First Name Basis

Kerst updated my calendar whiteboard a couple of weeks ago. I didn't really take notice what he wrote until today when I was updating some information.


Monday - Martin's Bday

I thought about it. And then chuckled.

I didn't know Kerst was on a first name basis with Martin ...


But he is!

Pinned ... (again)

I am now a proud owner of two pins.

The Bobcat and the Wolf.

He did a great job pinning it on me - and giggling while doing it.

(Can't you hear his giggle coming from this picture of him pinning me? I can!)

Two is enough

I know three time's a charm, but I say ... Let's stop at two. No more.

Last week Julia was having a second bout of terrible back pain and nausea. Deja Vous. I suspected gall bladder since I recently endured those attacks and had my gall bladder removed (hereditary). After a first round of testing, negative. If this happens again, we will have more in depth testing.

Yesterday. Jaley fell. In gym class. Running backwards. She didn't tell anyone. After school she was in pain. I took her to the doctor. 4 x-rays later showed that she broke her wrist in 2 places. Poor girl. Now she has a different way to wear her scarves. That a stylish girl! She gets her cast on Monday after her swelling goes down.

Let's stop at two!

Kitchen Favorites

Silly. I know. I can't believe my two favorite kitchen small appliances/gadgets are ASOTV items (as seen on TV). Tessa, this would be something to think about asking for your Birthday or even Santa! I've included a couple of favorite quick recipes too for you!

#1 - My Magic Bullet

I use my "Magic Bullet" daily. Several times a day. Two months ago Costco had a coupon for the Magic Bullet for $35 after coupon. I bought a spare. You can blend anything. Sauces, dressings, drinks/smoothies, protein shakes, etc ...

*Note: There are 3 plastic tabs on the cups that push down the "on" button that is built into the base of the unit. If the tabs start to break off, don't worry! As long as you have one of the three tabs, you can still operate the machine. You have to make sure you place one of the remaining tabs over notch that is above the "Magic Bullet" label on the base. My favorite cup has one tab left. Make sure you hold it down the cup while blending. If you are missing a tab, the stress on the other tabs will become greater. I thought that once one tab broke off, the cup was a gonner ... Nope! I have had my first magic bullet for almost 2 years and have popped a couple of tabs. I do wish they sold replacement cups, but figuring my way around the problem of missing tabs, it is not such a big deal.

Here are a couple of favorite recipes I use with my Magic Bullet

Grandma's Eggs

6 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 TBSP flour (1 1/2 tsp)

Melt 2 TBSP of butter/margarine in pan. Cook eggs. Delicious! These eggs do well as left overs.

Skier Pancakes

(a favorite of John's ... his Mom would make this when the family would go skiing). Depending on the size of blender cup you use, you might need to half the recipe.

1 cup cottage cheese
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 (plus a little more) pancake mix

Smoothies and Orange Julius.

Dressings

Our powdered milk

#2 - Slap Chop

It says on the box that you can chop using one finger. I guess you can if you are Hercules. I slap it with the palm of my hand. And I love how it opens for easy cleaning. I had a chopper that was distributed by a well known home show company, but it only lasted a couple of months and it seemed impossible to get a replacement (or at least my complaints were pushed aside).

My slap chopper has outlasted my previous one ... no complaints! I even saw JoAnn's (fabric and craft store) carrying the slap chopper. If you get their 40% off coupon mailer/flier, I recommend using the coupon on this! It brings the cost down to right around $12! If you don't receive their store flier, you can go in their store and sign up at the register. When you sign up, they usually give you 40% off at the register with the application (if not, ask).

More to practice

Kerst has been taking piano lessons since the beginning of this month and has proven to be the musical genius I always knew he was. He has an amazing musical ear and picks up on new pieces quickly. He also practices non-stop.

Today when I picked him up from his piano lesson, Donna told me how thrilled she was with how Kerst has been progressing. She even mentioned that he asked to have more songs to practice during the week. With that request she told him that this would mean that he has to practice longer.

To that comment, Kerst replied, "That's ok. I like to bug Jenna."

Kiss All Better

On Monday we went out to Champps for their 1/2 price burger Mondays ... and to continue Jaley's birthday celebration - good excuse to go out to eat as a family.

John, Kendall and I were on one side; Kendall was sitting next to me. Jenna, Jaley, Kerst and Julia were on the other side of the table.

We ordered Kendall's meal and asked for it to come out as soon as possible. Crayons don't keep him at bay long enough when he is hungry. Kendall is also known for swiping food from other plates. Even with his own plate of food in front of him, he still managed to swipe plenty from mine!

During the dinner Jaley told us she had a headache. She must have been suffering because she is usually one of the first ones done eating - everything on her plate. We were all further advanced in eating our meal than she was.

I looked next to me and noticed that Kendall wasn't sitting there.

I saw movement next to Jenna who was sitting on the outside edge of their end of the table.

It was Kendall. He was trying to climb over Jenna. I figured that he must have noticed some food he wanted to try on one of their plates.

"Denna, dooze me. I need to kiss Dayee bedder." (Jenna, excuse me. I need to kiss Jaley better.)

I remember those days when all Jaley needed was a "kiss all better". Those days are back. They make my heart swell.

Coordinated

On Sunday I glanced down the church pew at our clan. All of us. Together.

Then I noticed something. We were color coordinated. I pointed it out to Kerst.

Kendall: Maroon shirt, tie and black pants.
Kerst: Gray sweater with black/gray pants
Jaley: Gray sweater with black skirt
Jenna: Gray striped sweater, black and white skirt.
Julia: Gray striped sweater, black skirt.
Me: Black shirt with Gray sweater.

When I reached John/Dad, I pointed out that he didn't match. Navy blue pants.

Kerst thought for a moment and then tied us all together. "Mom, Dad has gray hair so he still matches!"

I laughed - quietly since we were in Sacrament Meeting.

Jaley's celebration

We had a really nice day with Jaley. I hope she did!

Breakfast. We tried to bring it to her in bed. That didn't work!

Oven Pancakes - her favorite

1 ½ cups flour
1 ½ cups milk
6 eggs
½ stick margarine melted

Prepare 9X13 pan (grease it up). Cook 350 for 30-40 minutes.

(John does 2 cups flour, 2 cups milk, 8 eggs, ½ stick margarine and “zaps” it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. This helps shorten the cooking time).

Sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
Serve with syrup, peanut butter, etc…

I found a special plate for the special person ... thought this would be a fun tradition. Kendall insisted on eating on the boy birthday plate.

Dinner: A request from Jaley

Homemade Costa Vida (Sweet Pulled Pork burrito)

Sweet Pork Roast

Description:
Sweet pork similar to Costa Vida or Cafe Rio style. Can be used in burritos or salads. Brooke made this for our family at our reunion this past summer. YUM!

Ingredients:
4 lbs pork roast
12 oz tomato sauce
3 tsp minced garlic
4 c brown sugar
4 tsp cumin
12 oz coke or Dr. Pepper (I use Root Beer)
4 TBSP molasses
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
Combine in crock pot and cook 10 hours on low (I find that to be a bit long. Try 5 hours and see how it shreds).
Remove and shred.

*NOTE - I buy the 8 lb pork loin at Sam's Club (Costco probably carries it too) and use the same amount of ingredients above)

Add:
1/2 juices from roast (when I cook 8 lbs, I don't toss 1/2 of the juices, I keep the entire amount)
1 jar green salsa Verde (Herdez brand)

For salad serve in tortilla with lettuce, black beans, lime rice
and cilantro buttermilk dressing


Lime Rice

Description:
Yummy rice used in sweet pork salad

Ingredients:
2 T butter
1 1/4 cups rice
2 1/4 cups chicken broth or water and bullion
3/4 t. salt
pepper to taste
juice and zest of 1 lime
1/8 t. cumin

Directions:
In pot melt butter, fry rice for 2 minutes.
Add liquid and other ingredients
Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and cook
until rice is tender.
approx 20 minutes

Creamy Cilantro Dressing

Description:
To go with sweet pork salad

Ingredients:
1 pkg buttermilk ranch dressing (dry)
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 cup mayo
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup fresh cilantro (CHOP AFTER MEASURING)
1 t minced garlic
1/2 t garlic (not sure about this, maybe garlic salt?)
2 T fresh lime juice
1/8 t cumin
1 T sugar

Optional
1/4 t cayenne pepper
A few drops Tabasco Sauce

Directions:
Blend in blender until smooth.

The cake ... I am not the best cake decorator. I do want to learn ... someday. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I ever tried, it would end up on the website, cake wrecks. I have had fun doing cupcake "cakes" for Kendall and Kerst.

For those who know Jaley, she is obsessed with Walmart Donuts. That is what she asked Santa for Christmas. So I decided that would be a fun cake ...

Jaley is our girl who likes to dress classy and sleep classy ... The Bath and Body Works lambie sleep mask, robe and slippers.

And purses ... she owns more than I ever thought I'd own in a life time; she is definitely related to her Aunt Kelly. I think I've owned 2 - for church purposes to carry my supplies in and out.

I also made her a snuggie with fleece to match her room. You can see it on the chair behind Jaley.

And a lap desk for her computer. It was a fun day!

And to top it off, the traditional birthday call and singing from her grandparents. It wouldn't be the same without them calling and singing !!

Another Teen

Jaley's 13! I'm sure she will manage the teenage years with poise and grace!

She has an amazing style - she must be related to her Aunt Kelly - and can make anything look classy and/or cute. Hats, scarves, jackets, sweaters, shoes.

Jaley is very artistic; she loves to decorate/redecorate and design clothing.

Jaley is musical (specifically piano).

Jaley is graceful.

Jaley is smart ... 4.0!

Jaley is beyond beautiful.

Jaley is amazing with children.

Jaley is sensitive.

Jaley is my walking Franklin Speller - if you don't know how to spell something, ask Jaley!

Jaley does not procrastinate!

Jaley is a calming influence in our home.

(Self Portrait ... following in Julia's footsteps!)

Happy Birthday Jaley! We love you!

Finally Brave Enough

Sort of.

For the first time Kendall finally climbed to the top of the McDonald's Play Place on his own - and then came right back down. No exploring. He likes to sit at the entrance of the spiral staircase and greet all of the brave children. He will also make sure the little ones don't attempt climbing to the top without a parent nearby.

He has become more aware of what is going on and will tell me what "scares" him. Today we had to get rid of another "scary" book - Glad Monster, Sad Monster. He has been telling me for the last week that there were monsters in his room. I guess he was right. They are gone now.

I remember the days when he didn't scare easily. Once he walked in the media room while the movie I am Legend was playing. It was a scene when the scary creatures were climbing the buildings (even I can't watch the movie). "Monkeys!" shouted Kendall.

Gone are those days ...

Easy Alfredo

Another quick easy recipe for my young friend Tessa ...

This yummy recipe is from my friend Emily. This was made during a Young Women's activity (church youth group). The girls all worked on preparing and serving the meal. It is so yummy! I love that this sauce does not separate like other alfredo sauces I have made. John likes to add red spaghetti sauce on top as well.

Easy Alfredo

Ingredients:
2 cups half and half (I actually saw half and half low fat at the store...I can't figure that one out)
1 cup milk
8 oz cream cheese (I use the 1/3 fat)
1/4 c butter (I use margarine)
1 tsp ground pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (I use the skim)

Directions:
Melt butter, pour in half and half. Cook over medium heat until lmost bubble, add cream cheese. Stir constantly until melted. Add pepper and other cheese. Stir until melted. Serve immediately over pasta, vegies, etc.

*If the alfredo seems a bit thin, add a mixture of 1 TBSP flour mixed with water (about 2 TBSP) to the sauce and bring to near boil...until thick.

6:16.66

Jenna is doing amazing with her swimming. She shaved off yet another 10 seconds from two meets ago on her 500 yd Freestyle. This past week she shaved off another second. The goal: 5:50 to qualify for State. She has qualified for "A league" in several strokes already. She is going to work on her flip turns (kicking through them) - with 19 flip turns in the 500 yd Freestyle, surely she can shave off more time!

Jenna is a strong steady long distance swimmer. In this most recent race she was in third place for the majority of it (as seen in the picture above; Jenna is in the center of the picture) and then pulled ahead into first place by over 6 seconds to the second place swimmer and lapped one swimmer once and another swimmer twice.

I love watching her swim!

Our own Ratatouille

Julia invented her own recipe yesterday and claims to be the next Ratatouille genius.

So, here's an easy one for you Tessa ... my beautiful young friend who loves to cook ...

Julia's Pepperoni Pasta Dish

Egg Noodles (or any other pasta that you have on hand)
Italian Dressing
Pepperoni - chopped
Cucumber - chopped
Cherry Tomatoes - cut in half
Parmesan Cheese

Cook pasta. Drain. Add Italian Dressing, pepperoni, cucumber, tomatoes and cheese. Enjoy!

Tessa, I'll be posting some more easy favorites for you to try out (and anyone else who wants to as well!). I'm all for easy, fast and yummy!

Sunbeam!

Kendall was a little nervous for his first day in Primary. No more nursery for him. He is officially a Sunbeam!

Kendall tells me that "Boys are sun beeps, girls are princesses." Kendall is now officially a "Sunbeep" aka Sunbeam.

The nice thing about being the Primary Chorister at church is that I can do what I want ... to a point ;o). I made sunbeam crowns for all of the new sunbeams this past Sunday (and have every year when I have this calling).

Kendall lost his crown with his name on it during the first hour!I also showed the kids the picture of me when I was a Sunbeam. I have taken Sunbeam pictures of all of my kids ... They know I love traditions and sharing them!

Here is Kendall singing a portion of the song - his version. "Sun Beep".

The Routine

This seemed like the longest week ... Monday felt like it happened a month ago. It has been an adjustment getting back to our routine. We were all dragging by mid-week.

I have to admit, I like our routine. Early morning Seminary is the first group out the door - loaded up with book bags, swim team duffel, snacks to eat while staying after school for the 2+ hour musical practice, homemade breakfast burrito in hand along with their sack lunch.

Next I'm out the door walking Jaley to school with Kendall asleep in the stroller. Great one-on-one time ... and get some exercise too! There was snow on the sidewalks on Thursday and Friday of this week so I hopped on Santa's gift (a treadmill) and got my walk in. Jaley was concerned when she saw the treadmill on Christmas Morning. "Mom, you're still going to walk with me, right?" Of course!

Next - waking up Kerst and getting him out the door! He's my sleeper and my night owl. He was very excited for today. His first piano lesson before school! Kerst is super musical like his older sisters; I look forward to him progressing in his lessons.

The day slips by ... where does it go? So many things I want to do. So many things I need to do and should do.

Family Dinner. Ahhh ... all together again.

It was a fun and eventful Holiday Season. Time for a break. Yah, right!

Some Assembly Required

(Kerst and Kendall on their dome; John finishing up)

Kendall and Kerst received a climbing dome for Christmas - to build with Daddy!

The weather was finally beautiful today ... sunny ... 41 degrees. So we broke out the project.

John and I started assembling - Kerst would read us the instructions and bring us supplies. He was also our entertainment. Singing, chatting and telling us his off the wall ideas were just a few things that he did to help pass the time. After having assembled the first 1 1/2 rows, I pointed out to Kerst that John and I would be stuck inside the dome. Kerst would need to bring us food, clothing, etc.

Kerst became very worried. He started to devise a plan. Jaley could cook for us - she just made cinnamon rolls yesterday so she could make them again today. Thank goodness we have a food storage. Julia could go to work, but she still doesn't drive; that could be a problem. Poor Kerst. After some time he became distraught over this predicament. We told him that we would figure out a way out. It was sweet to hear him try and figure out how to make us as comfortable as possible and that he would keep us company and would trade us places if he could. What a sweet boy!

New Year's Eve ...

Low key over here ... Lots of work going on (for the adults). I took Christmas down ... it took 2 days (I took advantage of the time to do it when John took 3 of the kids skiing on Monday). I finished loading it under the stairs yesterday. Now to hang the trees from the ceiling in the garage with a bike pulley system.

John has been working on hiding his cords to the TV, speakers and HTPC (home theater personal computer). He installed some in-wall speakers on the back wall by the couch and a single in-wall speaker under the TV. He mounted the TV to the wall. He has moved the HTPC and amplifier into the storage room. He has a keyboard/remote that is wireless and works through walls. He has been busy crawling under our basement (low crawl height; we have a crawl space under the entire basement with access through the storage room). He has been doing this the last 2 days and drilling holes in between the walls coming up from the underside of the basement floor to route the wires and cables. It has really opened up that room with all of the cables, etc gone!

Jaley made my homemade "Better Than Cinnabun" Cinnamon Rolls today - ALL ON HER OWN!

New Year's Eve:

Jenna and Julia went down to Colorado Springs to the church youth dance so they could visit their friends from their Pioneer Trek experience. Jaley babysat for a family in our ward.

So ... John drove the girls and celebrated with family. I stayed home with the boys and waited for Jaley to come home (she would not have liked the idea of coming home to an empty house since she could possibly get back before the Colorado Springs crew).



The boys and I had our OWN bottle of bubbly! Some cheese and crackers.


We watched a movie - Christmas Story (no, not A Christmas Story with Ralphie). It wasn't until the end that I realized why the audio was not matching their lips. In the credits the names of the actors/actresses were followed by the "voice over" name. The movie was filmed in Finland so English was dubbed in. It was a BEAUTIFUL movie with a sweet message. It was how Santa Claus came to be. I watched/read subtitles on the making of the movie in the "special features" section and learned that they filmed the winter scenes at the top of a mountain in -32 degree weather! A must see each year for part of our Christmas Festivities. We picked it up at Walmart for under $10.

Oh, the boys and I didn't make it to midnight ...

Happy New Year!