastic which he can appreciate. She definitely instilled in Ethan a like for reading (I know, not Love...sigh). So, he's going to be different from his mom. I guess that's okay. But, I think his like for reading definitely comes from the work she has done with them at school, supplemented by my reading with him here at home. What am I worried about...even with his LIKE of it, he's still above grade level.

Ethan has already told me that he is going to miss her. Heck, I'm going to miss her.

I bet he gets emotional today when he has to say good bye to her. He's seen his mom say goodbye one too many times and has seen how hard they are for me. Now he's like his mom.

And, goodbye to Tyler's wonderful teacher, Mrs. Coffman. Look how darling she is:

I, unfortunately, didn't get to know her as well. I was able to help out at some of the holiday parties and got to know her there. She has also done a great job with Tyler. I thought she was great at letting me know if something was going on with Tyler, or if he just seemed a little off; like last week, when they weren't so structured, I think Tyler struggled a little bit with that. He's my kid...fun has to be scheduled right?

Now that summer is here, I have very mixed emotions.

Spring break was awesome and I thoroughly enjoyed my boys, and truly wasn't ready for them to return when the break was over. I want to hold on to that.

But...

lately

They.Have.Been.Fighting.So.Much!!

And I keep having to remind them that we are on the same team, that we want what is best for each other, and that if they don't have anything nice to say, NOT to say it at all. This makes me think it is going to be a LONG summer! Even with my plans to keep them busy.

Feliz Cumpleanos!

Happy Birthday to Steve!

So today, for my status on Facebook, I wrote: Happy birthday to my sweetie. I am excited to be spending another birthday with you! I love you Steve.

His comment on my status was: another? You, my dear, will have to be spending the rest of my birthday's with me. Thanks for your love and being my friend.

And that made my heart skip a beat.

I love this man that has been my whole life for the past eleven years. There aren't words to express how I feel about him.

ENOUGH WITH THE GHOOSHY STUFF

So, we have been lucky enough to celebrate Steve's birthday all weekend!

FRIDAY the 22nd

Steve had a comp day from work because of his trip to St. George last week. Yahoo! So, what did he do? He had to go and find himself a suit (my present to him -- don't you like how he does all the work?) that would actually fit him. The suit that he had when we were first married literally falls around his ankles. Nope, not going to work anymore. I am happy to report that he found what he was looking for and I get to go and pick it up on Tuesday.

Friday night we were suppose to go up in the canyon with our friends and hang out with their family, but it was raining. So, game was called due to rain. Happily we made other plans for just the grown ups to go out to eat. Always a favorite with me. We went to Chili's were Steve and I shared the Chicken Club Tacos. Have you ever tried them? So yummy. Then we went back to their house and played a newer, more enhanced version of Clue. It was a Colonel Mustard, in the living room, with the candlestick. The game was a lot of fun and the enhancements made it really interesting. Boy were our kids up late.

Okay, so maybe this wasn't part of the birthday celebration, but it made the weekend so much more fun.

SATURDAY the 23rd

A mega date for Steve and me! I truly cherish the times when it is just the two of us. We went to The Cheesecake Factory by Fashion Place Mall.

Delicious.

Very delicious!!

Our timing couldn't have been more perfect. We didn't even have to wait at all to our surprise. But, boy, by the time we left the line was out the door.

Steve had a combination plate of Steak Diane and Chicken Maderia. Oh my, it was heavenly!! I secretly was coveting every bite that he took. Don't get me wrong, my Mediterrian Mahi was yummy. If I had never tried his, I would have been savoring every bite that I took.

But I did try his. And next time we go back, we are going to share the Steak Diane and Chicken Maderia. The portion was enough for both of us.

And, of course, how do you go to The Cheesecake Factory and not get dessert? We did.

Steve had his favorite White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle cheesecake and I had Chocolate Coconut Cream Cheesecake. It seriously tasted like the Somaos Girl Scout cookie. So good! Both of us managed to eat most of our desserts, but our stomachs were pushed to the limit and we had to leave some on our plates.

Luckily we had enough time to walk around before our movie started. We stopped by Old Navy that was having an amazing sale on flip flops. We bought several pairs for both of us, along with some other items. Steve always seems to find some amazing deals and today was no exception.

We both had zero expectations of the movie The Terminator. I think I had even read some negative reviews of it on Facebook so I wasn't expecting much. The upside to that, we both enjoyed the movie and were glad we saw it.

Afterwards we went and picked up our kiddos at Grandma's house. Thanks again Mom for watching them ALL day for us.

SUNDAY the 24th -- his actual birthday

I want a dinner redo.

Unbeknownst to us, one of the kids had poked a hole in the saran wrap to the expensive steaks that Steve had bought and ruined them. (In 10 years of marriage, we had never spent that much on steaks before.) I was so disappointed and bummed. I could tell Steve was too, but he handled it well. And, I thought we had some black beans in our food storage. We didn't. Again, Steve handled it well.

After dinner, Steve opened his presents. Luckily they were all from the list he'd given me, so I knew that would be a success. Since I didn't have his suit, I wrapped the belt, dress shirt and tie that he also came home with after buying his suit.


Presents were followed by Butterfinger ice cream, one of our favorites! We placed a candle in the ice cream and sang Happy Birthday!


And, for the first time, we lit our firepit. It was so fun to see the flames spread from the newspaper to the brush, to the logs.

It was so sad to see the rain come and put out our fire.

But, we were able to roast a few marshmallows for s'mores and even better then that, we were able to roast some cinnamon bears and star bursts. Again, so yummy.

A Child's Perspective

I have seen these questions posted on several blogs now and wanted to do them with my children too. While you are reading this, keep in mind that Ty (T) is 8, Ethan is 7 (E), and Alayna is (2), she only answered some of the questions.

1. What is something Daddy always says to you?
T-Please don't touch that.
E-That we are going on vacation.


1a. What is something Mommy always says to you?
T-It's time to do your homework.
E-go to your room (ouch!)

2. What makes Daddy happy?
T-When we are playing nicely.
E-when he spends time with us

2a. What makes Mommy happy?
T-When we do our homework when you say to.
E-when you do marathons and you be glad that you do it

3. What makes Daddy sad?
T-When we break something.
E-that I break stuff

3a. What makes Mommy sad?
T-When we play with something that doesn't belong to us.
E-that I have to move my name in class (this is how they evaluate behavior)

4. How does you Daddy make you laugh?
T-With jokes.
E-When he records funny shows.

4a. How does your Mommy make you laugh?
T-I don't know.
E-by telling you jokes
A-tickle me

5. What was your Daddy like as a child?
T-he had a lot of brothers and sisters
E-he had glasses


5a. What was your mommy like as a child?
T-Had to walk to school
E-you were twins

6. How old is your Daddy?
T-32
E-33
A-5

6a. How old is your mommy?
T-38
E-38
A-6

7. How tall is your daddy?
T-like a yardstick up (this is one of my favorites)
E-i don't know
A-Big

7a. How tall is your mommy?
T-about half a yard stick
E - I think she is 4 feet tall.


8. What is your daddy's favorite thing to do?
T-make smoothies
E-play sports
A-cuddle with me

8a. What is your mommy's favorite thing to do?
T-play with her kids
E- running
A-I still coughing

9. What does your Daddy do when you aren't around?
T-he's at work
E- go to work

9a. What does your mommy do when you aren't around?
T-scrapbooking
E-go running


10. If you Daddy becomes famous, what will it be for?
T-writing a famous book
E-being a famous writer

10a. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
T-inventing something
E-being a good mom

11. What is your Daddy really good at?
T-making us laugh
E-cooking

11a. What is your mommy really good at?
T-taking good care of us
E-taking care of us
A-Love you

12. What is you Daddy not good at?
T-I don't think there is anything that daddy isn't good at.
E- I dont know

12a. What is your mommy not good at?
T-I don't know
E-not picking right decorations


13. What does your Daddy do for his job?
T-He's a trainer at Wheeler Cat
E-he trains people

13a. What does your mommy do for her job?
T-takes care of the kids
E-nothing, cause you don't work anymore (Ouch!)


14. What is your Daddy's favorite food?
T-smoothies
E-raclette

14a. What is your mommy's favorite food?
T-chocolate smoothie
E-food that dad makes (this is also one of my favorites)
A-you love candy

15. What makes your proud of your daddy?
T-He has a good job
E-that he is a great dad


15a. What makes you proud of your mommy?
T-that she can stay home with us (aww...love you too honey)
E-she's a great mom

16. If your daddy were a cartoon character, who would it be?
T-Mr. Flintstone
E-Spongebob

16a. If your mommy were a cartoon character, who would it be?
T-Daphne from Scooby Doo
E-Wonder Woman


17. What do you and your daddy do together?
T-play games
E-we go places
A-Do Up-Dog (so cute - she loves yoga, just like her daddy)

17a. What do you and your mommy do together?
T-play games
E-you take us to school

18. How are you and your daddy the same?
T-we both like to be hot and sleep under the covers, and my mom and brother don't
E-we have the same color of hair

18a. How are you and your mommy the same?
T-We are both right-handed
E-we like to be cold at night

19. How are you and your daddy different?
T-I am right-handed and he is left-handed
E-he's better at sports

19a. How are you and your mommy different?
T-She does the housework and I don't
E-you have longer hair then me

20. How do you know your daddy loves you?
T-he takes us fun places
E-cause he likes to take us on vacations
A-Down facing dog

20a. How do you know your mommy loves you?
T-she gives us candy and takes us places
E-because she buys my favorite foods

21. What does your Daddy like most about your mom?
T-she's pretty
E-he likes to take her on dates
A-Owie

21a. What does your mommy like most about your dad?
T-He's handsome
E-that he's athletic
A-He loves you
Tiercy: He brings so much love and fun into my life!!!

22. Where is your Daddy's favorite place to go?
T-to sport games with his kids
E- Grandma's house
A-to work

22a. Where is your mommy's favorite place to go?
T-Walmart to shop
E-to where ever Dad takes you (aawww...so true!)
A-to shower

Mother's Day Mavericks

Yep, that was us, dissenting from the typical Mother's Day!

We went camping!

Let me repeat that, we went camping!









We had such a great time and it was a great trip. We drove the 3 hour drive to Green River on Friday. Unfortunately, we didn't get there until after dark, so pitching the tent was a little stressful. And getting everyone settled down didn't happen until really late. Oh well.

I actually reveled in "sleeping" in the outdoors on Friday night. I was snuggling in my bed with Steve's warmth beside me, but I could still feel the cold of the night air and hear the trees swishing in the wind. It was actually a perfect moment for me.

We had a leisurely Saturday morning. Steve made a yummy breakfast of eggs and bacon. Yummy. I read a book. It was nice. Then we drove the 45 minutes to Arches National Park. None of us had been there. We all loved it. The park was perfect for all hiking abilities, with easy, moderate and strenuous hikes. We stayed on the easy paths for the little legs in our family. And, have I mentioned yet how perfect the weather was: a perfect 72 degrees with a slight breeze coming from the North (actually, I don't know that it was from the North, it just seems like the prefect breeze is always described as coming from some direction.) We explored and hiked to the Delicate Arch (the one on our license plate), Windows Arch and there was one more (ugh, I can't remember the name of it right now, even though it was my favorite). Steve had packed us a yummy lunch that we ate in the car; we didn't realize there were picnic benches at the next Arch trail.















We returned to the campsite and went swimming. Well, the boys, Steve, and Laney went swimming. I was at the pool, but I was reading. The water was like ice water. It always amazes me how things like a little cold water don't bother kids.

Steve cooked a yummy dinner of hamburgers, watermelon, and chips. Again, delicious. Why is it that things always taste better when someone else cooks it? And the highlight for the kids was making s'mores on the campfire after dinner. They were yummy.

Have you seen a theme here. Steve did all the cooking! He had the food all planned out and prepared almost before I started thinking about it. (What a role reversal!) So, he served me all weekend. Thanks Steve for being so thoughtful and serving me all weekend.

Taking a minute to hug my sweetheart!

Here are some pictures of the beautiful scenery that we were able to see:

Delicate Arch is between the "V" in the tree.

This was my favorite - the one I for which I can't remember the name.

Beautiful!! This picture is for my mom. I know she would love it.

I think I got this love of nature and beauty from my mom! Who by the way, I was such a horrible daughter and didn't get to call her until the next day. Happy Mother's Day Mom! I love you for all the fun memories we have had together. But, also for being my mom. I always think of my childhood as a happy time and that is largely due to you! So, maybe I had to buy my own OP shorts, but that taught me the value of hard work. Another funny thing, is that I love Saturdays when my family (kids and Steve) are all doing our chores together; I think this also goes back to those Saturdays as we were growing up when you made us work as a family, I just LoVe the feeling of teamwork and unity that it brings to my family. I hope I am passing these same lessons down to my children. And thank you so much for still supporting me in all that I do. My children are lucky to have you as their Mom Mom.

I am sorry that we don't live closer. You know you have an open invitation to come here anytime!

Mom Mom and Laney in July 2008

Have a great trip to Norway! I am so excited that you and Al are getting this adventure. I can't wait to hear all about it.

Seriously...

(this is not going to be a nice post. Please, read at your own risk)

So, I had to do a quick errand at this store:


Now, I know what many of my friends who live near me are saying: it's a brand new store, it's super clean, and now it's super close. Yes, so true, and none of that is the problem.

I wanted the errand to be quick. So we didn't get a cart. Alayna never wants to sit in them anyway. So, we walked back to the shoes. Well, we all started walking and Alayna was quickly distracted so I picked her up and carried her. She didn't like that at all.

I however was smart.

I brought snacks for her.

So, while Tyler tried on his new shoes (I refuse to buy him expensive shoes anymore because even they don't last. He was rubbing salt into the wound as we were walking into that store by saying, I've only had these shoes since November. That's only 6 months.)

The shoe part went fine.

It was paying.

We finally ended up at the 20 items or less line. It really should read that the cashier has an IQ less then 20. Did I really just say that?

Anyway, so Alayna decides that she wants the candy. I decided she didn't need it. Remember, I was smart and brought snacks.

She didn't like this at all and started to walk away. Both arms folded, as she does when she was upset. Ethan decided to chase after her to bring her back to us. So, now it is a game to her and she is running. And she is fast. If you don't believe me, just ask the people who see her at the gym.

Finally, I get Ethan to come and stand by me.

Would it be obvious to you that my kids are misbehavin? I would have thought. If that wasn't obvious enough, just look at my face. I can not HIDE what I am feeling.

When I needed to get my wallet out I placed Laney's blankies on the counter. Then I stepped to the side and swiped my card. At this point the girl asks me if I am buying those too.

I could only look at her dumbfounded. Seriously...

I responded with a: Those are my daughter's blankies.

To make matters worse, the girl says: We sell scarves that look just like that.

I could only stare at her.

I was afraid my mouth might catch up with my mind.

Did you look closely? See how ratty they are.

Walmart lady, do these look like your pretty, new scarves (said in sarcastic voice)? I should hope not!

I Was Fed with Manna

Have you been there?

It's a must do for your bucket list (you know, the list to do before you "kick the bucket").

I was so lucky to have the chance to go to Women's Conference at BYU this past Thursday and Friday. Actually, I picked my friends up from the airport on Wednesday and we headed down the highway for memory lane. Included in that was lots of laughter and 3 late nights.

Here are the 2 wonderful, amazing friends that I went with:

Carrie Olson, Me, and Kristen Lorton

When I started packing my bag, here is the sight that greeted me when I came out from my closet:

Oh, I missed my baby bear soooooo much!! And from what I understand, she missed me too. My heart is going to break when she goes to school. I also think I was missed by my boys (all 3) as I was greeted with hugs and happy shouts of, "Mom" when I walked in the door today.

Back to conference:

We were able to listen to some amazing talks. Of course some were better then others, but each offered something that I could take away with me.

Here are a few things that stood out to me:

SITTING in the Marriott Center

LEARNING:

how to Nourish and Protect the Family from General Relief Society President Julie B. Beck. She basically reviewed the doctrine on the family (Plan of Salvation, Proclamation to the Family, and the Atonement). She also talked about the threats facing the family. And let us know our responsiblity is to keep our focus on the blessings of eternal life and to prepare our children to make covenants, and to build the kingdom. And to do this by taking the formal and informal teaching moments. I absolutely loved her sincerity and heartfelt love for the sisters that she showed. I wonder is she thinks that we as women aren't living up to our potential. She admonished us to fight, fight sisters fight.

what it means to Go Forward in the Strength of the Lord from BYU International VP Sandra Rogers. And that when you walk into a room, you either add to a room or take away from it, whether you speak or not.

how to Become Not Only Good, but Holy from Sister Nyland. I loved when she shared that there was no new doctrine that accounts for the translation of the city of Enoch; what accounts for this gerat story was their willingness to live the gospel.

how to Stand in Awe, and...Be Still from Sister Susan Jones a member of the YW General Board. I thought this sister was amazing and hope to hear more from her in the future. She loves the scriptures. When her 16 year-old son was having some frustrations, she asked him to read the Book of Mormon with her. He said yes. She said it brought a peace into his life and he now loves it too. I loved that she shared this story. Especially as the mother of two boys it touched my heart and hope that I can do this with then when they are teenagers. I also thought it was interesting when she said that is it easier to feel the spirit in the still of the morning. She provided a quote from Elder Packard that supported this. Maybe because most of the world is still quiet. Not that you can't feel it in the afternoon or night, just that it was easier. She made me want to study my scriptures more and with more sincerity. I thank her for that.

Spiritual Strength in the Challenging Times from Camille Fronk Olson. She taught us on the power of faith. She talked about 2 boats and how Noah was asked to build an ark when there was no water and Nephi was asked to build a boat when he didn't have the craftsmanship or hte experience. She even pointed out the faith of Laman and Lemuel when they got onto the boat to go to the promised land. She talked about the parable of the unprofitable servant. I loved her perspective.

As an aside, I have been watching Discussions on the Book of Mormon, and Discussions on the Old Testament on the KBYU channel and have loved the insight and depth that it provides to my understanding of the scriptures. (If only I could remember what I know. ha) And, Sister Olson has been one of the commentators on the show. I have always liked them so I was especially interested in her talk.

And from Elder L. Tom Perry, I learned that our church is so misunderstood by people in the United States and abroad in the world. He says that for every person who strongly likes us there are four who don't. And then he provided statistics from non-members polled in the United States. Of those polled across the United States:

51% had little or no awareness of Mormons
47% did not have a favorable impression
31% believe that Mormons aren't Christian

He went on to say that many of the misunderstandings and wrong impressions are our fault because we don't talk about who we are and what we believe clearly enough.

He says of the four sources for people to hear of the church--church media, outside influences, members, and missionaries--members are the primary source for people to gain a clearer understanding. Again, wow!

AND, BEING REMINDED

of how yummy BYU mint brownies are. I was reminded two times. yummy!!
Women's Conference was such an uplifting and positive experience that I would love to do it again some day!