It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Weather is such an odd thing. Last week I did my daily forecast check to find that we were currently 1 degree warmer than Salt Lake. I look now and we are 50 degrees warmer. We had a high of 81. It was beautiful outside...a little toasty inside, but I was too busy to turn on the air...I survived.

I now hold the record for the shortest Visiting Teaching appointment of all time...I'm guessing it was about 8 minutes 37 seconds. I had Seth with me...he was my companion for the morning...as always. We entered the home and had a seat. I had recently had a long conversation with this woman, so no need for the initial chit chat--I quickly started into my lesson. I was not even finished with the first paragraph I was reading when I hear a vacuum cleaner start up...she has no children at home, so it was pretty clear who was doing some light cleaning.

I jumped up to find him in a ball on the floor. I guess he didn't quite expect the result he got when he pushed the LARGE RED BUTTON! He was a bit frazzled. We returned to her living room...this woman is easily distracted, so at that point I had a hard time steering her from vacuum talk back to the gospel. Something about "when you accidentally vacuum your comforters it stretches the belts on your vacuum..." I don't know that I have ever "accidentally" vacuumed my comforters--to be honest I don't think I've ever vacuumed them on purpose. Have you?



We spoke briefly about vacuuming catastrophes and then I heard the dead bolt on her front door and knew that Seth had left the building. Any inkling of spirit that had been there had already been sucked out by the vacuum incident (pun intended)--so I decided it was time to go.

Our quick departure gave me enough time to make a stop by Wal-Mart, before my Visiting Teachers came, to buy some replacement bulbs for the lights I've been trying to put on the front bushes. It was going to be quick and painless--I knew right where they were. We entered the store, I stopped the cart and noticed there were c7 and c9 lights...it only took me a second or two to decipher that I needed c9, however, in that 2 seconds Seth was gone. It took me 2 minutes to find him which seemed like an eternity. Why do I keep doing this to myself? The lights were right next to the pet supplies...I should have grabbed a leash while I was there!

I did get a nap this afternoon...not nearly long enough, but it did help. I was prematurely awakened by a phone call--a recorded message giving me a phone number of a law firm to call immediately concerning case #---. It must have been that I was still dazed and sleepy because I panicked. I immediately called to find out what I was going to jail for. This continued for about 2 hours until I finally got a hold of the lawyer and discovered it was the case of a wrong #. My # being the wrong #. Whew! I was afraid they'd found some street sign I stole in high school and had it finger printed or something...don't they have anything better to do with their time?!



SO back to my lights...when I plugged them in on Friday both strands worked, but there were many lights that needed to be replaced. Within minutes neither strand would work. I got the replacement bulbs today temporarily got one strand to work and then just as quickly no strands were working. So now I have two dead strands and $5 worth of replacement bulbs. I am feeling more and more like Clark Griswold...5 years ago I fell through our ceiling 2 days before Christmas and was dubbed "Mrs. Griswold" by some neighbors. I'll post a picture of my damage when I find one. Good thing I'm not cooking a turkey this year!!

Hurry back Jared. We miss you!!

This is funny!

This would've been a great prop routine in High School--puts our wheelbarrows to shame!!

Treadmill Dance

On My Own

Jared left at 6 this morning for Boise. So I am left alone all week with--"General Seth" and the rest of the gang. He loves frozen blueberries by the way...that is what is all over his face and hands.

I have big ambitions for the week...I am going to get us organized! I realize that this is a process that will take and eternity and never be complete, but I will settle with a file box for all of Jared's junk. I'm amazed we haven't lost a child in his pile's of mail and ESPN magazines!

Rachel is on the "Destination Imagination" team at school and has practice on Monday's and Wednesday's at 7:30, but there is a boy in our ward who is also on the team and so his very kind father (who is a seminary teacher) has agreed to pick Rachel up on his way home from Seminary and take her to practice. That was the one big "hitch" with Jared being gone. I was not excited about loading everyone up to take her...coming home only to load back up in 45 minutes. So thank you to the Nicholas'--who will not be reading this so I should write a note.

We had a nice weekend. The Twiggs were in town so we got to see them for a bit. We miss them! Last night after dinner we went on a walk in our neighborhood to see the Christmas lights. I guess the politically correct thing to say would be "holiday lights". Seth loved them. This will be a fun Christmas with him.

Well, I must get the boys ready for school. I want to go back to bed. Definately an afternoon nap day!

Oh, and a Happy Birthday to Uncle Travis! We hope you have a wonderful day!



Sarah Twiggs, Sophie Pearson, Cassie Twiggs, Rachel & Alexa Arnett

Thanksgiving Weekend Festivities

This is the only photo I got from the Thanksgiving festivities. We had a nice dinner with our neighbors the Beckham's and then out to the cul de sac for a little football and basketball. The picture is of Rachel and Jeff--he is her age. Rachel put Jeff to shame by catching a pass that he missed! Not good on a 10 year old boys ego! He was a good sport!

Jared was off at 4:30 a.m. to start shopping. He got some great stuff. We are pretty well done...a few loose ends to tie. The kids and I got out the decorations and got the house decorated while he was gone. They were so excited. It was great. Seth is going to drive me crazy, but I don't think there is anything within his reach that he could break. We'll see.



Jared's Mission President called the other day. He has a daughter that lives in town and is here visiting. He took us out to dinner tonight. It was fun to talk with him. He and Jared enjoyed catching up on what all the ohter missionaries are doing. He is a great man. I was happy that the kids could meet him.



The tree is up. Jared and the kids went and got one this afternoon. Yes, we still get a real tree. Gotta love those needles! Seth put the ceremonial star on this year...kind of...he tried and then Jared finished it up. Outside lights tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll!

Update on Ryan...

Almost weekly I have people ask me how Ryan is doing...and I just got the latest report from Jill. He had his scans last week and all is well. He is coming up on his 4 year mark. I look at pictures back then and it is so hard to believe it all happened--well, for me--I know it will always be a nightmare for Jill and Ernie.



I know I've said it a million times, but I don't think it was any coincidence that we moved in at the same time. They are the most amazing people we know. They will always have a special place in our hearts.



We love you Ryan!



You are our Superhero!

Lucky # 13

It's hard to believe it's been 13 years. It feels like 20! Just kidding. It was a chilly, wet, WONDERFUL November day. 13 years has taken us through 4 states, 4 kids, many challenges, but with Jared LOTS of laughter. Love you!!

I should have known it would be an interesting ride when we were dating. One of my first clues should have been when he made me a tape for Valentine's Day (remember making tapes for each other--come on you all did it too!) Well for me this was an interesting tape. Not your typical Chicago and Richard Marx stuff...Jared included a song called "There is a Light that Never Goes Out" by the Smith's. This is the chorus:

And if a double-decker bus
Crashes into us
To die by your side
Is such a heavenly way to die
And if a ten-ton truck
Kills the both of us
To die by your side
Well, the pleasure - the privilege is mine

My friend Noelle loves to joke that that is "Our Song"--we don't really have one, so I guess by default it is. Pretty romantic!

There's also the time I sliced my fingers open washing a goblet. Jared took me to the ER that night and then to the plastic surgeon the next day. I was in some serious pain. We were walking up the metal stairs to the surgeons office--Jared behind me--and he tripped and flattened me onto my hand on the stairs! Then when we got into the room and I got hooked up to the IV I asked him to call my work to tell them I wasn't coming in. He leaned across me to get the phone and put his hand on my arm where the IV went in for support! Ouch! After I screamed (again) he walked around the bed and started to dial--unfortunately he dialed CODE RED or something because we immediately had half the staff in the room. Yes, it has been interesting. But lots of fun!

This morning the kids and I are taking a friend down to Medical Center for her therapy--she is recovering from cancer. I was going to just spend the morning down there and take them to the science museum, but Jared gets off at noon, so we'll do the museum another day. I have Haleigh coming at noon to watch the kids so Jared and I can go to lunch and do some shopping...his shoes look like they're 13 years old! Tonight is REVENGE OF THE SITH night! I'm not sure if there's a connection with Jared's movie choice on our anniversary. We have a DVD burner/recorder, so we taped all 6 episodes off Cinemax last week and Jared edited them so they are child friendly. The boys are ecstatic! They have been wanting to see Episode III since it came out. The time has arrived!

Tomorrow will bring football in the morning and dinner with our neighbor's the Beckham's. They were kind enough to take us in. They are Baptist, so I'm wondering if they are just doing research for a new film "Mormon's at our Thanksgiving Dinner". I'm sure it would be a big hit.

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

American Idol & flu shots

We are American Idol junkies. (& So You Think You Can Dance junkies too)

Last season Jonah and I made a poster so we could each cast our votes for our 3 favorite guys and 3 favorite girls. Then we watched each week and crossed off whoever got the boot. It was fun. Luke's choices were the best. He only wanted to pick 1 girl--and she had already been kicked off! You can see that Jonah picked the 3 "saucy" girls...we've gotta watch that kid. The talent scout that I am picked the top 6 AND I had picked Taylor to win. We can hardly wait for next season. Actually the reason for all of this is that I needed to take a picture of the poster so that we can take it off the pantry door!

Flu shots for Rachel and Jonah were today. Seth and Luke had their's a few weeks ago. They protest each year because they don't know of any other kids whose parents put them through such torture--the drive there is worse than the shot itself--but, Rachel HAS to have one (diabetes and flu = BAD NEWS) and it is best for us all to have them so we keep the whole house as protected as possible.

When we got to the dr's office Luke said, "Are they going to shoot them in the leg?" Valid question, but I had to laugh! I'm sure the people sitting near us were wondering what kind of joint this is!

I just spoke with Jared and he said his boss came by and told him he should go home--it was about 4 p.m. very kind of her, however, he's swamped. I told him it's kind of like volunteering to help with something when you know they already have enough help! I don't do that, I just know people who do! ;)

"It's a hard knock life"

At what point in life is a school break actually a "break". We hit freezing temps last night and staying in bed this morning--or on the couch as I was--would've been nice. Luke was flippin' around so much I had to leave. I know who's bed is it? I was just too tired to deal with it. Jared had to be into work a little early this morning, and he so kindly made the bed...as I was not in it. When Seth tried to climb onto the couch with me we had to move and undo Jared's "doings". Thanks anyway sweets!

Rachel wants to have a restaurant at every meal...having Sophie here prompted the need for a 7 course one. They settled for french toast.

Poor Luke is struggling to take his medication. He hates it. We have developed a sticker chart. The idea was that he'd get 1 sticker each time he took his medicine...and when he got 60 stickers (1 month) he'd get some new galactic heroes. Well, we're about 1 1/2 + weeks in and somehow he has 38 stickers. That would be due to mothers guilt. What started at 1 sticker each time he took the medicine quickly turned into 1 for each kind of medicine which then turned into 1 for the Lamictal and 2 for the Zarontin because he REALLY hates that one. This morning he got 4 just because I was feeling extra sorry for him. Don't tell Jared. ;) It's 8:48 and he's already back asleep in my bed. Not much of a life for a 5 year old.

He likes to hold the box with the Galactic Heroes while he takes the medicine...it's good incentive. He loves Galactic Heroes. I love them too. They're like Fischer Price Star Wars figures. He carries them everywhere. He'll even bring them in the car to hold on the way to school. I find them lined up in various places in the house. A few times when he's come down at night and is climbing in the bed I'll hear them rattling in the box he stores them all in. I had to put my foot down with that one! Last Christmas he I got him the Millenium Falcon and a couple boxes of figures--which Jared scoffed at--not only are they his FAVORITE toy, but I recently looked up the Millenium Falcon on ebay (they don't have it in stores anymore) and they were going for $81 +!!! Crazy.

Have a great Tuesday...or Wednesday where ever you may be!

Ta Da!

It was a long day, but I made it through my piles of dishes and dirty laundry. Now I just have piles of clean laundry to fold and iron. I hate ironing by the way.

I'd like to point out a few favorite items in the picture. The pot that houses my cooking utensils was made for me my senior year of high school by my oldest friend, Noelle. She was taking pottery and made it with a lot of love. I love it because it reminds me of her...it has a lot of character. The green candy dish on the window sill I made myself in Kindergarten for mother's day. The bell Jared brought me from Germany last year...and the blue vase he bought for me in California. You may also take note of Luke's Turkey he made at school...Seth thinks it's a duck, and Seth's fall tree. He's quite proud of it and we look at it together several times a day.

Sophie is here keeping Rachel busy...they are watching Little House on the Prarie--Seth thought I said "Buzz and Woody" and let out quite a protest when he discovered he'd been tricked! So Rachel, Sophie and Jonah are watching Little House on the TV/DVD...Seth is watching Toy Story in the game room...Luke is watching "Kim Possible: So the Drama" in my room, and Jared is watching Monday night football in the family room. After writing this I am embarassed and realize we have too many T.V's. Believe me we can justify each and every one. In fact I'll do just that...

Our first tv we purchased when we got married. Five years later Rachel was trying to help clean and squirted it with a water bottle. Then it wouldn't turn on. After a week of waiting patiently...we headed to Costco and replaced it. Then a few days later as he was preparing to take the broken one to Good Will, Jared decided to give it one more try and magically it worked! So we had two.

Then before our move to Texas our neighbors Michelle and Ro needed a new tv for their new house...the big screen wouldn't fit. Jared came up with a plan for us to buy them a new tv and take the big screen off their hands. He's so thoughtful. Good deal for both of us though. So there's tv #3.

The 26 hour drive to Utah prompted the purchase of the small tv/dvd player for the car. And the one in our room was really cheap. So there!!! Generally speaking we do not use all at once. Tonight is an exception.

By default I will be watching KP with Luke so I can fold laundry. Good thing I am a big fan. Of KP not folding laundry.

Luke's Zarontin seems to be working on the seizures, however, it makes him feel pretty yucky. We'll have to discuss that with Dr. Fishman at our appointment in a couple of weeks.

Good night!

Thanksgiving break begins!

This is what my kitchen sink looks like after the weekend...and I have a whole house to match. Today will be clean up day and then I will just frequently threaten people who even look like they are going to make a mess. Should be fun.

Jared has to work Monday, Tuesday and half day Wednesday...so I'm on my own until then to enjoy having all the little ones at home. The weather is nice, no one is grounded (currently)--although I did have a dream last night that Jared and I were in Africa with my parents and the lady that was watching the kids called because Jonah had been suspended...FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL...can you tell that kid stresses me out?!

Well, by my estimation I have about 100 loads of laundry to do and the dishes and...gotta go actually MAKE breakfast for my kids...there aren't any bowls for cereal!

I just had to post this picture because I saw it yesterday and I love it.

The best part is that he has on his "Mom Rules" shirt, spiderman track panks and his longhorn boots! He is a proud Texan!

This is why I'm always tired...

Luke fell asleep in our bed last night and at 12:30 a.m. Jared returned him to his room. I don't think he was there for more than an hour or two before he was back down. It's a good thing I love to snuggle him! It would help if he would give me a few inches of space...he likes to be body to body. It makes it difficult to sleep. As you can see we're still dealing with the thumb issue. His teachers say he doesn't do it at school, so I hope he's learning to do without.

Last night Jared had a Priest/Laurel (16-18 year olds) night at our house. They have done this several times and the kids seem to like it. They do it on a Friday night. It's an unofficial activity...sometimes they bring friends, but we just play games and watch a movie...and hang out. Last night we had about 7 1/2 teenagers...Rachel is the 1/2! She loves being with the big kids!

The highlight of the evening for me was to have Shauna Pierson make an appearance. Shauna was one of my first friends here in Houston and is certainly one of my dearest friends now!! They moved to Colorado a couple of years ago and I miss her. She and I seemed to always find ourselves glued together in whatever organization in the church we were working in...Mia Maids to Visiting Teaching...to 3+ years in the Primary Presidency. She makes me laugh more than anyone I know. I'm glad they're here for a Thanksgiving visit.

Luke has his last soccer game today...Jonah has a birthday party...I have a Relief Society Lesson to finish preparing...signing off...

Go Go Go Jonah...

We like to change the words to show tunes in our house. It keeps things exciting, and irritates our kids.
I'm sure you're wondering what this very large picture of junk is. This is a picture of Jonah's treasure box. It was made for him, when he was born, by my Mia Maids in California. If you looked up "pack-rat" in the dictionary Jonah's picture would be there--in contrast to Rachel's picture being under "cute". (Bro. Lamkin in our ward told Rachel a few weeks ago that he looked up "cute" in the dictionary and her picture was there. I think it's going to her head.) Back to Jonah--that kid keeps everything. That is not an exaggeration. If he finds clothing tags from clothes I buy him in the trash he fishes them out and then calls me on it.

For a while I was concerned about his attachment issues, but I think it's just him. I am hoping I can tame him a bit before he gets married. I'd hate to have a daughter-in-law have to deal with it. Let me just quickly walk you through a few items...

The Rat: When Jonah was in Kindergarten they wrote a letter to Santa. They were displayed on the wall and I remember how sweet they all were...until I came upon my son's. It simply said:

Dear Santa,

In my stocking I want a pet rat.

Love, Jonah

Well Santa came through. On Christmas morning in Jonah's stocking was a disgusting mushy rat--the kind you'd find at Spencer's Gifts. ;) He couldn't have been happier. His teacher still talks about it.


2 gold circle things: If anyone can identify these there will be a reward. Last spring when we were in Utah visiting my family I found these two gold things in Jonah's church pants. When questioned about them he admitted to taking them from the church. I thought they came from the gym some where...Jonah said he found them in the grass and has stuck by his story. For several months Grandpa Ellison did some investigating into where the mysterious gold circles came from with no answers. So when they came last week they brought the gold pieces to Jonah to add to his treasure box.

Those are probably the 2 most interesting articles, so I'll just point out the candy wrappers--from last years Christmas candy--a piece of cardboard, MANY rubber bands, Jared's mission camera...and the list goes on.

While I'm telling Jonah stories...about 4 years ago I had to get new tubes for my vacuum because Jonah wanted to take them, and the book rest from our keyboard (which had holes in it and he would hold like a shield) to pre-school for show and tell. He refused each week to participate in show and tell, so when he offered up something he wanted to take I supported his desire. I'm sure that is the first and possibly only time a child has brought vacuum attachments to show his classmates. The book rest made it home, but I think that when someone saw vacuum parts in the show and tell box they thought they were placed there by mistake and took them. We never saw them again.

My last story is from yesterday. We were on our way home from school when Jonah announced that it is Mrs. Grabruck's birthday today (Wednesday). Then he said, "For a present Me, Heath and Barrett are going to stay away from each other all day and have a good day!" I asked him whose idea it was thinking it may have been a request from Mrs. Grabruck herself, but he said, "Mine." He is a sweet boy. I hope he had the self control to follow through.

The leaves are falling. So are the pine needles...so I've got a lot of cleanup to do. Enjoy your Wednesday.

Jumpin' on the Paper Turkey Bandwagon...

The past month or so I've sat back and laughed as I read friends blogs cursing the paper turkey project. You see I don't have a 1st grader--which traditionally is the grade the paper turkey is done--AND I don't know that they have such strange rituals like paper turkeys and Homecoming Mums in Idaho, so I figured my turkey dressin' days were over!

Imagine my shock and disbelief when my 4th grade daughter presented me with a nude paper turkey that needed to be creatively dressed. (Over-achieving 4th grade teachers!)

At this point in life, however, Rachel has got creativity oozing from her so it was not such a painful experience. She choose to make a turkey beauty queen. "Nora Best" is her name and "Ms. Kenturkey" is her title.

**A quick Jonah tidbit--these are always the best!

It always takes Jonah a couple of hours to do his homework. Not because he's trying to prove the theory of relativity, but because he goofs off and is SOOO SLOW. Last night I left him to start working on his 8 sentences he had to write using his spelling words. After about 1 hour he had his name on his paper. I went to put Seth to bed and a half hour later came down to see Jonah asleep on the dining room floor.

He's pretty heavy at this point so I left him thinking Jared would see him and take him up. Apparently he didn't see him and he went to bed. At about 1:30 Jared woke up...Luke joins us at about this time each night...and couldn't get back to sleep. He realized that the dining room light was on, so squinty eyed he went out and turned it off. Then he heard a little voice say, "Dad I can't see my homework." He flipped on the light and there was Jonah sitting at the table writing sentences. He had 3 completed. Jared took him to bed and told him he could finish it in the morning. I don't know that 2nd graders should be pulling all-nighters! What a funny boy!

Happy Tuesday!

A Double Feature

Stake Conference was today and Rachel did a wonderful job. She was so nervous, but you could hardly tell. She held it together well. It helped to have Sophie P. sitting about 4 rows back and right in line with Rachel. I'd see her look at Sophie and then get a big smile on her face. It's good to have such great friends.

Elder Marlin K. Jensen, who is a friend of my parents from Law School, was presiding and surprised us all by asking Dad to bear his testimony. I think dad was the most surprised...to speak to a congregation of people who he only knew 6 of. After the meeting a former member of the singles ward he was Bishop of came up to say hello to him and my mom. It's a small world.

One of our babysitters, who was going to attend the afternoon session, graciously offered to watch Seth. So the meeting was very enjoyable. At one point Luke was drawing and enjoying himself and then he got a frown on his face and said, "I'm sad." I asked why and he said, "Because Grandma and Grandpa have to leave in one day."

It's been a beautiful weekend and a great visit. Tomorrow we are going to spend the day in the Lakewood Elementary Cafeteria enjoying 3 lunch times with the kids. What a treat!

A great day with Grandma & Grandpa

We had a great day with Grandma and Grandpa. The kids love having them here. They were good sports and braved 2 soccer games. The Pearson's kindly took Rachel to her end of season party so we could head home. Jared headed off to Stake meetings and my parents and I headed off to Chick-fil-A for dinner--Luke's request. The boys had fun playing. We headed home and Jared picked me up for the Adult Session and we enjoyed free babysitting from G & G. They watched Follow Me Boys and had a great time. All the kids were sacked out on the couches when we got home.

*When we got home mom had pointed out that Seth got wet somehow and so she had to change his top. A few minutes later I noticed the top of the aquarium was off and the one last fish we had was dead. Poor fish. I hope it was a quick death!

Boys and Sticks

If ever a boy loved sticks it is Jonah. He finds one where ever we go. I frequently find large sticks under (or in) beds and most recently found 2 taped together stuck in the back of a cupboard.

My parents arrived yesterday afternoon. I picked them up and we made it to the school just in time to pick the kids up. They were so excited to have Grandma and Grandpa Ellison in the car. Jared got home not long after we did and the boys (minus Seth) headed up to Huntsville for the Father/Son's campout. About a 90 minute drive. They didn't stay the night, but Jared was in charge of the program--which I volunteered my dad to participate in.

Dad read some cowboy poetry and then Jared told a little about the history of the church in Texas...which is part of his ancestry. After that a hayride to find wild animals...Jared said all they saw was about 60 deer...but the kids loved spotting every one!

The girls and Seth went to Cici's for dinner--Rachel convinced Grandma this would be a great idea. We sat right by the arcade so I could see Seth. I knew he'd never sit with us. He did come over and have something to eat. We took a quick trip over to Old Navy...and then home. Seth fell asleep on the way which was a treat for me. Rachel and Grandma had movie night...Akeelah and the Bee...while I ran to the store to get some food to feed all these people! Two soccer games today...and Stake Meetings. Life is good.

Recipe of the week

We had Creamy Chicken soup tonight. Everyone even went for seconds...well the 3 big kids and I. Jared went out to Pappasito's with his team and Seth ate the muffin tops. Two year olds are interresting. They have small circle of concern and it is around themselves. We generally have a 2 muffin rule ( 12 muffins ÷ 6 people ) tonight Seth helped himself to the tops of 3 prior to the reminder of the muffin rule...not that he would've listened anyway. Being the good wife that I am I selflessly saved 2 for Jared and only partook of one.

Speaking of tarnishing perfectly good food...as I discovered the muffins it reminded me of a Thanksgiving several years ago at the Twiggs'. A few families had gathered together and we were getting the food on the table when Thane Twiggs found Jonah up to the dining room table licking the untouched--still in the shape of the can--cranberry sauce.

That was a while back...you'd think the child would have learned a few things between then and now, however, a couple of months ago I was having a baby shower at my house. There was a wonderful spread of food...none of which I participated in making. I was sitting and enjoying my plate when I hear someone behind me say to the women she was talking to (with a giggle in her voice) "Look at Jonah."

I immediately turned towards the table to see my 7 year old son licking the pie server that was in a pie that was not fully gone!!! I was mortified. Needless to say, the Hansen's enjoyed the rest of that pie later. Jonah keeps things interresting around here.

Okay, here's the soup recipe:

Cream of Chicken Soup
Lydia Hansen--Jared's Mom ;)

2 cups water
2 chicken breasts (cut into chunks)
1/4 cup minced dried onion

Cook 1/2 hour until chicken is cooked.
ADD and cook 1/2 hour:

2 celery stalks cut
2 cups carrots cut

In a larger pan cook until bubbling:

6 Tbsp. Margerine or butter
6 Tbsp. flour

When bubbling add 4 cups milk and stir until thick and bubbling.

Combine the 2 and add:

2 tsp. salt
pepper
garlic powder
basil

*Note--1 recipe is enough for us for one dinner with a little left over. I made it a month ago (doubled the recipe) and froze 1/2 which we ate tonight. It was DELICIOUS!!

Move over Aretha!

Tonight was the 4th grade music program "High Hopes". Rachel sang--what they called a "solo" but was actually 6 kids at 3 mics--for the song R.E.S.P.E.C.T. I was proud of her for doing something scary! She did a great job.

I picked up Luke's ZARONTIN tonight. I hope it doesn't cause any problems for him. He didn't want to go to school today. I think the medication makes him feel tired and maybe even a bit dizzy, but that won't be going away anytime soon, so he needs to go. I finally had to tell him that if he went all week without complaining then we'd invite his friend Collin over. That seemed to work. I spoke with the Assistant Principal about the absences and she told me not to worry--she said we'll work it all out. They have been very supportive of both Rachel and Luke, so I know he'll be fine. Have a good night.

Die Hard 3

So for anyone who thinks I'm exaggerating when I say I'm a magnet for chaos...

Seth and I got trapped in an elevator at Dillard's for about 15 minutes today. I know 15 minutes doesn't sound very long, but when you're with a two year old, a Latino woman who doesn't speak english and her baby...15 minutes is too long! It got hot very quickly, and she started to have a panic attack.

I pressed the alarm button for quite some time, but no one heard it. I finally was able to pry the doors open--then I scaled the wall and pulled everyone to safety. Okay, the last part was a lie. I did pry the doors open, but we were still on the 1st floor. When I told Jared what happened he said, "Well, at least you've seen Die Hard so you knew what to do!" He's so supportive!

To add to that--after standing in line for 10 minutes at an Elementary School--I discovered that they had changed our polling place this year, so I had to load Seth back up and head over to a repair shop to vote...of course this repair shop is about 1/4 mile from my house and I could've just walked there!! I'm taking a nap!

Tater-tot Torture

Seth is a terrible eater. Most days the only things he consumes are frozen waffles, nutra-grain bars, bananas, chicken nuggets, gold fish and yogurt. Jared took the initiative tonight to force him to eat what the rest of us were having--Tater-tot casserole--which we decided to rename "Napoleon Dynamite Casserole".

Well, they've been at the table for an hour or so. He is a stubborn child. Where did we go wrong. The other kids were a little picky at first, but they quickly moved through that phase and are great eaters now. Infact, all 3 would prefer Salomon to almost anything, and Luke often asks for salad for lunch. I'm hoping we will be growing out of this soon.

I finally spoke with the CVS manager this morning. I told him how upset I was at how the situation was being handled. His response to that was, "Well I have to take part of the blame for how my team has handled this." WHAT?! PART of the blame? How about the whole thing buddy! You're the manager!

I told him that HE should have called me Tuesday. He agreed. I guess they have to do some more research now to file an incident report. I told him I wanted to be contacted after he spoke with Dr. Fishman's office. The new prescription is ready to pick up...at no charge. At least they got that right!

Luke came home sick again. I don't think he was that sick. He did sleep for about 2 hours though. He needs it. Well, I'd better go assist in the tater-tot torture!

**We're at 2+ hours now and he's still holding out!!!

Has it been 7 years?

We just got back from Jonah's Baptism Preview. I can hardly believe that Jonah will be baptized next June. He was so excited to get his booklet with all the information in it...they also gave each child a bar of soap with a CTR sticker on it and a white towel. There are 22 kids in our WARD that will be baptized next year!

It's been a nice Sabbath. During Sacrament Meeting one of Jared's Young Men was sitting in front of us and leaned back to ask Jared a question. (In Jared's defense this boy moved here from Russia about 2 years ago and was baptized about a year ago--so he does have an accent.) Anyway, he asked Jared "What's the name of your subdivision?", however Jared heard, "What's the name of Joseph Smith's Vision?" Jared proceeded to say "The First Vision". When he realized his mistake he started to laugh. I don't think he caused too much of a disruption.

We went to some friends in the ward for dinner...and then I squeezed in choir practice...then the Baptism Preview. So no Sunday nap. Now it's too early to put the kids down, so I have to find a way to occupy them for an hour...Jonah want's to play Guess Who. It's pretty easy with him because he always chooses "Anita" the most attractive female cartoon face in the game. He is a boy!

Have a good week.

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Thanksgiving "Mickey Gram". One of Jared's creations when he worked for Disney!


It is a brisk 49º right now--the high today should be around 65º. Quite nice if you ask me. I know it doesn't sound that cold to most, but when you go from 88º on Halloween to 65º that quick...it feels a lot colder. And the forecast shows we'll be back up to 82º sometime next week. I think it is safe, however, to put away the summer clothes. I'll just keep out a few short sleeved shirts for the really warm days.



My favorite Thanksgiving decoration--thanks Mom! Jared thinks the neighbors are going to think we're racist because of all the white pumpkins...

My neighbors gave me two of their pumpkins they didn't carve for Halloween. This will be good because it is hot enough this time of year that when I put in the wood pieces the pumpkin usually rots and is full of ants within a week or two. This year we can just move on to another!


We are watching a couple of kids from the ward for a few days. Their parents went up to Dallas for a little get away. So far it's been fine. The little boy, Dustin, is Luke's age, but not in school yet. He doesn't have any younger sibings, so being with Seth is like baptism by fire. I think he'll be ready to go home tomorrow. It is keeping Seth a bit more occupied, so that is nice for me.

I stopped by CVS this morning since I have yet to recieve a phone call. There was a nice man who helped me, but had no idea what I was talking about...he hadn't been informed. I know the girl who helped on Monday did her job and reported it to the head pharmacist...I saw the typed report this morning...so now it is the head pharmacist who's # I've got!! The man today is going to get the new prescription--it had not been done yet. I didn't yell at him. He was helpful, and I'm saving it up for the manager who in my opinion dropped the ball by 9 a.m. Tuesday. Jared's going to make a phone call today. We'll see what comes from that.

Rachel qualified for a math competition in December. She is not happy about it...her classmates nominated her to try out when we were in Chicago. When we got back the teacher gave her the try-out test and she passed. In her words..."It's not fair because they give you 2 hours to do 80 problems and you can't use any paper to figure the answers on!" Can you get dehydrated from crying? Because lately I'm concerned she will. Of course we will make her do the competition to teach a lesson. I may even come up with some math problems of my own for when she comes home from it. (this is where Jared would insert a comment to remind me who was the parent.)

Have a great weekend. Only 2 weeks of soccer to go!!!

Gross!

I forgot this one...Majid and Miriam from next door (the Banta's old house) brought these gummy eyeballs over for the kids. Icky!

The Candy Kid

It is going to be a nightmare establishing candy rules with Seth. He doesn't respond well to "no".

Here are some pictures of the little goblins. They had a great time Trick-or-Treating with Jared. Seth refused one ladies bag of chips and told her he wanted candy.

Last night when we were having dinner Jonah told me he had a really good idea. (I love those) He wanted to put a craft table out on the driveway so the kids could do a craft before they got their candy. I told him we'd revisit it for next year.

It was pretty toasty (as Jonah would say) last night, and the mosquitos were out with a vengence. Seth kept trying to take his costume off, so I told him he had to keep it on to get candy. As soon as they got back he started to take it off and said "I done candy!" He was pretty sweaty!!

Halloween is not the friendliest holiday at our house--ya know the whole diabetes thing--so we have the kids pick their favorite candy and then they can trade the rest in for 5 cents a piece. Jonah was our most generous giver this year. I need to go through Rachel's bag with her again. We have clinic one month from today...we can't have too many bad days before that!

Today's To Do List:

1. Take down Halloween Decorations that have been up for less than 24 hours.
2. Try to find Thanksgiving decor--I think this box is in the attic.
3. Bust out the Christmas music! I love it!!!