Sunday Morning

Here we are Sunday morning before church. I spent extra time on Olivia's hair and came up with something creative and fun. Now with her short hair, I don't have as many options. I love her new haircut - it sure is easy for school. Vivian's do is the same as every other day - I added a ribbon in her hair so she would feel extra special. I don't know what is going on with Vivian - she was having a melt down when I took the pictures. Life is difficult for her lately...and me! I sure hope this phase passes soon. She seems to take lots of my energy because she is up, down, feisty, mean, with a just a wee bit of sweetness.

I should mention that the boys are in Burley with Paul - that's why they aren't pictured here. They went down for fun, relaxation, time with the Redders (Kam before he moves), and frisbee at Lake Wolcott.

Yesterday the girls and I had fun shopping at Michael's (Olivia chose the flowers shown in her hair - they are really for scrapbooking), visiting the pet store and holding puppies, buying candy and See's Candy (that's my little mall tradition), and window shopping at Disney Store (but we actually walked out with a bag of things - including Minnie Mouse T-shirts for me and the girls). We then ate at Costa Vida - I love the sweet pork salad. Then the night ended with us watching High School Musical and falling asleep on the couch. I love girly days!

Buffalo Chip Cookies

As I was tidying my pantry, I realized that I have several boxes of Raisin Bran cereal that need to be used. This last week I opened a new box for breakfast and realized that everyone would rather eat something else. Vivian use to like it - but now she just sorts through it only for the raisins. So I looked on www.allrecipes.com and found a recipe that I slightly adapted to make it healthier. Tonight I made these cookies and thought they were great. I thought I would share it with you:

Cream the first 5 ingredients:
3/4 cup canola oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Then add/mix in:
1 cup Raisin Bran cereal
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or whatever nuts you have on hand)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Finally add/mix in:
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oats (quick or regular)
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Bake at 350 bake until golden about 10 minutes. I used my jumbo cookie drop scoop - it works best if you don't make them in hard balls but let the dough sort of fall loosely on the pan. They bake into a beautiful, textured cookie instead of a round ball (believe me - I tried it both ways).

Hawaii Here We Come

Hawaii, here Tara and I come! It is finally official as of today - yeah! I was talking about it at our last family reunion (after I got the okay from Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Wade who are teaching this school year at BYU-Hawaii) hoping someone would join me. Tara decided to get away with me so I am just thrilled! We will be flying out on a Friday (arrive late) and departing from the big island on the following Thursday (red eye flight) so that should give us plenty of time to play in the sun! I just can't believe it's real - but it's already a done deal. It gives me something to look forward to for the next several months - this trip will be in 2009!

I need your info

I explained that I will be turning private soon. Some of you mentioned that you want invited. Of course, family will be an automatic and those of you that I have email addresses for. However there are some of you that I don't have email addresses for - please leave it in the comments, email me (I'm not posting my email address here), or give me a ring on the phone. I just don't want to leave anyone behind - please reply soon!

Black Apple Dolls

Michele Steed directed me to these cute dolls that she is sewing. Michele's friend has made several of these cute little dolls - take a look at the picture below (that I borrowed from her). She suggested buying fat quarters (of fabric). You could make a doll to represent each of your children! I think Olivia would really like to be involved in this project. I think I remember seeing this segment on Martha Stewart. HERE is the link to Martha Stewart -complete with directions, templates and video. If you do happen to make a doll - I would love to see the finished results. Happy sewing!

The Pie Has Arrived

I have been wanting to make a blackberry pie, as you all know. This morning I decided today was the day - since it was cooler in the morning. By opening several windows (a habit I learned from my Mom), the house cooled down to 63 degrees. All the kids were complaining of the cold and Paul finally said let's decide on how cool the house needs to get and then shut the windows. I shut them for a while to make everyone happy (including Paul) but as soon as he left for the gym - I opened them back up (I'm a little sneaky). It was the perfect baking morning. With fall approaching there will be plenty of cooler days to bake -I'm looking forward to baking triple batches of homemade whole wheat bread. I love having bread in the freezer for later!

Not on a routine yet

Oh, my life hasn't slowed down yet. I'm still searching for a routine - but things are continually being added to my schedule. This fall Olivia will be in gymnastics, Vivian in dance, Porter in soccer, Corbin takes piano lessons and is considering a sport. We will be busy again! I can handle the dance and gymnastics that meet only once a week - it's the soccer that kills me with two practices and a game every week (but he loves to play).





I'm hoping to catch some earlier mornings at the gym so that Vivian only has to go every other day with me. I faithfully go 5 days a week - Saturdays are very rare (but I will go if anyone will attend a class with me)! This takes up a chunk of my day - the benefits outweigh the effort and time. Vivian has been a stink at the gym the past two days because she misses Olivia. She doesn't want to go and she won't play or do anything. She just stands by herself doing absolutely nothing the whole time I'm exercising. I sure hope this passes soon for her sake.



Other things I hope to get to this fall (while they are at school):

• learn my new Rebel Xti camera - still new in box


• reorganize and dejunk the kids bedrooms


• fill some empty frames with photos


• scrapbook and stamp something cute and creative


• get ready for the holidays


• make time for friends - lunch, crafting, visiting, etc.


• organize my photos


• reorganize and dejunk my many cookbooks


• read my Love and Logic Teen book


• and paint/decorate my laundry room - to make it more inviting for me to do laundry
  
• clean my house like some of you do - you know who you are!

p.s. I'm considering going private so I won't have to worry about safety issues. I also would like to be a little more specific about things and places without totally giving up where I live. I don't want to be tracked down by a crazy person. So it may happen in the near future - just giving you heads up. I would have to specially invite you to read my blog - so I need to know who you are!

1st Day of School 2008-2009 Year

School is finally here. As summer was drawing nearer to an end, I was getting more and more excited for school to begin. Even the children we getting restless and bored and looked forward to a new year at school. Olivia was the only one with some reservation about a new teacher and full time school. She felt much more comforted and at peace after Paul gave her (along with the boys) a father's blessing. This morning Paul took Corbin to school because he lost his schedule and wanted a little extra time to get a new one. We totally forgot to even find his locker and look for his new classes - we registered but didn't think about that part! I took Porter and Olivia to school to help them find their classes and teachers. Somehow I was one of the few parents that missed back to school night (I wasn't aware of it) so my kids needed a bit of extra support this morning. They came home happy and free of all their anxieties. Tomorrow they will ride the bus - to and from school! Vivian was very upset that they all left her. She was in a sour mood for a while on the way to the YMCA - but after being loved up by the ladies there she came home much happier. I saw many happy moms at the gym!

Twin Falls Temple Dedication

These are pictures taken on July 25th when we were at the Twin Falls Open House with lots of family! Unfortunately I didn't take a picture with the whole temple! It was a crazy busy day with lots of us - it was Chase's first day back with all the family from his West Indies Mission (our family saw him a day earlier - but that's a whole separate post!). The temple was gorgeous - I was so happy that my children had this experience. I know they will always remember that special day.

Well I was really looking forward to viewing the dedication today. This is also sometimes once in a lifetime opportunity. Paul and I were able to attend the Spokane Temple dedication - that was my first time! Unfortunately our stake was unable to view it! We were all gathered together at the Stake Center - of course we all arrived 45 minutes early. Then we waited another 45 minutes until they told us that due to technical difficulty (failure of some machine in the building) that we were unable to view it. After sitting very quietly for 90 minutes, I was VERY disappointed that we missed out on such a sacred experience. Oh, I wanted to cry...I know that might seem overboard - but I really wanted Corbin and Porter to have that experience. So for those of you that were able to view it - you were blessed. I was totally bummed - we had been looking forward to this.

Having fun with my hair

I found this fun hair blog - check it out. I even tried something on my hair that I learned on this site!

Blackberry Pie

I have been thinking about this blackberry pie a lot - probably because I have been eating very healthy and consciously these past few days. Check out this recipe blog (me and my sister's recipe blog) for the details! Let me know if you make it - it's so delicious. You might just have me showing up at your door.

Blackberry Outing

It's blackberry time! We haven't picked for at least three years so I thought it was time. In the past (when I lived only a few minutes from the berries), I would make jam and freeze them. The berries just grow in the wild so they are free for the picking. This year the Richael family joined us - (Jody, Ally, Emily, and Amanda). My kids love their girls (our families are great friends) - Olivia would love to be a Richael. Her and Craig (their Dad) have the same birthday - so that's reason enough, right? Before picking we enjoyed "picnic in the park"- it's a free lunch program for kids. How great is that! Then we picked and picked. Luckily the high was only 82 degrees - but it didn't keep the sweat from dripping off my face into my eyes. I brought Paul's huge extension ladder (it barely fit in the van with the front seats leaned way back while pushing it in from the trunk) to reach those spots that nobody has picked. Corbin and I braved those tough areas as we balanced precariously on the ladder. Luckily was had no major falls into the thorny patch. We found some great berries - but it still took a lot of work. We left with a gallon of berries, some good memories, stained shirts, stained jeans (I hope it comes out of mine), a messy van, and the hopes of a future blackberry pie!

Visited this Month

One of my visiting teachers came yesterday to share an important message, "Each Sister is a Beloved Daughter of Heavenly Parents and has a Divine Destiny" (August Ensign 2008). This was a great reminder to me that I am a daughter of God and that He loves me. I know if I keep this in the forefront of my mind that it will positively effect my actions, my words, and desires.

Julie Beck, Relief Society General President said, "You are literally spirit daughters of Deity, 'offspring of exalted parents' with a divine nature and an eternal destiny. You received your first lessons in the world of spirits from your heavenly parents. You have been sent to earth to 'prove' yourselves... You are treasured children of the promise. If you will keep the Lord's statutes and commandments and hearken to His voice, He has promised that He will make you high above the nations in name and honor and praise."

Karen, my V.T., gave me a little handout with this quote: "You were born to womanhood and that is a special privilege. You can't even imagine how much Heavenly Father loves you and wants to see you succeed in your life. Thank Heavenly Father for the privilege of being born to womanhood. For it is a divine and priceless blessing." (Sister Nadald, General YW Pres.) Remember the diamond within you.

Karen also left me with a rock (a fake one) that I can crack open when I'm having a hard day. There must be diamonds inside the rock to remind me who I am. It is tough to always remember what we know to be true. I know this because my down times seem to be more numerous than I would like to admit. Thank you Karen for an uplifting message!

If you want to read the entire Visiting Teaching message go HERE.

I'm going back to the WW Core Plan

After much thought and hesitation, I am choosing to follow the Weight Watchers Core Food Plan. I have tried on too many jeans lately that I made me unhappy - so it is time to get back to the basics of healthy eating. Anyone else interested? Most of you sisters have a copy of the complete core food list - in addition to that list you are given a 35 weekly points allowance for use on foods not on the list (that's where you use the little point finder - slider thing). I find that the older I get the less forgiving my body is to treats, chips, etc. And if I'm hoping to go to Hawaii this next school year, I better get my body ready for the beach, right!? I'm just sharing this with you - so you can join me, encourage me, and/or keep me on track!

For some great healthy recipes, check HERE at Hungry Girl (this is a really fun website)

Cousin Time

Tonight we had fun with family - we (all of us Boise siblings - Chad, Tiff, & Tisha with our families) met at Clay and Salina's house for a BBQ. It was a lot of fun. The adults were able to laugh and visit while the kids ran wild outside (mostly). We got to know each other a little better on a more personal level (especially Paul - wink!). We shared funny quirks/habits, embarrassing moments, and someones fascination with ears -guess who loves ears! We decided we need to do this more often than once every two years. Our house is next - just say the date. Too bad to all the family that lives outside the Boise area - hey, come join the party and we will plan it around YOU.

Knotts Berry Farm Excelerator Roller Coaster

This was a ride that we (Corbin, Porter, Paul and I) rode at Knotts Berry Farm. It looked far too scary for me at first. But then the boys tried it out. Corbin warned me against trying it, but Paul said that I would be able to handle it. Well I decided to give it a try. I was extremely nervous - my stomach was in knots as I waited in line. The ride is a total 30 seconds between start to finish - very FAST! Once I was in the seat there was no going back - it turned out to be so fun and not as scary as it looks.

Let's get dunked

Chad invited us to his Springs of Royal Oaks neighborhood party a couple weeks ago! We enjoyed tons of pizza and soda - the kids were in heaven (especially because soda is a rare treat in our house). The highlight of the party was the dunk machine. All of the residents begged Chad to be dunked- they all wanted a turn to throw the ball. After watching Chad get soaked, Porter and Olivia decided they wanted to give it a try. Porter came prepared with his swim suit but Olivia didn't (that didn't change her mind). They enjoyed a few dunks and Corbin loved throwing the ball at the target! Thanks Chad for all the fun and food!

Ward Campout at Hot Springs Campground

The ward campout was last weekend on 08-08-08, the same day as the Bejing Olympic opening ceremonies. We had a great time but little sleep because of a tent full of noisy boys next to us- Ugh. I was so mad at them that finally I shined a flashlight on their tent - that scared them enough to quiet down and go to sleep. I will have to remember that trick for next time. Karen Ricks, our ward activity chairman, had lots of activities planned to keep the kids entertained, including: a scavenger hunt, an egg hunt, find the monkey, decorate frisbees with stickers, playdough creations in CD covers, jello eating contest, and a campfire skit.

We were able to get a family picture before we left, yeah! Then we headed over to the hot springs and dipped our toes in the water. Earlier that morning, Arlynne Larsen and I went for a hike. The campground was next to a very steep hill that kept the kids busy and tired. We hiked the hill and continued up the ridge to the highest peak - it was a workout. We were both huffing and puffing all the way. Of course, the way down was a piece of cake - it was more like downhill skiing on dirt (very steep on the last portion).

Belle even came camping with us. She slept inside the boys tent. I'm not sure if she had a great time because she was tied up most of the time with her leash. She didn't like one little boy because of his mohawk haircut. After it was all said and down we weren't sure we are made for camping. It is a lot of work to pack everything up for one night. Maybe we should have stayed at the bed and breakfast down the road! We thought we were real campers making pizza pockets over the fire - until the family next to us made a gourmet dutch oven dinner. Oh it looked so good and it took the same amount of time. This was our one family campout this summer - it was enough fun to last us until next year. We all came home and took fat naps - we were exhausted.

Are you guys shocked that I am posting?

I thought I should explain my sudden interest in blogging again! Tonya and I are challenging each other to post every day -so check our blogs. I missed yesterday so I did two today! I hope this becomes a habit. I don't especially love doing it but once it's done it feels good. Anyone else want to join us? I know you guys are all much more diligent and consistent - thanks for inspiring me!

What happened to your hair Olivia?

Yesterday morning at breakfast I noticed that Olivia's hair was cut in several places. Now let me back up here - the night before Vivian had told me that Nina (a neighbor girl) had cut her hair. I couldn't see that Vivian's hair was shorter anywhere so I sort of dismissed it. But when I saw Olivia I knew that something had happened the night before when they were all playing. I wasn't home to put the girls to bed that night and obviously Paul didn't notice! I was completely shocked how much was cut on both sides of her face - a good 3 1/2 inches of length was cut in several places. I took Olivia over to the neighbors house to show the mother. Later I learned more of the story....both Porter and Nina cut Olivia's hair. It was a group effort. Olivia said she didn't want it cut and told them to stop but they didn't listen. Anyway I ended up taking her to Hairmasters for a "new look" - there weren't a whole lot of options but I think it turned out very cute! By the way, Porter also took a few chunks out of his own hair- right on top of his head. This is the second time he has cut his own hair. I had him give me $5 to help pay for his next haircut - now he needs to also pay for Olivia's. I thought they were past this stage but I guess not.

Lots of Fun in the Sun

As you can see, we (our family plus Tisha) had a great time at Roaring Springs here in Meridian. We arrived at the park after lunch and were there until they closed at 8 pm. I didn't think we would last that long - but after eating and catching a little shade we were up and at it again! Olivia loved the Endless River, while Vivian loved her little Kiddie Kowabunga slide in her pink tube. On her final float, she dumped over backwards off her tube doing a backwards flip in the water, completely submerged. That sure caught her attention. She said "I cracked my head open"...."I drowned" - of course, she was fine without any injury. The boys were all over the park - that is why I don't have many pictures of them. They loved everything! Porter especially loved the wave pool - he stayed out there for hours. Tisha and I went on the Avalanche Slide - it is the steep white slide pictured above. Luckily, Tisha is the one that rode backwards - that would just be too scary for me. Tisha was a lifesaver - she helped with the kids a lot. Thank you so much Tisha! She even gave Paul and I some time to ride a few rides together - a special treat. We ended the fun with a stop at the good ol' Taco Bell!

Corbin joins the deacon's quorum

Back Row: (from the left) Keith, Chase, Paul, David Front row: Porter, Corbin
We are all enjoying Costa Vida Sweet Pork Salad - it's always a party here!

This past Sunday, August 10th, Corbin was ordained by Paul to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. We (Grandma/pa Clark, Grandma/pa Ramsey, Tisha & David, Chad, Braden, Logan, Paul, Porter, Olivia, Vivian, and me) all gathered in a small room with the rest of the deacons and their leaders. The Bishop spoke to Corbin about the priesthood and made it special for him. It was really neat to witness Paul giving the priesthood to Corbin - the circle was large. He was definitely surrounded by many people who love him. Of course, I had a few tears as I realized that he is quickly growing up and it won't be many years until he leaves on a mission! A huge thank you to all of you that supported Corbin and our family this past weekend - we love all of you! I know it meant a lot to Corbin, too!

Since Sacrament is last, Corbin was able to pass the sacrament for his first time. We just happened to sit in the rows he was assigned to serve. It was really neat! Olivia was very proud of Corbin - she kept saying "there's Corbin" with a huge smile. I watched as he quickly learned the routine and order of passing. I know he has extremely nervous - but he did a fantastic job. I'm really happy for him and his desire to choose the right.

Where do you shop?

We had a big weekend with lots of family in town for Corbin's ordination - he is now a deacon! (I will save that for another post). Mom ended up staying the night so she could go shopping today in the big town of Boise! I rearranged my schedule so that I could join in the fun along with her and Tisha. Anyway, we had big plans of finding Mom some cute clothes since Burley has nothing. We went everywhere and found NOTHING! I didn't even find anything for me. We were all disappointed - so we ended with a late lunch at Cheesecake Factory to cheer us up. So my big question is where do you find clothes? I have an especially more difficult time finding tall jeans and longer tops (longer torso, too!)- I would like a nice pair of dark denim jeans that are straight leg (no boot cut) and some nice skirts, tops, and jackets. I need everything - my closet is suffering. I have looked at Gap, Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, the Mall, etc. It seems that most of the clothes we saw today were of poor fabric quality, or immodest, too short (even tops), ugly, etc. I am looking for some nice quality, tailored, classic and fun clothes with good prices. Can it be found?