Christmas is coming

I told my kids yesterday that if they would get their rooms cleaned they could help decorate the Christmas tree. They did their job but the day got away from me and we never did the tree. While I got ready for a work party Justin had, Ashley talked me in circles and accused me (in angry tones) of "tricking" the kids because we didn't do the tree.
So today I repented, and put up the lights so we could hang ornaments. All the kids had fun helping, and I tried not to wince when they put the ornaments too close together. The end result is pretty charming. But the best part was when Bubba came down while we were finishing up and said in an excited voice, "Mommy make it Christmas tree!" He went around several times repeating it to everyone. It was so fun. The kids debate over which stocking belongs to whom (I still have temporary substitutes up until my masterpiece is finished) and I feel nostalgic of my own childhood Christmases and try not to feel old.

Favorite Sunday Ever!

What is better than the magical night that you go to bed at 12:00, wake up at 8:00, and get nine hours of sleep? Snuggling with your kids in a king size bed, eating a late breakfast, having stake conference at 1:00 pm so all the girls get their hair done and I get a shower, and still get home in time to relax a while before you have to start dinner. I am a happy girl. It was such a great day.

My Newest Hobby

Look what I did Friday night! Love my latest hobby. It's called the "gourmet club" and there are 14 women in it. We take turns in pairs hosting a gourmet dinner, and Friday night was mine. Here are the pictures and menu that I promised. If you want recipes, you'll have to email me!

Me and my pardner, Anne. She was the best to work with, so easy! She is strong in the areas where I am not, so we make a good pair. Added bonus, she's hilarious!

The invite. These are very formal. You have to practice good etiquette or you are asked to leave the club.

Anne's genius.

So, the menu:

Mango Blueberry Frappe

Butternut Squash Quesadillas with Feta, and Cilantro Lime Dip
Melon Apple Chutney with Ham on Cornbread Rounds

Glazed pear salad

Roasted tomato and roasted yellow pepper soup
with serrano cream.


(no picture, but possible my favorite recipe of the whole night!)
Blood Orange Sorbet


Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Mustard Herb Vinaigrette and Green Bean Stacks

Pumpkin Gateau with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Orange

The cute girls we hired to help us in the kitchen (and it's a good thing we did!) Amy and Lindsey.

The gourmet ladies. Such fun women, I just love them!


The end of the night. These dinners are such hard work! We planned for months, and we practiced for weeks, and cooked for two days prior to the big night. As we complain and stress about how much we have to do, our husbands wonder why we do it and threaten to start a "golf club." This time around I figured it out. For me, it's the challenge. A chance to sharpen my cooking skills and use my brain, which otherwise get little use. A reason to spend time with friends and laugh. When it's all over and I breathe a sigh of relief that I can put my house back to order, I feel so great about all that I did and learned. And of course there is the great food!

GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL!

Yesterday was "Silent Saturday" for our soccer games. This is a once a year deal where the parents and coaches have to keep quiet throughout the entire game. (Brutal) You are only allowed to clap. So with that preface, check out Ashley taking the ball from a girl and sending it home! No idea who the crazy guy is yelling "GOOAALL" during Silent Saturday.

Don't get it

I have been spending lots of time and energy trying to get good at coupon shopping. I'm so irritated with it tonight. I spent hours clipping coupons, matching them up from the Sunday paper and cellfire and shortcuts. I borrowed my SIL's subscription to a grocery game website to print up the shopping list with available coupons, which I gathered all together. I spent almost two hours at the store finding just the right size and quantity of things I needed to double up good sales with good coupons. I did not buy things that were not on sale or not on my list. I even went at night so I could focus and not worry about keeping Nate from opening candy or answering Ashley's million questions.

So why can't I match up to the savings that are reported to me by my clever SIL and the mom's who blog about couponing? Arrgh!

Lets hear it friends, how do you do with your money saving attempts? I need some more tips.

Nate and the Spider

Nate is pretty funny about bugs. He likes them, but is also afraid sometimes. Tonight we got out the Halloween decorations for f.h.e. and there was a big plastic spider in there. I put in on a lamp shade, and then it turned up on the ground where Nate noticed it and started to smash it with a ball.

Then it flipped over and he squatted down beside it and hit the ground nearby trying to get the spider to move. When nothing happened he hit the ground again saying, "come on, dude!" Ah la la la la. Justin and I cracked up.

Then Justin took the spider and pretended to get Nate with it, but Nate jumped back and said, "Hey! Stop it Dad!" Such a funny age. That kid is endless entertainment.

Sorry about my poor cinematography.

Day to day business

Nate fell on the sidewalk and split his poor lip open. It is pretty much completely healed now, one week later but he looked pretty sad last week.

I love these twinkly eyes, the wavy gold hair, and the little mole on her cheek. She lost a tooth Sunday, she came up to me and I pulled it right out with a paper towel. She lost it the first night so then she wrote a cute note to the tooth fairy to put under her pillow but we found the tooth in her bed. She got her dollar this morning.

Grab the popcorn, here we go:

Black=Ashley talking Green=Me talking Blue=situation description

Mommy, what apple is this? Is this a play one or a real one?
Real.
Can I have a bite of it?

Mom, can you get a toothpick out so I can get that? Showing me apple in her teeth.

Is this a new bracelet?

Pointing to a box of cookies, Mommy what are these for?

Mommy howcome...what are you going to do with the graham crackers?

Watch me how I do it. Biting the apple.

Mommy. You gotta take a bit of this apple, it's soo good! Mmm, yummy yummy yummy.

Mom what did you do?

Mom are we going to play in the nursery? On the way to a Relief Society activity.

Mom what are you going to be making?

Can I have some Honeycombs?

I slowed down to make a left, Mom why are you stopping when there's a green light?
Hey mom I think I saw a police car.

Mommy I made a double sandwich for Bubba. Out of Honeycomb cereal.

Pulling into the church parking lot, Where's Anne Copelands car?

Do we have church on rainy days?

Mom, when can we go camping? I don't know. Howcome we can't go right now?

Picking her up after the Relief Society activity, Mom are we going somewhere else, like shopping?

Howcome you writed a list down? That's why I reminded you.

I am so funny!

Can I have a drink of that?

Mommy, howcome you wroted a list down? No answer, I'm writing.
Mommy! What is that list for?
I'm writing down all the questions you ask me.
Why?
So I can put it on my blog.
So you can read it like every day your on it?

Uh, Mom can I have a drink of your shake?

Mommy howcome they make the tall tower? Driving past the radio tower near our house.

Mommy don't you think it would be cute if I had a tall pony in my hair? And put like a clippy in it.

Mom the garage door is all the way open! As I sit in the driveway writing down the last question.

Grabbing my hand and holding it. That reminds me what I want to make with you. I want to make those yummy cookies that you gave your friends at church today.
No, you have already had ice cream so you can't have anything else until you eat the rest of your apple.
FINE! After all of these apples are done than I'm finished! And I'm not eating anything else!

Why?

What was that sound?

Can we eat kiwi tonight? While still working on her apple.

Wiping the windows inside my car, Can I wipe the other windows Mommy? Because the other window is pretty dirty!
Sure.
Where is the paper towel?
In Nate's car seat.
This is a great day to clean the windows!

Howcome I can't do the other side of the front seat door?

Why?

Hey, what's on me?

Playing with an electric toothbrush, Mom what if the doctor's office had a toothbrush just like mine and they had to spin it on your hand and it tickles?
That would be funny.
That would be hilarious! Can I try that on your hand?

Mommy howcome you're writing like a whole... She's on to me.

Hey Mommy let me show you something it's going to tickle so bad! Sticks the toothbrush under her armpit.

Hey Mom, what if I was eating with my armpit and I had to toothbrush it!

I asked her to do something, I'm too busy brushing my shoe. That head is going in the trash.

What?!

I asked her to scratch my back, Hey Mommy can I scratch it under your shirt?

Mom are you writing me down as laughing?

Mom, tell me all the words you writed down.

Mommy can you read me this page?

Can I walk on your back?

Howcome I can't brush your hair?
You can.
She comes back with a brush and I hear a noise.
Don't toothbrush it!
Howcome I can't toothbrush it?

Mommy can you take your clip out?

Your hair has enough hair for filling the whole entire comb up with hair!

Mommy are you going to write this down?

Did you write my name on there?

Mommy, are you going to make a list every morning?

I'm laying down resting, Mommy where did you get that sparkly eye shadow?

Mom when the little hand is on the four we are going to clean the closet.

Mommy how do you get your nails all shiny when you put nail polish on it?

Mommy, can you read this list? Pointing to a page. This one?

Can I write down a page? No. Howcome I can't do it?

I am trying to take a cat nap before the girls get home from school, Howcome we can't clean the closet right now?

Mommy can you do this so I can pop it? A little toy you turn inside out and it pops back.

Mom, when are we going to have a snack? Cuz I'm hungry.

Mommy can I have some gum? I don't have any. Can I just look?

Mommy can you read the list to me? Not right now. Why? I'm resting. Tomorrow can you read it to me?

On the way to Emma's soccer game, Next time we come to the game can we bring stachios?

Mommy how much water does a firetruck hold? A firetruck doesn't hold water. The hose does?


I pretty much gave up after that. We had the game, came home and ate, and put them to bed. Repeat process tomorrow. Get an idea of what being a mother to a small child is like?

Just Wait...

Tomorrow, Ashley does not have preschool. To help me make it through the day I'm going to jot down all the questions she asks me so you can get an idea of what it is like to spend the day with her. This should be amusing!

Good Example

We often let Nate stay up after we put the girls to bed. We get one on one time with him, and he plays around while we sit or watch TV. He was so cute tonight! He put Ashley's soccer shin guards on his hands and did a funny one legged skip around dancing to the music on commercials. He was sitting on my lap looking at pictures of his cousin Rosie on her mom's blog when Ashley yelled downstairs for something. We had sent the girls to bed half an hour ago. Before Justin or I could do anything Nate yelled out, "GO TO BED!" "GO SLEEP!" in his little baby voice. If you ask us where he learned that, we'll say, "I have no recollection of that, senator."

Soccer Saturday

After nearly two weeks of rain, cancelled practices and games, we finally had our first soccer games today. I think Ash likes her new uniform. She was so cute, and had a great time. She scored a goal! She was at the front of the bumblebee pack and took it to the net. When we cheered for her she got a shy look on her face like she felt bad about it. Later in the game she had a great assist. She put if right on the line and a teammate tipped it in.
Ashy's coach is fantastic. At first I was worried because he is a little die hard--he wanted to have two practices a week. (For 4 year olds I think it's a little aggressive.) But I will say he runs a great practice, and despite multiple cancelled practices he had the girls ready for their game. The best part about him is his talent with interacting with the girls. He is able to motivate them without threats or anger, and is great about being sympathetic without encouraging drama. He gave one girl some extra play time today because she really wanted a goal.

Nate was good during the first game: there was a baby behind us he played with. He also spent some time shooting on a free goal with Emma and eating snacks I brought.
Smack in the middle of the other girls games Emma had pictures, of course. I had to leave Ash and truck clear across the fields, lugging the chubby kid who refused to walk. On the plus side I was able to steal a great team photo so I don't have to pay 30 bones for it. Cha Ching. There is one girl with her eyes closed, but it's not my kid!

Then we hoofed it back over to pick up Ashley and catch the end of Camille's game. It was getting pretty hot by then, and Nate still wouldn't walk. Not sure why. He had a harder time during Cam's game because he always tries to go for Justin when he can see him across the field. He made a couple escape attempts, and made it to midfield one time but luckily the play was at the other end.
Camille played well in her game. Ironically enough, she is not aggressive at all on the soccer field. She hangs back and follows the play from a distance. She did get a foot on the ball a few times and loves to do throw ins. Three out of seven players on her team no showed, so the four played the whole game with no subs. They were beat by the end.


Notice Emma's cute flower clip, the latest outlet for my craftiness.


This is Nate showing me his "truck." He loves to bite one corner of a cracker and then say, "Mom, truck" and drive it around with sound effects. He even says, "beep, beep, beep" when he backs it up. All in all a good soccer day.

My Camilly

Lest you think Cam is always in a bad mood, I had fun doing homework with her yesterday. She gets a word with scrambled letters and has to cut them up to make other words. I made the word "burp" and after looking at it for a bit she started to laugh. She cracked up again while writing it down on her paper and said, "Ahhh, that never gets old!"

Here is an example of her fun sense of humor:

Family Fun

We took the kids to the Heard Museum in Fairview last weekend. It was rainy, but we still had fun. They have a great collection of rocks and minerals, so if you are into geology you should stop by. They also have a small animals of the world exhibit, and a little butterfly house. The walk down to the outside exhibits is on a wood planked ramp, which was wet. Ashley and Camille both slipped on the way down, and they were not happy!

In the animals of the world there was a crazy cockatoo. It climbed all around it's cage using its claws and beak. It could catcall, which the kids really liked, but then it made the loudest alarm type noise I have ever heard. Camille especially didn't like that and said she was never coming back.

It was a little muddy at the entrance to the butterfly house, and we had the funniest experience. There were a few ants trailing across the doorway, and since it was brown and muddy the girls thought they were walking in a giant anthill. Justin, Emma and I hopped across the puddle, then Ash went. She attempted a wild leap, slipped to one knee in her flip-flops, then jumped up screaming hysterically and stamping her feet like she was being attacked. Justin and I laughed so hard we couldn't stand straight and I had trouble assuring her that there were no ants on her and she could stop crying. She was also covered with mud, you can see it on her knee in the pic above. She tiptoed on one foot all around and was not content until I had taken her into the bathroom to wash off her shoe and her foot. I told her people pay for mud, that it was good for her skin, but that only prompted a storm of questions about why people buy mud and why it's good for her skin. I didn't have a good answer for that so I tried to change the subject. In the meantime it took quite a while to convince Camille to hop over and come in the butterfly house. She told me strongly that she didn't want to hold a butterfly and was a little paranoid in there. She stuck close to me and worked her pouty face.

While we were washing up Justin and Nate found a centipede inside. Nate thought it was great and this is him squatting close and saying, "HI BUG! HI!"
Despite the comedy of errors, we had a pretty good time and the best part was the kids were happy to get home and played with friends the whole afternoon.

Warning! Long and potentially boring journal post!

The summer heat is slowly on it's way out, and I suddenly have renewed energy and mood! I had such a great day today. It started out well and then just got better. I woke up early and went for a jog in the rain (yay me!) Usually, that would have been a legitimate excuse to turn off the alarm and stay in bed, but like I said, renewed energy.

Emma got up this morning and decided to help me with the garbage. She gathered it all and took the trash out to the street. I got teary on the way home from dropping them at school, thinking about what a good kid she is and how much a simple act of service can mean to someone. I know, I'm a mom.

Since I didn't have to take the trash out I took a nice shower, and did my hair. Now that is an accomplishment. I spent the morning with my Gourmet Club partner Anne, and we tried out some new recipes for our big dinner in October. We found a couple winners and I stuffed myself with delicious food.

I put Nate to bed and called a friend for Ashley, thinking I might get to rest if she was busy. When Sophie's mom came to drop her off she said Sophie had decided she wanted to play at her house, so Ashley went and I laid down for a luxurious nap in my totally quiet house. No cartoons on in the background, no million questions, just me and the ceiling fan and a cozy blanket. (Thanks Jen!)

Ash was still gone when the girls came home from school, so I helped Camille with her homework without the usual distractions (think screaming, crying, fighting, arguing, tattling, and crumbs everywhere.) I spent an hour and a half working in my front yard while Ash and Nate rode bikes. I bagged up the stuff I pruned out a couple days ago and gave my monkey grass a major thinning and haircut. Man that thing was overgrown. It was a fair fight--my hands are all cut up. Monkey grass is sharp! I should have taken a before picture, so you could see how much I did. I have three giant contractor bags filled already--one entirely with monkey grass--and still a pile of eucalyptus branches to pick up.


Emma's soccer practice was canceled, Yippee! Soccer takes a big chunk of our week. I don't love that but it is fun when the kids enjoy it and I like to watch their games.

Because we could sit down to dinner I got inspired to make posole from stuff I had in my pantry, which was exciting because that is something I would actually like to eat if I ever had to eat my food storage. It was so fast, and very tasty if you add a little shredded cabbage and fresh lime. While I cooked Emma unloaded the dishwasher without complaining. Gold star for Emma today.

We sat down together and talked about the best and worst of our days, something we picked up from our friend Deb that my kids love. They all want a turn to talk. Camille did the dishes with only a little complaining, and I have an empty sink to start the morning :)

The girls can now get ready for bed without assistance. Hallelujah! And I thought it would never happen. While they did that Justin asked Nate what he wanted to watch on TV. Nate shouted "FOOTBALL!" with enthusiasm and Justin almost cried. It was a proud moment. The girls will have a hard time if they ever try to beat Nate out as Justin's favorite! Anytime he mentions anything with "ball" in it, points out trucks, rides his motorcycle, or greets Justin with a happy "Daddy!" and a "Hug! Hug!" Justin just looks at me and smiles.

Lastly, I folded two loads of laundry while watching The Office and remembered to water my new potted plants. I love flowers! It is so great to get to the end of the day and feel like you have done something worthwhile. I can't figure out why this is rotated wrong or how to fix it so enjoy my flowers sideways, I'm ready for bed.

I Love Mom!

You should see them now Mom, they have almost tripled in size!

Family Dynamics

This video shows each child's personality in a small clip. It also happens to be some of Nate Dog's first steps! Justin requested I post it. My favorite part is the look he gives me at the end. Think Jim from The Office.

No babies were harmed in the making of this movie.

WARNING hibernating bear!

Camille is tough in the morning. From the minute I get her up, she folds her arms, stomps her feet, and screams at anyone who talks to her. This morning for example, I woke her up to get in a nice warm bath. The bath was too hot, and she refused to get in and said she hated school. It was the worst day of her life. (She said that yesterday too. I considered pointing it out to her but held back.) Then she was mad because she couldn't get her nightgown off by herself. She was upset because she couldn't get out of the tub first (Ashley was almost finished with her bath by now.) Then because she had to wash with soap. When I asked her to get out she moaned with frustration, and after she had complained about getting in. Then she was furious because she had nothing to wear. Emma's clothes didn't fit, they were too long. When I produced a perfectly clean pair of capris from the dryer, she didn't want to wear that outfit and refused to go to school. I said it was against the law for her to stay home and she said she hated the police, with her arms folded. But she finally did get dressed, and started playing with her dollhouse. At this point we have ten minutes before we are supposed to leave.
Downstairs, she got mad at me because there was nothing she wanted to eat. I made a few suggestions which were vhemently refused, so I told her to figure it out on her own or go hungry to school. She found some cereal. She obstinately put on her shoes trying to wiggle as much as possible while I combed her hair, and I told her she would have to go to bed at 7:00 tonight if she didn't start cooperating. We stomped our way to the car. After I started it up Ashley told me Camille wasn't buckled so I told her to buckle up. She screamed at Ashley for tattling but put her seatbelt on. Then she said she hated little sisters and I told her to keep her mouth shut, she hadn't said one nice thing all morning. Thankfully she did. I'd like to tell you it was an unusually rough morning, but it wasn't. It's all completely routine.

Nate is thankfully less abrasive when he wakes up. He usually snuggles who ever gets him out of bed for a minute or so, and then eats what the girls are eating for breakfast. This morning he needed more cereal and nobody was there to help so he helped himself. He laughed with us when we laughed at him and posed for me when I got the camera.

Nathan

Man, we love this kid. These are really old, but I just found them and thought he was unbelieveably adorable. He can say his name now. When we ask him what his "real" name is, he points to his chest and says "Na-san." His other name is Bubba, you have to specify which one you want.

School is Cool

I love back to school. I always have actually, but I love it even more now. My kids like school, and I like them to be in school. It is good for them and for me.

I was taking Ashley to her first day of preschool Monday morning, and she said from the back seat: "Are you excited to have one kid?" I laughed and resisted my initial response (YES!!!) and said, "I'm excited for you to have fun at preschool and I'll be happy to see you when you get home." She didn't say much to that. But I had to laugh. I hope my kids realize how much I love them, even if I am overjoyed when they go to school.

Summertime!

I am glad to have a break from homework, but I am getting overwhelmed with kids already. We just got back from a great vacation with Justin's sister and her family, more on that to come, so now after that high the kids are whiny and bored today. Perhaps I should have taken them out of the house, but who doesn't love sitting in their pajamas until right before their husband gets home every once in a while? Don't tell Justin!

Man Time

Check out Bubba taking the tackling drill to a whole new level!

It's tough to discipline when you are laughing hysterically.

dinner disaster

I have been waiting to try this new recipe for a while now. I bought the ingredients, I was almost ready to go one night and Justin ended up not coming home so I put it off.

Well, I made it today. It took me an hour and a half in the kitchen (not that the recipe was that involved, but I had to clean as I went and then the kid factor...) and I ended up with the perfect Chicken Picatta, the chicken looked just like the picture on the recipe, it was a little golden and everything was done at the right time. Perfection.

Justin called in the middle of cooking to say something had gone wrong at work, but I wasn't overly concerned about that, I could reheat it for him. Then, there was unanimous mutany at the table! Such whining and complaining you have never heard. You would think I tried to feed them road kill. Even Nate threw his chicken on the floor.

Emma was the most upset. Camille and Ashley eventually picked their capers out and ate the chicken and noodles with added parmesan. Bubb played with his for a while, trying to get some food on a fork but he didn't eat any. When I tried to feed him a bowtie he stuck his tongue out and spit it out. But Em, that girl. She dug her heels in and announced she would be sneaking downstairs at midnight to eat cereal. Then she sat and glared at me for the rest of the dinner. I offered her a couple flavor covering choices, but I'm not in the restaurant business. She got sent to her room without eating.

When Justin came home and I heated up his plate specially, he hates microwaved meat. I made it all pretty and served him up. He took one bite and looked at me apolegetically.

I'm feeling like pizza and hot dogs for the next month.

P.S. Emma had a change of heart and apologized for her behavior. In light of the total failure of my new recipe, I gave her a bowl of cereal.

time for updates

Happy Birthday Billy!

Camillly is the cutest little seven-year-old you ever saw. She has a fun smile and a great sense of humor. She loves Tom and Jerry, Spongebob, and all things High School Musical. She is a sensitive thoughtful girl, and I worry sometimes about her fragile self confidence. One of her latest things is wanting me to pick out her clothes for her. (Perhaps it stems from her getting dressed inappropriately for the weather and me telling her to change--she hates that.) She will make some man so happy some day: for her birthday she asked for BBQ brisket, sausage, and bacon. So we had them all.

She has turned into a great little reader, it is cute the way she shows me the pictures and reads me the books she brings home from school. She also is doing so well with reading the scriptures, I'm amazed sometimes at the words she figures out. She is a great little organizer. She likes to put her own clothes away, and organize the barbies in Ashley's doll house. She loves to write notes and leaves us little love notes almost daily. She is a great kid.

I love this smile.

And our little Bubb is starting to talk! Oh my, nothing gets my heart like little baby words. It is so hard to catch him on video, but I'm trying. In his vocabulary:

Mom

Daddy

Emma

Ashy (poor Camilly, he hasn't figured out how to say her name yet and it breaks her heart)

bird

doggie

woof

ba ba, passy, blanket (those three all sound pretty much the same)

mine

here you go (more like "eh go!")

please

thank you

bye bye

stuck

stinky Oh!

all gone

uh oh

and of course, ball

He also blows kisses, one of our favorite tricks.
It is my absolute favorite stage of babyhood, the learning to talk part. I finally get a little hint of what goes on in their minds and see the intelligence working, it just melts my heart.
He is such a lovey little man, he gives us lots of hugs and snuggles and pats. It is impossible not to adore him.

First Soccer Games!

Last Saturday Emma and Camille both kicked off their first soccer seasons. Camille's team is Flower Power and Emma's team is the Unicorns.

The Dream Team (Flower Power) just before kick-off.

After a 12-5 victory it's time to rehydrate.

Emma going for a 50/50 ball.

Nice cut Emma!

Bye Bye Fro

I gave the Bubb a little trim. Justin doesn't like it so much, but it's grown on me. I miss his blonde highlights, but its starting to warm up so we could get those back without too much trouble. Such a cute kid.