Sunday Activities

Sundays at our house are different than the rest of the week. The TV is off, the game systems are quiet and all electronics are put on hold for the entire day. It's a nice day, mostly. Sometimes the kids get restless, but for the most part, they do pretty good. Here are some pictures of this last Sunday's activities.

Okay, actually, Eric is posing for this picture. However, he did take a nap that day, which by the way, is VERY rare for him. But he really fell asleep on his floor in his bedroom, but I didn't know it until he had already woke up. Of course, when I wanted to take his picture, he wouldn't show his face.....what a teenager!

Dallin and Brandon decided to play Monopoly. This is a picture of Dallin losing big time. He has very little money left and is quite distraught!

Brandon, on the other hand, is extremely delighted in this picture. As you can see, he is holding up all the property he owns. Oh happy day for Brandon!

And here is another one with Dallin showing his anguish and Brandon loving every minute of it....brothers!!

Cute litte Jacob took a nap! That made the day even quieter for me....yeah!

This is a picture of Kyle showing off his new shoes. We bought them the day before and Sunday was spent learning how to tie them. He actually did pretty good too, for only being in the 1st grade. I honestly don't think any of my kids have learned how to tie their shoes that early...If you look closely, you will see the awesome colors of these shoes....but since this picture won't do justice to really show them, I took a couple of close-ups.

Yes, these are red interior/souls, with lime, flourescent green laces, and black and orange exterior. Are those just totally hot and awesome for a first grader? If you look back in the previous picture, you will see how good they match (not) with his attire for the day....red pants, and orange shoes....interesting!

And here is another view. I tried to talk Kyle out of them, I must admit, but he had his heart set on these. So I finally consented. Today, I asked one of Kyle's friends if he saw Kyle's new shoes and he said he did. I said, "pretty cool, huh?" And he responded with a big, "Yeah, I want some just like them." So as you can see, he really does have good taste (I'm the one that doesn't, apparently), and they really are a hot item. And he totally wears them with pride!

In the late afternoon, all the kids played a new game that Eric made up. He does this quite often actually. They usually have a whole set up downstairs that resembles a cross between a camp and a boxing ring, using lots of blankets and couch cushions for props. This particular Sunday was a very exciting game. I don't know how they played it, exactly, but there were wands, Harry Potter chants and spells, and words like "Warriors, Knights, Ninjas, Archers, and Wizards" said throughout the game. Very interesting. And they all commented how fun it was.

Yep, I like Sundays when all my kids get along and come up with unique, fascinating games to play. It was a good day!

I'm baaaaacckk!

Well, I made it back from my trip to Vegas. It was tons of fun. I can't believe I didn't bring my camera.....what is wrong with me? I've turned into my husband! :)

But my mom and I and my little Jacob had a good time. Unfortunately I started sneezing the night before and was sick for most of the time. I was okay, just didn't have lots of energy. Jacob got Strep 2 days before we left and started coughing a day after we got there. UGH! We left my sister sick as a dog and her two little ones coughing as well. I felt so bad (and still do). And maybe I won't be asked to come back for a while......sorry Wendy!

We still had a good time though and all in all, it was a nice break from daily life. While I was away, I kept calling my family and asking why they weren't calling me. Didn't they miss me? Even a little? I don't know, maybe they did. However last night, after I was home for 1/2 hour, they started a movie and left me upstairs to unpack. Oh well. I am glad to be home. It's always nice to come home after a trip and I've never been gone away from my kids for that long.

Last night Dallin reminded me that he needs to have a poster for pack meeting tonight "When I grow up" and he's got a book report due next week.

Welcome back MOM!

Off to Vegas I go!

Well, I'm headed out to sunny Vegas tomorrow. I hope I get through the flight. I'm not big on flying....

Let me just leave you with one thought. Last Sunday, during sharing time in Primary, the counselor was asking a bunch of questions to the kids. One of them was: Tell us something about your mom. One kid said, "She likes to cook." Then it was Brandon's turn. And here is what he said:

"My mom DOESN'T like to cook and she can't wait to get away from us every Thursday night."

There you go. That's what I'll be remembered for.....isn't that nice? But, I've just got to make it a little more clear. Because Todd is the Bishop he's gone a lot. So Thursday night is mine to get out for a couple of hours (unless he has a stake meeting, then we work out something else). At any rate, those nights are precious to me! And someday I hope my kids will understand that. Man, I'm seriously home every other night spending time with them, making sure they're taken care of......but do I get credit for that? It doesn't appear so..... :)

Oh well, I agree with the statement for the most part. I DON'T like to cook and I really can't wait each week until Thursday comes.....but I promise I still love my kids!

Have a great week, everyone!

SISTERS!

Wendy and Melissa. She was probably 4 and I was about 1.

Okay, so I just finished watching The Biggest Loser and I gotta tell you....I've been totally crying. If you don't watch it then you won't understand, but at the end of this episode, there was such an emotional, tender exchange between the sisters that I couldn't help but be affected by it. It was so powerful and it made me think of my own sister. So I've decided to dedicate this blog to my older sister, Wendy.

She is 4 years older than me. And while we had a rocky start in the beginning: ya know what I mean, right? Teasing, bullying, beating (yes, there was beating) and some serious sibling rivalry; but through the years, we rose above the bickering and literally became two very close friends.

Here are some memories I have of her when I was growing up:

1. Christmas Eve we'd sleep together in her room downstairs, squished in her little bed. But I wouldn't have traded those times for anything!

2. One time, she bought me a pair of Reebok hightops and I'll never forget it. They were $20 at the time and I was so thankful for those shoes. We got the same kind and we were twins, in my eyes. She didn't have a lot of money (although she was working at the time), and I know it was a sacrifice for her. I truly treasured those shoes.

3. When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to give her $50 for her birthday. I saved and scrimped (that was a lot of money to me then....come to think of it, that's a lot of money to me now), and I'll never forget how excited I was to give it to her. It made her happy and that made ME happy!

4. Tuesday nights: we watched Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, and Three's Company. At 9:00, we watched Hart to Hart. Those were our nights to be together and I loved them! (Gosh, we watched a lot of TV back then.....)

5. One year for Christmas (or her b-day, I can't remember which), I gave her half of a heart necklace that when you put together says "Best Friends." I still have my half.....I hope she still has hers too.

6. One time she came and got me from Ricks college in her little car. She drove all the way down (a 4-hour drive), and I remember I was in a hurry to get home (probably to see Todd) and I didn't let her stop much on the way back. I'm sure she was really tired of driving, but she never complained. The minute we drove into our driveway, her car stalled. I can't believe how selfish I was, but I jumped out, probably only half-heartedly said, "Thanks," and went inside. I don't even remember what happened to her car. I'm sorry I was so selfish, Wendy! :(

7. We used to watch movies together (her and her boyfriend (now husband) and me and mine (now husband) downstairs in our basement. She used to laugh at us because, inevitably, almost every time, Todd and I zonked out on the couch, while she and Anthony made fun of us. It really was pretty funny. Todd and I have never been night people!

8. I have looked up to her ever since I can remember. After the initial "bratty" stage of myself and her "beating me up" stage, we have been inseparable! She has been my hero and my rock!

9. Wendy did not grow up active in the Church. She struggled for many years. She married a non-member. But it never became a rift between us. We stayed close and I always prayed she would come back. Prayer works, people! And miracles happen! She is now an incredible example to me and is a solid rock! She has been through a lot and her and her husband are now sealed together forever! (NEVER saw that one coming....sorry Anthony). And they have 2 beautiful adopted children who are sealed to them also. I even got to hold the 1st one at the altar. She'll probably never know what that meant to me.

Her two children when her second child was sealed to them.

10. We used to go to movies together and sneak in pizza and other such yummy entrees. This was before the time you could buy it there and bring in a whole meal.

11. We went to so many movies together and we were usually the only ones laughing OUT LOUD in the theater. I think we saw Princess Bride together for the first time, and we couldn't stop laughing. HILARIOUS! But then, everything was always funnier with her around.

12. We've laughed, cried, yelled, fought, and hugged each other at various times in our lives. But we've always stayed close. I'm so thankful for that!

13. She listens to my drama---which I seem to have almost every time I call her. I'm sure she rolls her eyes when she sees on the caller ID that it's me, but she never lets on....she acts interested and always gives the best advice!

Not a great picture, I know. But it's so cute!

Well, I could probably go on and on. So many good memories. I get to go visit Wendy in Las Vegas next week for 6 WHOLE DAYS!! I can't wait. And although I'm bringing my little Jacob with me, I know it will be full of laughter, silliness, and FUN! I love you Wendy! Thanks for being my big sister! Can't wait to see you!

Snickerdoodle Surprise! (Rated PG)

Disclaimer: This blog is rated PG. Parental Guidance is suggested. Some material may not suitable for children. (You've been officially warned).

On Sunday, Eric asked me if I would make Snickerdoodles after dinner. Since I've only made them a handful of times, I thought it was a good idea and sounded fun. Plus, he promised to help....I'm all for that.

So I got out a cookbook that someone in my ward gave me. It's a great family cookbook and everyone knows that those kinds of cookbooks are the best, right? So I searched the index in the back for the recipe to Snickerdoodles. Eric, of course, was looking over my shoulder at the time.

(This is where the this blog becomes PG!)

I quickly found the word: Snickerdoodles. But I also found something else that is still embedded into my brain to this day. Right above the word "Snickerdoodle" was also the words, "Sex in a Pan." (But it was in CAPS, looking like it fit right in with the rest of the recipes, but it sort-of stood out, ya know? Okay, they were all listed in CAPS, but still....) You know how when you're watching a movie and the camera focuses in and out, like in slow motion....yea, that was happening to me. Plus, my life flashed right before my eyes and I did a quick double-take....and all of that happened in about 1/2 of a second, before I quickly covered up the words, so Eric wouldn't see it. Not that we haven't talked to him about such things, but really.....how do you explain something like "Sex in a Pan?" (And honestly, I'm not sure he DIDN'T see it....I didn't say anything, and neither did he).

Intrigued, however, I decided to look up the recipe. I couldn't help myself, of course. Common ingredients, I noticed. And it does look quite yummy....now would I pass it off as "seductive"....I'm not sure yet. At any rate, I've decided to post it for you, incase any of you are interested in trying it for yourself! Here it is:

Sex in a Pan

1/2 C crushed walnuts
1 C flour
1 cube butter, melted
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1 C powdered sugar
16 oz. whip cream (Cool Whip)
1 small box chocolate instant pudding
1 small box vanilla instant pudding
4 C milk

Melt butter; mix with flour and walnuts. Flatten into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees exactly 15 minutes. Cool.

Mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Add 12 ounces Cool Whip. Mix well. Spread over crust. Mix pudding with milk. Pour over filling. Refrigerate approximately 2 hours. Frost with remaining 4 ounces of Cool Whip. Sprinkle with grated chocolate bar.

I realize that there are words like "crushed," "melted," "softened," "powdered," and "Whip," and perhaps I have seriously underestimated the power of the every day ingredients that are in my pantry.

At any rate, I'm a little scared to try this for myself. So if some of you want to make it, let me know how it turns out and maybe I'll give it a go! Let me know what your findings are.....I really am curious! Happy baking! I hope it lives up to its name.....

P.S. There's also a "variation" listed. If any of you want that, let me know and I'll send it to you privately. (ha ha)

(And for the person who gave me the cookbook....(I don't want to name names, after all--you know who you are!) but you know I'm only kidding, right? I mean, this really DID happen, but I'm still very grateful for the cookbook, I promise!)