I Love This Season

Things I am thankful for:
a great family
a loving husband
a warm home
The Gospel Of Jesus Christ
Scriptures
my husband having a job
a new school that helps Alta realize her potential
the spirit of Christmas
good friends
repentance
forgiveness
sweaters
my parents staying safe
my sister returning from Egypt safely
pre- lite Christmas trees
food, specially turkey dinners
chocolate
good advice
Life Lessons
cars

Things I look forward to:
Decorating our home with Christmas fun
Baking Christmas Wreaths
Decorating Christmas cookies
Christmas music
Cinnamon/ orange potpourri on the stove
Christmas pictures
Buying the perfect gifts
Wrapping and decorating these perfect gifts
writing a Christmas card-- hopefully sending them out
Greeting my parents after 18 months of having them in Cambodia
driving around and looking at Christmas lights
Searching for Santas
Teaching Chloe how to read
Kissing Max under the mistletoe
Teaching my children it is better to give than to receive
reading the Christmas story on Christmas eve

Thank You Pesticides

I appreciate all the responses in my flea conflict. I had googled what to do before anyone had responded, and it talked of soap and water. So I washed Lexi, letting the water get up to her neck, to drown all the fleas, I found 6 fleas in the bath water. I combed and blow dried her. I still had to quarantined her to the bath tub, because I still found live fleas on her after all that. She was not a happy dog not getting to go for rides in the car when ever we left, or play with her girls, or sleep with them at night. It was a hard time for her and us listening to her whelp. Max called the vet and they suggested Front line, to just pick up at the pet store. Max went and they were all out of Front line, but he picked up "Spot On"(a cheaper competitor) It is a chemical pesticide that is placed on the neck. I guess it worked because by the time I got home from work (because I don't work for the government and most people don't get Veterans day off), Max said he couldn't find any fleas on her. I had washed all the bedding and vacuumed all the areas she lays. So she is out of the quarantined bath tub, on her clean pillow, and we will see if there is a re infestation. I hope not. Only time will tell... approx 2 weeks. I wonder how safe these pesticides are for my family? If you have read my blog, or know me at all, you would know I hate bugs...not just fleas, not just spiders, any kind of bug. My question is will this chemical cause cancer in my children later on? I wonder if it is this like burning down the house to get rid of fleas, sure it does the job, but I wonder what I am left with? Just wondering.... in the mean time the girls are all back together.

Fleas!!!

Our cute Shih Tuz dog Lexi has fleas. Does anyone have a full proof way of getting rid of them?? I need help? Should I just get a collar, should I wash her with a special soap? What has helped anyone out there in the blogging world? What do I have to do to my home? I haven't noticed any around, just on her. She has a skin condition that makes her itch, but Saturday, Max saw a flea on her, so I don't know how long she has had them. My girls (or I ) don't want to play with her and her little doggie heart is breaking. What should I do to get rid of these nasty pests? This pic is before getting fleas.... they would sleep with each other all the time. Isn't this cute.

Now poor little Lexi is all alone.... actually she isn't allowed on any furniture or blankets or pillow except her own doggie pillow.
Having Lexi for 2 1/2 years and this is the first flea problem, isn't too too bad.

Picture Tagged

It was a few weeks ago that I got tagged, but I did not realize it. It was while I was away at a funeral in Utah. Sorry it has taken me so long, but I guess the rules of the game are this....Phyllis Kimmel tagged me and I am to go to my picture file click on the 4th folder and then click on the 4th picture and post it....

So here it is, one of my favorite pictures of Alta summer of '07

Isn't she a beautiful girl. I love her smile and the way she is looking at me. We were just goofing around with pictures one Sunday afternoon. Boy do I love this girl. She warms my heart.
Now I get to tag 4 others...
Mimi

Michelle

Shelly

Emily

Halloween Costumes... Finally

I know it took me long enough...here

Ghostly Ghost Craft

All one would need are a few simple things,
Cheese cloth cut into various sizes, depending on how big you want your spooky ghost.(you want the cloth to be bigger than the balloon, it needs extra length all around the balloon.)
Liquid starch... I looked all over and old faithful Walmart was the only store in the area to carry it.
Balloons- the size you would like your ghosts to be, I had a couple different sizes, I think a real small balloon/ ghost would be cute.
Sharpie marker, black preferable.
Newspaper-to protect the working surface
Time-about 8 hours give or take

All you have to do is.... 1st lay out newspaper, then blow up balloon to preferred size, I had a difficult time getting the balloon to stay still as I was working with it, so I got a canning lid hole side up and place the knot of the balloon into hole and slipped under edge of ring to hold it in place. Then the weight of the cloth will set it in place.
dump liquid starch into a flat container (a bowl was difficult to work with),
take your cut to size Cheese Cloth open it to full size, then drench the cloth into the liquid starch. Squeeze the extra starch out of cloth. Carefully open to full size again and spread out the wet cheese cloth.
Cover balloon, leaving fun floating cloth edges around the balloon on the table.
This edging is what the finished product/Ghost stands on and give the ghostly spooky appearance.
Then wait, constantly tell children to leave it alone. I did it at night time to minimize this last step and let it dry overnight.
In the morning, most of the cheese cloth was dry except for a thick part of the edging where it was folded. I then drew a face on the ghost with the sharpie marker. Cut the knotted side of the balloon (i did not want to pop it). As the balloon shrank, it pulled away from the cheese cloth and Voila! A Ghostly Ghost. Place around the house to decorate or Halloween.

We sure had a nice time at the haunted forest in the Carlyle Reservation. It is free of charge, and that means lots of people. They moved us along quickly, but there were some roadblocks. Especially at the pumpkin patch and the scary haunted houses along the path. It was really neat to see 300 carved lighted jack-o-lanterns suspended above a pond. The reflections in the water made it seem even more pumpkins than there were. There was also a spinning bridge called the Vortex. It gave such an optical illusion that even Chloe loved it and wanted to do it over and over. It was a bridge that went through a tunnel that was spinning, as you entered the tunnel the inside was painted with florescent paint and had a black light illuminating the decor. You seriously had the feeling the bridge was turning over. I had to hold onto the railing half way through. Very fun. Through out the trail were several haunted homes, some were "friendly" some were "scary" I was glad they let you know before entering to determine what child would enjoy. It seems Alta loved the scary, Chloe not so much, we kept her out of the scary houses. Chloe was a little nervous with the fluorescent hanging plastic skeletons along the trail. She held her daddy's big hand to keep her safe.
It was so nice spending some time with Christine and her kids. We were so excited to have them visit. I realize how nice it is to be with family and share time with them. Thanks for making the trip, and spending time with us. We loved it!!

Fall

I enjoy the crisp of air, the newness of school, the new colors of red, orange, and yellow, as the trees turn from green to color. I love having my windows open and fresh air through the house. I am finding I enjoy fall weather more and more. I am in process of changing my home from summer fun to the cooler months. We did the inevitable clean out the garage, organize all the garden tools and lawn toys, putting to the back of the garage. It is definitely a season of change. Change is a good thing, it keeps us on our toes, gives us variety (which is the spice of life), and allows us to focus and remember what is important.

Homework!!!!!

Okay, so we have been in school for a few weeks. Lots of new things going on, but can anyone give me hints as to how to do all this homework and soccer and church and dinner and yard and dishes and bedtime and and and..etc..... I have a child who has a difficult time doing homework every afternoon. I am having challenges. She is grumpy, hyper, and irritated at this time of day and it doesn't get better later on. Plus she has things to do in the evening so this is the only time to do homework. I try to stay happy, positive focus on getting it done. Today she had a soccer game needing to be there at 5:40, we started homework, 4:10, she did not stay on task. I had told her from the beginning homework first. It must be done or she will not be able to play at her soccer game. 5:30 rolls around. She is not done(this is after many reminders). I called her soccer coach and told her the situation and if and when she comes she will come to support the team but not play. After this transpires she threw such a royal fit, seriously more than I have ever seen her throw, screaming at the top of her lungs in frustration. I sent her to her room to cool down, explaining that if she finishes her homework she could go to the game, but will not play. (I am amazed I kept my cool and "responded" not "reacted" to her) After 5 or so minutes of cooling down she came directly out of the room to the table and finished rather rapidly. There were only 20 mins left in the game when she got there but, she sat on the sides with the team, but did not play.
I am searching for help... suggestions,... ideas that have helped you with challenging children to do homework. I love this child, but hate the attitude.

3rd Grade

Alta did go back to school. We are going to a new school this year. So far I love the attitude and environment she is in. I know when she feels comfortable in a place she will excel and feel more confident. Today when I was dropping her off, she said "Mom, I am glad I am going to this school. I like it a lot better." I got all happy inside, because I want her to love school and learning.
Yea!!!!!!

Whew I am glad last week is over!

I can get back to normal with Max healthy and back to work. He had some chest pains that really resembled heart problems and with his family history we did not want to take any chances. We worried all week that "something" was going on. There is only one way to know if he is having a heart attack, by doing a cardio gram, which includes a catheter inserted into his superior vena cava (ie. major leg vein) placing a dye into all the arteries and with Xrays looking at all the arteries in the heart to see if there are any blockages. Well after hearing all the possibilities Max and I were pretty worried. We were very grateful for doctors who knew what to do and was willing to be quick. (allowing minimum time to worry) With all the nervousness, prayers, and well wishing the procedure was quick. The cardiologist said he is all clear and looks great!!! Well even after the procedure and we got home (after 4 hours of laying down) he still complained of a chest pain... I looked at him and said you can have all the chest pains you want.... I now know it isn't a heart attack. What a relief. Maybe you shouldn't play the Wii for a while. wink wink. We are glad everything is okay. ...sigh of relief.

Easing the burden

I am amazed at how people make all the difference of sticky situations. My family had a slight CRISIS yesterday and I am so grateful for people helping and serving. Not that I like being at the hand of service, but it always amazes me of how willing people are to step up and help. It made EVERY aspect of our situation less burdensome. I again understand why Christ has asked us to love our neighbor and help ease the burdens of others. It makes challenging situations easier to bear. I hope that I am able to serve and "pay it forward" being aware of others every need and help ease their burdens. I appreciate all the prayers, visits, calls, food, babysitting and help. Wow I am overwhelmed with gratitude. THANK YOU!!!

COOKIES!!!

My friend Katrina has introduced me to some awesome cookie recipes. She truly has a knack for great recipes and loves to bake. She is on a quest for the ultimate cookie. In her expedition she came across Jacque Torres. He is quite famous and has 3 gourmet cookie stores in New York City. On her visit there she went to try one out for herself. Loving it, she researched and found how to duplicate his cookie. Here is my attempt to follow the directions. I have to say a few things that really made this cookie the ultimate to me is using chocolate discs instead of chips. I, like Treeni, got the Hershey bliss chocolate candy and using a sharp knife sliced them in 3rds making thin discs of chocolate. This technique has the chocolate laying flat through out the cookies in layers ooey gooey chocolate then layer of cookie and then another layer of chocolate in the same bite. I like the texture this provides as I bit into the cookie. The thing that I did was also use the milk chocolate bliss, and mixed the two chocolates. So there is to have different intensities to the chocolate. All semi chocolate seems too much and all milk chocolate seemed not enough... so I mixed them in the same cookie. The other technique I learned from this recipe is to allow the cookie dough to meld together in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This really allowed all the flavors to penetrate the cookie dough leaving an even more flavorful cookie. When I tasted the cookie I immediately enjoyed the vanilla. It was more powerful in flavor than my other recipes have been. I believe this is due to the refrigeration process. Here is the recipe for all to try and delight over. Who knows maybe you could be the next Jaques Torres?

Here is Alta enjoying the cookies.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Published: July 9, 2008
Adapted from Jacques Torres
Time: 45 minutes (for 1 6-cookie batch), plus at least 24 hours’ chilling
2 cups minus 2 tablespoons
(8 1/2 ounces) cake flour
1 2/3 cups (8 1/2 ounces) bread flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 ounces) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
1 1/4 pounds bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, at least 60 percent cacao content (see note)
Sea salt.
1. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.
2. Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate them without breaking them. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.
4. Scoop 6 3 1/2-ounce mounds of dough (the size of generous golf balls) onto baking sheet, making sure to turn horizontally any chocolate pieces that are poking up; it will make for a more attractive cookie. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and bake until golden brown but still soft, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day. Eat warm, with a big napkin.
Yield: 1 1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies.
Note: Disks are sold at Jacques Torres Chocolate; Valrhona fèves, oval-shaped chocolate pieces, are at Whole Foods.

Our Vacation

Our cute clean fun beach house. I loved being on the top deck! Great place to read, tan, sit at night with hubby and enjoy the relaxing sound of waves. I like the colors of the house. I think I will paint my kitchen to match. White cabinets and robin egg blue walls. Nice reminder of the beach.

We all had a fantastic time. Loved it!!! Sure would love to share it with all.

Alta's Pixie cut

The solution to the no bangs and no pony tail.... a Pixie cut. She loves her short hair. Very Sassy.

My Birthday Present

I began piano lessons when I was 8 years old. I played all through high school. I have always loved music. My mom said I wouldn't nurse as a baby unless classical music was playing in the background. I often play Brahms loudly in my car and conduct it to myself as I am driving. Classical piano music fills a place inside of me that is rarely touched. It can be so powerful and peaceful and enriching all at the same time.

Now I am no where near in talent able to play to this extreme. I would love to increase my talent to that point, but it will take me many, many years. I have to restart and relearn things I have forgotten, but that will be done quicker, as I now have a piano in my home. I got the piano from a dear lady who was ready to get rid of her piano. There is a web site that I use that is free and people put on the list of things that they are in need of, or want to get rid of. The site is freecycle.com it is in most major areas. I placed and ad "wanted piano", and about a month later this lady emailed me saying she was ready to give her piano away and was wondering if I was still interested. Of course I was and got movers there as soon as I could. It just happened they had an opening on my birthday. Happy for me!!! The moment I got it I cleaned it. It had a lot of dust in all the wood work and the keys are yellow with tape on them. I got to scrape that off and give the piano a little love. One key sticks and a few need more pressure to hear the sound, and of course needs tuned, but I have a piano and I can play it. I got a beginner book to learn the basics for Alta. She has had one lesson and is practicing every day. Chloe is right with her in wanting to play. Here are some videos of Chloe playing. Unfortunately there is no sound, but it is a joy none the less. The first one she doesn't know I am there and she is singing at the top of her lungs. The second one she is replaying peter peter pumpkin rhyme I played for her earlier. She said to me mom I can play the "man eating a pumpkin song". Notice as she crosses her hands. Pretty darn cute!

Their own Style??

Now as you look upon this adorable smiling face... please note the short bang area... Yes it is true. Both of my girls decided they did not want bangs anymore, so what did they do? You guessed it, they cut them off. Chloe's hair not nearly as short as Alta's in the following picture. Where did they get the scissors???

A picture of Alta's no bang idea. She cut off as close to the scalp as possible. This was done using school scissors.

Did they get in trouble? YOU BET!! They both did, but this is not the first offence for Alta. Notice she is the one not smiling. As you look further down just above her chin, you will notice she also cut the side almost exactly as she did when she was 3 years old. That was when her Aunt Mimi fixed it. Where is Mimi when you need her?
Another picture of Chloe's now bangs. It is too late to go get these fixed tonight, they will get to sport these hairdo's for church tomorrow. What to do??

Blog Candy

Thanks to Susan I found this site that is giving away free blog candy. Go check it out!!
Maybe you will win?

Snap!!

I am officially non cool. My 8 year old has used this phrase.... OH SNAP!! Now I thought I was pretty up on trendy words, but this one caught me by surprise. I did not quite know what it meant. I asked her does that mean you need to hurry. She looked at me as if I was clueless... which I was. "No, Mom" I then said did you say that because you did not mean to do something...."No Mom". I guess it means.. oops I forgot and need to go do it, "sometimes" Alta said. I asked Max if he had heard it before. Sure honey. He tells me that Raven one of the Cheetah girls says this. He is way cooler than I.

This reminds me of my father. Now my father is a good man, but loves to mess with people...... when I was a teenager, I remember my dad snapping his fingers and saying Damn with a shake of the head, frequently. Usually to me or one of the kids when we were wanting to do something or want something, and he did not feel we should go or have it. Now the snap was not immediate, it was after we started whining and complaining that we were not going to get what we wanted. Now being the good little girl (non swearing teenager) I mimicked the snap, with out the Damn. My brother David and I would do this on any occasion that would allow it, to each other. This would constitute usually me wanting something from David, him not giving it to me, snapping his fingers at me, ending with me punching his arm and us laughing. So as one can see, this phrase... Snap really can have different meanings, Right?!

Now after that memory lane... I am going to go back to my little world where I get to be the parent and snap at my children. But still not be cool.

Father's Day recipes link

I have had a request that I give the recipes... they are all on the internet.
Here are the links... ENJOY THE FLAVORS
Couscous stuffed chicken with kalmata olives, sundried tomatoes and feta cheese.
Blueberry scones with lemon glaze
Apple dumplings

HAPPY TASTING

Happy Fathers Day

I love father's Day. It is a great opportunity to show extra love and service to the wonderful men in my life. My cute husband is an amazing man that has taught me more about love than I ever thought was imaginable. He knows how to love unconditionally. He is very attentive and enjoyable to be around. It is amazing how hard he has worked this past year improving his life, attitude and habits. He is a great strength and support to me. I am grateful he is the father of my children and they get to call him dad. He is in every sense of the word. Thank you, Max, I love you.

Today Max was awakened to a breakfast in bed, (of course after moving sleeping Chloe out of the way...) Blueberry scones with lemon glaze and a fruit smoothie. Of course there was bacon on the side. He loves bacon.

For dinner he asked that couscous be included..... so not only was it included but it was the show stopper. I made him couscous stuffed Chicken breasts with sun dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives and Feta Cheese. He loved it. I have to say it was rather yummy. Thanks to Food network recipes. These flavors together were very complimentary.

We then finished the day full of calories with an awesome, but very simple apple dumpling recipe. Its sauce is nothing but butter sugar, vanilla and mountain dew... yes you read correctly mountain dew. My hubby loves his mountain dew, so when I read this recipe from the pioneer woman's web site I knew Max would have to try it. It Rocked!!!

Now I cannot end this posting about Father's Day with out mentioning my other favorite man in my life.... my Dad. I have no recent pics of him but this is the last digital picture I have of him before he went to Cambodia for his mission. I sure have been missing my parents lately, but I do know they are serving the Lord and helping those humble people in Phenom Pen. My dad is a happy man who loves to tease tease tease. He is a devoted man not only to God, but to his family and service. He has taught me more about how to serve with out expecting anything in return. He has been a great example of hard work and perseverance, even when times are not ideal. It is because of him and the love and life he has shown me that has laid the foundation of who I am and my life. Thanks Dad!!! I love you.

Happy Birthday Mike

It was Mikes 35th birthday Saturday. Michelle and I went to Columbus to take Mike to Lunch. We had a nice time at Don Pablos. (Other than him being tired, cuz we woke him up to be there... he works 3rd shift. ) We sure enjoyed the PART..TAYYYY. (from Barn Yard movie) Mike is a hard worker that enjoys his solitude. He loves his many sisters that love to love him... too much. Hopefully he did not feel picked on or at but just celebrating his life and birth to our wonderful family. I did get him to smile at a few of my jokes... especially my bowling. Any of you who knows Mike would know he is a great bowler. I asked his high score it was 268. WOW. I asked him if he ever plays on a league. He doesn't due to the hours he works. I told him I probably average around 83 points.... I then asked him if he would be on my team. He just smiled and said in is insignificant way.... no. Here are some pics of the group. (please note the GQ pose of my cute hubby)

Happy Birthday Michael.

Fishing with Dad

Memorial Day in the eyes of Max is good for one thing and one thing only.... fishing, okay maybe two things appreciating our veterans. Our weekend consisted of both. Max got the opportunity to teach Alta how to fish. Her second cast was perfect. Max said it was in her genetics, from both sides... Max and my dad, both loving to fish. Unfortunately she did not catch anything but weeds, but she liked it and is looking forward to the next fishing trip.

Are you prepared??

In church today it was announced that in August there will be an extreme shortage of wheat and rice and pasta. That these items are going to cost a crazy amount of money. Due to the devastating storms in the Eastern Hemisphere and the high gas prices throughout, there will be a worldwide shortage of wheat, rice & pasta for at least 1 full year as of August. How is your food supply? Stock up now. The prophets have warned us to have a year supply of food so we can be self reliant during these times of struggle. It has been said that is will happen overnight and if you are not prepared you will not have enough. I have been working on a food supply but not nearly what it needs to be. I encourage all to have food storage now. When the need is there everyone will need it and the time to prepare is gone. The stores will be empty. Take care of your families.

Alta's Baptism

Here are some

who participated.

Thanks for all your help.

There was a wonderful spirit there that we all enjoyed.

Chuckie cheese.

Alta gets to choose a special activity every time she achieves the honor roll, which has been every quarter this year so far. We are very proud of her. She loves to take a friend with her to enjoy the celebration of good grades. We just got to take care of two birds with one stone, because it also is her birthday. Great planning.