But this was fun.
My friend Amy helped me tons and tons, not to mention letting me borrow her machine and have my kids play all over her house, lunch, and fun times.
Friday, April 30, 2010
sewing success
sewing is always an adventure for me. I love to sew when I can work on a good machine. Otherwise there are usually a few expletives to go along with the adventure!
But this was fun.
My friend Amy helped me tons and tons, not to mention letting me borrow her machine and have my kids play all over her house, lunch, and fun times.
In the end we made a beautiful pioneer skirt and apron. Thanks Amy!
But this was fun.
My friend Amy helped me tons and tons, not to mention letting me borrow her machine and have my kids play all over her house, lunch, and fun times.
Monday, April 26, 2010
THE ANNIVERSARY TRIP
Okay, so here are details from our Anniversary Trip.
We decided after our first hike (together, Winslow had gone once by himself before) that it would be awesome to go back to the Grand Canyon for celebration of our Anniversary. Our initial plan was to stay 2 nights. However, this time of year is "in season" and so prices were double. Yikes$$ So we decided a one night stay would be sufficient. Grandma and Grandpa McNeill came the night before we left to stay with the kids. David is in love with his grandpa. They snuggle and read books and are the best of friends. The kids love Grandma's cooking. She always does fun things with them. So we left Thursday morning after the big kids got on the bus. David, who is teething, was less than excited about our departure. However, I am sure he was quickly playing with grandpa.
The drive was fun, just the two of us. Quiet, no fighting, and it was a fun time to just talk. When we got to Flagstaff we stopped at the mall. (Big Time for us.) It didn't matter where we shopped it was just nice to do so without chasing kids. Of course we ended up buying things for them. (Winslow found a PINK TIE for Jacob, he's been wanting one forever!)
We stopped at Goodwill, where we had hoped to look for Trek clothes, but instead saw a creepy dude who was definitely on something, so we hurriedly left! We stopped at a lumber mill and looked at some beautiful woods. My favorite was definitely the cedar woods. We had lunch at Chili's and just enjoyed being together.
Next we went to visit our Friends Glenna and Kyle and their family. They live in Willams and have a gorgeous home. It is older and they have done a lot to update it. It has beautiful wood flooring, a sun room, crown molding in every room, and the house has such awesome character. I should have taken pictures of their house. (IT's on the market if any one wants to buy it!)
It was fun to visit with them and as always way too short on time.
We headed up to Tusayan (just outside of the Grand Canyon.) We took a dip in the hot tub with some French Families. The only real thing we could communicate to each other was that the water was SERIOUSLY HOT! 104 degrees. YIKES! But it got better after you were in a while. (Never mind that I thought I would pass out when I got out!) But it was fun to sit in the hot tub and watch the snow on the trees outside!
The best way to hike the Grand Canyon is by starting early. We were at the bright angel trailhead by 6am. Can you say Cold? I always have to wear my snow gloves when we start. I was anxious to get down to where it was warmer so we headed out fast. The vegetation was so different this time. SO much Green Everywhere. And gorgeous flowers on trees, cactus, and plants. The first animals we saw were big horn sheep. They crossed the trail and then ran literally straight up the side of the canyon wall. It was so neat to watch. We also had no snow on the trail this time. A little more scary for me when we first started out. I don't like edges. But I was glad that the temperature was 20 degrees below normal temps. (I'm not such a fan of HOT.) My favorite trees were the western redbuds. They had gorgeous purple blossoms all over them. There was wild grass everywhere. Just so pretty.
Indian Gardens was so nice. The temperature there was almost 50 degrees. -Now you have to understand when you are hiking the grand canyon that 50 degrees is almost hot. Your body is exerting so much energy.
We got to meet some very aggressive squirrels. They were jumping onto our packs. Crazy things. There were beautiful streams and Flowers, just awesome.
Now the hike out to platue point is much more desert like. Lots of cactus, but that was cool cause so many of them were in bloom.
I had a spurt of energy and took of hiking ahead. While I was hiking I had some good time to think about lots of different things. I enjoyed the time to meditate.
Platue Point was not what I had expected. It's all sorts of layers of rocks on top of each other. It looked a little unstable to me. I was nervous to go up on it without Winslow. So I hung back a while and waited until he got there to go out onto the point. The view was amazing. The Colorado River was running SOO Fast. The water was heavy with sediment and rapids.
I was anxious to get back to Indian Gardens after we left Platue Point in order to get to the restrooms. So off we went again. I could have stayed at Indian Gardens all day. It was just that pretty. And quite peaceful. We bandaged up hot spots and Winslow had a blister. OUCH!
The Hike Out was good. I was ready to tear up the trail! I did have to stop at the 3 mile rest house and put moleskin and tape over one of my hotspots. But I made it out with no blisters. It started to rain on us as we hiked out which was nice. You get so hot hiking out. (And it was probably about 35 degrees.) Then came the snow.
So of course I loved it. And Of course I am so sore in my calves. And of course now I want to go back and do the 17 mile hike from South Kiabab to the River and out Bright Angel all in one day. You get addicted. There is so much to see. It really is so pretty.
Things we have learned. SALT is a huge factor on the trail. You must replace your salts. It makes all the difference in your energy.
Start Early. That way if you want to take it slow you have a lot of time to do it in.
You don't feel hungry. Eat ANYWAY!
Don't forget to stop and Smell the Roses.
I love having time to spend with Winslow. I love that we enjoy doing this together. I am looking forward to the Trek and the time we will get to spend together doing stuff we love.
We decided after our first hike (together, Winslow had gone once by himself before) that it would be awesome to go back to the Grand Canyon for celebration of our Anniversary. Our initial plan was to stay 2 nights. However, this time of year is "in season" and so prices were double. Yikes$$ So we decided a one night stay would be sufficient. Grandma and Grandpa McNeill came the night before we left to stay with the kids. David is in love with his grandpa. They snuggle and read books and are the best of friends. The kids love Grandma's cooking. She always does fun things with them. So we left Thursday morning after the big kids got on the bus. David, who is teething, was less than excited about our departure. However, I am sure he was quickly playing with grandpa.
The drive was fun, just the two of us. Quiet, no fighting, and it was a fun time to just talk. When we got to Flagstaff we stopped at the mall. (Big Time for us.) It didn't matter where we shopped it was just nice to do so without chasing kids. Of course we ended up buying things for them. (Winslow found a PINK TIE for Jacob, he's been wanting one forever!)
We stopped at Goodwill, where we had hoped to look for Trek clothes, but instead saw a creepy dude who was definitely on something, so we hurriedly left! We stopped at a lumber mill and looked at some beautiful woods. My favorite was definitely the cedar woods. We had lunch at Chili's and just enjoyed being together.
Next we went to visit our Friends Glenna and Kyle and their family. They live in Willams and have a gorgeous home. It is older and they have done a lot to update it. It has beautiful wood flooring, a sun room, crown molding in every room, and the house has such awesome character. I should have taken pictures of their house. (IT's on the market if any one wants to buy it!)
It was fun to visit with them and as always way too short on time.
We headed up to Tusayan (just outside of the Grand Canyon.) We took a dip in the hot tub with some French Families. The only real thing we could communicate to each other was that the water was SERIOUSLY HOT! 104 degrees. YIKES! But it got better after you were in a while. (Never mind that I thought I would pass out when I got out!) But it was fun to sit in the hot tub and watch the snow on the trees outside!
The best way to hike the Grand Canyon is by starting early. We were at the bright angel trailhead by 6am. Can you say Cold? I always have to wear my snow gloves when we start. I was anxious to get down to where it was warmer so we headed out fast. The vegetation was so different this time. SO much Green Everywhere. And gorgeous flowers on trees, cactus, and plants. The first animals we saw were big horn sheep. They crossed the trail and then ran literally straight up the side of the canyon wall. It was so neat to watch. We also had no snow on the trail this time. A little more scary for me when we first started out. I don't like edges. But I was glad that the temperature was 20 degrees below normal temps. (I'm not such a fan of HOT.) My favorite trees were the western redbuds. They had gorgeous purple blossoms all over them. There was wild grass everywhere. Just so pretty.
Indian Gardens was so nice. The temperature there was almost 50 degrees. -Now you have to understand when you are hiking the grand canyon that 50 degrees is almost hot. Your body is exerting so much energy.
We got to meet some very aggressive squirrels. They were jumping onto our packs. Crazy things. There were beautiful streams and Flowers, just awesome.
Now the hike out to platue point is much more desert like. Lots of cactus, but that was cool cause so many of them were in bloom.
I had a spurt of energy and took of hiking ahead. While I was hiking I had some good time to think about lots of different things. I enjoyed the time to meditate.
Platue Point was not what I had expected. It's all sorts of layers of rocks on top of each other. It looked a little unstable to me. I was nervous to go up on it without Winslow. So I hung back a while and waited until he got there to go out onto the point. The view was amazing. The Colorado River was running SOO Fast. The water was heavy with sediment and rapids.
I was anxious to get back to Indian Gardens after we left Platue Point in order to get to the restrooms. So off we went again. I could have stayed at Indian Gardens all day. It was just that pretty. And quite peaceful. We bandaged up hot spots and Winslow had a blister. OUCH!
The Hike Out was good. I was ready to tear up the trail! I did have to stop at the 3 mile rest house and put moleskin and tape over one of my hotspots. But I made it out with no blisters. It started to rain on us as we hiked out which was nice. You get so hot hiking out. (And it was probably about 35 degrees.) Then came the snow.
So of course I loved it. And Of course I am so sore in my calves. And of course now I want to go back and do the 17 mile hike from South Kiabab to the River and out Bright Angel all in one day. You get addicted. There is so much to see. It really is so pretty.
Things we have learned. SALT is a huge factor on the trail. You must replace your salts. It makes all the difference in your energy.
Start Early. That way if you want to take it slow you have a lot of time to do it in.
You don't feel hungry. Eat ANYWAY!
Don't forget to stop and Smell the Roses.
I love having time to spend with Winslow. I love that we enjoy doing this together. I am looking forward to the Trek and the time we will get to spend together doing stuff we love.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I Scared
"I Scared." This is what David keeps telling me at night. He's not even 2 yet. How does he know he's scared. Anyway, it's too cute. And I just love him and cave and put him in my bed to sleep. We haven't decided completely whether or not he is our last baby (leaning more towards yes.) So I am trying to soak it all in as much as possible. He is such a little stinker though. He knows how to get the stool and climb on just about anything. Some days he wears me out. But I love it.
Rachel this week decided to leave the house without permission and walk to the nearby diner to get a bag full of gumballs. (it's about a block away but we live right next to the HS so there are teenage drivers everywhere.) Scared the heck out of me. But it was so cute I had to work at being Very Firm.
She had started by doing a whole bunch of chores without being asked and then she must have gotten her $1 that she got from her primary teacher and off she went. I had to take her gumballs and put them away. And I told her she needed to ask and I would walk with her next time. OH KIDS!
Winslow and I are headed out on our Anniversary trip tomorow. (If I ever get done packing!) We are going to hike 12 miles of the Grand Canyon. I am pretty excited. Grandma and Grandpa are comming to stay with our kids. David has such a fondness for his Grandpa! They are best buds and David got so sad last time they left.
I'm pretty proud of myself for doing a 2 week dinner menu and cutting our food bills by almost 1/2. I've been baking a ton. And wishing I had just a little more counterspace, and a house elf to do all my dishes!
Rachel this week decided to leave the house without permission and walk to the nearby diner to get a bag full of gumballs. (it's about a block away but we live right next to the HS so there are teenage drivers everywhere.) Scared the heck out of me. But it was so cute I had to work at being Very Firm.
She had started by doing a whole bunch of chores without being asked and then she must have gotten her $1 that she got from her primary teacher and off she went. I had to take her gumballs and put them away. And I told her she needed to ask and I would walk with her next time. OH KIDS!
Winslow and I are headed out on our Anniversary trip tomorow. (If I ever get done packing!) We are going to hike 12 miles of the Grand Canyon. I am pretty excited. Grandma and Grandpa are comming to stay with our kids. David has such a fondness for his Grandpa! They are best buds and David got so sad last time they left.
I'm pretty proud of myself for doing a 2 week dinner menu and cutting our food bills by almost 1/2. I've been baking a ton. And wishing I had just a little more counterspace, and a house elf to do all my dishes!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Family Photos
Have I mentioned I love this guy!~
My Handsome son who already breaks hearts on a daily basis!
Rachel Loves to have her picture taken...except when it's naptime and she's COLD!
Abby always has a smile.
Winslow is definitely a fabulous Dad!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
"Are You My Mother?"
The Book "Are You My Mother?" by P.D. Eatman was one I read often as a child. And now I read it to my children.
Yesterday I was thinking how often when I was working that I felt like the little baby bird...
"Did I ever have a clean house?" "I know I had a clean house once." "I will find it again, I will!"
ha ha ha~
My definition of clean had to change when I was working. Otherwise I would have gone bonkers. It is so nice to be back home to have a trully tidy house (I even cleaned underneath my dryer yesterday!) and to have time to bless my family with homemade meals, to make muffins with my kids, to read endless books with David, to snuggle with my hubby, to make my girls hair pretty in the morning, to work in my yard and just ENJOY my life!
I know there are many women out there who prefer to work. Some get "bored at home." I love it! To all you working mommies. I give you my praise. It is a huge balancing act and so many of you do it so well. I applaud you. To ALL Mommies you are amazing.
I read this quote recently and loved it, so I will share it with you.
Yesterday I was thinking how often when I was working that I felt like the little baby bird...
"Did I ever have a clean house?" "I know I had a clean house once." "I will find it again, I will!"
ha ha ha~
My definition of clean had to change when I was working. Otherwise I would have gone bonkers. It is so nice to be back home to have a trully tidy house (I even cleaned underneath my dryer yesterday!) and to have time to bless my family with homemade meals, to make muffins with my kids, to read endless books with David, to snuggle with my hubby, to make my girls hair pretty in the morning, to work in my yard and just ENJOY my life!
I know there are many women out there who prefer to work. Some get "bored at home." I love it! To all you working mommies. I give you my praise. It is a huge balancing act and so many of you do it so well. I applaud you. To ALL Mommies you are amazing.
I read this quote recently and loved it, so I will share it with you.
There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be "full-time moms," at least during the most formative years of their children's lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.
Elder M. Russell Ballard
(Daughters of God, Ensign May 2008)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Fun things today
-Rachel, Abby, and I made muffins, poppyseed and chocolate. We made large muffins and mini muffins and then we ate them hot out of the oven. YUM!
-Dear House, oh how you have been neglected. Thankyou for waiting patiently for TLC. Oh my! my poor house has been so neglected in the clutter dept. I have been decluttering and deep cleaning. It feels so good!
-Yesterday I made Homemade French bread. YUM! Today I am making Adobo Chicken. TASTY!
-I love reading books to my children. David likes to read books and then listen to classical music to fall asleep. Rachel and I read books next and she decides "i'm just going to take a little rest. I don't go to sleep 'cause I don't know how to shut my eyes." And seconds later she is fast asleep!
-Made a budget yesterday.
-Still trying to salvage my garden
-David is covered in chocolate muffin and wants his "shoesnon" so he can go "ou-side"
-Rachel, Abby, and I made muffins, poppyseed and chocolate. We made large muffins and mini muffins and then we ate them hot out of the oven. YUM!
-Dear House, oh how you have been neglected. Thankyou for waiting patiently for TLC. Oh my! my poor house has been so neglected in the clutter dept. I have been decluttering and deep cleaning. It feels so good!
-Yesterday I made Homemade French bread. YUM! Today I am making Adobo Chicken. TASTY!
-I love reading books to my children. David likes to read books and then listen to classical music to fall asleep. Rachel and I read books next and she decides "i'm just going to take a little rest. I don't go to sleep 'cause I don't know how to shut my eyes." And seconds later she is fast asleep!
-Made a budget yesterday.
-Still trying to salvage my garden
-David is covered in chocolate muffin and wants his "shoesnon" so he can go "ou-side"
Monday, April 5, 2010
and the little one said "Roll Over, I'm crowded."
There were ten in the bed
And the little one said
"Roll over, I'm crowded."
So they all rolled over
and one fell off.
This was definitely our night last night.
Jacob was the only one not sleeping in my room.
We keep our room really dark so I actually didn't know how many of our kids were in the room with us until morning.
David, Winslow, and me in the bed.
Rachel and Abby on the floor.
What a HOOT!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Week Of Easter
It was a good week. I enjoyed my last week a work. And tended to get teary-eyed when my babies came and loved on me.
David had a double ear infection and gave us a little scare. High fever and lethargy. A Blessing and having daddy close did wonders for him. I never do so well when my kids are super sick. I get very nervous and worried. It can be a stressful time for me. So I am so glad it is over.
We had a fun RS activity this week. We played Hollywood Squares. So funny. And got blue teeth from eating yummy cake with blue frosting.
Took Jacob, Abby, and Rachel to see the High School production of The Sound of Music.
Rachel was impressed I knew the songs. However, the novelty wore off right after intermission and I had to sneak out and take her home. Good thing we live close.
Jacob and Abby LOVED IT! They were enthralled with the story and songs. It also helps that there were kids in the play they knew. They tried to hide that they liked the kissing parts, but moms always know!
This weekend has been good but taxing.
I love Conference. I love to listen and learn. My kids, unfortunately, have been determined to quarrel most of the time. It has tested my mommy patience.
We made Rhodes cinnimon rolls, a candy house, cheesy potatoes, german pancakes, boiled eggs, and had lots of fun eating it all.
I'm pretty sure my children ate 3 lbs of chocolate today. Ick!
I only dozed off during 2 of the talks all weekend. (Cut me some slack, David has been disrupting our sleep patterns :))
I loved all the talks on teaching our children and feel really good about our decision for me to come home. I have greatly missed having that extra time to teach my children.
I loved watching the BYU channel this weekend. My favorite part was the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Tour. It's my dream to sing with the choir one day.
David had a double ear infection and gave us a little scare. High fever and lethargy. A Blessing and having daddy close did wonders for him. I never do so well when my kids are super sick. I get very nervous and worried. It can be a stressful time for me. So I am so glad it is over.
We had a fun RS activity this week. We played Hollywood Squares. So funny. And got blue teeth from eating yummy cake with blue frosting.
Took Jacob, Abby, and Rachel to see the High School production of The Sound of Music.
Rachel was impressed I knew the songs. However, the novelty wore off right after intermission and I had to sneak out and take her home. Good thing we live close.
Jacob and Abby LOVED IT! They were enthralled with the story and songs. It also helps that there were kids in the play they knew. They tried to hide that they liked the kissing parts, but moms always know!
This weekend has been good but taxing.
I love Conference. I love to listen and learn. My kids, unfortunately, have been determined to quarrel most of the time. It has tested my mommy patience.
We made Rhodes cinnimon rolls, a candy house, cheesy potatoes, german pancakes, boiled eggs, and had lots of fun eating it all.
I'm pretty sure my children ate 3 lbs of chocolate today. Ick!
I only dozed off during 2 of the talks all weekend. (Cut me some slack, David has been disrupting our sleep patterns :))
I loved all the talks on teaching our children and feel really good about our decision for me to come home. I have greatly missed having that extra time to teach my children.
I loved watching the BYU channel this weekend. My favorite part was the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Tour. It's my dream to sing with the choir one day.
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