ZOO

We went yesterday for Wild Wednesday and it was totally free. We arrived a little after it had opened, about 9:15. There were about 20 cars in the parking lot and it was like we were Daddy Warbucks and we had bought out the zoo. The Giraffes were really fun--there is the cutest little baby giraffe--but Ben moaned the whole time in the giraffe house, because of the smell. I had rallied my friend Jolynn for some cooperative parenting--and I couldn't have taken all four with out her help--so thanks Jolynn. We had a great time. Can you believe the shot I got of Ben? He was looking at the swinging monkey. I just wish I would have crouched down! It was pretty warm too. Ben left his coat in the car but remembered mittens. That's really all he needed.

Getting the kids in bed so I can snack...

...and update the blog. So last week I posted a regret about the duvet cover and shams. Check the auction--It sold! I think it was the shams that took the price way high, they are a HTF item (hard to find). She just paid too! This regret might have redemption! Hallelujah. What should I do with the profit? Around 40$? Maybe Easter dresses for the girls or a rod to hang the quilt? Whom I kidding--I'll be buying the dresses anyway-- A cool rod for sure.


Last night James and Addie went to a Daddy Daughter Dance at the high school. It was a Drill Team fund raiser. They had a lot of fun and showed me dance moves when they got home. They also had me take their picture because pictures were extra.



We went to Discovery Gateway on Saturday as a whole family. I'd call it Discover a rip-off if I hadn't heard about the "community exploration card" It's an experience you can "check out" from the Salt Lake City Library, and you can get in FREE--up to four people. So James paid $8.50 for Paige and we had a ball.

On Wednesday night I made 144 Chicken Enchiladas! My make ahead meals group traded on Friday and I have 10 meals to last until next month. Here's the recipe for 36 enchiladas or three pans of 12 each--make one, freeze two.....

In one bowl mix:

6 cups cube cooked chicken (about 3 lbs.)

2 cans rinsed black beans

2 cans tomatoes with green chilies (drained but keep the juice)

In a second bowl mix:

Juice from the chili tomatoes

3 16 oz containers of sour cream
2 cans cream of chicken soup

6 cups cheese (I like the fiesta blend)

*Lay out 36 8in. tortillas and portion out 1/4 cup of chicken black bean mixture on each one.

*Then top with a liberal tablespoon of cheesy cream mixture on each using only half and saving the other half for the top.

*Roll and line in a 9x13 pan or in a gallon freezer ziploc.

*Spread the remaining cheesy cream among the three pans or divide it into sandwich or quart size ziplocs to freeze flat.

*Top with two more cups of cheese each.

*Bake 350 for around 30 minutes. Just until bubbly.

Marisa and her family came up to the cabin for President's Day and we had a ball. I'm plugging the game Cranium Turbo because it was fun and sort of a tradition (James dis'd it the whole time but he was laughing and having fun like the rest of us). In this photo Kim, Marisa and I snow shoed up the mountain and took sleds to slide back down on. It didn't quite work because the snow was pretty thick and fresh. But we so enjoyed the serenity and calm the scenery and conversation afforded us. We had a blast pushing each other all the way down to the sledding hill.

We had a glorious President's Day at the cabin! I was so SICK but I stayed medicated the whole weekend and even dipped into Bevan's coke for a pick me up. Michael accused me of being a "social drinker" and how right he was. We were all a mess-- Addie had Roseola--a high fever and a funky rash and Paige had odd face spots that lasted for a couple of days. We took it all to the cabin and infected Kim and Ali so far. Leave a comment if you too got a Pres. Day souvenir from us. So sorry. This picture is Addie and James both with a leg caught in deep snow. Addie thought it was so funny she begged "take a picture mom".

Regret..

Two weeks ago I bought a new spread for my bed off of ebay. It was right at the height of the decorating surge and I was sure it would work. I didn't even blog it because it just wasn't right and I was embarrassed by my $137.50 mistake. I just relisted it along with a narrative that could make or break the auction. Check it out if you have time. Will it sell? Any suggestions?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=160209464877&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=006

Any one else have a $137.50 mistake that loomed over them before redemption was possible. Amber I loved your post about the accident.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Mair kids wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day with mushy gushy kisses and hugs. Also an attempt at photos with natural light and no flash. I like them so much better. I'm also getting used to taking pictures on my knee instead of my kids always looking up at me.

The Boy Is Five Months Old!

Here's Stuart just hanging out. He's so cute and still demanding I eat whatever I get my hands on so he can be full. He was FIVE months old on Wednesday so maybe it's a growth spurt. I fed him some cereal on Friday just to get him used to it--he gagged and gave me wretched faces. On Saturday I went to a shower for my uncle Mark's wife, Kate, who he met and married in 5 days! (no time for a shower before) That's a whole other story, but we stopped in to see Grandpa and Grandma Allen after. Stuart "reported" to Grandpa all that he knew and thought. Here is their encounter:

I love these grandparents of mine. They are the real deal. Always genuine, generous, and interested in everything you do. It was really fun to see all my cousins and aunts--Halla.

On Friday we went up to the cabin to sled--It was Addie's last day off track. Kim and Korrin from my ward came with their kids and Marisa and her crew joined us as well. The sledding was fun. Kim brought up some tubes that were fast, where the red sleds lagged because of the fresh powder. This is the most snow I've ever seen up there. TAckersons and Hawkins--you picked one heck of a year to live there. I thought I had the hill tromped down but then I'd sink to past my knee. I had my camera in my coat, I just forgot to take any pictures until I was bringing in Benjamin.

I made my necessary Dr.s appointments last week--all because I put it out there. This week my focus will be the laundry room. I keep the door shut but I'm going to reclaim the territory. Also it's Valentines week so there's sure to be some fun lovin' that will have blogging potential. Dang--spell check is still not working....grrr....

Random February Events

This is what I've been doing the last few days. Lost in Jane Eyre. It's a winter thing becuase after Christmas I was super inspired to stay on the ball but January wore me out. February has been: read while the kids tear the house apart.....
If anyone has a the Masterpiece version of it, can I borrow it? I think I'll check to see if the library will be getting it in.


Addie and Stuart--I just thought this was a sweet picture.









We love trains and so does Ian. When he comes over we try to build a big huge track with a "branch line" for every engine and tender. Every one wants to be James, he has a smart red coat of paint. Do you speak, Thomas the Train?





Addie has been making crowns for the last two days so last night they acted out King Benjamin for FHE. Of course Benjamin was King and on his tower he told Paige and Addie to remember Jesus. See the tent? I have to give all the credit to James for these drama productions. I feel like I'm always holding the boy and by Monday night I'm exhausted and just happy sitting on the couch watching these cute shows.





I hope this gets a laugh. This is James' second job. If you can guess what it is you win, and can join us for mangeled pizza next month. hint: It's not delivery.

For my focus this week I'm going to try to not be too sad that Mitt Romney is not a possibility for president any more. What happened? What went wrong? He's a good guy. Now John McCain? I'm one of the ones that doesn't like him, with no real reason.

Now my real focus is going to be Dr. Appointments. I need to get Benjamin in to see an ENT because his tonsils are as big as the sun. Here's a funny thing about Benjamin--On Sunday he woke up very sick--with a real high fever. He was even still a little sick today (Tuesday). He is such an easy going sickee. He didn't argue or threaten or run and jump on the new couch at all. He drank punch, napped, and was a sweet nice boy. Of course I felt bad that he was so sick and medicated dilligently but is it bad to admitt I enjoyed him a lot? And forgive the spelling--the spell check is not working....

Sleeping? Anyone?

Last weekend was filled with fun. Food included. Sharon and Company were in town and I let loose and ate at will. Guess what Stuart slept through the night. Saturday (I gorged on Michelle's Peanut Butter Fingers) Sunday (Meat Balls and homemade ice cream) Monday (chocolate chip, toffee, nut, condensed milk bars....you know the ones that you just can't leave alone....) By Tuesday I was committed again to nutritious low cal options. And guess what? the boy could not be satisfied. Does what I eat really have a connection to the type of milk I produce? (This is why James won't tell anyone about our blog--because it's all about nursing and stuff) I've always been a "jersey" when it came to milk--and really, the supply is still secure but the value of it, in Stuart's very vocal opinion, maybe not as filling? What are my options? Eat at will for the next six months? Move Stu on to some cereal of sorts to make up for non filling milk? I'm still debating so this week I made spritzer cookies with Addie and ate Robyn' s BTS cake two nights in a row. Delish.... and Stuart is back to sleeping 10 - 7. Maybe I've already made up my mind.

I read a great book this week. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I always say no book is worth a night's sleep but I broke my rule by finishing it Wednesday morning .... what a memoir.

Last night in FHE James had the kids act out Nephi being tied up on the boat. The bb hoop was a the mast, Addie was Nephi's wife and Paige and Stuart were Laman and Lemuel. I was the wind of the storm.

This post has been brought to you by six loads of unfold clean laundry. It's folded now--do you believe me? And another commitment to laundry has been made: to stick to it so that folding over'load' will not happen again.

Oh and my scrappy quilt. I just stuck it up with sticky tack--it's not quilted yet. But it's put together. Now I need to figure out a boarder? What do you think? Does it need one? Maybe I don't like it anymore. Ever worked on a project for 2+ years and in the end it's not exactly the look--because of time. PS Addie made me snowflakes for under the twiggy circles. Just until I find something. So sweet.

Gordon B. Hinkley

He was a great leader; so personable and direct. He had wit and vision, from Mike Wallace to the Conference Center. He was one I listened to for inspiration and wisdom of how to "Be" a better person, neighbor and follower of Jesus Christ. I will miss him.

It's just my weekly focus coming to fruition!

So I didn't get any pictures up or the wall quilt completely sewn but we got the mirrors up! Ta-Da! I feel like I've overcome decorators block. I need to buy another pillow too--Paige's pillow was left in Idaho so she got the sham pillow off my bed. Any suggestions for under the twiggy circles? Maybe a metal MAIR or a photo...

Benjamin's blankie went under the knife this week. The first picture is the gigantic rip with batting falling out. The second is the zigzag sewn edge. All fixed! He sleeps with it wrapped around his feet.

Here I am assembling all my roasts for my "casserole club". It worked out so well. 10 gals made 10 meals each--we all met and traded away. We've eaten three cheese cannelloni, and chicken fajitas so I'm down to eight meals. I have spots to fill of people who can't trade next month--so if anyone is interested in making and trading meals on the third Friday of the month call me for details.

Stuart fell off the changing table. He was belted in but scooched off the end, head first; the diaper champ kind of broke his fall. It is a miracle that I can keep kids alive. He also slept through the night last night. 7:30 - 7:30. Now if I had just gone to bed right after he had...

On Saturday at our Stake Women's Conference I listened to a sister from Africa who had received a hygiene kit right after her village had been raided and burned. She showed the towel, the toothbrush and comb--and the zip lock that it came in. It was very cool. She said, " you have the gospel, you have so much, don't take it for granted." That's been my mantra for the last two days. I don't want to jinx myself but I'm 7 for 7 last week in reading the Book of Mormon. It makes the day go well and I'll have to continue so I can keep getting things done.

In Sunday school the lesson was on the fall of Adam and Eve. For our treat I had them bite into the rind of an orange. We talked about the bitter and knowing that it was bitter was because of the fall. We then ate a truffle to "know" the sweet. I read them 2 Nephi 2: 25 Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might eat french truffles from Costco. (Emphasis added). he he he.

My focus for this week is a continuation of the bedroom. Finish the wall scrappy wall hanging and get the pictures up of the girls--and another trip to IKEA to look at small bathroom spaces. Addie is off track for the next three weeks. I hear the cabin calling...anyone up for a trip to sled and drink hot chocolate?

At last.....

The couch is here. Yesterday my dad and James drove to Bassett to get it and the sales lady had no idea where it was and why it hadn't been "pulled". Of course no manager could be located. They came home empty handed and I was mad. I called the store demanding to talk to whoever was in charge, they had to make this right...the manager was at lunch. I went to a fun baby shower expecting to give the manager the "what for" when he called. He never did and I came home to this...I love it. I've napped and nursed on it. It passes all the tests and I'm sure it will last at least 12 years. That's how long I need it to justify the cost.....




And Stuart testing out the couch as well.

I'm also posting a picture of the secretary. You can see the gigantic screen gleaming through the cracks. I have to do something about all the cords now that I see it in the picture but I love it. I'm out of the laundry room! I'm now looking for an ottoman/coffee table--you know the big square ones that folks can sit on if more seating is needed but not leather--fabric and I haven't seen too much of that. Also some chairs for over under the windows. Working slowly till it's just right... right?

My focus for this week is my bedroom. I (really James, Donna and Bevan) painted it before the boy and I still haven't hung anything up. In Idaho Vanessa helped me with a scrappy wall hanging that I started two years ago and I just need to pull it together. I have Tai Pan mirrors that are show stoppers and prints of the girls that Marisa took almost a year ago ready to go that just need someone to pick them up and put them on the wall. A cool twiggy wreath that's been sitting in the master tub for at least 3 months. How embarrassing is all of this. I don't have to go and buy anything, just address what I already have. So that's the goal. I should do photos. I don't know if I will. I don't think it will be half as stunning as the recent furniture addition.

Along with that I'm pulling together a make a head meals group. Ten gals making one thing ten times and we're all meeting Friday, here at my house to swap. I'll probably do a crock pot fare; maybe a roast with potatoes and carrots. It's our first meeting--I'll for sure blog it.

Here are some cute pictures from Christmas.

Does anyone want this well loved computer desk. Free just come and get it.

I taught the 12 year old Sunday school class for the second time today and I'm still trying to get the hang of it. Cute kids from great families that know the gospel--I just feel so vulnerable yabbering on about agency... the topic for today. We played Simon says...which really was Satan's plan in the premortal life.....That's as deep as we got and we had a lot of fun.

From our fun trip to Idaho. How cute are these kids? They're ready to eat a snack and the last one is Sharon doing story time to calm the air. What a fun time we had. Thanks again Vanessa! And I was thinking about it. Here you are 4 weeks away from delivery. We didn't come to help or anything, we just ate all your food and wrecked your house. The fridge was spotless, the storage room completely organized, bathrooms shiny.... I'm sure it wasn't effortless but you made it look like it was. Amazing.