On My Mind Monday

Now that we are done cleaning up the Christmas explosion... Back to normal.

What a Weekend.

Oh yeah, It's only Friday. So, why does it feel like it should be Monday.

After spending the past 4 days shoveling and shoveling some more, I have concluded, a snow blower would be really nice. I'll just put that on my list. And after Christmas, I need some more shelves. All of the kids stuff does not fit in toy boxes any more. Ah, the joys of having kids ranging in ages from 8-1. Books, breakables, little thingies. You can't just throw them in a box.

And, I don't want to eat another piece of chocolate for a month, or a cookie. Although i wouldn't turn down some Chex mix.

Did you notice the doll house 4 of 5 is playing with. That is my Christmas score. 3$ at the DI. And it came with a family. She plays with that for at least 30 minutes a day. Which may not sound like much, but it is soooo nice.

And last, I am so excited about 9 am church. I hope this works. I will not have a husband at all in the mornings. I get 30 minutes with 11 am church. But, can't complain about having an hr in the afternoon to relax.

4 of 5, and Waffle's

4 of 5 has discovered the art of dipping. And her preferred dip.... Ketchup. Ketchup of fries, nuggets, carrots, and waffles. She will also use yogurt if I she is in a pinch. To each her own, right? Yes, I am putting a fruit on her plate. And she will dip her peach too.

Look At Christmas Past

My Friend is Having Her Baby Today....

Good luck 2+2=5 now.

LOVE

At the last count, we had 9 inches. And it is still coming down. I LOVE this weather, it makes me happy.

Night Training

I am now at the point where I want 4 of 5 out of diapers altogether. How do I accomplish this?
She is potty trained for day and nap time, how do we get her through the night. We've tried cutting off liquid after 5, we've tried getting her up before we go to bed, I've tried getting her up at 5 am. The last one seems to work, but that ruins my day. And if you know 4 of 5, it takes 4 weeks to get something to stick. We're looking at a few months for that to work. Is it worth it? Should I just suck it up and do it? Or should I not worry about it... eventually she'll get it. The problem with that, she won't eventually get it. Potty training was hard work. And As with most kids, they say don't push it, they won't go to Kindergarten in diapers, 4 of 5 would have. And the hard work was worth it, I only have 1 kid in diapers. Would this hard work be worth it? Or just a pain for all. Our other potty problem.... she would rather use the potty chair still. Unless we are at the store, then she doesn't seem to mind the big potty. And for some reason, she always has to go (excuse my terminology) #2. But, at least she makes it. Hauling 3 kids in with me isn't fun.... "please let the handicap toilet be free".
Feel free to send suggestions........

Problem With a Big Dog

We knew when we got him, he wouldn't be small. But we really didn't think he would get this big. He's not our neighbors Husky by any stretch (150 lbs). But he's a good size pup. Here's my list.
7. he eats, and he eats a lot.
6. he's tall enough that he doesn't have to get up to get things off the table, he just has to lick.
5. he knocks the baby over if she is where he is walking.
4. The glass on the sliding door it dirty 5 feet up.
3. he drags you down the street when on a leash
2. He's always rubbing that wet cold nose on your arm as he walks by.
1. I am always stepping on him. He has become part of my entourage. 5 of 5, 4 of 5, and the dog. The are where I am. Always.
So far, he's a good dog, he tolerates 4 of 5 really well. even when she is riding him, or pulling on his lips and ears. He stops doing what ever he;s doing if you say no. He goes out side when you tell him to. We're still working on stay, and lay down. But he can sit. And, he barks when there are people out side, and not any other time , except if he's chained. Which doesn't happen now that there is snow on the ground. It's frozen so he can't tunnel into the neighbors yard, and the chickens don't venture out.

I'm Slacking

I feel like I haven't been here in forever. It also feels like Thursday. I'm glad it's not. We have had busy weeks lately,. Tonight I am going on splits with missionaries. I've never done this before, and wasn't very excited when none of my councilors volunteered when the Bishop said he needed some one from YW to go. But after talking to a few others about what splits are and how they are done, I am pretty excited. I have quiet a few YW I need to go see. My Presidency has a hard time getting together out side of Wednesdays, Sundays and our meetings to do visits, and my class presidents haven't been doing them either. I say this is a slump. I recall the saying, "you're only as good as your leader" . So tonight, I will take the opportunity to go and visit the 4 girls that I need to touch bases with, and maybe take a little treat as an ice breaker. I know when I was in YW, I hid when the leaders came over. Treats always made everything better.
Anyway, hectic is what life is. There has been no shortage of babies with Down Syndrome born this month. No less than 6. So that means I am busy with family, calling, and UDSF. But... who isn't.... right?

Let It Snow

Have I mentioned that I LOVE the snow? We got a good size storm this weekend, and I took my kids out and played for hours. Now it is freezing, so I'm off to settle into a warm bed, with a cup of hot chocolate. Can you think of anything more perfect?

Free recipe Friday

Can I tell you how excited I am for the storm coming in. I hope we get pounded. 6+ inches. I Love the snow, I wouldn't want to live anywhere it didn't snow. My kids love the snow, I actually enjoy shoveling the snow, the birds stay in, the dog loves it. There is just something about the quiet of a storm. I Love the day after when the air is crisp and clean, the sun is shining. Even better, when it snows on Christmas. Nothing better. I Love the winter.
Now for my recipe, I made fried artichoke hearts the other day, and they turned out amazing.
1 can hearts. these can be pricey, so check NPS for them. I get them for .70$ a can sometimes. drain
2 cups flour and seasoning of your choice. I like the Lawery's seasoning with Tabasco.
mix 1 egg and 4 TBS milk.
dredge in flour 1st, milk and egg mix, then flour again.
fry in 2 cups oil that has been heated on medium heat.
They are best drizzled with lemon or dipped in mayo.

A New Crush

Okay, not really, but I really like this guy. This is the page you find him on, his web site. It's Steve from SteveSongs. If any of you watch PBS kids in the afternoon, you've seen him. "I have a cat, named, Mrs.B." Just so catchy. I really liked Joe from Blues Clues, too. Can you tell I'm a mom. I don't think Brad Pitt Is attractive, just Joe from Blues Clues. Anyway, that's really all I have for today.

I guess a chicken update. It is up and walking, um, limping around. It can now get to it's own food. I think we may quarantine it from the others so it's wound can heal. Other than that, It looks like it may live. It is now half the bird it used to be, but I'm sure it'll fatten up again. it's still laying, so it must not be too bad.

Did anyone catch this? It was the Barbra Walters 10 most fascinating people special. I don't usually watch this stuff, or buy People's top what ever issues, but there was nothing else on.
The part that bothered me the most, was her interview with the man that had a baby, and was pregnant again. He made this comment "gender is a social label" and it just made my stomach turn. Now instead of going into why this is so wrong, I will just share the conclusion I came up with. It is now more important than ever, that we give our children the truth and knowledge in our homes. They Will Not be getting these things from school, TV, or peers. We as parents have a very important job, that we cannot hope or even want our children to get somewhere else. We should not leave it to out side influences to teach our kids Morality, civility, or ethics. It is our job, and we cannot fail.

On My Mind Monday

On Saturday, I filled my tank up fot 28.00. That is under 30 bucks. That hasn't happened in years. At least not since we got the van, 4 years ago. I'm thinking that's pretty dang close to a Christmas Miracle.....
Here's the problem. High gas prices drove up the prices of , well, everything. And, even though gas has come down, nothing else has. I guess I'm just grateful that gas has come down. I can afford the other things, you know those extras like food and heat, because gas is less. We have also, learned to drive less. It was getting pretty tight around July.
Husband works for the Church, in their welfare division. He is a job coach in the facility where they build the mattresses, tables and beds. He said that the only thing that has come down with gas prices, is their steel. And not to what it was 5 years ago, last time gas prices were this low.
I'm wondering why. Does anyone have any insight on this? Right now, I'm just chalking this up to greed. I hope there is more to it. Like maybe when petro was at it's peak, they held out raising their prices as long as possible at the expense of themselves, and now they are just making up a little of their losses before the adjust their prices to current fuel prices. Not not the " people paid this $ for our goods, so they will probably keep paying this, not matter what the $ should be" attitude.

Free recipe Friday / Thanks Neighbor

Just a quick thank you to my neighbor who save the red hens life. She came out and noticed the dog had another bird in his mouth. Luckily it was in time, and no harm was done. but did make his current situation more urgent.
Right now he is allowed full run of the yard. we are on a half acre, so he has room to run. But instead of being happy with that, he's dug under the fence to go play with the neighbors dog. I get it, they are pack animals. Then as mentioned before, the birds keep getting out, and eaten.
So solution one, tie him up on a long leash. Pro, poop all in one area, out of neighbors yard, and if a bird gets eaten, it's their own fault for getting too close. (just kidding, we are moving the birds this weekend, to another part of the yard.) Con: it's not nice.
Solution 2. Put him on in the side yard. Pro: he's confined, out of neighbors yard, poop all in one place. Con: it's small, he would probably bark, and there is no grass.
Solution 3. Get rid of him. Pro: No poop, out of neighbors yard. Con: kids like him. And I like him.
So, I'm not sure what to do. I have to keep him out of the neighbors yard. I like to have him in the house. But not all the time, and as soon as I put him out, he goes next door. And if we block the spot he gets through, he makes a new one.

Now on to my recipe. I had a version of this recipe at a little Greek restaurant on State and 30th.
2 tomatoes cut up in to bite size chunks
1 cucumber peeled and cut the same way
1 half sweet vidali onion in wedges
1 green pepper cut into chunks
put into a bowl with 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
and 1/4 cup olive oil 1 cup chunked feta cheese
mix together. It needs to be eaten with in a few hrs of making, so only make what you will eat.

Gain Some and Loose Some

Last night was our youths annual trip to Temple Square. So, we packed up the kids and headed out. And from the look of the place, it was every wards youth Temple Square night.
Then a few teeth firsts. 3 of 5 lost his 1st tooth. 5 of 5 got tooth # 4, 5, and 6 last week. And 2 of 5 had his first root canal. Yes, my 7 year old. It wasn't technically called a root canal, because it was a baby tooth. Apparently he has this buckle on his molars that make it hard to get food out of a spot, so the dentist filled it about 2 years ago to prevent this. He lost the filling, food got in it and decayed. He'd said his tooth hurt about a week ago, so we made an appointment for him. We go in today to get the rest of the old filling out and the tooth capped. "Why not just pull it" you ask? Well, if you pull it, the permanent one comes in, and the roots aren't formed yet. And his mouth isn't big enough for that big of a tooth. And, the let time a tooth spends exposed to air, the healthier they stay.

Beat the Cold

Our family has been fighting a cold for about 2 weeks now. It hasn't been just one, I know I have had 2 or 3. So have the kids. Luckily they haven't been those death warmed over colds. I can still get up and do my job, I just have had this constant runny nose. Which is better than a stuffy nose. And sneezing, and the cough that leaves you with that itch in the back of your throat. I'm wondering if any of you know of any cold remedies, that are not medicine. I don't like the way cold medicine makes me feel. I'll take a nighttime dose, and sleep if I can't on my own, but I don't like the day time stuff. I'm loopy enough with out it. Cough drops make me want to throw up. NyQuil is the grossest thing ever invented. Can't they make it taste like bubble gum or something. even the cherry and grape flavoring is just wrong. I will usually just stick to my Tylenol ibuprofen combo, but I'd like to know what you take. Or what you do. I did get up and run yesterday, and that cleared out my lungs, but I'm just not feeling like doing that today. BTW I did 4 miles in 30 minutes. Which equates to just over 7 minutes a mile. I was dying after, but it felt so good. Nothing like a nice sweat in the morn. I'm hoping to be up to 7 miles by January.

On My Mind Monday/ Long Time No See

What a long weekend. Between company, sickness and a munched bird, I am so glad it is Monday, and the kids go back to school. Let me start from the beginning.
Wednesday, we had friends over, which was just fun. Then my parents came. and then bed.
Thursday, I got up, husband didn't feel good, 3 of 5 was sick, and I got started on dinner. Husband did the turkey, and he infused it with a garlic butter. It was truly the best turkey I had ever had. And, by Friday, the leftovers were even better. Dinner prep was hard, but I love cooking holiday meals. Luckily, also, I ran up at the HS before it all started, and that always puts me in a good mood. (sorry Call, I forgot about Saturday. My days were all screwed up.)
Thursday was also the day that I let 1 of 5 take her cousin out and play with the birds. I don't let them do that, because 1, they are not pets. and 2, they are not nice to them. So I look out the back window, and her and her cousin are carrying around the birds, teasing the dog with them. My aunt and mom are laughing "you can't eat those bird, they love them, they are pets" which is exactly why we don't let them play with them. And no, they are not pets. We have also stressed over and over and over again, to keep the birds away from the dog. The 2 just don't mix. Chickens are on the bottom of the food chain for a reason. They are yummy.
We all settle in, and go to bed, and about 1 in the morning, cousin has a nightmare, or something and starts screaming. I have never heard anything like this. It is like an hr long fire drill at 1 am. My mom hauled her out to the garage, but it was still very loud. On the plus side, the kids all slept through it.
Friday was pretty uneventful. Luckily. Everyone was just exhausted. And everyone was sick. And, since I had gotten up at 5 am to get my aunt to the airport, I took about a 30 minute nap. Can't take much more than that with 7 kids running around.
Saturday we got the kids up to get their pictures done. My parents had decided to leave on Saturday instead of Sunday because they (dad) was just done. I don't think I have ever seen anyone pack as fast as he did. I get it, that is exactly why we don't travel with kids and stay with people. It's hard on everyone.
Which brings us to Sunday. Remember the events with the birds on Thursday. keep that in mind. we get home from church, and go look at what the dog is doing on the back patio, we are all looking. He has got a chicken in his mouth. One of the problems, the dog has never cared about the chickens. So they have been out in the yard. They come and go as they please, they were not afraid. one of the other problems. 1 of 5 was shoving the bird in the dogs face, and teasing him with them. The bird is alive out there. we're not really sure what to do with it. Hopefully it'll recover. If not, do we eat it? bury it? It's not a pet, and I'm afraid if we bury it, it'll give that impression. I guess, it's alive, I don't have to worry about that yet. Another problem. She didn't tease the dog with her bird, (or the one she claims is hers) She did it with 3 of 5's bird. So guess which one he ate. And another problem, it was one of the birds still laying eggs. We only have 4 of the 7 laying right now. What kind of consequence do they get. We have asked her and asked her not to do that, and she does it anyway. Then exactly what we told her would happen, happened.
Which brings us to today. It is Monday, thank goodness. It couldn't come soon enough.

Baby's Got a New Trick.

We have finally gotten there. After putting 5 of 5 down for a nap, and her screaming for 15 minutes, I went in and found her standing. Stuck. Oh, fun,. One of my least favorite things.
Her other new trick, she sings and dances. To a mom, there is nothing more entertaining. Her dad taught her.

She has also mastered the walker. She has only had it a month, but she cruises. Really, it's almost a run, forward, back, she's got it.

On my list today, I am preparing for company. I put it off until today because as all of you with older kids know, all that is done, will be undone. It's not Murphy's Law, it's Coolwhip Law.

Wish me luck this week, I may not post again until Monday.

On My Mind Monday

As my "on my mind Monday" I'd like to reissue a challenge given by Elder Bednar in the most recent conference. Being Thanksgiving week, I would like to challenge you, to change the wording or the prayers you offer, to include only words of gratitude. Maybe on Friday, or next Monday, let us in on how it may have affected you. The hyperlink is linked to the talk he gave on the subject.

Economus Stimulus

I have official completed stimulating the economy.
As parents, husband is building the kids a club house. Santa will bring them a toy, and they'll get some under ware and some stocking stuff. All that's left is drawing a name of a sibling to buy a gift for. we used to let them get something for every sibling, then we let the boys get their sisters something and vise versa. Now there are just too many of them. We will just pick names.
And since i loath shopping in the holiday season, I'd rather enjoy a peaceful calm holiday season, i get done BEFORE Thanksgiving. Totally worth not getting the sale.

Free recipe Friday

For today, I am going to post a recipe I have been promising my sister. I think I have posted it before, but it's really good, and easy.
Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu
Enough chicken breast to feed your family. (I never measure anything)
1 can cream mush/chicken/asparagus soup (or the cream soup recipe I posted last month) mixed with 1 cup milk.
Pour a little on bottom of crockpot, just enough to evenly coat. layer chicken breast then layer some Swiss cheese and a slab (that's a technical term) of ham.
Do as many layers as will fit, depending on how many are eating...
Top with stuffing packet, and remaining soup/ milk. Cook on high for 4 hrs, or low for 6. Really yummy.

Favorite things
Favorite APPLE- I love the golden Delicious to eat, and the Johnathan to bottle
favorite BOOK- east of Eden
favorite Car- I want a Pilot, but I love my Quest
favorite Dessert- Anything Lemon
favorite Escape- I run
favorite Food- Potato anything
favorite Game- I love to put together puzzles, and crochet
favorite Home- The house I grew up in, and the first home we owned
favorite Ice Cream- cookie dough
favorite Joke- why did they not let the blonds march in the parade......? (I'm not going to finish, it's not nice)
favorite Kool aid flavor- don't like the stuff, but the clear ones I will let my kids drink
favorite color Lipstick- none
favorite flavor Milk- banana
favorite Nighttime activity (what do you do when kids go to bed) Getting into my own bed
favorite Odor- anything peach, or the Mexican restaurant next door when the start their kitchen at 10 am
favorite Perfect day- Kids home and playing nice. Or getting in the car and just driving with the family.
favorite Quilt- I have one Husbands GMA made us that I need to get vacuum sealed or something to protect is. Or, I need to use it more.
favorite Relaxation- A puzzle and a cup of Pero
favorite Sunday activity- nap time
favorite potato Topping- butter, chili, sour cream broccoli, cheese, any of these together or alone
favorite Utah spot-Horse shoe springs
favorite Vacation- Anywhere that takes a few days to drive to.
favorite Web site- utahrealestate.com
favorite Xtra curricular activity- I enjoy softball and running
favorite time of Year- winter
favorite Zoo animal- the birds.

Tis The Season to Defunk

After an excellent Night of Excellence, I feel good. I say that, because it's been a little while since i have said that, and meant it. I'm not sure what it was, all i can describe it as, is a funk. You know, that "something doesn't feel quiet right, what is wrong with me" Not a depression by any means, just and "off" something. I'm getting my bearings and ready for this season. I know it has something to do the holidays. The fact that every year the season extend a week. Every year the ads get earlier and earlier. Thanksgiving becomes this day we eat in between Halloween and Christmas.
I heard on the news yesterday that we won't get out of this recession unless everyone goes out and spends more than they did last year. I'm sorry, but that is just not true. We will get out of this recession when we quit spending what we don't have and get our debt to income ratio back in check. Don't try and make me feel bad about not giving my kids what every one else has. It's all the "predictions" that are a major part of the problem. Thank goodness gas is back under 2$. 1.85 last time I filled up. I has been 5 years since I have seen that.
I am so grateful that we have a couple of really amazing families in our ward, with kids the same age as mine, that have the same mind set that I have. My kids don't come home from their house and say, "well, they have a cell phone, and a Nintendo DS"
Sorry, I tend to rant.
Anyway, I'm excited about company for Thanksgiving. After 4 kids, company just got hard. And sometimes not worth the head ache. Clean your house before, then 2 days later, it needs to be cleaned again. And honestly, It's not fun preparing, but it's fun when they are here, and that makes it worth it.
Thank you to all the girls and leaders and the 2 others that came and sang with us, for making last night.
And last..... I need your thoughts on caffeine. I am having this debate with a friend about whether or not you should consume and under what circumstances. I grew up in a home where my parents drank Coke. My husband did not. What is your thought on coffee, energy drinks, Diet Coke or tea. Why you do or don't drink it.

Power of Prayer

I have been thinking about prayer a lot lately. Maybe because that was the topic for my lesson on Sunday. Foolishly, I picked that topic thinking that it was what the girls needed to hear. Maybe so, but more likely, it was for me.
I liken life to a family vacation. I love my home . I am comfortable here. I feel loved, and secure and happy here. So it was in heaven. I felt loved and secure and happy there. The thought of a vacation sounds alright. It would be fun. An adventure. I would probably benefit from it, learn a few things, and it may be a little hard. Juggling travel and accommodations for food and shelter. Such is life. But what makes the trip worth while, and easier, the thought of home still being there. And a family waiting for me. And the best part about it, I can talk to my Father any time.
we were sent here with that. I'm sure that soften the transition from life there, to life here. I'm sure we promised to call often. As maybe a child that goes away to college. I think we were sad when we realized we would have a veil cover our eyes.
Do you think He is happy when he hears from us? Do you think He enjoys a "thank-you" for the gifts he sent? Do you think He is grateful when we come to him for advise when we feel troubled? I Know that He does. I KNOW that he hears us. I have been given that surety after a trying time. I know that He is aware of the things that I struggle with . And He knows that I am capable of overcoming the things that I struggle with. And when I need help, all I need to do is ask.
I am so grateful for prayer. And I am grateful that He wants to hear from me. And when my prayers become less than they should be, He finds away to bring me back to where I belong.

On My Mind Monday 20

1. I had ice cream for breakfast. (don't tell the kids)
2. 5 of 5 is sick. Yucky nose, grumpy disposition, hoarse cry.
3. 3 of 5 woke her up on purpose so he could play with her at 6:30 in the morn.
4. I can't believe Stamps baby is almost 1. Same day as Burbidge and Richardson's bday.
5. I need to get floors done for FHE company tonight.
6. Just did floors and bathrooms on Saturday. Give me one Sunday, and it is all destroyed. I walked in the house last night after dinner with the in-laws, and every room was a mess. from bedrooms to the kitchen. sigh.
7.Night of Excellence dinner is shortly approaching. This will be my second one. I am starting to think about New Beginnings now. This will be my 3rd one.
8. Still kicking my self for missing the food Fun and Training.
9. I can't believe it's 10. I think I will start the floors.
10. Have a wonderful Monday. I LOVE Mondays.

321 Winterize!

Oh what do you do when the fall is here, when all the world is yellow?

Do you rake up the leaves,

Do you put away shovels

and watch as the kids work so hard they want to cry.....

Is that what you do?

So do I.......

today was a very busy day. So busy in fact, husband and I both spaced the youth food fun and training. (kind of wonder why no one called when we both didn't show up. And he had a training to do, and I'm over the YW. Guess we weren't missed that much) About 2 pm it dawned on me, that "somethings missing" feeling was not something missing, it was something missed. Sorry. When you only have Saturday's to accomplish big things, sometimes you just get wrapped up. I got started on a few big things, like putting away the rest of the yard stuff, keeping on top of kids chores, raking up leaves, and cleaning the chicken coop. I ran 6 miles this morning. Then 5 of 5 woke up. Well, 4 of 5 woke her up, which basically ruined her day. I spent the 2nd half of today following sir tears it up around with 5 of 5 in tow. She would not let me put her down. i take that back, I got about an hr at about 6 pm when I put her in her walker and her dad hung out with her. Now I'm off to prepared a lesson for tomorrow. It wasn't my turn, but I offered to give it because we got a new 2 nd councilor (really going to miss Lindsey) and she wasn't quiet ready to jump in with both feet. It's all good. I remember how scary it was.

It's done

I finally made it to my kids class to talk about DS with them. my 3rd grader, is in a class with 75% of them being girls. My 2nd grader is in a class with 80% boys. Guess which one was easier. (guess; hey that's one of his spelling words) What a difference 1 school year makes. And what a difference there is between boys and girls. 2 of 5's teacher said she has never been that worn out after a days work, as she is after a day with this class. It was wild. One of the neat things about this class, when I was talking about some of the health issues kids with DS have when they are born, one little boy raised his hand and showed off his scar from OHS. Kind of cool that I could show that kids with DS are pretty much the same in ALL aspects. Some kids learn slower, some kids grow slower and some have holes in their heart.
What I took away from that: When I asked at the beginning, what they knew about DS, every one that answered said that it was a disease. A few thought it was eczema, and some thought it was like a cold.Some of them thought their sister might have it. And I knew one of them had a cousin with DS and told her that I knew her family, and all of the sudden 4 or 5 of them had cousins with it. 7 8 and 9 year olds are very odd. But at least now I know mine are normal. ]
It was fun, and I hope that some of them got something from it. And if nothing else, I hope they took away what I wanted to get across. Every one wants to be treated kindly. Everyone needs friends. And we really are all the same.

Relax

Thanks Pearce for the reminder that Christmas is only 44 er 43 now days away. No, I'm not panicked, I'm just unexcited. Since we don't spend an arm and a leg, or even a finger for this holiday. I make neighbor gifts, I used to do cookies with my kids for neighbors but this year I have decided to do something different. I bet I will go back to making cookies, it's a tradition. Would you like to hear why I'm not excited for Christmas? 1, i don't like all of the mailers that you get filled with toy adds. None of which are affordable.2, 400$ game systems,3, 80$ Lego sets. Oh yeah, what a deal. If I had 2 kids, maybe I could swing that. But, I still wouldn't. My point is, this holiday seems to revolve around money. It shouldn't, but from Oct until Dec 25th all you hear about is BUY BUY BUY. I dread going to the store. Luckily I can do the whole thing in 2 trips. And 4, they open it, play with it, then they never touch it again. Or it gets lost. Money well spent.
Here is what I love. I love to put up Christmas stuff. It is a tradition to do it the day after Thanksgiving. I love baking cookies with my kids, then having them take them to teachers and neighbors. I love to do crafts when my kids are off for their "winter" break. I love how excited they get when they get to go pick out something for their siblings. I love going to GMA's house on Christmas day. I love the fire and hot chocolate and reading the story of Christ's birth on the Eve before Christmas. And last, on the 26th of Dec. the come down. You are so busy from Nov on, the 26th, there is just nothing. It's very weird. And peaceful.
So as you see, none of the things on the love list, cost money. All they involve is time, and family.

Note To Self

Next year, if I am still in charge of flag fund raiser for YM/YW camps. include Veterans day. (there's a reason it hasn't been done these past few years. One of them being, the person that passed it off to me, told me that the ground was frozen for this holiday. So far, it is not true) Also, make sure the YM and YW are aware of these rules......

The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:
The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Note: Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th. Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about the availability of this service.
Displaying the Flag Outdoors
When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff.
When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag - of a state, community, society or Scout unit - the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea.
When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag's union should be farthest from the building.
When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor - to its own right...The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger...No other flag ever should be placed above it...The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered.
When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation.
Raising and Lowering the Flag
The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night.The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest.
Displaying the Flag Indoors
When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.
The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display.
When one flag is used with the flag of the United States of America and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag.
When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag's union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag's own right, and to the observer's left.
Parading and Saluting the Flag
When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to their right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute.
The SaluteTo salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge.
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting.When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
The Flag in Mourning
To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.
The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.
When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

On My Mind Monday 19

I have had family on my mind lately. My thoughts have also been on politics. (go figure) It seems as though, lately our nation has been very divided. One half KNOWS they are right, the other half KNOWS they are right. Truth is, there is no one side that is right. There is tiny pieces of truth and right, laced in each side/party. As evidence, our most recent election. I have never seen it more equally split. The problem with such equality, a higher percentage of unhappiness at the end result. We have seen in past years, a growing number of dissatisfaction. Fingers pointing at our current president, are pointing in the wrong direction. To put blame on this one man, is giving him way too much credit. There are hundreds of people involved, who needs credit for that. No, millions of people. Once upon a time, good and true, honesty and integrity, ruled our nation. The scales are tipping in the other direction now. Which I'm sure accounts for why people are so dissatisfied. It feels yucky. This is not meant to sound doom and gloom. Good always wins, when people fight for it. My husband says this is not the end yet, I'll take his word for it. There is much work to be done. I think that work starts in the home, and with our family. Let's put the emphasis back on home, family, and teaching our kids truth, and right, and honesty and integrity. The basics. Talk to them about the importance of tithing, and families, and good choices, and repentance. Things will then progressively start to get better, and return to these things dominating our nation. If not, lets make sure these things are what our kids know they can fall back on, when out side gets scary. They always have a good strong moral family to come to when their strength isn't enough. Let's lift each other up, and carry each others burdens, and get back to what it good and honest.

And on a final note, we got to hear the bishop's family talk yesterday, and one thing he said really stuck out to me. I thought going into the Christmas season, it would be a good thing to share. Our family has made this a habit, although I was not raised this way. Just something to keep in mind. "Let's remember why we celebrate Christmas. It is the birth of our savior. and a time to celebrate Him. It is not a time to celebrate our affluence. Do not go into debt for Christmas."

9 Months

Today my 5 of 5 is 9 months old. Wow that went by fast. There's a 2 week picture, a 4 months and her 8 month. I Love that face. She always does that at her dad. I just adore her, even if she is constantly attached to me. I don't mind. She's my 3rd arm. I haven't taken her in for a 9 month appt because we have spent so much time at the dr. with her already, for her ears, but last time, 2 weeks ago, she was 14.1 lbs. I think that's funny, because they are supposed to triple their birth weight by 1 year. That would put her at almost 30 lbs. She only has 16 lbs to put on in the next 3 months. I could do it, I don't know what her problem is. Anyway, that's my baby.

Can I Complain?

So, I just wanted to voice my frustration about something. It's Apple. And I guess it wouldn't be Apple specifically, but they are the ones that will get the brunt of my frustration right now.
My husband really wants a Touch. And I guess i want him to have one, because if he gets one, I get his ipod. SO I call my sister, because her hubby works for them, and ask what it would cost with the discount. Hoping it would put one with in reach. Nope. Not even almost. What they cost, is what we spend on Christmas, combined. That's Christmas for 5 kids. Or, a car payment. Or, groceries for a month. Or a seasons worth of clothes for my kids. Okay, so i guess I just don't get why these little size of a deck of cards things cost so much. I guess I could wait. I'm sure it will be like when the walk man came out. It was like high tech man. And the DVD player, we couldn't afford one. We just picked one up last month for 35 bucks. I just wanted to give my husband, the guy that earns the money, but doesn't ever really see it, something kind of nice. I know boo who. No biggie, he really isn't one to want stuff, And he doesn't mind waiting. He got his ipod with his saved birthday money, so it ended up costing his about 35 bucks. And, for the past 5 years, we have forgoed giving each other gifts and just donated the money we would have spent to sub for Santa. It's too hard to shop for each other. One year I tried to give him a board game, and he made fun of me. So, in order to avoid that kind of rejection, we just do for the kids, they're happy with just about anything you give them.

post 200!

Alright, this was a perfect 200th post. Remember 2+2=4, when i was at you house telling you that i knew 4 of 5 was doing something destructive? Well, this is what i came home to. All i could say was "oh , 4 of 5 (insert her name. She would be confused if you called her anything except her name or ''destructo") And she would say "what"and sign what.

Dear Mr. McCain

In light of recent events, I would like to inform you you of my with drawl of support from your team. I have decided to stand behind our newest President. I thought I would be more upset of the outcome of Tuesday's election. In all honesty, I am a little excited to see what comes next. I was disappointed to see your campaign run in the direction you allowed it to take. I know most of the things that were said in attack, were not you. I think the real you was who we saw, at your concession speech. That is the McCain I voted for. In hind sight, if you let your campaign run you into the ground, it is your own fault.
Although I really really like Palin as a human being. I was not 100% confident in her ability to be 2nd in command. I think she was "one of us" Which is probably why know one else had that confidence, we don't want "one of us " in charge. We need someone that knows more than we do, and is more versed in current situations, and has gone to school longer than us. And maybe a little older and wiser than the rest of us.
I truly am optimistic and hopeful that this Obama guy can help move us forward. I hope he can do the things he says he wants to do.

Thanks,
Me

Like most others, I don't know what the right answer is. And i know that people aren't willing to do what needs to be done. This includes kneeling in daily, nightly, and more often needed talks with our Heavenly Father. He is the only one who can direct you in the right direction. If we are to take his council, all will be well. The man at the Head of our country NEEDS to take council from the One in charge of it all. I hope this man is willing to do this. McCain showed that he was. Which is why I voted for him. My heart will rest easy, if Obama can also.

The Hamburger Won the Election

The burger won the election. They were good.

Let Em Vote

This morning I decided to take an idea from Magnamom and I let the kids vote on what we were having for dinner. We have been talking a lot about the election here, the kids keep coming home with "so and so are voting for Obama, who are you voting for" I really do try to encourage them to not worry about "adult "issues. They are not necessary to worry about when you are 7-8. Just enjoy being a kid, ride your bike, play in the rain, have fun. I don't want them thinking about the economy, socialize health care and gas prices. So, just to give them a little taste of what an election is like, I wrote up ballots, and I let them cast them in secret, and asked them not to discus what they voted for with others. But I did let them, before they cast their ballots, try to convince each other why they should vote for what the other wanted. And I told them the good things about each of their options.
1st choice Pot roast. It is easy on mom to put together, Looks good, smells good, tastes good. You know it'll be a winner.
2nd choice tacos. It's something we have a lot of. They like it, I know they will eat it, even 4 of 5 will eat.
3rd Choice Oatmeal. It's really good for you, It'll be better for you in the long run.
4th choice. Hamburgers. It's something different, and if you're looking for change, hamburgers are your choice.
So after everyone voted, 1 of 5 comes to me and says, so is there going to be blue cheese on those burgers? (I LOVE bleu cheese) I told her, that's the problem with the elections, you never REALLY know what you are going to get, until it's too late.
Stay tuned for the out come of our election.

AH, November

I love the quiet chill in an early November morning. Leaves are changing, or they have fallen, I love the quiet of a snow fall, or the constant patter of rain drops. I love the crunch of fallen leaves beneath my feet, or the crunch of a newly fallen snow when I get to be the first one to walk in it. When I see the perfect blanket of white, I almost feel guilty about putting my foot prints into it. I love to shovel. Except when I am 7 months pregnant. But I still do it. Because It is a peaceful, quiet moment. I love Fall, And I love winter. Happy November!