Our Family Letter, and Card! Finally!!

Merry Christmas from the Beagley family!!
We hope that this letter reaches all of you in good health, and that you are enjoying the holiday season.
We have had a blessed year, and we would love to share it with you!

Judd has had a life changing year. He found out that Hawaii is one of the most heavenly places on earth, and has decided to quit working so hard. He has found out that spending more time with his family is more enjoyable than satisfying someone else on a side job. He has started working as an industrial electrician for E.G.& G defense…(They have a contract with the government to destroy weapons with chemicals.) This does require him to do shift work (which has taken some getting used to) but it allows him to spend more quality time with his family, and of course more time on his honey do lists. He can’t wait to go snorkeling again in some exotic place! Judd was released from being the Varsity Scout coach in May, and is enjoying a bit more free time in that aspect as well. He loves to play outside with the boys, and built a beautiful master bath this year as well! He is currently building a nursery for our new baby.

Keiauni agrees that Hawaii is a wonderful place!! She and Judd spent 10 days there in June, while her Mom and Dad (thanks!!) kept an eye on the boys at home. She loved seeing her cousins while she was there, and can’t wait to go back with the whole family in a couple of years! In April, she and Judd discovered they were expecting another baby, and to their astonishment, it is a GIRL!! The whole family is waiting to see when she shows up. The baby is due January 3rd, so it could be any day now!!
In May, Keiauni was asked to be the Young Women’s 2nd counselor, and was released from being Primary Secretary, and Home Skills Enrichment Leader! She also completed compiling and publishing a ward cookbook this year! Whew! She enjoys being a stay at home Mom, and gets a kick out of the boys everyday! She knows it is a privilege to be their Mother, and loves it.

Elijah entered the 1st grade this year, and with a tumultuous start (which resulted in the dismissal of his 1st grade teacher), but things are back on track, and he is loving school, and his new teacher! She is WONDERFUL!! He has learned how to read, and now is writing notes to everyone in our family, and apology letters as well!! Eli loves to snowboard, play soccer, and swims like a little fish. Little? I guess that isn’t so. We can’t seem to keep him in clothes, shoes, and food. He is eating us out of house and home! ( That’s OK, boys are supposed to do that!) He loves math, and is really good at it! One thing about Eli, that is extremely cute, is that he loves to WORK. (Just like his Dad.) He loves to take things apart with his tools, and try to make other things out of the parts. We like to call him little Judd. He informed us not to worry, because he will be taking care of the baby for us! We love this kid!

Asher is so FUN LOVING, and entertaining! He loves Kindergarten, and likes to go 99 miles per hour at all times. He likes to do his homework at night, and wants to do more challenging schoolwork. (i.e.: we have to copy Eli’s worksheets, so Ash can try to do them, too.) He calls this “REAL” homework. Ash really is a clown, and reminds us of his Uncle Quin everyday. He loves to sing songs, and write his name on things that belong to him. Asher is tall and lanky. He loves any sort of treat he can get his hands on, and especially likes to eat cookies and milk. He liked playing soccer this year for fun Coach Jeff, and tried his hardest to mind their team motto: “Kick don’t Pick.” It was a hilarious season! Ash also likes to swim, and made it down the big slide at the aquatic center by himself this year. His favorite privilege right now, is to play “Star Wars Legos” on the playstation. He is also still the cuddliest little monkey we know. He loves to give hugs. We just love him!

We hope that you have a great Christmas! Check out our family blog sometime, and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you! http://www.puddingforbrains.blogspot.com/

Love,
Judd, Keiauni, Elijah, and Asher (and “she” who is yet to be named )

I'm still here...

So, I am still here. waiting. waiting. waiting. Too fat around the middle to do much including lotion my legs, or put on my socks. (my 7 year old does it for me...funny huh?) I have to admit, that this house is a disaster, and I really have little motivation to clean in up!

My dryer started to literally eat clothing last week, and after having several nice articles of clothing made holy (in the unspiritual sense) and get covered with strange black marks, I've decided to break down and buy one of those fancy pants front loading washers made by LG. IT is actually a very pretty set, cherry red and all! The only set back I have to admit is, I never thought in my life time that I would spend $2000 duckets on a washer and dryer set! GASP! Really. If you know me, you know I am a sucker for a sweet deal, and this is not a DEAL!

I went to the Dr. today, and found out that things are coming along nicely, and that we could possible see a baby before Christmas! Oh! That would be so nice. I think I would be a lot less grumpy, and have reduced acid reflux as well! This is a win win situation. I mean think of all the time I'll save by not peeing every 5 minutes! PLUS, I would be able to see what this little girl looks like! The race is on, and we're taking bets. The person who guesses what color the baby's hair and eyes are, and is most accurate on weight and length, gets a fabulous prize of ....TA DA! My 3 months of remaining curves membership, since I never use it anymore! This prize is valued at $36.16 each month, for the remaining months! (TEE HEE)

Okay, so I am a bit grumpy, I am having some pretty good contractions right now, and I am a little hungry! I do have to say, that the boys made a lovely gingerbread house tonight, and we had fun playing scene it Disney for FHE. I can't believe how lucky we are to have these two boys. I love them to bits. I thank Heavenly Father for the boys everyday. They are SO AWESOME! So gifted. so special. They both have their own little worlds to offer us a glimpse of every day! They are patient with me right now, which is so good, because I don't cook for them, and they are perfectly happy with PB&J, cheese sticks, yogurt,...whatever they can scavenge!
BLESS THESE BOYS! THEY HAVE SO MUCH PATIENCE!!

and you...thanks for reading my rambling post.

Keiauni

6 CRAZY facts!! (about moi) Tagged by Susy!
I don't know who to tag.... let me think and repost.


1. I really like to clean ears and observe that other people have clean ears. When checking guys out prior to meeting my sweetheart, It could never work if they had dirty ears. Judd has Fantastic Ears!! (and I make sure that my boy's ears are the cleanest on the block!) I also have a similar fetish with fingernails and toenails. They MUST be trimmed, neat, and VERY clean at all times. (my poor boys!) I detest LONG fingernails on boys and men....OOOOWw! I am cringing just thinking about it!



2. Diet coke. No the fact that I love the drink doesn't make me special, but the way I drink it does. I drink from the side of my mouth so my nose doesn't get stuck on the pop top. (trademark move for sure!) If you know me very well, you have seen this taking place on several occations. (and you also know my secret trick I can do with a pop can!)



3.I like to make old things new! Thrift shop finds, and spray paint are a best friend to a poor girl who likes to decorate! I have been slacking off in this catergory since pregnancy. I really am itching to do something with those 25 or so Antique glass windows in my shed, though!





4.HALLOWEEN is my fav holiday... I really like all that creepy scary stuff (to decorate with!)


I really get into the whole fall thing. It is PERFECT weather to me, and I LOVE the colours all around. It is also my fav time to hang out with the kiddos. I love coming up with fall activities for the boys.



5. I HATE feet! Really. More than anything. More cringing.... Having a necessary pedicure last week (I can't touch my own feet and breathe at the same time right now) Is literally painful to me! I cant handle people touching my feet, and or touching me with theirs. A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do though to keep up with the latter part of fetish #1, right? (and they look so pretty when they are done.) I appreciate the results, just not the experience :)



6. I am always trying new things. New recipes. Love cooking. Hate cleaning. Adore any ethnic experience and food!! And actually, I have been told that most of my cooking isn't too bad! People may be lying, but I like to believe their lies! (tee-hee!)





and a 7. (yes, I have to put this!) It is last but definitely not least in my book. I love those three boys that I look after! Judd is so sweet, and I love him for sticking through my emotional times right now. He deserves a medal. Eli is such a special son, always down to business and ready to help, with a very sobering presence. I love having time just with him. and Asher.... He is exactly what his name means : happy and blessed. He is a sweet sunshine boy, and I love having cuddles with the little monkey. Always bringing me smiles and loves. I am SOOOO blessed to have this family. (and little girl beagley... she who is yet to be named. I have a feeling that you are a peaceful little soul, and appreciate how good you are to me.) I LOVE YOU ALL!!

One more post.........

You gotta check out this 80's MJ classic video, in the spirit of HALLOWEEN! just for me...please!
I really think that you'll love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J5kY2ggzLQ

Keiauni

psst... You totally want to learn the dance right? I know I do!

Trick or treat table
Our table, with a spooky chandelier!

FLASH BACK!! Ward trunk -r- treat last year! Two sweet power rangers, a witch, and Joe dirt, mullet and all!!

The Clone Trooper, and "Dark" Vader

Come to the Dark side....

A war between two forces of Evil.....

All HALLOW's Eve

The Beagley family had a fun and quiet Halloween, Star Wars Style, Judd took the boy's trick or treating, and Keiauni manned the door at home, and had a small spook alley set up in the living room for trick or treaters, complete with spiders, skulls, webs, candles, and lots of treats! (we missed some of you! See you next year we hope!) Later in the evening...It was fun to visit Our grandmas, and enjoy the traditional roaring fire at grandpa Ken's place! I think that E and A were all sugared up from the school parties, before they even went trick or treating! So everyone had a ton of energy! J and I usually dress up, but I thought that a prego Princess Leia might be a contradiction, and poor J worked all day before the big event. I'll post our costumes from last year in my next post for a (thanks for the idea suz) FLASHBACK!

Beagley Family Tradition! a trip to the PPP

Eli and Asher at the Pankratz Pumpkin Patch

Eli and his pumpkin take ride!

Asher helped Dad clean the "dirty punkins"

So every year for the last 4 we have visited the Pankratz Pumpkin patch on vine street, in early October, so that we can find some sweet Pumpkins! It is a fun way to get into the October spirit, of Fall and Halloween. The boys immediately found 6 pumpkins this year, that they thought would work just great (with a little one for the baby!) Our last bishop runs the patch, and always gives us a good deal on the many pumpkins we purchase from him!

WE GOT MARRIED.

We really did. 8 years ago on OCTOBER 15, 1999. And I'm pretty sure that we love each other a lot! Can you believe that we actually forgot our ANNIVERSARY this year? Like, I didn't remember until I was eatin my raisin bran that morning! Crazy! usually we make a big deal, go somewhere overnight, eat somewhere posh, etc. Must be the whole late pregnancy thing, and J being tired from the night shifts.

It is totally fine though. We laughed about it, and had lunch together at Applebee's to celebrate. We are serious dorks.

LUCKY for me....

Judd must've felt guilty, because he went out and bought two dozen white and pink roses the next morning @ 5 am after working a 12 hour shift, and took the time to arrage them in a pretty vase that he also purchased. And I got a card addressed to the SEXIEST ONE EXPECTING the roses were so pretty, and I am touched that he spent the time to do that, when he was totally exhausted.

Oh I forgot!! I meant to credit KYLE KEITH BEAGLEY for the LOVELY photographic images on my last post! ...and you are officially dubbed a non- blog snot, because you actually posted on my blog!!

pssst! Hey. you. I know you are out there. You read this blog, and don't even say hi!

please say hi. I miss you. hee hee. (write a comment!)

Campin', Campin'...Campin' out under the stars...

We headed up to the high Uintas last Friday, for some fun camping and hunting adventures. Judd's brother Kyle, and his little girl Jannika came with us. We were so glad that they came along for the trip. I think that I definetly learned that girls are much different than boys! We got a big kick out of everything that she said, and SANG throughout the weekend.
Did J get his buck? No. And believe me, I am just fine with that! I can't stand deer meat.
(and I am a firm believer, that if you kill something, you have to use it...ugg!)

So how did this 8 month prego girl survive the wilderness you ask? A luxurious trailer, generator, a porto potty, and a thermostat turned to 70, the whole time we were there!! That's how. I just curled up with a good book, took the kids on a few nature walks, and enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air! It was the best weather while we were there! We were so LUCKY!! I had fun making meals for the bunch, and J and Kyle took the kids on some fun FOUR wheeler rides. Good times!

Silly Asher!

Asher really loves the movie "Hook" and is always gabbing about "happy thoughts" (that make you fly), and just anything in general about Peter Pan facts. The other day, he came to me and layed down on the the couch. He said in a silly voice, "Mom, I want you to tickle my Happy Spot." and he pointed to his sides by his belly. I had to oblidge of course.

Eli Pie is a SERIOUS SOCCER player!! There is no fluff during any game, thank you very much! After the game he manages to chill and then he is all smiles! it is so funny how seriously competetive he is! I don't think that he got it from me! Must be from Juddy!

He KEEPS score in his head even though they don't keep score in Pee Wee soccer! I hope that we can finish the season before it snows too much!

The Dude turned 7, with the FORCE on his side, and had a CRAZY star wars party! The force is strong with this one! Really, E had a ball having 9 buddies come and eat, play games , and watch Return of the Jedi...

We had a party with the Dark side and the FORCE last friday night! It was crazy! E invited 10 friends, and 9 came to the party. They came in their jammies, brought a pillow, and watched Return of the Jedi, with intermediate breaks for eating off the pizza/cheeto/m&m/sprite/licorice/popcorn buffet, and playing some games in the backyard.

So, Cousin Kobe came to the party and informed me at the beginning of the party that he might not have fun, because we were watching star wars, and he wasn't really into star wars.
Okay, Bon, I'm pretty sure you've got a fan of the JEDI on your hands now, because he WATCHED, and said "WHOA!" a lot. He also really liked the birthday cake (or the frosting I mean :))

UNCLE TONY TIED THE KNOT!! Holy Cow Tony! I can't believe you finally did it! YAY! (notice that this entry is in your wedding colors. tee hee.)

Labor Day Adventure @ the McAllister Rompathon!!
Grandpa Keith rented this fun slide on Saturday. It was too cool... The boys were THRILLED!!

My little Ash was constantly flying through the air! He loved every minute!

My boys going down the slide together! (Yes, My husband is wearing a hat that says "I love bikinis" Don't most guys love a good bikini? ha ha ha.)

Tiny Dancer

So, my little baby girl is such a sweet little dancer! She moves all the time. I am sitting up late tonite, realizing that today was the first day I can see my belly move with the kicks and movements that I am feeling! So Exciting.

We are so excited to have this little girl in our arms and home!

keep dancing tiny dancer......

I have always been the person who cries when the National Anthem is played. I always have been proud to be an American, and have known since I was a small child, that Freedom comes at a price. I support our soldiers with a full heart, and pledge to remember...

Yesterday was a day full of sad memories for me. Memories that I don't want to forget, but always remember, out of respect for what happened on September 11th, 3 days before my 1st baby turned one.

I remember working on some laundry after Judd left for work that morning, and having the phone ring a bit past 8:00 am. Judd said, in an odd tone, " go turn on the TV."

"what channel?" I asked, completely unaware of what had been happening. I turned on the TV, and stared, realizing any channel would work. I heard Eli calling from his room, his morning ritual call, "Mom! Baf!" from his crib...he wanted a bath. I stood frozen, unable to move, and watched as the shocked news reporters on live coverage, saw the second plane crash into the other tower the same time that I did. Tears fell down my cheeks, I realized that this was not a freak plane accident, but an attack, and that more innocent people were dying. I wondered what would happen next, and suddenly, I didn't feel safe at all. I ran to Eli's bedroom, and picked up my little boy, as I was still sobbing. "Mom," he smiled..."Baf?"

I took him to the couch, held him close, and watched....I felt immense loss. I felt ardent pride, and patriotism, as I always had, but in a different way than before. I felt God's love for our country in my heart, and prayed for him to help us... all of us.

Let us never forget... Let us always remember... 10,000 children were orphaned, or lost a parent that day. Many more lost loved ones. Let us remember the courage of our heroes, the blue collar American rescue workers, and the heroes of the plane the was destined to hit the pentagon, until THEY thwarted the attack, and crashed into a Pennsylvania field.

WE as AMERICANS are the luckiest people in the world. We should never forget what happened on September 11th, AND remember that it is a sacred and solemn day in the lives of all who call this country home.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Another BIRTHDAY??

Yep. Eli is turning 7 in about two weeks! Crazyness! I seriously can't believe that the little baby that I was handed in the hospital with the massive mop of curly black hair, weighing nearly 9 lbs, is now about 60lbs, and is getting taller much faster than I seem to be able to buy new jeans! I seriously can NOT believe it. Nobody told me that time goes by this fast.

...and now he is telling me: "I'll be the one taking care of the baby, Mom. I'll change the diapers, Mom." My baby wants to take care of our new baby!!

So here is lst year's invite. A fun little romp at Mickey D's, was so easy to pull off. I have no clue what to do this year. We have suggested bowling, but that doesn't seem to be suiting his wants. He still isn't sure, but it is getting down to the wire, and I want to make plans soon!

Any suggestions?

wasn't E the sweetest little guy?

School's In session!!

So, we are back at the old school schedule again. I couldn't really get E to smile in this one, because he was afraid he was going to be late, and wanted no part of the photo session, that us moms insist upon, during milestone events such as these! 1st grade? NO WAY!!

I'm pretty sure that Eli's favorite parts of the day were that:

1st graders get to have 3 recesses!

1st graders get to eat lunch in the lunchroom.

1st graders get to eat breakfast before school starts
inthatsameblessedlunchroom!!

(at least that is what he talked about today when he came home :) )

Ash starts school next week! yay! school fun for the BOYS! Free time for Mom!

HA HA HA!!!

I just peeked downstairs, where a monument in our home, that we like to call LAUNDRY MOUNTAIN exists. I had to look when I heard Asher's voice taunting Eli:
"try it on sweet princess!!"
I am dying of laughter, because they are down there trying on my maternity dresses. It is so funny, because after they try one on, they take it off and trade. Eli just said:
"this one is nice..."
and Asher said:
" Eli, you really are a princess."

OH, BOY!

Eli gets mad:

"Asher, stop saying that!"

Don't Worry FOLKS were back to playing good ol' regular STAR WARS now....No, I don't get worried when my boys try on women's clothing.... I LAUGH!!

"I'm a SuperHERO."

This is a phrase that Ash mutters under his breath several times a day. It is so funny. I'll say:

"what are you?"

"A hero."

"Are you Spiderman?"

"No. I'm Asher."

"Are you pretending to be a hero like Batman?"

"No! I'm Asher.... Actually, I am a Hero....Watch me run!"

and he zooms off, taking the chance to leap into the air every few steps...

It makes me happy to see that he has chosen to be his OWN hero. I don't mean that I want him to be arrogant. HE ISN't. But he is confident. A leader! He loves every other child he come into contact with. If another child is rotten to him, he simply shrugs it off and says: "He/ She doesn't like me today." and runs off to the next activity. He doesn't take it personally. Then, if that child wants to be nice and play at a later time, he's cool about it. LET's PLAY! It's forgotten. Kinda cool I think. He has a ton of qualities that remind me of my brother. If we dyed his hair Chestnut Brown, I think that he almost could be Quin, who's life's motto is: I LIKE ME.

I will miss you so much Alleen.
I know that you are in a GREAT place!
I know that your children will be watched over,
and that some day I will see you again.
I pray for David often, and the boys too.
I keep wishing for the opportunity to talk to you one last time.
Thank you for being a terrific friend.

Remember those days...When you thought that you were invincible, and that you could make a perfect life for you and your HUBBY??

NOW I'M TOO TIRED!!

I am so tired! I can't even explain it. I woke up this morning when J got home from work, and I felt a great surge of energy. Great! So, I made some dough for homemade rolls, to go along with the soup I am planning for dinner. Also, I made peanut butter cookie dough, and let the boys roll the dough into balls, and smash with a fork (they did a great job!) Now as I am done baking the cookies, and letting the dough for the rolls finish raising, I am EXHAUSTED!! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY HAPPY ENERGY BURST?? I made major plans for the day, because I felt rested when I woke up, and NOW, it's out the window!!

Sorry to complain! I just really want to accomplish some things, and it is frustrating that I can't!

My mind is writing checks that my body can't cash!!

So, the boys are so helpful. Especially Eli. He has already become more responsible, and I have seen a noticable change in his maturity! So glad that he is there to make bowls of cereal, and microwave cheese quesadillas, when I am too tired to cook.

I have stocked the fridge with quick and easy meal replacers, so the boys don't starve! IE: string cheese, yoplait yogurt, apples, ham cubes, carrots, tortillas, grated cheese, etc...and the cupboard has plenty of PB, honey, and bread. Boo Hoo, my poor children! At least they are feeding themselves!!

And J, he just takes Lean Cuisine to work, and wishes for the days when his wife is going to cook him a meal again, that is nicer than a toasted cheese sandwich!

Well Honey, you might get some rolls and cookies today, but I'm sorry to report, that the soup is now coming out of a can!

Oh, The Little Guy....

Mr. Ash is turning 5! We love it when we see and hear him counting on his fingers, how many days left till his bday party! He is really excited "to be a 5, because now he is only a 4." They say the funniest things, don't they? We are throwing a swimming party for him, (at his request, of course.) and we will be having pizza, and a ton of friends coming, we hope!!

Ash and Eli just finished a session of swimming lessons at the aquatic center, and they LOVED it!! I think that I have a couple of fish on my hands. They had to get goggles to use at the lessons, and it was such a riot to see them exploring under the water, and getting excited about learning to swim. Ash usually took two potty breaks during the lesson, because I had the "no pee in the pool" talk with them everyday before lessons. I guess that he took those talks very seriously.

So, word on the street is that this baby is due Jan 11th. So we should know if it is a "HE" or a "SHE" in a few weeks! We are getting excited, and are trying some names on for size. Judd is the one who will name this baby, so if you have any good suggestions for him, please send them our way!! PLEASE!!

I am getting a prego belly, and have had to make the switch to maternity clothes. I even felt the little one move a few days ago! Wow, things are different since the last time I was pregnant! There are a lot more cute clothes, that's for sure. Also, the yucky morning sickness thing that i had with the boys, has been replaced by the most awful fatigue. I am so TIRED!! I can't believe how tired! It is all gonna be worth it!!

So- I am serious about the name help. I have a few in mind, but many that I like have already been used by family, so we've gotta find something that is unique, but not too wierd!

THANKS!!

Whew!
I haven't posted in a awhile, and believe me, life has been wild. I can't seem to keep my life in balance with everything that is happening. So, I am in HAWAII right now, and it is BEAUTIFUL. Today it is raining, so I am in here (in our rental) typing on the laptop that the lady we rented this place from (named Bev) loaned us while we are here. How cool is that?
So Hawaii is beautiful, an so much fun. this is our third day here, and we have already done so much, and there is still so much to do!! J went on a hike with my cousin Jenny's husband Axel, and left this morning at like 4:00 am. It is like 7:30 am Hawaii time now, so he should be getting back soon. (hiking the mountains of hawaii in the rain? CRAZY!)
Last night we spent time at the PCC and saw an amazing show with polynesian dancers from each polynesian culture. I think that the Tongan Fire knife dance is my very favorite.
So, some of the activities there at the PCC are really cool. J decided that he could climb the coconut tree, just like the samoan's tree climbers, so they let him try it out. I was just as shocked as the guide and the crowd with us, as J was the only person (in quite a few volunteers) that actually climbed the whole trunk of the tree! They got nervous, and didn't want him to go any higher after he was about 15 feet up! (bare feet and all!!) I was PROUD of him!

SO HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?

We are expecting our third baby. We are really excited and think that we will be welcoming him/or her, in January. (around J's 30th b-day.)

Take care... I'm gonna walk to the beach.

1. Your home is more than the sum of its walls. Make it a sacred space.

2. Creativity is a lifestyle, not simply an activity. Let is expand you.

3. True forgiveness springs from love, not regret.

4. Learn something new. Emphasize the trying, not the succeeding.

5. Spend some time in the dirt. You'll be amazed at what nature can inspire.

6. You don't have to have a perfect body to feel great in it.

7. Define yourself by who you are, not the roles you play.

8. Find rejuvination in five minutes of silence.

9. Contribute to abundance. If you no longer need something, pass it on.

10. Find direction in your life by looking where you want to go, not where you don't.

I Found these words of wisdom on AE's blog. I think that they are so poignant, because I really struggle at times to define who I am and that what I do is important simply because it is part of me. Words to live by. Be you, do what you do, and don't let time slip away without discovering that it is OK to be YOU!!

Two Names I Go by:

Mama

Hon

Two Things I am Wearing Right Now:

Brown flip flops

my favorite worn out jeans

Two Things I Want (or have) in a Relationship:

Communication

Love

My Favorite Things to do:

Make things with my hands

Dance!

I Want Very Badly At The Moment:

A new kitchen table

a tent trailer for my fam!

Two pets I have:

Maggie Boo (my kitty)

Marlie May (my LOST dog)

Two things I did last night:

Went to a coupon club thing

Gave the boys a bath

Two things I ate today:

Eggs and cheese

Diet Coke

two people I just talked to last:

ELI

ASH

Two Things I'm doing tomorrow:

Children's Museum with the boys and Sis V

Scrapbooking (?)

Two longest car rides:

To Canada, for expo '87 (the world's fair) in my parents tan malibu station wagon (we even sat in our car on a ferry over to canada!)

To Yellowstone with Judd and Eli (E was 1 year old and he threw up the whole way!)

Two Favorite Holidays:

HALLOWEEN!

Christmas

Two favorite beverages:

Diet Coke

water (with lots of ice!)

Two things I watched today:

The morning news

about 15 min of the price is right (I love that show!)

Oh, my word. MY BABY!

Ash is turning 5 in July, and that is not very far off!! I am pondering birthday party ideas today.
(As it is never too early to start planning...tee hee!)

So last years party evolved into a HUGE wild west extravaganza that involved 22 children! I am thinking that this year may be a time and season to take a cue from my cuz Bonnie, and do things a little more low key. (I was very impressed by her non stressful, YET extremely fun SPONGE BOB PIRATE PARTY!!) Ash says that he wants to have a party at the local public swimming pool! I say: RIGHT ON!! (now for a theme....hmmmm...)

So, here is last years invite. Just gets me thinking :)

Today has been an easy day.
Made scrambled eggs with cheese for breakfast.
Played "scene it DISNEY" after breakfast w/ the boys
gathered Eli's homework.
ran two loads of wash.
ran out of soap. ( I NEED SOME TIDE!!)
vacuumed out the windows in my kitchen (there were dead bugs in there!)
picked up Walgreen's EASY SAVER
Dropped Eli at school.
Stopped and played at Bonnie's for an hour.
now it is just me, my ash, my blog, and my coupons!

getting ready to ORGANIZE them!

HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY!!

I AM GOING TO HAWAII IN 34 DAYS!

ALOHA!

GO YOU GREEN SHARKS, GO!!!!!
SOCCER GAME TONIGHT!

A quick note...

These are some random facts about me. (I got the idea off Jody Ferlaak's blog)

7 CRAZY facts!! (about moi)

1. I really like to clean ears. When checking guys out prior to meeting my sweetheart, It could never work if they had dirty ears.J (DH) has Fantastic Ears!!

2. Diet coke. No the fact that I love the drink doesn't make me special, but the way I drink it does. I drink from the side of my mouth so my nose doesn't get stuck on the pop top. (trademark move for sure!)

3. I always shop at the grocery store after 10pm. WITH COUPONS! (and stay up way past my bedtime!)

4. On soccer game days, I like to paint a giant banner, and mount it on PVC frame that DS made, so the kids can yell "GO SHARKS!" and then run thru it...

5. I have secretly always wanted to dance with John Travolta. (okay, I actually told santa that was what I wanted for Christmas.)

6. Speaking of Santa... I BELIEVE.

7. I like to make old things new! Thrift shop finds, and spray paint are my two best buddies!

and a few more....

8. HALLOWEEN is my fav holiday... I really like all that creepy scary stuff (to decorate with!)

9. I HATE feet! Really. More than anything.

10. I am always trying new things. New recipes. Love cooking. Hate cleaning. Adore any ethnic experience and food!!

CINCO DE MAYO IS ONLY 4 DAYS AWAY!! I am gonna bust out the old Rick Bayless cookbooks and make mexican food until I DROP!! (mole, baby!)

(Come to my place, I will feed you!) (I am serious.)

HORCHATA! Ole'!

Hmmm...That is me trying to sound latin. Anyhow, I made the most delicious mexican version of this latin favorite. A drink called horchata. You have probably tasted it in your favorite mexican restaurant, and man, if you haven't , you have gotta try some of this delicious cinnamon rice milk. (It is dairy free!) It tastes like a cinnamony-sweet, almost like a thin vanilla milk shake, but a lot different. It makes you feel good when you drink it! (Especially if you are pairing it with hot food.)

Horchata
2 cups long grain white rice

1 cup raw almonds, skins removed

2-inch piece of cinnamon bark (or 2 tsp ground mexican cinnamon)

8 cups of water

3/4 cups of sugar

1 vanilla bean (or mexican vanilla extract about 2 tsp.)

Grind the rice into a fine powder (a blender works perfectly). Remove the skins of the almonds by blanching them in boiling water: Drop the almonds in boiling water, scoop them out after about 30 seconds, and after they have cooled, the almonds should squirt right out of their skins when pressed between thumb and forefinger. Combine the ground rice, blanched almonds, cinnamon, and the seeds that have been scraped out of one vanilla bean, with 3 1/2 cups of water and let sit overnight, covered.
The next day, pour the mixture into a blender and puree until smooth, adding an additional 2 1/2 cups of water. Strain the Horchata using a strainer and cheesecloth. There will be a lot of solids. Press them against the cheesecloth-lined strainer to get out all of the liquid, but don't stop there. Pick up the cheesecloth to form a pouch and squeeze out every last drop with your hands.

Rinse out the cheesecloth, and the bowl you are working with. pour the horchata through one more time to catch any missed grains. The final step is to add additional water to thin out the drink. Add two cups cold water (or more to your liking) and the sugar. mix till dissolved.

serve the horchata over ice cubes.

So this is a little involved, and requires quite a wait, (over night) but the end results are FANTASTIC, and I promise if you follow the directions you will be amazed at your accomplishment! ( I know I was!)

So, what are you up to today?

It is gonna be a busy one here! Getting the boys ready to camp out with Dad this weekend, I am making a sign/banner, for the kids to run through at their first soccer game of the season TONITE. GO SHARKS!! and I must get it together so I can hit the scrapbook Expo on Saturday! Yeah!

Well, gotta get the kids off to school! E wants his head shaved into a mohawk and dyed green for the game, so I better put on my blinders and be efficient today. (Do you think that they have that green spray junk at Tayor Maid? Hope so.)

Later!

An Easter in Koda Chrome State Park!!

Hey, we had a great time in Bryce Canyon, and Koda Chrome State park this last weekend. We had a sagebrush egg hunt hunt, and a ton of cousin fun!

My favorite part about this weekend? DS A always saying "Absolutely, Mom!"

Here are a few other favs:

Spiderman easter eggs

Dressed up in new Sunday Best

Uncle Errol's lesson on the ressurrection

Brunch

The skyline at koda Chrome

Riding 4 wheeler w/ J

Egg dying traditions

J's new orange tie

Kids carrying their lunches "hobo Style" on a little hike

How was YOUR EASTER?? I hope that it was great, and that you took tons of GREAT photos! Thanks a million to Auntie Trista, who let us stay with her at her "hotel bryce canyon" ..like "hotel california..." right? such a lovely place. Thanks to everyone who did such a great job with their "assignments". Heck, we may have thrown the ITINERARY out the door, but we had some serious FUN!! If you are reading this: I LOVE YOU!!

It's been a MONTH!!

It has been 1 crazy month since I have blogged...CRAZY, I know! I have no idea where all the time went, because I have very little tangible evidence that I did anything with this time.

FIRST OF ALL...I feel a ton of gratitude right now. It is so great to have friends that you can count on when you need their help. A very SCARY thing happened to my sister Tuesday night, and I was blessed to have understanding friends to take my children so I could drive the 5 hours and be with her. They watched the boys 2 full days, and were so kind to do it.

Next, I have so many plans, and things to do, and so little time to do them! I am going to make some lists tonight, pay the bills (@12:30 am) and get my life in order. I need to grab the bull by the horns and make some things happen. (AKA the ward cookbook, home projects, primary projects, easter weekend plans, laundry, toilets, parties, etc.)

I hope that everything is going well in your lives, and that you are all taking pictures of everything...

Like the photo of V and E at Buca de Beppo, my new favorite Italian Place? Happy B-day V!

I can't believe that you are actually 20!! You are no longer a teen! You get prettier every year you gain. Thanks for the fun new restaurant experience, Mom and Dad, you paid the bill!! YUM! The chicken SALTIMBOCCA, is a must have!!

My little bro Q, went deep sea fishing this week, in the gulf of Mexico. He said he was puking the whole time as the 10 ft. waves rocked the boat, and as he was reeling in mackerel (sp?) It was crazy fun times...Attitude is everything, he proved, as he stuck with his guns, and determinedly enjoyed his fishing trip, though most people chose to stay down below, and lay down, and wish the trip was over! What a TROOPER! (I would like to see you do your best Captain Ahab impression, Q!) YES! YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY DO IT AGAIN!

DS E is such a great kid, and DS A is a fantastic boy, too! They are so cooperative, and didn't even bat their eyes at me leaving them with someone else. ( In all truthfullness, I almost wish that they were a little bit sad about me leaving them!) DH J, you are so sweet and understanding, and I appreciate you for taking charge, and supporting my sis.

.......and little sis V, feel better, and know that most people are decent. Don't be afraid; live your life, and love it, as you always have. WE LOVE YOU!!

Here's a bit of advice...

MAKING COOKIES IS NOT GOOD FOR YOUR DIET!
I have already eaten two of the sugar laced devils!

but, if you are interested, I made milk chocolate chip cookies, and oatmeal cookies w/ semisweet chips. On south beach you are encouraged to have some dark chocolate occationally, and I have become very accustomed to the taste of DARK chocolate. I like it better than milk now!

so...I am lazy and not posting pics.

But I will soon. PROMISE!

Oh my WORD.
I am swimming in a world of sickness!
My boys now have the stomach flu, and I am still battling this cold/sinus/ear thing. Still, let's look on the bright side. I am feeling much better, and one of the boys has stopped throwing up. It really is looking up! (I am not being sarcastic here!)
So, after taking a bath this morning, I was getting ready to go to ds E's parent teacher conference @ 9:00am, but the little one ds A came in the bathroom, and started blowing chunks. Bah! I thought that he was doing better. Poor baby. So, back to the mop and bucket of clorox water today. Bummer. DH was called, and asked to substitute for me @ the conference.
I am so glad that he could make it.
So Valentine's was fun. kids were well enough to go out to dinner, (or we thought they were...)
We ate at Wingers, and we were going to go to "Night at the Museum," but the dinner was a really slow process. (Restaurant was very busy.) so we opted to rent movies.
Judd and I watched "Lady in the Water" and "Marie Antionette" which were both good, and the kids watched Cinderella III before bedtime. (E does not want to admit to liking it, but he was GLUED to the tube.) We ate Chocolate covered strawberries, and had fun talking. It was laid back, but still romantic. I love DH J. He left me the cutest note before work yesterday. and gave me roses. (of course) I gave J a Bon Jovi CD, and some Whoppers, and the boys some light up heart pens, Looneytoons cartoons, and gummy worms. We had a fun day sick or not.

Hope your day was fun too!!

Marlie Mae 7 weeks old. Cute isn't she? ( I know what you are thinking Alleen.) HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KYLE AND JANELL!!

Hello.

I am just putting a quick post of the puppy's pics.

I am SICK...some sort of virus I think....maybe an ear infection.

Not feeling the best.

Last night we went to the Rumbi grill, and to the movies with DH J's Brother and wife...and some friends from J's work. Rumbi is really good, and inexpensive. Good place to eat, when you are low on funds, but wanting some quick fun. We saw the movie "the pursuit of happyness" (Yes, spelled with a "y." ) and it was a great flick. About half way through, I started to have a faucet drip effect with my nose, a lot of sneezing, and an earache/sore throat. Started to feel really sick, really fast.

Ended up missing a baby shower I was supposed to help with today. Feeling sorry about that.

I like to be dependable. Anyhow...It was still fun to go out last night.

Marlie and the kitty Maggie Boo, are actually pretty cute together. They play like they are siblings, which really suprised me. I have also noticed Maggie being more affectionate (she already was VERY...) Maybe some competition has upped the ante.

LATER!! Wish my cold away for me!!

I am just jotting a quick post today...
so excited.
going to pick up some things for our new puppy today.
Yes.
A new cockapoo mix puppy...
I think I am going to name her MARLiE.
Maybe.
I've been reading up on puppy training.
A friend is giving her pups away, and I couldn't resist.
Anyhow, wish me luck! (and Maggie Boo, too!)

Now what do we love???

THE OFFICE.

Oh yes my friends this is sooooooooo funny.

You have to get over the initial quirkiness, and adapt to a different brand of humor.

Then it is all over.

COMPLETE HILARITY AT IT"S BEST!!

You must see the office.

(another thanks to little bro for the intro!)

Okay... I am bugged.
I accidentally forwarded a very politically loaded email to my address list on hotmail.
I only meant to forward it to my brother.
If you recieved this accept my apologies.
It is not my OPINION on the matter.
Please forgive me.
And anyone who doesn't know me well enough to think that I would think that way...
SHAME ON YOU!!!
I have recieved some less than kind replies.
So I am bugged.
One reply ending with ...hopefully we can still be friends.
I lost sleep over this.
Because I do want my FRIENDS to think kindly of me.
I can't help it.
Anyhow, maybe this is half anxiety over the situation, half PMS.
Who knows?

BAH!!!

PS: Grandma made it through her mastectomy with flying colors!! She is doing great, and is having a FANTASTIC attitude about the whole situation. I am so PROUD of her.

So, you wanna know what I did yesterday, instead of cleaning the black hole (my home)

I redecorated my entryway!! (with old stuff, and some fabulous baskets from home depot)

I simply took the old shoe racks that were collecting dust in the basement, and added some inexpensive baskets from Home Depot ( I have more to put in the cubes, if I need them!!)
You should've seen the place before...A ghastly heap of winter boots, gloves, hats, and coats. And I think that I have solved the problem, of always losing my keys... They are hanging on the hook above the baskets!! YES! Whaddaya think?

This is a Sagehen inspired entry...After I saw what you did yesterday, I had to post my project too! (I admit yours is much prettier!) Hopefully, this project (and hers as well.) can be counted as some form of cleaning and organization.... I think mine does!

So, I have solved one organizational dilemma in my life. Now, does anyone know how I can get rid of this cold sore blooming on my lower lip? OUCH!