That's Life Enjoy It

Hidden Mickey Moment #11

2012-01-25T21:03:00.000-06:00

Checking out after a Dr. visit for Luke.

Cowboy Christmas

2012-01-20T20:39:00.002-06:00

Tucker asked Santa for a pair of boots that didn't come off when he walked. In other words he wanted his own pair of boots, not ones from the dress up box.

Tucker was thrilled to find not only a pair of boots, but a gun & holster and his own pass to the cowboy museum.

In his mind he is a real cowboy.

Hidden Mickey Moment #10

2012-01-19T21:00:00.003-06:00

One of the kids found this when they were unloading the tupperware (or tuckerware as they like to say) into the cabinet last fall.

What to Eat Wednesday-lemon bar taste test

2012-01-18T19:15:00.002-06:00

I figured I would break the blog silence with a treat.

Last Sunday we had a Pinterest inspired lemon bar taste test. Oh I love my pins on Pinterest- and how it has changed my ability to recall where I see things. I am determined to not let it suck my time ... but to allow me to organize ideas and be able to recall where I have seen things. I love it!

I had pinned two separate lemon bars. One was a traditional lemon bar and another used a cake mix. I decided to try both on the same night and have the family try bite size pieces side by side to see what we liked best.

Jay LOVES lemon bars. I don't mind them, but usually can't stand the "eggy" smell that accompanies them. And there is always the problem with the crust. It seems to never be quite right. So there were some picky expectations.

Well these two recipes do not disappoint.

First up ... Double Lemon Bar

The traditional lemon bar was found through this blog and she found it here.

We really like this one. It did not have that turn-offish-eggy smell, and the crust was just right. For Jay that either makes or breaks the whole thing. I mixed all the ingredients for the crust in the 9x13 pan and then used a rolling pin to spread it out in the same pan. I think it helped me to get the crust even and helped it cook, well, more evenly. Mine definitely look more cooked than the originals do. Maybe that helped. But they did not taste overcooked. For our tastes they were just right.

Next up ... Cream Cheese Lemon Bars

This is another excellent choice. We decided that it tasted a little like a lemon cheesecake. No complaints about this one- I think I overcooked the crust a little and will cook it a little less for next time. But I don't think it affected the overall flavor. In the recipe it states to reserve part of the cream cheese mixture and you add it in the end. I really thought it did not look like it was going to be enough. But it was just right.

So in the end they are both keepers. They are really two different things. Both have lemon flavors but entirely different tastes. One is a "traditional" lemon bar and the other is more like a lemon cheesecake. Take your pick.

Cream Cheese Lemon Bars - -

1 box lemon cake mix
1/3 cup butter softened
1 egg
8 ounces cream cheese - softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 lemon - grated
2 tablespoons lemon juice or 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a mixing bowl blend dry cake mix, butter, and 1 egg. Press into a 9 x 13 pan, ungreased.
Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar. Stir in lemon peel and lemon juice until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture. Beat the remaining 2 eggs, add the vanilla, and then beat this mixture into the remaining cream cheese mixture until well blended. Spread over the cake mixture. Bake at 350° until set, approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely. Spread the reserved cream cheese mixture onto the bars. Refrigerate until firm; then cut into squares and serve.

Double Lemon Bars

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon all purpose flour
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
Powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in large bowl. Add butter and cut in until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press mixture into bottom of 9x13x2-inch baking dish. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Maintain oven temperature.

Beat eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon flour and lemon peel in medium bowl to blend. Pour into crust. Bake until mixture is set, about 20 minutes. Cool.

Cut into 24 bars. Sift powdered sugar over top before serving.

Do you like lemon bars?
Would you enjoy a food taste test?

11-11-11

2011-11-11T21:28:00.001-06:00

Taken at exactly 11:11- like the giant ice cream growing in the back of us?

Tucker's view while grocery shopping.

A totally normal day - which these days is not normal. After I picked Tuck up from pre-k we went to Aldi's and Sam's. We washed the car and vacumed it out We came home and put groceries away. I took a quick nap, Tucker played. We picked the rest of the kids up from school. We ate leftovers for dinner. I did a little ironing. We watched Curious George 2. Then lights out early.

So ordinary and such a treat on this day- 11-11-11!

Jennifer

2011-11-03T23:14:00.005-05:00

A while back I posted about my sisters fight with cancer. Now she is fighting again. Only this time it is an ulcer.
Somebody else bigger than this blog videoed and wrote about it. I thought I would share the link here

And on a totally different note- I have no idea how I got those bullets.

When upon Life's billows ...

2011-11-01T20:45:00.003-05:00

I have Tucker posts.
And everybody else posts.
Life is being lived and experienced, but not so much recorded. Need to work on that.

Since it is November first, it is the right time to re-visit my blessing a day blog. How have I not posted on it this year? It is time to remember so much.

Last night I said something to my kids about what we can do when life is overwhelming, or things don't go as planned. I posed it as a question and I think it was Luke or Jack that said to count our blessings.

It is high time I remember to do that.

Here I go.

Tucker Week- It keeps going ...

2011-09-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

This summer we cleaned out the toys and boxed a bunch up. They have been waiting in the garage to put in the attic, to sell, or to donate. Tucker was pretty much done with all of them. Didn't blink an eye when he helped me move them to the garage.

I think that when the older kids are around he wants to play with them, and do what they do.
But after school started, he re-discovered his old friends.

We found batteries and his re-discovered friends literally came to life!

Nan taught Tucker the difference between a Phillips and a Flathead screwdriver. Now Tucker feels like it is his responsibility to find the right screwdriver and unscrew the screws for me. (to everything.)

Tucker has spent many a day after school with the trains, rescue heroes, cars, & Lincoln Logs. All things he thought he was done playing with.

And replacing the batteries in everything he can unscrew.

Tucker Week- a boy and a big box

2011-09-28T23:55:00.001-05:00

He wanted someone to play outside with him so bad. He had nobody to play with. It is hard to be left at home when all of your brothers and sister get to go to school all day.
So outside we went to the big big oven box. I wrote letters and he circled them. We colored and traced. We lay down on the grass and talked. He made me laugh. He was happy. And so was I.

Tucker Week- what to take on a quick trip

2011-09-27T08:22:00.004-05:00

I am going to take a few weeks to highlight each of the kids. Believe me there are plenty of things that I could blog about that are negative, and I could vent all the annoying things. It is not my point to only portray our life like a glossy magazine. It is not. There are frustrations, tears, arguments, struggles, self-doubt. Pretty much a normal family life. But if I don't focus on the positive ... who will? Plus there are some pretty funny things that the younger kids do- and some sweet things from the older ones that I don't want to forget.
First up ...

Tucker week!

I needed to make a quick trip to the store and called out to Tuck to get in the car. He hollered out "just a minute- can I take something?"

Sure- why not.

Because you never know when you are going to need a nebulizer box filled with a mini light saber, a pocket websters dictionary, and a plastic boulder.

With a pillow towel slung over you shoulder for that quick nap out in the sun.

Tucker Week- animal parade

2011-09-26T11:22:00.000-05:00

I am going to take a few weeks to highlight each of the kids. Believe me there are plenty of things that I could blog about that are negative, and I could vent all the annoying things. It is not my point to only portray our life like a glossy magazine. It is not. There are frustrations, tears, arguments, struggles, self-doubt. Pretty much a normal family life. But if I don't focus on the positive ... who will? Plus there are some pretty funny things that the younger kids do- and some sweet things from the older ones that I don't want to forget.
First up ...

Tucker week!

He called out "Hey -mom, come see what I made!"

"An animal parade."

"The stinky animals are on this side," (left)

"... and the not stinky ones are on this side." (right)

one whole hand-

2011-09-25T20:00:00.005-05:00

Today this boy turned 5!

One whole hand!

Dear Tucker,
You were so fun to celebrate with today! You had such fun requests. The easiest meals to make for your special day.
For breakfast you requested: hot dog buns with honey
For lunch you requested: hamburger buns with jam
For dinner you requested: scrambled eggs with bacon
For dessert: " that yummy red cake because its so good"
Like I said the easiest requests!

When you woke up today you were excited thinking about getting to wear the birthday hat at church and being sung to in Primary. When you opened up a present before we left for church you were thrilled to get your own box of orange tic tacs. You always want your own box when we go to the store, and I don't buy them. You were so excited and said "my own pair of tic tacs!" By the time church was over the box was almost empty.
We let you pick where to sit in church and you picked the very front pew. That turned out surprisingly well!
Today you changed clothes many times- I stopped keeping track after outfit/dressup #8.
You and I had gotten out the size 5 box of clothes this last week, and today you wanted to wear everything that was in the box because as you said "now I am 5." You also added many items from the dressup bins to your clothes. You were variations of many different things- cowboy, batman, there were a few swords, and weapons of different kinds mixed with odds and ends from the bins.
You were so much fun to be with. You took all of our birthday traditions seriously. You made sure that you were the first one to take a bite at all the meals. All day I have thought about how much joy you bring to me and to the whole family. I am so glad you were born.

Last night I was thinking about the day you were born and how you got your name. All throughout your pregnancy we would talk about different names. We liked the name Quincy a lot. Luke picked up on the name and said that you would be Quincy P if you were a girl. If you were a boy we really liked the name Clarke. So right after you were born and we knew that you were our boy, I held you close and stared into your sweet face and questioned the name. I looked at Dad and back at you and said that I did not think you were Clarke. It was so funny, the name just was not you. So we took a day or so to think about it. The hospital raised a fuss about us leaving without naming you. But nobody was going to rush me into naming my son!
On the drive home we decided on Tucker. Tucker James. It is so you. I can't imagine you as anyone else.
I am so glad that you were born.
Love, Mom

Back to School/Summer Reading Dinner

2011-09-07T06:21:00.011-05:00

A month ago today (oops-2 days ago) we started school. Can't believe it has been 1 month.
We started on a Friday. I was not sure about starting on a Friday, but in the end I loved it. It is nice to have one day to get over the first day jitters and work out the kinks in the family schedule, then have a weekend to recuperate and get ready for a full week ahead.
We had our family Back to School/ Summer Reading Dinner/Father's Blessings that Sunday.

We started off with Father's Blessings. I love this tradition. I think that next time I will make sure everyone has a little food in their tummies. We had only a few moments of grumpiness. And that was mostly for the pictures. I was really proud of one of these photos that I took. The child gave me only 1 shot to get the photo. And I did it.
And the shot of me and Jay? Savanna took it. It is now our favorite current shot.

That weekend we pulled together our list of all the books we had read outloud together and made our menu. I was feeling a little sad that we had not read more books outloud together. But then realized we had only read one more outloud last summe r than this one. I just decided to feel good about what we did do. We made some fun memories with a nursery rhyme book. There were so many that we had never heard of before. The funniest being, "Aiken Drum." This became our favorite and the kids memorized it pretty quick.

Our book list:
Mr. Popper's Penguins
How to Eat Fried Worms
The Nursery Rhyme Book
More About Paddington

The kids helped compile the menu from the food they could remember in the books.

Our Menu:
Mr. Popper's Penguins "advertising lettuce"

Mr. Popper's Penguins "canned beans"

The Nursery Rhyme Book- Aiken Drumm "good roast beef"

The Nursery Rhyme Book- Aiken Drumm"penny loaves"

The Nursery Rhyme Book- Aiken Drumm "good cream cheese"
More About Paddington "marmalade"

How to Eat Fried Worms "gummy Worms, popcorn & licorice"

More about Paddington "hard candy"

I love our back to school dinner- and it is a tradition that I will try and keep going. (Luke just saw me typing and said "even though we have only done it two years.") As long as I have children at home that will listen to me read I will keep doing it.

(I have a recording of the nursery rhyme Aiken Drumm- but I can't get it to load. As soon as I get a hold of my technology wizard I will get it loaded.)

9th day of 9th grade

2011-09-07T06:10:00.002-05:00

6th day of 6th grade

2011-09-07T06:02:00.002-05:00

3rd day of 3rd grade!

2011-08-25T13:19:00.002-05:00

1st day of school!

2011-08-24T22:48:00.001-05:00

All four of them ready to go! There was so much excitement that morning. I don't know who was the most excited. Savanna entering high school, Jack entering middle school, Luke getting to have a brand new teacher in the middle of the elementary, or Tucker starting pre-K.

Savanna-9th grade- and finally carrying a back pack! (more on that later!)

Jack -6th grade- and his many faces of Jack shirt. Love that Jack (both of them!)

Luke-3rd grade- and two of his favorites on the shirt ... Lego and Star Wars. The only thing better would be to have had that with a mix of Harry Potter and a few books thrown in.

Then there is Tucker. Pre-K and proud as can be. He carries that school issued bag with pride.

We really did have a good morning getting everyone ready to go. We all got in the car to drive to school. As we got closer we started talking with Jack and Savanna about where they wanted to be dropped off. Or did they want to park and walk in with the rest of us? Before they could answer Tucker piped up "Hey- you can just drop me off." We all laughed. But he was completely serious.

Once we got inside we could hardly keep up with him. He owns this school, don't ya know? He wasn't trying to get away from us, he just knew where he was going and was excited to get there!

We love his teacher. She student taught in Jack's class when he was in 2nd grade. We were so excited to see his name on her class list! Tucker told us that she looks just like Cinderella but without "bright hair." He told her after a few days of school, "See, you look just like Cinderella, you even have "tute" (cute) shoes!"

(this one is blurry but so sweet- Luke was so happy for Tucker to start school, and I think just a little nervous for him. He gave him the biggest hugs before we left the class room.)

Insert crying mom photo here.
I was totally fine until I walked out the pre-K door. I got a little teary eyed, but got over it quick. I was feeling so thankful that Tucker was happy to be where he was and not crying, holding onto my leg begging me to stay, or take him home!

We had dropped off the youngest and already said good-bye in the hall to Savanna and Jack so it was time to walk Luke to class. I think he was a little mix of excitement/nervousness. I could feel his anxiety as we got him settled into the room. His teacher is new to the school (but not new to teaching) and I think Luke was not sure what to expect. We left the room with him just a titch unsure. I had to go back into the room to put his inhaler in his back pack (instead of leaving it with the nurse) and I was relieved to see his easy going grin.

That was it- in less than 30 minutes I had all of my children dropped off and in class. All my children. I was kidless for a few hours. (pre-k is just a few hours.)

Jay and I planned a Starbucks date- knowing we would be kid free. We were talking around our/my emotions of reaching this milestone. I was saying that I felt fine, things were good. And really I was. As long as I didn't really think about it.

A friend called to see how our morning went. I was fine telling her I was fine. Really I was. Until she mentioned that song by Taylor Swift. The one that had made her cry that morning as she dropped her new to high school daughter off. The song "Never Grow up." If you know what song I am talking about and you have kids that you are wanting to hold on to just a little bit longer then you might have a knot in the back of your throat. If you don't know this song- google it and read the lyrics.

Oh my- I was a crying mess.
Jay and I sat in Starbucks while I cried ... I posted this on Facebook/twitter- the day before:

"All of our kids will be in school as of tomorrow. My heart is bursting and breaking at the same time."

Then this while we were in Starbucks:
"Crying at Starbucks. 1st day of school- no kids date — with Jay Spear at Starbucks."

"Oldest started highschool, middle started middle school other middle is in the middle, and youngest started pre-k today. I was fine, really. Until that dang Taylor swift song "Never Grow Up." Now I am a mess."

It really is a funny thing. We want them to grow and learn and discover and we are so proud of them, and then the next moment we don't want anything to change. Couldn't we just have endless summer for a while longer?

Our cute barista was not sure what to think- they were out of what I ordered so she was coming out to talk with us and here we were a crying mess. We had to chuckle and explain that these were the good kind of tears. We are happy to feel the way we do.

I saw this on Pinterst and it summed up my emotional state well-
Crying doesn't indicate that you're weak. Since birth it has always been a sign that you are alive.

I am living. Bring on the school year- tears and all.

Pre-day of Pre-K

2011-08-18T23:10:00.003-05:00

That paper chain just kept getting shorter and shorter. No matter how much I tried to ignore it.
About a week ago I realized I was off by 6 days. Taking those extra 6 off was hard! I knew it was coming, I have a calendar. But seeing it on a paper chain just makes it so real!
So now its down to one, and there is a very excited boy in our house!

Tomorrow is the day! Tucker starts Pre-K! It has been fun (and funny) to talk with Tuck about starting school. When I don't think about all the emotions of it, it is all really exciting! He finally gets to go to school where he has seen his siblings go for the last almost 5 years. He feels like the school is his. So far, no apprehensions or worries or fears. For Tucker that is. (Momma is another story!)

summer drinks- water

2011-07-21T18:03:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday-Joy

2011-07-20T21:44:00.001-05:00

Hidden Mickey Moment #9

2011-07-15T08:15:00.000-05:00

Again- Tucker found this one- two hairbands leftover from Jack's "who" hair from the musical combined with a chain in the cupholder.

lost and found summer 2011

2011-06-21T15:24:00.005-05:00

We have a set of cabinets that are identical upstairs and downstairs. Inside each set is a laundry hamper. We have always used the upstairs one for laundry and the downstairs one has rotated between a dress up bin and dirty laundry holder.

Today Savanna took out the drawer above the hamper to take into her room so she could load it up with all of her extra pens and pencils.

I don't know why, but something about seeing inside through the open drawer hole made me curious. How does that hamper pull out and what is behind it?

HOLY COW!

There was a whole load of laundry behind the hamper. I could not reach it with my hands. I had to get one of our firepit tools- the long "tongs" to pull everything out.

What was behind there?
12 pair of underwear (including 1 pair of "training pants")
5 pairs of pants (including one size 2 T khaki Sunday pants-it has been over 2 years since anyone has worn a size 2 T. 2 pair of size 5 khaki Sunday pants that Tucker will be able to wear this fall)
4 pairs of shorts
8 shirts (including a shirt of Savannas from 2005 in a size 8)
2 pj pants
1 pj shirt
8 socks (two of which make a complete pair, and 1 adorable baby striped sock that I kept its lonely mate to for the last 4 years & 1 "Sunday Red"of Tuckers that has only been missing for 2 weeks)

I was astounded by all that was behind the hamper. It made me wonder what was behind the one downstairs.

Not as much, but just as amusing.
1 knights shield
1 superman hand
1 batman dart glove thingy
2 shirts
1 raccoon mask

I have laughed and laughed about this all day. You know how "they" say that things get lost in the wash? Our stuff never makes it to the wash!

When Jay got home and I showed him all the things that I had discovered. He laughed too and said it was kind of like a time capsule!

I think I will start checking behind the hamper more often.

Comic Relief

2011-06-04T11:22:00.000-05:00

Luke had a Dr appointment over at the newly renovated Children's hospital. We were there to see a new Dr. to help Luke with his asthma. By the end of our two hour appointment Luke and I were done. We needed a break.

I had not been over in the Children's Hospital since Tucker was born. When we were there last the building was all under construction.

But now its all shiny and new.

We went on a walk to admire the building. We came into the main lobby and I had to hold back my giggles at the very large children that welcomed all who came into the building.

Luke cracked me up. He took one look at the giant children with their giant heads and said "Whoa! How do they get their shirts on!"

Love

2011-06-03T07:03:00.000-05:00

I love that Jay takes photos. I love that I still have days of getting to hold Tucker when he falls asleep. I love that this photo is a still snapshot. I love that we look so calm. I love knowing what was going on behind the photo.

Survey says ...

2011-06-02T10:27:00.001-05:00

Hooray! We are done! Another school year is complete and summer has started! Here are a few snippets from the last day of school surveys. (along with notes from mom to her kids)

What was the best thing about being home with Mom? "Going to Sam's"
(Ahhh so glad I made an impact!)

What do you hope to learn next year when you go to school? "We will learn about dogs because I love dogs. I will ask my teacher if we can learn about dogs."
(Love dogs? That is a new one.)

What is your favorite color? "red'
(Always has been!)

What was your favorite book you read? " Curious George, sometimes I like my other books."
(Those were the only ones you would check out from the library.)

What would you like to do/be when you grow up? "A zookeeper, pet animals, keep the animals."
(Poor child that doesn't have his own pet.)

What do we need more of in the world and what do we need less of? "Jesus Christ/fire that are on grass not inside of bricks."
(Amen and Amen!)

What do you hope to learn next year? "Division"
(I am sure you will have that down in no time and will be asking for more problems to figure out!)

What are you proud of from this school year? "Reading"
(You earned every ounce of that pride!)

What was your least favorite subject? "Math"
(Really he put I don't know, but when pressed he put Math.)

What do you hope to do this summer? "go to Hawaii"
(Oh- that would be wonderful!)

What do we need more of in the world and what do we need less of? "Less city and more country."
(This just made me smile.)

What was the best thing about grade school? "3rd grade."
(I would have to agree.)

What was your favorite school field trip? "Camp Classen."
(I am glad Dad got to go with you!)

What are you proud of from this school year? "President Award."
(That was Awesome!)

What would you like to do/be when you grow up? "Remote Locator or gun designer."
(I look forward to seeing your designs!)

What do we need more of in the world and what do we need less of? "Kindness/trash."
(I agree!)

What was your favorite subject? "6th hour Honors English."
(I enjoyed reading some of the things that you wrote.)

Least favorite? "Algebra :("
(Of all of your classes that was my least favorite too!)

What do you hope to do this summer? "Redecorate my room."
(Let's do it!)

What would you like to do/be when you grow up? "A music teacher."
(You will be great- your brothers will give you lots of practice in the patience department!)

What do we need more of in the world and what do we need less of? "chocolate, cool socks, yellow stuff/ bad weather."
(I agree about the chocolate, yellow is your new color and a prayerful amen on the bad weather part.)

Goodbye 2010/2011 school year!

One year older ...

2011-05-24T08:36:00.000-05:00

Scenes from my day. Hello 38!

Worker Tucker

2011-05-22T16:54:00.000-05:00

When we were having our air conditioner replaced we had several days of workman in and around our home. Tucker was in heaven.

A post from twitter: "workmen+4 year old= workmen challenge/4 year old dream"

Tucker was into everything the workmen were in. I sort of stopped trying to keep him inside. He was asking all kinds of questions. Their work spurred him to create "work" of his own.

He used a small paint roller minus the brush to lift bricks,

then to try and carve bricks away from the house.

I love Tucker's curiosity. It has been so different than all of the kids. Each one so unique. I totally have loved having him home with me all day this school year.

2011-05-22T14:09:00.003-05:00

Luke got a math medal for completing the principals math timed tests. We were happy and excited that he qualified for this. He had to work a little slower to make his writing more legible, and that would slow him down. And sometimes he would skip ahead to the next question before he had finished writing down the previous answer.

Then came the reading awards. Luke is a reader. Not doubt about it. His school has a reading program that tests them after they read a book and they accumulate points based on their comprehension throughout the year.

He set high reading goals and met most of them. He receivd an award for having the top AR points for his class and grade. But he totally blew us away when he received an award for having the highest amount of AR points in the school. He had over 440 points! I loved it when the principal said how many words he had read ...

He received a gift card for pizza and a book.

Luke got a special award from the principal. A "fast pass" that is valid until October 15th of next year. This pass allows him to move to the front of any line at school.

We are so proud of Luke and we are amazed at what he has learned from reading. He enjoys reading anything and everything including the dictionary, but will still have fun reading books with Tucker. I love it when he comes up to share a funny quote from a book.

Way to go Luke!

Jack the Scout

2011-05-22T13:00:00.001-05:00

Jack received his Tenderfoot in Scouts and then I received my pin!

I so appreciate all the work that Scout leaders do. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. A lot of the leaders don't have sons in Scouts and they show up prepared to teach the boys. I am thankful for that.

I am thankful for the older boys setting an example for the younger boys. Tucker loves to watch Jack and Luke at scouts and wants to do what they do!

I am thankful for the work that Jack puts into his scouting. He is diligent. He works at the things he needs to do. I am thankful that he is helping us learn about the Boy Scout program. By the time Tucker is in Boy Scouts I just might have things figured out!

What do you sweep?

2011-05-20T17:59:00.003-05:00

I pushed the broom under the cabinet in the hallway and was met with a slight resistance. More so than the average dust bunny.

No wonder.

Tucker and Sam -take 2

2011-05-11T10:30:00.004-05:00

Last month Jay and I had a good laugh after checking on the kids in the middle of the night.
I went in to turn off bedside lamps and give one last kiss goodnight and had to stifle an outloud laugh when I saw Tucker and Sam.
Thankful for camera flash to capture a late night photo.
Reminded us of the other time Sam and Tucker looked the same.

Hidden Mickey Moment #8

2011-05-09T12:36:00.000-05:00

While at the Omniplex (I don't think I will ever just call it the "science museum- old habits don't go away!) last month, Tucker yelled- Hidden Mickey! while going through the children's space exhibit.

2011 morning with mom +bonus photos of years past

2011-05-07T11:18:00.008-05:00

Another year has passed since the last Mornings with Mom. Thankfully this one passed without anything memorable. (Although I think we managed to get there this year as late as in times past, and there was the same discussion with Savanna about whether or not she could come.) The most memorable thing from this year was taking Savanna a few doughnuts to her first hour after we had finished ours.

Not to worry that I don't have anything memorable from this year. I always have the memories of THIS experience. I laugh more and more with each passing year. I laugh at the things that happened that I did not write about because I was too embarassed at the time. Like how when we left the cafeteria to drop Luke off in his class before the fieldtrip I sat Tucker on a table outside the door to give Luke a kiss goodbye. It was so humid and Tucker's diaper was so full that it left a ring of moisture on the table when I picked him up. Or how when I ran home really quick (I was meeting them at the zoo) to change Tucker I found poop wiped all over the white shower curtain. I can remember feeling so completely overwhelmed and grossed out. How could this possibly be my life? I don't know if things have changed much, or if I have just grown accustomed to the mess!

I went to find photos of last year ... and the years previous:

May 2010

May 2009

May 2009

Pictures of 2008 Mornings with Mom - Savanna's last time to go!

May 2007

May 2007

2007 morning with mom- just Savanna and Jack!

Years previous are not documented in photos but in my heart. Before we went totally digital!

Found fun

2011-05-07T08:41:00.000-05:00

Growing up I loved to babysit. I continued doing so through high-school and after graduation. In fact that was what took me to Colorado.

There was one little boy that I loved to watch- Timothy. I worked with his Mom and she would have me come over a few days a week. He was an only child and I loved going to his house to play with him. One afternoon he came walking out of his parents bedroom with the biggest smile on his face. He proudly showed me a new car. He was so excited to tell me all about it. How many pistons it had and what kind it was. He went on to tell me that he was so excited that he got it for his birthday. I loved his excitement for his new toy. It was electric. Never had I seen him so excited over any gift, or toy of his own.

The next day when I went into work I was immediately teased for letting Timothy open up his birthday presents early. I had no idea, but this little boy had been in his parents closet and found his gift. His excitement wasn't just over getting a new toy, but in the discovery of it.

Fast forward ... about 19 years. I had picked up a few things around Easter time and set them inside an armoir in my studio on the top shelf. One of the things was a play dough ice cream fun factory. Usually the doors are closed, but for some reason this day they were open. I was sitting on the floor organizing my ever growing piles of memorabilia not paying attention to Tucker. I heard him take in a breath. I looked up at him and he looked back at me with wide eyes as he said "mom I found something fun!" In a Dash like maneuver Tucker found a stool, managed to get it in the room and around the piles of stuff and then wedged between a pile and the open door on the teeny tiny clear space of floor. Almost as quick he climbed up and grabbed the box and down again and started tearing apart the box. With shaking hands and quick breath he said "oh I can't wait! I am so excited!"

This is from the boy who does not care for arts and crafts, or creating things. He would much rather take something apart, or screw or nail something to a board. His excitement over finding this new toy was so fun to watch. I really think his excitement in finding it exceeded any that he would have had, if I had saved it and wrapped it up for some future occasion. Tucker and Luke played with the playdough for over an hour.

As I watched Tucker play "ice cream shop" I remembered about Timothy and his excitement. I used to feel a little guilty that he had found his present early. Now I don't feel bad that he had that moment of fun, just sad that his mom missed seeing him so excited about it.

The fun has not faded for them. They are still having fun with it. Me? I am remembering the joy of picking playdough out of carpet and scraping it off of clothes.

This I Believe: His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

2011-04-24T16:12:00.000-05:00

Breakfast in Bed #10 French Breakfast Puffs

2011-04-13T14:03:00.004-05:00

The first weekend of every April and October our church has a Conference that is broadcast from Salt Lake City to all of its members throughout the world. I look forward to these two weekends!
We sit together as a family and listen/watch together. While I don't hear every word (we had to stop the talk that was specifically instructing on parenting to, well, be parents!) it is the overall feeling that I love.

When we woke up conference weekend I decided we needed a little something extra that morning. As children woke up and came in for a snuggle, I tried to slip out of the room. Luke looked at me wondering where I was going, and I whispered, "I think I am going to go make something different to go with our eggs." His eyes widened, "Can I help?"

Off to the kitchen to try something new. I was curious to find out how this next recipe from Breakfast in Bed would be.

These were the best thing I think I have ever made. If there is only one thing you take from my blog, take this recipe. They are little bites of french heaven.

Have someone help you. Not because you will need help. They are so very simple to make. The fact that Luke helped me make these, and that he is not too far off from making these by himself puts a smile on my face. I know what I am requesting for my birthday breakfast!

French Breakfast Puffs
makes 15 puffs, or 30 mini puffs

1/2 cup shortening
1/ cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/ teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
cinnamon sugar( 1.2 cup sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, cream shortening, sugar and egg. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fill greased muffin tins two-thirds full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until puffs are golden brown. Remove puffs from oven and immediately roll in butter and then in cinnamon sugar.
Note: I used mini muffin tins- I loved the bite size goodness of them!

I had Jay drop two off to my Mom while he was running a few errands before conference. She called to ask where I bought them. She was certain that she had misunderstood Jay when he said that I had made them that morning. They were too much like a delicious donut hole but not fried. Oh I can't wait for you to try them out yourself!

SPT-teeth

2011-04-12T22:31:00.002-05:00

I stopped wearing my retainers 5 years ago. Around the time that I was pregnant with Tucker. It took about that long for my teeth to start shifting. My front teeth started to cross. I thought I would just live with it but they started to hurt. So I went back to the orthodontist and I am back to wearing retainers. A see through plastic retainer on the top and the tiny one on the bottom. I look silly, and sound sillier. My kids laugh. I console myself with the fact that my kids are seeing a great example of what not to do.

Part 1- the announcement

2011-04-11T22:17:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time there were two families. Their friendship started between their daughters.
Years of school, and after school get togethers and summer hangouts. Then family dinners. Then a far off dream of a trip to the most-magical-place-on-earth together.
It was a wish made then a dream fulfilled.

We had been talking about the possibility of our family going. The kids hoped but probably thought in reality it would not ever happen.

But last November we announced our exciting plans.
We ate dinner with the Smiths and they sent the kids on a scavenger hunt.

The big reveal ...

Scenes that made me laugh

2011-04-11T21:42:00.006-05:00

Yes that is a dinosaur coming out of the playhouse.

Yet, another dinosaur terrorizing the house.

These two rabbits ... we all kept wondering who was the trickster to put them inside the clock. We were sure it was one of the older kids, but no, it was Tucker. We are very surprised (and relieved) he was able to get them in the clock without pulling it off the wall.

Superman holding a note on top of the piano. The post it note is a reminder that one of the kids wrote of which Hymn they were going to practice. I think its especially funny that the Hymn that ole Superman is reminding them to practice is "I need the every hour."

Guy from Mulan straddling a bell. Not sure what he was doing up there.

Breakfast in Bed #9 Ricotta Pancakes

2011-04-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

Back in February I had extra Ricotta to use and I remembered seeing this recipe from my Breakfast in Bed cookbook. That book is going to be held together with rubber bands soon. It is getting covered with sticky notes and scribbles on the pages, smeared with food, and pages stuck together with syrup. It is a favorite for sure!

I was a little unsure about these. Pancakes with Ricotta? But it was a snow day- so I figured we had time to try it out. If they turned out horrible then we could make regular pancakes, or oatmeal or skip breakfast all-together and head full speed ahead to lunch! Because really on snow days- breakfast falls shortly before lunch anyway.

So a stack of pancakes I did make. Very light. We gave them and enthusiastic thumbs up!

But the most unusual and best part came after I made them. The recipe mentioned topping them with sour cream and jam, or whipped cream and fresh berries.

First Ricotta, now sour cream? I went ahead and got it out. I pulled out all of our toppings on the table and told everyone what was suggested. I thought I would give it a try. Jay was skeptical. It was not until everyone oohed and aahed that he gave it a go.

I wrote this in my book, "Jay says that this is a birthday breakfast. We tried berries and whipped cream, & the sour cream with jam. Both were good. The sour cream and jam were an unexpected compliment. It tasted like a sour cream danish. Jay said it opened up the possibilities of sour cream. Yum!"

So when you make them, try at least one with sour cream and jam. Just see if you don't go back for another.

Ricotta Pancakes
(makes 16 pancakes- but I think it needs to be doubled for sure!)

3 eggs, separated
1 cup ricotta cheese
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Sour cream and jam, or whipped cream and fresh berries (optional)

In a large bowl, beat egg yolks, cheese, milk, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Gently fold egg whites into cheese mixture.

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and grease if necessary. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto hot griddle. Cook pancakes until puffed and dry around edges. Flip and cook other side until pancakes are golden brown. Server with sour cream and jam or whipped cream and fresh berries, if desired.

a letter

2011-04-05T08:18:00.003-05:00

Dear Spring,
Thank you for being fickle. Your indecision of whether you wanted to be hot or cold or somewhere in the middle caused us to turn on our air conditioner. Which led to a really loud bang. And sparks. And then nothing.

We are so thankful to you oh-change-her-mind-like-the-weather-Spring.
We might have thought we could hold off for a while on replacing the old fizzled unit, but you

have shown us. On the warmest day of the year so far we had no air. Had you just given us a slightly warm day we would have had no idea the unit was going to go. We would have waited until we were on an extended stay with the heat of your sister Summer. By then it would be past time to get a new air conditioner.

Thank you for continuing to be so fickle as to allow a few days of cool, while we shop around and get estimates. Your wind was a natural air conditioner and almost made me forget the weekend! I am sorry for all the times I cursed your strength! When my skirt flies up and my hair goes all crazy I will just say thanks.

The dust you sent as your final parting gift was really a nice touch. Nobody knew I had been slacking in my housekeeping. Everyone here knew we have had all windows and doors open so naturally they "knew" it was a souvenir from you.

Thanks again for everything, I will be thinking of you when we visit your sister Summer, and we sit in the cool relief of our air conditioned home.

No longer your fair weather friend,
Alisa

Can I get up yet?

2011-04-01T12:42:00.002-05:00

Oh spring. I think you are back. You are going to tease us this weekend, for sure. What an April Fools Joke! But I will take what I can get!

Jay and I differ a little on our taste in weather. He loves the gray skies, fog, and sunless skies. He says they remind him of a nice blanket. I say sure, a nice blanket that is smothering me!

I have so much to share. Many happy things. Many happy memories involving the six members of this family. As I come out of the cocoon and blanket of winter/spring I can start sharing!

Hidden Mickey Moment #7

2011-03-07T21:51:00.001-06:00

We have had a new breakfast favorite around here. Part of it involves cream cheese and flatbread Wasa crackers. As Jack doused his cracker with Tabasco sauce a Mickey plopped out!

Huggage

2011-03-06T22:25:00.002-06:00

There are those moments that make you melt. A moment that makes you forget all the other rotten, terrible, no good moments of the day. Moments that you are so thankful that you have a camera ready. Because seriously. You can't pose this stuff.

Anchor

2011-02-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

Totally proud.

I am thankful my Mom came along to see Savanna perform in the middle school talent show. It was packed so we stood in the back. I had not planned to video it, just go and enjoy. But I am so glad my Mom thought to bring the video camera.

It gave me chills to hear her perform. I hear her practice at home all the time. She is always singing. But performing on stage is totally different.

Enjoy.

Dear Jay,

2011-02-16T23:23:00.002-06:00

You asked why our floor seemed so tacky. Not really sticky but tacky.
Here is your answer.
In pictures.

Love, Alisa (and tuck)

what to eat- Valentines treats & Banana Cake Trifle

2011-02-16T23:18:00.000-06:00

We made many valentines treats last week.

Peppermint Popcorn: popped popcorn drizzled with melted almond bark (or white chocolate) and mixed with crushed up candy canes.

It was eaten by the handful/bowlful.

Peppermint hugs: Candy Cane Hershey kiss, melted on top of pretzels (my favorite's the "grid" pretzel) topped with an m&m.

But my most favorite treat of all was thrown together last minute. I needed an after Valentines dinner dessert. I surveyed what we had on hand. Strawberries, vanilla pudding, heavy cream that could be whipped. I thought a trifle sounded great. I didn't have any cake, or brownies so I figured I would have to make some a little later.
That is until my Mom stopped by. She brought me the rest of a dessert I had left at her house.
Banana cake. It was perfect timing!
I figured I would just sub out the banana cake for the regular cake.

So glad I did!

It was the most delicious thrown together thing I have made. Several times Jay has asked me if I will be able to remember how I made it. It was perfect.

Last week I had been given many brown bananas. So many I lost count. I shared with friends and put some in the freezer. I had given a bunch to my friend Kim, and she mentioned a banana cake recipe that she had enjoyed way more than bread. I thought I would give it a try. She mailed it to me and I scrawled it out on a piece of paper really quick.

I threw it together and took it to my moms that night. We sampled it and I agreed that I liked it better than bread. I was a little disappointed the next morning when I realized I had left the cake at my mom's. I was kind of thinking it would have been great with breakfast!
Thankfully I had left it. This was such a wonderful combination.

Banana Cake, vanilla pudding, sliced strawberries, whipped cream with vanilla only, (no sugar added). Then repeat the layers.

Banana Cake

2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup buttermilk or sour milk
2 medium ripe bananas, smashed
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix everything together. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed. Pour into 9x13 pan Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

SPT

2011-02-15T22:23:00.002-06:00

Another Tuesday. Another trip to the mall with Tucker. Story time and then sit on the mechanical toys that we don't put quarters in.

Time to hide the scissors

2011-02-15T21:56:00.005-06:00

"Mom, See this hair?"

"I need you to cut it off."

Umm no. I think we will just wet it.

Hidden Mickey Moment #6

2011-02-15T14:22:00.001-06:00

Savanna and I were sitting listening to beautiful Christmas music when I got a nudge and a point followed by "Do you see the Hidden Mickey?"

I slyly pulled out my camera and snapped a photo.

Can you find the Hidden Mickey?

Hidden Mickey Moment #5

2011-02-12T22:28:00.000-06:00

While at the mall my sister spotted a hidden Mickey. Can you spot it?

What to eat -Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-02-09T21:49:00.004-06:00

I have no idea where I first saw this recipe. It was last week. I know that. During one of our many days home in the snowstorm. When I first saw it, I didn't think that I would try it. I mean, come on. I love cookies but I think I would just like them separate. Chocolate chip in one hand and an Oreo in the other, thank you very much. But the blog said she thought the same thing and tried it anyway. She made such a great argument and was so convincing that I bought double stuff Oreos on Saturday night when I finally ventured out of the house. I hadn't left the house since Monday night!

Sunday, Savanna offered to help make them and I could not find where I had first seen the cookies. I looked up "Oreo stuffed" and Wow! These cookies are everywhere! I picked one. Now I can't even find that blog. But I think I found the source tonight. Right here.

2 sticks softened butter

3/4 Cup packed light brown sugar

1 Cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 Tablespoon pure vanilla

3 1/2 Cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

10 oz bag chocolate chips

1 bag Oreo Cookies, I used the double stuff

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer cream butter and sugars until well combined. Add in eggs and vanilla until well combined.

2. In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined. Using a cookie scoop take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie. Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo Cookie. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo Cookie is enclosed with dough. Place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 minutes or until cookies are baked to your liking. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. Serve with a tall glass of milk, enjoy!

Makes about 2 dozen VERY LARGE Cookies .

We used the least amount of cookie dough that we could and still cover up the double stuff Oreo.

A little tip. I accidentally left some sitting on a baking stone in the oven over night. They were hard as rocks. I couldn't imagine letting them go to waste. The next day we each dropped one in a shallow bowl with a little milk went after it with a fork. No wasting good chocolate!

SPT-Learning the alphabet at the mall

2011-02-08T21:23:00.003-06:00

Tucker and I have been working on learning letters. I have been pointing out letters to him of words he loves. Like Lego and his brothers names. Just today he was able to point out to me that all the names Tucker, Jack and Luke have a K in them.

We took our Tuesday trip to the mall for Pottery Barn story time and a visit to the Lego store. I thought I might as well share with him a letter of something I love too.

G is for .... Godiva.

F is for ... free.
M is for ... Mmmm.

Fortune Teller

2011-02-07T16:45:00.006-06:00

I had to pick up chopsticks today for a game we are going to be playing at one of the kids Valentines parties. Tucker was given a fortune cookie as we left.

As we drove home he called from his seat behind me in the car,
" Mom! There is a note inside my cookie!"

I chuckled at his discovery and headed for home. We were putting away things from our errands and together we went into the bathroom. I turned around from the counter in time to hear Tucker say "Look at me." I had a brief moment to see him hanging from the towel bar off the wall mounted cabinet. Then I watched as Tucker and the shelf came crashing down on the toilet.

Scared more than hurt, I picked him up and we talked about why that isn't a good idea. Just like I had when we were at Walmart earlier, as he had tried to scale the shampoo shelf.

After we/he were calmed down I went back to putting things away. I laughed right out loud when I came back out to the kitchen and found Tucker's "note" sitting on the kitchen table.

(click photo to read)

I would consider this more of a warning than a fortune!

What to Eat Wednesday- or What pirates eat

2011-02-02T21:14:00.001-06:00

Tucker and I made these one afternoon a few weeks ago.
So easy and so yum.

They look like plain chocolate covered pretzels don't they?
(As if pretzels covered in chocolate is plain! HA!)
But hiding under the sweet chocolate is Peanut Butter!

You need Pretzel rods, creamy Peanut butter and any kind of melting chocolate.

I found it works best if you heat the peanut butter up a little then dip the pretzel rod in until its covered with as much peanut butter as you like. Then place on waxed paper in the freezer. I put wax paper on a cookie sheet to help with transferring it in and out of the freezer.

After the pretzel and peanut butter have had time to firm up, then dip them again, this time in melted chocolate. At this point you can stick them back in the freezer or leave them out.

Tucker was helping me dip the pretzels in the chocolate. We were stirring and swirling the pretzel rods in the chocolate when Tucker said, "These seem like a snack that a pirate would eat." I found that to be pretty funny, because in our house I am the only one that chooses pirate in the whole "ninja/pirate" debate.

I just had to ask him if he thought Ninja's would like them too.
When I did he quickly said, "No! Ninja's don't eat!"
Oh really?
"No, they have that thing covering their mouth. I think they are allergic."

That explains why ninjas are so dang skinny.

Goodbye 2010- April edition

2011-01-16T13:09:00.000-06:00

April!

date night

Easter egg hunt with cousins

April 6

a change of pace .... Lincoln Logs instead of Legos

zoo field trip with Luke

Tucker and his favorite animal ... Bald Eagle.

April 7

April 9 spring clean at Nans

Tucker helping in the kitchen

Jay's photos of spring at
work

Uncle Paul out for a visit

trip to the park with Uncle Paul and Dad

I love coming across photos Jay has taken of the kids.

Getting ready for the Oklahoma "land run."

Unexpected breakfast date after dropping the kids off to school. Tucker was still in his jammies.

Book Character day

Harry Potter and Ron Weasley

4/23
Sweet times during the day with Tucker joining us on lunch dates

Our favorite nun in
The Sound of Music

all school musical

Talent show at church and Tucker proclaiming his talent ...

Being able to go on the potty all my himself!

The boys shared their talents

by playing the piano

Never ending laundry. I like to see the colors of our family's clothes all jumbled together.

It will always be the Cowboy Hall of Fame to me.

4th grade field trip to the Cowboy Hall of Fame

The photo that got me in trouble.
Watch out for those museum guards. They mean business!

4/29

Lunch date at school.

Learning from the pro.

Goodbye April 2010!

Goodbye 2010- March edition

2011-01-10T21:41:00.001-06:00

March!

Savanna and the beautiful, talented, wonderful, Mrs. Adams!

Every year the kids that sing with the state choir get to go to the capital for State Arts day and perform- always fun to miss a little school and go out to lunch!

A little early St. Patty's day finery

This hat just fits him so well.

3/4

Tucker pulled out a chair and watched the men cutting down trees in our neighborhood. He asked if he could help.

3/5
The bathroom demolition, prepping for this:

3/7

I never tire of brothers sitting together.
Without bickering.
That is probably why I took this photo.

3/9
Tucker with Jay's scooter helmet on when we went to pick up the kids from school.

3/9 Service Auction with Mom at church. It was a fun night and I was glad to have my Mom with me.

Luke setting up an early trap for the Leprechaun. I think he took this to school? Maybe? I remember setting it up here before we left on vacation.

Jack's 4th grade Science Fair.

"Spring " break travels to Colorado Springs.
(from the springs on a train)

Our trip was "train-loads" of Epic!

Part of our fun is getting there. Jay and I enjoy stopping and having a mid-day date with the kids in the car and taking photos.

Checking out the quilt that was made by her Great Grandma Connie (maternal great grandmother) and given to her Great Grandma Videtta. (paternal great grandmother)

Grandma Spear

Grandpa Spear

Meeting our darling cousin/nephew for the first time right after his first birthday.

3/13
Celebrating Jake's first birthday at Fargo's pizza- listening to fun memories that Jay and his brother have of going there when they were kids. Drinking root beer and having Tucker toast his mug.

Spring in Colorado

I will never tire of seeing Pikes Peak. Neither will Jay. When we got home we each had more than several photos of it on each of our cameras.

3/15
I "ran" back to the house to grab my camera after seeing this drop on a branch while out on a walk. I loved that I was able to capture the reflection of the house in such a tiny drop of water.
Total luck.

Exploring snow in the mountains.

The Broadmoor-where I used to work, and where Jay and I stayed after we were married.

The sniffing date ... Jay is a very patient man. We "sniffed" hundreds of bottles of cologne and narrowed it down to two. Wouldn't you know it, that I have no idea what those two are now?!

3/16

Lucky Charms for

breakfast

and wearing green for

St.

Patrick's

Day.

I had to keep this one. It just makes me laugh too much.

Trying the spring water ... and not liking it.

Hidden Mickey!

Bookstore date on vacation!

Boys with the Grands!

Another photo date, this time on the drive home.

3/22
My uncle's eyelid slants like this!

3/23
Cheeseburger and a bear (and probably a movie on the dvd player.) What more could a 3 year old want?

Doesn't everyone think of displaying the continents when they find dirt clods?!

I have no idea what we are laughing about ...

But I am so glad Jay captured it!

Our family's first

visit to the circus

all together.

3/27 The circus. I think its best seen oh, maybe once every 5 years. My life is circus enough.

Cute girls going to an evening Young Women broadcast at church.

3/27

3/25 Free day to visit the Crystal Bridge/Myriad Gardens
in downtown OKC.

3/29 Sweet dreams of trains.

Really, this could be any day of any month!
Blessing/curse of concrete floors.

Entertaining ourselves at the car dealership while getting some work done.

He is flying!

GOODBYE MARCH 2010!

What to eat Wednesday- Smitten Kitchen's Moroccan-Spiced Spaghetti Squash

2011-01-05T13:31:00.006-06:00

I am not sure why I had never cooked spaghetti squash for my family before. During the Fall I picked one up determined to find something interesting to feed this family.

Then I googled how to cook spaghetti squash. Of course we know how that turned out. More options than I knew what to do with. But a name that I new stood out among the results.

Smitten Kitchen.

I know that when it comes to delicious she does not hold out. Nor does she skimp on butter.

She was the one who taught me to make pretzels, and other yummy things when I went with Kristie to the ranch.

So I figured this would be the recipe to try.

I love how she adapts recipes. Never a disappointment.

Smitten Kitchen's Moroccan-Spiced Spaghetti Squash

Moroccan-Spiced Spaghetti Squash

Adapted from Gourmet

Serves 4

1 (3 1/2- to 4-pound) spaghetti squash

1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, if you’re cilantro-averse

To cook the squash in a microwave: Pierce squash (about an inch deep) all over with a small sharp knife to prevent bursting. Cook in an 800-watt microwave oven on high power (100 percent) for 6 to 7 minutes. Turn squash over and microwave until squash feels slightly soft when pressed, 8 to 10 minutes more. Cool squash for 5 minutes.

To roast the squash, two methods: If you’d like to roast the squash whole, pierce it all over with a small sharp knife to prevent bursting and bake it in a 375°F oven for one hour. If you are good with a big, sharp kinfe, you can save some time by cutting the squash in half lengthwise, scooping out the seeds and roasting the halves face-down in an oiled baking pan for about 40 minutes in a 375°F oven.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until it is barely golden. Stir in spices and salt and remove from heat.

If you have microwaved or roasted your squash whole, carefully halve it lengthwise (it will give off a lot of steam) and remove the seeds.

Carefully halve squash lengthwise (it will give off steam) and remove and discard seeds. Working over a bowl, scrape squash flesh with a fork, loosening and separating strands as you remove it from skin. Toss with the spiced butter and cilantro.

She suggests serving it with chick-peas to bulk it up a bit. I have done it both ways and like it equally the same.

A tip: this is one of those dishes that really is best the first day. I like it alright after its been in the fridge but it almost seems, dare I say? ... Too buttery as a leftover. There. I said it.

Goodbye 2010- February edition

2011-01-04T13:02:00.001-06:00

February!

More storm February 1

Kids out of school project- volcano

So bored they want to shovel the back yard!

The leftover decor on the front door shining into the hall-

100 pages of a book- Luke had to come up with 100 of something for the 100th day of school, and
dress up like a 100 year old!

It cracks me up that there is no snow or ice in this photo!

Helping Savanna curl her hair before the talent show. Not the most flattering of me- but I love that there is one of us together.

Enjoying a big fat lens that I borrowed-

Show choir- its all about the dress-
Savanna has dreamed about this dress since she was 2nd grade!

Some kind of domino fortress ...

How nice it is to shop with just one! 2/10

making music-

2/12

Our neighbor was cleaning out his garage and gave us this tumbling mat- it has been used for all kinds of things since.

2/ 13

Savanna's Circle the State with song choir
2/13

Completely messy house and blurry photos- but this documents when I moved all of our furniture around. Moved the piano, and bookcase from the front room into the family room along with all the other furniture that was already in there. I presented the living room to Jay for it to become his room. The studio. The headquarters. (or the HQ) or whatever he wants to call it.

We had no idea so much furniture could fit into one room. Or how much more the kids would play the piano in the family room instead of the living room.

2/16

We loved how the type glowed in the flames!

2/21

Hooked into another Harry Potter book!

Spent time with my mom and sisters for my mom's birthday
2/17

2/18
Savanna's last science fair project! WOO HOO!

2/25

Completely unexpected surprise tickets to go see Elton John and Billy Joel!

We sat behind the stage.

It didn't matter.
It was still an incredible show!

Hanging with a friend ...
2/26

2/24 I am always amazed when things grow. You don't have to tell them to wake up. They just do.

Savanna's middle school Banquet-
same night as the

pinewood derby 2/27

2/28
Monopoly/domino/Lego fortress game anyone?

Goodbye February 2010!

Goodbye 2010- January edition

2011-01-03T16:30:00.003-06:00

I wanted to give 2010 a proper good-bye. I started by looking through my blog and my photos on the computer. I fell in love with these people that make up my family. I really can't believe how much they change in a year. I am so glad to have the memories made with them, and I loved being able to relive some just by a glance at these photos.

So here is a peek into this last year ...

January!

Tall Lego Tower

Saying Good-bye to Jake and Amy

Luke finishing up a Harry Potter Book

Love the interactions between these two- so playful!

It is so so sweet to see this cute dust footprint pop up!

Dress up day at school for something!
(any guesses of who he was?)

Tucker trying on Luke's glasses. I think he looks a little like Ben Folds.

Many faces of Jack.

I love these photos of Jack setting up his Lego models. They remind me of stories Jay tells of when he was younger.

I can totally here all of his sound effects!

Lots of lining up of cars and dress ups with this one.
(so glad I still get to enjoy him home!)

Tucker is the only one of my boys that has played with my hair. Another one of my boys has tried to cut it, but not play with it for the fun of playing with it. Tucker will sit and run his hand through it and then twist it all up.

January day out at Lake Hefner. I love the way Jack says Hefner. He almost puts an "i" in between the hef and ner, but not quite.

Tuckers shoes with burrs.

Kids playing row row row your boat. They even have some kind of flag with a stick and a cape.

Ironing. Forever.

State choir in Tulsa with Savanna. This is her 2nd year to participate-
(she gets to do it again in January 2011 with one of her best friends this time- woo hoo!!)

Article left on the kitchen counter for me to read from Jay after I took the kids to school.
I love that he highlighted the title with spoons.

Two brothers sitting peacefully together.
There were no other pictures taken with this. I am certain I took it because it was such a nice thing for them to be sitting together.

Jammies with feet. No more explanation needed.

VW bus for the pinewood derby. I loved seeing Jack draw up the plans and having Jay help him execute it.

Luke's 7th birthday!

Happy Birthday!
"We are so happy that the bad weather waited for a day so that you could go to school today. Unlike last year when you had to stay home and were so sad.
This week you were concerned that you would miss school again- as we listened to weather reports of how it would be toward the end of the week.
This morning when I woke you up I thought it was so funny that you forgot it was your birthday!
You went about your day so peaceful- not hyper. So calm that Dad worried that you were not having a good birthday."

Tucker fell asleep with Luke while "reading." This book really was like this. It fell between the mattress and the bottom bunk bed railing.

This made me smile. I think I need this one enlarged and framed.

Winter day- off-of school-craft. I remember being so glad the kids were off of school for a day so we could catch up on a project Luke needed to do for school!

Helping Mom in the kitchen.
Good-bye January 2010!

New Year's: Look Not behind Thee

2011-01-02T20:02:00.001-06:00

Perfect start to the new year. Let's rock this year!

Weapons aren't the only things on his mind

2010-12-19T22:39:00.003-06:00

During dinner with some friends Tucker announced ...

My bread looks like a toboggan!

A what?
A toboggan.

Oh. A toboggan.

(How does my four year old know what a toboggan is? Around these parts we just call it a sled, or a piece of plastic, or a trash can lid.)

Today-

2010-12-09T09:17:00.002-06:00

I have been going through our photo library. I was picking out my favorite photos for each month. I was also looking through last December's photos trying to remember how I had decorated one of our Christmas trees and where we had put it.

While looking I came across this photo. It was taken 1 year ago.

December 9, 2009

Laundry/ironing.

Today, December 9th, 2010?

Still doing laundry/ironing.

It made me smile. I love having pictures of our life. Even the laundry.

I am thankful for cheese and its many uses

2010-11-29T20:58:00.000-06:00

Mom, my cheese is in the shape of a gun.

Or a boomerang.

Retro- Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T09:42:00.003-06:00

Wishing you a most wonderful holiday! In honor of today's celebration I give you a vintage post from here.

Fourth turns Four!

2010-11-23T09:06:00.001-06:00

He had come into our bed before it was light and fell asleep. As we were waking up I said "Tucker its morning. What does that mean?" He looked out the window to see if the sun was shining and he gasped ... "I am four!"

He wanted more weapons. A light saber. Apparently he has a thing for weapons.

Tucker was thrilled that Jack gave him a light saber.
(We all were a little surprise and thrilled too!)

Perfect timing that Pottery Barn had star wars crafts-

Very fun to have a birthday party to attend for his cousin on his birthday.
At this age it all just seems like one big celebration!

He had all of his favorite things to eat. Scrambled eggs, cake before lunch, (white cake with white frosting, at his request!) and pancakes for dinner.

Then off to the science museum with the family!

I just asked Tucker what he remembered about his birthday.
(It was 2 months ago!)

eating cake
having breakfast
got something that was really awesome, I got a light saber
Luke made me the gun room from the death star (with legos)

It looks like you are right handed. But as soon as I think that you switch it back.
You talk and talk. Dad and I were just remembering that there was a time you would hardly speak. And then once you did, we could not understand you for the longest time. You have outgrown saying 'lo mein" for Tucker James. Which you proudly state whenever someone asks your name.
You have become a little lonely with the kids being gone to school. You have started requesting to have "boy" friends to play with. No more girls!

You still call Savanna sister, and hardly ever say her name. But you have taken to calling me and Dad by our first names. Whenever you are unhappy with us you will explain what you are upset about like this, "Alisa won't let me play with my toys." Or, "Jay said no."

You look up to your brothers and want to be like them. You adore Luke and sneak into Jack's things when he is at school.

You are a complete joy.

Family Night!- restaurant review

2010-11-23T08:19:00.001-06:00

A few months ago we took the family to what used to be known as Incredible Pizza. Now it goes by some other name. We had a gift certificate about to expire along with a number of game cards to use up. We also wanted to see if the place had changed since it was going by a new name.

We had a blast. We had the place to ourselves and what seemed endless "money" to spend.
We played and played until the gamecards were used up then went to cash in the tickets.

We had fun with the kids picking out there prizes.

It was a great night. Especially for almost free. As we left we were commenting on the pizza buffet and if we thought we would ever go back.

My take? They had the best celery I have ever tasted and my favorite soda.

"No I am not a cowboy ..."

2010-11-15T11:14:00.000-06:00

"I am just dressed like one."
Tucker James - October 2010-
backdrop courtesy of potterybarn story time

Over and over people asked if he was a cowboy and if he was going to be one for Halloween. Over and over he would say no. I am Tucker James.

I just showed these photos to Tucker and I asked "Are you a cowboy?"

His reply? "Maybe I am. I am on a horse."

Then.

"No I am not a cowboy. I was just dressed up as one."

What?

2010-11-14T21:15:00.001-06:00

Boats don't sit on lamps in your house?

Good enough to eat

2010-11-11T21:48:00.003-06:00

I have always joked with Tucker about wanting to eat him. But today I took it to the extreme.
He is just so cute how could I not?
I leaned over to ask for a kiss, but instead I caught myself saying, "Can I have a bite?"

October Field Trip

2010-11-08T22:10:00.007-06:00

Tucker and I got to go with Luke for his field trip to the pumpkin patch and corn maze.

We almost missed the field trip. After dropping the kids off to school I ran home to get our lunch and my car would not start. Thanks to our helpful neighbor for driving her car over for a jump!

The kids started off with a train ride out to pick their pumpkins.

After finding the perfect pumpkins the kids all jumped back into the train or onto the trucks.
There was not another train car for Tucker so I put him on the truck. (I was walking) Luke was very concerned about Tucker and left the train to go make sure Tucker had someone to sit with.

I tried to talk the kids out of the corn maze, but they were sure they were up for it.

A lot of walking later, and we were lost. We ended up exiting the maze into a field and walking another 15 minutes to the entrance.

Luke was relieved to be out of the maze and glad to ride the train again. And again. And again.

The boys came home happy, and dust covered.

And smiling.

What is on my mind ...

2010-10-28T18:17:00.004-05:00

A few things:

*I have broken too many dishes today.

I think I feel a little stress- although I am not sure why. Things are mostly fine. I am sure I am doing better than I think I am, but I am finding myself a little edgy, and bothered that I keep repeating the same things over. Every. Single. Day. Kind of like groundhog day. I reminded myself last night that it is my job to find joy in the mundane. The everyday life. I think it helped a little.

*I mentioned that we have been helping Luke not have any yeast/sugar for the last 3 1/2 weeks. All of our family meals have been served so that we are all eating the same thing. It has been eye opening to how much sugar and yeast surrounds us. I have spent an abnormal amount of time reading labels, researching and trying to come up with things to eat. Oh the time I have spent. This has opened up my mind to new things to eat. Things I normally would not have tried or made. Luke has done great with his "diet" and seems to be doing well. This last weekend we started introducing back into our diet, apples blueberries and potatoes. I made a sugar free apple/blueberries crisp that tasted wonderful.

*We are making big plans to do some kind of swap with all the trick-or-treat loot. Talk of having a visit from "The Great Pumpkin" to take the candy and leave something in its place have filled many a dinner conversation.

*Bites of ice cream straight out of the container has never tasted so good.

*I think I might possibly be burned out on "dress up" days. Usually I LOVE any excuse to be creative with the kids, but I think this week is just too much.

Red Ribbon Week=everyday something "themed." But Friday is favorite book character day. Which is so smart to do it with Halloween costuming for the next day. Except my kids don't want to be a book character for Halloween. Or I guess I should say ... they don't want to be the same one that they will have been the day before.

Then there is the 80's outfit that Savanna needs for choir.

Then there is the constant changing of costume ideas from all of them. Tucker wanted to be Han Salo frozen in carbonite. I think now he is going to be a pirate. Two days ago he was dressed head to toe as a cowboy and when I asked if that was what he was going to be for Halloween he blankly stared at me then replied "no." Multiply that times, oh about 20. Every person we saw that day wrongly assumed (as I did) that was what he was going to be for Halloween. I listened patiently as he told everyone what he was going to be, then interpreted for them.

So I have declared that all dress ups for this week must be done in house. As in- I am not buying anything for costumes. Certainly we have enough dress ups to cover us.

*Ahh that felt better to get that off my mind! (Or maybe it was the lemon cookie Jay left me.)

A few of my favorite things..

2010-10-18T11:03:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was our kids Primary Program. I had the fun of being a Mom watching my kids, and helping all the kids sing their songs. It is always an anticipated Sunday. The Primary kids are so cute, and you never are sure what is actually going to happen.

Here are a few of my favorite things from yesterday ...
Some have photos, some don't.

I watched with admiration as Luke stood up with his class and said his part without any problem. I wasn't worried that he couldn't do it. It was more of a matter of IF he would do it. Anytime this last year that he is asked to get up in front of a group he is too scared. Like really scared. Yesterday he did it.

Having Jay take Tucker down from the stand (to avoid a train wreck about to happen) and corralling, wrestling, whispering and struggling with him for the rest of the meeting. I made a mental note to enjoy his help.

Getting to lead the kids in a song that Jack accompanied on the piano. It all went so smoothly that I forget Jack was the one playing! Afterward I told him how proud I was and he said, "I prayed."
I found this from a friends blog. She turned to offer him a word of encouragement and this is what she saw ...
"His eyes were closed, his hands were clasped, and his lips were forming the words of a silent prayer. I was so touched. Here, a ten year old knew the power of prayer and that he could ask for help to play his song. Suffice it to say, I turned around and walked away without saying anything, realizing that he was getting more help from God than I would have been able to offer."

Listening to each child stand up and say that they knew that they were loved by the Savior. I felt of their love.

Watching kids that just joined us over the last few months and weeks, and how they just fit right in.

Singing our hearts out all day!

Then the anticipated cutting off the Bishoprics ties!

We did this last year with the Primary and told the kids we would do it again. At the very end of Primary we had the Bishopric come in and all the kids got to take a turn to cut off a piece of their ties. (great cutting ties purchased off of ebay-by a member of the Bishopric!)

The men have just as much fun as the kids! It is almost a tradition ...

Then the last little sweet thing for the day ...

There had been a surprise of cupcakes for all the kids. It was a fun surprise! Except for Luke who has been off of sugar for the last week and a half and still has about another week to go.

(That deserves it own blog post probably!)

Anytime that we know there is going to be food handed out somewhere (school or church) we have been able to help him by offering alternatives of either a snack of some kind or a non edible treat, like a date with dad, or a trip to the library, or getting his legos back, etc. While the kids ate their cupcakes I took Luke out in the hall and we worked out a good alternative.

I had a few people apologize, and really there was no fault or blame. How is everyone supposed to keep up with the dietary restrictions of one child? That is my job. I just wasn't prepared for it.

But after church a darling teenager called. Her Mom had been telling her Dad about Luke. She overheard and gave us a call and wanted to make Luke his own special treat. She just happens to be off of sugar and had been compiling recipes of desserts. She also wants to go into the culinary arts. A win for us! She made and delivered the sweetest treat for Luke. We were so touched by her thoughtfulness and Luke thought it was pretty cool too!

The kids teach me

2010-10-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

Today is our kids Primary program at church. The kids have been working hard and the program will go great. It always does because its not meant to be a talent show or a performance. Just the kids sharing their love.

I love helping with the music. I love getting to sing my way through church every Sunday. I can't imagine doing anything else. I may not be great at it, but I love it and I hope the kids feel it. I may not get the leading right all the time, or I miss a few words here and there, but I can do it with a smile.

My kids reminded me of something funny one of the kids in primary said a while back. There is a song that we have been practicing titled "Help Me Dear Father." I had been going over the song line by line and asking them questions.

There is a line that goes ... " Help me Dear Father to freely forgive. All who may seem, unkind to me."
I asked the primary kids who we wanted help to forgive. A little girl announced. "Mayceem."
I kind of stood there puzzled. Then realized . Oh yea, "all who MAY SEEM!"

So now that is kind of one our families inside jokes ... to forgive "Mayceem."

Last night I had a hard time letting something go. You know when you just aren't done being bugged about something. I was chewing on the situation over and over. Then the thought popped into my mind. Forgive Mayceem.

It was kind of one of those chuckle, shake your head kind of moments. Laughing at the thought of the little girl saying "Mayceem," and feeling a little sheepish that I am not living what I teach.

I love learning from the kids. They lead me when I am supposed to be leading them.

Goin' Courtin'

2010-10-12T20:29:00.008-05:00

Today Jay took me courtn'.

He had a date set in court in another city so we made a date out of it.

We had been pulled over on Labor Day in a small town an hour or so away.

It was one of those just barely going over kind of things. The going over part was not our problem. An expired license was! The officer was as nice as could be and stunned us into nervous laughter when he asked if we knew that Jay's license was expired. No! It was expired by less than a week. We were so surprised. We were even more surprised when he said it was an arrestable offense!
The officer looked around the car at all of our stunned children and asked Jay and I to trade places while he went to write the ticket.

He came back with a ticket written for driving with an expired license with a hefty fine attached. We were thankful to have only have a ticket instead of an arrest. The officer told us we could pay the ticket or appear in court.
We opted to appear in court ... so glad we did! Not only did we get the charge drastically reduced, but we had an amusing afternoon.

It was a very small town courthouse/multipurpose community center.

I so wanted to take photos of the Halloween decor all over the room. But it did not seem appropriate at the time.

I did snap this one on the door.

Picture decor like this all over the cafeteria like room and hanging above the judge.

But don't let the happy holiday decor fool you. It was completely serious business. A guy's cell phone went off and he was taken out by the officers. He came back in looking a little stunned.

As soon as we were finished we got out fast.
We had to chuckle at the old jail outside the building.

It was a great date. Courtin' is fun. But I think I will stick the our traditional dating thank-you-very-much.

When worlds collide-

2010-10-11T16:53:00.004-05:00

His world

+ his world

Because

2010-10-11T10:34:00.002-05:00

We had a three day weekend and I thought it would be fun to take advantage of the time and go to the zoo. Usually just Tucker gets to go out and about these days.
With varying degrees of grumpiness the 5 of us set off.

As I was taking pictures of one of the many fits, (this one involved throwing himself to the ground)

Savanna wondered allowed why I took photos when they were unhappy.

I said," because."

She countered with her explanation of how she did not like it and that I should not take them of Tucker when he was unhappy.

Then that night she saw this and said "I take it back."

I am Alisa and I take photos of everything. My food. My laundry. My dirt. My kids happy. My kids sad.

What to eat Wednesday- Allyson's Double Chocolate Cookies

2010-10-06T21:52:00.001-05:00

Last month we celebrated Jay's birthday with these delicious bits of chocolate joy.

When I asked Jay what treat he wanted for his birthday I gave him choices: brownies, hot fudge and ice cream, cake ... he responded with none of the above. He said I want those cookies Allyson made us. I laughed and then quickly agreed.

These are hands down the best chocolate cookie that I have ever made or eaten. For some reason they seem easier to make than just plain chocolate chip. Much easier and tastier than a brownie.

Allyson's Double Chocolate Cookies
1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2/3 cup cocoa
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 3/4 cups (10 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips

Preheat oven to 350. Mix butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chunks. Bake 8-10 minutes or just until set. Cool slightly on cookie sheet.

(I am chuckling at myself for finally posting a what to eat-dessert post on the very day we are helping one of our kids go "no sugar" for a few weeks. Shakes her head ...)

Facebook Fail

2010-09-21T13:03:00.007-05:00

* UPDATE-
It appears that "we" fixed it!
I am able to log on. Funny thing ... I am receiving multiple emails of friend requests from the same people. Other than that, it seems that it appears to be working. Thanks for looking for me!

I have resisted the invites to Facebook. I had nothing against Facebook or any other online gathering places. Or other people using them. I have a blog. I tweet. I just did not think I wanted one more thing online.

But- I have kids growing up. They are going to be online more and more. I would be that ostrich in the sand if I thought they were not going to. So I started thinking about getting on Facebook. Maybe I could just use Jay's.

It is part of Jay's business to be involved in all sorts of social media. I tried to just "borrow" his account. That worked one time. After that he kindly invited me to get my own account.

Last Wednesday was Jay's birthday. He had been sharing all of the messages he had received through Facebook. I decided late that night to sign up. I was going to make some kind of comment to him about being the last person on Facebook to wish him a happy birthday.

Only I couldn't make the dang thing work.

I could not sign up on Facebook.

I got on. Started entering things. I think I actually logged on once. Then tried to find Jay. I could not find him on Facebook. After about 20 minutes I kicked out in frustration and gave in and asked Jay for help.

I told him that I could not make Facebook work. He kind of chuckled and made some funny comment about me not following directions. But I am sure in the back of his mind he was thinking ... here we go. I have some kind of weird force field between me and technology. Jay often comes to the rescue and leaves shaking his head. I once had to get his help because what I was typing was coming out backward on the screen. Often our "fix" is to nuke it and start over. Turn things off and restart. Or rebuild.

So Jay started looking at things. He could not find anywhere that I signed on. But I was getting emails that I had. When I would try and log-on I would get error messages saying that my username was incorrect. That my email was incorrect.
I could not figure it out.
Jay could not figure it out.
I took it as a sign that for that night I needed to give it up and try later.

Well now its almost a week later and I still can't get on. Jay is starting to get friend requests from people I know. Not people that I have friended, because I can't get on! Just from people I know have emailed me in the last 4 years asking me to sign up to Facebook. I am getting emails of friend requests. But I can't log on!

So if you are on Facebook, check and see if you can find me. Because I can't find me.

Thirteen

2010-09-21T09:19:00.004-05:00

Dear beautiful thirteen-

Sorry that it has taken me so very long to write. (2 1/2 months!) As you get older it gets more difficult for me to share you with the world. Not because I think I need to hide you, but because you have your own stories to tell and my perspective on your life is just that, mine. I find myself censoring what I write about you whereas I might otherwise freely share the same thing about your younger brothers.

I love you. Your Dad loves you. I don't need to write it now because you feel it. I know you do. But there will come a time, hopefully a long time away when you will doubt of our love for you. Right here right now at thirteen we love you more than we did when you were our only child. At that time we had no idea how much our love could grow, we could not imagine loving you more than we did. But we do. It just grows.

We love to watch you. Love to listen to your music. Love your drama. Love your crazy outfits. Love your accents and the personas that come with it.
We absolutely love watching you with your brothers. The love that you have for Tucker and how you are totally wrapped around his finger. How he only needs to look at you or speak the word "sister" and he has you under his spell. How hard you have to work with Luke for both of your theory in piano, and how you teach him- when you get it right, you totally nail it. Watching you share things with Jack and the way you tease.

Its hard to believe that you are thirteen. A teen-

We notice your compassion, your desire to help others and to understand what they are going through. We would challenge you to continue developing that compassion and to not judge others.

We believe in you. We are proud of you. We know you have it in you to do hard things. When those hard things come, (and they will!) know that we support you and believe in you. We really do love you more than you could possibly know right now.

Happy Thirteenth Year! We believe in you!
Love, mom and dad

(photos- July 2010)

Music

2010-09-14T11:37:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday was our official start to piano for this next school year. I am looking forward to hearing what our kids can do this year! It is at times, horrible to get them to practice. (They would agree with this statement!) BUT ... I feel extremely confident in their abilities to learn.

I have enjoyed the break for a little while this summer with a pause in lessons. The kids still had summer practice, but it was something a little more fun. Their teacher surprised them at the beginning of summer.

She held a recital right as school let out at the end of May.

I was impressed with how she had things all planned. The kids bios with their photos so personalized.

The kids did well. They were ready to perform. They had practiced standing and announcing their piece.

I love watching the kids hands.

How different they look.

I can hear how their fingers sound on the keys by looking at these photos.

Some of the fingers grace the keys and others pound.

The kids played great.

'

They concentrated.

Cute legs and feet that don't touch the floor.

After everyone performed and took their group bows, their teacher had sweet things to say about each one. I loved how she got to know each one of her students. She was able to share with us individual things about all of her students. Then she surprised them with gifts for summer practicing. Fun books suited to just their taste. I was amazed that she could pick out music to fit each of her students.

When all the music had been performed, praise and gifts given we were treated to
cupcakes that one of the Mom's made. She is seriously talented herself! A great end to the year and a great way to start the summer.

After last week's lesson- we had smiles from each kid.

New things are ahead for the kids. More student lead- they decide how long they need to practice. I hope that will make somewhat of a difference on getting them to practice. Maybe?