Free Recipe Friday

It had been awhile since I had done a recipe. Nothing sounded good. We had this for dinner last week, and it was really good. But, it doesn't sound so good anymore. It was really good at the time though.

I really like a good quiche. feta and tomato, spinich and artichoke. ham and cheese. It's just good.

Last week I made an artichoke, ham and cheese one. I would have done with out the ham, but husband doesn't think you can have a meal with out meat.

I usually make my own crust, but I had a frozen crust left over from Thanksgiving that needed to be used. I mixed 4 eggs with 1/4 cup milk. mixed in the ham, and artichoke. In a separate bowl I tossed 1/2 cup grated Swiss and 1/2 sharp cheddar with 2 Tbs flour, then added it to egg. Poured it in to crust and baked for 1 hr or until center was set.

Something else worth mentioning. I found this really cool gender predictor. It worked for all my kids, and if 5 of 5 had more hair, I maybe able to tell what this next baby is going to be. You have to look at the back of the neck hair line. A straight hair line means the next baby will be a different sex. Pointed, the same. So as an example. 1 of 5 has a straight hair line. Which means 2 of 5 would be a different sex. Yup. 2 of 5 is pointed, so 3 of 5 would be the same Yup. 3 of 5 has a straight line which means 4 of 5 would be different. Yup. ect. ect. ect. Go check your kids and tell me if that worked in your family......

3 of 5ism

My boys have been saving their money from allowances and birthdays to buy something big. 2 of 5 asked for a DS and 3 of 5 wants a Leapster dij. I'm not sure if that's what is called, but it's the hand held game system. We told them if they wanted something that expensive, they would have to buy half of it. They are both getting close, more than half way. 3 of 5 comes up to me and says "what if the dog pooped dollars" I didn't think I heard him right, what an odd thing to say. I finally figured out that he did say what I thought he said, and finished with " I would go out and pick them up, and have lots of dollars" I told him, "yes, and I would have 50 dogs.
He really does have odd ideas.

What we did today.

She is supposed to be sleeping.
I had a total bad mom moment. I got her off the bus this morning, and for some reason (she always does this, we're just going to have to wait until she out grows it, because explaining to her why she needs to not do this, doesn't work) She took her shoes off on the bus, and threw them behind her. She does this in the car too. Our trunk is full of her shoes. One of the reasons why she sits in the back is because some one gets hit in the face with a shoe if she has someone behind her. So, back to my story, I get her off the bus and she has no shoes on. And because there is snow on the ground, I give her a piggy back ride. She holds on up the drive way, and as soon as I get her inside and I turn to close the door, she twists and lets go, falling on her face. It happened so quick, I couldn't do more than yell, AGH! So, she got a donut for lunch. That fixed it. This is their project for today. They are making houses for their bug and lizard collection. I will have a huge mess in an hr or so, but they have been working on them for a good hr already. What ever keeps them busy, happy, and getting a long.

Here's another embarrassing long story. 2 weeks ago husband forgot to take garbage to the curb. Last week husband forgot to take garbage to the curb. So, by the end of 2 weeks, there was no more room in the can inside or out. Luckily, It takes 2-3 weeks to out grow the can, because the majority of out trash gets composted or recycled. Unluckily, It looked very enticing to 5 of 5. Luckily, or unluckily, you decide, she found a

half eaten laughy taffy in there.......

Common, look how happy she is. I bet she would call that a score.

Breathe Easy (er)

My day was made this morning when I looked out side and saw... the mountains.
We live 2 minutes from the Oquirrah's, I haven't seen them for a week. The news said on Wed, that we had the worst air quality in the nation. Nice. I could feel it. I had this hacking cough, and sore lungs. That is why Jan. always drags, no other month do we have these inversions. Anyway, glad to see the mountains, that's what I needed to lift my spirits.

What's New

Our latest addition to the Cool Whip family.....
It wasn't intentional. We went "looking". About 3 weeks ago, I mentioned we were going to need an 8 passenger car in about 7 months. No need to hurry, we had a little time. Plus, I was really bummed about getting rid of our Quest. I really liked that car, and the best thing about it, we only had 13 months left to pay on it. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our plan was to pay it off, and save the car payments for a year in order to put a nice down on a car, or buy an older car out right.
But, someone had other plans. I guess it worked out. I LOVE the car. It's bigger than I wanted. But, with 6 kids, you can't drive a small car. And the only other option was an Excursion. I couldn't even fit one of those in my garage. And I know what kind of mileage they get. We looked at the Pilot, and the Odyssey, but they couldn't fit the amount of car seats in them that we needed, nor did I want to spend that kind of money on a car. I guess as long as we can fit it in the garage, and it gets better than 20 MPG hw. With a family our size, we were lucky to find what we have I think. That many kids, you're just in that range. Anyway. that's what we're up to.

Draper Open House

I thought after reading a few of other's open house experiences, I would relay my own.
First, I will tell you, I don't remember much of the actual Temple. I am very glad I get to go with the youth in Feb. Second I will tell you, Our tickets were for 3:40. We didn't get home until after 9 pm. Now I will begin the story.....
3 pm, we loaded up in the van, and went to meet some friends at their house to go together. They were just getting their oldest home from scouts, and and had to drop their 2 month old off at her parents house before we hit the road. We actually made it to the building right at 3:40, as our stake was loading onto the buses, because they had 3:20 tickets.
We got into the building, and had to wait because they were running a bit behind. At 4 we got in to watch the movie, and were then moved into the gym to wait for the bus. About 30 minutes later we were informed that one of the buses had broken down. Keep in mind, we didn't feed the kids, thinking we would be to dinner by 5, and we didn't bring entertainment, because we thought we would be constantly moving. Luckily, we thought to bring 5 of 5's back pack, so we didn't have to haul her around.
It is now 6, and we finally get on to a bus, because they are smooshing us on. I was very grateful some one let me sit in their seat. And I was just crossing my fingers our neighbors had 3 of our 5, because I couldn't See them. We get up there, 4 of 5 was just done. I had to carry her because she kept leaving the "designated" areas. I do remember how much I LOVED the colors they picked. I hope my kids took away a desire to come back often. We will have to do it again, before the dedication.
We get done walking through, and there were cookies waiting at the end,. I have never been so excited to see a cookie. As I'm sure the kids were.
It is now 7, and we go wait for the bus to go back down the hill. We are all crammed into this tent to wait. there were 9 of our kids. They really were really good. considering. They were tired, hungry, and that wait was another 35 minutes. It was a long long long evening. We probably won't decide to go to the Oquirrah open house the 2nd day it's open, we'll wait until they work the bugs out. It was more than the buses that were issues, but we did run into the sweet sister missionaries that worked in our stake.

Helper

Very helpful wouldn't you say?

Oh MY

You were little and cute, and floppy. It was nice that you snuggled until 4 months.
Wait a minute, what happened, you turned 1. You are still way cute. You just hang out, and you're easy going. You can entertain your self with anything

Wait, when did you turn 2? How did that happen, I didn't even see it. Walking, and pulling things out of drawers, and off of anything you can reach.

Stop, stop right now, you cannot turn 3. You cannot got to school, you cannot grow up.

Now I demand that you put this getting bigger growing up business behind you. I need you to stay little, so I can always hold your hand, and you can always be home with me.

The YW secretary told a story on Sunday about her daughter buying a present for a class mate that every one made fun of. She bought her a Hanna Montana something or other, and I said, I didn't think 14 year olds were still into HM. She then told me that this little girl had down Syndrome, and I cried. 1st because that was an amazing thing to do, and I was so proud of her for trying to make this little girl happy. 2nd becasue when I heard about other kids being mean to her, it made me mad, then I realized, I wasn't mad, My feelings were hurt. Can I just keep her home, Can I just MAKE people be nice to her? I know those options are not possible. All I can do is pray that my daughter will have young women feel the desire to be kind, and to lift others.

One of Those Days

Can someone please explain to me why...
You bother cleaning out your kids drawers, 2 days later they look like you have never been in there?
you buy your kids 5 pairs pf pants, they don't wear more than 2 of them?
You bother sweeping and mopping your floors, they are just going to get out the Play-do?
You buy your kids Play-do?
You ask them to not use the play cups to drink from when they are down stairs, they are just going to do it over and over and over?


Oh yeah, you're the mom, it's your job.

On My Mind Monday

Wanna Know what's been on my mind. My complete lack of desire to blog. I didn't even turn the computer on yesterday.
I wanted to blog about our anniversary on Friday, but didn't. 10 years you know.
I wanted to blog about 2 of 5 taking the ALPS test on Friday, but didn't. Maybe I don't want to jinx him, maybe I didn't want to say anything in case he doesn't get accepted. But, I decided that I know he's smart, and he knows he's smart, so who cares. That was an interesting experience. I'm glad it wasn't a competition. Some of those parents were pretty serious about having smart kids. Lots of charter school kids. lots of private school kids. Don't get me wrong, I would send my kids to a private school in a heart beat. But I couldn't afford to send all 5 of them, and how would I pick which kid/kids get to go. So we just don't. Contrary to the popular mind set, I was for vouchers. I just couldn't bring myself to even vote on them because I have a sister in law that was so appalled by the idea, and she was a special needs teacher before she decided to stay home with her kids.
I am starting to feel ready for spring. I LOVE the winter as all of you know. But there is something about January, long drawn out inverted January (If you live in SLC you know what I mean by inverted) I'm usually okay, until it gets here, and I hear it's on the way.
It is the YW turn to plan the combined YW/YM activity. We were going sledding on Wednesday. Are we going to have snow? Maybe ice. So now I need to come up with plan B. And, no ideas at all are coming to me.
I could go on and on about what's new and on my mind. Maybe some other time right?

4 of 5 and the Giraffe

I have never believed that 4 of 5 wouldn't do anything. I have always known that she was capable of anything. Sometimes I find myself disappointed, or confused at her not getting a certain concept, and have to remind myself that she has Down Syndrome. I put off potty training until she was 3, because people told me she couldn't and wouldn't until she was at least 5. And even then, It was going to be such a trial. We didn't put off self feeding, she was eating Cheerios like every other kid at 6-8 months, and sitting at the table with us in a booster seat using a fork at 18 months. Because I expected nothing less from her, I knew she was capable and could if we didn't stand in her way.
She still doesn't understand the why of things. Besides "mom said no" Like Why she can't sit on her sister. Why she can't drink/eat downstairs, or anywhere except the kitchen. And she tries for a new reaction about 3 times a day. She does understand why she can't touch something hot, and why we wear a coat when it's cold. Which leads me to believe that the effect has to be immediate and something that she will remember, and most of the time be unpleasant enough for her to understand it shouldn't be done, or pleasant enough to get her to do it again. We taught her that she had to sit in her car seat by offering her an m&m every time she got buckled. She fought and fought the car seat.
Now on to the giraffe. Last night I got home from YW 's and husband says " I asked her if she knew where her giraffe was, and she said yes, and I asked her if she would go get it, and she took off for 3 minutes and came back with it". Apparently he was pretty amazed at her ability to comprehend his instructions. I guess because I am the one that sees her all day, He doesn't get the daily moments where she gets it or tells use she wants yogurt for breakfast, using words. Or asks for paper. My favorite is when she calls 2 of 5 Debbie, because she can't say his name. Or 3 of 5 is MAM. She amazes me. I wish that the dr.s and geneticists would let a mom come in when they give a new diagnosis, so we can tell them all the things our kids can do.

Made in the USA

There are a few things my husband loves. Pens are on the top of that list, and anything made in the USA fills in most of the rest of that list. So because our 10 yr anniversary is coming up in a few days, I decided to get him something kind of nice and opted for a nice made in the USA pen. And since I know nothing about pens, nice ones or grocery store ones, I went into Shapiros and asked. I gave the guy price range and what my husband looks for in a product. And we came up with this pen. Now, I'm going to interrupt this story with this.... I don't get the pen thing. I enjoy a nice roller BIC pen with a nice grip. I like a pencil just as well. If it writes, I'll take it. I decided to give him his gift last night, because he got me a memory foam mattress topper, and I got it last night because he wanted me to pick it out. So as he's opening this i pick up the box and read, Made in China. I know, good luck finding something that's not. But, I'm irritated that the sales man told me it was a US product, and gave me this whole shpeel about how it was only 1 of 2 still made in the USA. And yes, I will pay more money for a US product. Any who, Shapiros will be getting an email from me.
That's my story.

On My Mind Monday

My daughter the pick pocket. It reminded me of our trip to YellowStone and we saw these ravens picking through some bikers things. You have to look really carefully for the birds, they blend in.

I have my On My Mind Monday all planned out last night as I was falling asleep, now it's gone. So I will just have to find something else.

I am a bit irritated about the banks and the bail out and the lending problems. I am all for what ever it takes bring the prices of homes down to affordable to those of us that want to stay home (1 income families). I am afraid for my kids. I thought this money was for the lenders to lend the public to get into homes and stimulate the economy. I guess I heard wrong. It was to line the pockets of the already wealthy. I read an article on Saturday talking about this bailout money, and CitiGroup owns a baseball team and stadium. Apparently 400 million of it went to the ball players salaries and stadium. And because it was on the MSN home page, it's gone and I don't know where to find it again to link you to it. (wanna know why I'm mad at MSN? They have started advertising this dating site on their home page with half dressed women in them. Can you look anywhere with out looking at smut?!?!) Talk about the rich scratching the back of the rich. Where does that leave us. Floundering. Fuming. Frustrated. What do you do? I was against the bailout in the first place, but what were the options? I know we just need to make sure we elect Representatives that have our same values and morals. But, on the other hand, which one of them doesn't just tell you what you want to hear to get elected?

Just a little frustrated.

Wanna Dog, part 2

So I went out to the yard to check for dog evidence. What I really wanted to do was prove the dog didn't do it. Like I suspected. And like I suspected, it was not our dog. But what did it, poses an even bigger problem. I was a raccoon. I have never encountered one of the vermin. Husband has. He said they are vicious creatures, and having a coon hound is not going to help with the problem like i was hoping. Apparently our dog doesn't eat them, he trees them. And if cornered, the raccoon would tear our pup up. And now that the raccoon knows we have chickens, it will keep coming back, so we now have to pen up the chickens and lock them in at night. Maybe we'll get a trap from the shelter. And as i knew getting into this, we were bound to loose a few to vermin.
Now, on to the next problem, what do I do about my 3 yr old wanting to alway sit on my 1 year old......

Wanna Dog?

We are in the middle of a change of sorts. I went out this morning to get the mail and found our rooster dead in the snow. Husband is convinced that it was dog. I am not so sure. Why would he eat just one, and why wouldn't he eat it.
I could blame this on him. I have been asking him to move the chickens to a more secluded inaccessible to the dog part of the yard. He agrees it should be done, but doesn't want to do it, and doesn't want me to do it. He on the other hand blames it on me, you know, he didn't want any of these stupid animals any way. I have always believed having pets is part of childhood, and helps kids learn to be responsible and caring. So yes, they were my idea. Life would be a lot more boring with out them.
I am prepared to part with all of them but the cat we see every few days. 1 of 5 hates the dog, she recoils in horror every time he looks at her. But, she does the same thing to 4 of 5. Please tell me it is an 8 year old thing, I'm getting really tired of the snottiness emanating off of her. Some days she is so nice to everyone, some days she tolerates us, some days she can't stand us. I was thinking about this this morning and really feeling sympathetic to my friend 29 babies she has 6 girls and 1 boy.
Can you tell I'm having a bad day? One of those days where little things build and build until....
So, I think we will just purge ourselves of pets, then husband won't have to move chickens, and i won't get the "they weren't my idea" lecture every time something happens with the pets.
Any takers? Or do you know anyone that wants a coon hound or some chickens. Minus one rooster? They are all layers, and even during the winter we get 7-10 eggs a week. Some of them are the right size for eating, I bet our big birds are 8 lbs.

Good Company

My sister from the south end and my sister from the north came up for a few days on Monday. That's where I have been, and the reason for no post. We mostly did nothing. Which is my idea of a good company. We went up to the outlet mall in Park City and shopped a couple (more than necessary) clearances. Carters always has the great sales at the end of summer and wither. And as I told my sister, if it's not 3.99 it doesn't leave the store with me. My kids all got winter clothes for next year. I ALWAYS pick up my kids clothes on clearance and off season. Other wise I couldn't afford to clothe 5 kids. OshKosh was also having an amazing sale. I got 3 of 5 a 70$ winter coat for 20 bucks, of course I bought it in an 8, so he can wear it for 2 years. And all the kids got new gloves. My mistake, I let them pick them out. 1 of 5 got a pair that will fit 5 of 5 next year. But, I think she thought they were cute. On Wednesday we just hung around. Ate at the Mexican restaurant next door and let the kids play. We had my 5, who are 8, 7, 6, 3, and 11 months and my sisters 1 year old, and my other sisters 3 and 1 yr old. So, we had 8 under 8. It was a bit crazy, and really chaotic. But, totally worth it. My one sister was done after the 2nd day, she had been away from home for 2 weeks. I totally understand. I don't like to be away from home even for 1 day.

I am so grateful to them also, they left my house looking like it did when they showed up. I spend 2 days before company comes, cleaning, so company has a comfortable clean place to stay. I really appreciate it when I don't have to clean when they leave too. And if any of you have ever seen my house, it's hard to really get clean because we are remodeling. And probably will be for the next 5 years.

Speaking of remodeling, husband finished the boys' room's closet. I am so excited. Now, if I can just get my hall done and the closet done, I would be content for the next year.

So finally, for a new years resolution. I am going to make a mindful effort to stop and think before I reprimand or get angry, or think a not so nice thought. I want to make a serious effort to be kinder, quieter, softer. In hopes that my kids will pick up on that, and my husband will grow to love my even more. I know it will make me a better wife, mother and friend. That's what we are here for right?????