Michelle's Birthday

Here's a few more for you all who couldn't be there.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

May your day be merry and bright.........

Just in Time

A must do for everyone before Christmas. Just print out, fold, and cut away.

Shopping

I don't even like shopping, but with the bulk of our kitchen work behind us and with the plumbing done for our new washer and dryer we just had to get out yesterday!  It took all day, except for our pancake breakfast.

We went to:

• Home Depot - looked for paint colors for our bedroom
• H & M - got a shirt for Justin, sweater for me and hair clips for the girls
• Sweet Tomatoes - Linner! (lunch/dinner)
• Ryan's Diamonds - got both of our rings cleaned and replated and caught up with Ryan
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory - chocolate! and other treat bribes for being good in the stores for Jaime
• Downeast - shirt and two undershirts for me
• Aeropostale - jeans for me!  Yay, jeans that fit.
• Ikea - bathroom step stool for Jaime and new sliding shelves for my pantry

Just thought you'd all enjoy that. I married into a shopping family.

IT'S GONE IT'S GONE IT'S GONE

That's right. Merry Christmas to us our house is officially SOLD. The offer was approved and an extension given to make it possible 3 days before auction. How blessed. How grateful.

Happy Birthday April

Yep, I am posting the same day of the event. I know, crazy. That's me, crazy.

Warm, sunny, and almost went swimming. Instead we enjoyed a nice family run, super yummy tamales, and a fabulous cake.

Fun Quote

Yesterday Liz and I went to the Nauvoo temple to assist with the Youth baptismal trip. We had some of Liz's family names that needed to be done, so we took the opportunity, and had a wonderful time. Before the session began, the temple President, Spencer J. Condie, spoke to the youth about various things, and gave a sage piece of witty advice. He said if your friends are skeptical about the story of the restoration, and specifically the first vision, there is a simple way to help them understand it. He instructed them to tell their friends to:

"Ask God if it really happened. He knows. After all, He was there."

So there you go.

Father Christmas

Dad was Father Christmas at our community tree lighting last night. Thought you might all enjoy a picture.

We ARE Family

As we have experienced our holiday family experience in Virginia and vicariously shared all of the experiences of our children through the wonder of our families blogs, I am deeply impressed, again, about how important family is and how incredibly blessed we are to belong to this family. Thank you, each and every one of you, for who you are and what you bring to our family. Love you all.

Thanksgiving

We started the morning with quite a startle from our Thanksgiving visitor. This is a Sandhill crane and they are very loud. He made it quite close to the house before letting out quite a squawk. David ran screaming. The kids quietly crept outside and attempted to feed it grapes. It squawked a few more times and looked at us like we were stupid. Then walked away. They don't eat grapes. Note to self.


Enjoyed a little post dinner walk and fish.
Who doesn't love a little beach time on every holiday?
Oh, now that is just cute.
Now that is a family! Happy mom!
Grilled to perfection. Oh, yeah, I said grilled. Never going back.




We enjoyed making everything together and having a semi quiet dinner. Everyone had specific items to make. Collin made pumpkin bourbon cheesecake (thank you James), Ethan made Marshmallow almond key lime pie (umm, best key lime pie ever!), and Chloe made a cherry pie. Never made pies from scratch without the aid of sibling or parent. They actually worked! Who knew? Don't forget April who wowed us all with some fantastic rolls. We were happy to spend it just us, but missed family. Can't wait for Christmas!

The Holiday

Happy Thanksgiving, my wonderful family.

You know, I never feel so lonely and distant from all of you as I do on holidays. I think that, growing up, we were always pretty independent as a family when it came to holidays because we lived so far away from all of our extended family. It was as though we were ingrained with the understanding that we were all we had, and somehow that leaked into my adult life.

I am grateful, ever so grateful for the family that I head in this little corner of the world, but my heart is pining, even after more than a decade after its creation, for my parents, brothers, and sisters that all have their own corners of the world. I kind of wish our corners could be more like niches in the same log or at least short spokes around the hub of a not-so-large tricycle wheel. I know, however, that we're in the right place at the right time, and I trust that all of you are, as well, so our corners we maintain in happiness and peace.

In other news, we've finally scheduled Joshua's baptism for Saturday morning. We've been waiting for Grandma and Grandpa schedules to align with ours, and they still might not, but we just can't withhold from Joshua any more. You are all, of course, invited for the 10 am service.

Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to ours.

Yes, I meant to do that.

Intermountain Healthcare celebrates kidney transplant milestone | ksl.com

Intermountain Healthcare celebrates kidney transplant milestone | ksl.com

All things Family

So....I started a new blog and I know what your thinking. No one knows better than me how truly pathetic I am at blogging. I had the feeling this last conference to start a blog on families. Maybe it was just my inner spirit dying to sit on my own soap box for a while or maybe it's more than that. Either way, here it is. That said, I would truly love your thoughts on my blog. Feel free to be critical or overly accommodating...which ever you prefer. I can handle both. :) I really do want to know what you think so I can make it better. I appreciate your love and your help. Oh yes...and I may use some of you in my blog. If you are entirely opposed to that you should let me know. You can find my blog at http://defendfamily.blogspot.com James I would love to add this to the family blog...how do we do that? Lots of love!

A little post summer fun!

I just got back from the pool. It was great. The kids were swimming and I was reading. I love me a little sun!

We will be spending Thanksgiving alone this year. I think it may be a first for us. I think small and simple will be o.k. We are assigning all dinner items out to the kids. Except the turkey, which Joe will be grilling this year. So cool. We are going to do an outdoor movie Thursday night and go to the beach Friday. I can't think of a better way to spend Black Friday. Yes, we are doing a little shopping, but the items I want go on sale Thursday night at 10. I get to avoid all the electronic crazies!

Great Quote

My new friend was over and we were talking about how to budget and other fun things. Yes, I love talking about budgeting. So, we were talking and they use a cash system, so I asked if at the end of the week if they are out of cash do they still go on their date. I absolutely loved her reaction and had to share it with everyone. In a very matter of fact way she said that of course they go and that it doesn't have to be in the cash budget because "going on a date is much less expensive than marriage counseling!"

LOVE IT! LOVE IT! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Yes, dad they are people after your own heart. Thank you for teaching us well!

Oh, and here is another great one. This one is just for Michelle. . . .

We were in the car and James asked Michael if he was croaking. He had to ask a couple of times before Michael could understand what he was saying. Once he finally figured it out Michael replied, "No, I'm not a frog."

Well, there are my fun quotes for the weekend. I hope you are all having a great weekend!

Snail with shoes

I know this is mostly for Marquie...

But it's funny and pointless enough to be mentioned anyway.

Love ya'll

http://www.wimp.com/shoeson/

I just have to do this.

Friends...Romans...Countrymen...Lend me your ears...er...well...at least your fingers.

I have a new website and business. Check it out. Thanks

WWW.HAVEYOUCAUGHT.ME

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN!!!!

White Chicken Chili

I just want to thank you guys for the White Chicken Chili recipe in the family cookbook.  Before I joined the family, I had never even eaten White Chicken Chili!  It started to grow on me and I just couldn't ignore how incredibly easy the recipe is (Mom's version) and it is now my go-to crockpot recipe.  I've relied on it again and again to feed company.  You just can't beat an amazing meal that you can put together ahead of time and don't have to prep for!  Okay, so I do prep a little by soaking dry beans overnight but I love not having lots of work to do on the meal right before people arrive at my house.

It's great.

Also, what's the link to that crockpot cookbook you all love?  My sister that came to visit works full-time and she could really benefit from an awesome cookbook like that.  I'd also like to take a look.  Anyone have a good crockpot roast recipe?  I've got a roast in the freezer and want to make a roast with carrots and potatoes surrounding it.  Know what I mean?

I have had enough!

Professional football is such an interesting thing. Today I fulfilled my assignment with United Airlines to host our top Atlanta customers at our annual customer event at the Falcons game. It was a big game against New Orleans. You know, this was a real struggle for me. It is just a big show. The actual game is second to the whole pageantry and... Well, I have had enough.

First, Sunday is the Sabbath. Yup, it sure is and that hit me so hard today that at times I cried. I do not like to work on Sunday. Do not like to travel on Sunday. It is a sacred day. Again, really driven home today.

Second, this is the second week in a row that I have not been "at my post". That is something that I have determined should not happen again. Many things happened last week and this week that, while handled well by the counselors, it would not have hurt to have the bishop there. In fact, two people, both of whom I have great respect for, noted that last Sunday it was evident the shepherd of the flock was absent.

Third, professional football is getting mean. Just downright mean and nasty. I watched hits that should not have taken place. There was no cause. Play was either over or would not happen but the shots took place. Reminds me of why I no longer care for professional basketball. The finesse is gone.

OK, enough. I am tired but please all know, dad/grandpa loves you and cares deeply for each of you.

My Second of the Day!!!

Who wants to come for Thanksgiving and do this with me?

Just published my first android app!!!

It's called "Candy Jar Estimator" and to the left is a very oversized picture of the app icon.

Here's to hoping...

Quote of the Day

‎"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." —George Bernard Shaw

I came across this, today, and thought I would share it. In a world where people are always trying to "find out" who they are, perhaps they should stop asking questions, and start making decisions. Of course, then I thought, "well, we're not trying to create ourselves, we're trying to align ourselves with who we were before we came here and who we want to become when we leave here, and that's not really creation, that's more like discovery." Then I decided that's exactly what Mr. Shaw was expressing with "creating" as compared to "finding," and then I felt good about the quote again. Phew. Enjoy.

Happy Halloween!

We had a wonderful halloween! The weather was perfect, the costumes were adorable, and the company was fun...and we do not have 17 pounds of candy, but it should be sufficient for about a year. Mom...the pictures are for you. We had a bee, witch, Harry Potter, and Hermione Granger. The rest of you can enjoy them but she specifically requested them. Lots of love!

What the candy???????

I just wanted to let everyone know we had a great time trick or treating last night. Well, Joe and the kids. I hung out with Brandi (best friend and former neighbor), and passed out candy. I definitely enjoyed it. Oh yeah, we also are enjoying ourselves a wee bit o candy.....

17 pounds of it.

I know crazy huh. Yes, I really did weigh it. I am going to chop up a bunch of the candy bars and freeze them for dessert stuff and whatever. So much candy.

Oh good! My feet are still there!

Ethan and I are at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. He has had his first experience with Versed. Man is he out of it. While I am typing this he just asked me if his legs are still there. I am laughing so hard. I wish that I had a video camera. He is drinking a juice box and cannot find the straw. He says that there are six of them. The straw is in the box. He keeps looking to make sure that his feet and legs are still attached. Dang, I wish I had a camera.

Toddlers

Our life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARQUIE!!!

Our last little one is not a teen anymore. Welcome, dear, to that time when your age is irrelevant, but your birthday is still a grand celebration of your life as it has been and as it will become!

We love you!

Interesting observation

Chloe has a nightgown that has Pocahontas on it. I have always had an issue with Pocahontas. I finally know why. She looks just like Voldemort from Harry Potter, except with more hair, a tan, and, well...female parts.

It's all in the nose. Wasn't John Smith from England also? Voldemort is probably the descendant of Pocahontas and John Smith.

Who da' thought?

Sunday

So most of you have probably already seen this, but Mom and Dad don't go on Facebook, so I have to post it for them. :)

Patrick and I went a little ways up the canyon Sunday to a park and studied for a bit. (scriptural Sunday stuff of course). It is gorgeous up there! So. There's this picture of us that I super like, and then a picture of the scenery that in no way can do it justice. But I tried.

Three Gems for Y'all

Working on Morgan Meltiar Mouse and came across these...

Yeah that's how it is....

Being unemployed really stinks. I just wanted everyone to know that. My heart goes out to the other hundreds of thousands.

What else.......
I am teaching 9 students with another 3 considering finances. I have 3 shows set up for November and I feel like a crazy face. We should have a final on our house next week. Wouldn't that be nice. Oh, I also consider packing every day, but as of yet have not. Anyone want to do a catalog show??? :) ha ha ha. Maybe already am a crazy face. Hmmmmm.

Joe.... not going there. He has time to do it himself. Obviously enjoying fishing.

April received straight A's on her midterm report. End of term is next week. She still loves school and works hard. She even studies willingly, because she wants those A's. We have found her a piano teacher she can stay with long term, but will have to wait until employment changes. Bummer. Until then, she is more than content to enjoy her keyboard class. She is such a teacher's pet.

Chloe has taken up scrapbooking. Ahhhhh. Yep, my neighbor introduced her to the cult. She loves it. She is always asking for pictures. She is loving soccer and is surprised how hungry it makes her. She is learning to take on more responsibility (sometimes less than willingly), and adjusting to being the oldest at home. It has been a good thing for her.

Ethan is hungry all the time. I don't know where he puts it. He is coming along in his school o.k. He loves school and picks up on things quickly, he just like to play more. I think play is important, so we compromise. He loves listening to the scriptures online and does it twice a day! He too is enjoying soccer. He said it is the only sport he will ever play. Yeah! We don't have a football player. Good to watch, not safe for play.....

Collin is number 4 and never gets enough attention. He is beginning to show interest in school, but really just wants to do whatever the big kids are doing. He has kind of a whatever attitude about soccer. It is fun when he is there, but not the end of the world if he isn't.

David is super cute and talking. He is really good at his tantrums. Life can be so rough when you can't really communicate. Although, I think he has already mastered his Mommy's looks.

There you go. My life in a heartbeat. Can't think why I feel crazy face.

Yep, I went fishing.

I came home with 3 Spanish Mackerel, 2 flounders, 1 blue runner (cousin to tuna), and 1 mangrove snapper. It was a good morning. I'm going again on Saturday morning. Anyone want to come with me?

MYSTERY PHOTO!

Dad, can you tell me what this is, and what it's for? It's a trick I learned from you 24 years ago, and it still works like a charm. Thanks for involving me then so I could do it again when the time came.

UPDATE: It's melted lead, and those well-weighted cars garnered 2nd and 3rd places for Michael and Joshua, respectively.

Grandparents

Here is a picture for you all.  There are plenty more where this came from - with Vida's first week home, Jaime's birthday today and plenty of visitors, you'll be seeing lots more!

Sick

April is ill today and heart broken to miss school. I had to post the email I sent to her language arts teacher. It reminds me of dad and his crazy calls when we were sick. I hope you enjoy a good laugh.

Mrs. Willis,

It is with utter dismay we bring woeful tidings to you. April's demeanor this morning has shown a lack of energy and ability to function. An evil serpent virus has taken over her body. Though she is not grotesque, her visage is not exactly comely this morning. She was very woebegone with the news she would not be attending your class. Though she was distraught, she was not vituperative in her response. So April does not rue the day she missed school, please let us know of any work she needs to makeup. We hope we have been inoffensive with our use of current vocabulary.

Too much Junk

These pictures just don't do it justice. There was so much stuff and Joe was OUT OF TOWN. I do not recommend doing a garage sale solo. I was outside by 6 am setting up and barely had it ready by 8 am. Cleaned up about 1 pm. Little sunburned (only a little) and a sore back. Made a little cash, but didn't even make a dent in the stuff. Anyone need anything? Nothing is allowed back in my house, so donated it is. Just as soon as I can get a truck here to haul it all. Seriously hard work, but I met lots of fun people. It was a lot different than Harvard garage sales. Most of the clothes were still left and high chair and strollers didn't go?! Those that did buy clothing were thrilled they were sized. Sometimes my crazy organization pays off. No one even really looked at the furniture. Must be more of a knick knack place. I am going to put the larger baby items on Craigs list and see what happens. People also didn't really haggle prices, they just left. It was really weird. Either way, I don't have to take any of this with me when I move. Yeah for clean out!

Ethan wanted everyone to know he was reading. So here you go.

Oh so random thought

You know how my head is always empty and I have nothing running through my mind or constantly troubling me?...... Ha Ha Ha. Don't we all wish. So, it was in this empty headedness I came up with a random thought. I can't wait to hear the responses.

When we put aquatic animals in tanks, are they fulfilling the measure of their creation?

Yep, that was it. Laugh it up. Just a little blurp from this crazy head of mine. Have at it!

Enthusiasm

Joshua is a great example to me of how to enjoy every moment of life. After sacrament meeting today we all had to move out of his way, so he could get to his primary class as soon as possible. No matter what it is that we are doing he is always excited and ready to go (well, unless it is cleaning, but even then sometimes he surprises me). I just got this picture today and it showed exactly what I expected of Joshua at all times. Now if only I can be that enthusiastic about life and enjoy every second maybe I would be just as happy as he is. President Uchtdorf talked a little about this last night as well and if you haven't listened to his talk yet, well, then do because it was AMAZING! He reminded me not say things like, 'when ____ then I'll be happy or content or excited'. But I need to do it now and not wait! I need to enjoy every moment with my kids and with James, so hopefully I can do a better job of following Joshua's example this week!

Pear Butter

So did you know that pear butter takes like 12 hours to cook...who new...okay maybe you guys did. I will be starting tomorrows batch much much earlier so that I don't have to be processing delicious foods at ridiculous hours. (Take note of time sent...it's legit) I have bottled 65 quarts of pears...hope they last 14 pints of raspberry jam, raspberry peach freezer jam, and of course pear butter. Obviously, given my naivety of the time frame the pear butter is a first for me. I think it's good but maybe not amazing. (Sorry Marquie, I know you had your heart sent on amazing). I will try one more batch with a little spice boost action I think it's going to work out. I'm pretty sure I used too many pears last time. I did actually go to bed at like 12:30 then set the alarm for two. Only 17 more minutes and it's back to bed for me. Love you all and if you know of an amazing pear butter recipe call me ASAP. (Actually maybe if you could wait until after 7:30am my time that would be great cause you know I'll still be in bed.)

Time with the Workmans

After our wonderful and successful Women's Weekend, I got to spend a few more days with the Workman extended family. I got to see Aunt Judy and some of her family, Emy and even Rosie (my cousin) and her family.

Monday, Grandpa and Grandma and I took a trip to Smithfield via Brigham City and saw two of the homes of my youth. Grandpa took pictures of the homes, I took pictures of the park behind our home...

Everything seemed smaller than I remembered it.

On our way home, we drove by the Logan Temple and stopped at Mike and Kathy's for dinner....It was a fun day, and I'm glad I got to spend it with Grandpa and Grandma, cuz the rest of the week was spent with all the Workman family, and that was delightful also.Oh yes, and through the whole time, I got to meet and get to know.....Patrick.

Women's Weekend '11

Okay James. Here you go. First of all, our appointed historian did not ever have her camera and missed about half of the weekend--sad for her, sad for us. And, the default historian (me) did a lousy job. But, here's what we have....

Lest you think Heather didn't join us for this weekend, SHE DID. This is the Sunday afternoon picture we took, just before everyone left, except Heather, who left early a.m. We do have a picture, unfortunately on Grandpa's camera, with Heather, but not with Marquie. We never did take one with all of us. (I will add that picture to this blog if and when Grandpa sends it.)

We did have a fantastic time together and all voted we'd do it again, and again. But not during school time so we don't miss Marquie. And, we felt bad for our husbands, not because they weren't there, and not because they had to tend the kids...we did miss them (our husbands)....but because they can't seem to get the same opportunity.

We had a lovely trip to the temple, unfortunately I didn't take my camera. And our sharing time was fantastic, possibly life-changing for most of us.
There was lots of this...
And, lots of this...
And we all felt renewed and wanted it to go on and on.