My big scout!

Ethan entered New Scouts in June, but then everything stopped. So, last night he finally received all his pins, awards, webelos badge, and his Arrow of Light!!! Way to go, Ethan!

Big shoes to fill!

Some pretty big shoes to fill, Talin!

Today

O.k., I have all four kids attending one school now - whew! Of course, Laura cried going today, and was screaming when I picked them up because a Monsoon storm blew in over their school and the lights went out (one of her biggest fears right now) and they were soaking wet in the rain. It was a really cool storm - I could see the big black cloud from our house, but their school was a direct hit - I got pounded trying to go pick them up. It was wonderful to have rain - and it's still raining out there - Yipee!!! I also picked up some purple paint to patch a spot in the big girls' room that has been on our "to-do" list since we moved in. While I was there, I got a couple plants to replace one that was dying, and some others for ground cover by the front door. I taped off the back door to paint, but didn't get it painted yet. Dinner, planted the plants, FHE, clean up, get kids to bed, tired, time for bed.

Groundbreaking

We broke ground today! O.k., well, we did it - but we're only as far as picking up the permit for real - but that's still great! So, here's the before..... I love that the neighbors behind us planted those beautiful big trees!!! I will love looking at them from out backyard. I'll have to thank them someday.

Here we go!!!

O.k., we have a loan, we have houseplans approved, we have a contractor - Let's build a house!!! Here's our lot taken from my sister-in-law's house (Thanks, Melinda). We're really excited to get this going - it's been almost 1 1/2 years already in the making. We're really nervous, too, but ready to go. I'll try to keep you posted - I may need your help making decisions!

Olympic favorites

Yeah!!! Michael Phelps did it! We love watching him! He's so good, and yet such a good guy - he immediately thanked his team for helping him get that last medal. He's amazing! Congrats, Michael!

And, we were so upset that NBC wasn't showing the Men's Gymnastics team because they weren't expected to do anything, and then we found out the next day they won Bronze - Way to go!!! I think they did awesome and am still frustrated the NBC didn't show our own team more. Great job, guys! We loved watching the women's gymnastics, too, but it was so sad for them. It was a tough race, and the Chinese just did so well, especially on the floor exercise. But, I still think they are great, too! (can't find a picture :( )

First Day of School - one more time!

O.k. - yesterday was Laura's first day of school (because she still doesn't have a spot at the other school), and Kelcie's first day of preschool! Laura was so excited - lunchbox, fun room, not home bored, etc., but today she decided she doesn't want 1st grade anymore because she'd rather be home with mom. We talked for 20 minutes, and she still went into the classroom crying! I hope she had a good day. "It's just so long, mom, - I want to eat lunch with you". I think part of the problem is that she's been highly clingy to mom since her surgery a few weeks ago, and so now she's really struggling being apart. I really didn't see this one coming - she's so ready and waited so long to go to 1st grade (fall b-day). Kelcie loved preschool - she loves Aunt Cathy's preschool. We love Aunt Cathy's preschool! Luckily, she goes with cousins she loves and has been doing it for 1 day a week last year, so there was no adjustment - whew!
It was also Erin's kind-of first day of school - it was her first day switched to Ethan and Jamie's school (K-8). She was really excited and came home happy. I hope this all settles soon - it's about to do me in!

Olympics!

The OLYMPICS started!!! I LOVE the Olympics! We always watch the opening ceremonies - although, most of us fell asleep (busy week) - and have a little party to start them off. Last night was busy, so the party part wasn't much, but we did pick up Chinese Food to honor the olympics being in China this year. The opening ceremonies were AMAZING! I honestly don't know how they think of those amazing ideas, and then how they pull it off! Truly AMAZING!!! Enjoy!

First Day of School - again

Yesterday, Ethan and Jamie started school. Excitement and a lot of anxiety because they were at a new school far away where we are trying to build a house. They were both happy at the end of the day, though. It was hillarious to get Ethan to stand close enough to his sister to take this picture!

Joys of Summer

Corn on the Cob is one of the real joys of summertime! I LOVE good corn on the cob! I posted a picture like this of Talin several months ago where we only gave him the cob, but tonight he's a big boy and got a whole one - boy did he love that! and figured it out right away! YUMMM!

TP

Oh the joys of having kids with friends! Any idea who did this to us? That's o.k., it was really fun to wake up to, and we feel loved :)

First Day of Junior High

I'm way late in posting this, but Erin started Junior High on Monday!!! She was SOOOOOO excited and had a great day! She's loved it so far! She's taking the normal - Science, Math, Language Arts, and Social Studies - and then for electives she has Band and Art. She's also very excited to be able to wear shorts to school! The sun was so bright for the picture, so she's kind of squinting. And, she was incredibly LOADED!!! They don't have lockers at her school, and she had so much in her backpack!!! I think she's narrowed it down a little, now. Then, they'll add books!

Adenoids

Laura had surgery yesterday to take out her adenoids so she can breath better. As you can see, she wasn't very excited to go.

But, she was very lucky because her daddy is very special and got to go in and observe the surgery. I'm so glad he got to go with her and be with her the whole time - I really think it helped.
Then, she woke up pretty sore and afraid to talk ( her sister mentioned that she might talk different). But, she did awesome! and she finally got that cool ride in a wheelchair!

Candy Cane Ice Cream

We had a ward party the other night, and I promised I would put this on my blog:


Candy Cane Ice Cream (aka Peppermint Ice Cream)
(I think this makes 5qt.)

3 1/8 cups milk
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/8 t. salt
3 1/8 cups half and half
1 3/4 t. vanilla extract
7 1/2 cups whipping cream ( I substituted half and half for about half of the cream, and it was fine)
2 1/2 cup peppermint candy (candy canes)


Scald milk until bubbles form around edge of pan. Remove from heat. Add sugar and salt. Stir until dissolved. Stir in half and half, vanilla, and whipping cream. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. (I don't do that part and it still works) Place peppermint candy in a plastic bag. Break into large pieces (about 1/4-in.) with a mallet or rolling pin. Stir into chilled mixture. Freeze as directed.


This is our favorite one to make!

Memories

I got this from my friends blog - it looked so fun! If you want to play along:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Sunday Afternoon

This was our fun Sunday afternoon:

Kelcie's pictures

We finally got Kelcie's 4yr. pictures today! She's been excited to go get them done, but we've been really busy, so we finally got to it today.

Directions

O.k., I've lured some of you in.... ha, ha, ha! Here's how I make them - straight from the Betty Crocker cookbook.
Cut off the stem and an inch off the top. Rinse them out good, and put them in a pot. Mostly cover with water and add some lemon juice and quartered garlic. (depends on how many - I just through it in) Boil for about 30-40 minutes. Peel off leaves and pull off the "meat" part with your teeth. Or, you can microwave them: Prepare the same, put it a microwavable container with a lid (or use plastic wrap) with about an inch of water, some lemon juice, and some garlic, and microwave for 20 minutes. Don't forget to eat the "heart" - after you get to the little tiny leaves, pull out the hairy stuff, and then cut up the heart and eat it - best part! You can also steam them, but I don't like the texture that way.

Dipping them in Hollandaise Sauce is the best:
3 egg yolks
1 T lemon juice
1/2 cup butter/margarine

Combine egg yolks and lemon juice in saucepan, mix together. Turn on low heat and then add half the butter. Stir constantly until melted and then add the other half. Keep stirring until melted, and enjoy!

Artichokes

I had to share with you the story of the artichoke... When I was about 8 years old, our home teacher and his wife brought me an artichoke from their garden as a thank-you for some stickers I gave them (I think). I had never seen one before, and wasn't sure what to do. I tried it and wasn't too sure, so that was the end of that. Later, somehow, I decided I loved them, and when we grew them in our garden, I invited Lafe over for a date with artichokes and hollandaise sauce - YUM! We've both LOVED them ever since and have gotten away with having them as a special treat just for the two of us because the kids were afraid of them. Then, Laura came along and decided to try it - and loved it - darn! So, then the other kids decided to try it - and loved it - DARN! So, now instead of buying 2, I have to buy 8 and Lafe had to give me a pot big enough to cook them! Since they were on sale at Sprouts this week, we had the special treat of artichokes for dinner tonight. All of us but Kelcie (it's the age, I think) loves them - even Talin loved his first experience. In case you didn't think our family was weird yet, here's something to hold against us - we love artichokes!!! (and spinach, and asparagus, and...)

It's Lafe's Birthday!

Today is Lafe's birthday, and because we just came back in town he doesn't get his presents yet AND he has to work today - I don't think he was too thrilled this morning. Lafe loves his job (yeah!), loves his kids (awesome Dad - the BEST!), and loves to read (sometimes to my dismay). He is the BEST husband and father, very caring and always making sure his kids are learning and making memories. I think his favorite things are Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Avatar -see? kid at heart. He was born the 7th of 8 children, came out upside down and blue, and has quirky nerves so that one thumb moves when the other does even without him knowing. He's also incredibly dedicated to the Gospel, whatever calling he has, and his family. I'm grateful for his strong testimony and his love for his wife and kids.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAFE!!!