Mommy Tag - by Megan

My cousin Becky tagged Little Miss Megan with this fun little Mommy Tag. I will tag Taylor Hawthorne, Dale Simmons, and Thomas Anderson. Enjoy!

1.What is something Mommy always says? You call me Sweetie Pie

2. What makes Mommy happy? Having your kids be nice to each other

3. What makes Mommy sad? When I don't do the right thing

4. How does your Mom make you laugh? Making a silly face

5. What was your Mom like as a child? I don't know... I don't get it.

6. How old is your Mom? 36? (I'm only 33!)

7. How tall is your Mom? Almost as tall as daddy

8. What is your Mom's favorite thing to do? You love to cook (not!)

9. What does Mom do when your not around? Work on the computer

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Writing

11. What is your Mom really good at? Cooking

12. What is your Mom not good at? Wow...um.... sigh...... I KNOW! You cant get Sethy's diaper on cuz he won't listen to you.

13. What does Mom do for her job? Preschool

14. What is Mom's favorite food? Lasagna

15. What makes you proud of your Mom? Cuz I love her

16. If your Mom were a carton character who would she be? Miss Lori from PBS kids (?)

17. What do you and your Mom do together? Go on dates - get ice cream

18. How are you and your Mom the same? Hair color

19. How are you and your Mom different? You're bigger and I'm smaller

20. How do you know your Mom loves you? You think I'm cute.

Summertime Fun - The Yo Yo Way

Wizard Weekly

Hi and welcome to my part of the blog Wizard Weekly. Now I chose this because in Harry Potter there is a magazine called the Witch Weekly. So I'm doing the Wizard Weekly. This is about what's been going on in my week. Here we go, first off on Monday I was sick and I have been sick this whole week, but that did not stop me from going to the Twin Falls, Idaho Temple Open House. That was cool and my favourite part was the Celestial Room because it was so bright. Now next i just finished the Harry Potter series. It was so good I wanted to watch all the movies over and over!! Also on Thursday was my grandmas birthday and so we went to my cousins house to swim and have a BBQ that was so fun. That is it and I'll be writing next week. Bye!

SWEET!

I know where I'm going on July 30th!!!

SWEET!!

I Just Have To Share...

OK - you know I am now a bonafide blog jogger (love that term I learned!). I just have to share a couple of things that I'm so excited about! Note: right click on the links and "open in new window" so you can keep reading this post and leave a comment at the end.

First off, to make a long story short, we had a yard sale last Saturday. To get ready for this, Roman pulled a bunch of boxes out of the garage for us to sort through (I found things I haven't seen since we moved in! But that is a whole other story). We found a bunch of our books, so we decided we need a bookshelf to store/display them on - and we have a nice empty corner in our living room that would work for this. Since we are trying to use all extra cash for food storage, I decided to look for a used one on craigslist. One day later, there is this cool post on one of the blogs I subscribe to! Check it out!!! If you don't use Google Reader - YOU MUST! (I'll have to post a tutorial on that another day). But this combines the awesome power of Google Reader with the craigslist search function. It is so cool! From beingfrugal.net.

You know how I struggle with cooking/menu planning - well, this awesome mommy from simplemom.net combines good ol fashion planning, with technology to form a wonderful system for menu planning! It is just for me! Of course I haven't had time to sit down and set it up yet, but that is OK - I will next week!

I have also recently converted to the Firefox browser. Now, I was a HUGE internet explorer fan, until I learned about this cool (and free) tool Firefox has that will block banner ads! I've been fed up lately with all the skin showing to *advertise* for anything from weight loss to shoes! Then I found this great tutorial from a dude on Facebook (who was tired of looking at the ads on Facebook). It took me a few days to get used to Firefox, but now I love it, and I love the fact that I don't have to worry about my kids seeing these inappropriate advertisements! Switch over - you'll be happy you did! Here is the tute (copied from the dude from Facebook):

• If you have Mozilla Firefox, skip to step 2
• Step 1. Go to www.getfirefox.com and download the best browser, mozilla firefox.
• Step 2. go to addons.mozilla.com and search for Ad Block Plus. It is listed in top apps, pop apps, and what not. or click this: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865
• Step 3. Install Ad Block Plus
• Step 4. Download Adblock filterset.g updater, https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1136
• Step 5. restart firefox, and you will not see any more banner ads!!

One last thing (for now anyway, I can hardly contain myself!). Check out this blog - this fun lovin momma is so funny. She's got this cute and *chic* little house apron you can make in 20 minutes with $4. I don't sew. I hate to sew. And I don't wear aprons, but these little suckers are so cute and just might make me feel like a hot mama if I wear it and have my toenails painted too! I just may try this one (note: no sewing machine required - SWEET!).

So have fun and tell me what your most favorite tip is and if you do anything with this info.

Our Summer Vacation

With the price of gas, a newborn, and lack of funds, we took our only summer vacation today. That is right, I said TODAY - it was a day trip to Twin Falls.

We went to the Twin Falls Idaho Temple Open House! We left at about 10 this morning, stopped at IHOP for some lunch (or breakfast... if you're like me and will eat pancakes/french toast any time of day). Then we went over to the Open House. We left Seth with my sister for the day, so we were really able to enjoy the whole experience. It was fun to see the temple with my kids. They were floored when we told them they'd be able to go inside the temple and see what it looks like. And it was BEAUTIFUL of course! My favorite part of the whole tour was walking into the celestial room with my husband, children, and parents. I couldn't believe how bright and white it was. We only had about a minute to enjoy it - I wished I could have stayed longer. It was sweet to sit on the couch and enjoy the peace and beauty with my husband and five of my children.

After the tour (and refreshments of course - it is an LDS function!), we took a few pictures outside of the temple. The sad thing was that the kids were worn out and hot. So the shots I got of them aren't that great, and we didn't get one of our family - just the kids. Aaron was going to die because he needed to blow his nose, and I could barely talk Zack into getting into the picture. Oh well, I'm still happy that my Family is Forever!

After the Temple, we drove over to Shoshone Falls. Another beautiful site to see! Once again, everyone starting to get too tired and crabby (must have been the heat - it was about 95), to pose for a picture. So I just got some great shots of the falls all by themselves.
Lastly, we stopped at an understaffed DQ for ice cream and 20 minutes later (with our to go order) we headed home. We arrived back home at about 7:45. All said and done, it was a pretty cheap and easy vacation!

A Switch in *MY* Road

I've wanted to share this with everyone all week, but haven't really had the opportunity to put my thoughts into words. I'm not an "eloquent writer", so I'll blab out some of my thoughts now. For me, this was the small switch in my road that got me back on track, DOING all that I needed to be doing...

Early last Sunday morning, I was feeding Logan. As I was "blog jogging", someone referenced this blog written by a mother(Stephanie) whose 14 month old daughter drowned in their hot tub. I couldn't imagine how a mother could blog about her feelings while she goes through such an ordeal. For the next hour I read, wept and became inspired. I was truly changed.

I'm sure we all know of someone who has tragically lost a loved one. This is the first time that I (and most) have seen life through the eyes of one as she experiences this, and beautifully overcomes this, on a day to day basis. I have to tell you that it is one of the most faith promoting and inspiring things to witness. I now read this blog daily. I am uplifted daily. I am reminded to not take for granted the life that I have with my six beautiful children and husband - daily.

Take some time to read this (with a box of tissues near by). Know it is not a depressing kind of sorrow you'll feel when reading. Here is the first post after the accident (by Stephanie's sister):

Camille

It's no wonder...

young girls, young women, and even us moms never feel like we're "pretty enough"...

Check out this "Dove Movie".

Beauty.

I Have a Memory...

This is fun! My favorite southern blogging babe, and sis-in-law, Marji, had this on her blog...

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses.

If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. ;)

Notable Quotables

"Thank you for our Blessens" - Zack during family prayer

"Mom, your Love is home!" - Megan

"Look at that shine!" - Haley, referring to pretend brownie mix

Roman (while talking to Megan about Aaron calling her a loser) - "So are you turning around calling someone else a loser?"
Megan - "No, there's no one behind me!"

"Here is his love" - Megan (bringing me the apple juice to pour a sippy cup for Seth)

Book of Mormon Challenge to Myself and Anyone That Wants To Join Me!

" Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your heart?"
Alma 5:14

coun·te·nance Origin: 1250–1300; ME cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control

Does my behavior reflect that I have experienced this mighty change of heart? No, I don't break the 10 Commandments, but I don't consistently do what I know I should be doing. (Does this sound familiar: "It's too hard to do all of that stuff." - see 1 Nephi 16:1)

That being said, it is time to submerge myself in the Book of Mormon. What better way to do this than to read it in 31 days! I decided I have a lot of time to *read* right now... There is no reason I can't add the Book of Mormon to my current reading selection. As I've mentioned before, I have the laptop set up next to the rocking chair so I am reading it on my computer (and surprisingly, it seems less overwhelming this way!). You can also download the audio as well. Here is the link.

I've challenged Aaron to join me (heck, if he can read a Harry Pooper book in 2 days, he could read the B of M in 31!). It comes to approximately 20 pages a day to read. Aaron timed himself reading just 5 pages last night. It only took 12 minutes for him. He is going to split that up through out the day and try to keep up with me. Here is the schedule!

1. Title page – “A Brief Explanation about The Book of Mormon”
2. 1 Nephi 1 - 11
3. 1 Nephi 12 - 17
4. 1 Nephi 18 - 2 Nephi 2
5. 2 Nephi 3 - 9
6. 2 Nephi 10 - 23
7. 2 Nephi 24 - 29
8. 2 Nephi 30 - Jacob 5
9. Jacob 6 - Mosiah 1
10. Mosiah 2 - 8
11. Mosiah 9 - 17
12. Mosiah 18 - 26
13. Mosiah 27 - Alma 3
14. Alma 4 - 9
15. Alma 10 - 15
16. Alma 16 - 22
17. Alma 23 - 30
18. Alma 31 - 36
19. Alma 37 - 43
20. Alma 44 - 50
21. Alma 51 - 57
22. Alma 58 - 63
23. Helaman 1 - 7
24. Helaman 8 - 14
25. Helaman 15 - 3 Nephi 6
26. 3 Nephi 7 - 14
27. 3 Nephi 15 - 22
28. 3 Nephi 23 - Mormon 2
29. Mormon 3 - Ether 2
30. Ether 3 - 12
31. Ether 13 - Moroni 10

Are you in??? Post a comment, and/or complete the poll! Be honest - if you can't handle it right now (heavens knows that's how I've been up until now), then just say it! I decided now is the time... things will start to get much busier in the coming months (football, preschool, school, OYF bookkeeping...). There is no time like the present!

Invite your friends and family to join you! Feel free to link to my blog...

I'm doing this publicly because I think I will be held more accountable if everyone knows I'm doing it. Don't want to fail on this one!

THE BEHAVIOR CHANGE BEGINS JULY 15TH!!!!

A New Record for ME!!

My family should be happy about my new blog addiction. I've found so many great things while browsing from one blog to another (all while sitting in my rocker). I have "cooked" dinner 6 out of the past 8 days! One night was my date night, the other we fed the kids chicken nuggets and Roman made a Panda run. Here is what I did (I'm so proud of myself!):

1. Sun - threw Marinaded Pork Chops on the grill, boiled pots (potatoes) & asparagus (all kids loved the green stuff, except Roman).
2. Mon - "hacos" (tacos)
3. Tues - BBQ chix on the "bawbie"
4. Thur - a *casserole* (I never make casseroles!) that I got from my friend Monica that has sour cream, cream of chix soup, poppy seeds and shredded chicken with crushed Ritz crackers (mixed with melted butter) on top. It was a hit (and easy shmeezy)! Every last morsel was eaten and Roman wished there were leftovers for lunch (I'll have to make this one again!).
5. Sat - Boogers, I mean burgers on the BBQ. Threw some fries in the oven, and made Homemade Vanilla Ice cream (this recipe was a bit too rich for Roman and Haley).
6. Sun - German Pancakes - but these were fun because you bake them in cupcake tins!

A few other things I've been making - all from my new favorite cooking blog, Picky Palate. We did Pizza Roll ups for lunch one day, and I've made Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookies, Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars,and Cookies and Cream Swirled Brownies with Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache.

Not doing so hot loosing the extra 20.

BUT, I did find a cool website where I can watch parts of and full segments of exercise videos! Just need to start doing them now!

~you may now pat me on the back~

Frog Snorts School

Aaron started reading the Harry Potter series after school got out (I think he is on book 6 now). Last week he started teaching the little ones to say (and I'm sure I'm spelling this wrong) *EXPELIOMOUS!* This slowly evolved to Haley and her BFF Kira to make up this Harry Potteresque game that they titled "FROG SNORTS SCHOOL". They did a mild version of this Wednesday afternoon. After Kira left, Aaron and Haley started concocting elaborate ways of playing this - which included spray painting lines on the grass (in the back yard) to make different classrooms, typing up class schedules (see above), and making multiple wands out of sticks and good ol' duct tape. Thursday afternoon BFF came back and they began their playing...

Disclaimer: I am not up to par on all the Harry Pooper, oops, I mean POTTER, language... so I'm sure I've misspelled or butchered some of these names and words. Please forgive me and don't hold my ignorance against me!!!

I'll let the pictures do most of the talking now!

I just have to ask you to notice in this picture the cups.
Kira hunted down two dead rolly pollies for use during her *Potions* class.

Professor Winder (aka: Kira) teaches Potions Class to the studious student *Sara*

Professor Dumbledor (aka: Aaron) teaches *Isaac* about Transfiguration

Professor Rumple (aka: Haley) teaches the class about
Charms (I learned that this means "spells")

Haley and Kira

After Kira goes home, the kids call for reinforcements (enter cousins Jacob and Jordan!)
The teaching of *Caring for Magical Creatures* continues...

Thursday evening - 10:30 - they are FINALLY starting to fizzle out!

Friday afternoon the game continues - and we've added to the bunch! Ben becomes "Ron Weesley", Sami becomes "Kyley", Jacob continues to be Jacob, and Zack is determined to be "Harry Potter" (he even wrote on his forehead).

The kids, um, I mean *Professors* were excited to have additional students to teach.

It sure is fun when kids get away from the electronics and use their
IMAGINATION!!!

I've Been Inspired!

Tuesday night I was at a good friend and associates house for a meeting and I was staring into her kitchen and LOVING her *black* bead board. Isn't it so beautiful! If you know me well, you know I LOVE BLACK! She was so kind to provide me with a picture. I just love the black with the beigey/tanny whatever walls (actually, she told me the paint color is Charro for the walls, and Oyster for the trim). So I was staring at it thinking how I was tired of my red (been that way for nearly 3 1/2 years) and I was ready for a fun change. Thank you Tracy for inspiring me! Then last night, at 4:00 am (I was feeding Logan, of course) I came across this blog (mom - click on where it says "this blog" after you read this post)- this mommy has been redoing her house... and I LOVE what she did in her kitchen! She painted her kitchen cabinets BLACK!!! MORE INSPIRATION! Currently, my cabinets are painted this almond color. Something needs to be done because there are a few cracked/peeling spots - plus all the spots where my kids have rubbed the bar stool arms on the paint (lovely scrapes of paint missing). Anyway, I wanted some opinions on this idea. I think it would be a pretty inexpensive way of changing my kitchen around. I'd love to do new counter tops and a sink... but we'll have to see on that. And don't even get me started on my floor again. Anyway - I'd love to hear your thoughts! No lurking allowed on this one! I want your opinion!

Job Jars

OK - so we've got the laptop set up in the nursery where I feed Logan. So I have a lot of time to read blogs. I just had to share this great idea for job jars! I think this is a great idea - especially for the younger ones.

What sort of summer routine have you had going? My kids get their jobs done usually by noon (sometimes way earlier, sometimes way later). Then they usually call friends, or just hang around the house playing. I try to limit the "electronics" time, but with it being so hot, and my lack of energy to find fun inside things to do, I will admit there has been more TV/movie watching, computer time, and game cube time, than I usually allow. It's just how things are when I have a very new newborn!

Share your ideas and what has been working for you!

FOR ALL THE NON-BLOGGERS OUT THERE...

I found this great blogging basics tips and Q's at THIS BLOG (click here). Newbies and seasoned pro's should check it out!! Has some great info.

And here is some info on BLOGTIQUETTE - which I didn't know!

Life With a Newborn... a Few Things I've Forgotten

... To check my shirt before I leave the house. No wonder the guy at Costco was looking at me funny while I was purchasing formula, diapers, and wipes (among other things). When I got home I saw I had a big splat of spit up on my shirt. Nice.

... The longest block of sleep I'll get is from 2.5 to 3 hours at a time. Roman has had to get back into work early again this week. That means he can't help me out with the early morning feeding (he wakes at 5:30 to leave at 6:15ish).

... Showers are a major luxury. Sometimes not getting them until after dinner, or not at all!

... Sleep takes precedence over ALL ELSE!

... Suddenly stretchy pants are your best friend

... Laundry is no longer just a weekly ordeal

... Going out IS a big ordeal

... The back aches will continue after delivery - although the ache has moved to the upper back

But the best thing that I had forgotten that I now remember...

... Newborn babies are THE BEST little cuddlers EVER!