Biking

Sophie got a new bike for her belated birthday from Papa Joe. Unfortunately I don't have a picture yet. Although we toke video when we brought her home to the bike after her last day of preschool. She was so excited. And since she now LOVES to bicycle we have gone everyday except for maybe one because of weather. Last Friday Gus decided that since Sophie could ride a bike he conned her into teaching him on her old bike that happens to be a boy bike. He is so stinking cute on the bike. His little bum goes back and forth with each pedal. So in the last week he has potty trained, learned to ride a bike and finally is sleeping through the night.














Now for some catch up. We went to Yellowstone the last full week of May. It was fun but we ended up coming home 2 days early because we saw everything and well Gus and I kept throwing up. I held it down and he chose to spew. The potty training got started up in Yellowstone and I broke Gus of Soy milk. Part of the spewing was from the soy milk. Every time we gave him some he threw up. I now want to sell soy pediatric drink because I have so much and my kids have soy issues. With no soy or dairy being drunk by Gus he is becoming a much better behaved child. He is still two but not so terrible and the sleeping through the night has been nice. He is now a rice milk drinker for those wondering. Speaking of alternative milk sources I have tried a few and if you have input let me know. We have thus far tried: coconut, almond, rice, lactose free, soy (of course.)




More catch up. Harriet and Stella the goats are now in a new home. Hip, hip, hooray! I am so thrilled. The other three should be gone with in a month or so. I am so excited. I am trying to simplify my life. I would love to be able to go on vacation and not worry about the animals at home and have to always find someone to take care of the animals.
Enough of random thoughts and ramblings, I should get back into a good writing groove again soon.

Pregnant

Just kidding! I am seeing if anyone ever looks at my blog anymore since I have become one of those blogger's whose blog could put a person to sleep. I was at Target yesterday and noticed that, that particular store is full of pregnant women around lunch time. I would suggest not going into the hormone zone at that time.
Good news is that we started potty training Gus this week. Although I was against using pull ups when I potty trained Sophie, Gus has gone only a handful of nights waking up dry and then the other times he pees so much at night that I do laundry more than a laundromat. I should take a picture of my laundry day pile that I am saving for tonight after the kids go to bed so that Gus doesn't use the piles as castles to tumble over.

Mother's Day

My Gus is the funniest guy. On Sunday at church he decided that he wanted to sing with the primary kids. Since he is still in nursery Joey told him no. Gus was determined. He begged. Finally during the closing hymn I put him down and he ran to the front of the chapel. He stood just where Sophie had stood and stared at the audience. As soon as the song was over he ran down the handicap ramp and came to me, proclaiming, "Mimny (his word for mommy) I sing."
I told him good job! as I wiped the tears from laughing so hard. I am honored to have the children I have and feel blessed to be their mother.

Pictures

I need new pictures. Obviously the ones on here are out dated almost 19 months since the last ones. Joe has hair and is healthy now. Gus is 2 in two weeks and well Sophie looks like a little girl now not a baby. So until I get my self in gear and get new pictures we will all endure a fabulous picture of Joey posing.
The end.

Home Impovements

The other day I was at Lowe's and we were walking by the knob section and I took off while Joey went to get a bolt. I found knobs and handles for my kitchen cabinets. I will post pictures later. I am so excited Joey is installing right now. The best part is the knobs were only 52 cents and the handles 75 cents. Yeah for a GREAT deal.

Bald Eagle in Lehi

Yes you saw it right I was driving home from dropping Sophie off at Preschool last week and saw a bald eagle, just up the street from our house. It was so gorgeous. No wonder it is the National Bird.

This was the coolest natural thing all week. Forget the snow and show me Eagles.
People drove by and I tried to point it out to them like I was at Yellowstone, but they didn't care.

Bedtime

I am going to be catching everyone up on what has been going on, since well people responded to my last post.

Gus has moved into a big boy bed. This occurred in November after the sweet boy fell on his head yet again (remember he is a real boy now), while climbing out of the crib. I told Joey that I would rather have him fall a short distance out of a big boy bed than a high distance from a crib. And lets be real I was not loving the crowded feel of the boys room with two twin beds and a crib. I hated going in there and totally understood why they didn't like sleeping in there. I now love the open feel of their room.

With no crib I can no longer confine Gus. So we try to do the taking him back to bed but sometimes kids just think the siblings bed is so much better. At our house Joe's bed is the coveted bed. Gus was struggling since he decided to nap this weekend and late at that so I asked him if he wanted to sleep with Joe and he said, "Ya". I put him in there and wow 2 minutes later I went in there and they were both asleep. Yay!!! Easiest bedtime in ages, the thing is kids move in their sleep and therefore Gus gets woke up and comes into my bed. Always some sleeping problem, but thus is life.

Circus

Joey is so good about giving our kids experiences. So last night we went to the circus. It definitely helped that the school and Joey's work gave up discount tickets. It was fun, but it was no Barnum and Bailey I have to go to another one of those. I remember going to the DELTA Center at the time and seeing them. One of my siblings had a program go missing because I stole it so I could look at it each night before I went to bed. Sorry which ever sibling I robbed.

This is Joe and I having an awesome time. He danced and clapped and was so darn cute the whole time.

This is Joey's mom (Mema), Gus and Sophie. Sophie was telling me in the van that Mema is her grandma because it is her name. So I explained that no it is because she is daddy's mommy. Then I asked why Grandma Lori is her grandma and once again because it is her name. So I explained that one. Then I asked her why Grandpa Jeff is her grandpa. She told me with a bit a smugness, "Because he is cute!" I just laughed and let the subject go.

Sophie riding a pony. I told Joey that we should get rid of our goats and get a pony. The kids would have so much more fun with one of those and hopefully it wouldn't kill trees.

OMG!!! Talk about a glare. Yes our happy baby hit terrible two's about the time I took a break from blogging, this is one reason, no point fighting him to post. Behind him is a live black bear. I told Joey not to get to close, these animals may be able to do trained things but you never know if they will decide to rogue.

Joey wants to have me blog more so if you do too, let me know.

Thank you Honey

Lately I have been busy outside, sending Joe to school (the big K), learning the dynamics of two very busy kids who require playdates, friends, outdoor play and well me. Needless to say the new adjustments have given me far too many migraines to brag about or complain about. So blogging is now very low on my list.
But
Today Joey gave me an awesome gift. There is no pictures available because he gave me a NAP!!! THANK YOU HONEY. He tricked me into laying down by having me lay down next to him and then all of the sudden he got up, put my pillow under my head and said enjoy and I love you and watched the kids so I could rest without worry for an hour and a half. This may not sound blog worth but My Husband is the BEST>

A day late and a dollar short.

He is saying,"CHEESE". What a ham.

The two staples.

Welcome to Boyhood Gus!

Gus is now a REAL boy.
You may be asking yourself, "Well wasn't he before?" Apparently not. To become a real boy a boy must get hurt bad enough to need medical help. And while receiving this medical help he can't cry.
So check and check. I will show pictures hopefully tomorrow, that is right you avid fans you may hear from me two days in a row.
Here is what happened. Gus was playing with Sophie and a friend on her bed, I was in the other room talking to the friends mom who happens to also be my friend, when I heard a bang come from Sophie's room. I went running, Gus was crying on the floor and like an untrained individual I picked him up. I didn't notice the blood for a few seconds and then, OMG, blood everywhere. His cute, perfect, cherub head was cut. Yep, he got two staples placed to correct the damage and he didn't even cry. Gus hated being confined in one place for a good 20 seconds while being stapled more than the actual staples themselves.

Peek a boo

So much has happened that I just don't have any time to write about so going along with my movie critque I would like to encourage everyone to watch the documentary on Wal-Mart. I now plan to never give them my business again. I am going to try to help the little guys stay a float as best I can. Joey says that means no more Costco, so I told him as soon as our membership expires and he said that he can live without Wal-Mart but he really enjoys Costco.
All in all let's not support Wal-Mart and you will agree after the documentary. We watched on the instant que on Netflix.

We did it!!!

I have been threatening the binky removal for a couple months now, but with the onset of 4 ear infections the croupe and a cold I just couldn't take away his binky. The other night we had been healthy for a week and the binky went missing. I told Joey that tonight is the night. It was horrible. Gus went to bed like an angel and turned into a demon by 4 by 6 he was back asleep. Last night he slept all night!
When Joe was a baby and I broke him the therapist told me kids forget after 2 days that they need it. I think this is why you break them when they are babies and not toddlers. Sophie remembers things about 2 months ago.
In the two days of no binky Gus has already started to be more vocal and is such a doll I am so thrilled that I have each of my kids.

On to another subject we had a broken irrigation pipe and my dad came over to help us fix it. He is so good to help us out so much. My great friend Fiona told me that I should take pictures of my kids with my parents and Joey's parents anytime they come because someday they will be gone and we will all treasure the photos of our grandparents. So I took her advice and took these pictures.

Joe"s show and tell

Joe got to do show and tell with James and Harriette. Harriette decided that she wanted to be a mechanic and explore Joey's rear differentials.


The children at school liked the goats and asked cute questions. I took a picture of them at the circle time but can't show it on here sorry.
I am now a goat herder. I stink at the job and nearly got peed on by Harriette.

Sophie and her outing

Rachael and Sophie went to the Aquarium today and had a great time. They saw penguins and Rachael held an anaconda. I am glad that I didn't keep Sophie to my self and shared her with Rachael.
After the aquarium they went to McDonalds in Lehi and played on the playplace. Where an unsupervised "bad boy" (Sophie's name for him). Hit Sophie repeatedly in the stomach. Where are the "Leave her little girl alone." I told her she should have found the parents but really if they aren't watching their kids at lunch time on a weekday (how old could they be) then they probably don't care what their kid does or they are so desprite for a break and their kid is a terror at home.
Sophie loved being with her Nannie, thanks Rachael.

German Pancakes

This is one of our family favorites, my sister however doesn't care for it. Very simple and most people have the ingredients in there pantries. The movie is of Gus and Sophie enjoying their breakfast.

The key to making it rise is the order.
Preheat oven for 450*
Use a 9x13 pan or a large (12 inch or bigger skillet)
2-4 tbsp butter, put in the preheating oven so that it will melt. Take out before it scorches.
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup of milk, I have tried every % and it doesn't make a huge difference although I think some fat is better than none. 1 cup of flour, I have tried whole wheat and white. I think the white makes a better looking and lighter texture product. Although less guilt for me with the whole wheat.
1/2 tsp salt, you can add more but I am not a salt person.
On occasion I add nutmeg for a little bit of a funner flavor. I also like seeing the specks.
Mix each ingredient as you add it before you add the next ingredient.
Pour into pan and cook about 15-20 minutes, mine always takes 15 minutes.

Did you Hear about the Morgans?

This movie is forgetable and reminds me of the Kirsty Ally and Tim Allen movie from the 90's. If there isn't anything else at the Red Box then go ahead it isn't totally pointless, just forgetable. Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker are the main stars and I thought that the other couple are way better. The man with the handlebar mustache was my favorite character. Enough said.

Manicotti

I am not making this a recipe blog because I am still reviewing movies as well but I thought why not share my interest with others.

Manicotti was always an intimidating food do to the fact that it seemed difficult. Not so. The other night I made up a recipe for Manicotti that turned out great. Sophie won't eat veggies very good because of the texture so therefore I got out my food processor and put the filling in to mask the chunk of the spinach.

1 pkg of Manicotti noodles.
cook the noodles as directed on the pkg. Boil water, salt 1 tsp, add noodles and boil 9 minutes won't be done but they will finish cooking in the oven. I use chop sticks to get the noodles out without breaking them and lay them on alunimum foil (yes you read me right) so they won't stick.
1 8 oz container of ricotta cheese (can use cottage cheese but I wouldn't)
1 bunch of spinach chopped
1/2 tsp parsley flakes
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 cup parmasean cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Put these in the food processor and process until smooth.
1/2 cup cheese (I use grated cheddar)
Combine the cheese and smooth mixture together and start filling the Manicotti noodles. If you have a hard time touching goo you won't enjoy this step but trust me it is worth the effort.
Marina or Meat sauce are good. Use your favorite recipe. Mine is different everytime so I can't share.
Put enough sauce in the bottom of the 9x13 pan to make a layer then put in the filled manicotti. Put more sauce on top and then some more cheese. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes.
There you go. Simple and kid approved, this is one of Sophies will eat foods that has veggies hidden inside.

Unexpected Experiment

This morning while I was giving Joe a bath Sophie joined in like always. She considers bathing as a swimming activity and must be involved in her brothers baths. I guess in a couple years this won't be appropriate but as for now it is actually helpful because when I turn my back something usually happens. This morning I hear, "no Gus". And Gus threw a diaper in the bathtub. I use to only buy Pampers, but they started falling apart so I quite them. Then I bought Huggies but I decided to try Luvs, which constantly leak. So Huggies were my favorite but Kirkland brand hold a ton of fluid as you can see. Now it just depends on which boy. Kirkland for Gus and Huggies for Joe. Who would think that diapers wouldn't all be the same.

More Reviews

Couples RetreatSo there are a few naughty parts but it is funny. There are a lot of swimming suit scenes, but overall it made me relate to one couple more than the others. I must say that Vince Vaughan has sure got a mouth on him. By that I mean he talks alot and goes in circles and yet I personally really enjoy it.
So that is my review for today. Sorry I don't have much to say and I want to post.

I have decided.

I am going to start telling about movies we have seen and saying if I think they are worth watching. Now before I got married I only watched "chick flicks" and unlike some women my luck wasn't with me in the movie area when I married. My husband doesn't watch only "chick flicks" he likes all types of movies with "chick flicks" at the bottom of the list. Now don't get me wrong I am grateful now that he is this way because I have expanded my horizons and watch whatever now, except for the R-rated because I can't stomach them. And as any LDS church member knows we are counseled to not watch them. So I won't be giving suggestions on any of them. If you want me to watch a movie first and review it before you waste your time let me know and I will see if I can find it.
Most people know this but REDBOX rocks. $1 a day is great for me because I don't typically want to watch most shows more than once.
So here is my first two reviews.
Old Dogs with John Travolta and Robin Williams. Joey and I were laughing so hard we were crying. There are scenes like this through out the movie and I would have to say that this is a movie I could watch more than once. Which is saying something for me. I won't divolge plot lines because I am not a writer but it is a MUST see.
Planet 51 Dwayne Johnson is the voice of the astronaut. It was ok. I couldn't quite get into it but it had a good messege in the end. Sophie liked it but I think that anything that is cartooned it awesome to her. (The Simpson's movie is one of her highest requested movie.)

Oh today.

This morning Sophie woke up at 12:35 am and threw up in her bed. I went in to see what happened and as I picked her up she threw up on me. So she and I hopped in the shower to get clean. The sound woke up Gus and luckily and by the grace of God Joe didn't wake up with all the commotion happening in his room. (Sophie and Joe share a room.) Joey was then called in for recruitment in my time of needing 4 hands instead of 2. Thank you honey for the help. Well, once I got Sophie's sheets changed and calm, it was time to help Joey with Gus. This was surprisingly simple and I was back in bed by 1:30 (I am a strange mom because I actually do look at the clock to see how long I am awake in the night. I like to see how fast I can resolve the issues that occur).
Sophie finally took a MUCH needed nap around 10:30 so I was able to get Joe ready for school.
Doesn't she sleep so cute.

Joe eating lunch before school. He loves his books.

Joe so excited waiting for the bus to come.

Riding the lift. A huge excitement for Sophie.

Joe riding away on the bus. Sophie started crying and told me she wanted to ride the bus too.

I stole this from Hungry homemaker.

I just didn't want to have to search for this recipe so I copied and pasted from Hungry Homemaker. The link is on the side. Sorry Brittnie.
Chinese Chicken Salad

1 head of cabbage (shredded)
1 c slivered almonds, toasted
3 tbs sesame seeds, toasted
2 bunch green onions, chopped
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
2 3oz packages Oriental flavored ramen noodles

Toast almonds and sesame seeds in a skillet with no-stick cooking spray until golden brown. Break raw ramen noodles into small pieces. Mix together cabbage, cooked chicken, green onions, noodles and toasted almonds and sesame seeds together in a large bowl.

Dressing:
2 packages of oritnal flaovered ramen seasoning
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c vinegar
1.2 c vegtable oil
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbs soy sauce

Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Add dressing to salad mixture, toss well and chill before serving.

School again.

Joe was supposed to go back to school. But as our life goes there was a bump in the road and he got a cold and I didn't think that the teacher or Joe would enjoy school if he was constantly having his nose wiped. I will take pictures and post. It is a sad day when your oldest goes to school. In September Joe will be going to kindergarten and this means 5 days a week and quite a long bus ride. Joe is going to attend Dan Peterson School. I think he will really enjoy himself and the aspect that they can offer so many opportunities for him that the regular school cannot. Anyways that is for us. Until tomorrow.

Happy Birthday! Gus is 1

Gus turned one yesterday. The day started out with Gus crying because he had played long enough unnoticed. As soon as I got him out though he was happy and cheerful which pretty much describes him. We then started started the preparations for the party. We had a steak dinner with everyone bringing a potluck then we visited and watched Gus be the star of the evening. I think everyone had fun.
I have oodles of pictures and a video of him. So let's get started.
He woke up yesterday and all of the sudden it was like he knew he had a year of life under his belt and he wasn't going to be a baby. He was playing like a big boy.


Gus got his first mail present from Nono Joe and look how happy he looks.


Gus playing with his barn.

Jeffrey and Macee gave Gus his present after my mom gave him a carry around fisher price barn (sorry no picture. This will be going to church so that maybe he won't make us crazy for the next 6 months until he can go to nursery.



I decided that since Gus can't really open his presents yet that each child could open the present they brought for him. I really like this idea and think it made the other kids happy. Macee started it out. She is such a darling little girl.


Gus loved his dinosaurs from Macee and Jeffrey. Thanks guys.


Gus didn't mind all he could think about was his bottle. Jocelyn, Jeffrey, Sophie, William, Gus and Popa really enjoyed watching this present get opened I love the kids.


William has the biggest smile he was so proud of himself. Jack snatched it up and wanted to play with it right away.


You can't see it but Sophie has a present that Nannie and Zak brought. She was thrilled to join in the openning fun.


Uncle Lorenzo and Aunt Colee posing with Gus. No babies for them so they posed instead.


Jack was so excited to open the next present. He is a cutie.


Gus with his cake. I started filming after this.