To and Fro

This day! I tell you, it's not going as I planned. Perhaps my plan wasn't very well thought out, and that is why I am having problems. It's actually the girls birthday. We are having a party on Saturday, so pictures will follow. This morning I needed to get a few things so I headed out with the girls and a friend that we are watching. We got everything done in record time and came home. Then I realized I had forgotten two things that I needed at one of the stores we had already been to. I thought, no big deal, we'll go real quick after lunch.  So we did just that and everything went smooth. We got home, the kids are enjoying a fun dip and I start to make cup cakes for today. This is when I realize that I don't have any eggs. The water and oil are already in the cake batter so there is nothing to do but get eggs. I check with the one neighbor that I know, and she is not home. So we load in the car one more time, and go back yet again to one of the stores that we had already been to. So in all the to and fro, not much else has been done. Finally the cupcakes are almost  done, and the kids are watching a movie, so maybe I will get one or two things done that I wanted to! Anyway here is a picture of the girls on their big day. I can't believe that they are 5. It hardly seems possible. I will post some photos of their party this weekend. 

Tour de Nash

Last Saturday we all participated in Walk Bike Nashville. It's an event to celebrate and encourage places for people to walk and bike in and around Nashville. So the girls and I did a 4 mile walk all around down town Nashville. We actually were sweepers with our good friend Anne Marie and her girls. By sweeping I mean we went last after all the other walkers and made sure no one went the wrong way, or had any trouble. It was a lot of fun. I pushed the girls in their stroller and some of the hills seemed to last a very LONG time! We got to see a lot of down town that we haven't before and it was well worth it. Steven rode in the 50 mile bike tour with one of his young men who was finishing his cycling merit badge. It was a perfect day with sun and a nice breeze. Here are some pictures of the event. The only bad thing was that we forgot sunscreen and we ended up being outside a lot longer than we anticipated so Steve and I had some red faces and arms.

We are all waiting to get started.

The beautiful Cumberland River

Juliana and Kathryn waiting for Dad to get done.

Nieces and Nephews

So here are the promised photos. I had so much fun catching up with these little ones. Hopefully one day we won't be so far away. 

Grandma, Olivia and KJ

Stacia, who could say no to that face!

Josh, Olivia, Kaylee, KJ

(left to right)

We had cake at Grandma's house for Mother's Day

The day I left, we went to get a snow cap. KJ and Josh had blue and yellow flavor.

I'm Back

I know, you were beginning to think that I was dead! But We are alive. It's been really busy and I went home for Mother's Day weekend. All by myself. My wonderful husband took work off and took care of the girls, and I had a get away that was very fun. It included a lot of visiting, catching up and laughing. Most of my sisters were able to come to my moms and we all had a sleep over. I got to catch up with some of my friends from high school which was also a lot of fun. The only thing that wasn't great is my head cold that won't seem to leave. Well here are a few pics. I am going to try and do better now. Although I can't promise anything because there is a lot I have to do in the next little while for church. So until next time, enjoy!

Amy R. Me Laura D. Kristen B.

I know it's hard to believe that Sabrina was able to get us to paint, but she did, and I have to say that we all did an amazing considering it was our first venture.

Marie and Susan settling in for the night.

The best part of our time was actually at an ice cream place called the Blue Bunny. I forgot my camera and as fate would have it, the other camera we had didn't have working batteries! So I guess getting pictures wasn't meant to be. However if you are related to anyone who was in attendance you should ask them about the spoon dance, our waiter who wanted to give Marie break dancing lessons, and just how much ice cream we actually were able to consume! I will try and post some more latter with pics of the nieces and nephews. I am now their favorite aunt and they can't wait for me to come back! Hee Hee.

We're cracking something

So we were just eating dinner. Kathryn said she was cold and Steve responded by saying, "I'm Steve." He does this often and any of you who hang out with us will vouch for this. He thinks it's a funny joke. After 6 years, I have to say that I am getting a bit tired of it. That is another blog though. So Juliana said, "Dad, you drive me nuts." Then she and Kathryn were saying it, and explaining that they learned it from me.(I know not something to be proud of, but it adds to the story.) So somewhere along the way, this phrase turned into, "You crack my nuts." I know it's another one that shouldn't be funny, but it is. They mixed up 'drive me nuts' with 'crack me up'. So here is Kathryn saying, "Dad, you crack my nuts." Then she said, "Mom, do you crack nuts?" To which I replied, "I don't crack nuts." Then Kathryn said, "Why do girls like nuts?" I don't really know what she meant, but again it was funny. So I just said, "Well everyone likes nuts. Daddy likes nut and so do you. Like peanuts, and cashews." This finally took the conversation in another direction and it was over. The conversations that you have with children are priceless. It will be a dialogue that I will never participate in again. I guess these conversations make up for the ones that are the same every day. Like, "Can I have a treat?" "No, it's almost dinner time." or "I don't like this food." (This is actually one that I did hear this evening. Maybe my cooking skills need to be stepped up a notch.) Gratefully every now and then, they come up with things that are funny and refreshing, even if they are a bit off color. Since they have no idea, it makes it entertaining without being vulgar. So I hope you enjoy another glimpse into our normal, and sometimes exciting life. Here is a link that will make you all chuckle. It's more about children's eating habits than about what they say, but you will relate none the less. Enjoy!
http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/?p=1742

A little note

It has come to my attention that if you are viewing my blog using Explorer, it might not be working right. The text does have a background behind it that makes it easy to read. So if you are seeing the pink background behind everything, then try using a different browser. I don't know why, but I do know that Explorer is a little lame that way. Have a nice day.

Random Thoughts

So today I am just going to throw a few things out there. First; I officially think it rains too much in Nashville. I know most of my readers live in the desert and you think I am crazy. But this spring has been very wet, and I am very ready for more than one day of sun at a time. Second; the girls are eating lunch. They have managed to get themselves into a very giggly state. Which if you knew me a as a child is easy enough to imagine. Also, they think burps and farts are very funny. I am working on suppressing this natural reaction, so they can grow into adults who are very uncomfortable about it. So back to lunch. Juliana suddenly announced that she farted, followed by laughter, and then this statement, "Congratulations on your farty party." I know it shouldn't be funny, but it was very funny. I asked her where she heard it, and it was actually impromptu. Should I be worried, I don't know. They have never said anything even close to this in public. Although, we were shopping at Wal-mart yesterday and Juliana burped in front of two workers, and didn't say excuse me. It was slightly  embarrassing. Third and final; my floors haven't had a good day. First, again a lunch time, Kathryn managed to fling her full yogurt container onto the floor while she was trying to peel back the foil on top. Then because we have a very small pantry, things are very squishy. So I was pulling out the box of granola bars and the cocoa came down too. It went everywhere. It has an amazing ability to stick to vertical surfaces. I actually took a picture, and you will notice the waffle iron. I vacuumed up all the cocoa, but the waffle iron needed a serious wipe down. Did it get it? No, I figure the next time we want to use it we can do it! Lazy, I know. There you have it, three very random and unrelated thoughts from my day. 

This is the lovely runoff that we have right outside our door every time it rains.

Rock on!

This is a new thing Kathryn and Juliana have started lately. I think Steven taught them. It's really entertaining and I finally captured it on film the other day. I hope you all enjoy, and maybe it will inspire a little head banging of your own....

Easter Pictures

I thought I would post some pictures of today. I will be posting more tomorrow, but for now we hope you had a wonderful Easter.

Love And A Tea Kettle

I know that Valentines Day was last month, but I am going to be mushy about it a little today. Back in February, Steve informed me that my gift for Valentines would be arriving late, because he hadn't ordered it on time. So the week after V-Day he was gone to a conference. I was looking forward to getting a package, nothing came. He got home and the next week nothing came. I started teasing him saying that he really hadn't ordered me anything, and this was all a cover up. Long story short, a box finally arrived yesterday. In it, a tea kettle. I know, it usually isn't on the list of romantic gifts to give your wife, but I love it. I have been wanting one for a very long time. Steve never saw the need since we are not tea drinkers, but I wanted one. I grew up with one on our stove top. It was handy for boiling water for Jell-o, hot cocoa, instant potatoes, and just to get moisture in the air, and you have to love the whistle. Steve hasn't been convinced, and still isn't really. So it is a great act of love that he got it for me. He even sacrificed all his points he has earned taking surveys to get it. It's a very nice one, that should have cost a lot, but he managed to get it for free! I love this guy. Here is a shot of the lovely tea kettle. 

Sunshine and scooters

Well even if it isn't real warm today, at least the sun is shining. So we put on a couple of layers and went out to scooter. The girls got these for Christmas, and as of yet haven't had a lot of real outside time to actually use them. We have had a lot of wet weather, and more is on the way, so we took advantage of the sun and went out. Here they are all smiles. Kathryn on the left and, of course, Juliana on the right.

Here are some purple pansies that we saw. They always make me think of my mother because I am pretty sure that the little purple pansy song is her favorite primary song.

They really love to scooter and unfortunately I can't really capture the action on a still shot camera. Right now the battery on our video camera is on it's way out, and has to be plugged in so you will have to just use your imagination!

Princess Ball

Last night Steven and the girls attended their first daddy daughter event. The primary had a princess ball with all the girls and their dads. The girls have been anticipating this for a very long time. Yesterday morning they woke up at a very early 6:15! In the afternoon I made them take a nap and when they woke up at 3:30 they couldn't figure out why Steve wasn't already home and getting ready! They had a blast. Here are just couple of pics taken last night here at the house. They had someone taking pictures at the dance, so when we get those, I will post them too.

Who am I?

I know the title suggests that I am going to be reflective and deep, but it's deceptive! I just wanted to share something exciting that happened on Tuesday. The girls have a little game they love to play on the computer where they get to make themselves. They start off with a screen that says Who Am I? Then they choose boy or girl, face, hair style and color etc. So on Tuesday they were just getting started when Steven called us to say hello. (He is in Rhode Island at a conference) So I told the girls to wait and talk to him. Juliana was taking her turn and Kathryn was patiently waiting. Out of the blue, she pointed to the computer screen and read while pointing to each word, "Who am I?" I was so surprised! I know they have heard the computer say it before, but she actually pointed each word out as she read them. It's just amazing how they soak everything up, and then one day it all comes together. So here is the most recent picture I have of Kathryn.

Snow

Well we finally got some snow. It's actually the first we've seen since we left Indiana. It's not much, but the girls were so excited. We went out and walked around in it. So here are some pictures. Enjoy.

Juliana(left) Kathryn(right)

My Husband

I am sitting here thinking that there really isn't a lot to blog about. The girls and I were sick for so long that life seems to have stopped. Then I realized that even though I have been in bed for quite a while, someone else has been busy doing all the things I normally do, plus his own work. So I thought I would take the opportunity to brag on my husband and send him a little love and appreciation. He had to take care of three very sick women for several days. That's a big job when everyone is feeling well. He got medicine, did the shopping, cooking, and even still managed to go to work. He did take one day off when I was really sick. He didn't get mad, and he didn't even get sick. So I have to say he is amazing and we would not be in a good spot without him. I love you Steven.

Tagged

So everyone. If you have ever tagged me, then you have noticed that I don't ever respond. But today I believe I was tagged, and I feel like doing it. The girls and I are sick, and have been in the house since last Tuesday. So maybe I'm just a little desperate for contact! Besides, I know you all can't wait to see what 7 interesting things I will share! Here goes.

1. In college I got left at a truck weigh station at night, with a trucker and a police man. In the end it turned out ok, because I am still alive to tell the tale.

2. This may not seem very interesting to some, but it never has made it to normal status in my mind so I'll share. I have received several very wet toothless kisses from old ladies in France.

3. I was a great-aunt way before I was ever a mom.

4. I own all of the Christy movie series, the good ones with Kellie Martin and Tyne Daly. They are all VHS and I watch then over and over. I am way excited because they just released them on DVD and I can't wait to get them!

5. I am not really good at picking out clothes for myself. I have the most success when Steve goes with me. We find a few things, and then he just keeps bringing things to me to try on. I think I am getting better, but I still really don't like shopping.

6. Steve and I love Bollywood films.

7. Lastly, I am not going to officially tag anyone! If you feel like it, go for it. Have a good one.

 

Our New Place

So I said I would send pictures of our new place. I will start out tonight with a few the girls actually took. I thought they have a very different and unique perspective of things. I hope you enjoy. I am planning of taking some new ones tomorrow and posting them so you all can get a more complete look. So we start with their beds, dolls, and a view looking out from their window. Then there is their view of the kitchen. The last one was just funny, so I had to share. I hope no one is scandalized! It was interesting as I looked through all the pictures they took how different their perspective really is. I hadn't really thought about it for quite a while.

The new look

So I have been messing with the look of my blog. I am not completely happy with it yet. So I am wondering if any of you out there have ideas, suggestions, tricks. I really love the background, but with my limited HTML skills, I can't really tweek the the rest to really look great. I would love you to take my quiz (see left) and also, leave any and all advise/info that you might have. Thanks!

Moving Out

So we are moving yet again. This time it's just a few buildings down the road in our apartment complex. Sitting here in our almost empty apartment has got me thinking. Pretty much all that we have left is our furniture, a few dishes, and a blanket or two. The apartment has echos again and somehow it already doesn't feel like home. I counted today and the next place will be #9 in our 6 years of marriage. Which means we have made 10 moves, and so many friends. There have been 9 places that we have made feel like our home. Each place has been unique and totally unlike the ones before it(except for Wymount because we lived there two different times). Our family has grown, our possessions have decreased...this statement might just be wishful thinking. Our moving techniques are streamlined and fine-tuned. 

Why then does this make me so thoughtful each time I do it? I have to admit that in the past we have always changed at least our ward, if not the city we lived in and twice now the state we lived in. It never gets easier. Leaving a place where you have felt loved and safe is always hard. I guess that's why even this time I am a little hesitant to return the keys. The memories are just that, and they will keep getting farther and farther back behind me. I will never live in this place again.  I know this is all rather silly, because really we are just moving down the street. No change of zip code, we don't even have to change our phone number. People who drive to our house will come the same way they have always come with a slight change at the very end of the journey. It's that last slight right that makes all the difference I guess. New neighbors, new parking spot, new post box, what else will be new? What lessons will I learn, or relearn there? How will I have to change? 

Heavy stuff I know. But since it's after 10pm and Steven is making one last trip to our new place to take stuff before tomorrow and I can't go to bed until he gets back you all get to profit from my musings. So a few more of my questions are; will I ever get to stay in one place for more than 16 months? Is there something I am supposed to learn and haven't yet? Does it ever get easy? (By this I don't mean the actual act of moving, because packing everything you own into boxes will never be fun or easy.) Will we ever get to choose our own couch? I threw that one in because we really have never chosen our couch, they have always chosen us, through the generosity of others, and while I am grateful, someday I would like to chose my own. So there you have it. All my unorganized thoughts that have been running in and out of my head while our house has been slowly emptying out for the past few days. 

BTW since we have moved a lot we have lots of friends out there, so don't make yourselves strangers. Any time you need a vacation, Nashville is pretty fun. YEEHAW!

Aebleskiver

In case you are wondering, that is a real word. I have been told that it is Danish. Whatever the origins, I am very happy that they were invented. To start at the beginning, which as we know, is a very good place to start...on Christmas morning one of the gifts I opened looked like this-------->
Steven explained that it was for making aebleskiver, which are Danish pancakes. I was a little skeptical, but excited to try something new. As a little side note, since receiving this gift I have discovered that my family has known about, and been enjoying this type of delectable cuisine for some time now without sharing it with me! Anyways, back to my story, Steven had not only found the pan, but of course he had found the ultimate recipe, or the closest he could to make the ideal aebleskiver. (He is a librarian and he can't leave any stone unturned) Well we finally got the chance to make the danish pancakes on Friday night. They turned out very good, and I ate way too many. The next time you come to visit we will make you some. I am hoping that a bribe might tempt at least one of you enough to actually come and see us! Here are a few pictures of our aebleskiver meal and preparation. If you are interested in making them, you first must find the pan, then I will be happy to share our recipe!