mmm...air

Giving Thanks 2011

2012-01-13T16:56:00.001-07:00

This year we hosted the Mairs. We cooked a delicious bird and all the aunties brought sides that filled the plates, including a cheese ball from Cassie’s mom that I still dream about. Paige is into painting the holidays and about the above bird: she interpreted my sketch. Why yes that is a storm trooper snowflake hanging in the window, would you like to make one?

Grandpa Mair made all the grandkids a book of pictures and had Addie and Payson help pass them out.

It was a fun time setting up one long table with place cards. We brought up the preschool table for more seating and left it up stairs for the whole holiday season. We started eating at it for dinner and it’s so luxurious because we all fit and there’s room for food too. In January I took the honey oak honeymooners table back downstairs and for now it always looks like we’re about ready to host the church Christmas banquet.

Apple Pudding Cake

2012-01-13T16:20:00.001-07:00

Make this make this make this make this! You won’t regret the butter sauce. Well, you might, but your dreams, kisses and dirty plates will be rich and sweet. I made it last night for book club and it foiled my turkey and brown rice commitment. Today I fought back by feeding the leftovers to the kids. You didn’t see me mopping up the sauce off Addie’s plate with a crust of whole wheat bread.

1 cube (stick) butter

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

4 large unpeeled apples, grated

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts (I like pecans)

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and apples. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in nuts. Bake in a 9 x 13 pan at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

Sauce

2 cubes butter, no substitues

1 cup evaporated milk

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Serve warm over cake.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-16T22:30:00.001-07:00

On Halloween night, all of the kids fell asleep immediately, deliciously happy and exhausted. Surprisingly it was the touching and sorting of candy that caused as much delight as the consuming . We (James) carved pumpkins the Saturday before, while I finished up the last of the costumes. Fancy eh?

We visited Gardner Village too!

This year we had a Snow Princess, Dracula, a Mariachi Dancer, Shark Boy and a Football player.

The Mariachi Dancer was a costume Addie and I worked on together. I started the measuring, pinning, sewing of ribbon and quickly realized I could possibly still be sewing when Christmas came so I passed it on to Addie. There’s around 100 feet of ribbon on the bottom of that skirt and Addie sewed on about 90 of it.

Paige’s costume was one Addie used a few years ago. Benjamin wore the cape my mom sewed for my brothers, vintage! And it about killed him to put on a Sunday shirt with it. After consulting Etsy I used a cereal box, spray paint, worn out sweats, and hot glue and Stuart became Shark Boy! Here’s the shadow he showed me. He wore the costume two days straight.

Additional notes:

Isaac was going to be a pumpkin, but the costume was too small. And then a lion but he just cried because of the hair/mane. Football player was the most comfortable for everyone.

Dinner was pumpkin soup and tatter tots. Adults eat the soup and the kids eat the tots.

We roasted seeds. Hurray. I ate them all!

Best treat in the bags: Full Size Snickers!

James and I went to our neighbor’s Halloween party and dressed as tourists. Note: Fanny packs are not hot and ponchos are. Until next year.

….and we’re back

2011-10-20T02:36:00.002-06:00

Missed you. I know, I know, I was very committed to my record about 6 months ago and then I just dropped y’all. And what of my record? My scrapbook/remember-all/ journal? How about I start here:

Stu and James after the Ward Carnival tonight.

Ikey, who is now practically one.

James Mair and I rode a Ferris Wheel while listening to Sting (in San Francisco!). “Every Little Thing he Does is Magic” and Sting was pretty amazing too. What else…

I weaned Isaac a couple of weeks ago and I feel like the fog of feeding is lifting.
It’s almost Halloween and my kids are off track (summer vacation in the fall), for the next three weeks!
We just finished our turn with the flu. There were barf-bowls-a-good-and-plenty.
The San Fransico trip was a bonus trip for me, a work trip for James, but we’ve been planning a get a way to NYC in a couple of weeks. Nanny Donna is coming to save the day!

More posts to come of the last six months.

Last Week’s Colors

2011-05-11T16:56:00.000-06:00

We went to see the Hatch’s last week just to eat rainbow bananas (banana chunks dunked in various flavors of powdered Jello--ingenious)—And to visit and reconnect with Jennifer and her crew as well. We added our pineapple to the bananas and talked. Jennifer even changed a blow out of Mr. Ike’s and didn’t even bat a lash when I confessed I had no extra clothes. A blow out I tell you!

Right before leaving we snapped a few photos. Jennifer, I swear this was the best one—and look at me with only one eye showing. You, Addie, and Ike’s bare legs look great!

And the kids… personalities in full demonstration. Am I right?

Great Memories of Jennifer--

1 She was in charge of me after Charlotte’s stillbirth. She called, asked and even planted seeds with me in memory. We’ve been friends ever since.

2. Her Ideas! such as frozen strawberries for ice cubes in lemonade. Many one liners for my Christmas cards came from her brain. She can recycle anything even making a stick pony made out of old jeans for Adelaide. She’ll garden till it’s dark and contributes to the Back Yard Farming Blog regularly. Like I said, she has great ideas.

Jenny,(it’s what her husband calls her) you’re one in a million.

And this little endearing turkey got lost this afternoon. After 15 minutes of mild panic I found him in the Pilot, locked, asleep, kneeling on the floor of the back seat, head on the seat. It was the third time I checked the car.

She rides

2011-04-26T23:12:00.001-06:00

I sent Paige out to “get started”. I came out a few minutes later and she said, “you won’t have to do anything, I got it.” I still owe you a shot of her running. Cycling is just as entertaining.

She’s a determined gal who is ready for anything.

Sleep or Slim

2011-04-22T18:21:00.001-06:00

I’ve never been able to lose baby weight while nursing a baby due to a lack of motivation and an insatiable appetite.

I’ve never trained for a race while nursing either.

In February I tried both at the same time. James and I joined the West Jordan’s Biggest Loser contest and I started training for the Woman of Steele triathlon. It went well for about 7 weeks and then baby went through a growth spurt. He stopped sleeping long hours and sucked even when there wasn’t any milk left.

If I lived 100 years ago my profession would have been wet nurse so my conscience was troubled. I’ve always produced. I figured I had to either quit trying to be the biggest loser or quit training. I started eating butter again happy was the babe. I’m still training for the WOS and I’ll do an update on that soon. It’s four weeks away.

As far as the contest —we made all the required weigh ins hoping for one of the random drawings of $50. James won that (the guy is so lucky) and I won a water bottle.

In the end I lost 11 pounds before I gave up. Is this a downer post? I hope not. 11lbs! WhaHoo! I feel like I could have weaned Ike, supplemented, found a better balance of butter in my life, but I went with the workouts, which have been really fun and have done wonders for my mood. I’ve got my whole life to lose weight right?

Free Breakfast!

2011-04-20T14:11:00.000-06:00

Addie hates oatmeal. Everyone in the family eats oatmeal most mornings, except Addie. She’s a great eater but not of oatmeal, so when I mentioned a free chicken biscuit breakfast sandwich from Chick-fil-a she was all in.

Tomorrow they are offering a free cinnamon cluster and Friday is free chicken minis. Thanks Chick-fil-a for the tax relief.

More Sophie Love…

We’re almost two weeks into our off trackness. We went to see Yogi Bear yesterday where I took the stroller right into the theatre and stealthy passed out the mircrowaved bags of popcorn. My kids will mock me in their adulthood.

Butter’s on sale ($2) again this week. Hooray! I’m now hording butter and bacon if you need any. Yesterday Isaac Scott got shown up by baby cousin Anna Hawkins. We thought we had an edge when, with his weighty middle, Isaac figured out how to lift is legs and use the girth to roll over. Ann then stood holding onto the coffee table. She stands! Ben explained later, “Isaac couldn’t do that because he’s too fat.”

Michelley

2011-04-17T02:21:00.001-06:00

Michelle lived on Ticklegrass four doors down and had married my senior class president. We’ve been friends ever since. We went for an off track distraction and she:

1. Set up a bouncy house (for my kids)

2. Synced her Wii motes (for my kids)

3. Fed me Pastor Ryan’s Chicken Tikka Masala with whole wheat couscous--heaven. I used her as an audience for cutting Benjamin’s hair. He behaved remarkably well and she offered him a prize. She then let me babble on and on while she held and adored my cranky baby. What a friend.

Michelle commented that she is loving my blog, and the more frequent posts. I was snobby and told her it’s all for me and my “record”. But that’s not true! Not True! It is for you Michelle and everyone else who comes of your own volition, (or through Google reader). Thanks for reading my “record” and at times mentioning what you like. I only wish we could all live on Ticklegrass together, to swap kids and have sugar to lend. (Although, not particularly Ticklegrass because that road was busy and on a big hill; we’d have flattened kids who wouldn’t know how to ride a bike). What we did in return: Made them fruit pizza and balloon animals.Grandma Christy gave Addie a bunch of balloons, balloon books and a pump for her birthday. It has resulted in hours of entertainment and she’s getting good at it. She’s especially good at giraffes and wiener dogs. She’ll even make you a hat.One last thing. Addie told me she wants to marry someone who looks like Ken, as in Ken and Barbie. “Thank you, well groomed man…” (name that movie) Speaking of a well groomed man…he’s sleeping on his own in the girls’ old pink room. I should probably get around to painting it. Or at least take down the flowered curtains.

Sharon, he loves [all natural rubber, made in France, $20, upscale baby teether] Sophie the Giraffe. Thanks for sending her. You’re right, all the kids play with Sophie.

p.s. We went to a wedding reception this weekend and they had a rice crispy treat cake. Also a buffet of every kind of rice crispy treat. Top vote to Heath Bar and second place to mint.

And groovy it was…

2011-04-12T23:45:00.001-06:00

Addie made the stencil for the peace sign on the cake. You could tell it was a peace sign right? Are you checking out the cheese balls as well? The favorite candy of the day was Swedish fish. mmmm

Playing the Wii Just Dance Kids and tie-dying bandanas.

I wish the colors would have been darker but the design work was fun to see. I used Rit powder with salt and detergent. Lots of rubber bands, stuffed into a zipolc and set in the sun.

Miranda opted to let her bandana dye in the ziploc a little longer. When I said pose like it’s a cape, Miranda had Addie rolling.

All in all a huge success! We dropped a few of the party games when the rinsing part of tie dying went long. Addie said it was the best party ever and with costumes like these and party snacks, including those cheese balls, well hands down, amen.

In college my first roommate ever introduced me to Tommy Roe. Heard of him? From the early sixties. He sings about girls, girls, and girls but it’s innocent and so danceable. His best are Dizzy, Sweet Pea (Paige’s Favorite), and Sheila.

I let you all believe I was going to do the Lotoja by myself. As if. I didn’t even try to modify the post or jump into the comments. Actually,we (Robyn, Vanessa, and Jen) applied for a 4 person relay ticket and we’ll know if we’re in by May. Our team name:19kids@home.

Updates

2011-04-12T01:17:00.002-06:00

This boy is five months. He is still the prized possession of all the activity day girls and missionary moms at church. His latest nick-name is thumper. I’ve never had a baby who thumps but this kid cycles his legs all night. At times both legs thump simultaneously. While I’m trying to “sleep through the night” he’s doing Jillian Michaels shred.

Benjamin is fascinated with drawing his own mazes and then having me or James solve them. He always tells me right before I start, “This one is really hard.” He’s blowing through the ream of paper he got for his birthday. He’s been building walkie talkies and ipod touches with legos as well.

James has tomatoes & peppers started in our windowsill. I continue to be the spectator gardener, all the while thinking that I’m the one remembering to water them and transplant them to cups. Tonight he planted lettuce and peas. Can’t wait for the lettuce.

Sweet Paige and a sleepy Stu (during dinner he crawled under the table to tickle Ben’s feet and fell asleep).

Addie told me today, “Thank you so much for loving to throw birthday parties”. Oh I do…

Paige took this picture of me after I snapped a few of her. Wish I could use it on my driver’s license. Signed up for this race today and felt giddy.

Spring Conference 2011

2011-04-08T01:09:00.001-06:00

A delightful weekend of the word wasn’t it? I liked the talk by Elder Bednar how spiritual growth and inspiration were compared to a light switch and a sun rise. I also enjoyed Elder Holland, the man can command a pulpit, yes. Now here is Isaac taking command of the Mini Eggs bag. I see intensity and devotion to this treat of the season. My feelings as well. There were hangars being covered with yarn and cousin Julie with a beading activity.

And lookie here: Donna and PW’s Jalapeno Poppers. Heaven on a toothpick--so delicious—but a gamble. One popper could assault the throat and tonsils with burn that demands milk and some table slapping, but only slightly slows the popping.

I’m hoarding bacon in my freezer just for these. Would you like me to make you some?

I got my driver’s license renewed today. Did you know you can make an appointment and fill/print out all the forms on line? I’ll thank my dear neighbor Kim for the heads up and the ride to the DMV. No less than 6 chins documented in my wallet for the next 5 years.

Bonus: I forgot to bring proof of my new address but shopping mailers stashed in my purse pulled me through. In that box, the clerk wrote in: Carters, Gap, Naartije…

Freezer Paper & Activity Days

2011-04-06T23:26:00.001-06:00

A month or so ago I was shopping Walmart late on a Saturday night and I found these, Mylie Cyrus hoody jackets marked $1. ONE DOLLAR? I bought 15. Wouldn’t you? They were a dollar.

The Activity Day girls traced stencil shapes onto freezer paper and with acrylic paint and foam brushes went at it. It’s a tough balance, having an activity where there is control but also creativity.

If you need a tutorial on freezer paper stencils, they are all over the internet. Char, from Crap I’ve Made has a good one. We traced these shapes: Sun, Flower, groovy flowers, and cupcakes. Dang, I can’t find the groovy flower link.

And this groovy gal has a birthday next week. She wants a disco party. Pin John Travolta on the dance floor anyone? And she does wear her heart(s) on her sleeve…

Lunch with me Thursday…

2011-04-01T17:32:00.001-06:00

Do you remember your first friend? Annice was mine. We were in the same first grade class when she moved in 4 houses down the street. She was in the green reading group and I was in the yellow.

She had a sleepover where we all slept out back in a tent. Her dad would take us to the Murray swimming pool. She taught me how to play Skip Bo, while sitting on the sidewalk in front of her house. I remember her calling me on the phone when we were just newly teenagers and she asked me what my favorite soda pop was. Hers was Dr. Pepper.

Once, at girls camp, she fell while saying: “I don’t want to run down the trail, I might fall…” She was all scratched up; we told everyone it was a raccoon that attacked her. We even made up a song about it.

Annice had the best and biggest basement! I can not even count how many Little Caesar pizzas and Western Family, family size bags of licorice I consumed down there, all while watching Stand By Me, Saturday Night Live and listening to Erasure.

She, along with Sharon, threw a surprise 16th birthday party for me in the aforementioned basement. It made my year!

She came to lunch yesterday and it was delightful! She has two adorable kids, that played so well with mine. Little Molly chased the chickens while Cole and Stuart dug in the sand. For the rest of the day I was high on nostalgia of my childhood. Make dinner? What dinner? My attention had been diverted to camping at Bear Lake, getting the worst sunburn on my back, playing Uno until late late late with Scotty and Justin, and memorizing every word to the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack.

I can’t wait to make you another sandwich Annice.

Updates

2011-03-30T15:06:00.001-06:00

Isaac went in for a 4 month check. The results: 16 1/5 pounds and an ear infection. Blast.

One of Benjamin’s papers from school has a place where he has to use the words and write a sentence: I have a chunk of junk.

Addie is walking home with a friend to play at her house after school. Yesterday she came in second during back handspring races at gymnastics.

Stuart, at times, tells me his legs don’t work when I want him to come. It’s his arms that are broken when it’s time to pray.

I love the way Paige runs. It’s an all out kid run with ‘straddle’y legs and flying hair and arms. I’m going to take a picture of it.

The chickens moved out of the garage to a sealed up coop. They still have a light bulb for warmth but my girl, Lacy, is being ‘hen pecked’ on her neck. Truly, the teenage years are rough.

I’ve been driving without a license. Technically it was lost and then Target found it and called me…. I should have gone right over and picked it up but it was expired. It expired on my birthday when I was oh, so, very pregnant. When I sent James Mair to fetch it a week later, they didn’t have it. Target, mailed it, to my address of five years ago. I have six months from my birthday to renew without a fine. My irresponsibility is surprising me. What’s the deal?

the picture, you were going to say the picture too, huh… maybe I’ll go tomorrow.

At Seven, Benjamin Uses the Force…

2011-03-28T22:42:00.002-06:00

to shake all presents before opening them,

to do his amazing coloring and stickering,

to blowing out seven candles,

and to rein in the storm troopers and their guns.

Can you believe he’s seven? Benjamin loves corndogs, spaghetti, m&ms, and hamburgers. He plays the Wii for 59 minutes a day and LOVES Stuart, Legos and of course Star Wars. And truthfully this party about killed me. Ten 6 & 7 year olds for dinner and shooting marshmallow guns—thank goodness for James Mair, the basement, chickens and a back yard. And apparently a couple of them have never seen a baby nursing which is such an adorable reaction. Enlightening not scarring right?

We always talk about inviting the amount of friends that you are turning. But this time I was talked into a few more. All the invitees were from Ben’s school class, I really thought some might not make it. But come on, if you got this invite, you’d go. I did a light sketch of R2D2 and Ben filled it in. He even made an extra one for me.

How about this shooter?

Been blogging regularly for a couple of weeks, we're looking at …

2011-03-25T16:59:00.003-06:00

double digits for March!

“Hey, Nora, What’s with the sudden devotion to blogging?”

A, record, a record I say. I like taking pictures of my kids but... I haven’t printed prints in years. I like remembering all of the acquaintances of lives past, through comments and inquiries... I might call you. My motivation comes from last December when I thought in my head: But, how can it be Christmas? Didn’t we just do Christmas? Here’s to prove that Christmas really has 12 months between each one. 12 months… And also to showcase what’s most important. If you’ve been popping in for a while now, you’d gather from various posts that pregnancy announcements, Halloween and my kitchen floor were the most important things to me. They are, but there’s more.

“But, Nora, you’re blog doesn’t have any kind of theme or niche. What's your angle?

I’ve got nothin’ for you except the occasional misspelled word and a liberal amount of punctuation, comma and semicolon being my favorite. Also, endless tales and tidbits of my many, many siblings, children and of course, my number one, James Mair. Some baby dinosaur for you?

squeezin’ out the oatmeal!

This weekend Benjamin has this planned:

Ta-Da.

Peanut Butter Brownies

2011-03-24T11:46:00.001-06:00

This recipe came from Tastes of Home Quick Cooking Magazine. Julie, gave me a subscription to the magazine right after we were married. The magazines were great for a newlywed learning to make food for 2 instead of 10. We both laughed about the amount of food we saw our moms cook (and we’d make the same to eat with our husbands) and the amount two people could (should) eat.

These brownies are rich and meet ingredient criteria of chocolate, cream cheese and peanut butter.

Lastly, could some one please name the condition where one is not able to leave anything 9x13, 8x8 or 9x9 alone when it comes out of the oven? There will always be a missing corner and I have no shame.

Batter:

3 eggs

1cup butter or margarine melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups flour

3/4 cup baking cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup milk chocolate chips

Filling:

2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

In a large bowl, combine eggs, butter and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add to egg mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Set aside 1 cup for topping. Spread remaining batter into a greased 9x13 baking pan. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg and milk, beating on low just until combined. Carefully spread over batter. Drop reserved batter by tablespoonfuls over filling. Cut through batter with a knife to swirl. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack before cutting. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 3 dozen.

Kristy’s Citrus Salad

2011-03-23T21:34:00.002-06:00

My sister went to high school with Kristi and she’s a hilarious blogger. Her recipe blog is full of tried-it-liked-it-and-I'll-pass-it-on recipes.

1 package of baby greens (the big package of baby greens at Costco or a couple of heads of Romaine) really just a large bowl full of goodness
1/4 C chopped red onion

1/2 C chopped nuts (I like sliced almonds toasted)

1/3 C crumbled feta (or buy the brick and grate it)

2 tsp lemon zest

1 apple - peeled, cored and sliced

1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced

Dressing
1/2 a can of mandarin oranges

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/2 t lemon zest

1 clove garlic, minced

2 Tbs. olive oil

salt to taste

Mix the dressing in a blender or magic bullet. Dress and toss the salad right before serving. Please dress, dress, dress it because with out the dressing it’s pelado rabbit food.

Bitty and Baby

2011-03-21T22:20:00.003-06:00

When I was searching for a new wood floor I would bring home samples. Oh, so many planks! My brother, Allen, even accused me of collecting enough to do the kitchen floor just in sample planks. Addie built this for the simple machines fair at school and she used Espresso Oak flooring, from the garage. She could really have built a whole Bitty playground.

Did I mention he’s a spitter?

The activity day girls gave Isaac a bath last Friday. He was charming and content, even doing the ‘happy baby’ yoga pose. There was a distinct pull of innate nurturing that oozed out of the 7 girls (ages 10&11) all piled into my bathroom as they stripped, soaped, diapered, dressed and swaddled him. I can’t even put into words their reaction to the miracle of baby and getting to bath him. At times, I’m a little strung out by this babe and they reminded me what a joyous occasion a bath can be.

Awe…

2011-03-17T15:06:00.001-06:00

Isaac who keeps track of his finger or both fists orally.

Do you need some fat baby for your day?

I taught preschool for the last two weeks.

“Hey Nora, I thought you retired?”

This year I’m doing a co-op. These girls are adorable and I’m done for the rest of the year!

Have you taken your chick for a ride lately?

The Tightwad Gazette would be so proud.

Do you have a loaf of old bread? One that will not get touch because your kids recoil when you mention: toast. Never mind that it was the exclusive after school snack of your childhood…

Sandwiches a la cookie cutters. Lunch using the bread that would otherwise go to waste.

“I can really throw away the crust?”

Happy Birthday to most beloved Vanessa and a Happy St. Paddy’s to you all.

A Day Off

2011-03-15T04:28:00.003-06:00

Beside speed, a high speed quad ski lift offers a chance to find out where people come from to ski at Deer Valley. Florida…Atlanta…New York, Robyn and I rode up with all of them today. And when asked where we were from and where we worked we told them…

“Well, Salt Lake City, and we left a bunch of little kids with my sister to come and do this”. We would all agree it was a nice ‘day off’.

However one gentleman did ask if we were going to be skiing tomorrow. "I wish,” I replied, “I could only get today off.” wink wink

“Oh really?” he quizzed, “I work in Draper, where do you work?”

“Oh..well..I have five kids…I left them today to come do this…”

“Oh cool, so where do you work?”

Paige’s Play Group

And about the skiing…It was glor.REE.us! All worth the effort!

Blessed thanks to Donna who took on two 4 month old babies, and 3 other little ones, so we could go. She’s a fine wet nurse if you you’re lookin’.

Blessed thanks to Bevan, for sporting us the passes and a great set of skis. pssst, Monica, I borrowed your boots.

Blessed thanks to James Mair, for hanging back to send the big kids off to school, before he headed into work.

And blessed thanks to the Wasatch County Sheriff, who pulled me over going 29 in a school zone, and warned that it was a pretty expensive ticket and to just watch for it the next time I came through.

March 3rd 2001

2011-03-13T00:48:00.002-07:00

If it had just been a normal day…

Faith in a resurrection and a life after this one is key to smiling, in this photo, on this day, every year.

We released some of the 10 balloons and celebrated with dinner at Chuck–a-rmma. Thanks Grandpa Chuck! An all you can eat buffet with kids is laughable: they got full and stopped eating! what-in-the-world? The fishy crackers from the salad bar was everyone’s favorite.

Chicks—and Cool

2011-03-11T22:12:00.001-07:00

The kids played outside yesterday and today. yea yea yea. This great weather as made me aware of two things. We need to fix some flat bike tires and the front flower beds looked better covered in snow. But bring on spring and summer because sandals mean less socks in the laundry. Another yea, yea, yea!

My delightful neighbor Savannah is learning to play the guitar, under my tutelage. My skills are rusty and my best stuff include camp songs and John Denver. Whenever I start a new student I search out fun, playable, more recent (this century) music to play. Have you heard of Ingrid Michaelson? Yes, I’m a little slow, she’s very 2008ish but her songs are delightful. Do you play the guitar? Is your capo locatable? (Mine was lost in my socks for years). Do you have kids that think everything you do is boring? So, play the song Everybody with these chords, include the funky clapping at the end, and sing loud! Now you’re cool.

The chicks played outside for the first time. The red one is Addie’s replacement. Her name is Ruby.

Benjamin’s friend that’s a girl, holding Ruby and carrying Nugget.

The beloved Bumbo that Isaac dislikes greatly, and a window in Benjamin’s mouth.

Isaac, at 4 months…

2011-03-09T22:53:00.001-07:00

is ticklish and loves to be changed.

has no eyebrows, but a million expressions using them.

officially has a bedtime, 7 or 8 depending…

just started spitting up, drat.

loves to sleep with one of my shirts.

is hosting a horrible cold but smiles through the snot!

My favorite thing: while nursing he punches his cheek with a repeated flying fist. Four months and he’s close to moving out of my bedroom. Loving this baby Ike.

Happy Birthday Donna!

2011-03-08T23:29:00.001-07:00

Top Five Donna Facts

1) She can telemark ski like nobody’s business.

2) Her baby is ADORABLE! Child of color she is.

3) She likes country music.

4) She as very blue [BYU] blood.

5) She’ll have internet access this week and will be able to read this.

Happy Birthday Sista!

Marshmallow Krispie Bars--- A La Amazing

2011-03-08T23:06:00.001-07:00

These bars come from the greatest dessert cookbook ever, The Favorite Brand Name Bake Sale Cookbook. What makes it so great? THE PICTURES! One giant full color shot on every page. The recipes are pretty good too. Vanessa’s renter, once upon a time, lent her the book and they made these. She showed the book to me on a visit and I copied this recipe and a few others down. She then bought it for me for Christmas. Thank You Vanessa! The book even has gold leafing on the pages’ edges.

1 package (19.8 ounces) Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix

1 package (10.5 ounces) miniature Marshmallows

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease bottom of 13 X 9 inch pan.

2. Prepare and bake brownies following package directions for basic recipe. Remove from oven. Sprinkle marshmallows on hot brownies. Return to oven. Bake for 3 minutes longer.

3. While brownies and marshmallows are cooling, place chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chips are melted. (I do this part in the microwave) Add rice cereal: mix well. Spread mixture over marshmallow layer. Refrigerate until chilled. Cut into bars.

New year’s resolutions and an update

2011-03-07T02:13:00.002-07:00

I asked around a bunch this year about resolutions and the response was polar!

“I don’t make ‘em because I don’t keep ‘em”

to

“Where’s the list…

Last year my resolutions were to acquire a new kitchen floor, and to blog faster. Burnt Sugar took me 9.5 months and faster blogging happened but so did neglect and abandonment! Forgiveness please?

This year’s resolutions: and just smile with closed lids that it’s March and I’m typing them down:

#1 Less of my yelling voice. So dumb but I’m trying.

#2 Post 25 recipes on the little ‘ole recipe tab of this blog.

#3 Do something with listening to music and my kids. I really haven’t figured this one out. Dust off my Dell DJ and plug it into something? CDs from the library? Join the rest of the world at itunes? I will report.

#4 Social Temple attendance. It might work. Again I’ll have to report.

#5 Keeping my car keys and my cell in the same small pocket of my purse. I figure I can save at least 5 hours from my life, not looking for them, in just one year. I’m going to put that time toward thinking about a new camera.

Some events to look forward to that could be considered resolutions, but aren’t really because they’ll happen anyway:

#1 Women of Steel triathlon the end of May. Vanessa mentioned it’s a wimpy tri but she probably missed the adj. in the title of the race.

#2 Lotoja 2011! I’m doing the relay version of the longest one day bike race in the nation with Robyn and the, not wimpy Vanessa.

#3 A trip to NYC some time in the fall. Have you been? Without the little guy even.

#4 A decision about countertops, apron sinks, large pricey rugs, media wall built-ins, a kitchen table, fabric window issues and basement lighting improvements. You know my timetable…unbearably long…so this really is not a resolution, just more of an annoying reminder that I debate and have intentions every.single. day.

Update Time

James Mair: is committed to keeping his job which in the next couple of months will require hours and hours of time. I’m all for the commitment because I like it that he has a job.

Addie is doing 100 back handsprings a day for a fudge bar. What will my kids not do for a fudge bar? Pick up their pajamas!

We got baby chicks! They grow before our very eyes but alas tragedy has already struck when Addie’s chick declined and then died, today. We ordered six knowing that death could happen so we'll be happy with five (what we had before) laying girls.

Isaac Scott has doubled in size. Not in lbs. but visually. Proof.

The girls have moved beds to sleep downstairs in the preschool room and the preschool is now mere piles for the DI, the garbage man, and the storage room. I’m ready to paint their old room and move the babe.... so I can sleep through the night.

We blessed Isaac Scott the first part of February! Such a fifth (6th) baby thing to do—not mentioning it till now. It was a joint blessing with the beautiful Anna Hawkins. A huge thanks to all family and friends who came to celebrate. It was so enjoyable.

I’ve been eye level, then chest high and now knee deep in a decrapification of the basement. Mercy and send a dumpster. I’m almost done.

After Christmas Sledding Party

2011-01-17T00:51:00.002-07:00

Heads were appropriately banded at this year’s sledding party.

Aunt Missy is magical with babies. She’s the designated baby holder; she can zonk them right out. And Yea, Sharon’s family came too!

I wonder if Addie realizes how cool it is that Grandma goes sledding with all the kids. Grandma it’s really cool.

Matthew called Paige his little friend. They played “gummy bears” while we indulged in the world wide collection of chocolates my mom received for Christmas.

I only have two holiday regrets…I did not eat enough Dove Peppermint Bark! I ate plenty of other stuff but not enough of it. Also I didn’t take enough pictures of parties and Christmas morning.

A small note on neighbor gifts: Where were the treats"? I used all of the Sprites, wrapping paper, frozen cookie dough, scone dough mixes, dish towels, candles and poinsettias, but I really love a good goodie plate and this year, I must have been on the naughty list.

Christmas Card 2010…

2011-01-17T00:28:00.001-07:00

A dear roommate from college is traveling the world with her husband and three girls. When I emailed her for a current address, she asked if there was a virtual version. Well, sweet Cindy, here you go… For those intrigued by the design—I got the idea from tiny prints.com. I then sat down with some cardstock and an Exacto knife to figure out the dimensions. I created it in Photoshop and had Costco print it. —A huge thanks to my sister, Sharon, who glued, scored and folded with me late into the night. James Mair called it the sweat shop. Off to the right was an update on the year:

Greetings! Let’s catch up, shall we? James hit the big four—O, rode a Segway, and adopted chickens. He’s busy. Benjamin is inventive and driven by recess and Wii minutes. He’s a fan of the chickens and the new baby brother. Stuart is an independent whisper talker who loves cars & trains. He’s easy going and still getting used to the baby. I retired from preschool, painted, ate for two and became a ksl classifieds junkie. Adelaide was baptized, and played in her first piano recital. She’s Isaac’s mom too. Paige is a tenacious preschooler who found her voice and loves twirly dresses. She grew the most this year. Isaac is a perfect number six. All year we talked about how, by Christmas, we’d have a Baby Jesus for our nativity. We’re thankful for a Savior whom we worship and for you, dear family and friends, who we remember at this time of year. We are so blessed, feeling the influences of both.

Alas Christmas Cards, I love them. I’ve made them, I’ve bought them, I love getting them and I love sending them. Until, next year.

Chicken Update

2011-01-13T23:09:00.001-07:00

Remember way back in May when we fostered 5 chickens? It turned out to be a full adoption so—thank you Michael and Marisa for the lovely girls, the coop, and all the subsequent eggs.

But when the single digits came—and the new wee one too—James Mair ended up as the lone poultry care giver. He cared faithfully too, even on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was so impressed.

He lasted until last Friday. He had grown tired of the: One-egg-every-other-day-and-you-better-collect-it-before-it freezes-solid-and-cracks.

He listed them on KSL! for free! We had a call within 10 minutes and guess who got them? Mr. Sugarhouse, north face wearer, and chicken care giver as well! He said he had a coop all set up with 3 layers and was looking to increase his flock. He knew the lingo. So long girls.

We had some later calls and these names are straight from the caller ID: Tang Hoi & Tran Long.

This was tonight’s after dinner perusal by Daddy and Benjamin. They’re thinking late February and Ben has the name Princess Leia picked for his.

NOTE: The flock we had was pushing three years old—which is about the time the eggs run out and the ladies stop earning their keep. Look at ‘em all cozied up. The higher the roost, the higher in the pecking order. Those Rhode Island Reds were feisty.

We’re planning on getting 6 chicks in the spring. I want to hatch the eggs too, but the cons are getting roosters and getting roosters. We’re not zoned for boy birds. In college my roommate Jodi did it, remember that Jodi? It was fascinating to watch and I used the chicks for teaching dialogue punctuation to St. George punk 5th graders.

A few things…

2011-01-12T23:09:00.002-07:00

How was your holiday? Mine was the best ever, (we say it every year). My sister Sharon told me it would be fun to have a little baby at Christmas and she was right, it was magical. He was Jesus--

He is now two months and weighed in at 13lbs 2 oz.

That is 4 lbs more than when he was born. Coincidentally I gained the exact same pounds in the exact same time frame. I will now pay homage and express deep devotion to: seven layer dip, neighbor goodie plates, apple cake with butter sauce and nuts & toffee of all kinds.

BONUS: The best and worst times for (hourly) milk production “let down” san baby…

Best: In the shower or swimming laps. Worse: In the middle of a yoga pose and talking to the bishop! I need to wear more black.

Post Edit: Duckie, you crack me up. In the comments she asked about my yoga with the bishop. Are you picturing tithing settlement and then BAM reverse warrior? heehee.

Wanna Tri?

2010-12-15T17:10:00.002-07:00

I signed up for the Women of Steel Triathlon next May. This race sells out really fast because they pass out chocolate at the finish line. No, really it’s because it’s the perfect beginners triathlon; a swim in a pool and no men. Do you have plans to do a triathlon? According to my sister Donna, you have to have a bunch of kids and want to get away from them, but that’s not the only reason to do one.

I did one in August of 2008 and surprised myself. I was hoping to just fit in and not be last. I liked the whole experience, especially the training and I now hold it, the triathlon, responsible for propelling me into…other things, painting, weight loss, more babies…. Things I did not think I could ever do. Maybe something else has been that catalyst for you. It’s powerful—no?

I’ll look for you at the finish line – while I'm gobbling up chocolate.

The Lutherans Saved Christmas

2010-12-12T16:51:00.002-07:00

Well… they saved the tree sniffing party. Our over the top delivered tree was never delivered – the order had been lost:( Monday night the Lutheran Church in Taylorsville advertised on KSL trees from their preschool fund raiser for sale. James Mair, deal sniffer and savior of many of my crisis’, picked up a 7 foot Noble Fir for $32. It’s beautiful and still drinking a quart a day. He got on the mailing list for next year.

On to the night--It was smelling heavenly but in my rush to do a dinner, I stuck tatter tots in the oven to feed the kids. Tots smell stronger than a Noble Fir. Stick that in your brain for future reference. Thank you wonderful friends and neighbors that came and smelled my tatter tots, it was such a fun night. To my beloved blog friends and readers that couldn’t make it: scratch the screen? sniff? missed you

On to Christmas –This Christmas song: Mary’s Boy Child, have you heard it? I first heard it from the Time Life Christmas CDs--Henry Belefonte sings it. The message is simple and the tune hangs around in my thoughts. “And man will live forever more because of Christmas Day”. I even found a PDF of the sheet music.

We all sat on Santa…

and touched his reindeer. There were also balloon animals and bouncy houses. Nothing says Christmas like balloon animals and bouncy houses. Do you see a terrified Stuart?

The Great Isaac Scott has been Christmas Card posing . He’s so close to smiling, I’m going to hold out. James Mair says he looks like ET. Are you on my list? This year’s card will not disappoint, and I’m using Costco. Even if you pop in occasionally, you must email me your address. noramair@gmail.com

Merry Christmas to me. My kitchen rarely looks like this; I had to snap a photo. My dear friend Robyn cleaned it for me. You might want to ask Santa for a Robyn. Your life will be richly blessed.

Amazon is saving Christmas as well this year, you too? And the weather has been so mild all the snow has melted, we might attempt Temple Square.

Scents of the Season: An Invitation for December 7th

2010-12-03T14:42:00.001-07:00

So last year we hosted a some what last minute tree smelling party.

The tree hardly smelled at all (Lowe’s Noble Fir-Blah).

Addie asked me: “You want to do it again? But nobody came last year.”

But some came; they ate a cookie, did a craft or talked and SNIFFED. Success.

SO let’s do it again shall we?

Our tree is being delivered on Saturday by the Evans family. Is that over the top or what? Yes, delivered to our door. I’m not sad about skipping the freezing Lowes lot, really. It’s supposed to smell and live longer than a week.

So come sniff our tree this year. It’s a reason to get together right? On a school night when the regular is cleaning up dinner, homework, and running the bath. Blah. Come Come Come.

I can promise Nog and Hot Chocolate, some cookie or brownie and bowls of chocolate candy placed all over the house to strategically sit or stand by and gorge on.

Tuesday the seventh from six to eight pm, stop in any time. If you want to bring a treat to add to the fun, great. Are you coming?

This was the tree in 2008. It’ll look a lot like this but the kids will be bigger.

Three Weeks Old

2010-11-30T17:52:00.001-07:00

The decorator blogs had a mantle party today.

Me, participate?

Nah. We’re in the midst of a feeding frenzy.

And as you can see by that drooping long leg, he’s growing.

He’s a little too big for a picture like this.

Disclaimer: I only stepped away for 3 seconds and the shot is not straight because I thought for sure he would fall. I had Paige ready to catch him and I had to crop out the pillows.

Yes, I trusted Paige with my infant’s life.

Merry Mantle

Bonus: We’ve been listening to this all day. I’d like to dedicate it to my two brothers, John and Tom, who can appreciate a random Christmas a cappella. (it’s Straight No Chaser’s 12 Days of Christmas, like a million you tube hits in 2007, but totally worth a revisit and the 13 second commercial)

Thanksgiving Twenty Ten

2010-11-28T17:10:00.003-07:00

I got about 6 shots and they’re all meh…but we had a ball despite this evidence. This year at the cabin the new babies and the pumpkin pie got all the attention, as they should. There was also all the snow from the “storm that blew in Anna Hawkins” so a crew went sledding as well but I let the more ambitious mothers lead that activity and I ate more pumpkin roll.

I wish I had a picture of Grandma Christy’s BINGO that kept them all busy, but alas here’s the puzzle James helped with and that the kids finished in about 6 and a half minutes.And here is Luke Thomas, the kid is adorable and quite the chub a lub. Three times as many kids as adults and twenty pounds of potatoes later, I’m grateful for such a wonderful family.

Thankful

2010-11-27T13:09:00.002-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving delightful friends.

Isaac Scott is two weeks plus a couple of days. On Tuesday we went to the pediatrician for a check up. Dr. B asked me if the 3rd year medical student could sit in on the visit – not a problem. I’ve brought all my babies in for a two week check and it’s never been quite like this:

Dr. B started with the questions. Eye contact? yep, poop color? yep, arms legs moving? yep. He then moved on to the physical exam and orally instructed the med student what he checked and why. The normal 2-4 minute checkup was over 20 minutes and was filled with phrases like…

“I check the soft spot, making sure the plates aren’t peaked…that’s bad”

“check creases in the hands, it’s a sign of Downs…”

“straight spine, and nothing distending from the abdomen wall, intestines and such….”

“tags, extra toes, clicky hips, even digestive sounds…”

Dr. B was thorough; I sat in awe.

I’m thankful for a healthy baby where out of a 897 things, nothing is wrong. He’s perfect. So thankful.

And how about this, the day before Thanksgiving we got a wee baby cousin. The storm blew in little adorable Anna Hawkins.

The week in review

2010-11-20T00:26:00.001-07:00

Addie’s talent is the product of her endless practicing, Grandma Christy’s recently compiled piano method books, my lazy teaching and Robyn’s suggestion to play with Ian in this duet recital. They were awesome and I was so proud at how well Addie did despite nerves. Go B I N G O!

Last Sunday the kids played in the leaves.

Don’t I need a lens that can capture these moments better – and, well, I’d need a camera to attach the lens to too.

And Folks, we have a middle child! One who is becoming loud out of necessity to be heard.

We said goodbye to Grandma Mair this week – her funeral was on Tuesday. She raised my husband right and he misses her and feels so much loss for her and also his for his dad who now carries on without her. How ya doing Bill? Making it?

As far as life with five kids, what were we thinking? There is so much more noise (it could be the new wood too) that I hadn’t planned on. And STUFF, just clutter everywhere that no one is paying attention too (picking up), least of all me. I’m too busy being smitten with the Great Isaac Scott who at times sounds like a kitten but is cuter than one. Can he really be 10 days old?

Broccoli Cheese Soup

2010-11-14T01:56:00.001-07:00

This recipe came from Jackie, my cousin Judd’s wife, who I’ve only met a handful of times but thanks to my most beloved family cook book, I have her best. And folks (dearest cousin Heather) this is what you do with 10 pounds of Velveeta, it’s like eating liquid cheese. Have a crusty bread handy. It freezes great, I made 10 batches to trade this month.

2 cups water

1/2 onion diced

2 chicken bouillon cubes

1 lb broccoli chopped

In one pot combine water, onion and bouillon and simmer for 5 minutes. Add broccoli and simmer 5 minutes more or until soft. In a second pot mix the following:

1 cube butter (1/2 cup)

1/4 cup flour

4 cups milk

4 cups grated cheddar cheese

1 lb Velveeta

2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

When cheese is melted add the first pot (broccoli, onion, water) in as well. Stir and eat.

Isaac great Scott

2010-11-12T22:11:00.002-07:00

We decided on the name Isaac Scott. Isaac was James’ mother’s great grandfather’s name and her first pick. Scott, because all the Mairs are from Scotland and this kid looks 100 percent Mair. Plus, they sound good together.

Donna made this sign that had me walking in the front door and not going through the garage.

I thought I’d be prepared for the dynamics of kids competing for time with the baby and time with us. We all feel a little like this poor girl: meet the molting Matilda.

And I really could do and entire post about how much I hate being a make-more-than-a-gallon-of-milk-a day-girl and nursing. I’ll spare you my thoughts of injustice and include my sanity maintenance program.

Thank you all for your sweet comments about James’ mom, we’re holding it together and the funeral will be Tuesday.

Two homecomings in one day...

2010-11-10T11:07:00.008-07:00

My good friend Jennifer suggested the name Slick. That made me laugh. As for a name, I'll commit today. Isaac and Andrew are in the lead.

The kids came to see him last night. It was the highlight of the day although Cafe Rio from James Mair and an Iceberg shake from the most compassionate Bishop EVER, were close seconds. Stuart jumped up on the couch where I was nursing and asked, "Does he want to go back in mom?"
"Nope, he's just eating dinner."
Benjamin kept asking about pants, "Did you bring some pants for him, mom? Don't you want to put them on?"
Is it #4 that finds opportunity in all things? While kids were taking turns holding bruiser, Stuart took his turn with this: A big shout out to Nanny Donna, the most adorable yoga ball on popsicle sticks toting around 4 other kids for two days! She got some strange looks, go figure. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Donna.
Talk about irony of life--James' mother passed away this morning. She was a compassionate and humble gal that taught me how to burp a Mair baby. When Addie was born, she propped her up and squeezed her tummy and talked about a bubble. It's worked for all of them. While we head home, she did as well. Cliche I know--we'll miss her.

The Dinner Show!

2010-11-09T20:58:00.005-07:00

Introducing our little NINE pounds one ounce bruiser born at 3:56 pm, measuring 21.5 inches long.

We had to wait a little bit for doctor to come, so when he did finally make it, this little man slid out with out any pushing at all. It makes for a good story. I really like having babies--especially ones that are this cute, chubby, and have huge mouths for nursing.
Nameless but still loved! We'll say hi tomorrow too.

Birth Day Post #1

2010-11-09T14:05:00.007-07:00

Breakfast:

Oatmeal Squares with frozen blueberries

4 loads of laundry to curse

3 kids ready for school

1 call from the hospital (be here at 9:00) -- they had a bed for me to labor in. Yahoo

Lunch:

Pitocin

Epidural

3-4 centimeters dialation

A baby's hand! This is a new one for us. His little hand was reaching out? grabbing onto the nurse's fingers when she checked my progress. Dr. L did a "reduction" to help it slide back into position for a proper entrance.

Mid Afternoon Snack:

The clouds have left the mountains and the view is beautiful. I'm at a 5 now so it shouldn't be long. What a great day to be having a baby. We'll show him off as soon as he gets here, hopefully for dinner.

Answer: 60 pounds of food

2010-11-09T01:46:00.002-07:00

Question: What do you buy the day before you give birth?

5 lbs, 93% lean ground

5 lbs boneless, skinless

15 lbs sugar

10 lbs potatoes

5 lbs Galas

10 lbs Velveeta

10 lbs broccoli

Who needs that much food to have a baby? And more importantly let’s ask, why did I not go into labor when the serfs and I hauled it all into the house?

Stuart woke up yesterday saying his ears hurt. Both ears are infected and he’s now on amoxicillin. What are the chances? Although with Motrin he bounces again and is a great bouillon cube peeler. The tongues of both ‘em. Ha.

And I’m not really sleeping lately. Can you tell?

Family Pictures While Pregnant

2010-11-07T04:55:00.001-07:00

Now I realize if we add one month to these portraits, we add one more being into the mix, so why do a family portrait now?

a- Infants photographed in a bunch, are just a blob.

b--It always takes me a while to recover waist wise—why not document a legitimate (wise?) waist.

c—I love fall pictures. Love them. Once the baby comes, we’ll be well into the throngs of winter and holidays—There will only be time for shots with cousins, pajamas and toys.

About a minute after these were taken Stuart threw up. What are the chances? I’m afraid they are good, very good. My brother Tom took these pictures behind the cabin and once again he made us look good. Thank you Tom!

And here’s a girl who is just as excited and has just as much anxiety (maybe more) about the baby than me. Adelaide has been the fetal baby monitor for making sure the baby’s still kicking lately. You can’t really tell how excited she is to hold this baby can you?

Melt In Your Mouth White Bread / Bread Bowls

2010-11-07T03:41:00.002-07:00

This recipe is from my Aunt Nancy who does everything home-and-garden extremely well. It does make 5 good size loaves or 20 bread bowls so have some jelly roll pans on hand for rising and baking. They are a little dense as well—not a French bread texture but a yeasty roll; perfect for soups and stews.

1st—Dissolve 2 Tablespoons yeast (Rapid Rise) in a cup of warm water (not too hot)

Put into the Bosch:

5 cups hot water

3/4 cups sugar

2 tablespoons salt

1/2 cup shortening

5 cups flour

Turn on Bosch and mix well. Add the dissolved yeast along with another cup of flour to absorb the liquid. Continue adding more flour (about 8-10 cups) until dough is not sticky, not too stiff, but nicely pliable. Dough should be smooth and elastic and still able to absorb flour. Let it knead in the Bosch for 5 minutes. Put out onto counter and let rest about 1 hour (30 – 40 min. with rapid rise yeast).

Spray 5 loaf pans with oil and divide dough into 5 equal portions. (making bread bowls? skip to the bottom for instructions) Form loaves by rolling out each loaf into a long rectangle to remove bubbles of air. Roll up and seal edges. Put top down to grease, then turn over so the sealed edge is on the bottom. Let rise about 1 1/2 hours (30-405 min. rapid rise yeast) until double in size. Bake 350 for 35 minutes.

For bread bowls divide each loaf into 4 bread bowls portions. Form bowl by tucking and turning and place on a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan to rise. Rising time is about the same but baking time will be a little less. Just watch for doneness as early as 25 minutes of baking.

No labor; I’ll take fun…

2010-11-06T00:02:00.001-06:00

Today my brain could only churn out last-week-of-pregnancy-rantish-drivel and no one, NO ONE needs to read that, be reminded of it, or forewarned?

Vanessa, my sister, says the best way to go into labor is to plan a bunch of fun things and then miss it all when you have the baby. So…

I called Holli, my missionary companion from Brazil and her husband, Phil, to join us for dinner. They drove an hour to eat pizza, salad and Cold Stone. I’m not in labor but the dinner and company shoved all the pregnancy woes to the back of my head (for now). Holli is expecting her 5th, although this is the first time we’ve had children at the same time…so pretty much one of us has been pregnant every year for the last 11 years. Thanks for coming friends, I can’t wait to make you pesto pizza in February!

From Pizza to Prayer; James’ mother entered the hospital last weekend for pneumonia could use extra prayers and thoughts to recover. James and the kids visited her last night and took her some Dollar Tree Fun. Get well soon Susann.

Hapari Suits at a Great Price

2010-11-04T07:42:00.001-06:00

The tankinni tops are longer for more coverage.

The tummy tuck bottoms are helpful.

Each suit can be worn three ways, most importantly cinched up as tight as you want for great support.

AND they’re on sale for the next two days.

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

2010-11-03T23:58:00.001-06:00

From my beloved sister Sharon who made these for me when I went to visit her in Michigan. Incredibly delicious and memorable. There’s a little kick in the green chili sauce and chili powder but it’s good.

6 tablespoons honey
5 tablespoons lime juice (approx. 1 large lime)
1 tablespoon chili powder (use a little less for a milder version)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded (I used 2 large chicken breasts)

10-12 flour tortillas (I made 12 smaller ones)
1 pound Monterey jack cheese, shredded (I used cheddar and Monterey jack)
16 ounces green enchilada sauce
1 cup heavy cream (half and half works and it’s cheaper)

Mix the honey, lime juice, chili powder and garlic together and toss with the shredded chicken. Let it marinate for at least 1/2 hour (or toss together in a ziploc bag and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours).
Pour about 1/2 cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9X13 baking pan. Fill flour tortillas with chicken and shredded cheese, saving about 1 cup of cheese to sprinkle on top of enchiladas. Mix the remaining enchilada sauce with the cream and leftover marinade(I never have any left, the chicken soaks it all up) . Pour sauce on top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until brown and crispy on top.

I’ve freezer traded these in two ways. Once by rolling all the enchiladas and freezing them in a ziploc with the sauce and topping cheese in separate ziplocs. Another time, when my house was ripped up, I placed the chicken and cheese in separate ziplocs and packaged with just flat frozen tortillas, sauce and topping cheese.

Did you know I was a winner?

2010-11-02T18:21:00.002-06:00

You didn’t because I haven’t mentioned it yet. But I was, about a month ago, and I need to show you what I won.

This baking sheet!

Now sitting on the Burnt Sugar. (just slightly obsessed)

It’s a BIG baking sheet (16 x 22 inches) that still fits in a regular size oven and cuts making large batches of cookies or rolls in half. It was life changing for Emily so she did a giveaway on her blog. I used the pan last night; I think I need another one?

So thank you Mothership. And for all the little extra life changing items you sent. Have you all tried Colgate Advanced? Teeth changing I tell you. I had a goal to do this thank you post about my winningness before the cucumber melon soap from Bath and Body Works ran out. I only have about two days of soap left, but I found a coupon.

Thank you again virtual friend who made me a winner, it made my day.

Roll recipe here.

Halloween 2010 and Updates

2010-11-01T01:34:00.003-06:00

I just threw the pumpkin shirts at them in the car on the way there,

“Quick, change, we’re hitting the pumpkin patch on the way to Winco.”

These last two weeks of fall festivities haven’t been all I’ve dreamed of. Ignore the sneers—they feel the same.

However, Halloween never disappoints, the night of anyway. Lots of CANDY and….

Toothless, a Night Fury Dragon…

I was so close to buying the one at Mart-Mart, $19, with a plastic scary mask and all. I didn’t! I ignored all the blogs in my reader for one day and applied myself. A sweat suit from Mart-Mart with wing and tail attachments from a hacked up maternity jumper (circa 2000, blech). He wore it everyday up to Halloween and with the tail unpinned, it’s PJs for the next year.

Paige, a perfect pink witch…Paige was pretty particular about the ribbon for her witch costume. If you got bread from me for Christmas last year—same stuff.

An Owl…

Addie’s was the easiest by far, My mom made this for me and I wore it when I was in third grade. James really liked it that she looked kind of like a chicken besides an owl.

And Yoda!

He wanted to be Yoda and nothing else; it was the lure of the light saber I know. With a gunny sack, glue gun, construction paper and 20 minutes, I had this. And truly, only kids around two feet tall can pull off Yoda, adults and pets look ridiculous.

Grandma and Grandpa came by to give treats. The only real casualty from the chaos of “floors and trim” was that the pumpkins did not get carved. I really want the seeds (and every year I say I’m going to cook down the actual squash and use it) so they might get cut open for that, we’ll see.

From this:

to this in about a week.

As far as baby goes…nothing yet. I was feeling great these last four weeks, with minimal vein pain and lots of energy but after Friday’s Dr. appointment where I came out with 1 1/2 cm dilation, I felt shut down. My body just wants to sleep, eat and shift to breath. Hurray a baby is coming.

Can you tell I got a new camera? The patch pictures and the last yoda one are with the old camera that had been dropped one too many times (off the Wild Mouse at Disneyland even). The new one is a Kodak C140 point a shoot and the quality is much better, thank you James Mair. One day I’ll take the plunge for an Digital SLR but I’m chicken and paralyzed at spending large amounts of money—unless we’re talking flooring.

Wood Looks Good and updates

2010-10-27T23:04:00.001-06:00

There is no reason a new floor could deliver this much self esteem—but it has. I love the Burnt Sugar! Here’s the last board being nailed in.

Monica, do you remember this bird you brought me back from Brasil for Christmas a few years back?

Benjamin found it and named it. Burk, I think. I keep calling it Looney because we had a bird just like this growing up. So here are some shots of what the wood looks like—kind of. This camera lens has, the spots, not the floor. The far right is more natural light. With the cabinets, it’s a go! Trim will be put up on Saturday, another one day hallelujah!

PS. New born Luke Thomas Sutton. Pulled an awwwwe right out of me. Yea Vanessa, He’s so cute. An induction date , the 9th, if I haven’t had my newest pod by then. I have this glorious vision of waking up on Sunday Morning, the 7th, and instead of going to church, driving to the hospital and having a baby. Of course I’d have to be in labor do do that, send Sabbath birth vibes this way.

Updates

2010-10-15T09:42:00.001-06:00

Pregnancy: I’ve got about three weeks to go! YEA! I discovered Zantac which has tamed the heart burn. I can eat chunky peanut butter on toast for lunch every day again! I’m in the uniform phase with clothes now. Only a select few tops and bottoms have made the cut (still fit) so that’s all I wear. No name decided on yet, —I’m hanging on to weird ones like Ace, Mitchell and Hal. They’ve all been voted down.

Birthday: Thank You for all the wonderful birthday wishes on face book and phone calls. I truly love birthdays just for the unabashed smiles and thoughts from everyone. Dinner at Joe’s Crab Shack where I prepared nothing, coaxed no one to eat and cleaned up nothing, Birthday Bliss. Oh and also Cold Stone.

Milestones: From my fourth lazy attempt, Stuart is now toilet trained. Miracle.

Kids: Addie, Ben, and Paige started school, around 9 weeks ago. Addie in 3rd grade, Ben in 1st, and Paige and I doing a co-op preschool. It was rough finding the school groove but we got it about 3 weeks ago; just in time to go off track. Now we’ll be running around town doing all fall duty activities for the next three weeks and if all goes according to plan, I’ll have this baby on November 5th and send them back to school on the 8th. Sisters: A few weeks ago I hosted a shower for my baby sister Donna, who is expecting a wee girl three weeks after me. Vanessa and Sharon and all the sister in laws came to town to celebrate. Here’s the cool part: Vanessa just had her baby, yesterday, Luke Thomas Sutton. This Mair baby will come in three weeks and then the Hawkins kid will come three weeks after that. Three cousins all with in 6 weeks. Cousins your age make get togethers wonderful. Another tidbit—Donna is a gem, she lives in the sticks and works in the dirt. After the shower we had a fashion show with a couple boxes of hand-me-down maternity duds. Donna, being hip, cool and properly geared for all her outdoor adventures came away with a haul. She also looked, well, maternal. Now I’ve had the maternal look down since 7th grade, and Donna’s joining rank—not to stress Donna, you’re still hip, cool, and properly geared for the last 6 weeks. Sigh.

Flooring: Remember my new year’s resolution? A new kitchen floor? It might just happen. I found a guy on KSL.com selling hickory. It’s what I’ve always like. It’s rustic—some what distressed and named Burnt Sugar. Can I go wrong with Burnt Sugar? Another guy off KSL is even going to lay it. Hallelujah.

If it happens (the wood was accidentally shipped back east) I’ll do a post with my decision making journey for any one who might be debating flooring, with pictures.

Off to decide Halloween costumes in grandma’s basement.

Cinnamon Bun Pancakes, Butter Chicken, Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

2010-10-05T10:02:00.001-06:00

All these recipes have been my Achilles heel for this pregnancy. They are all from Tasty Kitchen. They are all WONDERFUL. Click through the links to see pictures and read reviews. For my birthday dinner I’ll be eating Butter Chicken and Cheesecake; resting my head in the food and only coming up for air as needed.

Cinnamon Bun Pancakes

1-½ cup All-purpose Flour
3 Tablespoons White Sugar
½ teaspoons Salt
4 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
2 whole Eggs Beaten
1 cup Milk
2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
¼ cups Butter, Melted
1 Tablespoon Vanilla

In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and cinnamon with a whisk. Whisk well to make sure everything is combined.

In separate large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, corn syurp, butter and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium/low heat. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto griddle. Brown on both sides.

Serve warm with icing drizzled over the top.

Maple Icing Syrup

1 cup Powdered Sugar
¼ cups Butter, Melted
Dash Of Salt
1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
¼ cups Whole Milk (more If Needed)

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth, adding more milk as needed.

Butter Chicken

4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut Into Bite Sized Pieces)
5 cloves Garlic, Minced
1 teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoons Black Pepper
½ teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
¼ teaspoons Ground Coriander
¼ teaspoons Cumin
¼ teaspoons Cardamom
1 whole Lime, Juiced
1 whole Onion, Diced
¼ cups Butter
1 can (14.5 Oz. Can) Tomato Sauce
1 can (14.5 Oz. Can) Petite Diced Tomatoes
1 pint Whipping Cream
1 bunch Chopped Cilantro, to taste
2 cups Basmati Rice (or However Much You Want)

Combine first 9 ingredients and marinate overnight.

Sauté the onion in the butter until soft. Add marinated chicken and cook about 10 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Cook for 30 minutes over medium-low heat with the lid on. Add the whipping cream (I have used light cream or half-and-half also) and cilantro just before serving over Basmati rice.

Note: this is a little spicy, but you can cut back on the cayenne if you want.

You Rock My World Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

28 whole Oreos
1 Tablespoon Sugar
¼ cups Butter, Melted
6 ounces, fluid Semisweet Baking Chocolate
4 packages (8 Oz) Cream Cheese
1-¼ cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
¼ cups Cocoa Powder
4 whole Eggs, Brought To Room Temperature
1 cup Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Heavy Cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Smash oreos into crumbs, mix with 1 Tbsp. sugar and melted butter, press into 9″ springform pan.

Bake crust at 350 for 7 minutes, let cool. Reduce oven temp. to 325 degrees.

Once cream cheese has come to room temperature, beat with sugar until completely smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl often. Mix in vanilla.

Set aside 2 cups cream cheese mixture. In a small bowl, melt baking chocolate until smooth and let cool. To the remainder of the batter, add melted baking chocolate and cocoa powder. Pour chocolate batter over crust. Dollop spoonfuls of white batter on top. Swirl batter with a knife or spatula, creating a nice swirly effect. Tap cheesecake on counter lightly to help batter settle.

Set a roaster pan full of hot water on the bottom rack of oven. Place cheesecake over water on top rack. Bake cake for up to an hour, or until cheesecake is set. Turn off oven, and let the cheesecake set for one hour still in the oven! Loosen cake from sides of spring form pan with a knife–this helps prevent cracking. Allow cake to cool for a couple more hours.

Prepare ganache: Heat together 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup heavy cream, beat till smooth. Decorate top of cheesecake.

When A Man Turns 40….

2010-09-07T21:50:00.003-06:00

His needs might change—instead of walking around the neighborhood… A segway scooter could haul him and his wife around….

Along with some friends…

And the littles…

a milestone of birthday could pass.

Disclaimer: To all of you who I told I was throwing a big bash of worlds that collided in one shebang of a fortieth birthday party—I’m so sorry you never got invited, or you got invited and then uninvited (blush). James Mair detests wedding receptions and the like. When I finally made myself think about what James would like I modified.

It was great weekend that started by decorating his office with streamers, candy and a candy bar poster. The kids helped--we brought him Five Guys Burgers and Fries the next day for lunch and a pan of peanut butter fingers for all the coworkers. (photo below from Addie’s camera)

James’ bucket list includes riding Segways so Magic Scooter rented them to us for the night. It was a SUPER surprise; It’s robotic roller skating! With Brocks corn, a bouncy house for the kids and another pan of peanut butter fingers...folks he’s 40!

Bonus!

Peanut Butter Fingers

2010-09-07T20:00:00.001-06:00

This recipe comes from my Aunt--she shared the 9 X 13 version but suggested to one and a half times it and bake it in a large jelly roll pan. We ONLY make the larger recipe because they are that good. So pull out your jelly roll this is the large version.

Cream together:
1 1/8 cup butter
1 1/8 cup sugar
1 1/8 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1 1/8 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Add dry ingredients:
1 1/2 tsp soda
3/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups flour
2 1/4 cup quick oats

Spread in a jelly roll pan (12 x 18 inches) and bake at 375 fir 15- 20 minutes. They really are better if they are underbaked a hair maybe 14 or 13 minutes. After baking sprinkle with 18 oz. of chocolate chips while sill hot. As they melt spread them out. Let it cool completely and Ice with PB frosting.

PB Frosting

3/4 Peanut butter
3 cups pd. sugar
1/4 - 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Whip until creamy.

Updates

2010-08-06T17:33:00.001-06:00

Pregnancy: Peanut butter is out! No matter when I eat it--the worst heartburn imaginable. Every thing feels pregnant: nose, back, ring finger... I had a wish to be “basketball” pregnant this time around. I would just keep moving—you know, and not consume as much as past pregnancies. It’s just not my future—I’ve got some veins that have me searching out places to sit down (the zebra settee in TJ Maxx is nice). I’ve had them before—I can’t complain. I just really wish they were wrappable (not a word) because I would wrap.

Media: Get your hands on the copy of Masterpiece Theatre’s Jane Eyre and watch it today! TODAY folks! It’ll be the best 240 minutes of your next week. Smart Robyn recommended it more than a year ago and I just got around to it. She should have screamed in my ear--I can be so slow. There’s chemistry and a good looking, older, very compelling Mr. Rochester. Jane’s not ugly but bewitching. I’ll even give you the link to the SLC library copy. Put it on hold now. No excuse. Watch it and we’ll chat.

Benjamin: Has been working on going cross eyed for days and has finally mastered it. Awe Benjamin, just when I thought you weren’t quite ready for first grade…

Stuart: Is now buzzed. I had to do something. We have vacuumish hair clippers that collect clipped hair into a cup on the back. I cut off snow white locks that the pioneers could have woven into masterpieces! He went from baby to boy in 10 minutes.

Coming up: We are heading up to the Tetons next week, my Ackerson siblings are joining us—in the motherland. Can.not.wait! James is also turning 40, this Sunday--shenanigans are in the works. Pictures to come!

Bryce Canyon July 2010

2010-07-29T00:28:00.001-06:00

We loved Bryce Canyon! It’s a great place to take kids. All the look outs count as “hikes” but they’re short with a great view at the end. We hiked a little into the canyon to see the Hoodoos—hot and fascinating.

The kids signed up as junior rangers. One of the requirements was to pick up garbage on the trail which was almost a deal breaker for Ben but he rallied. He found a Capri Sun straw wrapper! Riding the “shovel” bus and swimming at Ruby’s Inn were highlights too.

Personally I can’t get enough of the red rock, contrasting green trees, and blue blue sky. The temperatures were dreamy for mid July. Sign me up for Goblin Valley come April (grin, sigh).

Easy Alfredo Chicken

2010-07-28T15:04:00.003-06:00

I got this recipe from Kim Crapo in my frozen food trade group. It's easy and rich. I personally like grilled chicken but really any meat or even leave it meatless--it's still great!

Easy Alfredo Chicken

1/2 cup butter
1 cup milk
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 or more garlic salt
1-2 cups grilled or cooked chicken (or a can of canned chicken)
vegetables

Melt the first 4 ingredients together then stir in garlic salt. Add chicken and veggies and serve over bow tie pasta--or any pasta. Here are some good veggie combinations: onions and sliced carrots, frozen peas, onions, & red peppers. Any onion, pepper or carrot would need a little cooking before, but dump the peas right on in.

Updates

2010-07-09T22:07:00.002-06:00

Pregnancy: Still itchy hips and incredible despondency. My normal now is pulling a book into bed and reading rather than going for a ride or walk in the mornings. Plus some veins have arrived (I cannot be surprised) which makes riding rather bunched in the knickers.

School: We’re out of school, Hooray! Bed time is lucky before 10 and we’re planning a trip to Bryce Canyon next week.

Media: The Smurfs. Remember them? We started watching episodes on Hulu, and now we have the DVDs from the library. It’s clever and brings back memories of crowding around the TV on Saturday mornings. Why is there only one smurfette?

Chickens: We’ve used up our first bag of feed that came with the girls. In the six weeks of hen adoption I’d say we gathered around 10 dozen eggs. Could we be more fortunate? We have run into a few soft shells that they crack when you pick them up—apparently they need more calcium. We need to give them grit or rocks for their digestion and they’ll be able to get calcium from the the feed.

We’ve had eggs at least once a week for dinner in various forms: french toast, scrambled, over easy, english muffins with ham. The chickens are really our pets now as well as protein producers. They come when I call, with scraps, or to go back into the pen. Ben’s the most attached, hauling them all over the back yard.

When this brown egg on the left came, it was an Olympic moment cracking it. Two Yolks! Twins. Reading up, the statistics are one out of every 1000 eggs. I see it as auspicious and Addie thought it was delicious.

I found my camera but it was lost for three weeks. I missed Paige’s birthday and the 4th. Have you ever staged cupcakes and candles just to get a picture?

Jamie’s Easy Microwave Carmel Popcorn

2010-07-09T12:48:00.001-06:00

My neighbor, Jamie Chinn, from across the street made this and I can not stay away from it. And in the microwave it couldn’t be easier. Beware one batch won’t last more than an hour—well that’s the way it is around here. It’s a really soft and chewy popcorn but more than a day out it’ll crunch too.

3 bags of microwave popcorn (old maids tossed)

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking powder

In a bowl melt butter, sugar, and corn syrup for 3 minutes at 70% power in the microwave. Wisk well and cook 4 more minutes at 70%. Wisk in vanilla and baking powder and pour over popcorn. Mix and let cool, or spoon some into a bowl and eat it with a spoon hot.

Notes: I rarely have microwave popcorn on hand but I always have regular popcorn and Robyn’s cast off Whirly Pop (if you ever see one of these at a yard sale or thrift store, and you have room to store one more pan, BUY it). I usually make about 1/2 cup of regular pop corn with vegetable oil, and salt it as salty as microwave popcorn.

I mix it all in a really big bowl, Jamie mixes it in two bowls.

The Easiest and Fluffiest Whole Wheat Bread Ever

2010-06-23T12:22:00.002-06:00

This recipe came from my sister Vanessa. I watched her make it once and thought, "Oh I get it...I could do that". It's really a fluffy whole wheat bread that has a good bite to it. Like I know whole wheat breads. I don't but I really like this one. It's cheap too. Each loaf is about 60 cents. Sold.

6 C Warm Water

2/3 C Oil

2/3 C Honey

2 T Salt

3 T Yeast

3 T Gluten

3 T Dough Enhancer

12-13 C Whole Wheat Flour

Prepare in a large mixer (Bosch or KitchenAid). Or in a bowl with the flour in a well on the counter.

Mix together all ingredients except the flour and let it sit for a minute, then add the flour, 4 cups at a time. It might end up needing up to 14 cups of flour. Once all the flour is mixed in, the dough should be a little sticky but firm.

Mix on high for 8 minutes in the kitchen mixer. Divide dough into 5 blobs. Roll each blob into a rectangle, then roll it into a loaf shape and place it seam side down in the pan. Let rise for 1 hour. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees. In my gas oven, I usually bake it for 28 minutes. To get 5 loaves into my oven, I place one loaf (the runt) horizontally in the back and the other 4 vertical to the one in the back.

In the KitchenAid, I halved it to make 2 gigantic loaves.

Sliced into 16 slices, each slice is one weight watcher point.

I strongly recommend using aluminum pans to get a nice light-in-color crust.

I make 5 loaves and store them in the freezer. I think it tastes better the second day.

With a cluck cluck here and a cluck cluck there….

2010-06-23T00:36:00.001-06:00

Thanks everyone for all your dear comments and excitement. When I fell off of blog land three months ago I was such a different women. Now, I’m not only knocked up but as I mentioned before—we have chickens! Have you considered it? We are, sort of.

Marisa of Backyard Farming moved from her backyard farm to an apartment. They’re still searching for their one acre with animal rights and so I asked to baby sit her chickens…

It was selfish really

1. Starting out with established layers would give us eggs, while figuring out if were were up to chicken ownership.

2. Temporary was the only way James Mair would agree to it.

“You got chickens? (sputter sputter chuckle chuckle)” It’s the response we hear every time.

James’ best return is, “You should be asking us why you don’t have chickens.”

So far the fun is naming them: Henrietta, Peck, Robot, Crack-a-lack-a-dack-a, and Matilda, gathering the eggs, and capturing escaped chickens and tossing them back into the the coop. It’s a little country and a little shanty town and we’re still undecided as to whether they’re permanent. James has made a couple of modifications to the coop. He added a cool nesting box and a side door for food and water.

As far as the universal sound all chickens make from the Old McDonald song, cluck cluck. I haven’t heard a cluck yet. When we come out with scraps or cold oatmeal, they whine or beg. The sound drives James crazy. In the mornings, or whenever, when they’re working on eggs, from what I can tell the other girls cheer on the one laying. Chicken doulas if you will. One morning I thought I heard children crying. It was the chickens. Marisa is now telling me it’s an adoption/foster program. Meet Henrietta… Oh so much more to come….

And the winner is…

2010-06-18T12:16:00.001-06:00

Blue And by the way, we’re having a baby. November 7th!

So far so good. He looked healthy, wiggly and bigger than normal so the date’s been moved up! Wahoo.

It’s just the regular and not so regular stuff with this current uterine tenant. Heart burn, hungry all the time, and itchy hips (stretch marks are a stretchin’). Included also have been a few ear zits (ouch), intense allergies and four of my cups are too small.

All the medical persons who looked on my chart today during and after the ultrasound, said –oh this baby evens it all up! And such a nice pattern. GGBGBB. And then my heart aches and I feel like one’s missing because she is. We do miss her here. I cried through the whole ultrasound and not because of that, but because of the whole miracle of it all. And in the end a baby. Hopefully.

Yesterday Benjamin asked again how the baby comes out. He asked in all sincerity, “Do your shoulders go back and they unzip the baby out?” all while zipping his stomach to neck line. Oh Benjamin—I’d love to be able to show you a zipper. I just responded with my old line of, “remember how all girls have three holes?” He said he had to go out and swing.

Serendipty Potato Rolls

2010-06-17T16:08:00.002-06:00

This recipe came to me from Christine Benee who gave me frozen rolls that I let rise and baked. The first time I had them I ate 6 out of the 12 :) When I made them the first time I ran out of white flour and substituted a cup of whole wheat flour. Even better with a hint of health.

1 pk of yeast or 1Tbs
1 1/2 cups warm water
2/3 cup sugar

Mix first three ingredients and let it sit a bit. Then add:

2/3 cup soft butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 t salt
1 cup mashed potatoes
6 cups white flour
(variation 5 cups white, 1 cup whole wheat flour)

Knead to soft dough 1-3 minutes or until not sticky.

Divide into 2 balls. Roll each (one at a time) into a large pizza circle and slice into 12-16 pieces. Roll up slices, place on a greased baking sheet and let it rise until double in size.

Bake 12-15 minutes at 350.

Tips:
#1 I use instant mashed potatoes made in the microwave and they work great!

#2 After rolling up rolls, flash freeze in freezer and pile into freezer bags. To bake frozen rolls just cover with plastic wrap and let rise (about 4 hours).

Addie’s Day

2010-06-15T19:41:00.002-06:00

Adelaide turned eight in April and was baptized May 1st. I served a mission for the LDS church and baptisms are special. In Brazil, many people listened to what we shared and then decided for themselves what path they wanted, whether baptism or thanks but no thanks. When it came to baptism, it was, at times, rollercoaster like. As missionaries we’d be so excited for their next step, and then dashed when they chose otherwise.

Addie’s baptism was the easiest baptism, by far, I’ve ever been apart of. It took eight years (smile), but what a great day. The gal was beaming. She and James Mair have a very cool connection—father daughterly sure but friends as well. Some pictures from that day.

Did you eat the beans? Sorry if you didn’t know their fate.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets White Using a Brush and Oil Base Paint

2010-06-12T16:11:00.002-06:00

Caution—lengthy text and really booooooring pictures below…..

There are many posts about painting cabinets—each one a little different—so let me me throw one more into the mix. My next door neighbor is a painter and his quote to paint my kitchen cabinets was around $2,500. A chunk I tell you.

Paint Choice: I asked him if he’d consult, did he have a choice? He had just painted the cabinets in his kitchen with an oil base paint, and it looked really good. He’s a big fan of Benjamin Moore, Impervo (half way between an egg shell and satin finish) so I went with it. I used the color, Cloud White. He also suggested a two inch ox hair brush, "Purdy" brand—I bought it at the Kwall store.

Logistics: I took the hardware off the doors and and the doors off the boxes and lined them around the laundry room on newspaper and broken paint stir sticks. I left the hinges on and painted around them. After about 20 I got pretty good at hinges. The doors took a while. I’d paint one side, wait twelve hours (read five days), flip and paint the other side. After the boxes were done (four coats), I hung the doors back up with only two coats on and finished painting them while they hung—that way I could paint both sides at a time.

Prep: I caulked the cracks in all the molding and door casings with just a paintable Walmart caulk. I washed all the doors and skipped sanding but used ESP (easy surface prep). Just wipe on and wipe off--ready to paint in 90 minutes.

Tips: I primed using Zinsser’s Oil Base Stain Blocker mainly because this primer was low odor. If just one out of the four coats was not as smelly as the the other three, it was worth it. It also helped to stretch the gallon of paint. I used Penetrol, a paint conditioner, to slow the drying time and to eliminate brush strokes. The paint out of the can was a thick chowder consistency and I would thin to about, homemade-ranch-dressing-before-refrigeration consistency. Maybe that's why it took four coats--but no brush marks and there was plenty of time to go back, even after an hour, and check for drips.

Bonus Tips: I sanded in between coats with a 220 grit just to remove all the blips and lint stuck on from drying, and then vacuumed the doors to remove the dust. By coat #4 my paint had all kinds of dried paint chips from the side of the can—and I had been so careful not to pour old paint back in, I even kept the lid on tight. Jim, the consult, suggested straining the paint using a nylon. I strained a lot of paint using 33 cents worth of knee highs and cottage cheese containers. I used about 3 inches of nylon fitting it over container and tying a knot in the other end, and then pouring it into another container.

I think I spent about 50+ hours on the whole project all together but the end result was just what I was going for. Don’t let me think about the improvements on the guitar or piano I could have made if I had practiced that many hours in a three week block. Or the cleanliness of the basement in general…

Links of inspiration and help!

Centsational Girl’s Tutorial

Young House Love

Dream Home Blog

I had thought I would antique them but they seem too white for that now. I probably should have picked a more off white—but maybe later once the floor is in and I need another change… I’m still debating painting the island a color, or staining it a dark wood color. I promise a better after picture once the whole shebang is done. But I’ve moved on to the railing and banister already. Just stripping away—you know the varnish that turned orange after 14 years.

And did you know we now have chickens? It’s a foster program really…more on that next time.

Hello, Where have you been?

2010-06-11T08:37:00.003-06:00

Oh, you’ve checked back for an after picture only to find nothing for more than 2 months! sorry

After:

Cleaning up from three weeks of painting wasn’t too bad, catching up on clutter and house stuff—whoooa.

The decisions have been harder than I thought. Remember the list? cabinets, floors, counters… Everyone is sick of hearing of my ongoing debate on flooring. You want to hear it as was well?

I wanted a wood looking floor: laminate, wood, vinyl what ever would give me the look and wear the best. And the the more I look the more I lean toward putting hard wood though out the whole upstairs. Crazy, I know, just ask James Mair how he feels about it. After two months of effort I’m closer now to a decision—anyone have any suggestions/contacts as far as a hard wood supplier, and or installer for the Salt Lake area?

I threw a mini fit about the current kitchen floor and refused to clean it until I had a date for new flooring---I got ants…

Coming soon a tutorial on painting Golden Oak cabinets and an update on the fun going on around here.

Hours and hours and hours of “paint the fence”

2010-03-30T09:24:00.002-06:00

Still painting but so close to being done. Here’s a photo of progress. Currently all the drawers are back on and the doors and drawers both still need one more coat. But the change was definitely what I was looking for. The island is the next project, then floor, then counters, then…

Benjamin had a birthday and he lost a tooth—He’s six now. He’s also discovered legos—where have I been?

Look at that nightmare of half painted doors, behind him getting ignored, while we do birthday parties and you know, real life.

Diving in

2010-03-10T17:53:00.001-07:00

Ready?

I’m painting my kitchen cabinets white. I know my new years resolution was to obtain a new kitchen floor— so I’m a little off track—but I’ve debated it for almost a year and I’m doing it. Maybe I was really waiting on the floor so I could paint the cabinets.

This morning was start day—and I woke up with the biggest knot in my stomach. At 5:00am no less (when I shoved Stuart into his nest on the floor—compromise). I feel like I’m getting married again or having my first baby. Excited but scared to death. It really could turn out like this: Aaaahhhhhnnnnoooo (about half way down are the before photos)

So I turned to the internets because my confidence was waning and I found two new posts just today on painting cabinets with oils from Centsational Girl—the one I mentioned when I came out about my internet addiction (and by the way I can still stop at anytime).

Confidence was restored—I’m off to the paint store.

The month of March is going to be dedicated to projects, that have been cooking in my brain for a while. Wish me luck. A good ‘ol before picture for you.

Avatar—did you see it? Some observations and thoughts:

2010-03-01T13:40:00.001-07:00

It did not feel like three hours. Pace was great.

It did not have a plot—I didn’t really miss it. Kind of like Titanic—you just knew the boat was gonna sink.

I was truly entertained by aliens, with feathery brains coming out the end of their braided pony tail.

I used my coat to shield my eyes and ate a lot of jelly beans during violent parts. And it is.

The Tree of Souls is beautiful, along with night time and floating mountains.

Why does Hollywood hate capitalism so much?

I have to give credit to our friend Jason, who stated the last one. James felt that it was like watching a video game for three hours, yes but all in all not bad. We did see it in 3-D and after, I would have been fine with out the extra D.

Confessions & Opinions Needed

2010-02-22T01:15:00.004-07:00

A few post ago I mentioned hosting a lunch and had obtained the impossible: “open door clean”. Well—let me just tell you how far the mighty have fallen. Try as I might I just wipe the kitchen counter now when folks come over and and thank heaven for doors that can close & the wallflower that scents my bathroom. I can hardly see to brush my teeth with all the spots on the mirror.

At the weigh in last week I was up two pounds. Shame. I should have been writing down everything I eat and I haven’t. My “plan” so far was to eat 300-400 calories every 3 hours. And then to really wait and not eat for three hours—so hard. Well pass the notebook (which I can’t find) because as I type this, the open box of cinnamon Chex is being rifled through, I’m picking out just the cinnamon covered ones.

I can blame the two pounds on five days at the cabin. I tried so hard to endorse the good food--I even took cottage cheese, but it didn’t get opened. Before we left I sat down with the kids to plan one treat for each day. They had them memorized, and in that festive atmosphere I was a gonner. Friends joined us for joy on the sledding hill and full stomachs. Anyone reading, if you got any pictures I’d love copies. I found my camera in the side pocket of my purse on the way home. I had packed it early so I wouldn’t forget it—I just forgot that I had.

We even built a snow igloo with Donna. I stopped at the Colombia outlet on the way home and found boots and snow pants for the kids for next year. What is with that store? I walk in and feel inclined to give them a ton of my money.

The Olympics are filling up the memory on our Replay (DVR). Anyone else recording with intentions to watch? Kind of like recording conference—so much coverage and all of a sudden I’m fascinated with aerials and Ohno. My observations: I want Shaun White’s hair. Never frizzy—and he’s always swishing it around. And what are the the ski jumping outfits made out of? A cross with spandex and foam? Imagine swimwear made of that.

Stuart has been falling asleep in odd places, in this photo he is so close to his bed face planted. He also has been crawling in with me in early mornings or late nights or any time really. I only really notice he's there when he floods or kicks, it is most unpleasant. Thoughts, anyone on keeping his door closed with the magic door handle on that essentially locks him in his room? I can’t do it yet but I’m getting desperate for uninterrupted sleep.

A pictureless update and thoughts on a handout….

2010-02-04T23:49:00.003-07:00

At the biggest losers weigh in this week, I was only down two tenths of a pound. Where I’m grateful that the direction was down—I can’t be all that surprised. We ate out at Carrabbas in Utah county over the weekend and the restaurant happiness just flowed. Good bread and grilled chicken three different ways. My favorite was the one stuffed with goat cheese….mmm. Thanks Holli and Phil, it was delicious.

I started reading The Indian in the Cupboard to the older kids this week and we’re all enthralled. Ben built a fort out of Lincoln Logs for Little Bear.

At book club this week we discussed Pride and Prejudice. We talked about it’s timeless themes: initial judgments, embarrassing mothers, and of course when rich men move into the neighborhood and fall in love with you. Timeless. Ladies, my month is always complete when you’re a part of it.

Last weekend I attended a women's conference hosted by the Stake Relief Society. One class I really liked was: Dealing with Stress and Depression. May I share Brother R’s suggestions, from his clearly manly (goldenrod colored paper, bullets, regular font, quartered with paper cutter hangnails) handout? These evoked a silent amen and a motionless head nod, or two, from me.

Begin to notice your danger signs.
Break the downward spiral. Start doing things you used to enjoy.
Don’t do the same thing and expect a different result. (Perhaps my favorite suggestion. I’m still shocked with these results: creeping weight when I’m sleeping in and chowing, listlessness when I make little effort with the house or kids, no spirit when I skip prayers and scriptures)
Take time to Decompress (I’ve never had a problem with this)
Learn to love yourself by seeing yourself though Heavenly Father’s eyes.
Roll up your sleeves and work
Serve Others
Examine and combat your “Cognitive Distortions”. (combating mental chatter)
You are never totally alone. Jesus Christ is uniquely qualified to understand (Alma 7:11).
Live after the Manner of Happiness (2 Nephi 5)
Journal: Use the “Filter of Time.” (I’ve used time before, I’ve even coveted it)

His message was all about exerting effort and taking responsibility for our own happiness. I loved the frank and no fluff manner in which he spoke. I battled a funk last year around the end of March and it lasted until the end of May. It wasn’t too serious, I just remember distinct feelings of how hard and hopeless everything was. Everything… It got better and pretty much left when I started training for the Echo Triathlon (see #2). Some mornings, even now, when I wake up I’ll search for that specific feeling I felt last spring and it’s not there—Hal-le-lu-jah. But I’m concerned it could happen again so I’m keeping good old goldie close just to be sure. And even blogging about it so when I loose the handout, and I will, the info will be here.

Have you battled a funk? What number works best for you?

Heading to Anaheim?

2010-02-01T23:28:00.002-07:00

We weren’t but my good friend, Holli, asked if we knew of any deals, because they are. Well you don’t have to ask James Mair twice to get his deal seeker finger clickin’ away. And friends, if you are heading there and you want to be close (with in walking distance) to a certain mouse attraction—here is an incredible room rate. At the Howard Johnson no less.

Click here to go to the HoJo forum with the info

The Entertainment Rate, well you probably already know, is what’s known as the “happenings book” ‘round these parts. Let me know if you go so I can squeeze my hinny in your seventh seat belt, or we could caravan….

And because I can’t get enough of these long lost, now found, photos, may I present? Nieces on a Log

PS—Did you see the third hour of PBS’s Emma? Nicely done eh? And that Mrs. Elton—perfectly cast and brilliantly played. Like I know what I’m talking about…I just wish it wasn’t installments but the whole 4-8 hours. The kids are off track and I’ve got some time.

Catching up…

2010-01-28T22:53:00.002-07:00

Let’s catch up shall we? Since I’ve come out about my addiction to the craft blogs, I figured you all knew where I’ve been. And let’s just address the irony of a craft/design blog obsession—lots of time on line being inspired and wanting to do different projects does not equal much time left to do the particular projects. But with just about all my weaknesses, I know it won’t always be a problem. “I can stop anytime I want to {wink} although I don’t want to.” (name that movie)

A few more worth mentioning and I leave you to your own conscience how much time you ~~waste~~ use on them.

Design Mom— I didn’t understand her blog at first because she has a lot of guest bloggers but she has a voice that is polite and friendly, plus she’s lds, expecting #6.

Centsational Girl—All her projects seem very easy & kind of budget conscience. I’ve yet to do any but I have intentions of doing the laundry drying rack. So cool. Oh and any link on her side bar—great.

What are you favorite craft/design blog—is there one I should know about? Maybe it’s yours?

My adorable baby sister, Sharon, had a baby girl last week! Oh delicious. Happy Birth Day Lucy Jane.

Masterpiece Classic’s, Emma, debuted Sunday night. Did anyone see it? Eli Stone played Mr. Knightley! Although in true PBS fashion, we were only given 2 hours—blast! It was very good. We watched it Monday morning as a part of the pity party I threw for my self, while my mom and sister and BIL went snowboarding, at Brighton, which had just receive 22 inches of new snow two days prior. Addie was very sick. I ate 5 squares of a disastrous lemon bar effort that were so under baked they ran when I sliced them--but still tasted great.

James and I joined the West Jordan sponsored Biggest Loser event—to combat lemon bars. I lost 4.5 pounds the first week. Yoga pants are lighter than denim. I have had comments that I would need weight to loose, to join a contest such as that—but as any surging hormone pumped mother will contest, over the holidays I ate my weight in sugar cookies, Dove peppermint bark, and Mexican 7 layer dip. Believe me—if I just loose 10 lbs, all my pants will fit again and I can wear my yoga pants only for yoga….

Saturday I started organizing the kitchen paper cupboard catch all. It wasn’t totally awful because I found a long lost camera card with pictures from last summer—that I’ve mourned for so long—because it was long lost, but now it’s found. In celebration here are some fond memories:

Amber and I did the Echo Triathlon last summer, here’s before and after. Jake, her husband, did it too. And my college roommate, Melissa; I ran into her at the start.

The Tetons! I could not love this place anymore. And look at how happy everyone is!

I also found a gift card to Cold Stone that has $10 left on it. But James Mair is not allowed to speak of a “Gotta Have It” until Fast Sunday Eve, February 7th, you know the biggest losers that we are…..

Knitting and Nonsense

2010-01-12T16:40:00.002-07:00

After five days of picking up and putting down the lime green yarn and needles. Voila! A bitty bib? I was aiming for a wash cloth size of something but ran out of green. I even had to bind off with some white. In this sample I practiced knitting, purling, and a little of knit 2 purl 2.

My aunt is collecting pictures of all the afghans my Grandma Allen has made. I’d be interested in the number but I bet it’s more than 100. Here is the one she made for Charlotte, in the spring of 2001. I love it. It’s very similar to Paige’s yellow blanket—she told me about the really soft yarn that they are both made out of. We don’t use this one much. It’s just special-- and the popcorn pattern is adorable.

This one she made for me and James for our wedding. The summer of 1998. I have it by my bed and this Sunday past, I took a nap under it. Perfect for napping.

So I’ll admit it only once but I'm currently addicted to craft blogs, decorator blogs, & before and afters. It started searching out ideas for my new years resolution and a new kitchen floor. I spend too much time looking, just ask me if I’ve been to a flooring store yet this year. And the culprit would be this little site here—you might have been there. Maybe not. But be warned--it’s a slippery slope. And if you slide off ----Weeeeeeeee! (That’s me sliding with you.)

It’s the first place I go when Ben and I need a project to keep us busy. Kids stuff, printables, home projects....mercy.

Wondering? It’s been this long since Hawaii.

The Boy Climbs!

2010-01-07T23:32:00.001-07:00

Stuart started climbing out of his crib and fearing he would fall, we took it down and put his mattress on the floor. Sleep is now on his terms…mercy… please.

I learned to knit throwing style. In the book that’s re-teaching me how to knit, the author laments not learning continental style first, because “it’s so much faster.”

And I thought, oh why not really learn a new skill—it is a new year after all. It is faster, a little looser, and I had to watch a tube video to really get it.

Pictures to come…

A Crowd, A Clean House & Unintentional Green

2010-01-06T18:26:00.001-07:00

Joan, my neighbor, called early this morning to say she couldn’t bring rolls to the lunch at my house: her kids were sick.

I’m so glad she called because I don’t really think I would have remembered. James was secret shopping Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and I had planned to meet him for lunch. I’m so easily distracted by food.

I’d had an email reminder the day before—did I mention I’m distractible?

So I spent the morning cleaning , de-cluttering, and baking rolls (you know, Joan and her sickies)

It was a success and my house, for the first time ever, was at an “all door open” state of clean. Yep, that’s right, I left all the doors to all the bedrooms and bathrooms, open… (never in my life)

Because I didn’t remember I was hosting 20 friends and 10 kids, I didn’t have sufficient paper products—Christmas and New Years wiped me out.

I pulled out all 20 plates that I own, all the IKEA kid plates and cups and claimed “Goin’ Green” when the abhorred look came from bacon salad sister.

Truthfully, I really enjoy a weighty plate and fork, especially at a potluck when you’re never really guaranteed a seat at a table—you could end up on the stairs, balancing a flimsy disposable on your knee.

Besides, I only really like the Chinet paper plates— but can you afford those?

Snowboarders AKA Knuckle Draggers

2010-01-04T21:15:00.009-07:00

The whole snowboarding party, Bevan, My Mom, me and Donna. This was taken at the top of the Snake Creek lift where you could look down the other side of the mountain, into the Heber Valley. So beautiful.
They could be getting ready to dive.
What an awesome mom. She's a knuckle dragger too! Thanks for outfitting us all and for the fun.

In the first video, Donna, a third time snowboarder, videos while following me down. She tries to turn at the end and a small explicative might have been documented.

Donna refers to me as Lindsey Vonn but Lindsey's got nothing on my flailin' arms and conservative speed.

New calling, knitting, & snowboarding

2010-01-03T23:26:00.001-07:00

So I’m done playing the piano in primary and onto teaching the 10 & 11 year old girls. Eleven active girls (4th-6th grade) and I get to have activities with them twice a month. It reminds me of Merry Miss, back when my mom was called. They made wooden dog plant holders and decorated cakes. Fun things! The program was absent when I came of age but even the church recycles.

I found my old knitting needles. Something I own is old? My Grandma Allen taught me how to knit when I was trying to align the stars and conceive. It worked, maybe a little too well—those needles haven’t aligned anything in about 8 years. Yesterday I dragged all the kids to the McDonalds play land to run off energy. And there I was, with a book from the library trying to remember, lime green preschool yarn to boot. I’m going to knit James Mair a sweater. He refuses to believe it.

I’ll be snowboarding tomorrow with my 62 year old mother and Donna and Bevan. You’ll deserve pictures and maybe even a video from my cool vado video recorder.

More Christmas Memories

2010-01-02T02:11:00.001-07:00

Gross! The boy is addicted to electronic devices. He got his hands on the camera and documented snot.

“Tissue anyone? Sleeve? Thumb and pointer finger squeeze with wipe on sock or pant cuff?” This one is tissue effort worthy isn’t it.

2010-01-01T22:53:00.010-07:00

Merry Christmas! What do you think of this? It's the family picture I sent with our cards. I'm tickled. The objects she included match the current interests of the kids and she even added an angel and the Tetons! I've known Sue for a long time and the gal is connected to the heavens. I'll treasure this. It's amazing. If interested in a portrait for your family contact Susan Fitch, here. She's amazing.

My Resolutions

#1 A new kitchen floor. Explanation: My current floor has been my deepest desire to replace for some time--and the funds have been raised--it's the actual doing it that paralyzes me. My real goal is to force a "decorator's eye" to make my current daily spaces represent me. Some creative functionality in the laundry room would be nice too. The whole project hinges on flooring.

#2 Speed blogging. I take too long. I need to be faster. I love this dumping ground for my "mental chatter" and I'm going to fully embrace a year of documenting on Mmmm....air. Join me for snippets in place of current posts--that are too wordy, too long and too long in between.

My favorite shots from the last couple of weeks: Happy New Year!

Eight Days til....

2009-12-18T00:32:00.006-07:00

The tree sniffing party: Even though our Noble didn't fill the house with scent, the house was filled with cheer and I drank my share of nog. Thanks for coming Hankansens and LeGrandes, Amber and Marianne. My Christmas Cards are out of "production" and on to "shipping". Yea! If you didn't get one last year and you read this blog, we should exchange. Send me your address. noramair(at)gmail(dot)com.

I'm done looking on amazon's toy deals. I always overbuy...

Addie sang in the Harmony (school choir) concert last week.

Elf and bucket: Me and the raggedy, still in pj children would straggled to school two days a week, at 7:30am, for practices. Santa was stuck in the '50s. Addie sang and danced. I worked the props and back stage. She got the better end of the deal.

The carpool: Brenden, Jaylynn, Kacee, Addie, Isaac, and Elyse. I'm going to try to post a video to see Addie's jammin' face. All worth it now. Just watch to about the 39 second mark to see the cutest forehead ever.

James Mair and I dated last Saturday night. We started with dinner at Smashburger. $6 and $7 burgers with pricey fries to match. 3*s.

Then onto The Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert, where we did not have tickets. The standby line at the Tabernacle was a place to watch the concert really because no one had gotten in Thursday or Friday. So I (James stayed in line just in case) crossed the street to the Conference Center and while staying on the sidewalk, I begged for tickets by raising my hand and holding up two fingers. My bright white wool coat was very apparent to concert goers crossing from the square with tickets in hand and in about 5 minutes a nice young gentleman handed me 2. I squealed, gave the guy a hug, and dashed to find James.

The seats were smack dab in the the middle on the terrace level. The concert featured Natalie Cole and David McCullough and it was amazing. The first and last numbers, Come, O Come, and Carols in the Air, were show stoppers with unbelievable pageantry (dancers, ballet, bell ringers, & children choir). And the choir...wonderful. Natalie Cole sang the Holly and the Ivy and it's been in my head for 5 days now. I want to go again next year. But the begging is the only sure way to get tickets.

And here is an upgraded tradition. Last year we had 1 chocolate count down calender that Addie and Ben split every night. This year everyone has their own. And some nights, we forget, which leaves two for the next night.

I'm heading to 3 parties in the next 4 days. Christmas is here.

This is it folks.

The Baby was born.

Open House Invite

2009-12-07T22:43:00.004-07:00

We got our tree tonight and it smells wonderful. To celebrate the smell and the impending snow storm, you're invited over for a cookie and a sniff. The floors will probably not be clean but I bought nog and Addie is going to help the little ones with a craft. 6-8pm December 8th. Come come come.

Hiking and Water Fun Hawaii Part 3 (can you stand one more?)

2009-12-03T02:39:00.000-07:00

On our first full day we ended up doing about a 4 hour hike [Kalalau] along the mountainous coast of Na Pali. It was tough one but we were rewarded with the amazing beach, Hanakapiai. Worth it, ohh, my finger.... We rented a kayak for a day on the Wailua River. The water was slow and brown but the experience was tropical and relaxing. We paddled and then hiked...to secret Falls, which apparently is not really a secret. Can you see James waving? We swam around behind it and I felt adventerous. We also saw a wild pig and her piglets. This face is the the reason I love James Mair. He's hilarious. We went to this huge beach (Polihale State Park) to watch the sun set and possibly swim. A storm rolled in just as we did. The sun set was still pretty despite the grains of sand needling our legs. We did not swim.Dinner at a very overpriced "Brick Oven". Nothing like the Provo's Brick Oven but we were starving and we at the whole thing!
Hiking on the Na Pali "fingers", the big ridges that go out to sea.
This is Ke'e beach on our last night, the most calm and beautiful place in Hawaii. We swam, ate a wrap from Hot Mamma's, spied a turtle head popping out of the water, and watched the sun sink. It was heaven. James is trying not to laugh...but I insisted on the picture because the lighting was good.

A Helicopter Ride Hawaii Part 2

2009-11-19T02:58:00.008-07:00

I'm always quick to point out the over the top nature of things; I have frugal roots and cheap tendencies. So I'm pointing out the extreme luxury of a trip to Hawaii, and now the most over the top (unbelievable) thing we've ever done...flying in a helicopter to see the parts of Kauai you can't see from a car.The "Jurassic" Falls. The Na Pali coast...are there words folks?
My words, over the top! I kind of wish I had a better camera--

Some more links for you. James used betterbidding.com's forum to find out what hotels were in the "resort" category for Kauai. Only three, The Hyatt, Sheraton, and Marriott. The forum also has a calender where bidders can post what they "won" and for how much. We thought this might be an option so we watched the bids and saw winners get rooms for around $100-110 a night. We could have done it a little cheaper but "on the beach" and "ambiance" speak when once in a life time rolls around right? We also used the forum to watch rental cars and for $15 a day, a (Ahem freshly out) compact was ours!

We bought the "Happenings" or Hawaii Entertainment book bought off Ebay. It had coupons for the Polynesian Cultural Center [two for the price of 1 show ticket], Priceline [$10 off a night] and The Dole Plantation [Pineapple Ice Cream Cone 2fer].

We used this book: The Ultimate Kauai Guide Book, Kauai Revealed. We took our library's copy but it was the 5th edition. One restaurant we tried to find was gone. Since James was driving I read the book, cover to cover. The hikes, beaches and food recommendations were right on.

James read this blog every day before we went: http://www.govisithawaii.com/ I now read it everyday since we've returned. shameless...

Paradise anyone? Hawaii Part I

2009-11-18T23:00:00.013-07:00

I'm pretty amazed that we got to go on a trip like this. No, It's not usual daily fare for us or even an annual thing. This was happenstance that came true.

It all started more than a year ago when my seester, Vanessa, called with a proposition: would you like to trade a week of he]] for a week of heaven? Her 4 kids for a week in exchange for mine? She was planning a week long hiking trip to the Wind Rivers, pictures here,--we would just need to decide what backpacking trip we were going to do.

Later we debated: could Hawaii be an option? I'll include some links at the end but with the help of the internet (for which I'm shamefully addicted to) we jetted, enjoyed, relaxed and returned (all while avoiding the H1N1).

Oahu was nice and we did every touristy thing all in about 16 hours. Well we were up at 4:30--not quite used to the time difference. Hanauma Bay
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl HarborA Swap Meet
The Dole PlantationThe Polynesian Cultural Center (Samoans climbing a Coconut tree)A Lu'au, (real flowers) the visitor's center at the temple that's under renovation, and the PCC's night show.

We then flew to Kauai where we stayed, get this, at the Marriott. Yes, me, at the Marriott, like it happens all the time. The Marriott on Kalapaki beach, with a 26,000 sq ft pool. Remember, we were going to go back packing... the trip was charmed...Our recently renovated room. Fresh out of compacts-- Alamo let us take a convertible. Yes, us, in a convertible, riding around Kauai, staying at the Marriott...

Kauai is green and smells and feels tropical. It's rural compared to Oahu and small enough to drive almost around it in about 2 hours.James at Poi'pu beach our first night. We weren't even thinking sunsets so when this showed up, we started planning the nights around them. We even tried surfing. Lessons would have been nice.

We used farecast.com (it's now bing) to email us of when to buy plane tickets. There were two days back in June where round trip to Oahu was $270. Shamefully addicted I tell you. I'll post more soon.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T12:31:00.005-07:00

Success!

All the costumes were done by Wednesday, three days early! A new record!

Introducing: Charlie Brown,A 50's girl,Monkey Boy,And Lady.A new shift on carving pumpkins and mind you I've been married 11 years. The most resourceful James Mair can carve! He found creative and intricate templates from the internet that did not disappoint. I forgot to document--but I will next year.

We trick or treated at Grandma's house,and headed home to eat tatter tots (requested by Ben).I'm not used to the later in the year switch to day light savings time (yet--it's been three years right?) but we were ready a little after 5. When I was a kid--that was the time to be ready to leave for the maximum time allowed for a trick-or-treating candy haul. It was still warm and sunny at five! So we snapped pictures and played around with Bevan and Donna. Stuart collected for more than an hour!And everyone returned home, pumpkins heavy and so tired. Even too tired to sort. And Paige. Remember two years ago she had her sick station? This year she burned her fingers on the tatter tot pan. With tears, band aids, and Daddy she powered through.

As far as raiding the loot, I'm guilty--no Sugar Babies or Good and Plenty though. And after eating pretty lean for an up coming Hawaiian adventure, I held my candy well. I also shoveled down Marie Callendar pie, thanks to the trick or treating David Michelson aka Jedi Knight (41 years and he hasn't miss a year yet--oh except for one of the years on his mission).

It was a glorious weather day, festive holiday and perfect. How is it that my life is this good? Happy End of Fall to all.

Miss Strassburg

2009-09-27T22:56:00.008-06:00

I attended the General Women's Conference in downtown Salt Lake on Saturday night and my experience was two fold.

First--that Julie Beck, is one amazing teacher and leader. How many times did she mention "faith based work"? Being reminded about that, and the calling I have to be a visiting teacher/friend to those in my ward, it was all I could do not to take bread, make running dates, and plan ambushes to see them. I'm shooting for 100% but of course I'm focusing on my people, not percentages.

Second--While leaving I rode the escalator with Miss Strassburg. She had been in my thoughts lately as a person I'd like to someday thank for making a lasting impression--but how?--she was my junior high choir teacher, long retired and originally from New York. And all of a sudden, there she was, hugging me, asking about marriage, kids, my family/siblings, my parents. What could I do but ride down and tell her that she should have had a party when she retired because I would have come.
She's still amazing. Since retirement she did a 5 year personal family history mission, worked as a personal assistant to an entrepreneur, and now does church service in various forms such as direct choirs for the church--all over. Vanessa, I told her you saw her at your regional conference. She was happy you were so happy to see her. She said West Lake (my junior high) kids are spread out all over the world! And that the Lord always sends one when she needs it, "I must have needed it tonight," she said.
She did some amazing things as my teacher. One She made me feel like I was her favorite, and she was counting on me to pull the choir through and make her day by doing my best. She made everyone feel this way...everyone. Two She directed musicals ever year that were HUGE. Three She let a group of us groupies eat lunch in her office/classroom every day of my ninth grade year. She called us "the lunch bunch". She threw a party at her apartment and invited the lunch bunch to eat ice cream and go to the MoTab Christmas concert with her--a short walk away, she's in the same ward as the prophet... Four She pretty much kept me singing and hopeful all through Jr. High!

Where can I find one of her for Addie, Ben, Paige, & Stuart when they're entering puberty?

I taught 6th grade for a year and lunch was my salvation.

Jr. High teachers like her are one in a million--no--in this world. So thank you Miss Jennifer Strassburg for seeing me (last night and 23 years ago). Saturday night I went and felt the spirit of Jesus Christ throughout the meeting and while leaving I meant one who has served and embodied Him her whole life and I felt whole.

2009-09-25T14:46:00.007-06:00

I can't find my camera and I'm paralyzed!

New niece Abigail Bethani arrived.

Had a bike fitting.

Sharon and Seth came to town.

We played at the Gateway water fountain.

I swapped food.

I crafted at Super Saturday--even taught the class.

With games, birthdays and a round of Grandma Christy's STAR BELLY Sneetches, I was ready to report on it all. But alas no photos and...........that was last week!

This week has been a ton of just house support, online shopping, and more preschool organization. The only thing I can offer you in this post is a birthday present idea. You know, the friend birthday parties that sneak up--even if the invitation is delivered a full week before--all of a sudden-- it's the day and what do you give for a present? I got this one from Family Fun--but a trip to McDonalds of course. Now the original idea was a play date to something fun, riding horses, go carts, pedicures..... but for my kids, Happy Meals with a toy has never had more appeal. And so this summer I printed this no less than FOUR times: and last night I cashed them all in--four friends, my four and choices, choices, choices.
Birthday Presents check
Dinner check
Bishopric night check
Economical check

and most of all fun.

Hair, Bowls, and POW!

2009-09-13T15:26:00.007-06:00

Every one said, "Congratulations".

But he didn't campaign.

He is James Mair.

He is the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric.

But congratulations in genuine-mormon-member-lingo really means, "I approve and support you in the new way that you will serve me". At least that's what I felt. Ya, it was said to me too. The member of the Stake Presidency told James Mair to kiss me "goodbye" on his way up to sit on the stand--and he did. Kissing at church? Husband on the stand? It's a different world than yesterday...
We all went for hair cuts at the Homer Salon Style and Therapy. Addie's is chin length with a bit of stacking sass going on in the back. Paige's bob was just trimmed, and for me, Brynn found natural curl with a diffuser and "product". She's a miracle worker.I found new bowls! They were labeled Ice Cream Bowls--but that won't stop me from eating cereal in them or ice cream or both for breakfast. Has anyone else ever done this? James Mair was appalled when we were first married.
Tai Pan--4 for $5! I bought 8.

The Boy is TWO!

2009-09-08T13:02:00.006-06:00

Do you remember when he was born?

He really is Two!

I present to you...

Boy, Finger, and Cone.

He started blowing during the song--he knew what to do. Thanks mom for this huge pile of cupcakes.
Just look at that little Stewy cheese. We took the long way home through Provo Canyon. We stopped at Bridal Veil Falls and with the rest of Provo, we enjoyed the coooooold water.

Let's talk about birthdays. Kim's new one is So Close to having her original.
Here, she and my brother Tom, are describing what sounded like a cat in her womb. And this little boy is a WEEK old! Robyn's little Wesley is thriving. He eats, sleeps and makes anyone who comes near, sigh with contentment and peace. And want to comb his hair.

Embracing The Tole Tree With Apples

2009-09-04T16:27:00.006-06:00

Most of you know I teach preschool; eight years of preschool. I'm amazed myself. This week was crunch week for getting ready--class starts on Tuesday. Last night was the open house with lots of energy and shy smiles. With a not so shredded preschool, my kids tested out the school supplies this afternoon.
The glue lip...
The lefty, cuttin' with with his right...
And the die cutter. So a couple of hours before the open house I still had everything pulled out, dejunking, purging and organizing. Then I had a very adult thought:

"I don't want to be stressed trying to get everything put back."

It caught me of guard--when have I ever avoided stress? I produce my best work under pressure!

Behold the guest bedroom...

I now have two weeks until Sharon and Vanessa come!
You haven't missed Ben's eyes right? Can you see my camera?

Hobby Turned Lucky

2009-09-01T10:09:00.003-06:00

I started yardsaling when I started teaching preschool and was in need of toys. I liked finding a small treasure amongst junk and then I'd buy the junk too.

When we moved about three years ago I was disenchanted by stuff. I had too much of it. It was then that I realized I could stop my acquisitions by curtailing my hobby.

I'm starting my 8th year of preschool next week and I was hoping for some old parchute or an art easel that stored well. And against James' judgement (because when I left it was already 9 and any one who yardsales knows that "all the good stuff" is gone by 7:59) I went.

Behold 20 minutes, Two Yards, and $45! (and I'm including prices for Kim and Sharon because we always want to know a good deal) The whole get up, $30. The skis are a little long and not as fat as the latest and greatest model that Sports Authority rented me last year but all I can say is, "Hello Demo Tent" ehh Donna? The boots might be a little big, I'll know for sure, the first time I ski on them, if I can keep my heels down on turns.
The owner of this gem ($15) claimed it was an antique. I doubt that. It was just made before children were considered complete idiots and fun took priority over safety. I can't keep the kids off it.
I thought for sure someone would get ejected, smashed toes, or a bloody nose by now but its been nothing but cooperative fun. And by that I mean the kids have to be nice to each other to totter. You can't teeter solo.

Re-entering and Recycling

2009-08-28T08:56:00.007-06:00

I have missed this.

It's the one thing I can't explain when asked why I stopped blogging (posting). Blogger's block, purpose and my voice have all haunted me. As well as my good old default of failure, If I can't do something well--um, I just won't try. But I love connections--they always bring me the most joy. And that's what I've missed. So I'm back, again, but with vim, to engage in connections and to record and note the notable.
We were TPed a few days ago. I counted three cardboard tubes and calculated more that a weeks supply for the kids bathroom. Look at Paige reuse.We started school! HURRAY! Can you guess which kids are not going to school?Adelaide, a 2nd grader, sporting an over the shoulder bag she requested 4 months ago.Benjamin's first day of Kindergarten. I didn't cry at the boo hoo breakfast the PTA threw but I did, yesterday, when the class lined up and his teacher lead them in a cheer. He's big now.

This week Adelaide has had a nasty viral infection with a temperature and sore throat. We're on day THREE now and it looks like she's on the mend but early this morning after a Motrin dosing, and an otter pop rejection, and a water run, and tissues, and bathroom help all in 15 minute incriments, I could not sleep. I had lists and plans hatching behind my eyes and my pillow was perpetually hot. My friend, Amber suggested to get up and write everything down and it worked. I jotted a page of BLAH and was rewarded with 2 1/2 hours of sleep.

Getting Ben's eyes off the blog was on the list! Happy Friday!

2009-03-22T23:51:00.003-06:00

Benjamin has the most beautiful brown eyes that he got from his Grandma Mair. He's sending you gamma rays as well.
Stuart was sad about the photo shoot but I love his rectangle mouth when he cries.
It is so cute and he's a sensitive one--so I'm very familiar with the shapes of sadness. Trying...Paige climbed in bed with me the other morning. When I rolled over to get up, my shirt slipped up a bit. While pointing to my bare mid section she asked, "Mommy, where you get those stripes?" I replied, "You." She giggled. "Hey Paige, where you get these stripes?"

Confession: This cute suit is actually from the Mod Zebra line 2004 from Gymboree--now ask me why my brain is filled with useless info like that. Go on and ask.....Well I'll spill. I was a little obsessed with coordination when Addie was about 2 years old--the hair accessories that match the shirt, pants, sweater, socks, shoes, purse. Gymboree is the best for the head-to-toe look. So I bought with plans to resell... I would be an eBay queen and turn a profit while my darling was dressed to the nines!

Reality: I didn't ever start selling because I could only stand to buy clearance and I had more babies. More babies equal more happiness but also, a lot less time to wash, rotate, shop, line dry and follow the resell market... And what a relief.

Now some notes on kids clothes.

1. Kids are adorable no matter what they wear--I knew this from the start but I was a little on the thicker side after bearing my first. I didn't like to buy clothes for me so I just bought for Addie.
2. All children's clothing equaled out about two years ago--It's true--I used to be able to see a difference in clothing bought at the mall compared to big box stores but quality wise, I swear it's all the same now. Cute stuff at the Wal-marts, cute stuff at the outlets, cute stuff at the mall. And it all lasts for about 1 1/2 kids.
3. Get this...Customs [home sewn clothes] are going for big bucks. Now I just can't get into this scene- It's cute--but is it? $99 for a suit of jeans with applique and ruffles? Kind of clowny in my honest opinion. Click on her other auctions--I dare ya. Addie would love it all. Maybe you do too.....
4. I still shop and take the role of wardrobe manager seriously, but I'm not competent. I can't stand to buy stuff that is not fun to buy, like: socks, underwear, boots, athletic shoes, --so I don't and I hear: "There is nothing to wear...."

This little kid post with the Paige dialogue took a hard left--let me see if I can correct it--To any of you that do not have leftover stripes as a reminder of pregnancy bliss, you can have Paige's Mod Zebra suit next year, it's a 2T, and it still has some resell value ;)