Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my Fathers birthday. What can I say about him? He is an amazing man, his work ethic is awesome, accept when you are a teenager and think holidays are for fun not yard work. I have always been my Dads "favorite"! Hey I am just kidding!!! I do have a connection with my Dad, He teases me unmercifully and I take it, although I have been known to dish it out to him too. I have memories of Christina trying to get us to stop teasing each other because I guess it sounds mean.
When we moved back to Utah, Dad wanted something to do with his kids so he bought season tickets to BYU football. Those are some of the most fun memories I have. He also took us backpacking, hiking and fishing for many vacations. Other things I most associate with my Dad are Bar J Wranglers, scrabble and Knighton (probably because his middle name is the same as my Dads) Dad I hope you know how much I love you and I hope your day is good.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

draping fondant

These pictures are a bit grainy because they were scanned in to the comp from photos. It also doesn't help that they were stained before scanning.




Lindsay's and Brooke's wedding cakes

Extra! Extra! read all about it!

Mom gets lost in a perilous thing called the Internet!

We all know about all the dangers out there on the Internet, those sites that you want to protect from your children at all costs, and if you find they have found such sites you want to throw the computer out and then lock them in their rooms till they have reached the ripe ole age of 50. I am here to let people know about the less talked about worries of the Internet.

The main issue... Facebook. Such an average word for a black hole of apps and chats. Those who have been there will understand, with such a wide variety of things to do, from farming to being part of a mob, from owning a puppy that needs to be fed every day to owning a lollipop that only your friends can suck on. One can even kidnap to their hearts content (or till you max out on how many you can kidnap) Each application or game has its own set of rules and point/money system.

The status updates so everyone can know what you are doing or how you feel: Linda is addicted to Facebook. Those who are like me can never seem to get enough. Oh we might change the app of choice from time but there is so much to do and more every day there will never be a lack of something.

Then the chatting. you can email those who are not logged on or directly chat with those who are. I watch the bottom corner of the screen religiously waiting for someone to chat with. Did you know you can max out on those too?! A friend of mine was chatting with 6 people at the same time and was cut off for a day. Maybe it is like cutting someone off at a bar when they have too much do drink. He had had to much chat and the Facebook administrators decided that he could hurt himself if they let him keep chatting at that rate. Just like a bar they don't care if he goes to another forum and continues they did their duty.

Hey, its wonderful for finding all the friends you have lost touch with. I have reconnected with good friends, young loves and met friends friends. What a fun way to catch up on friends lives all at once and to get to know new ones.

So if you couldn't guess the times I go days or weeks with out a blog I am probably lost in the wonderful world that is Facebook. My name is Linda and I am an addict, please don't hate me just come join me on the dark side.
(now I gotta get back and check on my crops)

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

You are a wonderful mother and I have always loved making you smile, even when it hurt. Some of my favorite memories end with the words "Don't make me smile/laugh, it hurts"

I have been so thankful for you in the last 10 years especially, I don't know what my life would be like if I couldn't call you to find out what temp you bake potatoes and meat loaf at. I just never had to remember because I knew that I could always call you.

All the days I have been able to call you with something fun or cute the kids did and all the times the kids have gotten to stay overnight with you are wonderful memories. I love watching you with your grandkids, thank you for being such a loving Grandmother.

I wish I could make your day as special as you made mine. You managed to ruin all the birthdays since I moved out by making my birthday all about me!!! :) I dont get that as a mom and have come to appreciate those days even more.

Thank you for all the good times and I hope you know how much I love you.

Crusts anyone?

Daily I am reminded of how my kids have spoiled me as a Mother. They slept through the night at an early age, Knighton and his patience with his brother and sisters, Jessica and her desire to help everyone, Elijah and not being a picky eater and Allyson and her overall calming spirit. To name a few.

I could apply all of these these things (and more) to each of my kids, but today I want to focus on the not picky eaters in my family. Both of the older kids have developed less easy to please palates and that's to be expected. As young children I never had a problem with food left on the table because it wasn't good. I watch or hear about my sister-in-law fight on a daily basis to have her kids eat something besides fruit and chocolate milk and I am thankful all over again.

So the thing that made me thankful today... crusts. I watch my niece (different than those previously mentioned) on the week days. About 90 percent of the time she brings a PB&J sandwich. She nibbles right to the edge of the crust and leaves the rest because she doesn't like crusts. In the process she becomes one sticky mess and I have a hard time figuring out what goes on inside her head. The crusts are so thin by the time she is done with them she has to have eaten some of it.

It really isnt a big deal, just one of my pet peeves. (I dont have all that many, haha) I just let her do what she wants with her bread and make sure at lunch that she knows if she wants more sandwich she needs to finish ALL of her first one. Would you know, if she wants more, there are no crusts on the table.

Halloween

I know I am way over due for blogging about Halloween but I need to thank the family for making it a fun night! I am so glad that all could come' although we missed you Christina. I want to post all the fun pics we got... but the weren't on my camera so I need to get them from my mom and sisters. We decorated pumpkins and had chili in bread bowls. Thanks Andrea and Robert for bringing the cutest pumpkin shaped bread!!! Thanks to Mom and Dad for letting us use their beautiful home. I hope all was left the way it was found. :) Also thanks to all the kids who made the pumpkins so cute! I look forward to the Halloweens in the future with my awesome family.

you want what?

When my cousin Megan found out a friend of hers was getting married, she let her know that I do cakes. Her friend decided that I could do her cake and gave me a website to look at the cake she liked. We looked it up and I was surprised.... it was a very dark red, but I thought, sure that wont be so hard. It really was simple in design and decoration. Just fondant tinted red and pearl candy attached. Sounds easy, looks easy, right?

Well, let me tell you, it wasn't.

First I made the Fondant with the color added to the liquid part of the recipe so I wouldn't have to kneed more than I had to. The end result was a crumbly fondant. I decided that I had done something wrong in making it and to make another batch.

I had to run to the store to pick up some ingredients I had run out of. I then added the coloring (half a bottle at a time) after it was all made. It still wasn't as dark as I thought it needed to be so I ran to the store again to buy a darker red (hopefully) If anyone wonders Wilton, Christmas red is not a dark red. The end result was the same...Crumbly fondant

By this time I was in tears. I kept asking Megan what was I going to do. Do I just cover it in buttercream? Is there any way I can use what I have? After trying everything I could think of to fix it, I went to the store yet again to buy ready made fondant and I was never going to cover a cake in ready made fondant after that first time.

Anyway, I got home and started dying it red, and it started to crack as I kneaded the coloring in and we decided that that was as dark as it would get. I could only hope the bride would be OK with it.

Thankfully I was able to get the fondant on nice and smoothly and the addition of the pearls really brought the cake together. This cake also taught me a lot. Especially that I need an air brush, something that has been noticed many times since.

The bride gave me the best compliment ever, through Megan,

she said it was perfect.

What? (updated)

Its been a while since by last post, partially because I have gotten caught up in the happenings of life (without to many funny stories) and largely because I have been lazy. Typing has never come easy for me so I am anxiously waiting for the comp that can type for me as I talk.

This morning I woke up at 730 to get ready to take the kids to school and to the usual craziness. Ally was playing in the toilet with bright red hands and spots on her pants. Jessi had made punch for dinner and decided the best place for the packets was on the floor. Of course I didn't notice them the night before because, lets face it, I don't live in the ideal world where my house is perfect (or even half way there sometimes) Ally deciding that she could do and art project, opened three packets and proceeded to dye her pants, her hands and the toilet (water and all) red.

The kids were finally dressed and ready to go to the school for breakfast, but I couldn't leave yet... for many reasons.

First Jana hadn't gotten here yet, second I couldn't find my keys and third if the kids really wanted to eat at the school I needed my purse because they needed lunch money

The result... Jana showed up 5 min after I needed to leave, the kids went out to the car as soon as she came and I still couldn't find my purse and keys!!!

I did what any sane mother would do... I went out side and yelled at the kids to help me, not sit in the car (that is sane right) Of course they didn't misplace my purse and keys but they could help, right? As we came in I was telling them what I needed to find and Knighton said the keys were in the car. They just didn't mention they had them when they went out.

So two problems down one to go. I asked the kids to eat breakfast while I looked for my purse then promptly found it. we had 5 min to get to the school so they could have breakfast there, so we ran to the car and left.

As we got to the school I noticed that the crossing guard wasn't there. My first thought was, weird he is always here for the breakfast crowed. Then I noticed that the school was dark, now I thought, HUH?

Finally I saw the sign that said no school on the 17th

Ugh what a morning. All that to just bring the kids back home.

who's idea...

I have to sit back and wonder... who is the crazy person who thought creating a candy stamp. It is a candy in the shape of a stamp with enough dye in the end that when you lick it... well I think you get the idea. This has got to be easily one of the most tempting mess makers to children. Obviously someone who either doesn't have a child or maybe hasn't had a young one in the house in a long time.

This candy is appropriately called a Candy Stamper and as I found out an imaginative child can get in to all sorts of trouble with one. I fell in to the trap of thinking how fun they would be for my kids and Jessi showed me just how much fun she could have.

You can clearly see the fun she had. What a mess! Thank goodness the bath wasn't to hard to fill. I decided never to buy Candy Stampers again. (until the next time, after the memory faded)

Actually it really wasn't that bad and I got a laugh I needed that day.
Thank you Jessica for being you!

love and logic anyone?

Well today I had it with Knighton and Jessica and all their bickering. I decided to try something drastic I learned in my Love and Logic class.

I tied them together!!!

I took an old piece of tubing we had for air in the small fish tank and looped it through their belt loops and tied it together. Needless to say (then why say it ;)) they were not too happy with me.

They fought and argued but now I could look at it different, now instead of just annoying me they were also learning something valuable. How to work together and compromise.

It took a long time but they finally earned the right to be separated. This evening has been quite peaceful and it has been amazing to watch them cooperate even not stuck side by side.

The true test will come tomorrow. I will be sure to have the tube ready. Love and Logic says to hope your kids give you the chance to help them learn things when the "price tag" is small. It can be kind of funny too and we all know laughing at a tough situation can work wonders on dealing with the anger you may feel from the contention.

So here's to hoping they mess up again... and not!

cap and shirt

I want to move away from the wedding cakes for a moment. I was asked by someone in my neighborhood if I could make a graduation hat for her brother. this is what I came up with.

The top and tassel are made of Fondant but I didn't give it enough time to harden so I had to cut some cardboard to keep it the right shape. I got a fun extruder to make the strings on the tassel. It was supposed to be darker blue. Bingham High blue. I need an air brush bad, that would solve all the issues on color I have had over the years.

The graduate was also being made an Elder so they wanted a shirt and he was going to the U of U so it needed a red tie.

I had so much fun making this one. It is also made from fondant. If you look close you can see the tags and buttons. Of course it needed to have the U symbol on it.

pictures

Jessica's baptism pictures

My beautiful 8 year old

Jessi and Grandpa Smith, Jessi and Dad

Knighton, Elijah, Allyson

Grandpa Smith had the privilege of baptizing her and Grandpa Breitling got to confirm her.
Sorry I need a pic of her with Grandpa B... anyone?

what a world

I will apologize now that the tone of this blog will not be light as I am trying to do in general.

Today I witnessed something that brought reality into my life.

I was taking my kids to school and needed to go in to the office, something I rarely do. I usually drop the kids off at the door and get home. As I walked into the school with Knighton and Jessica at my side, marveling that they still seemed to not be embarrassed by me, we saw a child stride up to another and all out hit him, yelling "I told you to wait for me! Why didn't you wait for me? You're supposed to wait for me!" I heard the other one say, "Don't hit me." and then some words I could no longer understand.

As we got closer the older child shoved, with all his strength, his little brother (I assume they are brothers) with the single minded purpose of getting him on the ground. He stood over the other one in a way that was obviously meant to intimidate. I wished I wasn't in that situation and was wondering what I should say and how much I should interfere, When Knighton spoke up and asked the kid, by name, "what are you doing"

I heard two answers. One from a girl that walked up with the big one and the response from the doer. The girl seemed to be stating the facts, "He pushed my brother because..." at this point she was drowned out by the answer from the boy, "he didn't wait for me and then he was dissing me."

As we walked in I asked Knighton to never ever treat his brother that way and he solemnly said, "never." We parted ways and I went into the office, another young boy was explaining the situation outside to the lady in the office and I needed to get home so I decided she had all the information needed. As I left I noticed the bully had left, probably not wanting to stick around after seeing an adult witnessed his assault.

My thoughts are troubled this morning by many things;

First, I come to the conclusion from the child's actions and words he has been in the younger ones roll at times in his life by either a mother or father figure or possibly a older sibling.

Second, My actions. I walked by not wanting to get involved. I am not sure what I could have done but I feel I should have done something.

Third, as I look back I watched the kid who told the office worker be told to sit on a chair like he had done something wrong, I hope it was so she could help me first and not because she was upset with the child. Again I wish I had said something.

I am also proud, as proud as a parent can get and still not a sin. (no fall here) My children fight with each other, who doesn't sometimes, but I know they respect each other also. What I saw this morning would not happen with my children. There would be angry words, maybe some hitting (I hope not but I am not naive) but the attempt to dominate the other one, no. they would walk (stomp) away first.

I am also reminded of the relationship I had with my brother and sisters. We had some really hard times, and some physical fights. I have 2 vivid memories of fights that got physical, one with Robert (me throwing a whisk at him...I missed) and one with Christina (her in a head lock and clawing her way out.) I think I started the physical part of the fight on both occasions, sorry to both of you for being a mean sister.

I am way off point, I am just trying to say through all that there was never the purpose of humiliation or the goal of domination. we were just frustrated and letting ti out the wrong way. What I saw and the way the kid at school talked, he felt that physical violence was not only ok, it was fully justifiable.

I worry about my kids daily and this happening in elementary school scares me even more. Knighton will be in Jr High in 2 years and if I don't end up with an ulcer ill be surprised

.

Once again I am thankful for the love and respect my children show and I am happy my sisters and brother and I have love and respect for each other too.

cake 2

As you can see, I kept my promise to myself. At least on the second wedding cake I ever made. I learned a lot on this cake. Like how much my time should be worth.



This cake was for Kevin's cousin. Her parents were trying to keep the cost of her wedding low so I said I would do the cake. Those who know me wouldn't be surprised to know that I did it for cost. That didn't include the separator plates I needed to have. Back then I was still struggling with the cake coming out of the pans in one piece. The cake came together as perfect as one can though.

Over all the cake took about 10 hours. All the flowers are royal frosting They needed to be made a day or two in advance. (thankfully my mother in law is a patient woman because we were living with her at the time) and oh the ease of buttercream even if not completely smooth.

I got some fun experience and some new toys, pans stencils, separator plates and probably some tips and bags! I think I am most proud of this cake because it is all edible and only the second one I had done.

In the beginning

I want to share my cake decorating experiences with everyone. I decided to start with the cake that turned me into a "professional".

The brother of friend from high school was getting married in 98 or 99 (I think) and his mom called me to see if I would be willing to make a small cake to display at his second reception. I was nervous and unsure my talents could or should go to that level. I had been making birthday cakes since.... well for a long time. Oh, I wish I had pictures of those early cakes. Mom? I mean really, Ill never forget the day I got the recipe for buttercream frosting and realized that you needed more than a few tablespoons of butter if you plan on doing anything but glazing. (One year I decided to try a 2 layer cake for my sister, ended up calling it the blob. She got two birthday cakes that year.)

After some assurance that this wasn't as big a deal as the usual wedding cake, I decided to try. We looked in the Wilton cake books and morphed two different cakes to make one. It was the first time I had ever used fondant before, but that was what was wanted. this was when fondant was becoming more popular, and look how much it is used now.

I went to the craft store and bought ready made fondant, came home and baked the cake. I read the directions on how to prepare the cake and lay the fondant.

What a nightmare! All the folds and creases. I had to cut the fondant! For those not familiar with fondant it is rolled frosting, in simple terms. The smooth almost porcelain finish most wedding cakes have these days. You roll it out larger than the cake you are frosting and in theory, you drape it over the cake and smooth it out. not cut to fit. (unless going for a different look)

Anyway thankfully I had some detail work to do on it and that covered the seems on the cake. It turned out nice. My friend said everyone thought the cake looked nice but the frosting tasted bad. I promised myself I would never do a fondant cake again! As you will see in future postings I did not stick to that promise and all has worked out. Especially since I make my own.

Oh and on a side note not many people can eat a cake with the fondant on it, the fondant is to rich and has a doughy texture. I like mine a lot but still can't eat much at a time. It really is all about the look desired and the moldability the fondant has to offer.

How many scarys do you count?

This morning I was awakened very early (okay 8:30 isn't too early, but the kids didn't have school and anything before 9 is early) by my neighbor who asked if Knighton would like to go to Frightmares at Lagoon With her and her kids, and that she would invite Jessica but she is to "chicken livered" for scary things. What a way to start a day...

Anyway I decided that I better do something fun with her since she wasn't invited. All day I had things come up and then she needed to go to sylvan. Finally after dinner I decided to teach Jessica the game of Rummikub. The strategy is lost on my 8 year old, but boy does Elijah at 4 think he gets it.

While playing I decided to find out if Jessica would like to go even if it is scary. She told me she would ask Knighton how he liked it. I then reminded her that he likes haunted houses and she didn't so he might not be the best person to ask. At that Elijah piped up saying "I love scary houses!" Of course my first thought is weather he had ever been in one. while looking through the cluttered files of my brain a voice penetrates and I hear "scary...., scary ho..., scary monkeys, scary crocodiles and scary... bananas!"

I think we watch too much Scooby Doo around here. I am sure that is where he knows about said scary houses... not to sure if the rest he saw or made up. On a show or in his imagination only Scooby Doo can be responsible for,

SCARY BANANAS!

Poor Kevin

My husband Kevin has had a wonderful hobby for the past 2 years... well maybe I should start at the beginning.

While pregnant with child #3 I got a little emotional one day and decide we needed a fish tank, Kevin was not sure about that idea. I did a little coaxing and we came home from Wal-Mart with a 10 gallon tank, stand and the bare necessities. We had the tank maybe a month when Kevin's brother said he had a 100+ tank we could borrow. Suddenly a tank was the best idea he had come up with. He brought it home along with a big, black, uh beautiful? stand. try to envision a tank about 2.5 feet high, 2 feet deep and 6 feet long, on top of a 3.5 foot stand made out of 2x4 and painted black. My first thought was, uh uh, not in my house.

Thankfully I have my own Dr. Dad who can make almost anything he puts his mind to. He crafted a nice open stand that would hold the 10 gallon tank under the big one. We decided to have a fresh water tank with African Chiclids and breed guppies as food. We realized the tank was only 80 gallons while treating our fish for ick and killed them with to much treatment. so we started over and they grew to be 4 to 9 inches the kids had a grand time with them.

Then we added a 30 gallon salt water tank to the mix. I realized Kevin really wanted a salt water tank and I didn't want a front room full of fish and their habitats. We decided to trade up to a 144 gallon half round tank, and only one tank. We used our tax return and had one delivered.
With all the compliments we received I always referred to the tank as Kevin's baby. I got mine and now he had his. All his birthday and Christmas presents went into the tank he learned a lot about Salt water aquariums and would light up if anyone was interested in his hobby.

Recently he had to put a lot of hours into school and couldn't put in overtime at work so our finances came to the front burner and he realized just what this hobby was costing and decided that he needed to cut losses and give it up. After two years investing all the time, money and emotions he decided he would be ok and this was what he could do to help. I must say I am proud of him in doing what he thinks is good for his family because I don't think I could have ever asked him to.

He sold his fish and corals in two weeks and just sold the rock and tank this week. It was suggested that he keep the tank and put plants or something in it but I cant imagine the annoying feeling of having to look at the tank every day wishing there were fish in it. Who knows what the future will bring.

All I know is I need to be very careful what I decide I need in the future, because who knows how big the end result will be... I want a miniature Schnauzer, he wants a Mastiff... I want a 40 in TV he wants nothing less than 60 in... I want a cat he wants a... lion?

*Kevin says not a lion, a Siberian tiger

Happy Birthday Daniel

Today is my sisters boyfriend, Daniel's birthday. I want to take some time to tell him I appreciate him. A couple of reasons are that he has always been kind to me, helped me with things he could and also for being good to my sister and her kids. I know he makes her happy and I am glad for that.

Happy Birthday Daniel!!!
I look forward to getting to know you more in the years to come.

Thanks to all who came to share in the excitement of Jessica's baptism. She felt and looked like the princess that she is. Every one who came added to her wonderful day. We missed those who couldn't make it and thank others for their calls. I gave a talk on confirmation that was thankfully short. Dinner after was a success! Thanks also to those who brought things.

I will post pictures of the event as soon as I can.

Thanks again to all.

meltdown

Moms unite! (OK Dads, Aunt's, Uncle's, Grandma, Grandpa's, cousins etc. come join too.) We need to stand strong against the Temper tantrum!

Knighton may never talk to me again after this post but I gotta tell, I just gotta. My kids have been spoiled in the fact that they get to watch movies at bedtime on the weekend. So much that they feel entitled to this privilege. I am not sure how this happened other than laziness on my part. Oh how much easier can it be to get them to bed at 8:00 (or even 7 on a really bad day) than to plop in a movie and say goodnight. how sweet the sound of silence is after a full day of arguing, and believe me Knighton and Jessica have bickering down to an art. Elijah is king of whining and even Allyson has perfected the "awww" after being told no. Of course the reward for this behavior is "watching a movie to bed" as we call it in our house. Prefect logic right. OK I know every love and logic parent out there is cringing right now.

Anyway, last weekend I had the kids down to "bed" with the usual delay tactics one of which was Knighton telling me his DVD was not working right. I told him I was sorry and he needed to go back downstairs. In frustration I yelled "next!" Christina, Audrey and Megan were over playing SkipBo with me and got a big laugh at that because we all knew it would be only a matter of time when we saw the next child.

It didn't take long until we heard a cry from Elijah as he came up the stairs. When asked what was wrong, he said Knighton had stepped on his tummy. Next step, I had Knighton come up and talk to me in another room. He was angry that his DVD wasn't working and decided Elijah would make a good target for his frustration and stomped on him. (though I am sure he would have chosen who ever was closest) I started to lose my temper and realized that was a bad example especially at this moment so I counted to 10 (or maybe 3) and started over.

I said I was sorry that he couldn't sleep in the toy room with Elijah and Jessi and to go to his room. You would have thought I stomped him. he wailed all the way down the stairs and gave me more opportunities to try love and logic. I told him to cry louder. love and logic says to egg your kids on and maybe they will defy you and stop.(my words not theirs) And it defiantly lightens the mood.

He cried like that for 30 min, sounding like a car trying to start and a polar bear after their 1:00 swim. I decided I had had enough and calmly asked if he would do me a favor. He said yes and I asked him to close his door. oops, the cry came out ten fold. Eventually he was out. The next day his voice cracked and he was a little sore but still alive and whole.

The moral for all those who are united with me;
Stay strong, lighten the mood anyway possible and all will end... eventually

Happy Birthday Elijah

Today is my son Elijah's birthday. I cant believe he came into my life 4 years ago already. Elijah is a little singer. He loves to sing anything he hears. He has been such a wonderful addition to our family.

He was born between 7 and 8 in the morning, although I went to the hospital the night before. The doctor on call didn't want to come in to the hospital that late so she/he just said call if she gets any further along. My water has a really hard time breaking on its own so I was miserable. My contractions were staying high so I had to get an epidural. The idiot anaesthesiologist took 20 min to put the darn thing in, and it came out before labor anyway. Just as Elijah was starting the journey into this world I found out my doctor was almost there. I was asked if I wanted to wait for her or push. Those who know me well will probably not be surprised to know I waited all the rest so "WHAT" and "WHY." My logic was she missed the last two births so third time is the charm, right?..... right? Anyway Doc. got there and Elijah exploded onto the world. My biggest baby at 8 lb 3 oz.

He grew like a weed the first year (31 lb at birthday #1) Earning him endearing names like "the linebacker"(almost everyone) "the bubble" (my sister Christina's boyfriend) and my favorite "chunky monkey" (me of course, he was born in the year of the monkey)

Having so much weight to carry around he didn't start walking till age 18 months. Of course he also wanted to be carried everywhere. when he started talking he gave Allyson two of her many nicknames, Iceson and Ah-ee, because he had a hard time saying Allyson and Ally.

Lately he has been learning sign watching Signing Time with Alex and Leah. He still loves Diego and Dora but has added Backyardigains to the list. I think I would be happy with just the Backyardigans though.

He has grown into his chubbiness but is still solid as a rock I love watching people try to pick him up. (no more bubble or chunky monkey but still the linebacker) I look forward to seeing the changes yet to come in the next year and sharing all the fun and joy he brings into our lives.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIJAH!!!

you know you're a mom when...

a trick played on you isn't even on purpose. Last night I was on the computer till about 1200 when I decided having blurred vision meant it was time to stop searching facebook and go to bed. I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth (no mom I didn't just wet the brush) After putting the toothpaste on and starting the brushing process I noticed my toothbrush tasted funny. I thought "oh well" and finished the activity, rinsed and thought "Humm what is that awful taste" the more I contemplated it I came to the conclusion....SOAP... soap. on. my. toothbrush!!! Oh how bad can it get, I drank water, milk and finally (sorry mom) chewed bubble gum. My guess... Elijah either thought he was helping or just found a cool thing to put in the bar of soap on the counter. (I am going with the latter)

moral of the story: go to bed before blurred vision and maybe see soapy residue on toothbrush....... maybe not

hummm

Any one who has been to my Moms when the grandkids are around would reconize this...

so how about this....

Jessica was quite proud of herself for thinking of this creative use of Allyson's pigtails.

Just look at her grin...

and a couple of more shots 'cause they are so cute...

Update on mixer

So I made sugar cookies yesterday and Mixer was fine. =) She has forgiven me.
I also have to say Mom still has the really bad hand mixer we used all those years. I wonder if it still burns the motor when making chocolate chip cookies. Mom has no idea because she doesnt use it. Christina maybe you know?
Anyway thanks for the memory on your comment Christina.

Jessica's baptism

Jessica's baptism is going to be on sat the 11th at 400pm the church is on 4000 west. If you go north on 4000 w from 6200 s its the first church you see. We will be doing a pot luck dinner after her confirmation that same day. I hope to see you all there.

Kitchen Aid

All my growing years we never had a stand mixer. If we wanted cookies we pulled out the hand mixer and got an upper arm workout. Some of my best memories are of mixing cookie dough with my sisters, sneaking bites and even flipping the batter when the beaters same out of the bowl to soon. Still I always wished for a big stand mixer. So you can imagine the happy day I got one.

I have used it for so many things, frosting, cookies... frosting... yep that's about everything. Now, I have been so thankful to have it, can you imagine the pain of making 20+ cups of frosting for a wedding cake with out it. I can. (the color drains from my face) Its. not. pretty.

I have recently decided that I have not been using this mixer to its full potential. (Seriously what mixer wants to be known as a uni-tasker, I think they all aspire to be multi-taskers.) I decided to make bread using the ever so nifty dough hook that comes with my amazing mixer. I got an awesome recipe from a neighbor (only takes an hour from start to finish) and made it.

The kids got home from school and you would have thought it was Christmas morning. had I known how easy they are to please I would have employed the mixer in this task sooner. There were cries of "homemade bread", "can we have some", "when did you make bread" and reading (listening) between the lines,"I didn't know you could learn something new" and "why didn't you make bread years ago" even "wow, is that my mom, who knew she could be cool"

We were off and running till one day I decided to use "Dear Mixer" for an old purpose... cookies
I guess she decided she was better than cookies now, hit a brown sugar clump and quit working. I was devastated. I have been so spoiled since I got her I thought I was not going to be able to finish the cookies. Then the light came on, the hand mixer! Ugg not sure how we made it all those years only using that tool of torture. I guess if you have nothing to compare it to, its not so bad. Anyway I finished the cookie dough and had no energy left to make the cookies, (wink wink)

Next I had to find a place or person to fix my baby. I called so many places and got the same answer from everyone. the only authorized "clinic" was downtown. I was worried what that would cost me if they had a monopoly on Kitchen Aid stand mixers, so da ta da da, Kevin called "Dr" Brian, his father. He can fix most anything. He kept Mixer two nights and brought her back to me as good as new. Only a 35 dollar part and I had it back. Now I will be sure to talk sweet things to her before I ask her to mix beneath her lofty aspirations.
Thanks so much to "Dr" Brian!!!

Happy Birthday Lisa

Today my little sister, Lisa turns 29. Though I will forever see her as 18 because that will keep me 21. She has been a wonderful friend to me over the years. From being a good listener to taking half of the blame on a broken window so I would not have to admit I lost my temper and did something stupid, (again) Of course she has used that as "ammunition" since. ;) She is a great person and so good and letting things go that would bother me for a long time, she says something along the line of "is it important" when I am upset and it usually helps. I am glad I have gotten to know her again as an adult and see how different things look as we talk now, thank goodness she has given up on saying "reeerr" although she now says she did that to annoy me. Oh how I wish I could add to my sisters elephant collection this year! I have loved that I know just what to get her each year. so I too will add pictures of elephants to this happy birthday blog.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR LISA!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

one isn't enough

A couple of nights ago I was giving Allyson and Elijah a bath and as they got out I showed Ally how to drain the tub. I grabbed a towel and got her out. We went into the front room to dress her and do her hair(which is a huge deal in my house) Later while I was busy Elijah came running up to me and said "mommy, Ally in the tub" I went to the bathroom expecting her to be wet from the bath toys still in the tub... Instead I found this,

I can only figure that as I turned to get the towel she drained the tub the way I had shown her. (in her mind) She was so proud of herself, she grinned up at me and said "Baff".

I guess one just wasn't enough.

Elijah the Linebacker

A conversation overheard while eating Aunt Ruths Birthday cake.

Daniel: Elijah, your a big boy, are you going to play football when you grow up?
Elijah :yah
Daniel: Do you like footbal?
Elijah: yah
Daniel: What position are you going to play?
Elijah: I eat.

thanks Lisa and Daniel

I want to thank Lisa and Daniel for all the help they have given me in personalizing my blog and for the help I am sure I will need in the future. ;) I am trying to get to the point I post something fun each day. A funny story or picture. I wouldn't be this far if not for them.
Anyway thanks for all the information you have passed on to me Lisa. Thanks for changing colors and sizes on my template Daniel. I really appreciate the help.

Happy Birthday Christina

I wish I had a picture of my big sister on my computer. She is so good to take pictures while she is here, I need to follow the example. (and always know where the camera and battery are at the same time)
Anyway back to Christina. We have always had an interesting relationship. you know how older sisters are. ;) I do remember some great times we had though. once when we were in a car together I couldn't believe that any station she put the radio on she could sing the song. Later I realized that the reason was because she changed the station : ) I have always wanted her to know that I looked up to her and looked for ways to impress her. I hope she knows how much I love her.

Happy Birthday to my awesomest big sister!!!

thanks Christina

open house

I want every one to know that I am not having an official party for Allyson, but I would like to invite all to come see her on her birthday. Join us for cake and ice cream starting at 6:30. For those with brains like mine (holey, and hopefully a little holy) her day is Monday Sept 15

Cell Phone Saga

It was the last day we would get to go during the on season. We were all exited to ride those rides one more time. Well as many rides as we could get in before 5:00 anyway. I had enjoyed my season pass to Lagoon more than I thought I would and was sad to see the kids go back to school. Just when Jessica was willing to go on some of the scary rides.

Megan, Christina and I decided we would have more fun having an even number of people so I invited the neighbor kids; Natalie, Elizabeth and Asher. Upon arriving at Lagoon we made the decision to do something we had never done since attempting it the year before... ride Wicked first. The line wasn't too long and before you knew it we were being seated. Three in front, three in back. I was in between Megan and Asher trying to adjust the things in my pockets when the ride attendant shoved my lap bar in place causing my keys to gouge into my leg. I got them adjusted so I wouldn't bleed and off we went.

Out of the tunnel we shot. Up the vertical incline, over the top and down the vertical decline. Just as we hit the bottom of the mountain, out came my cell phone. The one I had begged for for so long and had for just three months. It landed on the edge of the car and sat there. I felt that time had slowed down and was able to have a conversation, quite calmly (maybe even played a game of scrabble), with Megan. Of course we both tried to get it with our feet but the lap bars also had leg braces. Just as Megan tried to reach down time speed back up and our ride moved on. The phone slipped over the edge and out of our sight. That was the least scary that ride had ever been. All I could do was try to catch a glimpse of the phone. Of course that was futile.

When the ride ended I stopped to tell the attendant what had happened and he informed me they would do a "hat run" at four. There was nothing to do but try to enjoy the rest of the outing and not think about how stupid I felt at becoming one of "those people" You know the people who are dumb enough not to secure there personal belongings before the ride starts.

I did enjoy the rest of the day and we got all the must ride rides in before going to see if the phone survived. When I got to the ride they hadn't found my phone. I had to go to lost and found and make a report because we had to leave or have some frustrated people on our hands.

I called the next three days to see if they had found it. Finally on the third day they said they had one but it was not in working condition. I was so discouraged. I hadn't gotten insurance because of a misunderstanding at the time of the purchase so it was going to take some cash to replace it. The next day I went to the Verizon store and found out it would only cost 50 dollars more to get the next model up so I went for it, feeling slightly guilty.

Two and a half days later, after showing anyone I could and telling everyone else about the new phone, I was sitting in the movie theater I got a text from my husband, Kevin. The phone had been found! Believe me I was at a loss for words. My sister-in-law, Andrea had gotten a call because her name was first on my family group. My phone had been found in the parking lot of a dry cleaners in Layton. Christina said she would drive me down so I could pick it up so off we went. Of course she had to take the scenic route but we found it. the phone was fine and still in the snack size Ziploc bag I put it in to keep it dry at lagoon. Now I had two phones and one large dilemma. Do I keep the new phone or see if they would take it back and get the money. Of course I took it back even if I cried a little.

So I have my old cool phone and I am glad and sad. At least I know what to get when I can upgrade.

from the minds of kids

Knighton and Jessica were so difficult today while they were supposed to be cleaning their rooms. All I heard for hours was fighting and playing. As I put Allyson to bed they asked me to copy a song they wrote. Of course I was frustrated because that was time they should have been cleaning so I took the paper away and said I would talk about it later. When I got upstairs I couldn't believe what I read.

There You Are

riten and sung by: Knighton & Jessica Smith

(virse 1) I don't know wher you are. But I know you are

somewher out ther you watching me. I can not

see you but i know you'r ther. and I know

you can see me.

(chors) ther you are above a stare.

far above the heavens. I know your there

and I will see you when the time has come

(virse 2) I can't waight untel I see you. soring

up in space above me. I know your right

bisid me but i cant see you ther. and thanks

for giding me.

(chors)

(virs 3) I'm glaad I'll be able to see you when

we meet agane. I know you guid me every

Day of my life. and I am gratfull to you.

(chorse) 2x

As you can tell I tried to stay true to the original so ya all could get the whole effect. I am so glad i have the kids I have and I thank my Father in Heaven all the time for the great blessings he gave me in them.

camp

my camp experience was amazing. It is so different to be a part of the leadership there, you get to see so many small miracals and blessings.
we left on tues aug. 12 and got home on sat aug 16. I think i waited too lng to post so if you have specific questions feel free to ask.
i did have a wonderful time

thanks

I want to thank everyone who thought of me on my b-day. I had a great day but I missed my family. Kevin gave me my present early, it was stuff from Orsyon Gygi. Including a chefs coat. Audrey (cousin) gave me a game called blokus. It is fun you can even go online and play with people world wide. Christina and Megan (cousins gave me hot pads and oven mitts galore, hopefully I wont be able to loose them all. Marsha (mom in-law) gave me some sheets and my Mom got me some stuff for camp including a flashlight. I also got three text messages one from Megan, Kevin and Heather (sister in-law) and a call from Lori.(long time friend) thank you all for everything.

Party, party, party!!!

I am so exited for the birthday party! I wanted to make sure that every one knows that we will be getting wet. water slide, slip and slide, water balloons ect. all info has been prevoiusly posted.

The BBQ

We had a blast at our BBQ. The weather made me nervous but in the end it was a beautiful. for those that don't know we were right in the path of the hail storm and i thought we had lost our garden but some of it survived. thank goodness it was the day before the party not the day of. I made some mini-marshmallow guns and the adults had as much fun (or more) as the kids. I originally made 10 but had to make 10 more during the party. we also filled over 250 water balloons what a mess the yard was in. lucky I have such a great ward they really pitched in to clean up. I even made a slip and slide, then went down it. I am a little scared of the landing to slide though, I am sure it was hilarious. Thanks to Dad for the use of his picnic tables.
I hope you all will be able to come to Knighton and Jessica's birthday party on the 9th. at 3:30
Knighton still likes Pokemon
Jessica likes Hanna Montana and My Little Pony. also art stuff.
Just a reminder hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided and bring something to share.

more updates

The house looked great for a day and Kevin came home early so I had to make do with what I had done. The garbage was full and i don't have 20 boxes moving from room to room. I can walk around my bed now too. It feels great I just wish the dishes would stay done and the laundry would stay clean. I am glad that Kevin is home even though I got used to sleeping with out his snoring.
I am having a BBQ with some families in the neighborhood on the 23 so I have a lot of preparing to do. I also hope that the weather is cooperative and we don't get rained on. The stakes in our area got changed around so we lost 1/3 our ward and moves into Cory and Lindsay's stake. I hope we will see some changes in our ward boundries in the next year because our ward is so small we have a hard time filling callings and that was before the changes. I will belive that what ever happens will be our Fathers will though. I still get to go to YW camp it will be a little strange though, we are going with our old stake so I am not sure how we are going to work through the changes.
the kids start school a week from Thurs. I don't understand the school starting on a Thurs. That day they meet the teachers, so the first full day is Fri and for all i know it will be a short day.
happy 24th everyone thanks for your intrest in out family.

just an update

My week is going to be a crazy one. My plan is to surprise Kevin with a clean house, so I have a lot of cleaning and dejunking to do. I have agreed to take care of Jana (my niece) while her parents are working. Could be a good thing for Elijah to have a friend his age to play with.Just think how busy Id be if Bella still came too.=-}
Knighton is still an amazingly patient kid. I cant believe he is almost to the double digits. he has been a big help already this week with the house.
Jessica is working hard at Sylvan and likes the teachers very much. I wish I knew what the best thing is for her at this time. I am just glad that she is so willing to try and doesn't give up. She will be baptised this year. she is taking the decision very seriously has yet to decide who will have the honor of preforming it.
Elijah dotes on his little sister and is still the linebacker everyone thinks he is. he can sing anything he hears and loves to do it at the loudest pitch possible
Ally does everything she can to deal with Elijah's attention. She has definitely reached the terrible twos. She can scowl with the best of them.
I got my wii fit and love it. I hope to see some difference in my health the next few months. It's late so I'll end now thanks for the posts. I love you all

here we are

wow am i always the last to get with the times. Its sad when your mom has to help you do computer stuff. j/k thanks for the help though.
The soonest news from my family is the kids birthday party on aug. 9 starting at 3:30.. We will be getting wet then dinner will be around 6:00. please bring something to share. hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. I look forward to more posts to come.