Too much time on your hands?

So I found another great book series. For those of you who liked Stephenie Meyers Vampire Series....here's some books for you. They are by Libba Bray. The first book is called "A Great and Terrible Beauty". Book two is "Rebel Angels". And book three, which just came out is called, "The Sweet Far Thing." I read book one while I was in Portugal and didn't know that there was a book after it. That was not fun. I had to wait until I came home to finally read book two. By the way I liked book two a little more than book one. Then of course I finished book two and think, "There has got to be another book." Yep! And it just came out last week. Just my luck. I can't wait to read it... I can actually... I'm too cheap and I'll wait until the Library has it, but when it's there... I'm there. Try these books out. You will love them and your husbands will hate them almost as much as Edward Cullen.

I love vinegar!

So I'm back. Finally. My excuse? How about 2 weeks in Portugal. Yes, the country. It was there that I learned how much I liked the taste of vinegar. Here is how it happened.... So I'm at a restaurant and I get a salad for part of my meal...just a little background information: I don't speak Portuguese. But Shayne does. He went to Portugal on his mission... I don't know how to say ranch in Portuguese and I wasn't about to ask Shayne to embarrass himself and me by asking so I went with the vinegar and olive oil on the table. Okay. So YUM. From then on I was hooked. The rest of the trip I wanted nothing more than vinegar. I even devoured a bag of salt and vinegar chips. Normally I would have thought, yuck! But not any more. Actually I ate other things which were also very de-lish. So thank you Portugal for introducing my taste buds to something they had been lacking.

Okay, so you probably are also wondering about my trip besides the food. It was awesome. We were gone a day under 2 weeks. My little sister Sadie came down to watch our girls for the whole time. Yes, she is amazing and the girls couldn't have had a better time. Thanks, Sadie! (and Christian, and my mom, and Shayne's mom for also helping out). Also, one of Shayne's mission companions, Ryan came with us. Weird? Not at all! He is awesome and made our trip 100 times better. Have any of you seen The Amazing Race? You know how there is always couple that is constantly fighting and arguing and yelling how much they hate each other? That would have been Shayne and I (well not the hating part). If Ryan had not been there, I would have had to take a more active role in the decision making (I'm horrible at that and Shayne is too. Bad combo) and then the navigating. Now that would not have been pretty. Can you imagine me trying to read a map and road signs in Portuguese? So, thank you Shayne and Ryan....my job of sitting back and enjoying all the sites couldn't have been any better if I planned it myself.

Shayne did a great job travel logging our whole trip on his blog, so you should really read about it there. But here's a few pictures.

We had a day layover in London. We walked everywhere. It took me a little while to adjust to looking the other direction first when crossing the street. [You know how the drive on the other side of the street there.] Let's just say we are very lucky I made it home safely. Thank you London for thinking of me when you painted the direction to look ON THE ROAD.

This is Flat Stanley. Clayre had us take him along for the trip. You can see Big Ben and the British Parliament in the background. That view is from The EYE.

While in London, we also got to see Wicked. Sooo good!

In Portugal we drove around in this little car. It was perfect because the roads are tiny and you can park pretty much anywhere you can fit...so sidewalks, freeway exit ramps, even blocking other cars is free game. There are huge roundabouts everywhere. When it came to driving around, let's just say we were all glad I didn't have to drive.

Most everyone there lives in huge apartment buildings. Some look very shabby with clothes drying on lines out the windows...you would think the poorest people lived there. Not so. Pretty much every building had clothes out drying. Even the wealthiest don't have dryers. This is a picture of one of the church branches. It looked like a warehouse on the outside.

We got to see a lot of amazing sites. Century old castles, Roman ruins, and even a chapel made of human bones. It was amazing to be around so much history.

But the best part was meeting amazing Portuguese people. Families and friends that Shayne knew from his mission. That was great. I of course had to endure conversations in Portuguese and every now and then a translation from Shayne. But it was still great. I also really enjoyed watching Shayne. He did an amazing job speaking Portuguese, amazing because it has been 14+ years since his mission. We had a great time together. This trip was a nice break from our busy lives. I don't think I have laughed so much and so hard in a long time. I can't wait to go back.

Santa's List

I'm trying to decide what I want my children to ask Santa for for Christmas. Yes, you read that right I like to decide what they want... I do this nicely of course with a little persuasion...and some sneakiness. Gasp! Terrible, right? No, not really. They are none the wiser and are as happy as could be on Christmas morning, since they are getting what they/I wanted. This couldn't be any more win-win....until of course they grow up and realize I have been brainwashing them their whole childhood. Ooops!?

So... does anyone have any great ideas?

Side thought: Some of you may be thinking Christmas lists now, in November? Too late or too early? I'm not sure which of you think which. So I put both. Well, anyway...Shayne and I like to have the girls write Santa a letter asking for 1 item around this time of year, so later if they change their minds (after we have already purchased the item) we say, "Oh, maybe you can ask for that next year. Santa has already gotten your letter and has been busy making that toy for you." Yep. Great parenting tip! No more panicking a week before Christmas.

It all comes down to a toothpick

Sometimes as a mom, I feel guilty that I don't make my kids fun and exciting snacks. You know the kind that have faces and shapes, lots of colors, and maybe even variety to them.... and then of course they are very healthy for you.
One day it came to me ... something very simple...an idea that turned out to save me from all that work. A toothpick! Yep. This simple tool is brilliance. So now snack time or even lunch time is like a party every day.
Here it is.. easy just 2 steps::

Step 1: cut some food in small chunks. Ex. cheese, strawberries, or my kids favorite apples (sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar).
Step 2: get out the trusty old tooth pick. And wahh-law.

It's amazing how a simple sliver of wood can be the difference between..."boring old apples for a snack again"- t0- "Yes! apples! Yummy!"

WARNING: I must admit here: I only have girls so the urge to poke, jab, or pierce someone does not happen at our table. If you have boys....well...good luck to YOU!

Wouldn't you like to know

I've been tagged by my hubby, Shayne. So here are some things you've all been dieing to know about me.

Places I've Worked:
1. WIC as a breastfeeding peer counselor
2. Truitt Middle School as a 7th grade math teacher
3. MLMS as a night time custodian
4. USU University Inn as a desk clerk and night auditor

Places I have lived:
1. Logan, UT.
2. Houston, TX.
3. Mesa, AZ.
4. St. George/ Santa Clara, UT.

Guilty Pleasures:
1. sneaking in a nap
2. eating handfuls of milk chocolate chips throughout the day
3. hurrying to put the kids to bed so Shayne and I can.... watch t.v together (especially Thursday nights)
4. not having to cook dinner, therefore not having to clean up afterwards

Favorite T.V. shows:
1. 30 Rock
2. The Office
3. CSI (Las Vegas)
4. The Closer
5. Amazing Race and Survivor

First things I thought when I saw/met my significant other:
1. He's cute.... to bad he is dating my cousin (Brooke)
2. If he only got to know me, he would like me. - I always thought I was the kind of girl guys would like to marry, but not to date.
3. Who puts milk in their ice cream? -I do, now.
4. He's funny.

Favorite Places I've been on vacation:
1. Seaside, OR.
2. Disneyland, CA. /San Diego, CA.
3. Logan, UT.
4. Portugal- leaving in a few weeks (I've never been out of the country...no, not even to Canada or Mexico)

Favorite Restaurants:
1. PF Changs
2. Mongolian BBQ
3. Outback Steakhouse
4. In and Out

Favorite Books:
1. Vampire series by Stephenie Meyers
2. Emma
3. These is my Words
4. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series

Talents:
1. Talking and talking while running (I never run out of things to talk about...even during a 20 miler.)
2. Falling asleep when my head hits the pillow- nightly around 10:30 (even if I take a nap during the day)
3. Making others feel good about themselves by telling them all my flaws
4. I am really good at packing our van up before we go on a trip

Things I like:
1. DVR
2. Conversation
3. running
4. one-on-one time with my girls (individually) and alone time with Shayne
5. eating foods not made by me

Things I dislike:
1. Planning meals for the month
2. End of the month Budget review (or really anything money related)
3. That I'm a little too sensitive sometimes
4. The fact that I enjoy a little drama (Does that make me a drama queen? Please no.)

Goals for the future:
1. Try to go a whole day without calling/or IM Shayne at work
2. Boston Marathon in April
3. Not get sucked into confrontations with Parly
4. Watch more t.v. (thanks to DVR)

I tag: Amy, Kristi T., and brother Marty

Halloween 2007

Getting everyone in costumes this year without spending a cent. Priceless. Literally. Here's how it ended up looking:

Maggie: Halloween Princess- used the dress that all the girls have worn on their 2nd Halloween. $0

Kate: Porcelain Doll- or China doll as she calls it. Used a dress that we got from Shayne's cousin, Athena who wore it when she was a little girl. $0

Clayre: China girl- used the costume from Clayre's dance recital last year and the real Chinese paper umbrella was a gift from Brooke. $0

Parly: Bride- used her white baptism dress and my wedding veil. $0

Shayne: Old Man- clothes came out of his closet, YES he shaved 1/2 his head, cane brought over by Susan. $0

What a cute and cheap family.

Love comes in a Box

So the other day I made Hamburger Helper for dinner. In my defense, Shayne wasn't coming home for dinner and we needed to hurry so the girls could go with Nanny Susan to Wizard of Oz at Dixie High School. Anyway, the girls loved it! Yes, the musical and the Hamburger Helper. Here is the conversation we had at dinner:


Clayre: "Mom, how did you make this?"
Me: "It just came from a box."
Clayre: "This box is genius."
Parly: "Clayre, sometimes you just make me giggle."

Again, to be the Best Mom Ever....really isn't that hard. It comes in a box.

Worried? Don't be

Have you ever wondered what my kids are doing while I am "blogging"? Yes, of course you have.

Okay, technically most of my kids are at school/preschool (at least for a few hours), so it is just Maggie and myself at home. Here's a little glimpse of how Maggie keeps herself busy while I am in a computer trance:

Yes, that is a doll stroller. (above)

Yes, she is sleeping on tile.

Such a cute thumb sucker.

Can't her mom just pick her up and put her in her crib? No, that would require me to get up from the computer.

Mom's Out

I just got back from a "Mom's Out" weekend. It was at a cabin in California, and by cabin I mean pretty much it is just surrounded by trees. There is nothing "cabinish" about this 6,000 sq. ft. luxury home. To see pictures see this blog.

My sister invited me... so I was there mostly amongst strangers. I knew a few people... some of Em's sister-in-laws and some from going to this annual trip two years ago, but mostly new faces. There were about 17 women in all. Sooooo.. that meant, lots of different and interesting (some even possibly: coo coo) personalities AND that meant for lots of fun. I enjoyed sitting in on a lot of conversations... and sometimes even adding to them.

The favorites of the trip: Panini sandwiches, apple stuffed croissant French toast, amazing Mexican tacos, white chocolate-cinnamon-caramel-apples (Yes, I made these....don't seem so surprised. They are actually quite easy to make....and they turned out to be more than just my favorite of the weekend. Although I probably did eat the most. I'm glad I got to contribute something.) I know it looks like most of the favorites are food....so I'll move on. Sitting or rather "hanging out" in the hot-tub (a little bit of a subliminal there, funny...if you got it), watching movies, taking walks and then a hike back up...before and after all the eating, getting a massage (they had 2 massage therapists come up on Saturday). This was my first massage - yes, I was a massage virgin and everyone enjoyed that fact. This was the perfect time and place to get a massage and it definitely was a highlight of the weekend. But I have to say the best was: all the fun girls I met. I laughed and laughed all weekend : my favorite of the trip.

So, everything was fine at the home front. I don't think the girls even noticed I was gone. They called me once just to ask where one of the clues to a treasure hunt I made was, and once I told them they were off.... I love you too. You can read more about their weekend on Shayne's blog here.

Favorite time of Day

So yesterday I went to get Maggie from her nap. I usually know when she is awake because there is a very loud banging coming from her room. This is from her rocking her crib back and forth which in turn hits against the wall. Side note: This is the same crib we have used for all the other girls...it is a little on the getting-quite-old-and-almost-falling-apart side. We just hope it lasts for our last...Maggie. Back to the loud banging...you might say just pull it away from the wall. Well, we would have to put it in the middle of the room in order for it to not bang a wall...it sways from all sides a lot. So it is safer in a corner, touching two walls and a dresser. Mother of the year, right here!

So...I went in to find Maggie very much engaged with a sun spot that was on the wall. She was trying to grab it. And each time she did this she would move in front of the sun ray and thus make the spot disappear. Of course then she would move back and it would reappear. This little dance repeated over and over. It was so cute. It is at these are the times.... I am reminded.... Of how glad I am that: I was the one that got to witness such a sweet moment and not someone else.


Going along with the Mother of the year bit. After our drive home from Logan (6 hours) I took Maggie out of her car seat and noticed that she was wet all over. How? I just figured some of her milk from her sippy cup had leaked. Not so. When I changed her into her jammies I also changed her diaper...I have never seen a fuller diaper... and I have had 3 others. Sorry Maggie. So I should either 1. Change her once during the trip or 2. Get a bigger diaper size for trips. What would the Mother of the year do?

Time to move to Logan

We just got back from a weekend in Logan. It's always fun to go up north and visit my parents...and 3 of my siblings + spouses. There is always great company and always great food. Probably too much food. But I'm not complaining.

It was really great to go this time of year. It's so beautiful in Cache Valley in the fall when the leaves have changed colors. As we drove through Sardine Canyon we oohed and awed over the red and orange trees, yes even the girls look up from their movie for a second to gasp once or twice. It was there that I realized that this is the time of year I need to live in Logan. Now? I know what you are thinking: wouldn't you rather live there in the summer when the temperatures are much more bearable. Okay, yes. But here was my thought for a second anyway: See, I am not a very festive decorator. My kids have asked me why we haven't put up any Halloween decorations yet, since every house around us has and then some. So if we lived in Logan, with all the leaves changing colors, etc., there would be no need to decorate. Your house already looks festive. You wouldn't have to buy any hay bales, corn husks, pumpkins, fake spider webs, or fake leaves because you already have those in your yard. Well...at least we would have the right color of leaves and probably the spider webs...and then those other things if we lived on a farm or at a pumpkin walk. Sooo... This is why I said it was only my thought for a second. Regardless.....there are two facts here: 1. Logan is gorgeous this time of year. And 2. I am not a decorator festive or not. Annnd let's add 3. I'm all about doing things the easy way.

You won't believe it!

So I finished. Awesome. Do you believe I ran my best time ever? A little surprising. Now do you believe that I qualified for the Boston Marathon, by running it in 3:39.41 ? Even more amazing, right? I am still shocked myself, although my sore sore muscles are still telling me it's true. I'm very glad that I did it.... and that it's over.

Side notes: My pony tail didn't even bother me. Thank goodness. And I discovered, during the race, how great Icy Hot is for cramping calf muscles. Many thanks to those volunteers who helped apply it.

26.2

So, yep I'm running the St. George marathon tomorrow. A week ago, I wasn't so sure. I got the nastiest flu (?) bug.... and was pretty much in bed for a few days (A special shout out to Mr. Mom- the girls survived and the house didn't even burn down) and then it left me pretty weak for days after. It lasted 11 days total. I will never look at the 24 hour flu bug the same. 24 hours? That's nothing...now.

I ran for the first time last Saturday since my 20 miler (which was 3 weeks ago). I ran 5 miles. It was a little disappointing. My pace was very slow and I even came home and complained to Shayne that my pony tail felt too heavy. Yes, that's right.... my pony tail. I don't think that is a good sign. Of course maybe the recent weight loss will help me run even faster...lighter is better. Right?

Good luck to me. And good luck to Shayne.

BEST MOM EVER...easy as 1, 2, 3

I have discovered that being the best mom really doesn't require that much work. And anything that is easy and practically sweat free is what I am all about. I know you must be thinking, but everything about being a mom is hard and hard work. Yes. I couldn't agree more. But what I am talking about is that it's easy to make your kids think you are the BEST MOM EVER! Here are a couple of examples:

1. Today Parly called me from school. She does this pretty regularly...and it is never an emergency. I don't know what she does to have those grumpy school secretaries putty in her hands. Anyway, today it was because they are having PB&J sandwiches for school lunch...and she hates peanut butter.... I know you can feel bad for me. A child that doesn't like peanut butter.... She was wondering if I could bring her a cold lunch. I told her I was sorry, and that sometimes they change the menu and she will just have to eat whatever else they have with the sandwiches. She might even try trading with someone. I thought that was a good idea. Parly said okay...kind of sad. I told her I loved her and I would see her at home later. I started thinking about it, "why can't I take her a lunch?" So I made her one and took it to school. When I walked in her class and motioned her over. She had the biggest grin on her face. I handed her the lunch bag. "Thanks mom!" Best mom ever.

2. Clayre came home from school a couple of days ago and told me this: "Mom, you know Jakies mom? I was walking home and when he came home from school I heard her yell, 'Jakie, you're home!' I want you to do that for me. Can you do that on my birthday when I come home from school?" So cute, right? I told her of course I would. So then Monday rolls around and Clayre comes home and I yell, "Clayre-be you're home! I'm so glad!" She came over beaming and said, "You remembered." see.. Best mom ever.

3. I asked Kate, "Why do you think I'm the best mom?" She said, "Cause" I asked again, "But why?" And she said "Because you said." So if everything else fails you can just brain-wash them into thinking it. Easy. Best mom ever.

Library : Home away from home.

So the library has become like a new best friend for me. They call me all the time now to let me know that a book I have on "hold" is now ready for pickup. Fun. It's like getting a package. I don't know which book it will be until I get there. Yes.... it is a little sad, I'm a "hold" hog. I always have 5 books on hold at a time because that is the limit. But the really sad part of this "hold-it" story is when I get a couple of books come in at the same time and I have to decide between them. It's like choosing between children. Seriously? No. But I can't read two books at once. I'm gifted, but not that gifted.

Soooo, I frequent there often. Kate and Clayre like to pick out a movie or two each time I go. No reading for them...just me...movies keep them busy while I am reading. Well they picked a VHS movie the other day, I think it was "Fly Away Home." Good movie. Clayre came home and put it into the VCR (yes, we still have one of those VCR's) and a minute later came downstairs hysterical saying that she broke the movie. I scolded her for interrupting my reading...but then told her she probably didn't break it and I would go check it out. It wasn't broken, yet. I actually broke the video trying to pry it out of the machine. I ended up having to take the VCR apart to get it out. No worries...I put it back together in working order, before Shayne could lecture me about how we are not made of money and buying a new VCR for $5 from DI wasn't in the budget this month.

But the video was still broken and could not be repaired. I didn't want to pay for a new video probably over $30 because Library's like to charge a lot for out-of-date VHS's. I thought of a better plan. AMAZON. I got online and found a "Fly Away Home" VHS for .... now brace yourself, .01, yes... 1 cent. I ended up paying just under $3 because of shipping. Nice work, Dais! And the best part is that it got here before the week was up, no need to renew. I just took the library stickers off of the old broken video and retaped them on the new one. Genius! A little devious. Yes. But dishonest? No, I'd like to call it Resourceful!

Yay Me?

So I bought a lunch bag for Parly a few weeks ago from a company called NY Built. I got a cute bag called a Munchler for only $9.99. It zips all the way around so you can also use it as a place mat. Cool. Anyways, they said that the bag would be shipped and arrive in 5-7 business days.

Over a week went by and no lunch bag. I was a little disappointed, so I emailed the company and just asked what was up and wondered when it would be getting here. Well an hour or so later I got a reply. The email said that the shipment was late and there was an influx of orders...they were sorry for the inconvenience and they would send another Munchler bag with the one I ordered. SWEET!

After reading the email I was excited and very proud of myself (for contacting the company and thus getting a free bag) that I called Shayne and told him the great news. It was also nice to hear him say, "Well done, dais, well done."

It wasn't more than a few hours later the FedEx came and dropped off a package. Who from? NY Built. Yay! But wait, now I won't get a free bag. Oh well. I opened it anyway and ....SURPRISE...two bags were there. Sooooo, I guess it wasn't because of me that I got an extra lunch bag after all. It was actually just because I was dealing with a great company. Oh well, that's okay...now we have something to give Clayre for her birthday.

Maggie's 1st Birthday

Maggie's first birthday came and went. It was July 23rd. She is obviously my 4th child, because we didn't do anything to celebrate the BIG day. "She won't remember it anyway," Shayne said.

But, I did feel a little guilty...so I just told everyone that we would celebrate her first birthday when she actually looks a YEAR old. Chuckle, chuckle. That will buy me some time....maybe even a year. It will be the first ever: 1st and 2nd year birthday celebration!

Here are some pictures of Maggie...between 5 and 12 months old. I know they look like they were all taken in the same month.... Don't ask me which picture was taken when, I'm only HER MOTHER.

I have an 8 year-old

So Parly Sue was baptized on Saturday. It was nice. We had lots of family there and even a few of her friends came, which was fun for her. The saddest part was Parly wasn't feeling well and had thrown-up the night before and then that morning. (Story of my life, right?) Well, we got to the church early and sat down when she said she thought she might throw-up again. We ran to the bathroom and just made it. I guess it turned out to be a good thing, because then she felt better and we didn't have to worry about it when she was actually being baptized.

It was really neat to watch her walk into the baptismal font from one side and her dad walk in from the other and then meet in the middle, both of them dressed all in white. Although I have to say that my favorite part was being able to go into the dressing room afterward and help her change back into her white church dress, just the two of us. I remember my mom doing that for me. Parly was then especially excited when she saw that she beat her dad out of the dressing room.

It's so amazing to me that I now have a child that is 8 and she has been baptized. I still remember my baptism. And this makes me realize more then ever that her memory of her childhood has already started. Scary. I better be on my best behavior from now on. Right?

Our Trip to Mesquite

Shayne won a two nights stay at a hotel in Mesquite, NV. (30 minutes drive from St. George). So a month ago, we went with some friends (another family that has two girls the exact ages of Clayre and Kate...how perfect is that!). It turned out to be a great trip. The first night we just hung out in our room and enjoyed being somewhere different. Then the next morning while the husbands went golfing....the wives with kids went swimming for hours, had a lunch break, and than swam some more. All the girls had a ball. Even Maggie enjoyed herself, thanks to the shallow kiddy area. Then it was back to the hotel room for some much needed nap time.... I think the kids fell asleep too. After dinner we went bowling. What else can you do in Mesquite? But it was a lot of fun! Again the girls loved it. And I loved it because it was inside and air-conditioned. After that we crashed in our room for one more night. Leaving the next morning was a breeze....it was so nice to only have to drive 30 minutes instead of 5-6 hours like most of our vacations.

Question: Is it just me or does it not matter if you are leaving for 1 night or 1 week, when you have a baby it looks like you've packed for a month?

Side-note: Parly is not in any of the pictures because she was in Logan (see her blog) with her cousin Lily and nana & papa. Perfect timing!

It feels like a Break-up!

So I just finished the final book, Eclipse last night. And now I don't know what to do with myself. It feels just like I broke up with someone and am not sure what to do or think about. These characters are just so vivid in my mind. I think I will just crawl into bed and wake up when the fourth book is out....next year. Sad!

This is actually embarrassing but I went to the Stephenie Meyer (the author of these vampire books) website and she had a chapter for a book she is thinking of writing called, Midnight Sun. It would be a companion book to the first book, Twilight....only written in Edward's voice (another character). Loved it! Although it made me a little sad only being able to read 1 chapter. I think I will call Stephenie and offer to babysit her kids so she can finish writing all these books for me. You don't have to tell me...I know...I've lost it!!!!

Well now that I am feeling a little blue I think I will go and watch one of my favorite shows at the moment. (DVRed it Monday night). The Closer. That always makes me feel better. And if your wondering what my children are doing while I am crazy about books and t.v. shows....that's a good question. I think some of them are in school....so at least those ones will turn out alright.

I am still here....really!

Okay, so I haven't posted anything for 1 month. Some of you probably have given up on me. Welcome back. Maybe you think I haven't been doing anything interesting so that's why I haven't written. Nope. On the contrary. I have been busy. And it doesn't help that besides my real life : kids, school, cleaning, cooking, running, etc. etc.... I have also been READING. (yes, siblings who have thought I was the illiterate one in the Reeder family). So blame these (and a few other books)......for not hearing from me for so long:



Don't start these books unless you can be prepared to put your REAL life on hold.

My Favorite Line Ever.....

So I decided that I need to get organized again when it comes to my meals. I hate figuring out what to make for dinner. In fact, I cringe every time one of my kids asks me, "What's for dinner?"
I also feel bad about my kids only having cereal for breakfast, mostly because of the guilt trip I get from my husband....cereal has lots of vitamins, right?
And then I also need to get more creative when it comes to snacks....instead of just sending the kiddos to the pantry for a granola bar (like cereal).

So here is my plan:
Breakfast-

• Mondays: scrambled eggs
• Tuesdays: pancakes (possibly with bacon---I don't want to get too ahead of myself)
• Wednesdays: cereal
• Thursdays: french toast (possibly with sausage--again a maybe)
• Fridays: cereal
• Saturdays: cereal or Shayne make something (I haven't talked to him about this yet, so it will probably just be cereal)
• Sundays: waffles

Lunch-

• Mondays: soup or Mac & Cheese
• Tuesdays: tuna fish sandwiches
• Wednesdays: deli sandwiches (that's just a fancy way of saying turkey or ham)
• Thursdays: pizza (the frozen kind-we like Totino's)
• Fridays: PB & Jam sandwiches
• Saturdays: hot dogs or deli sandwiches or Del Taco if Shayne's buying
• Sundays: toast

Dinner-

• Mondays: Mexican night (examples: enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, etc.)
  
• Tuesdays: Pasta dish (examples: spaghetti, lasagna, baked ziti, etc.)
  
• Wednesdays: omelets or leftovers (this used to be the breakfast for dinner night since I didn't make breakfast...but now...well see.)
  
• Thursdays: chicken , pork, or casserole dish (examples: Shepard's Pie, uhmmm..., etc.)
  
• Fridays: calzones, pizza, or burgers
• Saturdays: something grilled (or eating out without the kids would be nice!)
  
• Sundays: Roast or pork chops (definitely with homemade rolls....well the frozen dough.)

So, that's the plan. We'll see how long it lasts . I did just plan all my meals for a month. Hooray! No more planning for 4 more for weeks.

Shayne's B-day

So Shayne had his birthday yesterday. You may think that I am a horrible wife and that I forgot his birthday. Not this year (a story for another time). I purposely did not post this entry until after his birthday, see Shayne does not like to make a big deal about his birthdays. In fact, a perfect birthday to him would probably be just be like any other great day that includes: 18 holes of golf with friends and his new totally awesome golf bag, possibly a dinner out, definitely no fights with his wife and maybe even little something/something later, BUT most especially....a day without any mention of his birthday. Side note: Except from maybe his children ....another excuse for him to get kiss and hug.

Okay since it is not his birthday I can now safely say, "Happy Birthday, Shayne!" (I did say it to him yesterday, but not so everyone could hear...read.) Now I want to take this time to say how awesome Shayne is.

1. He could not be more funnier. Proof: his blog and Christmas cards
2. He is a great dad. Proof: I am devastated when he leaves for more than a few days, because I will miss him? No, well a little. But mostly because I won't have his help with taking care of the 4 little brats at home.
   
3. He is good at his job. And works hard when he's not....see #4
   
4. He plays hard. Enjoying golf...a lot.
5. He's smart. Proof: he can knock out those Sudoku puzzles in minutes and don't forget the good old crossword puzzles.
6. He has great taste in T.V. shows, movies, and music. Proof: an amazing music collection, also we enjoy most T.V. shows together: The office, 30 Rock, King of Queens, Amazing Race, So You Think You Can Dance, just to name a few... J/K on the last one.
7. Some say when it comes to spending money, he is stingy, thrifty, cheap, tight, maybe even a tightwad. But I will say he is frugal. Sometimes this trait is hard on ME...not always getting what I want, NOW! But his careful, penny-pinching, pocket preserving ways are what got us to where we are today. Living in a beautiful home in an amazing neighborhood, enjoying a great life... on a budget mind you, all because of his hard work and practical ways.
   
8. He is a great husband. Proof: for one thing he is very thoughtful MOST of the time...like when he surprised me for my birthday. And then for all the reasons I said earlier (see #1-#7). Shayne likes to tell me that I have it great, being married to him ... and maybe I don't like to admit it to him right then, because I would be agreeing and then he would win....But right now I will say it....YES, I DO HAVE IT GREAT BEING MARRIED TO SHAYNE!

So...Happy Happy Birthday!

Fun times in Logan

We just came home from spending 5 days in Logan. What fun! I love going back to Logan especially in the summer when it is 115 degrees here and climbing. We went to the park a lot, went to Bear Lake, and just played and played. Oh and ate lots of great food. Thanks mom and dad.

I also was able to see friends that live far away and I haven't seen for a couple of years. Now that was fun!!!!

Relief Society Reunion night

The other night I had an Enrichment meeting at a park (yes, outside in the 108 degree heat). Crazy! It was nice though. We had yummy food: dutch oven potatoes (without the onions-how did they know I don't like onions), chicken, lots of salads, fruit, and desserts. We played a fun game, Speed Questions (kind-of like speed dating) where we asked someone across from us a question that we then each had 30 seconds to answer before moving to the next person and then ask another question. This was fun to get to know each other a little more.

But the best part was the volleyball-water-balloon-towel game that turned into plain old water fight. I haven't been in a water fight like that for a long time. It was so fun. All these moms running around throwing water balloons at each other, looking for anyone that was still dry. Of course the best thing about a true water fight, is that it is spontaneous and that means very one is in their clothes (not swimsuits). It was fun to come home and tell Shayne and the girls all about it and explain why I was soaking wet!

This is good, but will be even better....later.

I love it when my kids say something that I can use....to mortify them when they are older.


Yesterday Kate asked her dad if he would help her practice kissing. Nice! She will love to hear that when she is 15.




A couple of days ago, Kate, while wearing a princess dress and a veil, made her dad get in a white shirt and marry her. Parly was the officiator. It was a beautiful ceremony.

Going along with the marriage theme here's another: At night Kate also likes to tell me or her dad a secret. She whispers in my ear, "Tell daddy to marry you." But then today at lunch Kate told me not to marry daddy because he has a bald head. (Shayne recently shaved his head...short.)

Any guesses?

So Maggie has learned to crawl. The first couple of days she stayed close, mostly in the kitchen living area. I thought, This is great! She just went from one toy to the next, keeping herself busy. But it wasn't to last....soon she found there where more exciting places to go. And has found her way around pretty much all of the main floor....including the stairs.

Well tonight she found herself a tasty snack, thanks to her new found mobilization and a lazy mom. Any guesses? Anyone can play...except Shayne and Nana in Logan. Good Luck and I'll let you know soon.

Maggie is talking!

So Maggie has said her first word. Not just sounds, either. I know she looks like she is 6 months here, but she is really 10 months. She can sit herself up and even crawl a bit. The funniest is that she always seems to end up hugging the couch or chair leg...and then she's stuck. She continues to be a very happy baby. Lucky for her she can entertain herself while I blog, read blogs, cook a few meals here and there, and keep track of the Others...playing with friends, tennis, swimming, Safety Town, and dance.

Question: What is on Maggie's face? Oreo cookies of course.
Here is Maggie hugging the chair. I'm glad somebody (something?)loves her.