Team Hess

Eleven Tag

2012-02-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by a fellow blogger. And since I don't have much to post about these days (since I seem to only be able to do the bare minimum lately thanks to round the clock morning sickness), I was more than happy for some blogging material.

Here's what I have to do (and 11 other lucky readers):

1. Post the rules
2. Share 11 random things about myself
3. Answer the 11 questions from the post in which I was tagged
4. Create 11 new questions for my tagees to answer
5. Tag 11 people

11 Random Things About Me:

1. If I am stressed, sick, sad, or tired, a warm bath is the answer to my woes.
2. I attend a Zumba classes 2-4 times a week. And my favorite spot to be in Zumba is right up front, because if I know everyone else is watching me, I will push myself as hard as I can and get the best workout possible.
3. I am more often than not silently correcting a persons grammar when talking with them.
4. I have only sworn purposefully twice in my life, and both times it was the word "a**hole" and both times it was directed toward the same person.
5. I love rollercoasters.
6. Greg and I can not come to an agreement on a boy's name for this new baby coming into our family. We've had girls names ready since before I was pregnant with Palmer.
7. My dream vacation would be to go on a cruise. I love the idea that it is all inclusive. I am frugal/cheap (take your pick) and I know with a cruise, I could totally relax and just enjoy everything without worrying about money.
8. My favorite board game is Loaded Questions.
9. I am terrified of spiders, and have been known to trap them under bowls when Greg is not home, so he could deal with them at a later time. Lately, my two and three year old, more often than not, are quite willing to kill the pesky critters for me.
10. I am loving the newest season of The Office. I didn't think it would be very good without Steve Carrell, but I happy to be wrong. Ed Helms is brilliant as the new boss.

11. I consider myself a pretty competent cook/baker, but for some unknown reason, I can not properly bake a potato. I've had success maybe two or three times, but usually the attempts end in failure.

11 Questions Asked of Me:

1. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Still happily married with three or four children (right now I'd say three, but anytime I'm not pregnant I would have said four). Hopefully moved into a new home, a home still within our ward boundaries because we love our ward, and this would surprise most people, actually love living in West Valley. Possibly, I would be teaching high school English, if I later decide to complete my student teaching. And if I'm really dreaming big, I would have a book published by this point in my life.
2. What was your favorite part of school? I am a school nerd, and have actually always really liked school. But my favorite part, honestly, would have to have been the socializing aspect.
3. How did you meet your significant other/spouse? My father spoke at our singles ward the first week Greg attended. Greg went to talk to him afterwards in the parking lot. My mother was in the car waiting, and decided to invite Greg over for dinner that night "to meet her two beautiful daughters." Yep, that's really what happened. And it wasn't that out of the ordinary for my mother.
4. I didn't like my name and wanted to change it when I was a kid. If you could have picked out your own given name, what would it have been? I didn't like my name as a child either. At the time I really like the names Dabney and Sunday; my Barbies always had one of these names when playing dolls with friends. Now I like my name a lot, and would not choose to change it.
5. What is your absolute favorite movie (if you can't pick just one, pick a genre)? I love Moulin Rouge. I love the singing, the romance, the artistic set design and costumes, and of course, Ewan McGregor.
6. What motivates you when you have the least amount of motivation? A to do list always has a way of getting me going on projects that need attention.
7. Is there a famous person (not necessarily a celebrity) you admire? And why? I really love President Hinckley and his wife Marjorie. They were so endearing, kind, and profoundly insightful. And to top that all off, they had such a sweet, gentle humor about them. Joy and the light of Christ shown in their eyes. They will always hold a special spot in my heart.
8. Who was your favorite school teacher and why? My fifth grade teacher Mrs. Rhineheart was my favorite teacher because she helped me discover my love for creative writing. She had at least a half hour of writing time scheduled each and every school day.
9. What subject in school did you struggle with the most? Succeed in? Math has always been a struggle for me, as well as mathematical sciences like Chemistry and Physics. English and Language Arts has always come easily to me.
10. What is your favorite thing about yourself? I take pride in the things I am able to create. Whether it be food, scrapbooking, crafts, or the written word. I am by no means the most talented person in these areas, but when I look at something that I've poured myself into, and I am satisfied with the results, I am a happy girl.
11. Have you been to a foreign country (other than Canada -- I just don't consider that a foreign country. :) )? And if so, where -- and why? I have not. And isn't that just sad? I know I need to make vacationing more of a priority, as I have said in the past. Growing up, I was always disappointed that parents didn't take us places like other families. I know we didn't have much money for traveling, but Greg's family didn't either and still found ways to enjoy family vacations. I still am struggling with how to fit this into our budget when so many other expenses come up that seem more pressing and necessary.

Questions for 11 Lucky People (should they choose to accept this challenge):

1. How do you relieve stress?

2. What would be your dream vacation?

3. What is your favorite quote/saying?

4. How many hours of sleep do you need a night to function well?

5. What is your favorite dessert?

6. What will you ask for as your birthday gift this year?

7. Do you have a nickname, and if so how did you get it?

8. What is best and the worst book you have ever read?

9. What is something you would like to learn how to do?

10. What celebrity do you have a crush on?

11. What past job did you enjoy the most?

And finally, the 11 Lucky People I choose to tag are...

1. Greg (ha, we'll see if I can get him to do this on here. After all this is a family blog, and I shouldn't be the only one posting)
2. Sariah
3. Jenn
4. Adrienne
5. Lisa
6. Becca
7. Crystal
8. Kristina
9. Martha
10. Becky
11. Rachel

Valentine Tulle Wreath

2012-02-08T14:20:00.002-07:00

My very cool friend Ces taught me and a few other women how to make super cute tulle wreaths. This time around, we all made a Valentines wreath since the big day of love is just around the corner. It was pretty easy to put together. It took a couple hours, but it was a couple hours spent doing mindless work in the company of good girl friends and yummy treats, so in my book, definitely time spent well. I think it came out really cute.

Friendly kids

2012-02-06T14:26:00.004-07:00

I love that our boys are so friendly and outgoing. They really do make friends everywhere they go. Whether it is the woman in line behind us at the grocery store, a random child at the park or an old man sitting at a nearby table in a restaurant, Palmer and Brody are more likely than not to point to that person and tell me that he or she is their friend.

A ward member told me that Palmer was the only child who attempted to play with her special needs twins in nursery. That made my heart so warm and happy.

And a couple weeks ago, I took the boys to a play place. It was there that they ran into a five or six year old Hispanic boy. Palmer quickly asked him, "Do you have a mom, a dad, and a Brody?" And a few minutes later he told the same boy, "You look like Diego from Netflix." And to Palmer and Brody's utter delight, the little boy answered, "My name is Diego." The little boy's mother then called him to eat. Brody continued to call out, "Hi Diego!" with every step he took in the softplay, and would continue the call until little Diego replied with his own, "Hi!"

Greg's 30th Surprise Birthday Party

2012-01-30T18:19:00.006-07:00

I threw Greg a surprise party for his 30th birthday last weekend. (Can't believe we are both turning 30 this year!) His response was awesome! He was totally thrown off guard. It took him a few minutes to realize the party was for him and not a Valentine's Party my sister was throwing (as I had informed him), and then he spent another couple minutes arguing that his birthday wasn't even coming up, until he pulled out his phone to realize his birthday was this week. We celebrated with family members from both sides of the family, ward friends, old friends and coworkers of Greg's. We had dinner: sub sandwiches, vegetable trays, chips and pop (I bought WAY too much food), and Greg's sister Andrea make a huge white cake with white buttercream frosting from Schmidts Pastry Cottage (Greg's favorite). We played a game, 30 Facts from Greg's 30 years. Everyone did their best to answer the following questions correctly.

1. When was Greg born? (month, day and year) February 2, 1982
2. What is Greg’s favorite color? Purple
3. What high school did Greg attend? Elko High School
4. Who is Greg’s favorite band? Dream Theater
5. In college, Greg played which character as a cast member of West Side Story? Riff
6. What is Greg’s middle name? Gene
7. Where did Greg serve his mission? Mangua, Nicaragua
8. What level does Greg play on Guitar Hero? Expert
9. How tall is Greg? 6' 4"
10.What is Greg’s favorite television show? The Office, The Simpsons, Star Trek
11. What instrument does Greg play? (*bonus points if you can name any band he has played with) Drums, Endless Nameless, Mighty Afro Whities, Old Farts, Rock Salad
12. Greg has how many children? 2 and one on the way

13. What is Greg’s personal e-mail address: greggoey@_________.com

14. What size of shoe does Greg wear? 12
15. How many siblings does Greg have? 2
16. Where does Greg currently work? DealerTrack
17. What is Greg’s current church calling? 2nd Councilor in Elder Quorum
18. What would be Greg’s dream vacation? New York City
19. Greg has broken how many bones in his body? 0
20. How did Greg meet Lera? Lera's mother met him in the parking lot of a singles ward and invited him over for dinner
21. Name a career (not computer related) that Greg has pursued in the past. Grocery Management, Bread Vendor, & Loan Officer
22. What was Greg’s favorite toy as a child? Legos
23. At the gym, what type of exercise is Greg most likely to participate in? Running on the track
24. Is Greg a heavy sleeper or a light sleeper? Heavy
25. What type of animal gives Greg the creeps? Crabs
26. What is Greg’s favorite restaurant? Texas Roadhouse, TGI Fridays Rodizio Grill & Chuck-a-Rama
27. Name a book Greg has read in the past year. ICND 1 & 2
28. As a child, Greg took what type of lessons? Karate
29. If Greg complains of pain, it is most likely located where on his body? His mouth (canker sores)
30. In one sitting, how much of a package of Double Stuffed Oreos has Greg been known to eat? The whole package

The top three winners (my sister Sariah, Greg's mom Nancy and his sister Emily) got a package of Double Stuffed Oreos.

We spent the rest of the night mostly talking. A few people took advantage of the Clubhouse's amenities and played pool, ping pong, or watched one of Greg's favorite movies in the theater. Sadly, I didn't get many pictures, since I didn't remember to pull out the camera until more than half of the guest had left for the night. Here are the shots I did get.

Thanks to our family and friends who joined us in our celebration. Greg really enjoyed his surprise!

Answers to Prayers

2012-01-27T15:03:00.005-07:00

Greg had a six day business trip a couple weeks ago. I never like it when he is gone, but this last time was especially hard, since I've been so sick with this pregnancy. He called me the day before he was scheduled to come home to inform me that the trip was being extended and he would be yet another day. I actually started crying when he told me the news. I was so tired, worn out and sick, and so ready for him to come home and give me a break. He's a great a husband, a great father, and a great help, and I wanted all that back in our day to day lives. He felt really bad and suggested I hire a babysitter so I could go out and have fun. I responded that I didn't want to go out, I was sick and I just wanted to hole up in my room and sleep while not having to worry about the kids.

Later that evening my sister London called me. I of course told her of my disappointment about Greg being delayed. She responded quickly by offering to pick up Palmer the next day after our shift at work, so that I could rest while Brody napped in the afternoon. I assured her that wasn't needed, because I'm stubborn like that and don't always accept help well. She insisted it was no big deal and said she'd be by to get Palmer in the afternoon. As I hung up the phone I realized my silly little prayer had not only been heard, but answered. My sister offered me exactly what I was wanting without me having to ask. This quote came to my mind, "In the end the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance." - Deiter F. Uchdorf.

My sisters are often answers to my prayers. And I have many kind friends and other family members also who are always willing to come to my aid. Just today a good friend offered to watch my boys while I ran errands because she knew I wasn't feeling well (another prayer answered). My mother was such a giving soul, and I've strived to emulate her generosity my entire life. I pray frequently to be a service unto others. I hope that I am, because I know that I surely am watched over.

When I am pregnant, I do not feel like myself. I am not energetic; I am tired. I do not have the same drive to clean, and cook and play with my children. Many days, I just want to lie on the couch and groan. I don't feel like myself and I don't like it. I've also recently realized that I do not serve as much when I am pregnant. I feel overwhelmed just making it through the day, and I don't reach outside of myself because of that. I have realized that this must change, and I am now going to try even harder to be an answer to others' prayers. I know that I will feel better when I am not so focused on myself.

Official Announcement

2012-01-25T15:25:00.004-07:00

I saw the doctor today and it is official; I am pregnant! I took a positive pregnancy test on Christmas Eve. I wrapped the test up and invited Greg and the boys open an early present. We also announced to our families that evening in the same manner. It was a very fun and exciting Christmas surprise.

I'm about ten weeks along. The baby is due August 25; and yes, I am fully aware I will be a hot sweaty mess by then. I've been pretty sick, as I have been with my other pregnancies. Today the doctor prescribed me Phenergan, hooray! And I was able to hear baby's heartbeat, an even bigger hooray!

We are very excited for baby #3 to join our ranks! Palmer is especially excited and has told quite a few of our family and friends earlier than planned. Which is just fine. In fact, he told several people that I'm having two girls. I'm not too sure about that tidbit. Many of you also figured it out on your own as you caught me sneak a string cheese in the hallway at church or as you witnessed me turn green and wretch in numerous situations (feel free to count yourselves as one of the lucky ones, and if you haven't been "lucky" yet, just stick around, there will be plenty more to come). So for those of you who were in the know, you are now welcome to spread the word, and for those of you who are learning of this pregnancy for the first time, we're excited to now be sharing our joy with you.

Christmas in January

2012-01-24T14:43:00.004-07:00

We got together with our best buds the Jennes this past weekend for our annual Christmas gift exchange. Yes, we had a Christmas party in January. We didn't intend to celebrate so late, but with overscheduling and illness, it kept getting pushed back.

I honestly believe a sign of a true friend is that you can pick up right where you've been no matter how long it's been. And that has always been the case with my best friend from high school, Jenn. There are times in our lives when we are able to get together often and there are times in our lives when we can't. Life gets busy, as I'm sure you all know. What's great about a good friend is that you don't have to apologize or feel guilty about the times when life puts friendship on the back burner. You relate, you understand and you move forward and make sure to enjoy the times you do have.

We exchanged gifts. Ate tortellini, breadsticks and salad for dinner, had brownies and ice cream for dessert and played the Xbox Kinect. It was the Jenne's first time trying out the Kinect so we made sure to show them a variety of games. The kids all took their turns chopping fruit, river rafting and dancing along with the adults. It was great fun!

I'm sure our dear friends just love me posting these pictures of them dancing the night away. However, Greg and I both look like idiots too, so that counts for something right?

Recipe - Creamy Potato Soup

2012-01-20T14:40:00.001-07:00

Here is another recipe from my sister London, who is a fantastic cook. We've eaten this soup a few times in past past couple months. One reason is because it's a meal that is yummy, simple and makes for great warm comfort food during the chilly winter season. Another reason we've made it so often is that my mother-in-law kindly gave us a 50 pound bag of russet potatoes, and we've been making sure to put them to good use.

Recipe - Creamy Potato Soup

7-8 potatoes
1 onion
4 tablespoons butter
8 ounces cream cheese
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
salt and pepper to taste
crumbled bacon, as garnish
shredded cheddar cheese, as garnish

Peel and dice potatoes. Dice onion. Boil potatoes and onion until tender, then drain. While potatoes cook, melt butter and cream cheese in a separate saucepan. Add cream of chicken soup, salt, milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Add cream mixture to potatoes. Add a little milk if soup is too thick. Top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.

More Cute Kid Talk

2012-01-10T12:26:00.001-07:00

Here's some more silliness from the mouths of the babes at the Hess home.

Palmer:

While pointing to the mannequins in the ladies underwear section at Kohl's, exclaims, "Mom look, they're going swimming!"
"Poopy is a bad word. Pirates say it, not friends."
While watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas, he said, "He is so, so, so sorry. I can love him now!" And as The Grinch and the Whos sat down for the feast, he said, "They're all sharing!"
While looking at tamarindos in the produce section at Winco, Palmer very loudly proclaimed for all around to hear, "There's poop in there!"
Palmer still refers to himself in the third person, often.
Palmer's primary teacher relayed to Greg that this past Sunday when she told the class that Heavenly Father has a body, Palmer raised his hand and said, "He has a body. I have a body. He has a pee pee. I have a pee pee. He has a bum. I have a bum." Then Palmer got very serious as he looked around at the class and said, "You're all girls. You don't have pee pees."

Brody:

Calls chocolate kisses "temple candy" because they have a pointed top.
Says "me," "mine," "me too," and "me do it" more often than not.
Wants "two" of everything, or more but still asks for "two" even if the number is three or four or more.
Likes to hide, but we are never too worried about finding him because the entire time he is hidden he loudly proclaims, "Hideen!"
Calls his two favorite stuffed animals (a teddy bear and a hippo) as one name, "Teddy-Hippo" and his next favorite stuffed animal is a smaller teddy bear, which he has named "Baby Teddy."
Frequently uses the quip, "Palmer did it."

Once There Was a Snowman

2012-01-08T20:24:00.006-07:00

Once there was a snowman, tall, tall, tall! Greg helped the boys make a huge snowman with our weekend's plentiful snowfall. He was so big, in fact, that Greg had to recruit me to help him lift the second impressive snowball up on top of the first. When I ran inside to find a nose for the big guy, a.k.a. carrot, Palmer followed me and smartly produced a Mr. Potato Head nose to use instead. We also gave Frosty some branch arms, a couple of coal pieces for eyes and a nice warm scarf.
Sadly, he did not make it through the night. That evening we discovered he could not withstand his excessive weight and found three masses of snow scattered about our front lawn. I was worried the kids would be sad, but they dealt with our snowman's demise well. Palmer quickly started singing, "Then he started melting, melting, melting. Then he started melting..." and Brody joined in for one final verse, "...small, small small."

Recipe - Monkey Bread

2011-12-31T22:40:00.001-07:00

I made monkey bread for our dessert on Christmas day. We all love this scrumptious bread. Greg, Sariah, Nancy, Palmer, Brody and I ate the whole thing in one evening. It's a bit addicting, being so easily accessible. There's no need to dish up or cut yourself another piece. Simply place the bread in the middle of the table and everyone just pulls and eats to their hearts' content. It also serves as a great breakfast.

Monkey Bread

4 small tubes refrigerated biscuit dough
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9 or 10 inch tube/Bundt pan. Mix white sugar and cinnamon in a plastic bag. Cut biscuits into quarters. Shake 6 to 8 biscuit pieces in the sugar cinnamon mix. Arrange pieces in the bottom of the prepared pan. Continue until all biscuits are coated and placed in pan. If using nuts and raisins, arrange them in and among the biscuit pieces as you go along. (I only like raisins and I arrange them in a single layer through the middle of the monkey bread.) In a small saucepan, melt the margarine with the brown sugar over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute. Pour over the biscuits. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate. Do not cut; the bread just pulls apart.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

2011-12-30T16:45:00.001-07:00

Christmas Eve:We started our Christmas celebration with a Hess family party at Grandma Nancy's house. We ate lunchmeat & roll sandwiches, vegetables, chips and dip and apples with Skor dip. We had a white elephant exchange, and then exchanged real gifts to each other.
Then we headed to the Riding's home for a Nichols family party. We munched on a variety of appetizers (we brought clubhouse squares and more apples and Skor dip). The little boys (Braedon, Trevor, Davis, Palmer and Brody) all dressed in matching pajamas that Grandma Betty had made and then we had our gift exchange.

Christmas Day:Greg and I sang in the choir and in a double quartet during sacrament meeting. Sariah came to church with us and sat with the boys in the pews, she also spent the rest of Christmas Day with us at our home. We opened gifts after church since church was early, at 9:00 am, and our boys are young and didn't know better. It was good that we waited because they took a long time to open gifts. Each gift they opened they wanted to play with instead of moving on to another gift. Santa really spoiled us this year! Palmer's favorite gift this year was a Leapster. Brody's favorite gift was a golf caddy. Rie's favorite gift from Santa (I'm guessing from her reaction) was a Roald Dahl book set. My favorite gift was a Sillhouette Cameo (yay!) and Greg's favorite gift (which slightly pains me to say) was the complete Star Trek movie collection on Blu-ray. Rie and I made steak pie for dinner, a longtime going Nichols' family tradition. Sariah and Nancy joined us for dinner and then we ended the evening playing Xbox Kinect: Kinect Adventures and Dance Central 2 (another favorite gift of mine!).

Pajama Eaters

2011-12-26T13:51:00.003-07:00

These little monsters found their way under our Christmas tree this year. They look cute, and soft, but beware, they will eat your pajamas right up! I think these are the most complicated sewing project I have taken on to date. And it was a bit crazy getting them done during the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, but when I saw the boys' excitement, I was glad I had found the time and spent a few very late nights pinning and sewing away. You can find the tutorial for the pajama eaters here.

Palmer and Brody think the pajama eaters are just great! Palmer was a bit nervous this morning when I fed his slightly worn pajamas to his monster. But after some reassurance that the monster would give them back this evening, he thought it was hilarious.

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

Recipe - Five Cup Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-12-20T16:17:00.002-07:00

For cake group this month, I made red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. I used a mix for the cake since I have yet to find a good from scratch recipe for red velvet (please let me know if you have one). The frosting is another one of my sister's winning recipes (I've also posted her milk chocolate buttercream frosting and her strawberry buttercream frosting). This cream cheese frosting, like the other two, is delicious! And how could it not be, having two packages of cream cheese in it? I really do love cream cheese. It's pretty much a guarantee that if a recipe has cream cheese in it, I will like it.

Five Cup Cream Cheese Frosting

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (32 ounce) package powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Stir in vanilla.

CCNA Certified

2011-12-19T16:37:00.003-07:00

Greg is now CCNA certified. He passed the second part of the exam this past Thursday with a very high score. He's been working towards getting this certification for a long time (no classes or seminars, he studied, learned and prepped on his own), and we are very happy that all his hard work paid off. We are so proud of him!

Everyone in Greg's department has the goal to be CCNA certified by 2012. He was the first in his company to get the certification. And as a reward for being the first, he was given an Xbox 360 with Kinect. We haven't had a whole lot of time to experiment with our new toy, getting ready for Christmas and all, but the couple times we've been able to play it, it's been really fun. Palmer especially gets a kick out of it. Since he's so hyper and moves around so quickly and easily; he gets a lot of coverage on the screen and is pretty good at it. Below is a video of our crazy, hyper three year old playing the Xbox Kinect. Honestly, I feel exhausted just watching him!

If you're wondering what Palmer keep saying in the video, it's, "I got a tick tock!" or in other words he picked up a clock icon in the game giving him more time to play.

Dear Santa

2011-12-13T14:56:00.001-07:00

Last year Palmer wrote in his letter to Santa that he wanted a snowman and a new friend. Awww.... cutest request ever, right? This year when I asked him what he wanted he said, "Money." What? Where did that come from? The kid has never even had, let alone used a single dollar bill in his life. How did our little man go from adorable, sweet innocence to the no-frills/no-magic teenage take on Christmas gift giving in just one year?

Thankfully, his request has changed a few times, mostly depending on what he is currently focused on at any given store, i.e. a marshmallow gun, or a popcorn tin. And when the actual big moment came, as Palmer found himself on Santa's lap, and Santa asked, "And what would you like for Christmas, little boy?" Palmer replied... "A candy cane." Santa replied, "Well, that's easy," and the wish was instantly granted by jolly Kris Kringle. Brody, seeing Palmer's success, followed with the same request. The boys were very happy with their candy canes that evening.

Hopefully when Christmas Day comes, they will be just as happy with all the gifts Santa brings. I have a suspicion that we might even find some "money," a.k.a. chocolate coins then as well.

Holiday Activities

2011-12-09T15:12:00.001-07:00

It's only the 9th of December and we are in full holiday swing at the Hess home. We started preparing and celebrating Christmas right after our Thanksgiving meal. I love this time of year. I love the music, the lights, the overall feeling of good will; I love Christmas spirit. It has been so very fun to take the boys on little Christmas adventures. Nothing tops living the excitement of Christmas through a little one's eyes. It's crazy to me to think that many of the activities are firsts for my children. Yes, I know they have only been on this earth for two and three years, but it's hard for me to fathom never having seen The Grinch's heart grow three sizes, or telling Santa what you want for Christmas for the first time, or realizing that you can make an entire house out of cookies, frosting and candy. Christmas truly is a magical time of the year!

So far we have happily participated in the following holiday activities:

Lights at Temple Square - We went to Temple Square early this year, remembering how bitterly cold it has been in the past. It was a bit chilly, but much milder than it is late December. As always the lights around the temple were beautiful. I especially love the nativity that sits upon the water in front of the temple.

Festival of Trees - We are big fans of the Festival of Trees. I haven't missed attending the festival in years. It is always on the top of my list of places to go in December. This year we were able to go on a Thursday morning, which was much less busy and better with two toddlers in tow. Greg's favorite tree was a Lego themed tree, my favorite tree was a tree based on the movie A Christmas Story, Palmer's favorite tree was a snowman tree, Brody's favorite tree was a firetruck tree. The boys had so much fun playing in the kids' corner. They especially enjoyed being inside a big bubble. We also made sure to check out the amazing gingerbread houses.

Elves at Gardener Village - This was a new outing for all of us. We've gone to see the witches at Gardener Village for the past three years, but I didn't even know they displayed elves until this year. The boys got excited about each elf we found, and we made sure to drop into the candy store and the toy store for even more fun.

Gingerbread House - Another new adventure for our family was making a gingerbread house. Greg impulsively put it in our cart at Costco, and we are so glad he did. It was great fun putting it together with the boys. They had a great time decorating and a great time eating the extra candy. It currently sits on our bookshelf; we have debated if we should display it all month or rip into it and enjoy its sweetness.

Walk with Santa - The local fitness center does an annual Walk with Santa. Santa comes riding in on a firetruck (to Brody's utter delight! Brody is all about firetrucks lately) counts down to the lighting of the trees outside the building, and then leads those in attendance on a walk around the park to look at blow up holiday characters. Then everyone goes inside to sit on Santa's lap, get their faces painted and go on a candy cane hunt. It's makes for a fun, and free night.

Trimming the Tree

2011-12-05T15:50:00.003-07:00

We got our tree up nice and early this year, just after Black Friday. While Greg and I were fanning out the branches, the boys took it upon themselves to start trimming the tree.
They decorated the tree with gloves, utensils, game pieces and small toys. And they were very proud to show off their work to Mom and Dad. Silly kids! They sure do know how to make the holidays fun.

We eventually took down their makeshift ornaments and decorated the tree properly. I love our Christmas tree; all the ornaments on the tree are from Greg's and my winter wedding. Not only do I find it beautiful to look at, I get to relive the winteresk fantasy of our lovely January wedding that occurred almost seven years ago. It makes our holiday season even more special and memorable.

Jump, Climb and Roll

2011-12-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

During Greg's week off, we took the kids to Classic Fun Center for the first time. The place lived up to it's name, and we had a lot of fun. And thanks to a coupon it only cost $5 for the family. We were able to bounce around in the bounce houses (mostly Greg did this with the boys, after the first bounce house I was feeling pretty sick - ended up having the stomach flu that evening). And I went through the jungle (a huge soft play maze) with the boys. Palmer and Brody had their first experience with skating and thought that was really cool. And we ended the fun with a few arcade games and redeeming tickets for prizes. Good times!

Recipe - Chocolate Cream Pie

2011-11-28T14:39:00.004-07:00

My older sister London, who is an amazing cook, made chocolate cream pie for the Nichols' Thanksgiving get together. It was the best chocolate cream pie I have ever had! There is no way I can go back to instant pudding mix in my chocolate cream pies after trying this recipe. It is super sweet, super chocolatey, and melt in your mouth super yummy! Top each piece of pie with homemade whipped cream (this a must in my family's book; you will never see Cool Whip accompany any of our desserts) and it is absolutely heaven.

Chocolate Cream Pie

1 pie crust (use your favorite recipe or even pre-made refrigerated dough)

Filling:
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/3 cups semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream, divided
2 cups milk

Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook pie crust and allow it to cool completely.

To make filling - place the chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract in a 2-quart mixing bowl; set aside. In a medium saucepan away from heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa and salt. Whisk in 1/4 cup of cold heavy cream until the mixture is smooth, with no lumps. Repeat with another 1/4 cup of the cream. Whisk in the egg yolks. Place the saucepan over medium heat, and gradually whisk in the remaining cream and milk. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly as the mixture thickens; boil for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture over the reserved chocolate and butter. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Pass the filling through a strainer into a bowl to remove any lumps. Place plastic wrap or buttered parchment paper on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill thoroughly. Once completely cooled add filling on top of cooled pie crust. Chill until ready to serve.

To make whipped topping - place the heavy cream in a chilled mixing bowl. Whip until the whisk begins to leave tracks in the bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla and whip until the cream holds a medium peak. Spread or pipe whipped cream on top of chilled pie or serve each piece of pie with an individual dallop of cream.

Thankful

2011-11-26T11:53:00.012-07:00

We had a lovely Thanksgiving this year. Greg had the whole week off, so it was even more wonderful! We had two meals, one with the Nichols side of the family the Sunday before and we ate on Thanksgiving with the Hess side of the family. I sadly had the stomach flu most of the week, and was just starting to feel better by Thanksgiving. However, it was still a great week and we couldn't help but reflect on all the many blessing in our lives. This year we are especially thankful for...

Lera:

my wonderfully kind, funny, spiritual and hot hubby

my fun, energetic boys

my extended family, especially my sisters who are my best friends

the gospel and our ward family

my health and the ability I have to be active

our home

friendship

our jobs and that we are able to provide for our family

uplifting and entertaining books

Greg:

my wife and that she is always there to help and for the wonderful mother that she is

Palmer and who energetic and playful he is

Brody and how sweet and innocent he is

my job and that I am appreciated there, and also for good management, and coworkers that I get along with

our ward family and friends and the past and present Bishopric

Palmer:

Mommy, Daddy and Brody

Grandmas and Grandpas and Aunties

friends

preschool

games

paint

candy and macaroni and cheese

Brody:

Mommy, Daddy and Palmer

Grandmas and Grandpas and Aunties

his stuffed teddy and hippo

Yo Gabba Gabba

animals

candy and pop

Family Photo Shoot

2011-11-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

We had family pictures taken this month. It was a rough day. You'd think family pictures would be a time of unity, happiness and love, but in my experience it has been anything but. The boys fought me all morning getting ready. I was literally running out the door to get to the appointment on time. Once we arrived, Greg was nowhere in sight. I called him a couple times, and finally got through to him. I asked him where he was and his reply was, "Oh shoot!" He had forgotten to leave work to meet us for the shoot. He said he would leave right then. The photographer moved the appointments around and said she could squeeze us in for a quick session in about 20 minutes. We'd start with the boys' pictures if Greg wasn't there yet. I tried to entertain the boys and to keep them from getting into things, but wasn't very successful at doing so. Right before our session started, I realized Palmer had picked all his product out of his hair, so I quickly ran Brody to the bathroom and washed the product out of his hair to match. Greg arrived just as we were going to start. At that point Palmer was overly hyper and unable to focus and Brody had been crying almost all morning long. Needless to say, we were all frazzled by the time the camera came out. The results, I think, are only okay. But there is no way I am going to go through another family photo shoot, so this is it. I've posted the few good, and few decent pictures from the session.

Let It Snow

2011-11-11T14:27:00.002-07:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, is what Palmer and Brody say. These boys absolutely love the snow. Seeing it fall, trampling through it, playing around in it, eating it, it's all good in their opinion. To the boys' absolute delight, we had a couple snow falls last week.

The first only left about 1/2 inch of snow on the ground, and it only lasted for about an hour, but that didn't dispirit Palmer or Brody. They were outside having a good time the moment they realized there was white fluffiness on the ground, and they enjoyed it until each and every flake had melted away.

The second time it snowed, it was a bit more plentiful, and once again, they were as happy as can be to be out in it. Since the snow never melted away this time, the boys played for a couple hours straight before we persuaded them to come inside for some hot chicken noodle soup.

Palmer at Brody's Two Year Photo Shoot

2011-11-10T18:18:00.007-07:00

Palmer enjoys being the center of attention (like his mom!). He did great encouraging Brody to smile and be happy during his photo shoot, but he was very anxious to have a turn in the spotlight. As the shoot concluded, Palmer asked if he could have a turn. I replied that we would be back the next week for his turn during our family picture session. The photographer kindly interjected with an offer to take a few shots of Palmer right then, which made Palmer's day. Since he was overly excited, he pulled a couple very funny, cheesy and silly poses. But among those goofy shots, this little gem emerged.
Palmer's preschool teachers often tell me how Palmer is so very animated (like his dad!), and it's true. I love how alive and full of life this little boy is! He was practically born with a big cheesy smile on his face, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Two Year Photo Shoot

2011-11-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

We took Brody to JCPenney Portrait Studio to get his two year old pictures taken. I am very happy with the results. He is such a beautiful boy, with his big bright eyes, and his great smile; it's almost hard to take a bad picture of him. He brought along his new favorite toys - his tools that he received for his birthday. He plays with them nonstop and is often found "fixing" things around the house with any number of his toy tools.

Recipe - Trudy's Chili

2011-11-07T22:48:00.002-07:00

This recipe comes from Trudy, a special education teacher I worked with. Trudy ate this chili for lunch almost daily during the fall and winter months. And once I tried it, I knew why she ate it so often. I would never think olives would be appetizing in chili, but after my first taste, I was hooked. It is delicious! I made it for a couple chili cookoffs last month, and it tied for first place at one of them.

Trudy's Chili

1 pound Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage
1 onion, chopped
1 large can stewed tomatoes
2 cans black beans
1 can white pinto beans
1 can red kidney beans
1 can olives
1 small can green chilies
1-2 teaspoons chili powder (depending on how spicey you like it)

Brown sausage and onion and drain. Add tomatoes. Drain juices off all beans and olives and add them to the pot. Add green chilies and chili powder to your liking. Let all ingredients simmer together for 20-25 minutes.

Trick or Treating and Other Halloween Fun

2011-11-02T19:03:00.005-06:00

We have candy coming out of our ears at the Hess home! The boys brought in sugary sweets by the bagfuls this year. We definitely celebrated Halloween to its fullest by...

...going to the Safety Fair at the local fitness center. We played a couple games and trick or treated around the facility.
...trick or treating at Greg's work. The boys got so much candy there that they couldn't physically carry it out of the building and had to drag it in a bag behind them.
...attending a Halloween party with Greg's coworkers, just Greg and I. Greg dressed up as a three hole version of himself (thank you Jim Halpert from The Office for the inspiration) and I was a Post-It note. We visited, played a lot of games and ate yummy food.
...participating in the ward Chili Cook Off and trunk or treat. Aunt Andrea and cousins Amaya and Alyssa joined us for the fun.
...trick or treating with Palmer's preschool class; his teacher kindly invited Brody to join them. After trick or treating, Palmer enjoyed a Halloween party with his preschool teachers and friends.
...trick or treating Halloween night around Grandma Nancy's house in Daybreak. We also had a family dinner with Grandma and the Baarz/Terrillion family.
...eating lots of candy, and possibly even more chili. We had chili Friday night at Greg's work party (our chili tied for first place at that cook off - I will post the recipe soon. It's delish!), Saturday night at the ward chili cook off, Sunday night as leftovers and Monday night at the Hess family dinner.

And here are our now very experienced, cute trick or treaters decked out in their pirate costumes.Thanks to our friends The Hepworths and The Christiansons for letting us use their previous costumes for our Halloween festivities this year. They boys loved being pirates and were often heared proudly exclaiming, "Arrrr!" in proper pirate fashion.

Painted Pumpkins

2011-10-28T15:47:00.002-06:00

For our last Family Home Evening activity we combined two of the boys' favorite things: painting and pumpkins. I know that sounds a bit extreme to say our boys have a love for pumpkins, but they really do. Before we got around to painting our dear gourds, Palmer actually slept with his in his bed, put it on the couch with him to watch morning cartoons and took it to the kitchen table with him for breakfast. Now that they are painted, they sit proudly on our front porch. Every time we come or go, the boys give them a loving pat, and point out who's pumpkin belongs to whom. Greg painted Muno from Brody's new favorite show, Yo Gabba Gabba on his pumpkin. I painted the pumpkin with the stars and swirls. Palmer painted the "artistic" pumpkin with the splotches of different colored paint and Q-tips stuck to it, and Brody painted his orange pumpkin with orange paint.

Making Fat Cry

2011-10-20T16:12:00.012-06:00

I saw this picture on Pinterest and instantly loved it! And I do honestly love making my fat cry! I still jog at times and do enjoy it, but I have discovered a new love, a love verging on obsession, for Zumba. Thanks to Greg's and my employment benefits, we both have free premium memberships, or in other words, free aerobic classes along with our gym memberships at our local fitness center. I really enjoy the classes at the fitness center; the instructors push me harder than I would normally push myself. I've tried many of the different types of aerobic classes and many different instructors. I am not a fan of yoga or step classes; I'm not flexible or very coordinated. I do like kickboxing. With a good instructor, I get a really good workout from kickboxing. And anyone who knows me well, knows I like to shake my groove thing, so Zumba is a perfect match for me. I leave the classes red-faced, sweaty, smelly, revitalized and very, very happy.

I've also been watching what I eat. I along with my sisters, my dad's wife Betty, and a couple of my friends have all been following the Weight Watchers PointsPlus plan. I'm really liking this new plan, and have had a lot of success with it. Instead of counting calories, the plan counts carbohydrates and focuses on incorporating more whole grains, more fiber, more protein and more fruits and vegetables. In fact, all fruits and most vegetables are free, so I never go hungry.

With working out and eating better I've lost 18 pounds in the past seven weeks. My goal was 20 pounds in two months, and I think I'm going to make that goal. And after that, I plan to just keep going!

Witches at Gardener Village

2011-10-18T15:44:00.006-06:00

For Family Home Evening we went to see the witches at Gardener Village. We had a great evening there. The boys were thrilled to find each and every witch! I can tell Halloween is going to be a lot fun with them this year. And yes, in our family picture, my two year old is totally feeling up the witch sitting next to him on the bench.

Cute Kid Talk

2011-10-16T22:02:00.004-06:00

Kids say the cutest things! This is what our goofy guys have recently been saying.

Palmer randomly starts laughing as we pull into our driveway.
Greg: "What's so funny, Palmer?"
Palmer: "Mickey Mouse parks his car in the garage! He's so silly."
(We obviously need to clean out the garage!)

Palmer, while playing outside in swimming trunks, and looking down at his chest: "I have two butts."

Palmer after after tracing my body with sidewalk chalk and surveying it to find a big squiggly blob: "Well, it's close."

Auntie Rie to Palmer: "What do you learn at preschool?"
Palmer: "I learn about time outs and the thinking chair and don't talk and listen!"

Palmer during sacrament meeting put a gummy worm in his sacrament cup and showed it to me saying: "He's going potty."

Brody calls: his Pappy "Happy," pizza, "haha," Kit Kats "Kitty Cat" and his new favorite television show - Yo Gabba Gabba, "Babba Bo Babba Babba Babba."

Super Saturday Projects

2011-10-11T14:49:00.009-06:00

I am over the upcoming Relief Society Super Saturday activity for our ward, and wanted to share our fun projects with my cyber friends. The activity is scheduled for November 12 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at our ward building. Besides these projects, we are also offering two free classes: homemade bread in one hour and strawberry freezer jam (both recipes from our ward cookbook). Lunch (more recipes from the ward cookbook will be available to try) and nursery are provided. We are also doing a canned food drive for the Utah Food Bank. Everyone is welcome to attend! Orders and money are due to me by October 30 if anyone is interested in completing a project.

Christmas Gift Bags - Free! We should have 2-3 of these bags available per sister.

Wooden Nativity - $3.50. If ordering more than three of these cute nativities, we ask that you get in your money as soon as possible due to the amount of time they take to cut out.

Magnetic Weekly Dry Erase Menu - $3.50. These are personalized; let me know what you want it to read at the top, examples: "Hess Family," "Our Family," "Nancy's," etc.

Eye Spy Bag - $5.00. Each bag will include a card with objects for children to find and will be glued shut.

Hunter 27th Ward Cookbook - $6.00. 178 pages, over 360 recipes from the ward members. Printed and bound. We will offer an electronic version of the cookbook at the activity for free, but it you want a hard copy, it will be much cheaper to order it through us. Kinko's charged me $25.00 to print and bind my demo copy!

Quote Plaques - $6.00. Four quote options are available: "Family a gift that lasts forever," "With God all things are possible," "Love One Another," and "LOVE makes a house a home."

Barnyard Bash

2011-10-09T22:10:00.006-06:00

We celebrated Brody's second birthday with extended family members and a couple friends last Saturday. We had a farm themed birthday because Brody is a lover of animals. We served a meal perfect for country living: barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, grilled corn on the cob, baked beans and jello salad. Aunt Andrea made the super cute, and yummy Schmidt's Bakery cake (love that we have a professional cake decorator in the family), and he did a great job blowing out his candles. All the kids wore a farm animal hat of their choice and we played pin the tail on the donkey. We gave him a kid Black and Decker tool set, which he has not stopped playing with since. He also received: a farm set for wheeled animals, a coloring book and crayons, a Fur Real Pet, and cars and a car mat. He had a wonderful birthday!

Two Years Old

2011-10-09T21:52:00.003-06:00

Brody turned two on October 6th! He's really grown up a lot lately. He just had a growth spurt and is about the same height as most three year olds. He is saying full sentences, and making connections, and showing preferences much more often. He is definitely a two year old in the aspect of throwing tantrums. He throws them often, and with grander: screaming, head thrown back, big tears, falling to the floor, etc. He is also very fun though, and likes to be silly and play. He is really clingy with his mommy. He will not stay in a room if I am not in there with him. He more often than not wants me to hold him, and to hug him; he clings to my shirt, and will actually try to stand on my feet instead of standing next to me. He also really loves his dad, brother, aunties and Grandmas and Grandpas. He is a loving boy, for sure. This is what is going on with Brody at two years of age.

He has learned: to speak full sentences, wash his hands, to climb up the counters like his brother, to climb up/through playgrounds and play places, to say and identify all his body parts, to tell us when he needs a diaper change, to open doors, turn off and on lights, to blow his nose, to match shapes and colors, to vacuum, to sit at the table, and to drink from a cup

He likes: hot cocoa, candy, chips and pop, his stuffed animals (especially teddy and hippo), cars, balls, Elmo, squirt bottles, cleaning, playing in water, electronics, wires, tools, bubbles, cuddling, animals of all kinds, "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "The Little Green Frog" song, and playing with his brother and friends

He dislikes: having to share, brushing his teeth, and being alone.

Things he does that makes us laugh: speaks in a small high pitched voice whenever asked to repeat what we say (thank you or a prayer), says yes to just about everything, funny faces, very excited squeals, and big laughs and cheesy smiles.

The Living Planet Aquarium

2011-10-03T14:40:00.008-06:00

I signed up for a discount year pass to The Living Planet Aquarium for myself and the boys. We hadn't been yet, because most people I talked to had told me it wasn't that exciting, and not worth the money. We went for the first time this past Friday, and actually loved it! I thought for the small amount of money I paid ($18 for a year membership for Palmer and I and Brody is free) it was a great deal. We spent a couple hours there looking and exploring and had a wonderful time. The boys really loved the exhibit where you can touch the stingrays and other small sea animals. Palmer was a bit hesitant at first to touch, which surprised me because he usually has no fear. But once I touched each sea creature, he was excited to do so as well. It took about 20 minutes for him to actually get to touch a stingray because he is so small and could not reach to the bottom of the pool, but when he finally did, he was thrilled. Brody was happy to just play in the sink and lightly splash in the pools while I was helping Palmer. The boys, especially Palmer, were absolutely enthralled with the jellyfish. I think we spent another 20 minutes in that little room, watching the jelly fish swirl with the current and change colors. They also liked petting the Gecko that a worker had out, watching the penguins swim and play and looking at the big spiders and turtles and frogs (they definitely boys!). It was great fun, and we excited to make another visit soon! Anyone want to join us for a playdate at the aquarium?

Recipe - Snickerdoodle Cake with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

2011-09-30T08:36:00.000-06:00

I tried a new recipe for this month's cake night with the girls. The recipe is from http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/, and it was a winner. The cake was lovely and light, and the frosting was sweet and delicious. I pretty much stuck to the original recipe listed here, except I didn't have cake flour so I used this little trick as a substitution, and it worked perfectly. I also halved the frosting, since I was making cupcakes and not a cake with four layers of frosting as the recipe calls for. And I topped each cupcake with a homemade snickerdoodle (this snickerdoodle recipe is a favorite in our home; we make them often and they never last long).

Snickerdoodle Cake with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 sticks butter, softened to room temperature
1 3/4 cups fine or superfine sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups whole milk, warmed to room temperature

For the buttercream:
4 1/2 sticks butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
8-9 cups confectioner's (powdered) sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup of half and half, plus more if needed

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy and pale in colour. Beat the eggs in one at a time, fully incorporating each egg and scraping down the bowl between each addition. Add about 1/3 of the milk, beat to incorporate, then 1/3 of the flour, again beating to incorporate. Repeat this process, scraping down the bowl as necessary, until all of the milk and flour are added and mixed in evenly. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake, rotating midway through, for about 35 minutes or until the cake tests done. Let the cakes cool in the pan on a rack for 5 minutes before turning out onto the racks to finish cooling. If making cupcakes divide batter into 24 cupcake liners and bake for 22 minutes or until done.

To make the buttercream (half the recipe if making cupcakes):
Beat together the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until fluffy and pale in color. Add 6 cups of the confectioner's sugar and the vanilla extract and beat, starting on low and moving up to high, until it is fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl and add the half and half. Beat to incorporate again. Add another 2 cups of the confectioner's sugar and beat, starting on low and moving up to high, until fully incorporated. Check the consistency of the buttercream. If it needs to be thicker, add the remaining confectioner's sugar. If it is too thick, add more half and half a teaspoon at a time, beating after each addition, until it reaches the consistency you like.

To assemble and frost the cake:
Level out your cooled cakes and cut each into two even layers. Place one layer on a cake plate then add a layer of buttercream, spreading to the edges and evening out as you go. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Car Trouble, More Car Trouble, and More Car Trouble

2011-09-27T14:40:00.001-06:00

No, you're not seeing double, or triple... the title of this post is a true reflection of our past few weeks. Two weeks ago we took our van into the shop because the engine had been skipping and to also to get the brakes repaired. After four days in the shop and spending $800, we pickup up our van only to realize the engine was still skipping. We took the van back in for another couple days. The shop reported that the engine was skipping because of a faulty spark plug, which cost us $30. When I picked up the van, I asked the mechanic if the very expensive $760 fix from the previous week had even been necessary. He replied that it wasn't necessary, but would get out vehicle better gas mileage. Needless to say, we were frustrated by the unneeded fix.

The next week, as Greg and I were driving home from a date, the van shut down and completely died, twice. We had to get jumped, twice, to make it home and relieve the babysitter. The next day we got the battery checked, and found out it was fine. A ward member who is a mechanic kindly offered to test our alternator, and he determined that was the problem. Discouraged by our previous experience with our mechanic (having to pay a lot of money because he misdiagnosed our problem), Greg decided to try and fix the van himself this time. He took some time from work, shopped around for the best price on a new alternator ($130) and replaced it himself. Two days later the van started making an extremely loud rattling noise as I was running errands. I parked and called Greg, and he came and discovered that a belt had frayed and was hitting parts of the engine when running. Greg replace the belt the next day after work (another $40). The next morning, all the lights on the dashboard went off while I was driving the van. I quickly drove home and when Greg came home to check the van, it completely died within a minute of starting it. Our neighbor came over and we had the alternator tested again; it wasn't working properly. Greg took it back the the store the next day on his lunch. When he told the clerk the part didn't work, the clerk replied that of course it didn't, because they had given him the wrong alternator for the make and model of our vehicle. They had charged him for the correct part, but handed him one that was smaller (why the belt broke) and not powerful enough. So once again, we were stuck wasting our time and money because of a shop's mistake. And once again, Greg spent the evening installing a new alternator.

We also got both vehicles' safety and emissions tests, and consequently a new set of tires for each vehicle recently. Therefore, in the last two months, we have spent about $1600 on our vehicles, had 8 repairs, 4 breakdowns, and about two week total without a working vehicle for me to drive. I am very much ready to be moving on from our car-breaking-down-phase. One night last week, Greg jokingly told me not to break the car again. I replied if the car broke down again, I was ready to invest in horses as our main form of transportation!

First Dentist Visits

2011-09-22T13:30:00.000-06:00

September has been dentist month for our family. Greg and I had appointments last week. Palmer and Brody went for their first dentist visits this week, and I have another appointment next week to get a couple cavities filled (which was no big surprise since it had been almost four years since I'd seen a dentist, and three of those years I was pregnant and/or nursing which is hard on teeth).

We went to see my childhood dentist, Dr. Maki. Greg and I have tried a few dentists under different insurances, and haven't had great experiences with them. So, when I realized our current insurance was accepted by my childhood dentist, I was very happy. And after going, I'm even happier. The whole office is so friendly and great to work with! Many of the staff members even remembered me and asked about my family.

The boys did fabulously at their dentist appointments. Both were happy and cooperated well. I knew Palmer would think it was fun, but I had doubts about Brody. At home, it is always a fight to get Brody's teeth brushed, but even he had a great time at the dentist and let them exam his teeth and polish them. The boys really liked the playhouse, the television in the ceiling, and the dental assistant giving them each a token for the toy vending machine. They can't wait to go again!

Pick-A-Pocket Purse

2011-09-19T10:08:00.004-06:00

I made a few of these this summer for friend's/family member's birthday. The tote has six pockets on it's outside, perfectly sized for keys, a cellphone, small toiletries, and/or a drink or snack. The tote itself is smaller in size, just the right size for a set of scriptures and a Gospel Principles manual. The tutorial can be found here. I thought they turned out really cute; I think I need to make one for myself now.

Wasp Stings

2011-09-13T20:35:00.009-06:00

Tonight Palmer and Brody received matching wasp stings, each just below their left eye. I happened to be right with them when it happened. I was pushing them on the swings on our swing set. We've had issues with neighbor kids getting stung by wasps in our backyard (three kids in fact, yikes!). Each time we went on a search to locate their nest. We chopped down a tree that seemed to attract the wasps, with no luck of finding a nest. Greg found a small nest in a pile of deadwood he'd made from pulling out overgrown bushes, and we figured that was it. Tonight, since I witnessed the stings and the culprits return to their home, I was able to finally discover that blasted nest, and the cause of all our wasp sting woes. The nest was in the swing set, go figure. In some of the padding next to the trampoline, and it was a HUGE nest. So hopefully, *crossing fingers* we won't have anymore wasps hurting our kids or their buddies.
Here is a picture of Palmer and Brody this evening, swollen eyed, cuddling on the couch with Mom, watching Dora the Explorer, eating chocolate, and milking their injuries. I'm always good for a whole lot of comfort when our kids are sick or injured. It's what moms are for, right?

Recipe - Spicy Honey Chicken

2011-09-11T20:15:00.002-06:00

Greg grilled up these beauties for tonight's family dinner with the Nichols side of the family, and they got rave reviews! This recipe is another winner from Our Best Bites. I just can't seem to get enough of their recipes lately. In in the last couple months we've also made their grilled stuffed zucchini, baked creamy chicken taquitos, orange chicken with snow peas (from their cookbook) and peanut butter sandwich cookies. They are all delicious!

Spicy Honey Chicken

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 t vegetable oil

Rub:
2 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

Glaze:
1/2 cup honey
1 tablespoon cider vinegar

Combine all spices together in small bowl and mix well. Trim off any excess fat from chicken pieces. Pat dry. Drizzle oil over chicken and rub in with your hands to lightly coat all the pieces. Then toss chicken with the spice rub to coat all sides well. Use your hands and get in there! Grill chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through. While chicken is cooking, warm honey in the microwave so it’s not so thick. Add the vinegar and combine well. Reserve 2 tablespoons honey glaze for later. Take the rest and brush on chicken (both sides) in the final moments of grilling. After letting the meat sit for a few minutes, drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons of glaze over thighs.

First Day of Preschool

2011-09-08T21:55:00.009-06:00

Palmer's had his first day of preschool on Wednesday. He was super excited about it! So excited, that every time I took his picture he couldn't help but to raise his arms up high in celebration.

He has a lot of his friends in his preschool class. Most he knows from my work in the local fitness center daycare, but there are also a couple of kids he knows from our neighborhood. He has been excited to go to preschool with these kids, whom he has recently been referring to as his "school friends".

I helped him find his seat and he instantly starting practicing his name (actually he just scribbled on the paper because he was too excited to focus on tracing). Brody happily plopped down in the chair right next to him and attempted to write on a paper that read "Maya". Brody was very sad to not be able to learn and play with Palmer. I had to carry him out crying. Palmer stayed behind happily.

Palmer's teacher informed me that he did well his first day. She did say that he needed to be reminded to stay in his seat and to listen a few times, and had to sit with her at one point because he wasn't listening, but for the most part, he had was good. He came back from class very hyper, and was running all over the place. He says he really likes school and wants to go again.

So We Meet Again Terrible Twos

2011-09-02T08:40:00.002-06:00

Yikes! My formerly-sweet baby boy Brody turns two next month, but apparently he has decided that's not soon enough since he has hit the terrible twos head on, hard. The past few weeks have been a maddening blur dealing with the tantrums, whining, stubbornness and wild behavior that comes along with this difficult parenting stage. Our two little boys embody all that is terrible of the terrible twos.

Palmer has definitely had better behavior since turning three, but still shows signs of terrible toddlerdom often. However, lately, Brody has been worse than I ever remember Palmer being. Although, that might not necessarily be the case, as I might have blocked out Palmer's poor behavior peak. My used to be sweet-cuddly baby boy is now quite a bully. He hits nonstop, he pulls other children's hair whenever he gets the chance and bites Greg and I several times a day. The biting I haven't dealt with before as Palmer was not a biter. The times we have responded physically to the biting with a flick or a bop on the mouth, he just laughs at us... the little stinker. He also is purposefully disobeying us, and he always does so with a huge smile plastered on is face. Needless to say, he has been spending a good chunk of his days in time out. And once he goes in time out, he stays in time out for a while, since most times when we check on him and ask him if he is ready to be good, he responds with a firm and matter of fact, "uh uh." Greg claims that he gets his stubbornness from me, but I don't know what he is talking about. ;)

I can now see why parents choose to put more than 17 months between their children. With us going the nontraditional route, and having our boys so close in age, we have had to deal with some not so fun events: two in diapers and now two terrible twos. I foresee a few more rough patches in the future: two rough-housing-ransacking preteen boys, two eat-everything-in-your-house teenage boys, two boys on a mission at the same time (*sob*), two college tuitions at the same time. Wow. It's almost enough to make a mother lose her mind... twice!

Thanksgiving Point $2 Tuesdays

2011-08-31T19:50:00.005-06:00

We ended the month of August with some great fun at Thanksgiving Point, thanks to their $2 attraction sale. Last Tuesday we went to the gardens. The boys had a blast playing in the water at The Ark. And then we met up with The Ridings for a short bit, and then continued on with a family picnic by the gorgeous waterfall, and touring the various gardens. We love the Gardens at Thanksgiving Point; they are just gorgeous!

This Tuesday we, along with Grandma Nancy, visited Animal Farm. Palmer insists it is "Old McDonald's Farm". Once again, we brought a picnic dinner. We rode the wagon, played in the indoor Soil to Market play area, pet most the animals, and fed the goats, llamas, pigs, chickens and ducks. We ended the evening with a pony ride, the boys' favorite part.

Until next August, Thanksgiving Point!

Odd Zoo Trip

2011-08-31T19:16:00.000-06:00

We spent a day at the zoo with the Riding family earlier this month. It was an odd zoo trip. There weren't many animals out and about; we only saw a few. I'm guessing that was the case because the weather was really hot. We did see the bird show. However, during the show, while a flock of birds were flying above our heads, one of them fell right next to my sister and died. It lied there fluttering for a bit. She tried to get the workers to come and care for it, but no one said they were allowed to get it. Towards the end of the show a zoo keeper finally made his way over to the now dead bird and flippantly threw it in a nearby bush. It was a bit disturbing. During the last stretch of our trip, Brody's right eye became red and very swollen (which later turned into pink eye) and he had a rash all over the right side of his face. At least there were mechanical dinosaurs to look at, right? Even amidst all these strange occurrences, the kids still had a great time. I guess you just can't go wrong with kids at the zoo, even with the absence of animals, a dead bird and an eye infection, it's still the zoo!

Structured Fun

2011-08-25T13:10:00.006-06:00

I've been getting a lot of flack, good natured flack, but flack nonetheless from some dear family members about being somewhat of an anal-overly-organized-schedule-obsessed-mom.

And yes, I must admit that I do like to have most aspects of our day scheduled in advance. I like to have an idea ahead of time, what we are going to do, where we will do it, and with whom. We have scheduled times for our meals, and snacks. I almost always have thought out those meals in advance and make sure they are well balanced. I like to be prepared when we go out, prepared with drinks, snacks, diapers, wipes, toys, a change of clothes, etc.

I also like to keep my kids as clean as possible and try therefore pick cleaner food options. Oranges, pears, and apples are cut up. Ketcup, mustard and other condiments are dispersed at a minimum. I opt for Dums Dums as apposed to Blow Pops because by the time Dum Dums start to get messy, they are gone. I choose Otterpops over other popsicles, because with their wrapping, they usually make a cleaner snack. And in an attempt to keep my home cleaner and more organized, which often feels like a fruitless effort, my boys play with one activity at a time, and clean up that activity before moving onto something else.

We have at our house, what our extended family members refers to as "structured fun." Doesn't make me sound like much fun at all, eh?

But here's a secret... I think structured fun is fun. My kids and I have a good time each and everyday. We play together; we play with friends. We are more often than not out and about. We see things, we experience things, and we pretend. We sing, laugh, tickle, play silly games and hug. And when special times come along, we even diverge from the plan, and act impulsively. So, I'm choosing to take "structured fun" as a compliment, because it is the only way I know how to be a mom without going crazy.

Profound Insight from a Three Year Old

2011-08-23T13:05:00.001-06:00

Palmer: "Look Mom, missionaries!"
Me: "Yep, I see the missionaries. Do you know what missionaries do Palmer?"
Palmer: (looks at me expectantly)
Me: "They work hard to teach everyone about Jesus. That's their job."
Palmer: "Oh... we have that job too."

I learn from my children daily. It amazes me how true their understanding is of the world around us.

Palmer's First Campout

2011-08-22T20:33:00.011-06:00

Our ward's Fathers and Sons Campout was on August 12th. Palmer was so excited to go. He had learned about camping from an episode of Curious George, in which George goes camping, has a fire, and sleeps in a tent. The Monday before our trip, I set up the tent in the front yard to make sure that all the pieces were there and intact. Palmer had so much fun "helping" me set it up, and when it was time to put it away, he wanted to start camping right there and then. When the actual time to go camping came, and we hitched a ride with some friends and went up to Weber Memorial Park. We were greeted by many of Palmer's (and my) friends in the ward. We had our little smokies hobo dinner (Palmer just ate the little smokies), s'mores, dutch oven cobbler, and treats that others shared. Palmer grew tired at about 10:oo pm and wanted to go to bed. However, after we got in our jammies and went to laydown, he bounced around in the tent until 1:00 am. The next day, we woke up and had some breakfast and tried our aim with a BB gun. All in all, a good trip.

R.S. Picnic Luau and Recipes

2011-08-22T15:15:00.002-06:00

We had our annual Relief Society Picnic last week. We did a luau theme and held it at a local park. Preparing for this activity was a bit crazy, since Greg was sent on a business trip to New York during the same time, with less than 24 hours notice. But, everything came together at the last minute, thanks to my awesome committee, Greg waking up early before his flight to grill 12 pounds of teriyaki chicken, some vegetable chopping help from my friend Taichelle and some babysitting while I set up from my sister Sariah. We served teriyaki chicken salad (from Our Best Bites) in croissants, a variety of fruit, pasta salad, chips and mandarin orange cake. The chicken salad tasted really good, but was a lot of work. However, I don't think it would take so long with a regular portion. In this case, I multiplied the recipe by eight, and it took six and a half hours of preparation. The cake recipe we've had in the family for a while; it is super quick and easy, and it always turns out delicious. We decorated for the luau with huge handcrafted palm trees, tropical themed plates/tablecloths/centerpieces, and passed out leis to all those in attendance. Then we ended the evening with a limbo contest, one for the kids and one for the adults. It was great fun!

Teriyaki Chicken Salad

2 chicken breasts
1 batch prepared teriyaki sauce (can use store bought, but this homemade sauce is amazing!), divided
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/3 cup sliced green onions, chopped
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 mango, cut into small cubes
1 small can pineapple tidbits
1/3-1/2 cup light mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
croissants or pitas
lettuce leaves

Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce (reserve about a cup for basting, and 2-3 tablespoons for salad mixture) for at least 4 hours. Grill. While chicken is grilling, combine celery and green onions in a small mixing bowl. When chicken is done, allow to stand for about 10 minutes and then cut into bite-sized pieces. Toss with celery and onions and then add mayonnaise and mix thoroughly. Add 2-3 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce to taste. Refrigerate for several hours.
Right before serving, add mango, pineapple, and nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve on a lettuce leaf in a croissant or a pita.

Mandarin Orange Cake

1 package yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil and mandarin oranges with juice. Beat until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool. In a large bowl, beat together whipped topping, pineapple with juice and dry pudding mix until blended. Spread on cake.

Parade of Homes Ups and Downs

2011-08-15T16:16:00.006-06:00

We were able to get free tickets to the Parade of Homes. We took the boys with us our first night and went to check out a few homes for our Family Home Evening. One home we saw with the kids was the house modeled after the home on the movie Up. I was pretty impressed with it. They did a great job replicating the house while also making it livable. Palmer, especially, thought this house was fun.
We drove to another house. While walking out of the first room in it, Brody threw a tantrum and dropped to the ground while I was holding his hand, which pulled his elbow out of socket. This had happened once before, so we instantly knew what was going on. The injury is called nursemaid's elbow, and if it's occurred once, it's common for it to happen again. We quickly left and headed to the nearest Instacare. He was in a lot of pain; it was really sad. The doctor popped his elbow back into socket and showed us how to do it if it happens again. So not the most ideal Family Home Evening.

We did get to go see a couple more houses one night with the boys (including a very fun, family home equipt with a playground inside and out, an indoor halfpipe, a theater, a game room, a play room, a hot tub with an amazing view, and a very large separate building to act as a mancave) and Greg and I checked out the houses in Daybreak (including a fabulously gorgeous 7,000+ square foot, $800,000 house across from a lake) for date night. There sure are a lot of beautiful homes in the valley! And it sure is very easy to get caught up in the materialism of it all, and "covet our neighbor's" house. Perhaps one day we will own our dream home, perhaps not. In the meantime, we are thankful for and happy with the house we do have. It is safe, warm, sufficient for our needs, in a neighborhood amongst people we love, and it is in a word, home.

Homemade "Candy" Necklaces

2011-08-08T15:58:00.015-06:00

What do you get when you combine...

a string of yarn,

a bunch of Fruit Loops,

and two little boys?

Homemade candy necklaces,
and a whole lot of fun!

Prehistoric Play

2011-08-05T16:22:00.010-06:00

We went to The Museum of Ancient History this past Tuesday. Thanksgiving Point is running a Two-Buck Tuesdays special throughout the month of August. The museum is usually a bit pricey, so we jumped at the chance to get our dinosaur fill for a couple dollars. Auntie Sariah joined us on the adventure. We love this museum; there are a lot of cool things to see, a lot of educational information and many stops for kid play. The new Notion of Motion exhibit was really neat as well. And surprisingly, the museum wasn't very crowded. We had a great time, and are looking forward to some more Tuesdays spent at Thanksgiving Point this month.

Sprinklers and Other Free Summer Fun

2011-08-02T15:06:00.006-06:00

We have been enjoying our summer with a lot of fun free activities. One of which being playing in the sprinklers. Greg's been trying for months to get our sprinklers working properly, to no avail. Although Greg is quite frustrated with the situation, the boys sure are not, since Greg digging in the yard and testing the sprinklers have provided Palmer and Brody with some good quality play time.

I also take the boys to free lunch at the park just about any afternoon that I am able. If we aren't working, or don't have a play date planned with cousins/friends, you will find us dining at the local park. The boys love eating there. They have always been good eaters and happily eat the often not-so-appetizing food that is served, but more so they love to go to lunch at the park to picnic in the sunshine, visit with friends, and run around.

We also make frequent trips to other park playgrounds, to the play area at the fitness center, and to the library. I take the boys swimming about once a week. This summer they have swam at: the fitness center indoor pool, Pappy and Grandma Betty's clubhouse pool, The Daybreak Lake near Grandma Nancy's house, a ward member's hot tub, a family friend's private swimming pool, a few slip and slide parties during friends' barbeque's, and our own little blowup wading pool.

It's summertime, and the living is easy!

The 24th

2011-07-30T16:28:00.003-06:00

Our Pioneer Day consisted of attending our church meetings, eating lunch meat sandwiches, salads, chips, and 4th of July Pie at The Ridings, and watching fireworks with the Nichols side of the family. The firework show was great, although a little scary at times with malfunctioning Ladybug fireworks. The boys really loved doing sparklers and pops themselves, and catching the parachutes. The adults enjoyed the newly legal aerial fireworks.

Hess Signature Goodnight Kisses

2011-07-25T15:14:00.002-06:00

Distraction and bribery are my two most often used parenting tools. However, the older my kids get, the more creative I need to be with these tools. Gone are the days that I can shake my car keys in front of their faces to stop them from crying.

Palmer is a pro at delaying bedtime. He knows how to draw out every part of this bedtime routine, and every once in a while will out right refuse to go to bed. Unfortunately, our go-to parenting tools of distraction and bribery aren't always beneficial at bedtime, since often they involve adding a new activity or treat, which thereby delays Palmer's bedtime even more.

Palmer's goodnight kiss, thanks to his talent at drawing out the routine, has become multiple kisses: one on each side of the cheek, one one the lips and an Eskimo kiss, or in Palmer's words a "nose kiss."

We've also invented other kisses during some difficult bedtimes. Such as the dinosaur kiss, one of Palmer's favorite kisses. A dinosaur kiss involves Greg or I giving Palmer a kiss while growling like a dinosaur.

One night, when Palmer was throwing a fit about going to sleep, I told him once he calmed himself down, that Daddy had a very special, surprise kiss for him. I really talked it up, and Palmer took the bribery bait, calmed down and said he was ready for bed. I then watched Greg slowly walk to Palmer's bed with a perplexed look, trying to muster up some fun kiss his son would enjoy. Greg gave Palmer the usual kisses one on each cheek, one on the lips, a "nose kiss," and then emphatically exclaimed, "Butt kiss!" and shoved his behind in Palmer's face. I suppose that's what a get for putting a Dad of little boys on the spot. Palmer of course, loved it and was happily giggling as we closed his bedroom door for the night.

Recipe - Barbecue Ribs in the Crock Pot

2011-07-21T15:23:00.003-06:00

We love this rib recipe! One reason for my love is that they are cooked in the crock pot which means they are so very easy. As a bonus, the slow cooking crock pot also makes them incredibly tender, to the point that they fall off the bone. Another reason we love these ribs is that they taste amazing! In fact, they are so good, that Greg has declared them better than Texas Roadhouse's ribs, his former favorite rib place. Greg now orders steak at Texas Roadhouse, since he gets these delicious ribs regularly in the comfort of his own home.

Barbecue Ribs in the Crock Pot

3 lbs. pork or beef ribs (we like Kirkland pork ribs from Costco)
1 c. water
1/4 c. cooking sherry
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. barbecue sauce

Place ribs in crock pot standing. Pour in sherry and water. Sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Pour barbecue sauce over ribs. Cook on low approximately 8 hours. Serve with additional barbecue sauce for dipping.

Baby Fever

2011-07-14T16:29:00.000-06:00

Baby fever, uh oh... I feel it creeping in. More specifically, I should say, baby girl fever. Although I'm sure a soft, pink baby boy would treat the burning heat just as well.

Oh dear, I can hardly keep tabs on the two crazy little boys I already have. Yet, this fever is not one that is easily treated with reason. Even with the plethora of cute, cooing babies my job renders me to hold, my temperature continues to rise.

Only You...

2011-07-13T15:27:00.008-06:00

...pat your hands on your knees when we first get in the car, as Little Einsteins do to start their rocket.

...have to put anything soft or fluffy directly into your mouth, especially your stuffed animals.

...head butt people when you want to cuddle with them.

...say four two-word phrases: thank you, Veggie Tales and cheese ball and ewww gross.

...would be physically attached to your momma at all times if possible.

...call Elmo "Lala" because of his theme song.

...pant like a puppy.

...walked on your knees until you were 16 months old.

...find absolute joy in tearing toilet paper into tiny little shreads.

...refer to any beverage that is not in a sippy cup as pop.

...have pooped out a penny.

...hold telephones to the back of your head to say hello.

...are so sweet and loving that you feel empathy for your brother when he gets in trouble for hitting you.

...take not only three stuffed animals to bed with you, but also your toothbrush and often a remote control.

...are so accident prone, that you broke your back before you were even a year old.

...love to play with wires, whether an extension cord, plug or a USB wire; they are your favorite toys.

...will snuggle with your cousins' enormous dog even after he has knocked you over and given you a bloody lip.

...will choose to eat every last crumb in your bag of chips before joining your family for a swim in a pool on a hot summer day (picture shown above).

Recipe - Peanut Butter Silk Cake and Milk Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

2011-07-08T15:24:00.000-06:00

I made peanut butter silk cake for our girls' cake night last month. It pretty much took me all day long to make it since my first batch crumbled when I removed the cakes from the pans. I usually don't use a whole lot of cooking spray when cooking and baking, since using too much not only adds unneeded calories but it often leaves the finished product greasy. Well, that was my mistake with this cake. It needs to be greased, and greased good. Once I realized that, it came out wonderfully. I made it a second time for Greg's family on July 4th and it turned out great then too. This cake is very, very yummy, but it's not for a weak palate; it is super sweet, and super rich. Top it with my sister London's milk chocolate buttercream frosting and you are in for a world of sweet deliciousness!

Peanut Butter Silk Cake

cake:
1 box butter recipe yellow cake mix
1-1/4 cup water
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs

filling:
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

chocolate frosting (milk chocolate buttercream frosting recipe included below)
chopped peanuts

Heat oven to 350°F (or 325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Generously grease bottoms only of 2 (8- or 9-inch) round cake pans with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup butter and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into pans.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Run knife around sides of pans to loosen cakes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour. In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; stir in brown sugar. Heat to boiling; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat. Refrigerate 10 minutes.
In chilled medium bowl, beat whipping cream on high speed until soft peaks form; set aside. In another medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup peanut butter and the brown sugar mixture on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add whipped cream to peanut butter mixture; beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth and creamy. Split each cake layer horizontally to make 2 layers. Fill each layer with about 2/3 cup peanut butter mixture to within 1/2 inch of edge. Frost side and top of cake with chocolate frosting. Press peanuts onto frosting on side of cake. Store covered in refrigerator.

Milk Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1 c. butter, softened
6 c. powdered sugar
1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa
1/2 c. milk

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add remaining ingredients, beating until smooth.

Water, Sand, and Fire

2011-07-04T23:54:00.004-06:00

We spent the 4th of July weekend celebrating with family and friends. Saturday we attended a barbeque at our Bishop's house with their family and some other friends from the ward. The kids played in the sprinklers, and on the slip and slide, while the adults visited. That evening our hosts put on an amazing aerial fireworks show. We also had the opportunity to present our good friend in the ward who had recently returned from serving in Iraq, with a poster on which we had all written letters to him thanking him for his service.

On Monday, we had dinner at Grandma Nancy's house with the Terrillions and Great Grandma Emily. Then we took the boys to the lake at Daybreak to play in the sand and wade in the water. We ended the evening with fireworks at the Terrillion's home. Inspired by the Bishop's spectacular display, Greg made an impromptu stop at Winco for a big areial firework for the night's finale. Since aeial fireworks are now legal in Utah, Greg is all about buying and setting them off. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of them on Pioneer Day this month. I must admit, they are pretty cool.

A happy Forth of July, indeed! What a wonderful country we are privelidged to live in, and how thankful we are for those who bravely fight for those freedoms we enjoy!

Winner, Winner

2011-07-01T08:17:00.006-06:00

Winner, winner, chicken dinner, or rather dessert for your chicken dinner. www.random.org generated the number five out of 18, so that means Becca is the winner of our 500th post giveaway. Congratulations Becca, chocolate caramel bars are on their way, and thanks to everyone else who played!

West Festing

2011-06-30T20:41:00.007-06:00

We love the West Fest! I'm sure a big part of the love stems from the fact that the carnival is within walking distance and therefore we need not deal with traffic or parking. This year, we took the boys over Thursday evening to check out the booths and ride the rides. The rides are $1 on Thursday, not their normal $3-$4 rip off. Palmer rode the roller coaster. He'd been talking about it all week, and picked it as his first ride. The first time around he looked terrified, but each subsequent lap he was laughing hysterically. The boys rode a few more kid friendly rides and we all rode the Ferris wheel.

Saturday the boys went to the parade with our neighbors while we were at the temple for Sariah's endowment session. They had a good time and got a decent load of candy. Saturday evening we went to see fireworks. We walked over with our neighbors and were also joined by London, her kids, Dad, Betty and the Dunns. The boys loved the fireworks. Brody oohed and aahed the whole time. And as you can see by the pictures, Palmer was likewise very enthusiastic.

Sariah's Temple Day

2011-06-29T18:15:00.003-06:00

My younger sister Sariah went through the temple (Jordan River) for her first time last Saturday. Everything about the day was beautiful! The temple was beautiful, the session was beautiful, and she looked beautiful. My older sister London was her escort (I was London's escort a couple years ago), and Dad, Betty, and Greg and I were in attendance. She also had a lot of good friends who came to support her. Sariah has been going through a lot of really difficult trials lately; she definitely has a need for the blessings of the temple at this time. I am so very proud of her and her choice to progress in our Heavenly Father's plan. How wonderful that all three of us sisters have now gone through the temple and have made sacred covenants with the Lord! I am so grateful to have a forever family.

500 Posts and Giveaway

2011-06-27T13:35:00.002-06:00

This is my 500th post! Which I think is pretty cool. I have never before been able to keep a regular journal, and now thanks to blogging, I have 500 entries over a span of about three years. I would call that a success!

Looking back over the blog, specifically the labels, I realize a few things. Things that aren't a big surprise to me, but things certainly of note nonetheless. I have 24 categories that I have blogged about more than once. Some of these categories don't have many entries, such as politics and nature (which makes sense since I'm not a very political person, or an outdoorsy person) and some of the categories pretty much make up our blog, such as: family, friends, and especially our children Palmer and Brody. I am happy to see that although I am not as good at taking pictures of our second child (a phenomenon all parents can probably attest to) that I do seem to document Brody's milestones just as frequently as I have documented Palmer's. These two little boys are by far, my favorite subjects to blog about. I just adore them! From gazing on these labels I can that we are loved by family and friends. I can see that cooking is a big part of our lives, specifically good cooking. I can see a love for crafts. From the amount of birthday and holidays recorded, I see that we like to celebrate and have fun. I see that a good chunk of our entries are of a spiritual nature, and that is rightly so, because our lives revolve around our religion. All these labels represent good things, things for which I am grateful. Certainly our lives are full and we are truly blessed!

I'd like to thank you readers who've traveled along this journey with us. I've appreciated the kind words, the encouragement and the good advice. You and your comments are one of the biggest reasons I've been able to keep this blog going. So as a thank you, I am offering a giveaway, a homemade treat of your choosing. All you need to do to enter is become a follower of our blog (if you are not already) and leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address and which treat you would like to receive. There are many listed on this blog to choose from, but I am willing to make others not featured, so feel free to request whatever you desire. Keep in mind that if you do not live nearby, you will need to choose a treat that is easily shipped (i.e. cookies, fancy Chex Mix, a dense dessert bar such as brownies or peanut butter cup squares,etc.). I will select a winner at random and will announce the winner here on the blog, as well as contact by e-mail, this coming Friday, July 2.

Thanks again for reading!

Recipe - Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

2011-06-23T15:35:00.000-06:00

This recipe comes from my sister London. She is the queen of cakes, especially cupcakes. She stands by the motto that the actual cake doesn't need to be made from scratch to be good, but the frosting definitely does. And our family is a big, big fan of buttercream frosting. For our last Relief Society meeting I topped white cupcakes with this delicious strawberry buttercream frosting. The boys and I even ate the frosting plain, by piping it straight onto our fingers from the icing bag, after I finished frosting the cupcakes; it is that good.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

1 cup butter, softened
1 (32 oz.) package powdered sugar
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy (about 20 seconds). Add sugar and strawberries; beat at low speed until creamy. Add more sugar if frosting is too thin, or add more strawberries if too thick.

Road Trip to Ely

2011-06-22T13:17:00.000-06:00

I try to do anything possible to avoid traveling long distances with our children. They are not good travelers. But, we wanted to go see Greg's Dad Kelly, and it had been several months since we had attempted the road trip, so we decided to take on the challenge. We left Friday, June 10, in the afternoon after a long lunch in McDonald's playplace. Brody fell asleep and Palmer watched a movie. We stopped halfway at the Salt Flats. The trip there was a success, with only a little crying and wiggling to get out during the last half hour.

We had a great time hanging out with Grandpa Kelly over the weekend. We went to McDonalds again, fed ducks at the park, took the kids out fourwheeling, grilled steaks, ate yummy breakfasts cooked by Grandpa, got out the slip and slide and played poker after the kids went to bed.

The ride home wasn't as fun. We left early Sunday morning. The boys fought a lot during the first part of the drive. We stopped at the park in Wendover to get out some energy and ate at Burger King for lunch. Then we put on a movie for the boys, and hit the road again. Palmer kept saying he had to go potty, and we pulled over a couple times to find out he actually didn't need to go. And Brody threw up all over himself and the car, shortly after we got back on the road. We cleaned him up as best as we could, but the van still smelled like throw up for the duration of the trip. The four hour drive ended up lasting six very long hours.

So thanks to Grandpa Kelly for the great fun. I'm sure in another six months or so, we'll forget about the rough return trip and find ourselves once again on the road to Ely.

Love Bites and More

2011-06-20T13:56:00.004-06:00

Brody is such a little lover. He gives out about 100 kisses a day. He kisses any picture of an animal. He kisses his momma and dada and brother on the lips and anywhere else he can get to. He usually makes a big, "mwah" sound when kissing someone or something he loves. When we took him the Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point, we couldn't stop him from kissing every animal he came across right on the mouth. Pretty gross, I know. Every once in a while he even gives soft little bites to show his love. A few times he has chomped a bit too hard and caused an unsuspecting Momma or Dada to yell out in pain. In these circumstances, Brody has responded with devastated crocodile tears. We comfort him and tell him to be soft, and give him kisses right back... the gentle, non-biting kind.

He loves anything that is soft and cuddly and whenever he meets such an item he buries himself in it, mauls it, crushes it against his body, or shoves it in his mouth. You could say his love is a tad intense. He has a couple stuffed animals that he adores; you can be sure to find them in his arms, snuggled up against his chest or head, or stuffed into his mouth whenever he is put to bed. He usually pulls them out of his bed with him as well, in the same manner.

We just treasure our loving, kissing, and even sometimes biting little guy. I hope he is always able to show his great love so freely.

Birthday Bashes

2011-06-17T10:13:00.007-06:00

I turned 29 on the 8th of this month. Only one year away from thirty, yikes.

The weekend before I scrapbooked all night long with my high school girlfriends at our scrapbook overnighter. My best bud Jenn gave me a shirt and a wallet, and my friend Lissa gave me an iPod giftcard.

I spent the Sunday before celebrating with the Nichols side of the family. We had personal pizzas and London made, by my request, Coca Cola cake. I love the Coca Cola cake at Cracker Barrel and was hoping the recipe I found online would taste like it. It was good, but not the same, so the pursuit of the right Coca Cola cake recipe continues. I received money for clothes (London even folded her money into the shape of clothes, so cute!), some pajamas, and a sewing box.

On my actual birthday Greg gave me a Nook Color. I have been loving it! And so has the rest of the family. I mostly read on it, but have used it to check my e-mail and surf the web; Greg plays games on it (specifically Angry Birds), and the boys love the function that reads picture books to them. Greg and I went to The Cheesecake Factory. I redeemed my free babysitting from our Relief Society Service Auction, and our friend Allison babysat the boys. I got the raspberry lemon cheesecake and Greg ordered the Reeces Cheesecake. The food was delicious, as always.

The next Monday I celebrated with Greg's side of the family at Leatherbys. We all ate icecream, chatted, and the kids made big gooey messes. Nancy gave me a cosmetic box, a sweater and a jewelry set.

It really was a wonderful birthday! I just love to spread it out and celebrate it as long as possible!

Recipe - Bacon Wrapped Chicken Teriyaki Skewers

2011-06-13T14:56:00.006-06:00

I got this recipe from my new cookbook Our Best Bites, which I have been loving. It was my Mothers Day present from the boys (and probably from Greg, since it doesn't seem his over the top gift of a spa day is going to work out). I'd been eyeing it since it's release, and am so happy to now be the owner of this fabulous cookbook. Besides using a lot of garlic (which I am allergic to), these two ladies cook just as I like to cook. They use fresh everyday ingredients, and make most food from scratch.

I prepped these chicken skewers and Greg grilled them up. They were so delicious. Greg even confessed they were just as good as his favorite meal - BBQ ribs. I think the homemade teriyaki sauce is what made them so amazing. And of course anything with pineapple gets top scores from me.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Teriyaki Skewers

Homemade Teriyaki sauce (recipe below)
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
About 8 oz. lean bacon, NOT thick-sliced
1 large can pineapple chunks
Kebab skewers

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. cold water
½ c. white sugar
½ c. soy sauce
¼ c. cider vinegar
½ tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. black pepper

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and black pepper. Combine your ingredients in the saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. While sauce is heating, combine cornstarch and cold water. When sauce comes to a full boil, add cornstarch mixture and stir until sauce is thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat. May be stored in refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks

Cut slices of bacon into thirds. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can gauge about how many pieces you'll need by how many pieces of bacon you have; you probably won't use all the bacon. Drain the pineapple and set up a little work station with skewers, bacon, chicken, and a 9x13 baking dish. Wrap a piece of bacon around a chicken piece, secure with skewer, and top with a chunk of pineapple. Repeat twice if using large skewers. When all chicken pieces have been sufficiently staked, pour Teriyaki sauce over everything, reserving about 1/4 c., and marinate in refrigerator for at least 4 hours, no longer than about 8. Preheat grill; when about 350-400 degrees, place skewers on grill and baste with reserved Teriyaki sauce. Cook about 7 minutes and flip skewers. Baste again and cook another 7 minutes.

**If cooking in oven, preheat oven to 400 and bake about 20 minutes, turning once, following the same basting instructions.

Greg's New Calling

2011-06-09T22:47:00.002-06:00

Greg was called to the Elder's Quorum Presidency this past Sunday to serve as the second councilor. This is his third calling; he is also the second councilor in the Sunday School Presidency and a Cub Scout Den leader. He is a good man, and his work is obviously needed in our ward.

I had a realization this past week. I myself, have always had no problem taking on positions of responsibility. In fact, I like to be in charge, to make sure everything and everyone is accounted for. I feel for the most part, leadership, is a good niche for me. I am comfortable being involved and I am an organized person. I try to seek out such opportunities, not only because it makes me happy, but also because I have received a very special priesthood blessing which told me I am to do so.

I was invited into Priesthood to witness Greg being set apart. Among many blessings given to Greg, the member of the stake high council blessed me to be a support to my husband. He blessed me with understanding for the times to come when Greg would have to sacrifice time with our family in order to fulfill his calling.

After Greg was set apart I went onto Relief Society, where a lesson on keeping the commandments was in progress. It was during this lesson that I had the impression that what the Lord is asking of me at this time in my life is to support my husband in his roles of responsibility. I rarely have an issue giving of my time, talents and efforts to the Lord and to others. However, when it comes to Greg's time, I struggle being as giving. I feel the kids and I don't see him too often as it is. The time that he does have, I want for us. I've never told him not to accept a calling or to stay home instead of serving. But, there have been instances that I have begrudged the time he spends away from our family. I am sure that, even though these negative feelings weren't voiced, Greg could sense them. The children could probably sense them. And I know that they have surely affected me. On Sunday, I realized these feelings I have had are not in accordance with Heavenly Father's commandments, and that I needed to soften my heart.

I suspect that much will be required of my husband in the future. He is a righteous, worthy man, the sort of man that is a rarity in our world today. And because much will be required of him, certain things must be required of me. Not things I had in mind. Not things I have been preparing myself for. Not things that come easily to me. But important things nonetheless. Important things the Lord expects from me and is teaching me to understand and accept.

STAYcation

2011-06-06T16:12:00.003-06:00

Greg and I took the past week off of work for a family staycation, a.k.a. a vacation at home. We definitely made the most of it and had fun, fun and more fun.

Monday - grilled bacon wrapped teriaki chicken skewers, and swimming at the fitness center
Tuesday - an endowment session at the Jordan River Temple, Five Guys burgers and fries for Greg and I while the boys ate at McDonalds with Pappy and Grandma Betty, games and rides at Jungle Jims, and cupcakes from The Sweet Tooth Fairy
Wednesday - picnicked, playing on equipment, played in water park, and fed ducks at Liberty Park with the boys' cousins Trevor and Davis, sweets from Cummings Chocolate Studio, haircuts from Aunt Sariah, and Kung Fu Panda 2 at the drive in theater
Thursday - Animal Country at Thanksgiving Point, and book group
Friday - Fat Cats bowling, games and pizza with the Riding family, scrapbook overnighter with my girlfriends for me (pages I completed shown here), and family BBQ for Greg and the boys with the Hess side of the family at the Baarz home
Saturday - more scrapbooking for me, Ward Carnival for Greg and the boys, and a LONG nap for the whole family

Recipe - Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Cupcakes

2011-05-31T23:31:00.001-06:00

I made cookies and cream cheesecake cupcakes for this month's girls cake night. I wanted the cake this month to be both delicious and fun since it would be served at a BBQ to not only the women who bid on my cakes, but also their families. I found the recipe for these little cheesecakes in Martha Stewart's Cupcakes cookbook, and thought they would be perfect to appease adult appetites as well as children appetites. However, when I showed up with these goodies, the women quickly decided to hide them and reserve them for the adults only so that the kids wouldn't eat them all up. Haha! I can't really blame them; they were scrumptious. There were a couple cakes leftover that didn't fit on the cake stand, which Greg and I enjoyed the next day. I happily discovered that they tasted even better the second day! From now on I will make sure to bake these the night before I serve them.

Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Cupcakes

42 Oreos (1 package), 30 left whole, and 12 coarsely chopped
2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
1 cup sour cream
Pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Place 1 whole cookie in the bottom of each lined cup. With an electric mixer on medium high speed, beat cream cheese until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Gradually add sugar, and beat until combined. Beat in vanilla. Drizzle in eggs, a bit at a time, beating to combine and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in sour cream and salt. Stir in chopped cookies by hand. Divide batter evenly among cookie-lined cups, filling each almost to the top. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until filling is set, about 22 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Refrigerate at least 4 hours (or up to overnight). Remove from tins just before serving. Makes 30 cupcakes.

Recipe - Chocolate Caramel Bars

2011-05-27T15:07:00.002-06:00

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness. These. are. so. good. I made these delectable treats for the first time this week to go along with a meal I made for a family in the ward who is having a hard time. I made one of our favorite meals: cranberry apple pork roast with baked sweet potatoes. However, these chocolate caramel bars where the best part of the dinner. They are soft, chewy, melt in your mouth, super sweet. Enjoy!

Chocolate Caramel Bars

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 (14 oz.) bag caramels
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 (12 oz.) package milk chocolate chips

In a large bowl combine first 6 ingredients to form a crumbly mixture. Unwrap caramel (let kids help, Palmer loved this step!). Melt caramels and whipping cream in a saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle half of crumbly mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Press to pan lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips over baked mixture and top with melted caramel mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Make a day ahead or several hours ahead to allow time for caramel to set.

I Can Sew

2011-05-25T16:29:00.008-06:00

...sort of. Well, I'm certainly learning to do so. Greg gave me a sewing machine last Christmas. I've always wanted to learn and knew I never would unless I had a machine to practice on. Which turned out to be true. Now that I have one, I've realized the learning is slow going, at least in my case. The world of sewing is full of so many supplies, and techniques that I have never before encountered. And the jargon is like a foreign language to me. However, with the help of my savvy seamstress friends, I am learning something new with every project I work on. One day I hope to pick up a set of sewing instructions and know exactly what they mean and how to carry them out. Oh, and one day I won't have a possessed machine. Seriously, anything that can go wrong with my sewing machine does. I have to troubleshoot is just about everytime I use it. This is what I and my Singer have been doing the past few months.

Churn Dash Quilting Block

Curtains for Our Bedroom

Crayon Rolls (I've made several of these for birthday gifts)

Pajama Pants for Palmer

Flowered hairpiece made for London's Tea Party

Superhero Capes for Brody and Palmer

Tie for Greg

Stay at Home Mom

2011-05-18T04:35:00.002-06:00

When I was in college I took a Women's Literature course, which I absolutely loved. I fell in love with many female writers and for the first time in my life realized the term feminist was a positive notion, not the man-hating, woman-is-superior association I had theretofore believed it to be. Through these amazing works of art and my fantastic professor, I had the epiphany that I myself am indeed a feminist. My professor and I grew very close through the semester and gained mutual respect for each other's love of the written word and writing skills.

On the last day of class, we discussed our future plans and aspirations. I was working towards a degree in English teaching, which my beloved professor knew of. However, it was during this discussion that I mentioned my true desire for my future occupation, that of a stay at home mom. I said that I would love the opportunity to teach English, but that if I had the choice I would happily choose staying home with my children over my sought after career. I instantly saw a look of total disappointment fill my professor's face. She told me what a waste such a decision would be, and that I would be throwing away my gifts and the contributions I could make to our society. Honestly, I was hurt, really hurt. Because of my desire to be a stay at home mom, I had lost value in her eyes. I informed her that just because I wanted to put my efforts into raising my children, that did not make me less of a person. That I still believed in the rights of women, and that men and women should have equal opportunities. And that because we are all equal, I could choose to do what I truly wanted to do with my life. I resolutely told her that as a stay at home mom, I would surely contribute to our society, and in a manner which I deemed most important, just as she, with her teaching, was contributing in a manner she believed to be most important. I left, a bit saddened by my professor's discouragement, but even more sure of my personal aspirations. I am proud of my strength that day. Proud that I stood up for what I believed, even when it went against someone I deeply respected.

A few Sundays ago, a fellow ward member, who I hardly know, asked me about my job working with the special education students at the local junior high. I let him know that I no longer worked there and hadn't since I had my children. He huffed and rolled his eyes, and made a sarcastic remark. I then quickly informed him that I now work at the local fitness center daycare. He seemed content in hearing this and continued our discussion.

Later, during Relief Society we had a lesson on pride. We discussed how pride can take the form of being ashamed of our beliefs. It was then that I realized, when talking to this man, I had felt a need to be ashamed of my decision to quit work to be with my kids. Why else would I have scrambled for the excuse that I am still working? I work at the daycare (very part time) because I can bring my children along with me, because I can still be with them, raising them, while also making a little extra needed income, certainly not because it is my life's ambition. Why is it that I, as a college student, was so ready to defend my values to my greatly esteemed professor, and yet today as I find myself, in the situation I so long desired, I cower at my choice? I still believe I am doing a good work being at home with my children. I believe I am where I should be. I'm not sure why I have lost my assertiveness concerning this matter. Surely, I made a mistake in the denial of my choice to be a stay at home mom. I will not do so again.

Marble Maze

2011-05-14T21:32:00.000-06:00

The best $4.00 I have ever spent at a yard sale. The kids ask to play with with it almost daily. It is even worth constantly finding random marbles in every nook and crany in our home.

Storytime Stories

2011-05-10T15:12:00.000-06:00

We are big fans of the library. Not a day goes by that we don't have a stack of library books on our book shelf. This is especially the case with children's books, since our boys love to be read to, and can practically recite any of the books we own by heart. Thankfully, the library offers us a way to keep storytime fresh and exciting without breaking the bank.

Brody loves any touchy feely books, especially the That's Not My Dinosaur/Teddy/Train/etc. series. Any page that has a plush accent on it goes directly to his mouth for some kissing and gnawing. He is also a fan of pop up books or any book that lights up or makes a noise. He's getting pretty busy at this age, and if the book doesn't have much more to offer besides words and pictures, he loses interest quickly.

Palmer has many favorite books, which lately include: the Llama Llama series, Peek-A-Zoo/Peek-a-Moo/Peek-a-Bloom/etc., I'm The Biggest Thing in the Ocean, Mr. Brown Can Moo, Spot Books, Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See as well as any other Eric Carle book.

A little while ago I had checked out Paul Stickland's Ten Terrible Dinosaurs. It's a cute little book detailing the escapades of ten dinosaurs that eventually dwindle down to one. The first night I read it to Palmer I was quite sleepy and when we got to the part in the story where all the dinosaurs eat so much that one almost "popped," I read "pooped." I even stopped myself and reread the word thinking that pooped was a little graphic for a children's book, but in my tired mind, I once again saw the word pooped, and so that is what I said. Of course he was instantly drawn to this little detail and to this day Palmer will emphatically insist the dinosaur pooped and not popped when anyone reads him Ten Terrible Dinosaurs.

Palmer also loves any books by Todd Parr, especially The Daddy Book. And he really loves when Daddy reads him The Daddy Book. This story is about how all dads are different (some daddys have long hair, some daddys have no hair, some daddys like to take naps with you, some daddys like to play ball with you, some daddys work far away, some daddys work at home, etc.) and wraps it all up by iterating that all dads love their kids and want them to be who they are. Very cute. One night while Greg was giving this book a go, I asked him what daddy he was. He replied, "I'm the daddy who works far away, and from home." Sad, but true. Greg has been working 60-75 hour weeks (in the office and from home), and at times it surely can wear on our family.

Thank goodness for storytimes and other precious little moments when we get the chance to cuddle up with our sweet, sweet little boys and lose ourselves in a fun, silly, fanciful world. Soon enough they'll be reading comic books and Goosebumps and I will yearn for the day when they happily plopped on my lap toting a thick board book copy of Go, Dogs, Go.

18 Month and Three Year Photo Shoot

2011-05-09T10:50:00.008-06:00

We took the boys to JC Penney to get Brody's 18 month photos and Palmer's three year photos. The boys actually did pretty well sitting still and I think the pictures are really cute. The photographer did try one last fun shot of the two of them and within seconds of posing them, they both had jumped up and were running around the room. That's when we knew we were done. :) However, the photo shoot only last fifteen minutes and during that time we were able to get almost 20 good shots. This is just one of the many reasons I love JC Penney Portrait Studio. These rambunctious little boys are just too busy to sit through an hour or so of photographing.

I so love the shots of the two of them together; they love each other so much and it shows. My favorite is the one of them both lying on the floor and the last close up of them smiling big.

Recipe - Sausage Gravy over Biscuits

2011-05-05T23:06:00.001-06:00

There is nothing better in my book than comfort food. And Greg is just crazy about breakfast foods. Combine these two favorites and what do you get? Sausage gravy over biscuits. I usually prepare this meal, with scrambled eggs and fried potatoes, for dinner since it is so very filling.

Sausage Gravy Over Biscuits

1 lb. sausage (we like Jimmy Dean Regular)
4 tablespoons grease from sausage (add 2-3 tablespoons butter, if necessary)
4 tablespoons flour
2 c. milk
salt and pepper for taste
biscuits (we like Pillsbury Grands)

Cook sausage. Remove sausage from pan and drain grease from sausage. If there is not 4 tablespoons of grease, add 2-3 tablespoons of butter and put back in pan. mix flour into grease/butter and bring to a boil. Stir in milk. Let it cook and thicken. Add sausage. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over warm biscuits.

Monkey Business

2011-05-02T23:09:00.005-06:00

We threw a Curious George party for Palmer's third birthday. We always call Palmer our little monkey because he is always climbing, swinging and basically monkeying around all the time. He also loves Curious George. We had mostly family over for the event as well as a few close friends of the family. We served sub sandwiches, various salads, chips and soda pop. We had a Schmidts cake decorated by Aunt Andrea and banana splits for dessert. All the kids spent time monkeying about on our new swing set. We played "hot banana" (a.k.a. hot potato). Palmer opened a bunch of wonderful presents including: play dough sets, puzzles, a Curious George blanket, pillow and pajama set, a few games, a sprinkler toy, a bubble fan, a couple movies, and a tricycle. He sure is loved, and spoiled well! Thanks to those who joined in our celebration for Palmer. He had a perfectly, wonderful birthday!

Three Years Old

2011-05-02T15:26:00.006-06:00

Palmer is three today! He is such an energetic, fun, intelligent boy. His behavior has been getting better in regards to the tantrums and defiance associated with the "terrible twos," and he hasn't been as sensitive as he once was. And at times he can even sit and be still. He has been more aggressive recently and has been know to hit and push, and gets put in time out at least once a day for his aggressive acts. However, he is also very loving and gives hugs and kisses and holds hands with his family and friends. He often tells us, "You make me happy," and when he is concerned that we are upset with him asks, "I make you happy?" He continues to be very active and wants to learn. He is a smart little boy and picks up on things quickly. We just love our little Palmer boy; he surely makes life a great adventure! This is what's going on with Palmer at three years old.

He has learned: to use the potty, many little songs (his favorites include: Old MacDonald Had a Farm, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Family Night and Once There Was a Snowman), all his colors, to use a mouse and play games on the computer, to do a somersault, to talk on the phone, and continues to learn new words and concepts each and everyday.

He likes: Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse and Curious George, fruit snacks, juice, pretzels, strawberries and any other fruit, candy, playing outside, blowing bubbles, board games, play dough, playing with friends, playing toddler games on the computer, coloring with markers and using his safety scissors, play places and park equipment, running around, reading books, puzzles, and swimming.

He dislikes: going to bed at night and naptime, most sandwiches, pepperoni, being ignored, being alone, and staying home all day.

Things he does that makes us laugh: Says clever and funny things daily (see here, here and here for the latest), get within an inch of a person's face when he wants to have a serious conversation, cute and very enthusiastic dance moves, huge smiles, and big laughs and giggles.

The Help

2011-04-27T16:06:00.001-06:00

I read the best book, and I have to share! My ward's book group just finished reading and discussing The Help by Kathryn Stockett. In a word, this book is phenomenal. It is so well written, has such wonderful well-rounded characters, and grabs your instantly. I stayed up until 2:00 am twice when reading this book because I could not put it down. It's about three women who live in Mississippi in the 1960s: two black maids, and a young white aspiring female writer. It may just be my new favorite book... I'm still processing it. Also, I'm having difficulty giving up my long running absolute favorite book Cry, the Beloved Country. But if I'm being honest, The Help was such an amazing read that, in my book, it has at least earned it's place side by side with Alan Paton's classic.

My sister called me today to discuss the novel, as she had just completed it. I was worried I had over hyped it for her and that she would be disappointed, but she loved it as well. She also said, "It might be my new favorite book." Funny how alike we are in our stubbornness to give up our longtime favorites.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-25T15:10:00.005-06:00

Easter Sunday was lovely. The boys wore their matching Easter outfits (which I was able to get for $1.00 a piece on clearance!) to church. Brody spent his second Sunday in nursery along with Palmer. He did better this week, and only came crying to us once. The Easter bunny came after church and the boys each received a game, a movie and a chocolate covered marshmallow egg from the Young Women fundraiser.

We had a dinner with the Nichols side of the family at the Riding home. Pappy and Grandma Betty gave the boys a basket full of candy and a stuffed bunny/duck. London did an impressive egg hunt for the kids. She had so much loot in her backyard that all the adults had to help to bring it all in. The boys got a bunch of toys (coloring books, a Singamajig, Bandaids, a punching balloon, play dough, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, etc.) and a gallon sized bag of candy each!

I tried to explain the atonement and resurrection to Palmer, but I don't think he is able to grasp it yet, even in its simplest terms. I appreciate Easter, not only for the fun and candy, but more so for the opportunity we have to remember our Savior - that He died for us, that He was resurrected and that He lives!

"The greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called Him master. Had no degrees, yet they called Him teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called Him healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today!" - Author Unknown

Swinging Good Times

2011-04-25T14:54:00.003-06:00

A slide + a fort + a picnic table + a sand box + 2 swings + a glider + a trampoline = heaven for our boys!

Meet the newest addition to our backyard - the Hess family swing set. It took Greg, my father and our next door neighbor five hours on Saturday to set up this monster, but it was worth it! The boys have been outside having a swinging good time every moment they get. We all love it! Anyone want to schedule a play date at our house?

Potty Training Success

2011-04-20T15:06:00.002-06:00

We started potty training Palmer about a week and a half ago. This was our second attempt to do so.

I tried to follow the Toilet Training in Less Than A Day system last time. It sort of worked. He did well the first day, but the next morning he pooped for the first time on the potty, was totally traumatized, and refused to sit on a potty again. He is also a pretty smart cookie, and had already learned to manipulate the system. The program instructs to reward your child with candy often for being clean and dry. Palmer quickly realized as long as he stayed clean and dry long enough, he would be able to get his candy regardless of if he went in the potty at all.

So, we gave him time, and six months later, used a much more relaxed approach. As before, I didn't make a big deal about accidents and got really excited when he did have success. However this time, we just gave him verbal praise for staying clean and dry, and reinforced him peeing on the potty with candy or a special drink. In order to get him over his fear, I knew the reinforcement for going poop on the potty would have to be upped. We let him pick a small toy (bubbles, coloring book, bouncy ball, stickers, etc.) from a bag of "poop prizes." It worked like a charm. Honestly, this time potty training was a piece of cake! I should have listened to all my friends who said to wait to train a boy until he is three. Obviously, last time he wasn't ready and this time he was. After four days of training, he was a pro. He is now wearing his big boy underwear both day and night, everywhere we go, without accidents. Way to go Palmer!

Tea Party

2011-04-18T19:28:00.008-06:00

My sister was up to it again, and planned a lovely tea party last week which I had to opportunity to attend. London served sassafras tea, croissant sandwiches with relishes, pasta salad and some beautifully decorated cupcakes. The tables was decorated with fresh flowers, white china, and handcafted placecards made from forget me not seeds.

Everyone was told to wear a spring hat, and that prizes would be awarded for the most beautiful and the most creative. I made mine based on a tutorial I found here, and won most creative. London's new neighbor in the stunning white hat with feathers won most beautiful.

I absolutely adore my sister and her fabulous parties! She so reminds me of my mom in that aspect. What a lovely afternoon those party planning talents of hers can create!

Marjorie Pay Hinckley

2011-04-13T21:16:00.003-06:00

"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are."

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

"Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead."

"The grand and the simple. They are equally wonderful."

"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow what a ride!'"

I just love this woman! Everyone of these profound quotes makes my heart happy and brings a smile to my face. Is she not the best?

Fortune Aligns

2011-04-12T14:25:00.000-06:00

A couple nights ago Greg and I spent about 20 minutes searching for the Bluray player remote, to no avail. We suspect the culprit of the lost remote to be Brody, who has a fascination for all things electronic and often relocates them. We gave up and sat down to watch some television. Greg grabbed a couple fortune cookies (we currently have a plethora of fortune cookies thanks to a work prank wherein his coworkers filled his desk drawers with all the remaining condiments from a company catered Chinese meal) for a snack and received the following fortune:

Nice to know that fortune is smiling upon us, and that we will once again see our remote. However, I really hope it does not take a month to find it!

18 Months Old

2011-04-11T12:53:00.005-06:00

Brody is now 18 months old. Our baby is getting so big, in fact, he's not even a baby anymore. He finally started walking at 16 months. However, he still at times prefers to walk on his knees. He had a huge growth spurt and has lost all his cute baby chubs. He is now long and lean, just like his big brother. Brody is such a funny little boy. He is a big ham, and loves to be silly and cheese it up. He also has the sweetest little heart ever. He loves to show love and be loved. He is all about snuggles, hugs, kisses and cuddles. He can be very clingy, especially with me. Here are the stats on Brody at 18 months of age.

Height: 33 3/4 inches - 87%, Weight: 23 lb. 4 oz. - 17%, Head Circumference: 42%

He has learned: to walk, to climb, to dance, to say many words (mama, dada, ball, milk [muh], banana [nana], bye, hi, hello, thank you, thanks, cheese, Elmo [Lala - derived from the theme song], uh oh, go, whoa, bubble, marble, good, outside [side] and dog), to use utensils when eating - even better than his brother, to point to most of his body parts, to communicate what he needs (most of the time), high fives, kisses, to throw away garbage, and wipe down tables.

He likes: playing with his brother, milk, cereal, baths, being naked, going to the park, bubbles, cuddling, being swaddled in blankets, his teddy bear or anything soft and fuzzy, electronics (especially remotes, phones, keyboards and wires) books, music, being held, Elmo and Veggie Tales.

He dislikes: mom leaving the room, traveling longer than fifteen minutes, and having to sit still.

Things he does that makes us laugh: love bites given to Mom and Dad and any stuffed animal or fluffy thing, dances to music, holds telephones to the back of his head, gives a mischevious smile when he knows he is doing something he shouldn't, pats his hair when crying, big cheesy grins and heary laughs.

Conference Weekend

2011-04-07T20:45:00.002-06:00

The older I get, the more I appreciate and love General Conference. Ironically, the older I get, the more difficult I find my circumstances to actually be able to watch and pay attention to conference.

We outright missed all of Saturday's conference. Greg had worked a whopping 23 1/2 hour work shift the day before and was very much still recovering. Greg was on call Saturday and had to wake early to work from home. He very sweetly said I could sleep in since he had to be up anyway. During the time Greg was working, Palmer was extremely busy making a huge mess! When Greg was finally able to crash into bed, and I awoke to take over with the children I found: permanent marker all over our refrigerator, and most items inside our refrigerator, an inch of water covering half our kitchen floor, a bowl of Fruity Cheerios and milk dumped on the carpet in our office as well as glitter dumped on the carpet and throughout the drawers of my scrapbooking supplies. It took a very long time to clean everything up. (F.Y.I. - gasoline and a magic eraser is about the only thing that will take permanent marker of a refrigerator.) Greg was still on call and exhausted Saturday evening, so was unable to make it to the priesthood session.

Sunday morning conference I was a bit more prepared. The boys painted, to their utter delight and Greg and I did our best to catch what we could. When President Monson spoke I told Palmer, "That is President Monson. He is the prophet and he speaks for Heavenly Father." Palmer excitedly replied, "I know Heavenly Father too!" His comment warmed my heart. Seems like we must be doing something right in our often desperate parenting.

Sunday afternoon the boys went down for their naps, so we were able to really soak in the messages. And how lovely those messages were! They seemed as they were prepared just for us. For sure, our prophet and apostles are called of God. And what a mindful Heavenly Father we have. He knows our struggles, our trials and our needs, and finds ways to send us comfort and answers to those hardships during the 1/5 of General Conference that we are able to pay attention to, a tender mercy indeed. I do look forward to reading the talks that I missed, but take joy in the small portion that I was able to hear.

Perfect Day

2011-04-06T16:16:00.005-06:00

I awoke this morning naturally, without an alarm, feeling refreshed from a full night of sleep. Greg received a call from his boss saying he could take a paid day off since he's been working so hard and so much. The boys slept in until 9:00 am, so Greg and I had a relaxing breakfast in bed. Palmer and Brody awoke in a cheerful mood. They quickly got dressed for the day without any promptings or help. Greg offered to do some cleaning and the boys played quietly and didn't make any additional mess as I took a long hot shower. Greg and I went to the gym, dropping off the boys in the daycare. My coworkers were thrilled with the opportunity to spend more time with my well-behaved children. Greg and I got in an invigorating five mile run. For the first time, I ran faster than my husband. We then went shopping with some extra money we have lying around. I bought several new items of clothing, Greg bought a laptop and we bought the boys a trampoline and a couple of bikes. We picnicked at the park; the weather was lovely, sunny and warm with a nice breeze. The boys went down for a three hour nap willingly. A pair of masseuses came to the house and gave each of us an hour long massage. Then I spent an hour scrapbooking while Greg took on a few home improvement projects that took less time than predicted and came in under budget. The babysitter showed up and Greg and I went out for a night on the town. We dined at an expensive restaurant with many of our friends and then took romantic carriage ride, just the two of us, holding hands. We came home to giggling boys who greeted us with hugs and kisses. The boys got in their pajamas in a timely manner. Together, we all read a bedtime story and had family prayer. The boys made sure to listen quietly and remained reverent throughout the entire prayer. We all said we loved each other and after more hugs and kisses, Palmer and Brody put themselves to bed. Greg and I ended the evening by playing a few rounds of Boogle, and watched a chick flick while sharing a Brownie Obsession from TGI Fridays. We were able to retire to bed early.

Alright, so this isn't honestly how my day went... at all. However, there are 365 days in a year. The average person lives 28,178 of those days. One of those days has to eventually go somewhat like this.

Rough and Tumble Boys

2011-04-04T14:51:00.002-06:00

I grew up in a household of girls. I know how to deal with fighting over bathroom time, passive-aggressiveness and girl drama. I knew I'd be out of my element raising boys, what I didn't realize is how quickly the wildness and roughhousing would set in. Palmer (who not even three years old) and Brody (who is not even 1 1/2 years old) have been already begun tackling, pinning, and wrestling with each other regularly. They have become some very rough and tumble little boys. It's usually Palmer who instigates the rough play, but there has been many times when I have gone to intervene and it is Brody who I find happily lying atop a screaming Palmer with a proud smile lighting up his face. A few weeks ago I happened upon a darling picture perfect moment where Greg was holding Palmer and Palmer was holding Brody. They were all cuddling and giggling and making my heart melt. I quickly tracked down the camera to take a picture of my three favorite guys being oh so adorable. After several snaps of the lens; these were the best I could get.

Even in a moment of joy and snuggles Palmer and Brody could not hold back those rough and tumble boy tendencies.

Of Safety Scissors and Cake Overload

2011-03-29T17:23:00.009-06:00

My little monkeys, otherwise known as Palmer and Brody, sure do know how to keep me on my toes. Motherhood proves to be such a roller coaster ride. I spend the majority of the day amid a jumble of emotions. One moment I am laughing enthusiastically at their silly antics, and the next moment yelling out in frustration. One moment I want to hug and kiss them all over, and only a moment later I find myself wanting to wring their little necks. Parenthood surely stretches individuals to the limits of their love, as well as their patience. The past few days proved to be nothing sort of the wild ride I have come to expect in raising these sweet, silly, energetic, and curious little boys.

This is the work of Palmer and his safety scissors this past Sunday morning. Needless to say, the scissors are in time out for a long time. And Tuesday night he got a Bandaid stuck in his hair that we had to cut out. So he is currently not only sporting one old man balding spot, but two. Thankfully, Auntie Rie was already scheduled to give us all haircuts this coming Wednesday.

This one is the work of Brody and a piece of Pappy's leftover birthday cake just before naptime Monday afternoon. He has recently gone to only one nap a day, and every once in a while it, along with the help of a major sugar crash, catches up to him.

Recipe - Chocolate Caramel Praline Torte

2011-03-28T14:55:00.007-06:00

This is the first cake I made for the women in my ward who won my offering of cake for a year at our Relief Society Service Auction. I was unable to join my ward friends this time, since I already had plans that evening to go the the scrapbook expo with my sister and high school friends. I am sad to have missed the fun get together, but look forward to eleven more months of cake eating with my girlfriends. This torte is not only beautiful, but also delicious. It's a great choice when serving company as it is easy to prepare and always impresses.

Chocolate Caramel Praline Torte
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 package devils food cake mix + ingredients listed on cake mix box

Topping:
1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
cocoa powder (optional)

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter and cream. Stir over low heat until butter is melted. Pour into two greased 9 inch round cake pans. Sprinkle with pecans; set aside. Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Carefully pour batter over pecans. Bake at 325 degrees for 35-45 minute or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; invert onto wire racks to cool completely. For topping, beat cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff. Place one cake layer pecan side up on a serving plate. Spread with half of the topping. Top with second cake layer and remaining topping. Dust with cocoa powder is desired. Store in refrigerator.

Recipe - Fugi Apple Poppy Seed Salad

2011-03-24T22:45:00.000-06:00

My friend Betsy had us over for dinner on Saint Patricks Day. I make her and her boys dinner every so often in attempts to ease her burden since her husband is currently serving in Iraq, and I can't imagine how she does everything on her own with him gone. She said she wanted to thank me by having us over for a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage. When I showed up she, her boys, and the other family joining us were decked out all in green and festive shamrocks. Palmer, Brody and I were party poops; I hadn't remembered it was Saint Patricks Day until after I had gotten all of us dressed for the day, and of course, all our ensembles were lacking the color green. I have been running on empty lately with Greg being gone so much of the time working graveyards (his assigned month of this awful shift has currently been extended *sigh*), and didn't have it in me to get everyone dressed again. So I slapped a shamrock sticker on each of the boys' shirts and just planned to get pinched myself. Brody's sticker didn't even make it through the first half hour of the day. However, I did bring this delish GREEN salad to the meal, so that counts for something right?

Fugi Apple Poppy Seed Salad

1 packaged bag fresh baby spinach
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced fugi apples
real bacon bits, to taste
slivered almonds, to taste
craisens, to taste
shredded parmesan cheese, to taste
poppy seed dressing

Toss all ingredients, except dressing, together in a large bowl. Serve with poppyseed dressing.

Only You...

2011-03-22T09:29:00.005-06:00

...prefer to sleep under your bed instead of on it.

...eat all your fruits and vegetables before even touching anything else on your plate.

...like to color with a white crayon.

...give four kisses before bed: one on each cheek, one on the lips and then finish with an Eskimo kiss.

...have to get within one inch of a person's face when having a conversation.

...when asked if you will be good, will honestly answer no when you know you will not.

...get so wound up and hyper that you literally bounce off walls.

...tell everyone you meet that your mom is afraid of spiders.

...can scale our kitchen counters.

...find comfort in sucking your thumb while twirling the hair atop your head.

...can make me want to laugh, cry, scream, and hug you all within a few minutes time.

...live and breathe Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Curious George.

...make friends everywhere you go.

...when told it's time to take a nap, respond with an enthusiastic, "I wake up!"

...sing "shake your boo bet" to the song "Shake Your Groove Thing."

...want a band aid put on your hair when you bump the top of your head.

...are creative, funny, and smart enough to have the following conversation:

Dad: Palmer, where do you get all your energy?
Palmer: From Christmas.
Dad: Oh, maybe I should ask Santa for energy this year.
Palmer: No, you get pants.

Relief Society Birthday Celebration and Service Auction

2011-03-21T19:13:00.008-06:00

Last Wednesday we had our Relief Society birthday celebration activity. We served Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner and had a variety of cupcakes (I made these chocolate peanut butter cupcakes) for dessert. We then had a service auction. Sisters donated services and bid on others' services with points they earned from a questionnaire (composed of random questions such as if the sister did her visiting teaching, if she knows how to dance the boot scootin boogie, points for each button she was wearing, etc). It was so much fun! I think it might have been my favorite Relief Society activity yet.

I won a facial from my friend Martha and babysitting from my friend Allison. Sweet! The service I donated to the auction was a year of homemade cakes, or one cake a month for twelve months. The theme of the activity was cake, so of course, I had to provide a service that revolved around that said theme. The bidding for my cakes was a madhouse; everyone was in a frenzy attempting to combine their points with others in order to win. I just love my ward and all my wonderful friends there. They always know how to make me feel special and appreciated. This month I am making caramel praline chocolate torte for the winning sisters. I will be sure to post a picture of the cake and the recipe. In fact, I'm quite certain this blog will be seeing several new cake recipes posted in this next year.

Cheaper than Disneyland

2011-03-15T18:16:00.009-06:00

We had a difficult time trying to decide what to spend our tax refund on. Of course, there is always the frontrunner... debt. We also considered new windows for the house (my number one choice after debt, our electric bill is outrageous due to bad insulation), replacing our furnace (which goes out several times a week in the winter), a new mattress (Greg's number one choice since we both wake up in pain), a swing set for the kids, or a vacation. Since we couldn't come to a consensus, the money went to paying off debt. Which is great because we now have completely paid off Brody's hospital bill from when he fractured his spine, and have once again saved up our emergency fund and are back on the second step of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. Good stuff for sure.

We did splurge on one outing with the money - Disney on Ice. Everytime it comes to Salt Lake we plan to go since Palmer is obsessed with Mickey Mouse, but we always seemed to have other plans or to be short on money at the time. We decided Disney on Ice would be a lot of fun for the kids and thanks to Freebies2Deals and a Kraft Singles wrapper I was able to score the tickets for half price.

Last weekend's Disney on Ice was about celebrations, and what kid doesn't love to party? Palmer was absolutely overjoyed. He watched the whole show with fascination, and laughed, booed and clapped when appropriate. Anytime Mickey was not on the ice, he was asking Greg and I, with true concern, where he was, and everytime Mickey came back on the ice, Palmer's face lit up with a huge smile. He was adorable! Brody on the otherhand was a pistol and refused to sit still on the Trax ride or during the show. The only way to keep him somewhat contained was to feed him, so feed him we did. During the first part of the performance he ate the Lunchable I packed and during intermission we purchased some kettle corn for him to munch on during the second half.

All in all, it was a pretty great outing. Hopefully, in a few years that tax refund can be used towards a Disney trip, but until then, Palmer got to see Mickey Mouse for $50 (totaled from three show tickets, two Trax tickets and a bag of popcorn), instead of $500+, and that is surely good by me.

Mi Cocina

2011-03-14T15:33:00.000-06:00

We painted our kitchen even before we officially bought our home. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and so I thought it was the perfect room to start making our home ours. I love to have lots of color in a home, and this room is surely our most colorful! We used a picture a convert from Greg's mission painted for him as our inspiration and as a focal point for the room. I did a faux finish on the walls with a chocolate glaze, a paint brush and a lot of elbow grease. It took such a very long time, but I think the results paid off. We removed all the cupboards and painted them avocado green, and also added brown baseboard. The hand painted bowls (which serve as our dining room centerpiece) are from Greg's mom Nancy, from a Mexican cruise she went on. I sewed the curtains over the sink a couple years ago with help from one of my mom's best friends, Joanie. And just a couple months ago, I finally finished my plans for the room by reupholstering the dining room chairs. When entertaining, I enjoy serving fun, colorful, Latin American meals to compliment my fun, colorful, Latin American kitchen. Even our plates and bowls are a complimentary bright orange and green.