Miriam was acting so cute after church today that I decided it warranted an amateur photo shoot.
My baby is growing up; she's starting to look like a little girl now.She's still my curious little baby though. (I think she was reaching for the camera's lanyard; it mesmerizes her every time the camera is out).We sure love her and think she's pretty cute.
Miriam has been popping teeth out like crazy lately! She's still just under nine months and has five teeth...FIVE! This is not normal. Then again, does anybody in our little family actually follow normal? Well, at least she'll fit in here! And, in typical anything-but-ordinary fashion, the teeth are all presenting in the "wrong" order.
Four and Five really came at the same time, but four seemed to break through a tiny bit sooner. So, at least if she's going to be cutting all these teeth, I'm happy that she's being efficient about it. It doesn't get much better than two fer one, does it?
This morning as I was browsing through my many Google Reader subscriptions, this post from Makes and Takes caught my eye. A five minute cake?! Made in the microwave?!! Are you serious?!!! I was skeptical, to put it lightly. Naturally, I shared the crazy idea with Owen. He thought it was cockamamy too, but we had to try it out before completely throwing out the possibility. So, at 8:30 a.m. we made cake. In the microwave. In less than five minutes. And it actually turned out pretty good. It's no five star, gourmet recipe. But it is fast, and it's chocolate. So, if you're looking for a fun science experiment to do with your toddler or you just need a quick chocolate fix and don't want to dirty up the whole kitchen making a dessert...try this out. I bet it will surprise you.
How is it done? Let's have a little walk through, why don't we?
You will need: 4 Tablespoons cake flour (although we used regular all-purpose flour and it was still fine) 4 Tablespoons sugar 2 Tablespoons cocoa 1 Egg 3 Tablespoons milk 3 Tablespoons oil 1 Mug
Mix flour, sugar and cocoa
Spoon in egg
Pour in milk and oil, and mix well
Put in microwave for 3 minutes on maximum power
Wait until it stops rising and sets in the mug (it didn't rise out of the mug much because this mug is oversized...in a typical mug though it will appear taller)
Dump out (or leave it in the mug even) and enjoy!
And, if you're brave...add some chocolate chips or hot fudge (not both though) to the cake batter before you microwave it and tell me how it goes. :) The hot fudge should create a nice lava cake...should being the key word here.
When I woke up Thursday morning with a scratchy throat and an enhanced tickle in my nose, I went about life as usual. And although they felt worse than usual, I still blamed it on my allergies. Being allergy season, these things are mostly normal. I figured the farmers had started burning their fields, which really just means that they are adding smoke (yet, another thing that brings about allergies in me) to my hay fever. It's a sign that harvest is nearly over though, so I merrily went on my way hoping I would soon be free and clear of all sniffles...at least until cold season, of course :)
It wasn't until Friday that I caught on to the idea that this was no allergy I was dealing with -- I was sick! And boy, was I ever. I think all did last weekend was sleep and blow my nose. No homework. No housework. Nope! I just lazied around doing nothing. So, I've spent the last three days (today included) playing catch up. I'm just about finished and should be back to my normal routine soon. And, I can happily say that I am fully recuperated.
When Owen and I were married, he had never read a novel cover to cover. That didn't stop me though; I'm always up for a challenge. And I was determined to make a reader out of him. So, I started with something that seems to catch 'em all...Harry Potter. He read The Sorcerer's Stone and was quickly reeled in. After that he breezed through the next five and anxiously awaited the release of The Deathly Hallows with the rest of the world. Once "Book Seven" came out, he read it and I then I figured we'd be on to bigger and better things....Wrong-o, bong-o. He just wasn't ready to move on, so he started over. That's right. He went right back to "Book One" and started re-reading (or rather, listening to) all seven Harry Potter novels. And again. And then he started skipping around within the series and reading only his favorites. Throughout all of this I am reading and recommending new books, and eventually poking and prodding in hopes of getting him to branch out some.
Then one day, earlier this summer, my sister, Heidi, brought over the book that would finally (although not immediately) break the Potter-streak...Fablehaven. All summer long it has been on Owen's nightstand; waiting and hoping that someday he'd pick it up to read. A while back he started a chapter or two in it, but was still stuck on Harry, so it stayed on the nightstand. But I guess a couple days ago he decided it was time for something new and he picked it up again.
Now, during all his empty minutes, he has been reading and reading and reading. I don't think he's even had the TV on!! He's so into this Fablehaven book that he's even pushing me to read it!! (And I will...but currently I have 40+ hours of textbook reading a week that seem to be consuming all my waking hours).
And so, it could be...caution folks, there's a new reader on the loose!
Tangles just seem come with the girly, long-hair territory. So, since Miriam has long hair (although very fine) I was not the least surprised when she woke up with her first case of bed head today. I was kind of relieved that I had to leave and go to school all day so that I didn't have to be the one to tug and pull and comb through the mess (actually, I take that back...I hate being away from my babydoll all day. But I've gotta finish my degree sometime and now seems better than later). But, I imagine that this will happen again....and again...and again. And probably even more than that depending on how many sisters she ends up with. So, I'm sure I'll get to deal with it one of these days.
A lousy view of the hair, yet a cute picture of a very groggy, still-trying-to-fully-wake-up-baby
Today has been another one of "those" days. Must have something to do with Wednesday. I thought it was Mondays I couldn't trust? Seems I can't trust The Mamas and the Papas anymore. Anyway, since I was feeling a little stressed and grumpy I grabbed my quick go-to comfort food.
Honey Bunches of Oats!
It's the perfect bowl of sweet and crunchy (at least for a couple minutes) for me. Until it gets cold...then I'm all about the hot cocoa, with marshmallows please!
I didn't post yesterday. And while, my excuse is probably not actually a good one, I do have one.
You see, it goes like this. I sat down at the computer, fully intent on writing up a fabulous post. It was going to explain a thing or two that you didn't already know. Plus, I had a couple linky links to go along with it. After an hour, or more, of messing around trying to make things work I still had yet to get things up and running like I wanted. So, I did what I usually do after long, frustrating rows with the computer...I decided I was tired and went to bed.
So, although I can't really assure that I have a good excuse, I can promise a good post...sometime...eventually...once I can muster the strength to battle modern technology again.
In the meantime, check this out! My sister sent me this link and all I have to say is I'm so grateful to be LDS and to have the gospel. It is so true and these amazing temples are confirmation of that to me. Looking at the astounding beauty and magnitude of these buildings is a testimony to me that Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to serve our spirit brothers and sisters, and Him, and He has provided us these temples to do so. These are literally Heaven on Earth; a refuge from the storms life brings. We are so blessed!
A couple weeks ago the ward executive secretary called me to say the bishop needed to speak with me. We set up an appointment for the next day, leaving me all night and the following morning to ponder the occasion. I immediately knew I would be released and a new calling was likely in the picture as well. So I started speculating.
Ward choir director...hmm, I'd rather not, but I'll commit no matter what the calling is.
Relief society teacher...that wouldn't be so bad; I would probably enjoy that after the first or second go-'round.
Primary teacher...Owen's been needing a new partner for the last, oh, five months or so, when his partner was called to be the new bishop...I wouldn't mind being in a class with him; that could be fun!
Maybe Sunday school teacher...ooh, I hope NOT!! I think that's the scariest calling I could ever get called to! Okay, maybe not the scariest, but it'd come close.
Well, since I have no idea, I'm banking on R.S. teacher. Yup, that sounds good to me.
I went to my interview, and boy, was I wrong!! And even though I wasn't expecting it at all, I'm happy to announce that I am our ward's new nursery leader! Yay for little ones! I actually love, love, love being in nursery (unlike the vast majority of adults in the LDS church who, for some reason, just don't like it). Sure, you miss out on some adult interaction and maybe a spiritual experience, or two....but you get toys and tantrums and snacks and singing and lots of other good things that only come with small children. It can be surprisingly inspirational at times too, even with only a three minute lesson. Most people just aren't looking for such instances, so they miss it altogether.
In other church changes, we are now on the eleven o'clock block schedule (Our stake is odd and switches the times the first week in September to coincide with the school year -- last week was stake conference, so the first day was today). We've been on the miserable one to four church time, and that is just too late in the day for me. I love having church at eleven...early enough to still get a nap if I want/need one, but not so early that I've got to get up at o'dark thirty just to be there on time...so this was a welcome change!
The other day I was having crazy sugar-cravings. So, before I set off for school I gave Owen an assignment..."Make a treat." I left and then pushed the cravings aside for a little longer. On my way home I called Owen to see what he'd made. He made these...
...and boy were they yummy! Now, I may not know a lot about a lot of things. But cookies...I know cookies. I've had many an oatmeal raisin in my days -- good and bad. These beat 'em all. And, if you want my opinion, it's the cloves...they make the cookie. Try them; I dare you. And if they're not the best oatmeal raisin cookies you've EVER had, let me know so I can secretly think that you're crazy.
p.s. I love having a husband that can cook, and enjoys it too!! I bet you can't say that about your man...well, maybe you can...but mine makes breakfast every morning (without being asked), so my hubby is still better. *grin*
1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup butter flavored shortening 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups rolled oats 1 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes until light and golden. Let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets to cool completely. Store in airtight container.
Since Miriam is still little, she doesn't understand the gotta-hold-my-eyes-open-while-someone-takes-my-picture concept yet. So, needless to say, over the past eight and a half months we have managed to capture quite a few "I blinked" photos. You might ask why I don't just work without the flash, and sometimes I do. But since our camera is less than fabulous, we get blurry pictures otherwise (unless Miriam remains completely still -- but who's ever seen a baby do that for longer than two seconds?!). So, we use the flash and get lots of bloopers to laugh at later.
As I have spent today reflecting back to seven years ago, a popular country song has played again and again in my mind.
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day? Out in the yard with your wife and children, Working on some stage in LA? Did you stand there in shock at the site of That black smoke rising against that blue sky? Did you shout out in anger, In fear for your neighbor, Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children Who lost their dear loved ones, And pray for the ones who don't know? Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride For the red white and blue? The heroes who died just doing what they do. Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer And look at yourself to what really matters?
I'm just a singer of simple songs, I'm not a real political man. I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you The difference in Iraq and Iran. But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young, Faith, hope and love are some good things he gave us; And the greatest is love.
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day? Teaching a class full of innocent children; Driving down some cold interstate? Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor? In a crowded room did you feel alone? Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her? Did you dust off that bible at home? Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened, Close your eyes and not go to sleep? Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages, Speak with some stranger on the street? Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow, Go out and buy you a gun? Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns? Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger? Stand in line and give your own blood? Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family, Thank God you had somebody to love?
I'm just a singer of simple songs, I'm not a real political man. I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you The difference in Iraq and Iran. But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young, Faith, hope and love are some good things he gave us; And the greatest is love.
--Alan Jackson
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
It wasn't the worst either. It was just one of "those" days. Ya know, the kind where things just don't seem to be working in your favor?
So it started out this morning with me not having my schoolwork entirely finished. This goes against my nature completely, but it does happen on a rare occasion, so I can handle it every now and then. I figured it would be no big deal, because usually it isn't. I knew I'd have a couple minutes to scramble everything together and was hoping that would be good enough until I could review the material in greater depth later. Then Owen brought it to my attention that the car was very nearly out of fuel. Oh, joy! Now I get to stop for gas before the lovely commute to Rexburg! There goes those extra minutes I was counting on for my homework. (If you didn't catchmy sarcasm there, I wasn't entirely thrilled about the situation...and I'm pretty sure that until today I had avoided pumping gas for my entire married life making the task all the more enjoyable -- sarcasm again).
I left the house a little grumpier than planned, but was still in mostly good spirits. I filled the tank and then cranked up my music so I could sing along (and yes, it was Hanson -- it always makes me happy). I got to class and lo and behold, I had forgotten some other assignments. Meanwhile, I'm thinking Well, I guess I'll just ADD those to the list of homework I already had...I'm only three days in and already behind...this is not a good way to start the semester!
I made it through the rest of school, got home and everything was clean!! I have the best house-husband ever! This definitely brightened my day, but I still had a pile of schoolwork looming over my head, not to mention being tired after Miriam's almost-all-nighter last night. So I decided a nap was a good idea. :) I figured I could do it after Owen went to work (5 p.m.) and Miriam to bed (around 6). That would leave me a quiet and uninterrupted evening. Well, as Murphey's Law would have it, something went wrong with my plan.
Right before I was about to give Miriam her bedtime bath she threw up. A lot. It was gross, but mostly contained, so I just cleaned it up and then proceded with the bath and bedtime routine. I figured all was well, but boy was I wrong! As I was snuggling in the rocking chair with her it happened again. This time more and all over me. And since she now eats real food (as opposed to a 100% mama's-milk diet) it stunk too! I about lost it myself. By this time, I'm less worried about getting her to bed and more worried about her becoming dehydrated. So, I got her a couple teaspoons of tasty Pedialyte and laid her on top of a bunch of towels so she could watch Signing Time until she stopped throwing up (I don't normally let her watch TV much, but I'm a sucker for a sick kid).
She's finally asleep and I have yet to even pull my homework out, but that's okay...it'll get done. I'm just happy that my baby is feeling better. Things are looking up!
So, to make light of today's bumps in the road, I figured some comedy relief was in order.
Story One One day when Mrs. H was teaching kindergarten, one of her students came to her and asked, "Teacher, how do you spell p*nis?" Slightly shocked that a kindergartner would ask this, she paused and then asked to see what he was working on. The little boy showed her his paper and said, "I already have the HAP, now I just need to know how to spell p*nis so I can end the word."
Story Two A second grade teacher wrote the less than (<) and greater than (>) symbols on the board then asked her students, "Do you remember what these mean?" A few seconds passed, after which a little boy raised his hand. When called upon, he confidently answered "Rewind and fast forward."
Only 213 to go! Okay, so maybe it's a little far off. At least it's closer than a full-term pregnancy (um, and no, I'm not pregnant -- just for comparison sake, ya know).
Today was the first day of school and I have an elevated case of senioritis. I'm sure having been a senior for over a year now has nothing to do with this. Nor does wanting to be at home with my growing girl rather than my crabby, old professors (not that they really are -- both are actually very nice and not really old at all). Nope, those things have nothing to do with really, really, REALLY wanting to be done. So, here's to getting through the next seven months. Pray for me...really...I need it.
We always start with a lesson Some times the kids listen; some times they don't There's always a treat afterwards. This time...cRaZy cake Then the kids goof around While the adults gab And then we dismiss until next fast Sunday when we'll do it all again Disclaimer: My camera's batteries died right as Family Home Evening started. So, being resourceful, I used my cell phone. As such, the pictures are less than fabulous.
...my amazing parents made the most important decision of their lives.
I'm so glad they did! I'm even happier that they've stuck with it for forty years, even if/when it wasn't easy (I had nothing to do with making it harder -- okay, so maybe I did). My parents are living proof that even in these crazy times where divorce is rampant and the very foundations of marriage are crumbling, success is possible! People still get married and grow old together (even though my parents are NOT old yet -- nor will they ever act old).
Aren't they cute?!
Missionary Photo
Look at the impact this choice has made!! Six kids - Five married (all in the temple) - Ten grandkids (and two on the way - Tara is due in October and Alicia in March...yay for babies!) I couldn't ask for better!
This is the most current family picture and was outdated six days after it was taken -- so, no, I'm not just really fat here...I was 40 1/2 weeks pregnant
It's true. They both went through with it and now they're hitched. We're so happy for them and even more excited of their choice to be sealed eternally.
The temple grounds had beautiful flowers Waiting, waiting, waiting Oh! Here they come! The Happy Couple The Reception
The Cake -- almost too pretty to cut... ...Almost It's been a long day...we are ready to go...
Owen's best guy friend, Ryan, is getting married tomorrow and we want to be there to make sure it happens. (Oh, and he's my friend too...I just didn't grow up with him like Owen did.) So, we're headed on a 500+ mile adventure to Monticello, Utah today. With a baby it oughta take us around ten hours. Wish us luck!!!
Make no mistake, this little girl already has quite the act of self-admiration going on. Every morning (as long as she's not napping) Miriam sits in her yellow chair at my mom's make-up counter while I get ready for the day. She loves to check herself out in the little round mirror while she plays with my hair pick. Well, at least she's headed down a path of pure girly-ness (I'm pretty sure I just made that word up).
Why are all non-toys so much more interesting to babies than their real toys?...Probably because they don't get to play with them much.
Uh, oh. I got caught with the camera!
That's okay; it looks like she'll smile for me anyway.
Any guess on where the main mirror in the bathroom is?
Hello Readers. I have a new friend for you to meet.
Readers, my first purse. Purse, my readers.
Ain't she pretty? Okay, now that we've gotten the formalities are out of the way, on with the story.
For the past, well...basically my entire life, I have sworn up and down that I was just not a purse-user. Whether they were too girly, or what, I'm not exactly sure. They just weren't my thing. But, after mulling this option over for quite a while I've finally decided to withdraw my "I'll never get a purse" choice for a bit of practicality.
I had a few necessary specifications in my purse of choice and this one came out on top in all categories.
Space -- Enough room to hold my phone, camera, new small and sleek planner, and a wallet (which I still haven't bought because I haven't found one that I like, but this purse has plenty of room).
Organization -- Lots of separate pockets to help with my "everything has to have its own place" OCD behavior.
Quality -- Leather is a must. No imitations please.
Price -- As always, I need a good deal to be happy with my purchase.
It's nice and roomy, but not so big that it looks like I'm packing a small carry-on around, has separate little pockets for my phone, camera, planner, wallet and the bonus of some extra pockets to hold chapstick and other odds and ends. It's leather and, the best part...purchase price = $7.20. Can't beat a deal like that!
My baby is growing up; she's starting to look like a little girl now.
She's still my curious little baby though. (I think she was reaching for the camera's lanyard; it mesmerizes her every time the camera is out).
We sure love her and think she's pretty cute.
Oh, now isn't that nice?! A shampoo bottle that gives compliments -- and in a place where we all need a little reassurance now and then.
Four and Five really came at the same time, but four seemed to break through a tiny bit sooner. So, at least if she's going to be cutting all these teeth, I'm happy that she's being efficient about it. It doesn't get much better than two fer one, does it?
Spoon in egg
Pour in milk and oil, and mix well
Put in microwave for 3 minutes on maximum power
Wait until it stops rising and sets in the mug (it didn't rise out of the mug much because this mug is oversized...in a typical mug though it will appear taller)
And, if you're brave...add some chocolate chips or hot fudge (not both though) to the cake batter before you microwave it and tell me how it goes. :) The hot fudge should create a nice lava cake...should being the key word here.
When I look at this picture I see two things:
A lousy view of the hair, yet a cute picture of a very groggy, still-trying-to-fully-wake-up-baby
A close up of the damage
Why are all non-toys so much more interesting to babies than their real toys?...Probably because they don't get to play with them much.
Uh, oh. I got caught with the camera!
That's okay; it looks like she'll smile for me anyway.
