Bite Sized Blessings

Favorite Part of My Day

2012-02-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

We often ask our children, "What was your favorite part of the day?" Sometimes we get very cute answers like, "When Daddy came home." Sometimes they are more predictable like, "Watching Tom and Jerry". Well this was my favorite part of the day yesterday:

Walking down the block with Gabe. I asked to hold his hand because I don't know how long he's going to let me do that. Hopefully for many more years to come, but you never know. He happily obliged. We were coming back from a neighbor's house and I told him to stop growing. I said one minute you were a baby and I blinked and now you are up to the middle of my arm. That made him giggle because of course it didn't happen in a blink. I told him I was going to start putting books on his head to stop him from growing which made him giggle too. He told me, "Mom, that would just make me flat" and then it was my turn to giggle.

BL Standings

2012-02-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

After one week of trying to get in shape here is where everyone stands:

Amber 0lb
Jan -1.5lb
Janice -3lb
Jodie- 2.6lb
Laurabeth -2
Priscilla -2
Sarah
Sonnet -2.5
Robbie

If you haven't reported let me know. In the world of weight loss success is 1-2 lb/ week. That is a reasonable weight to actually be a fat loss (as opposed to water) and be able to keep it off. Keep up the good work.

(FYI- I think I went down .5lb this week. Not a great start for me.)

Aunt Tina

2012-01-30T16:14:00.000-08:00

Tina came with us the day we took our family photos. She dotes on Mac and we dote on her.

The Waiting Place…

2012-01-27T14:22:00.000-08:00

… for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go

Or a bus to come, or a plane to go

Or the mail to come, or the rain to go

Or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow

Or waiting around for a Yes of No

Or waiting for their hair to grow.

Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite

Or waiting for wind to fly a kite

Or waiting around for Friday night

Or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake

Or a pot to boil, or a Better Break

Or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants

Or a wig with curl, or Another Chance.

Everyone is just waiting.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss

Waiting for a missionary to come home (their Uncle Jake), or a camera (Mail to come), or a job to arrive (Better Break), or to get pregnant (fish to bite), or a baby to come, or a house (a string of pearls)…

I often think of this book when I catch myself just waiting. It seems like I’ve been in the waiting place quite a lot this year but perhaps that has more to do with my out look on life and less to do with my situation. Thinking of the scriptures seems a lot more helpful that Dr. Seuss.

“In your patience, posses ye your souls.” Luke 21:19

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

and patience, experience, and experience hope." Romans 5:3-4

"For the Lord is a God of judgement: blessed are all they that wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18

I especially like the verses from Romans because patience worketh experience, not the other way around. Patience works the experience that is worthwhile and builds character and hope. The experience might be endured either way, but without patience there probably wasn't much accompanying growth. It's good to have to wait sometimes. Makes the reward that much sweeter.

Double Book Review

2012-01-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

I happened to finish these two books a day a part from one another. Here's my first review:

Katherine by Anya Seton is a time period novel that does a wonderful job taking you back into the centuries when the world, and England in particular, was so different. The language and descriptions of daily life are as enjoyable to read as the actual story. This historical fiction is based on real people from the royal family, primarily John of Gaunt and his life's love, Katherine Swynford.
The same sweet lady that invited Zach and I to her house for a medieval feast gave me this book for Christmas to read. (She was one of Zach's older students a few semesters ago in a Shakespeare class) She said it had taken her through the deliveries of four of her six children. It's her favorite non-religious book of all time. I enjoyed it, but perhaps not that much. Overall I give it four out of five stars. Entertaining enough to satisfy but also enlightening enough to feel a little smarter when you are done.

The Book of Mormon of course belongs in a whole other category. It was lovely to finish it Sunday morning sitting on the bed with the baby. Very calm and serene. As I sat and pondered for a few minutes after I had finished, I could feel the quiet power that comes from reading this book of scripture. I thought about the life and love of the prophets, about Christ's visit to the Americas, about the book being written for our day and our time. Over all I give it six out of five stars and say if you haven't read it lately, maybe its about time to start it again. I've already started over since this year's Sunday School lessons are based on the Book of Mormon this year. I have every confidence that I'll enjoy it just as much this time as I did last time, if not more.

Start your Engines

2012-01-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

Ready, Set, GO! Today is the official start of the contest so everyone is at zero except for me. I hope you weighed yourselves today to get a "start weight". I'll post every week your totals so others know where they stand:

Amber- 0 lb
Cora- 0 lb
Jan- 0 lb
Janice- 0 lb
Jodie- 0 lb
Laurabeth- 0 lb
Pricilla- 0 lb
Sarah- 0 lb
Sonnet- 0 lb
Robbie- 0 lb

Anyone else who wants to join after the start date is welcome to, but you can't retroactively guess your weight. You have to weigh yourself that day and start from there; so if you want to join up join up soon. Good luck!

Note: I am officially withdrawing myself from the contest since so many of you have commented that you think I'm going to "smoke" you. I do have a decided advantage so I'll keep track for myself and post my weight loss at the end, but the contest winner will come from one of the other entries.

The Biggest Loser

2012-01-23T13:07:00.000-08:00

(Not a picture of me, just a random internet photo)

Twenty pounds of baby weight says that its time for a Biggest Loser competition. I'm putting out a challenge to anyone who wants to participate to see who can lose the most weight in the next 8 weeks. (I'm well aware that weight is not the best indicator of fat loss but its the easiest way to keep track of multiple people, so sorry if you are losing fat and gaining muscle.) For the winner, if you are in Utah I'll take you out to lunch or shopping, whatever you prefer- on me. If you are outside of the immediate area, say east coast, then I'll send you a 25$ gift certificate to the place of your choosing- restaurant or store. If I win, I'm taking myself shopping. 25$ dollars is cheaper than buying a whole new wardrobe that fits.

Since I'm the one making up the Rules here they are:

-All official start weights begin in two days, that will give people time to read this post and decide if they want to participate or not: Wednesday Jan 25th. That is your "zero" weight. You do not have to tell me your current weight, unless you think that will add to the motivation. Just write it down or remember it.
-Each Wednesday thereafter you will weigh yourself (preferably the same time of day) and post a comment to my blog, or email me if you would like to be more discrete, the amount of total weight you have lost since the first weigh in. (-1lb, -5lb etc.)
-I will personally be putting a handicap on myself of 5 pounds because I'm nursing and its a lot easier for me to lose weight than the average person. So I will start out at +5 and go down from there.
-Everything is on the honor system

Who's in? Come on, it will be fun. If anyone wants some weight loss advice I'm happy to help. I've got lots of it. The only thing you have to lose is your spare tire. Good luck and Good-bye fat.

Blast from the Past

2012-01-22T16:12:00.000-08:00

Fancy Dinning on hand made tables from Grandpa Ogarek. The tables and chairs were great unless you closed them the wrong way and pinched yourself.

Amber and I enjoying the snowman we "helped" make at Grandma's house in New Jersey

Alana about 4 years old sporting my alphabet pants and big bird shirt

Thanks for sharing these scanned-in photos Dad!

Missing a limb

2012-01-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

This week I decided to take the plunge and upgrade my camera. I ordered one on line and posted my camera on the web to sell so I could finance part of the upgrade. I thought it would take a few days to sell but within 20 minutes someone had called and come to pick it up. Perhaps I should have asked more for it but the guy that bought it seemed so happy I think it will get a lot of use. He blogs for a living so he's been looking to buy a camera for a while. In the mean time though I'm camera-less. I feel it missing like I'm sure some people would feel the loss of their smart phone. Here I am with a week old baby and NO Camera.- good one Sherlock. At least I'm going to have her pictures done by a friend at the beginning of next week, that is some consolation. I hope the new camera comes in the mail SOON.

Happy Day!

2012-01-19T18:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Day!

That's the message that greets me on my phone every time I open it up. I didn't put it there; I'm not smart enough to know how to do that, but it makes me smile none the less. Because you know what, gosh darn it, it is a happy day! Even on days that aren't so happy, because those definitely come. We've had one of those this week . There's always SOMETHING to be happy about. For example- I can bend in the middle now. I can see my feet. I can watch my children play and hold my new daughter. I can share it all with my husband and put my cares at the foot of the LORD. The clouds will part, the sun will come, and its a "Happy Day!"

Multiply and Replenish

2012-01-18T13:58:00.000-08:00

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

"The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. "

Zach and I are two. If we replenish that's two more. If we multiply then that's four. I figure we've done our job now. Any children after this is just gravy. We're still shooting for 8 though.

Psalm 127

3" Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb and his reward

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them."

If she's not doing this she's eating. If she is not doing activities 1 or 2 she is probably
unhappy and wishing she were doing one of theses two things

Zach put together my extra set of hands last night. It will come in "handy"
when trying to make lunches etc. for the boys

Now if only we could train her to do this at night...

New Arrival

2012-01-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

She's here! We're excited to welcome the newest member of our family into the world. Little Ruthie started to come on her due date, the afternoon of Jan. 12th, but didn't really mean business till about 2:00am the next morning. She arrived 7 hours later at Utah Valley Hospital. All went fairly smoothly for mother and daughter and we are both recovering nicely. She was even in time for Dad to go teach 3 out of his 4 Friday classes, including one he had promised to substitute for someone else. (A thanks to Tina and Joy for watching the boys for us while we were gone.)

Dr. Savage and delivery nurse Shea

Ruth Anne Hutchins- you can call her Ruth Anne or just Ruthie. Lucky Friday the 13th

She's a keeper

I can't really tell who she looks like yet except maybe her brothers when they were born. She does like to stick her tongue in and out a lot though. We think she's pretty cute.

A visit from the boys. David and Gabe were very interested in holding her and helping get me baby items and still are. Mac was more interested in the hospital juice. Stay tuned. I'm sure there will be more pictures to come.

Twiddling my thumbs

2012-01-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Ruth Anne is due TODAY, but she's not here yet. I took a 3 mile walk this morning at 6 am but that didn't seem to do anything but make my back sore. I'll go see the doctor tomorrow afternoon to see if we can't speed this process up but for now I'm just twiddling my thumbs. It would be nice to have her today or tomorrow because of the long weekend but babies come when they come. For now I'm just putting off things I could or should be doing, reading to my two year old and wearing sweat pants. The end.

Personal Creed

2012-01-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we had a lesson that seemed like a great way to apply the gospel in my life and not just talk about it. That's what I love about the lives of the prophets and general authorities. It's the gospel in action. Sort of like life time resolutions instead of goals for just this year. I like it because it focuses on not just "doing" but also "being", or doing something that would lead to being something. I started writing my personal creed this week but promptly lost the rough draft so I'll have to start again. There will be at least one sentence that has to do with this concept:

Good mother are available, great mothers are engaged, happy mothers enjoy their children.

This is beautiful so I'm sharing it with you.

From the Life of George Albert Smith

When he was 34 years old, George Albert Smith made a list of resolutions that he called his “personal creed”—11 ideals that he committed to live by:

“I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.

“I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.

“I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.

“I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and a happy life.

“I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.

“I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.

“I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.

“I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.

“I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father.

“I would not be an enemy to any living soul.

“Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth.”

Those who knew President Smith declared that he truly did live by his creed.

For the full lesson click here.

Bodies and Babies

2012-01-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

Last night at Family Home Evening Zach gave a lesson on bodies and babies in preparation for the new addition to our family. He spoke about why it was important to come to earth to obtain a body and how we should treat the new baby when she comes. At one point during the lesson Zach asked the boys, "Who doesn't have a body?" to which Gabe replied enthusiastically, "Satan!" And then the follow up question, "And why not?" David's response made me giggle over on the couch.

"Because it got sucked up by the machine in China!"

What!?! Where did that come from? Do you even know what China is? Perhaps we should be cutting TV time down from one show to zero. I don't even remember how Zach responded, but needless to say, our three year old needed a little course correction. I love being a mom, its so amusing sometimes.

David also says to me last night, "Mom, you're my favorite person in the family. Do you know why?"
"No sweetie, why?"
"Because you're having a baby"

Happy Birthday Mom

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Zach's mom happened to be out here for her birthday this year so we got together as a family to celebrate. Joy made a lovely dinner (which she hardly ate any of) and we watched the CES fireside on the television. After that it was cake and presents. Unfortunately it didn't turn out to be anyone else's birthday.

Proudly displaying Haley's sticker gift

A garden stone to put in one of her 13 gardens.

Home made cheesecake to celebrate

Happy Birthday Mom!

Miss Manners

2012-01-07T14:55:00.000-08:00

I asked this little girl inside of me to be polite and wait till after my shower last night and Zach gets home late tonight to arrive. So far so good. What a considerate baby. I hope this is a sign of things to come. The shower was held by some good friends and family and was adorable. Zach has asked more than once- is there anything that isn't pink? And yes, there is. There is also a lot of the pink frilly stuff too though.

Yummm.... cake balls

The hostess with the mostess- My "other" Amber and Zach's sister Tina

Bibs and diapers- useful for any baby

She'll be one well dressed little girl. That is, until she grows out of all this shower stuff.

Too cute

The adorable aftermath

Gone till Sunday

2012-01-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

Remember this guy? Well he left yesterday to drive to Seattle Washington for job interviews at the national MLA (English) conference. Nothing like a 13 hour drive to warm you up for the firing squad. The drive was on the heels of teaching his first day of classes for the semester. He's arrived in one piece though and seems to be doing fine. From what he tells me, his students didn't seem all that broken up about Zach having to cancel the second day of classes either. Wish him luck!

Here's his stand in. Zach's mom flew in yesterday to be here just in case the baby decides to make an early entrance into the world. I'm happy for the company even if I don't go into labor and the boys are loving having Mimi around. I think Dad misses his other half though. My phone has been a lot busier with her here the past 24 hours than it is usually. Who can blame him? Everybody loves mom.

WWF- Winter Wresting Fun

2012-01-03T14:39:00.000-08:00

My four boys need SOME way to get their energy out when we are cramped indoors. This week has been fairly mild but a few weeks ago when I took these pictures it was cold. David is the craziest of the three, just throwing himself around when he wrestles with Zach. I just stand on the side lines, cheer, and take pictures. No trips to the ER- yet.

Happy 2012

2012-01-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

Don't you like her sparkely shirt?

We got to spend New Year's with all of Zach's west coast siblings- Tina, Jeannette, and Ben. It was lots of fun. Jeannette and her husband James drove down from Idaho with their dog Doc and slept in our guest-room (soon to be nursery-room) And just for the record- I was "Dominionated" twice that night. Not my best game night.

Happy 2-0-1-2 (Can you see it?)

All systems ready for go

2011-12-30T21:09:00.000-08:00

Clothes- check

Journal- check

Baby clothes- check

Camera and video recorder- check

Scriptures and other reading material- check

toiletries- check

I'm packed and ready to go. Less than 2 weeks till baby-time and since my last two children were early this one might be as well. We'll see, babies come when they come. It would be nice not to have it while Zach is gone next week, but I don't have much control over that. He'll be gone Wednesday through Saturday at a conference in Seattle having his job interviews for next year. His mom will be here with me though, just in case.

Crafty Christmas part II

2011-12-29T19:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas tree pine cones I helped the boys make for Zach

A cute ornament Gabe made at school from his hand print

I love you GABE

A preschool ornament from my sweet David

Zach's initials- Zachary McLeod Hutchins

You know how some projects look easier than they are? Well this was one of those. Between the buying, painting, cutting, rolling, and gluing this craft took a lot longer than I expected, but at least they turned out ok. The letters will go in his office at school as book ends or something to put over his door. The "H" is made entirely from the play Hamlet but that particular play was too short so I had to use another one to finish the other two letters.

The first of many stockings to come. (BYU colors) I'm in the process of making them for our entire family plus any who might enter our family in the coming years. Mac used this one at Christmas this year since I dismantled his old stocking to use as a pattern

Bow ties part 2- Zach picked out the three fabrics in front with his nephew Tanner and I already had the two red ones from a different project. One of Zach's students told him that bow ties were coming back into style. Who knew? A different female student asked me to teach her how to make them too. My pleasure.

Maternity Pictures

2011-12-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken courtesy of Zach (photo shoot directed by me) on Christmas morning after church. Didn't he do a good job? I wanted to get a few nice shots before I pop. (I'm 8 1/2 mo. pregnant, but the last two were early.)

I've been feeling very much like Mary this Christmas season

Not the baby for long

Next up- New born pictures!

Happy Birthday Joy

2011-12-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

Born on December 26th- That's why they called her Joy. And she is.

37 years young

Cheesecake factory Cheesecake- that's what I call a CAKE! Yummmm

This man right here did a stellar job on the gifts this year. On Christmas Joy got a new wedding ring AND a kitchen aid and today he surprised her with a photo album he made from their trip to Europe. All great gifts. Way to go Ben.

Happy Birthday JOY

Christmas Pictures

2011-12-26T20:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cereal- a traditional treat

Our day started with a sugar buzz to help us get us off to church. Sacrament meeting only lasted 50 minutes instead of the regular 70 and then the next two hours of church were cancelled, which many people didn't mind. (I sort of felt like we were slighting the Lord on His special day but I didn't have much control over it.) After that we spent a nice morning at home opening gifts and playing together as a family.

Some professorial Christmas corduroys

Taking a peak on Christmas morning before the actual opening has begun

Dinosaur train toy from grandma

Lego set from grandpa- "Wow, this is my best gift"

Later on we went over to Ben and Joy's to enjoy a lovely ham dinner with all the fixings and some good cousin time. A very Merry Christmas indeed. David's question to me today- "Mom, when is the next Christmas?"

Teaching the boys Dominion- our new favorite game

Della and will (Ben and Joy's neighbor who now lives in an assisted living center)

Christmas Gift

2011-12-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

When I was tucking my boys in bed David told me: "Mommy, you're my best Christmas present." I thought this was very sweet. It was the best present he could have given me.

Need a last minute Gift?

2011-12-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

Getting a little bored on your Christmas break? Don't know what to do with the extra guests in your house? Need a last minute gift for the hard-to-shop for? Go pick up this game- Dominion. We are loving this gift that Tanner and Naomi got Zach before they left for Christmas break. Tanner didn't even get to play a round before he left but Zach and I have probably played six or seven times in the week that we have had it. I'm sure we will get a chance when he comes back. It only takes about 30-60 minutes to play and is a strategy card game where you try to increase your Dominion. Lots of fun. As Naomi likes to say, "Ready to be Dominionated?"

My Word for next year

2011-12-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

The word is :

Grateful

Instead of a long list, or even short list, of goals for the New Year I've decided to pick a word to describe myself. I'll post it around my house, read about it in the scriptures, say it to myself when I'm frustrated etc. I figure I can't complain or judge if I'm busy being grateful. I can't get angry if I'm grateful for the person I intend to be upset with and I'll be an overall more cheerful person while I am pondering my blessings instead of those things which I do not have. I considered a lot of different adjectives including meek, mild, temperate, faithful, forgiving, prayerful, thoughtful, organized, productive and charitable but I think for this year the word is Grateful. It doesn't have to be an adjective if you choose to do this yourself. It could be a word like JOY. Anything to that would help you come unto Christ and have life more abundantly. Perhaps there is a different word that stands out to you. I'm grateful you read this post and good luck.

What I'm grateful for

2011-12-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Shoes that I don't have to bend over to tie. 'Tis a blessing this holiday season. For the next three weeks, the less bending the better!

Bunny-sitting

2011-12-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

It's kind of like grand parenting. You spoil the child for a little while, have fun, then get to give it back when you are tired of it.

For the past 10 days or so we have been watching a small bunny, temporarily named "Jill, for their cousin Megan. She doesn't know it but this is her special surprise on Christmas. So SHHHHHHHHHHHH... its a secret (I'm 99% sure she doesn't check this blog)

The boys have thoroughly enjoyed having a pet around the house but understand that we can't get one ourselves because we are in the apartment.I'll have to come up with another excuse when we move into a house.

Christmas Quote

2011-12-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

"How many observe Christ's birthday!

How few, His precepts

Oh, tis easier to keep his holidays than

Commandments"

--Benjamin Franklin

I borrowed this from a wise man who borrowed it from another wise man. (Thanks Rich)

Fa la La la la

2011-12-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

For the past month or so David's class has let the ABC's take a break while they learned some Christmas tunes for their holiday program. He is such a timid little guy that we made him promise before we drove to his school that he was actually going to participate this time. David did his duty though and sat on the stage with his class and sang his little heart out. We even arrived 5 minutes early but unfortunately all the other camcorder parents got there 10 minutes early so we were cast to the back row to enjoy our 3 year old's performance. I did get a few snap shots though before squatting in the front became a non-option for my rolly-polly body.

I think its clear who the cutest angel was

Heman of the Hutchins house

2011-12-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

Since my P90X went the way of my pregnancy many months ago our pull up bar hasn't seen much use...

until recently. Zach has started a nightly pull-up routine with the boys, especially our energetic five year old. Gabe makes bouncy balls in motion look sedate. So far Gabe can do three sets of six and David perhaps two sets of five. (More than mom could ever do unassisted) Mac just likes to hang out and try going up once or twice.

Gabe is doing the majority of the work here, Zach's just there for falls

Showing the childrens how its done!

Building not only strong minds but strong bodies here in the Orem Hutchins household.

What I love about December

2011-12-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

You know what I love about Christmas time. I love the walk to the mail box. I love the anticipation. The other 95% of the year our mail is boring. Some days are so bad we don't even get adds, bills or requests for money. Sometimes when it is especially bad the only thing we get is OTHER people's mail who were previous tenants. But not this time of year. "You've got Mail!" and not just the electronic variety. The snail mail kind. The kind that took effort to think of, time to produce, and money to send. The kind filled with news and photos of loved ones. The kind that comes wrapped in its own little Christmas trappings. The note that says you are remembered, perhaps even cherished, although it may not be said in so many words. Something you can tape to your doorway or hang on your refrigerator. Sometimes I'm even lucky enough to get a package and that can lift my whole day right up. I hope there's a Christmas card in your mail box today. Merry Christmas and Happy Postage.

Tiger Mother

2011-12-14T13:36:00.000-08:00

"This is a story about a mother, two daughters, and two dogs. It's also about Mozart and Mendelssohn, the piano and violin, and how we made it to Carnegie Hall.

This was supposed to be a story of how Chinese parents are better at raising kids than Western ones.

But Instead, it's about a bitter clash of cultures, a fleeting taste of glory, and how I was humbled by a thirteen-year-old. "

"Here are some things my daughters Sophia and Louisa, were never allowed to do:

attend a sleepover

have a playdate

be in a school play

complain about not being in a school play

watch TV or play computer games

choose their own extracurricular activities

get any grade less than an A

not be the #1 student in every subject except gym and drama

play any instrument other than piano or violin

not play the piano or violin

I just finished reading this very interesting autobiographical book about a method of parenting the author refers to as Chinese, although it can apply to any parents who are demanding, strict, and have exceedingly high expectations for their children. The author comes off a little over the top some times, but I liked the idea of expecting more from children and being heavily involved in helping them use their agency/time wisely. You come away getting a sense of what sacrifices it takes to not only be exceptional, but #1 and wondering to yourself if its worth it. Amy Chua admits that the Chinese paradigm doesn't actually accommodate for happiness, just success, and that she's never been real good at enjoying life herself. A great read. Quick, humorous, and insightful. Two thumbs up.

Santa's Coming to Town

2011-12-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Gabe, sweetie, un-tuck your pants. "What mom?"

Mac, honey, don't pick your nose

I suppose it could have been worse...

The very best price

2011-12-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

FREE!

With all the Christmas hustle and bustle there are a lot of businesses offering promotions right now and Saturday happened to be a lucky day for me. Here are the items we got for FREE:

3 kid cones at Chic Fil-a

yet to be used coupon for Zach's stocking stuffers

90% off maternity shirt = 4$, purchased with a 10$ coupon to Khol's

50$ ring bought with 50$ coupon to a jewelry store

Picture frame holder 50% off of $12= $6, the rest of my Khol's coupon

6 free gumballs from a guy fixing the machine. If my kids hadn't been watching I would have refused .
His hands looked a little greasy- yuck!

All in all I say we made out like bandits. Here's to poorly planned promotionals! None of this made me buy anything from their stores, which was I'm sure the point of the gifts. Wishing you good luck shopping as well.

socks

2011-12-09T19:08:00.001-08:00

Mom: " Mac, do you want me to put your socks on?"
Mac: "No, no socks, toes on mom"

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum

2011-12-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Ornaments from my grandmother who just passed away

Something Old, Something new, something borrowed, something blue. Just call it my wedding Christmas tree.

I know lots of people have a Christmas tree up right now but I am especially enjoying mine this year. I changed the decorations a little bit from last year and Gabe told me just today, "mom, I liked putting up the ornaments. That was my favorite part of decorating." He's a sensitive little guy. It was slightly stressful letting his little brother Mac help, seeing as how we have glass ornaments, but worth it. A good family project.

Wishing you a festive Christmas season.

The 'new' sparkly things I added this year

Angels made by my sister- borrowed

True blue, through and through

Me, my stomach, and Mac

2011-12-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning around 4:00am with mild discomfort simply from being pregnant. As I was drifting back to sleep I hear a small person coming into our room- none other than my sweet two year old Mac. It is about 4:30 at this point. I know that if I just put him back in his bed he'll make a lot of noise and wake up the other two boys and Zach so I offer to lay down with him on the couch. We both waddle down the hall and take up residence on the living room couch to catch a few more Z's before Zach's alarm goes off at 5:30. I'm not exactly sure at what point Mac went to sleep, because toddlers wiggle even if they are sleeping some times, but he did eventually start sawing logs. I know however I never actually made it back to the magical land of slumber. You see, our couch has grown narrow as of late. The three of us, Mac, my stomach and myself, no longer fit comfortably on the couch side by side any more. One of us is too big- I'm guessing its Mac. Here's hoping he stays asleep tonight and so do I.

An early Christmas Gift

2011-12-05T14:02:00.000-08:00

I'm not the only one feeling crafty this season. Mimi (Zach's mother) started making these months ago for the kids. Someone in church yesterday noticed and asked who it was in our family that was the knitter, to which I replied 'my sweet mother-in-law'. It was a good day for an extra layer too, since it is finally getting to feel like winter here. We actually have a number of sweaters that have either been given to us by her or hand-me downed from the other cousins. I think one of them with a star on it was even Roger Jr.'s ( the one that is now 20 and serving a mission!) The gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for the sweater vests mom.

Our handsome model

Pedicure

2011-12-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

The point of this blog is not to show you how cute my toes are but to tell you what a nice husband I have. You see, I can't actually REACH my toes any more, and won't be able to for about the next 5 weeks or so. After I told Zach this he volunteered to paint my toes for me last night when we were watching a movie. Wasn't that nice of him? That's just the sort of fellow I married.

Giving while your living...

2011-12-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

So you're knowing where its going

Many non-Latter-day Saint philanthropists are aware of the church's charitable arm of our organization because and how efficient it is. Many charitable organizations today have a huge overhead so not much of your donation dollars actually reach the people in need. I've heard as little as 15% for some organizations. If you donate through the church humanitarian/ philanthropy branch One hundred percent of all donations are used to help the needy (overhead for administering aid is paid from the general funds of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

Humanitarian donations are used to provide assistance in countries around the world to people without regard to race or religion. These donations provide assistance to victims of natural disasters, including aid such as hygiene kits, food and water, and blankets. Current humanitarian projects include neonatal resuscitation training, wheelchair placement, eye surgery initiatives to help the blind, well drilling projects for water sources, and other health and wellness projects.Humanitarian aid deliveries are supervised by service missionaries who live and serve in countries around the world. In some parts of the world their efforts are best known by the volunteers in yellow t-shirts that say "Mormon Helping Hands".

The same holds true for the LDS PEF(Perpetual Education Fund) 100% of your donation to the PEF will go towards loans helping people obtain educational or vocational training. These people in turn are expected to pay back the loan when they can to help others in need- hence "perpetual".

I've made a case for donating to the clean water initiative here in a previous post, costing about 7$ a person to provide clean water. Now I'm going to make a plug for wheelchairs. The church distributes 4 different kinds of wheelchairs, according to the needs of the individual, and the average cost is only 116$. This is my Christmas gift this year (not Zach's by the way, this if my own contribution) Who will join me? Donate Here

Wheelchair Distribution

What It Is

Latter-day Saint Charities (Humanitarian Services), working in partnership with local organizations that serve the disabled, distributes about 40,000 wheelchairs each year in 70 countries. Those who have witnessed a disabled person receiving a wheelchair for the first time report that the joy and tears of gratitude shown by the recipient are often overwhelming.

Why It Is a Priority

Only about one percent of the roughly 100 million disabled people worldwide own or have access to a wheelchair.* Many have lost the use of one or both legs due to war, birth defects, or disease. In most developing countries, there are few social supports to help the disabled. They are highly dependent on family members for support and 24-hour care. For the adults, being without mobility often means being without work. In addition, UNESCO estimates that 98 percent of children with disabilities in developing countries are unable to attend school.

What It Does and How It Helps

For the disabled, mobility is the key to independence, education, and self-reliance. A person given the gift of mobility is freer to travel, work, and go to school. Additionally, their caretakers are also more free to spend time on other productive activities.

Did I mention Donate here?

The Vision of Our Leaders

Presiding Bishop H. David Burton

"To help relieve suffering is to cultivate a Christlike character. We are charged, as were those who listened at the feet of the Savior 2,000 years ago, to 'go, and do thou likewise.' The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that it is our responsibility 'to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church or in any other, or in no church at all, wherever he finds them' (Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1842, 732).

"May we be generous with our time and liberal in our contributions for the care of those who suffer. May we commit to the principles of Good Samaritanism and be ever mindful of the need to 'go, and do thou likewise.'"

So in conclusion, how many of you are going to donate here this Christmas season?

Feeling Christmas Crafty

2011-11-30T14:09:00.000-08:00

Bow ties for Tanner's birthday last month. He and Zach picked out some of the material by
themselves on a man-date to the fabric store. Go ahead, suspend their man cards.
I'll be making Zach's next.

Thanks to our ward's Super-Saturday here are some of the cutsie things I've been up to lately. I'm not always crafty, but it must just be that time of year.

Glass etching. Not something I could do by myself unless I pre-ordered a vinyl stencil from someone with a machine

I have a few other tricks up my sleeve, but those are a surprise. You'll just have to wait.

A stinging criticism- Approaching Zion

2011-11-29T13:56:00.000-08:00

"The Hebrew word for financial activity of any kind is mamonut, and the financier is mamonai, that is, financing is, quite frankly, in that honest language, the business of Mammon. " p20

"Are their eyes single to the building up of the Kingdom of God? No; they are single to the building up of themselves." (I would add their own kingdom) p40
Yet they want to be good and rich at the same time, and so they reach a compromise called respectability, which is nothing less than Babylon masquerading as Zion. p46 Work does not sanctify wealth

It is much harder to be a Michelangelo than to work enough to buy a chisel and some stone." (I would add it is easier to get enough money to buy a Michelangelo than be one.)

Hugh Nibley's Approaching Zion is full of such criticisms of money and the Saints, and I'm only 1/3 of the way through. He sets it up as an "either-or" situation, not one to be balanced. You work, the Lord provides, anything in excess of your needs (which are met VERY soon) He gives you goes straight back to the poor and building up the kingdom. Food for thought. It appears that the full book is online and can be found here:
http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=75

Go on, read a few chapters. You may laugh out loud as I did, or seriously consider the course your life is taking. Either way, it will be well worth your time.

Fun with Dink and Dunk

2011-11-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

Otherwise known as Thanksgiving break. Zach's nice and nephew from BYU stayed at our house for two nights and we all went to Ben and Joy's for the big day. (I would just like to add that I am not the one who gave them their nicknames, that was Zach.) Good times. Too bad they won't be here for Christmas.

Here we have Dink taking a 40 minute nap after family prayer

And Dunk catching a few pre-movie Z's on the couch as well (its only 7:30)

Dutifully fulfilling my assignment of the bird

The head chef

Who looks like they are having more fun?

The spread (I opted, in my unbalanced state, to let Ben get up on the chair for this picture)

Dink's "I'm too full for dessert" plate

A little Thanksgiving living

2011-11-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

Zach home teaches a lady in our ward with three small children and a husband overseas in the military. This week she needed a little assistance with raking her lawn. It was a good day to do it since Zach had taken off early from work and picked up Tanner and Naomi to sleep over- two extra helpers. Plus he had the little helpers we already genetically produced ourselves. Being 7 1/2 months pregnant I opted to stay home to mop and make pie but they made quick work of her yard in a little over two hours. I think they earned their Thanksgiving dinner. Team work doesn't seem work.

They raked the state of Massachusetts into our neighbor's yard

And the letter 'Z'

Oh cousins! (sorry for the blur, these were phone pictures sent to my email)

I am thankful for

2011-11-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

A two year old that asks for beans and rice for dessert. This was our conversation after dinner two nights ago.

Mom:" Mac do you want some ice cream?"
Mac: " No, beans and rice"
Mom: "Do you want some cookies?"
Mac: "No, beans and rice."
Mom: "Well ok I guess, you sure you want beans and rice?"
Mac: "Yes, beans and rice."
He had beans and rice

Last night I opened a can of black beans to use in a recipe and my little helper hopped right up on a chair and helped himself. How can I say no?

On another note, do you know what David is grateful for though- dragons. I have the Indian feather from preschool to prove it. I'm glad we've instilled in him gratitude for the important things in life.

Beginning to think Pink

2011-11-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

Zach did his man-job and put the crib up this weekend. After our three boys had used the last crib, which was second hand to begin with, it was time for a new one and different color bedding. The pictures hanging over the crib are some nature ones I took a while back, but they will be replaced by little hands and feet in a few months. When we decide on a name I'll do little block letters to hang over her crib too. Of course she still has to share a room with the guest bed, but most of the time she will be in the room by herself. Its kind of fun to have a pink corner in our house.

Book Review

2011-11-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

For anyone you care about on your Christmas list. This book is to physical health as The Infinite Atonement is to spiritual health. Order it for yourself, read it, and then lend it to a friend. I really can't say enough about this book. I put off reading it for a while because I had a feeling he was going to tell me milk was bad for me, and he did. I feel a little lied to by the dairy industry, honestly, telling me milk was good for my bones all these years. As to the meat industry, I've known that was a bunch of "bull" for a while. The author himself is a vegan and advocates as little animal protein in the diet as possible. (He's 70 years old and still able to run 6 miles a day.) Reading between the lines it sounded like you could get many of the same benefits on a flexitarian diet- or very nearly vegetarian diet- of up to about 1 oz of meat a day (think one big bite of a hamburger or one 7 oz serving/week). I'm not announcing my switch to vegetarianism thus far, but I've been drinking water with more meals and I have been scanning the horizon for more vegetarian options for my family.Meat eating opportunities come up often enough. Twenty years of good solid research have gone into these recommendations and there is convincing evidence that diet alone can reverse heart disease, prevent cancer, and cure type 2 diabetes. Diet can also slow the development of cataracts, auto-immune diseases, and memory loss. Its not just for weight loss any more folks. People say "I may die 10 years younger, but at least I'll die happy" but there is nothing happy about kidney stones, osteoporosis, nuropothies, pain and discomfort. A change in diet will not only add years to your life but life to your years and I for one want to be as useful as possible, as long as possible. Get this book, check it out from the library, read it, feel guilty. A little guilt is good once in a while if it leads to change. Good luck people, and share any stellar vegetarian ideas you have with me.

The Cake

2011-11-17T14:31:00.000-08:00

Temple Cake Topper

It's probably my favorite part of wedding reception decor. This time was no exception.

Can you just feel Christmas coming?

Mom's good friend and cake maker- Vicki Myers

They were very polite, no cake in the face which surprised me

Mom and Barry's Sealing

2011-11-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

I was not the main photographer at the temple. I just took a few snap shots as they were coming out before I had to hop into some family photos.In fact, mom didn't even know I was coming. She had quite a surprise when the temple worker announced that I was there. It was a lovely ceremony and well attended.

Congratulations to the Happy Couple!

The Party

2011-11-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Just letting the East coast know how we party on the West coast

He still needs a little help this year

Mac loves his "baby doll" . This is a re-furbished gift from Zach's own childhood. Thanks Mimi

The Bite

The new freshman craze- Ninja

The cakes

2011-11-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

The kid cake. As mentioned recently, he likes a PBS kids show called Dinosaur Train.
We only show him clips on the computer but he loves the theme song.

The adult cake. For Tanner who is turning 19 this week. I bought all the stuff but Becky ended up making it for him when she was helping me out in the kitchen. Thanks Beck.

Apple and Tree

2011-11-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

The apple

Remember this picture?- The tree

Good tree that apple came from. Can you tell my boys like to be read to? That middle child in the top photo is actually a lender. Its our nephew Brady come to visit for the day. We figured with 8 younger siblings she could handle it, and she could.

Mac-adoodle

2011-11-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Remember this little guy? Well he's turning 2!!! He has been so much FUN to have in our family, I'm almost sad to see his 1 year old self come to an end. He's talking up a storm now but just as huggable and kissable as ever. Some things I love about Lil' Kenny, formerly known as Cheeks.

That he wakes up happy

He has a great 'surprised' face

That he loves to push to buttons on the dryer and watch it spin

That he is learning to count

He loves to do 'pound' (fist) or touch elbows when he is being a good eater

He likes to show us how fast he can run and says ,'watch me'

He can entertain himself with cars or trains, but also plays well with others

He likes to help me in the kitchen

He enjoys being read to and jumping on the trampoline

He's just so darn cute

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAC!

Trick-or-sweet

2011-11-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Mediocre Mothering part 754: No theme, no homemade costumes, three re-uses. What can I say? Pregnancy is an excuse for everything.

There's no padding under there, that's all Mac

He thinks he is dressed like a dinosaur from the PBS kids show "Dinosaur Train"

This is me going all out for my Halloween costume- my kid's pumpkin hat.
Nothing else from my closet would have fit anyway

Ninja Gabe off to fight some bad guys

Warrior David ready to fight bad guys in a different century

A Lunch Story

2011-11-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

'Can't quite make it till nap'

Going

Gone

Worth it?

2011-10-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

Would you stick your hand down here just to get a piece of candy? My boys did.

This was the winner for "best homemade costume" at the BYU Halloween carnival. I thought it was creative.

Mother Moment

2011-10-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure whether this was a good mother moment or a bad one, I'll let you decide. It just struck me as funny at the time:

Tonight our family was planning on going to go out to pizza with my mom and Barry.Zach and I made the executive decision to feed our kids some left over acorn squash before we left the house so they could get in a vegetable before their fun meal of white flour, red meat, cheese and high-fructose corn syrup. As we sat there at the kitchen table our children struggled a little bit with trying to choke down their portions of the sticky orange mush. (Zach and I had our fair portions too) Our two younger children may have even gagged a little at which point I said to David, "If you gag, just wash it down with some milk." I know, I'm a mean mom, but guess what- they ate it- and we all left ten minutes later to go to the Brick Oven together. It was a great meal served with a little less guilt because of our pre-dinner preparations. The end.

Year of Jubilee- A birthday Poem

2011-10-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

I have a special friend that is celebrating her 50th birthday today. She may wish to remain anonymous seeing as how sometimes ladies don't like to celebrate their birthdays after a certain point. I remember reading this great poem in the Autobiography of Parley P. Prat (and John Taylor's response) and thought it a fitting tribute to my friend to celebrate on this wonderful day. Of course Parley was killed shortly thereafter on a mission in Arkansas, but I have a feeling she has many more happy years ahead of her. She's the youngest 50 year old I know. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

P. P. PRATT.

To my wife HANNAHETTE and others.

MY FIFTIETH YEAR

     I AM fifty years old! I have lived to see
Seven times seven and a Jubilee.
That period famed in the days of yore
As a grand release for the humble poor;
When the pledg’d estate was again restor’d,
And the bondman free’d from his tyrant lord.
When man his fellow was bound to forgive,
And begin anew to think and to live.
The nations have hail’d the year of my birth
As a Jubilee to the groaning earth.
The triumphs of steam over land and sea¹
Have stamp’d the age of my Jubilee.
I have mark’d its progress at ev’ry stride,
From the day it was launch’d on the Hudson’s tide
Till it conquer’d the ocean—grasp’d the land,
And join’d the world in a common band.
I have liv’d to behold the lightnings yield
To the mandate of man, and take the field,
As a servant-runner to bear the news
In an instant, where its lord might choose.
     And, scarce less strange, I have liv’d to behold
A Mormon Sage, with his wand of gold,
Overturn the world, and toss it up
As a teller of Fortunes would his cup.²
All these are facts; but of little worth,
Compared with a Prophet restored to earth.
I have seen his day and have heard his voice,
Which enraged a world, while the meek rejoice.
I have read the fate of all earthly things:
The end of thrones, and the end of kings.
I have learned that truth alone shall stand,
And the Kingdom of God fill every land.
I have seen that Kingdom rolling along,
And taking its seat ’mid the mountains strong;
While the nations wondered, but could not tell
To what these wondrous things would swell.
I have wandered far, over land and sea,
To proclaim to the world its destiny—
To cry to the nations, repent and live,
And be ready the bridegroom to receive.
     I have wandered far—I have wandered wide,
From Maine to the wild Missouri’s tide;
And over the Atlantic’s sea-girt isles
Full many a weary thousand miles.
I have trampled the desert’s burning sands
And the snow-clad mountains of unknown lands.
’Mid the crystal waters of Deseret
I have pulled the oar and cast the net.
I have climbed the steeps ’mid the golden ore,
And roamed o’er the lone Pacific shore.
I have ploughed its bosom many a day
To visit the nations far away.
I have stood on Chili’s distant shore,
Where the Polar Star is seen no more.
I have gazed on the Andes’ heights of snow,
And roamed ’mid the flowery plains below.
     I have toiled with the great in freedom’s cause,
And assisted to give to a State its laws.
I have lain in a dungeon, bound in chains,
And been honored in Courts where Justice reigns.
In a thousand joys, and a thousand fears
I have struggled on through my fifty years.
And now, by the law of God, I am free;
I will seek to enjoy my Jubilee.
I will hie me home, to my mountain dell,
And will say to the “Christian” world—farewell!
I have served ye long—; ’twas a thankless task;
To retire in peace is all I ask.
     Another fifty years will fully prove
Our message true, and all our motives love.
Then shall an humble world in reverence bow,
And hail the Prophets so rejected now.
Kings shall revere, and nations incense bring
To Zion’s temple and to Zion’s King.
I shall be there and celebrate the day
’Till twice ten fifties shall have passed away.

A RESPONSE TO P. P. PRATT’S “FIFTIETH YEAR”

BY JOHN TAYLOR

THOU art “fifty years old”—I am glad to see
That thou now canst hope for a Jubilee.
Go rest thee, my friend, for weary and long
Thou hast faithfully striven with a wayward throng;
With a world environed with error’s chain
Thou hast wrestled and struggled, but not in vain,
On thy native shore and on foreign land
Thou hast battled for truth with a master hand,
And their cities, and towns, and hamlets have rung
With the sound of truth, with the voice of song;
And thousands in Zion do now rejoice,
Who’ve read thy works or heard thy voice,
And millions have seen thy bosom swell
With celestial truths thou lov’st so well.
      Let drivelling sycophants bow the knee
To that chameleon shrine, popularity,
And with honey’d lips, bound with mammon’s spell,
Plaster over the vices they dar’d not tell,
And with wheedling, whining, canting tongue,
Daub o’er the deeds of a hellish throng.
’Twas thine the mask from their loathsome face
To rend, and exhibit their foul disgrace.
     Thou hast grappled with sages in error rife,
Thou hast taught to the erring the way of life;
With flaming words and a burning pen
Thou hast bearded gaunt priestcraft in his den,
And said to Baal’s grizzly priests, avaunt!
I dare you in your dark, ghastly haunt.
And the canting, craving minions fled
At the truths thou penned and the words thou said.
With Elijah’s faith and Elijah’s rod,
Thou despised their power and defied their god,
And made the canting hirelings cower
Beneath the truth’s keen withering power.
Thou show’d them their systems were doom’d to fall,
That “Upharsin” was written on Babel’s wall.
Thou hast spent ’midst their hordes a busy life;
Thou art leaving the den of their Babel strife.
Let others now ’mid the nations roam,
And hie thee away to thy mountain home.
     If, sleeping at night, the weary may
Forget the cares and toils of day;
And if by God to man is given
A day of rest in every seven;
If the pledged possession could be restored,
On the grand release by Jehovah’s word;
If the debtor’s bonds could then he broke,
And the slave be freed from a master’s yoke,
And the very land a partaker be
Of the general jubilant Jubilee;
If all bonds were broken on that day,
And chains and manacles thrown away;
If throughout the land, by every tongue,
All joined in the joyous Jubilee song;
If debtors and slaves and earth were free,
Thou oughtest to have a Jubilee.
     If a wish from a sincere friendly heart
Can to thee any comfort or joy impart;
If a fervent prayer to the God of grace
Could smooth thy path in thy onward race,
That prayer would be, may grace be given
To wend thy onward course to Heaven.
May’st thou abound in corn and wine,
And the blessings of plenty now be thine;
May thy family all be free from care,
And a husband’s and father’s plenty share;
May thy sun go down with glory rife,
And dying may’st thou burst into life;
And, when sleeping among the silent dead,
Have the blessings of millions on thy head;
And living with God, may’st thou be free,
And partake of an endless Jubilee.

The Happy Couple

2011-10-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

This is Mom and Barry together. They are getting sealed next month on Nov. 12 in the Raleigh, NC temple. They met on line at an LDS singles website and just hit it off. He is originally from Oklahoma but he will move to Raleigh after the wedding. Mom arrived on Monday and he picked her up from the airport. We took a few engagement photos yesterday. They seem happy together. Congratulations Mom!

(Sorry it looks grainy, if you open it in its original size it should look a little more clear. )

Pumpkin Pictures

2011-10-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

These are my three little pumpkins. I decided to opt out of lame school pictures for Gabe and just take some myself along with the other two boys. The only mistake I made was thinking I could do it alone. I should have waited till I had dad for back up and crowd control. There are a few more of Mac I'll stick on his 'birthday announcement' in a few weeks.

Fun Fall Idea

2011-10-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

This is what I did yesterday with some neighbor friends of mine to celebrate fall. Granny smith apples covered in homemade caramel, white melting chocolate, and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar (mmmmm..) All wrapped up in a festive leafy bag. I delivered about 10 this morning to different people in the neighborhood to spread the fall cheer. Simple, easy, good= success. The caramel can also be used as a candy on its own if you let it solidify and cut it up into squares.

Now all I have to do is figure out what to do with the pears I picked. Anyone have a good pear recipe?

Goblins

2011-10-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

Naming it Mushroom valley probably wouldn't have attracted the tourists like "Goblin Valley"

Two peas in a pod, only one is 5'0 and one is 6'0

Notice how I'm taking the pictures from the ground on most of these

A new way to stay awake

2011-10-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Last night I made some incredible homemade salsa. It turned out so well partially due to a good recipe but mostly due to the fresh and delicious local vegetables that went in it. It went on a homemade tortilla, with beans, lettuce, homemade guacamole etc. Its a repeat dinner for tonight. In the 7 1/2 years we've been married, I don't believe Zach has ever had homemade salsa, homemade tortillas, and homemade guacamole on the same night together before. He's a lucky man. It was good eat'n, but that's not the story.

Here's the kicker, or should I say 'licker'. Later on that night as I was sitting in the temple and I realized I had gotten some of the jalapeno oils onto my left hand between my last two fingers. The spot was burning. The only thing I could think to do was lick the inflamed area and try to get the oil off. I was partially successful. When I licked my fingers the burning in my hand decreased slightly but was then transferred to my tongue. I waited a few minutes till the burning on my tongue subsided and licked again. This went on for about 7 or 8 rounds until my hand was feeling some what normal and so was my tongue. I'll have to say this though, I didn't fall asleep when the lights were low.

The Hike

2011-10-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Favorite spot

Parquor (?)

Just call me spider man

Brothers

Pack Mules

Goblin Valley (part I)

2011-10-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went camping with Ben's family, Tina and Naomi down at Goblin Valley. The weather was lovely, company fun, the hike interesting, and the boys thought they had died and gone to the big play ground in the sky. If my air mattress hadn't deflated it would have been pretty near perfect. I took a ton of pictures so I'll dish it in small doses.

Quality not Quantity

2011-10-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned before probably that I am NOT a huge fan of calorie counting for a number of reasons. Mostly because it can be inaccurate by as much as 30% , or basically a useless guess. And even if you are closer to the mark, you are measuring it against an estimate as to how many calories your body actually burns based on semi-useful equations. You aren't listening to your bodily clues when calorie counting and you are spending a bunch of needless time and energy obsessing about something that your body is telling you how to do naturally.
Well here is another extraordinary piece of evidence that indicates calorie counting isn't what its cracked up to be. It comes from the ground breaking book, The China Study by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Cambell II who discuss twenty years worth of data collected comparing the health and nutrition of the Chinese to other nations. This is just one of the many interesting facts included in the book.

Nutrient	China	United States
Calories/day	2641	1989
Total fat (% of calories)	14.5	34-38
Dieetary fiber (g/day)	33	12
Total protein (g/day)	64	91
Animal protein (% of calories)	.8	10-11
Total iron (mg/day)	34	18

Notice Chinese people, on average, eat 650 calories more, or in other words an entire meals worth of food, and are in much better condition as far as heart disease, obesity, cancer, and other long term health indicators. They are not fat. On the contrary, if they struggle with their health at all it is usually from the diseases of poverty not wealth i.e. pneumonia, ulcers, TB, parasites etc. The majority of their food is plant based, not animal based. There is more quantity but it is of much greater quality. More fiber, more phytochemicals, more antioxidants and basically more everything good and less everything bad. Take home message from the book:

Animal products in your diet cause long term disease and obesity- eat the very least amount you possibly can, if any at all.

As a westerner myself this is a hard one to swallow since it is not uncommon for me to eat meat once a day, but facts are facts. The Lord knew what he was talking about when he said:

"12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly.

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

D&C 89:12-13

Don't just say "hummmm, interesting."

Love

2011-10-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

"But our tokens of compliment and love are for the most part barbarous. Rings and other jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself." Ralph Waldo Emerson 1844 Essay "Gifts"

I had forgotten that last phrase was inscribed on the inside of Zach's ring until I went to take this picture. I saw a similar picture on line and wanted to recreate it.

'Tis nice to be loved.

Handsome

2011-10-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Professor Hutchins- Take 2

He needed a picture for the BYU department website

Baby bear getting ready for church

2011-10-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

We picked apples on Saturday to start the apple slices and applesauce canning process. Its a time consuming task but well worth it. We've also given some away to family that came over for Sunday dinner. No sense being selfish. Since the harvest, our kids have eaten at least two a day, completely voluntarily. An apple a day keeps the doctor a way so I'm hoping more than that doesn't backfire on us somehow. Oh well, how do I say no to chubby little hands that plead, "apple mommy, apple."

10 year Reunion

2011-10-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday a girl from our Freshman ward at BYU organized a little reunion get together at Rock Canyon Park for those who were still in the area or could make it. It was a prelude to the BYU game later on that night. Since Zach and I are so close by we thought we would stop by and see what everyone was up to.

There were a few more rings on fingers, a few more pregnant bellies, a few more degrees of various shapes and sizes, and dare I say it... a few more fine lines on everyone's faces.All in all though, most people seemed pretty much the same. A happy bunch of LDS kids now raising LDS kids of their own.

It was fun to see them and the boys enjoyed the pizza picnic at the playground.

Seeing old friends was nice, but the best part about freshman year I got to take home with me. Here's to knowing each other for 10 years hun!

A happy day

2011-10-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here's wishing you a rainbow at the end of

your storm.

Move'n on up

2011-10-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

We always move our children out of their crib well before a new baby comes so they don't feel like it is being stolen from them. Last week we made that change for Mac. He got to move into a 'big boy bed' while David advanced to a twin and Gabe to the top of a new set of bunk beds. They are having a blast and love it when they get to play on the top of the bunk beds. I am still just a little bit nervous about Mac climbing up and going over the edge but it hasn't happened yet so hopefully it won't. Everyone seems to be adjusting nicely to the new arrangement with all three in the same room together. I'm not sure I love the bunk beds since they are tricky to make for small kids and pregnant moms alike, but all and all, its a good thing. The door should read now:

Boys club, open for business.

Tugas Farms

2011-09-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

The goat walk

This summer we got the chance to visit Tugas Farms in Massachusetts. It was a combination playground, petting zoo and pick-your-own farm. It was perfect for the boys. We went during blueberry season and it made me sorely miss freshly picked blueberries. Utah soil has a hard time growing blueberries. Mac spent the whole time consuming blueberries we put in his bucket but the other boys helped out a little bit. Bring me a Tugas farms right here!

Opps David! Not that one, only the dark purple ones

Getting our money's worth

Professor Hutchins

2011-09-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

Zach wanted me to take some pictures of him for some online school stuff so I happily obliged. I don't think he loves these though so we might be doing it again.

See my lovely hand made clock in the background? My grandfather made it before he passed away

Books, besides his wife, Zach's best friends

Doesn't he look debonair and intelligent

The Infinite Atonement

2011-09-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

I just finished this wonderful book yesterday after two months of Sunday reading. It is probably the best church book I have read to date on the most important subject anyone can talk about. Tad Callister is a masterful writer who draws heavily from the scriptures, prophets, personal meditation and classical authors. It was a joy to read and very enlightening. I cannot say enough about this book and think everyone with access to a copy should read it. Whether you are new to the gospel or an "old pro" it has something for you, and probably many things. Mom and dad don't know I "borrowed" their copy. Perhaps when I tell them, if I'm lucky they will let me keep it. It is definitely a re-read, and I never re-read books.

A few of the many nuggets I found:

His Message

"The Savior's message, meaning the gospel of Jesus Christ, had been preached before the meridian of time and would yet be preached again...Certainly it was a great blessing to have the Savior personally preach His gospel message, but that was not the essential reason for which he came. Others have been his spokesmen, both before and after his mortal advent..."

His Ministry

"The Savior's ministry included the working of miracles, but Enoch, Moses, Elijah, and others had performed similar wonders before his birth. Peter, Paul and others would perform like miracles after his ascension."

His Mission

"While others could preach the Savior's message and even perform a ministry of miracles and priesthood ordinances, only he could accomplish that divinely appointed mission, namely the redemption of the world. No proxies, no substitutes, no surrogates, not even heaven-sent angels or prophets would or could do."

The Atonement is not just a prime teaching of the gospel; it is the heart of the gospel. It infuses life into every doctrine, every principle, and every ordinance, transforming what might otherwise be a lofty but nonetheless lifeless ideal, to a vibrant spiritual truth."

Laughed out Loud

2011-09-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

Boy (n): a noise with dirt on it

Just Peachy

2011-09-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

One box and eight grocery bags full of freshly picked peaches became 50 quarts of canned peaches for this coming year. In addition they became some yummy peach muffins (made by Zach), peach parfaits, mandatory fresh peaches for the boys, peach smoothies, and a soon-to-be peach cobbler. After all that I still gave away about three gallons of peaches this morning that would have gone bad if not used soon. Thanks Bro. and Sis. Tenny for letting us pick from your trees.

Fall Carnival

2011-09-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Mmmmmmmmm..... A cake I made for the cake walk. I made one for our family too. We also contributed cinnamon rolls and soda to help raise money for the PTA at Gabe's school. Well I did, Zach mostly grumbled.

Boucy house bronco

"Put 'em up bucko"

Joy Ride

2011-09-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

(What do you think of the vintage coloring?)

Riding shotgun with Grampy

"Hey Gabe, look at mommy. I'm trying to take a picture"

Even Mac knows how to say "Tractor." Its an important word in a little boy's vocabulary.

"Make it go faster Grampy"

Its like Disney Land, making dreams come true.

Becky's house part ii

2011-09-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

The dog

The watering hole

Big guns go 'doom, doom'

Everyone was having fun passing around my camera. That's why there are so many shots and tons that I didn't even post. In addition to dace revolution, smoothies, home made scones and HORSE we also enjoyed the Orton's personal backyard waterfall, Kaleb's scrimmage and good company.

Who wins?

Besos

Kaleb playing Soccer

These were my boy all tuckered out on the way home. Too much fun for one day.

So Back in July...

2011-09-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

We visited Becky and Steve's house while we were in Massachussetts and had a rousing game of HORSE. For some odd reason I was elected photographer instead of participant. I can't imagine why. After listening to their game of partial HO's and HOR's I strongly suggest that we pick a different animal next time- Let's see... not UNICorn... Tiger?

Bring it

Slight height advantage

Stylish kicks you got there Bub

Nothing but net

50 Years and going strong

2011-09-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Aren't they cute? HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD! Fifty years together today. I've only been in the family for 7 years but its long enough to know that they are the glue that holds the family together. A wonderful example of church service, marital love, hard work, and enjoying life.

Under the cucumber trellis. Mom is a spectacular gardener.

See the flower in the bottom right? That's the only one dad planted. Its a fake. He was trying to see if mom would notice.

Some of my Favorite memories of mom and dad:
Mom running in and jumping on my bed to wake me up when Zach and I were engaged
Seeing mom when I walked into the celestial room in the Boston Temple
Dad singing my praises to his friends when he introduced me in the Temple
Swimming in the pool with them and the boys this summer
Scrabble games where everyone helps me out because I'm the worst, but just like to play
Grampy giving the boys tractor rides around the yard at Brigham street
Home made sweaters from Mimi
Mom buying birthday and Christmas gifts 6 months in advance
All the famous people Dad knows (including Mitt Romney, Shaqueal O'Neal, members of the quorum of the 12 apostles, and the general manager of the Celtics)
And just spending time with them

Do you have any favorite memories of Mom and Dad (Ken and Pricilla)? If so, leave a comment and I'll forward them on.

Boston Temple

2011-09-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

These pictures took me a surprisingly long time to edit so I hope you enjoy them. I have all sorts of copies, ones with words, ones in black and white etc. I took them at the Boston temple on our visit out there this summer and said a prayer of thanks because when we arrived it had been pouring rain. By the time we got out of our session it had cleared up to blue skies. There may be a second edition tomorrow if I get to the rest of them.

(Do you know the guy that owns this bike dad?)

Boy, oh Boy!

2011-08-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

Its a girl! Did I fool any of you with the subject line? Zach kept saying he could see it was a boy but the ultrasound tech thought differently. All the organs and other vital parts seem to be in working order so that is nice. The technician said that she is about 13 oz or about three sticks of butter. We're excited to welcome this new little one into our family.

First day of Kindergarten

2011-08-31T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is our wonderful five year old waiting to get on the bus for his first day of kindergarten. No tears from the mama hen, she was too busy taking the second one to preschool and grocery shopping. I think he may have been more excited to ride the bus than go to school. Gabe said that school was his favorite part of the day and that his teacher was smiley the whole time.We'll see how long it remains a favorite. All his friends are in the other class but perhaps it will be good for him to make new friends. He's still got an enthusiasm for life that is adorable, even if it is sometimes exhausting.

Missing

2011-08-30T10:11:00.001-07:00

I seem to have lost my waist, if any one sees it let me know. I miss it.

New Beginnings

2011-08-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Looking up to big brother on his first day ever of Preschool

Newly shipped in for BYU, Cousin Tanner taught Gabe to play checkers- hooray!

Gabe showing off his soccer
moves

When you are a mother of 10, watching 3 is a breeze. I think they wanted to trade in old mom for this new one. Thanks for watching them Aunt Kelly.

Its hotter than it looks and Gabe wanted to call it quits on his first game at half time. He persevered though and had fun.

Capes and Watermelon

2011-08-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

tunnel of fun

David got cold so he called it quits early

Nothing says last-days-of-summer like super hero capes and watermelon. Toss in a sprinkler and if you've got a recipe for Hutchins little boy happiness.

Speed Demon

2011-08-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

I ran a 5k last week. My time was laughable but at least I didn't stop.

That's probably the place I got in the race-56 But it was for a good cause.
A friend of mine has a 2 year old niece with leukemia.
Reading her story made me cry and be grateful my kids don't have that.
I think I'll be walking the next 5k in September.

Happiness in the spin cycle

2011-08-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

In June Zach took a trip to Rome for a Herman Melville conference

It cost a pretty penny to fly him over the ocean while I stayed at home with the boys

I requested a consolation prize- Kenmore Dryer

I feel as though this moment made it worth it.

"I say Good-buy"

2011-08-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is Ethel. The 1996 Honda Accord we got when we were here at BYU the first time

She's seen better days. She took us 6 years through graduate school and
Zach's first year teaching.

Last week her transmission blew and it just wasn't worth fixing. Thanks Ethel, we'll miss you. You were a spunky little car

Say hello to the newest member of our family- Alex. Gabe named this car. 2000 Ford Taurus- $2,800

David said to me, "Mom, Alex is my best friend. He is the king of cars."

If you were a car, you couldn't ask for a better welcome

Sierra Leone water

2011-08-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

I was able to attend a class at BYU's education week on LDS Philanthropies and I basically cried for the entire hour I was there. (I'm pregnant what can I say? Everything makes me cry) It was a nice reminder of the blessings I enjoy that many do not. This was one of the videos that touched me. If you are touched like I was, you can make a donation here:

LDS Philanthropies

You can also read about other continuing church initiatives that we have going on right now. There are ways to donate besides your check books. Right now the church has about 2,000 senior couples serving but they have projects ready to go for 10,000. Think about it, see what you can do.