One of the super cute headbands!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
This week has flown by! Here we are on Monday again. Tonight we get to spotlight Alexis, and as usual, she is a step ahead of me and reminded me to write on this blog today (Hi Alexis!) Tonight we get sweet and sour pork with chocolate raspberry ganache cake for dessert. I know! I've been looking forward to it all day!! Then we get to sit around the family room and talk about Lex. You know she actually started this tradition many years ago in Texas. She had us all take turns "spotlighting" someone in the family while we were sitting around the dinner table. It took off, as we all loved it. So, here we are many years later, still doing the same tradition.
Alexis is every parent's dream! She is so organized, capable, smart, driven, focused, fun, responsible, and most important, she has such a strong testimony of the gospel. She is getting up 20 minutes earlier this month so she can finish the reading and memorizing assignments for the "30 Days Closer To Christ." She is so amazing. Try as you might, you could never stay ahead of Alexis. She is absolutely beautiful, but she doesn't act that way. Many people have approached me, while we lived in Texas especially, telling me that I have to get my girls into modeling. Even though I know they would be awesome at that, that's not what I value, and I hope that's not what they value either. I know that they are beautiful, but I really think it's more amazing how they are beautiful on the inside. They really care about doing good things. Alexis is always thinking of taking cookies to someone or writing a note for a church leader, or seminary teacher, etc, etc. She studies hard, and only accepts the best from herself.
I wish I had some of Alexis' determination. She sets a goal, and, trust me, it will get done. She is a very clear thinker. She can figure out how to do new things. Even at a young age, she was putting together videos with voice over, music, and video clips included with still images. She has put together some really neat picture scrapbooks for our family as gifts. She loves to learn to make new things. She has made some really cute headbands. See the Pic!
So, tonight will be a really fun FHE. We got a great letter from Zac today, even though the girls' statement says it all... "It's Puncy!" I think he is getting tired of telling us about the same things that he is doing each week. Even though to us, it is never boring. We could hear about how he does his laundry and be intrigued. We just love to hear about every little thing!
I am absolutely loving this "30 Days Closer to Christ" that our Stake is doing for the Laurels and Priests. I am so lucky to be a Laurel Advisor so I can participate. The reading is so fun, but I am really having to pull out some old and very underused skills to memorize. It takes me so long that I have had to type it up, laminate it, and carry it with me wherever I go. Even in the car I have to look at it at every stoplight. I hope that is not as bad as texting while you are driving. Just when I think I've got it-- I can't even remember the first word. I'm hoping as I keep trying that it will get easier.
My other new love is iFit. Jace has been talking about it for a while, but I always thought it would be too complicated. Finally he set it up for me, which took him all of about 2 minutes. Then all I have to do is push the button on the treadmill that says my name, and it just takes me through a workout that is just for me. Each day it gets a tiny bit harder. Then it records the workout that I do on the website for me to follow. It's so great!! I actually feel like I can't miss a workout because then it would not record on the computer. How funny is that! Anyway, whatever works to motivate is appreciated!
Well, I better go finish the sweet and sour. I'll let you know more about the week later. Who knows maybe I'll "get it together" and start writing more than just once a week. I just keep going for "baby steps!" At least this is better than once every decade!
Alexis is every parent's dream! She is so organized, capable, smart, driven, focused, fun, responsible, and most important, she has such a strong testimony of the gospel. She is getting up 20 minutes earlier this month so she can finish the reading and memorizing assignments for the "30 Days Closer To Christ." She is so amazing. Try as you might, you could never stay ahead of Alexis. She is absolutely beautiful, but she doesn't act that way. Many people have approached me, while we lived in Texas especially, telling me that I have to get my girls into modeling. Even though I know they would be awesome at that, that's not what I value, and I hope that's not what they value either. I know that they are beautiful, but I really think it's more amazing how they are beautiful on the inside. They really care about doing good things. Alexis is always thinking of taking cookies to someone or writing a note for a church leader, or seminary teacher, etc, etc. She studies hard, and only accepts the best from herself.
I wish I had some of Alexis' determination. She sets a goal, and, trust me, it will get done. She is a very clear thinker. She can figure out how to do new things. Even at a young age, she was putting together videos with voice over, music, and video clips included with still images. She has put together some really neat picture scrapbooks for our family as gifts. She loves to learn to make new things. She has made some really cute headbands. See the Pic!
So, tonight will be a really fun FHE. We got a great letter from Zac today, even though the girls' statement says it all... "It's Puncy!" I think he is getting tired of telling us about the same things that he is doing each week. Even though to us, it is never boring. We could hear about how he does his laundry and be intrigued. We just love to hear about every little thing!
I am absolutely loving this "30 Days Closer to Christ" that our Stake is doing for the Laurels and Priests. I am so lucky to be a Laurel Advisor so I can participate. The reading is so fun, but I am really having to pull out some old and very underused skills to memorize. It takes me so long that I have had to type it up, laminate it, and carry it with me wherever I go. Even in the car I have to look at it at every stoplight. I hope that is not as bad as texting while you are driving. Just when I think I've got it-- I can't even remember the first word. I'm hoping as I keep trying that it will get easier.
My other new love is iFit. Jace has been talking about it for a while, but I always thought it would be too complicated. Finally he set it up for me, which took him all of about 2 minutes. Then all I have to do is push the button on the treadmill that says my name, and it just takes me through a workout that is just for me. Each day it gets a tiny bit harder. Then it records the workout that I do on the website for me to follow. It's so great!! I actually feel like I can't miss a workout because then it would not record on the computer. How funny is that! Anyway, whatever works to motivate is appreciated!
Well, I better go finish the sweet and sour. I'll let you know more about the week later. Who knows maybe I'll "get it together" and start writing more than just once a week. I just keep going for "baby steps!" At least this is better than once every decade!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Today we get to spotlight Madison. We are having home made pizza with sourdough crust-- I hope it turns out. Pizza crust sounds so simple, but it is either extremely good, or really, really bad, and I haven't figured out what makes the difference... scary huh?! Our favorites are BBQ chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil, and cheese, and mushroom. They are so yummy! Then for dessert.. p'zookies. We love the p'zookies at Firehouse Pizza, so we bought some cast iron small pizza pans, and we make out own. Chocolate chip cookie dough, cooked on these flaming hot pans, sizzling coming out of the oven, then topped with ice cream and sometimes hot fudge sauce. They are really dangerous!
I'm so thankful to get to spotlight Madison. Sometimes she doesn't get the attention she should. She has always been the very easiest child ever. From the moment she was born, I used to call her my "therapy" because she was just so fun to be around. She loved to be held, she always smiled and laughed, she was very flexible with her schedule. She hasn't changed from those days. She is so low maintenance, that we sometimes take her for granted. She gets great grades, always has a sense of humor, and makes the moment very fun! She "greases" up with the boys, and keeps them on their toes. You don't get away with much with Madison, or Dean Bean, or Greaser, etc. She has several nick names.
Madison loves to cook, and she makes some amazing pasta. I think pasta and cookies are her specialties, although she's game to try to make anything. We are so blessed to have her in our family. It will be so fun to watch her grow up, because she is capable of accomplishing whatever she want to! Love You Madz!
I'm so thankful to get to spotlight Madison. Sometimes she doesn't get the attention she should. She has always been the very easiest child ever. From the moment she was born, I used to call her my "therapy" because she was just so fun to be around. She loved to be held, she always smiled and laughed, she was very flexible with her schedule. She hasn't changed from those days. She is so low maintenance, that we sometimes take her for granted. She gets great grades, always has a sense of humor, and makes the moment very fun! She "greases" up with the boys, and keeps them on their toes. You don't get away with much with Madison, or Dean Bean, or Greaser, etc. She has several nick names.
Madison loves to cook, and she makes some amazing pasta. I think pasta and cookies are her specialties, although she's game to try to make anything. We are so blessed to have her in our family. It will be so fun to watch her grow up, because she is capable of accomplishing whatever she want to! Love You Madz!
The Party!! March 5, 2010
We made it through the party with flying colors!! It was so much fun! These are some very fun boys. The twins have the best friends! We had a rousing game of bowling, some pizza, cake and ice cream, and the highlight-- opening presents!
The girls actually gave up going to the MC State basketball game to go to the party! They are so awesome!
These guys are the best!! Happy Birthday!!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Some Pics from Alexis' Sweetheart's Dance:
What Talbot does all Day! (Tough Life)
All in one week!
Friday, March 5, 2010
What a fun week! Tuesday we started our week-long celebration for the twin's birthday. Some of the highlights include: receiving a box from Tyson in the MTC full of notes, candy bars, and a special birthday surprise of hymn books in Spanish with Daxton and Brecken's names on them. We had balloons, which seem so simple, but the girls have informed me that we didn't do that enough for them when they were growing up! Can't believe we missed the balloons-- of course, there were some years in there (specifically after the twins were born) when I'm not sure we even knew our own names, much less bought balloons!
So, chocolate cupcakes, chicken pot pie, gifts, notes, and the delivery of birthday party invitations filled our week! The "big" gift (a pogo stick--but don't tell) is in the closet ready to go for tomorrow. The birthday party starts at 3:30. We'll meet here then drive to the Cache Valley Fun Park for a rousing game of bowling followed by pizza, cake, and opening of presents! Then we will drop off everyone and come home and recover. I don't know why birthday parties always exhaust me. I have to really gear up anymore to get excited for them.
What happened? With the older kids, I reveled in the homemade creative invitations, followed by cake, treats, games, party bags, etc. all done by me. What was I thinking? Now I can barely get up the energy to deliver invitation I bought at Walmart to come to a party that is completely put on by an employee of the Fun Park. Some very smart person has targeted parents like myself to make a handsome profit off putting on a party with as little effort required by the parents as humanly possible. Very clever of them! So, we are only grateful to open the checkbook, and just enjoy taking pictures and watching as the twins turn ten!
So, chocolate cupcakes, chicken pot pie, gifts, notes, and the delivery of birthday party invitations filled our week! The "big" gift (a pogo stick--but don't tell) is in the closet ready to go for tomorrow. The birthday party starts at 3:30. We'll meet here then drive to the Cache Valley Fun Park for a rousing game of bowling followed by pizza, cake, and opening of presents! Then we will drop off everyone and come home and recover. I don't know why birthday parties always exhaust me. I have to really gear up anymore to get excited for them.
What happened? With the older kids, I reveled in the homemade creative invitations, followed by cake, treats, games, party bags, etc. all done by me. What was I thinking? Now I can barely get up the energy to deliver invitation I bought at Walmart to come to a party that is completely put on by an employee of the Fun Park. Some very smart person has targeted parents like myself to make a handsome profit off putting on a party with as little effort required by the parents as humanly possible. Very clever of them! So, we are only grateful to open the checkbook, and just enjoy taking pictures and watching as the twins turn ten!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Today: Day One
So, I'm off to an ok start! It's Monday- a great day to begin my new challenge of keeping a blog journal. At the beginning of my day, I envisioned getting the "usuals" done by 10:00 am. The "usuals" consist of straightening up the house, working out, reading my scriptures, getting the kids off to school (i.e. signing reading charts, checking homework, finding socks that match), making sure Talbot gets fed, putting laundry in, vacuuming the kitchen, dishes, bedroom, etc. I got a little bit side-tracked, but not in a bad way! I decided to make some healthy, whole wheat hamburger buns to send to Zac in Iowa. I am the typical missionary mom that worries every day that my son is not eating healthy, and according to Tyson who got to visit him in January, my suspicions are well founded. So, while putting together some bread, I actually started planning out what we are having for dinner- this is highly unusual for me since I usually think of this at around 4 pm.
Tonight is Brecken's Spotlight. That means that he gets to choose dinner and dessert. Then for FHE we get to talk about him-- all the things we love about him. Last Monday night was Daxton's turn! Anyway, it's super fun! Tonight is "Breakfast for Dinner" and creme brulee for dessert.
So, 11:00 comes and I'm just finishing the creme brulee. Rolls are in the oven. I'm getting Zac and Tyson's packages ready for the USPS by 4:00 pm. Kitchen is clean, laundry is in, now the best time of Monday: Zac's email arrives. He's doing great! Loves his mission! Life is good! Tape up the packages filled with clementines, rolls, butter, creamed honey (Cox's yummm!), velocity, bug spray, sunscreen, and some notes. Each in their prospective box. Order Jace's ink cartridge refills, find the best price, compare, check reviews, etc. Place order. Check on reserving the Fun Park for the twins' birthday party this Saturday, site is down, phone number only goes to recording, put that off for another day! Check in on missionary moms website emails- love those! Learn about missionaries in Chile after the earthquake on Saturday. Some amazing stories of missionaries protected in some scary situations!
Jace came home for lunch. Yah! Leftovers get cleaned out, and the refrigerator is close to "in control." He saves me a trip to the post office by taking the packages on his way back to work. I love maximizing his time, I'm sure he loves it when I do that too!!
Now I'm catching up on emails, starting this blog journal and waiting for the next wave... The kids get home from school, then it goes into hyper-drive. The kitchen is scattered with snack dishes, more laundry is added to the almost empty laundry basket, socks and shoes and backpacks are left in an "Hansel and Gretal" type trail from the side door to the computer room where the girls will quickly boot up the computer to facebook (just in case something happened while they and all their friends were at school), then they'll do homework, the twins will play with friends, after they get home from spending an hour at the bus stop playing with their friends, then Jace will get home and I will call everyone up, or home, or off the phone, for dinner, and we'll clean up the kitchen- for the 4th or 5th time today. Then FHE, and maybe just maybe, we'll all watch "Leverage" or "24" together before the whole night time/bedtime ritual begins! So, there you have it.. a recap and preview of what happened today.. and will probably happen this afternoon and tonight, pending any unforeseen events! We'll catch up tomorrow..
Tonight is Brecken's Spotlight. That means that he gets to choose dinner and dessert. Then for FHE we get to talk about him-- all the things we love about him. Last Monday night was Daxton's turn! Anyway, it's super fun! Tonight is "Breakfast for Dinner" and creme brulee for dessert.
So, 11:00 comes and I'm just finishing the creme brulee. Rolls are in the oven. I'm getting Zac and Tyson's packages ready for the USPS by 4:00 pm. Kitchen is clean, laundry is in, now the best time of Monday: Zac's email arrives. He's doing great! Loves his mission! Life is good! Tape up the packages filled with clementines, rolls, butter, creamed honey (Cox's yummm!), velocity, bug spray, sunscreen, and some notes. Each in their prospective box. Order Jace's ink cartridge refills, find the best price, compare, check reviews, etc. Place order. Check on reserving the Fun Park for the twins' birthday party this Saturday, site is down, phone number only goes to recording, put that off for another day! Check in on missionary moms website emails- love those! Learn about missionaries in Chile after the earthquake on Saturday. Some amazing stories of missionaries protected in some scary situations!
Jace came home for lunch. Yah! Leftovers get cleaned out, and the refrigerator is close to "in control." He saves me a trip to the post office by taking the packages on his way back to work. I love maximizing his time, I'm sure he loves it when I do that too!!
Now I'm catching up on emails, starting this blog journal and waiting for the next wave... The kids get home from school, then it goes into hyper-drive. The kitchen is scattered with snack dishes, more laundry is added to the almost empty laundry basket, socks and shoes and backpacks are left in an "Hansel and Gretal" type trail from the side door to the computer room where the girls will quickly boot up the computer to facebook (just in case something happened while they and all their friends were at school), then they'll do homework, the twins will play with friends, after they get home from spending an hour at the bus stop playing with their friends, then Jace will get home and I will call everyone up, or home, or off the phone, for dinner, and we'll clean up the kitchen- for the 4th or 5th time today. Then FHE, and maybe just maybe, we'll all watch "Leverage" or "24" together before the whole night time/bedtime ritual begins! So, there you have it.. a recap and preview of what happened today.. and will probably happen this afternoon and tonight, pending any unforeseen events! We'll catch up tomorrow..
Favorite February Photos!
The new "Wembley Platypus" tie for Zac!
All the kids except Zac at Nana's before taking Tyson to the MTC.
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