Saturday, December 18, 2010

What to get Dad for Christmas?


Would he like a Quad?










Maybe a boat?









A really BIG boat?







A pink shotgun to take his daughter hunting!









A ghillie suit?








A red head? No, the stuffed fox. (Really-do we need to kill a fox just to sell cloths?)






A remote controlled car!






...because really, he is the hardest to shop for!
Here is our photo blog of a shopping trip gone fun!

more holiday fun count down

We had the jot of seeing family, who came in for little sis Wendy's Nursing Graduation.
it was great to see them all though trying to fit all of them in my little house was a bit tricky. Lucky for me not a one of them complained. I think I was the only one that worried about the details and so maybe that means everyone else was comfortable. Should I chalk it up as a successful family gathering? Hopefully yes. Sadly I did not take any pictures. (Clearly I worried to much about little things) But I'll give you a glimpse of the fun we had.
Looked at Christmas lights at the Temple. Tried to beat Wendy in the Gingerbread building contest. Needed judges with taste since mine was the yummiest! :) Giggled with niece Allie. Hiked in beautiful and warm Arizona. Watched an army of little boys chase each other. Shared a big family dinner at Uncle Sam's house, tax free. Watched little ones laugh while watching Jim Carries "The Grinch" (watching little kids laugh is almost more fun than just laughing alone.) Drank hot cocoa and ate way to much cake (OK Kristyn, I did have 7 pieces!)
And maybe one of the cool things about the whole weekend is that it happened two weeks before Christmas and I still have two more weeks to make merry.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

more holiday fun

December 7th: Chris and I worshiped in the Mesa Temple and saw the beautiful lights around the grounds.
December 8th: We went to our Children's school Winter Sing. With 600 children festooned in their holiday best belting out songs they have practiced for weeks, how could you not feel the holiday spirit? The only damper was when I lost my two year old in the crowd afterwards and frantically stood on a table to find him. A friend in the crowd saw my frantic search and my lost boy so all is merry and bright.
December 9th: Heard about, then saw this fantastic video. Showed my family, cried a little with joy and decided to share the good tidings with all of you. Some of my favorite things all on one video. Singing the Praises of the Lord with Handels Messiah and fried Food Court Foods! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Christmas Music




Tonight's Christmas Activity involved these two handsom musicians. Jack on Baritone and Grant on Trumpet make a very musical sound (including 25 other children). The Angel of the evening turned out to be my friend Lisa Hakes. You can see her twins in the first picture. We sat next to them, or should I say on them. Hailey sat on her lap and had her scratching her back by the end, and Ashley started in her arms and then went down the line to Grandparents. With only Mackay to contain, it was a wonderful concert. Christmas Bells are ringing!

Sunday, December 5, 2010



Nothing says Christmas like the smell of fresh baked Gingerbread and a roof caving in with candy. I love, LOVE this time of year however simple or crazy we make it. A friend of mine is doing 25 days of Christmas activites. So smart. It's horrible to get to Christmas Eve and wonder where the time went. I wondered if I could do the same with some simple, some well planned activites. Here's what we've done so far.
Dec 1st-Finished putting up Christmas Decorations inside
Dec 2nd Hubby put the lights up outside.
Dec 3rd Annual Gingerbread Party with real gingerbread houses and people.
Dec 4th Church Christmas Party
Dec 5th Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Christmas Devotional with sugar cookies with Grandma and Grandpa afterwords. You can watch it here if you missed it.
So far, so good. Yea, I think I can keep this up. I'm just beginning, if you have suggestions, I'd love to read them.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Typical Tuesday

It started with exercise at 6 (OK, 6:18!I pushed the snooze button) . The muffins went in at 6:45am, quick cool down and the kids were up, scriptures read and ready to leave for the bus stop by 7:45. At 8am I was feeding Ashley and then dressing Mackay for preschool, and trying to fit a shower in. With Mackay off to preschool at 8:45am, I moped, smiled at Ashley and got her ready for her visit with Mom and Dad. As she left D came while his foster parents went to a meeting to discuss D's future. Picked up Mackay at 10:45 just before my case worker came for her monthly visit. (We're still on track as foster parents, whew!) 12:13pm re-moped floor after D tracked poop in from back yard. 12:30 Molly B. came. Lunch (Left over spaghetti squash with sauce, new favorite I'd tried with Molly). 1:00pm, Ashley came back from successful visit with Mom and Dad (Keep praying for them). 1:20 Ashley, Molly and Mackay went down for a nap. Make dinner for tonight just to be ready. Chicken Pot Pie(See Proof above. I tried to show the time on the stove but alas) 2:30 D leaves. 2:30 I blog. I need proof that this day was real. I will regroup for 30 minutes and get the kids at 3:08 from the bus. Then Hailey's Ballet at 4:15, Molly leaves at 5. Grant has scouts at 5 and and I will pick Hailey up from Ballet after dropping Grant off. (Pray that Chris will finish Training and be home soon!) Pick up Grant at 6 and take him and Jack to karate. 6-8 Scentsy party for my sister-in-law Tori Robinson. 8:30 baths, stories, prayers and kids will go to bed! 8:33-Look for hidden carb stash and sit down with my husband.
No, this is not normal, but I've been training for marathons for awhile. Hey, everyone needs a hobby right!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

check engine light



Don't car problems just give you a sinking feeling? Way down in the pit of your pocketbook? Especially after having just payed for major repairs two weeks earlier... Cars used to be so much simpler and cheaper. (maybe that was back in college when the car I drove was cheaper and simpler)
When the check engine light went on this time, I did just that. Levels were great. Everything looked good. Clean. Secure. So we took it to our trusted mechanic and waited for the dreaded news. The call came.
The reason: gas cap wasn't screwed on tight.
The cost: Free!
Nothing removes a sinking car feeling like a trustworthy mechanic.
Shout out to Art and Ernie! If you live in Mesa, their your guys!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Q & A with a Foster Mom

We get so many of the same questions lately that we're starting to really refine our answers. Thought I'd share a few.
Q: How long have you known you wanted to Foster children.
A: I read an article when I was 14 about seriously abused children and wanted to do something. But I knew it would happen when I met my husband. He taught karate to children through college and was so patient, constant and firm I knew his skills had to be shared.

Q: Do you worry about getting attached and then losing a foster child?
A: No- I absolutely know we will get attached and we know their future is not our decision. I'm not sure what it will do to us, but it can't be any worse pain than what these children go through. Taking a sweet breath on this planet means sorrow ahead, but we at least have a warning this time.

Q: Is it a hard adjustment for your schedule and family?
A: I was braced for it but in truth it has been smooth for us. We still have smudges from our other children on the wall so what is one more? It suits us fine to just have one more in the mix since we are already in this stage of life. Diapers and night feedings will get old someday but we're still young (no snickering) so why not a little longer?

Q: What is the story with the parents?
A: We tell people they are addicted to drugs and are really trying to come clean. But truthfully, we learned that each child and each situation has it's right to privacy. Every human being has their ups and downs and struggles. Each foster child has a story that is really private and were they old enough to say so, probably wouldn't want people to know all they've been through. As much as I love a good story, I just need to know my job. We pray for these parents and hope for reunification.

A Q & A with a foster sister.
I over heard my daughter explain on a play date that "I was born from my mommy's tummy, but my foster sister wasn't". Somehow, my children have all just taken this whole thing in stride. Even my oldest is adjusted to her now. What ever upsets they may have experienced will be offset by lessons I could never have taught them otherwise.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

the 90 & 9

So Jack was the first to say it, and but of course! He's the only child in our house who has been an only child.
"Mom, I feel like you love her more than us."
I almost felt comforted knowing at least it was out in the open. Coming from Jack, I know that what he is really saying is that 'one more person is taking mom's precious time away from me'. I am glad to have this discussion so early in the game-I'm pretty sure he wanted to say this when Grant was born but didn't have the verbal skills at 18months old. And then Grant got to be so much fun for him, why complain?
So I tried to assure him of my never-ending love (opposite of - for a limited time patience) and then found a moment to preemptively ask my other kids if they felt the same way. The kids are needing to step it up more, Jack went through math flashcards with Hailey while I changed diapers, but this is so good for all of us. Especially Ashley. Stepanie, as always, your comments are so helpful. I don't think I really realized what you were going through. And I think I assumed that since you signed up for this that it was all peachy. (How silly that logic seems now when I realize I longed to be a mother and it was still a pain at times)
But Jack has a birthday tomorrow and I am trying to making him feel as loved as he should be by making his favorite-cheesecake! If Jesus can leave the 90 & 9 for his one sheep, Jack can have his cake and eat it too!

Sunday, September 12, 2010

chasing the dreaming

So yes, I have hit the wall. And I wonder, 'what is wrong with me' until I remember, oh yea, I haven't slept solid for more than four hours. I've been so busy with the newness of fostering along with my own life, I'd forgotten how a mom is supposed to take it easy for the first little while. As ever, Chris is wonderful to take a few nights of feeding on his nights off. That's new for us since all our children were nursed.
Our case manager comes by once a week right now and goes through her list of questions. One is, "are you experiencing any added stress in or out of the home?" I laugh inwardly at this one. Our case worker has been at the Foster agency since May. She still has an NAU parking sticker on her SUV. I can't see my self telling her that Gilbert citizens are not voting to raise Public Safety $$, I haven't reached my goal of Mother of the Year yet and my toddler has chosen to hit the terrible two's now-when he's two (weird huh?). "No, no added stress" I smile serenely. (or is that tiredly?)
I can't complain because my sister in law Molly has trouble sleeping all the time, but I'm used to sleeping like a rock. Chris always jokes that someone could break in and steal my pajamas and I wouldn't know it. Through all of this, I am still glad to share the love our family has and wouldn't back out. Especially since my wonderful son offered to feed her while I wrote this blog. This is good, for all of us.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

It's a Girl!

I am the proud parent of a Foster Baby! Ashley was born August 22nd, addicted to Meth. She is cute as a button and a true angle with very little withdraw symptoms. Its been a dream of mine to foster and we are love the experience so far. Our family has taken to her easily and now even our boxer feels protective of her. We are asked often if we plan to adopt her, but I tell people; "I am not in charge of her future, so I don't make plans for her." I am just in charge of loving and caring for her and that is enough. Our greatest source of info is my sister-in-law Stephanie, who has fostered several children and adopted three. She reminds us that Jesus know what her future should be and where she will end up, and so we trust that he will protect her and guide her life. We're just lucky enough to be able to give her a good start. She has a concerned team of case workers and while the system isn't perfect, at least she had people looking out for her. We've never seen the bio parents so we can only dream of what she will look like- but angel is a good description of her so far.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Give me meatloaf on Tuesdays

My husband, Chris' job has crazy hours. I'm not alone in this. I have a good group of friends who deal with the same strange schedules and the same frustrations of working around their husbands work. I'm not good at being flexible, but I've learned to cope. Chris has a shift change once a year and I always gear up and try to glide smoothly into change as if I liked it. But lately he has all sorts of training and his day's and nights are never, NEVER the same. I schedule a play date and then he's there that day, I schedule to go out- and he has to leave for court! I save up projects for an evening to myself and my husband has that night off!
I love my husband, and I love that he is the bread winner so I can stay home with our children. I support what ever he needs to do and I try not to openly complain. But I need a constant! I'm trying to be that flexible woman who rolls with life, but I am not and I don't really want to be. I want to be the woman who has dinner on the table every night at 6:30 sharp- OK, maybe not her, but some where in between. I know I'm really just venting because I'm not handling this weeks crazyness well and I'm looking for an excuse. But I'm also hoping for a little sympathy here. Give me something more consistent than just poopy diapers, story time whenever bedtime actually happens and a solid trust in my husbands love. Or maybe that's enough.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

don't mow the lawn in your best bra

My son Grant had a 'get to know you' project his first week of school and had to come up a motto for his school year.
Always have Fun!

That's Grant in a nutshell. It was a great idea from his teacher and I've been trying to think up a good motto for myself. There is the "Goonies" motto- Never say Die! Or Peter Pan's, "Never Grow up". Great Grandpa Alex always said "Food is Fun". Proverb's are always good to live by- "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom." Or 'A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it.' - Albert Einstein
One I'm really leaning to: "Chance favors the prepared mind.' - Louis Pasteur"
So what are your motto's? What words of wisdom keep you on your path of progression. Let's hear them!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Good Morning

Fresh, organic eggs from our chickens. The brown is from a Rhode Island Red named Camilla and the blue is from an Americana named Pepper. The white are from a chicken named dairy section. Our chickens make great pets and great eggs (and great fertilizer for the compost bin).

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Amid a dreamy summer night


Do you remember when you were little, and Mom would make you go to bed in the summer while the sun was still shinning? It was so frustrating to look out the bedroom window at the orange light, thinking there was still time to play. The sun was still out, why wasn't I.
Last night just as the sun was setting and my children should have been going to bed, we grabbed our dog's leash and took a walk. Like vampires in an old movie, the neighborhood seems to wake when the sun goes down. We waved to neighbors we passed, meet new dog friends at the park and played imaginary baseball in the cool grass. I thought of magical nights in Prospect Park, Brooklyn with fireflies. And cool summer evenings in Virgina, looking for wild rasberries. Summer nights were meant to be enjoyed. Some how it stretches time. Even the kids feel it and everyone gets along. It doesn't take much to make a summer night feel special somehow, like a rare event. And of course, its nice when the kids sleep in the next day.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Arizona Immigration: Truth vs. Fiction

This is Chris, Jenny's husband for those who don't know. Pursuant to recent questions by family and non-family members about Arizona’s recent immigration bill, SB 1070 and the recent addendum of HB 2162, Jenny gave me permission to post an explanation about my understanding of the new law(s) and their impact on her public website. Follow the links above to read the laws themselves.I also want to address media, government and other criticisms about the law. As a caveat, I will add that this is all according to what I’ve read in the actual bill itself and the briefings I’ve had about how this will be implemented. I am not stating my support or dissent with the law and I might be wrong on some points, although I have tried hard to get it right. Please correct me if I am wrong. I am merely trying to get the truth out. The laws themselves are not long and pretty simple to read. This is astounding, given the obvious fact that either; 1) nobody in the media or federal government is actually reading the thing or 2) they have read the law and are deliberately misrepresenting it.

In red are the direct criticisms and in blue are excerpts from the law itself:

#1) “The bill requires immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times and requires police to question people if there is reason to suspect that they're in the United States illegally.” (http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/23/obama.immigration/index.html)

The law requires people to prove lawful presence in the US when applying for state or local benefits. Immigration documents are not required if the person has a driver’s license or state-issued ID card:

A. Notwithstanding any other state law and to the extent permitted by federal law, any agency of this state or a political subdivision of this state that administers any state or local public benefit shall require each natural person who applies for the state or local public benefit to submit at least one of the following documents to the entity that administers the state or local public benefit demonstrating lawful presence in the United States:

1. An Arizona driver license issued after 1996 or an Arizona nonoperating identification license.

2. A birth certificate or delayed birth certificate issued in any state, territory or possession of the United States.

3. A United States certificate of birth abroad.

4. A United States passport.

5. A foreign passport with a United States visa.

6. An I-94 form with a photograph.

7. A United States citizenship and immigration services employment authorization document or refugee travel document.

8. A United States certificate of naturalization.

9. A United States certificate of citizenship.

10. A tribal certificate of Indian blood.

11. A tribal or bureau of Indian affairs affidavit of birth.

The above has nothing to do with police officers. At any rate, law enforcement officers already ask people for their “papers” in the form of a driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. However, the law states officers have to have reasonable suspicion or probable cause of a crime or traffic violation in order to detain someone in the first placel. Meaning, they have to be able to articulate how a reasonable officer might believe them to be in violation of the law. (For example, witnessing a traffic violation or another citizen witnessing someone shoplift then leave the scene in a specific vehicle. Both are reasonable and Constitutionally-valid reasons to stop someone.) This law already exists in the form of the US Constitution, which no state law can override. Read the language of the bill itself (italics added):

For any lawful stop, detention or arrest made by a law enforcement official or a law enforcement agency of this state or a law enforcement official or a law enforcement agency of a county, city, town or other political subdivision of this state in the enforcement of any other law or ordinance of a county, city or town or this state where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien and is unlawfully present in the United States, a reasonable attempt shall be made, when practicable, to determine the immigration status of the person, except if the determination may hinder or obstruct an investigation.

The law requires another lawful reason for detaining someone, not merely contacting them on the street because they are Hispanic. I can tell you personally, most officers have no desire to threaten their careers by violating someone’s civil rights. It’s just not worth it. Besides, police officers in Arizona are increasingly short-handed and becoming overwhelmed with the increase in violent crime across the state. I think this will only make officers busier and might increase violence against police (although I think this will be due to the false information, rather than the law itself). Funny how protesters vilify the police on this subject, when they didn't write the thing.

The above also addresses another criticism, that the law will prevent those in the country illegally from reporting crimes. When someone is the victim of or witness to a crime, an officer cannot ask about their residency status (and, frankly, would not want to). As it is now, an unlawful immigrant can receive a temporary visa (a U Visa, I believe - ask Vic or Joy) when they are a victim or witness. This remains unchanged.

#2.) President Obama criticized the bill, calling it “misguided” and stated it threatened “to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and our communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.” (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/us/politics/24immig.html)

#3.) Mexico's President Felipe Calderon has issued a travel advisory to it's citizens entering the United States [illegally?], saying, "It must be assumed that every Mexican citizen may be harassed and questioned without further cause at any time."

(http://us-state-policy.suite101.com/article.cfm/razing-arizona-senate-bill-1070)

Again, here’s the language of the bill:

A law enforcement official or agency of this state or a county, city, town or other political subdivision of this state may not consider race, color or national origin in implementing the requirements of this subsection except to the extent permitted by the United States or Arizona Constitution. A person is presumed to not be an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States if the person provides to the law enforcement officer or agency any of the following:

1. A valid Arizona driver license.

2. A valid Arizona nonoperating identification license.

3. A valid tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification.

I personally feel it was unnecessary to put this language in the bill, because it implies it was not already being done. It reminds me of the Equal Rights Act, which allegedly gave women the same status as men. Doesn’t that presume they did not have it in the first place? Again, ridiculous. Granted, there are certainly some officers who already racially profile, (although I do not believe I have met any). This law does not provide more opportunity or validation to do so. It was wrong, it is still wrong.

Ultimately, the law states:

E. In the implementation of this section, an alien's immigration status may be determined by:

1. A law enforcement officer who is authorized by the federal government to verify or ascertain an alien's immigration status.

2. The United States immigration and customs enforcement or the United States customs and border protection pursuant to 8 United States Code section 1373(c).

Only the Federal Government can (still) determine if someone is illegal. This is no different than how things work now. If someone is arrested for DUI, for example, and they have no driver’s license, state ID card, social security number, they cannot state where they went to school and their reported birthday is January 1st or December 24th (both popular dates for some reason when someone was born in a small village and does not actually know their birth date – Vic and Joy can probably validate this), than a reasonable officer would guess that person is not in the country legally. They are booked into jail on the DUI and ICE would then determine their residency status at the jail. With this law, the only thing that changes is that now I would add a charge of Failure to Complete or Carry an Alien Registration Card (a class 1 misdemeanor).

Below is a sweeping criticism of the law, which summarizes the absurdities I’ve seen and heard in the media:

SB1070 is a radical anti-immigrant piece of legislation that will open the floodgates to racial profiling and abuses of civil liberties. The law will be challenged in court for both violating individual rights and being an illegal assertion of state authority given the federal government's primary responsibility for border and immigration matters. But in the meantime, the effects of its implementation will be sweeping, since the law:

  • Legalizes Racial Profiling: State and local government law enforcement officers are required to determine if a person is illegally in the United States based on a “reasonable suspicion,” an open ended approach that will encourage suspicions based on race. The law does little, if anything, to prohibit police officers from relying on race or ethnicity in deciding who to investigate. [The US Constitution already prohibits this. Officers take an oath to uphold the Constitution.]
  • Criminalizes immigration, which isn't a crime under federal law: Makes it a state crime to be in the country without legal status. [It criminalizes illegal immigration, which is already illegal. Shocking.]
  • Undercuts Federalism: The law grants local police arrest authority for administrative violations of federal immigration law, even though the state police do not even have that authority under federal law. [They are not administrative violations. Bank robbery is also a federal crime, which local police officers can enforce.]
  • Criminalizes Speech: The law criminalizes the solicitation of work even though courts have previously ruled that the solicitation of work is protected speech under the First Amendment. [Honestly, I don’t know.]
  • Potentially Deters Enforcement of Other Laws: Since the law requires police officers responding to any city ordinance violation to automatically determine the immigration status of an individual they have reasonable suspicion of being an undocumented immigrant, many local violations won't be reported, consequently diverting law enforcement attention from violent crimes. [Officers enforce all laws without prejudice. An officer has to have reasonable suspicion the person is illegal. It’s not automatic, thank heavens.]

SB1070 Is a Product of a Racist, Anti-Immigrant National Network: The sweep of the law is hardly accidental, since it is the product of a national network of anti-immigrant groups tied to racist hate groups. (http://www.progressivestates.org/node/25081)


Pretty unreal, isn’t it? Even the US Attorney General condemned the law without reading it. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/14/AR2010051404231.html).

This is deja vu for those who remember the President condemned the actions of a police officer for arresting his friend as “acting stupidly” and then admitted he did not actually know what happened. It is clear truth is of no interest to many in the media and our federal government. Why, exactly?

That, my friends, is a question for you…

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!

Somethings my mother told me:
Brush your hair before you go out.
Iron your cloths, they look better.
Watch out for your younger siblings.
Do your chores.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church.
Her favorite color is pink.
The answer is NO!

Somethings my mother didn't say, but I learned anyway:
Sometimes you'll have a bad hair day even after you've brushed it, so cope!
If you wear lots of t-shirts, you can skip ironing.
You also need to watch out for your older-siblings, and they in turn are watching out for you.
Doing chores stinks even when you are an adult.
Not only is the Church of Jesus Christ true, but it will also make you happy!
Surrounding your self with your favorite color makes you happy (thus a pink dinning room).
Sometimes Mom can't give you the answer even though at times you really wish she could.

Mom, thank you for the things you said, and the things you didn't. I learned to become my own person and trust my self. I hear your voice in my words and you know what, their still true. If only my kids knew it too!
Happy Mothers Day!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

chocolate anyone?

I'm looking for an endulgent, knock your socks of cake for Mother's Day. My husband is in charge of dessert for our family get together and wants suggestions for a really yummy recipe. We'd love ideas, especially since this will be my Mother's day treat as well as the whole family!

Friday, April 16, 2010

oowee!

My two year old son scratched his foot today. It was a bad scratch, good for a band-aid. Once he was satisfied with its application and placement, he decided it was good enough to show the garbage truck. Today is "garbage trucka day" in our house and the truck comes by just before nap time, happy times for both he and I. So as the truck drove by us sitting on our front step, he lifted his little foot to show his dear friend, the garbage truck. Really, I understand. I've had some day's that I really have to share with my good friend, SNICKERS!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Yummy

We have a great garden this year of sugar-snap peas, baby carrots and spinach. (keeping it simple) But the spinach is coming out our ears! My kids love to pick it, but eating it-not so much! We give it to neighbors, friends, teachers. Spinach Lasagna, spinach salad, frozen spinach! Spinach in everything I could think of and still it is growing! So I went to allrecipes.com and and typed in "more spinach than I can handle but my family loves bacon". Great search title. It gave me this yummy recipe. I made it with wild rice and even Jack liked it! (Joy, I would bring you a big plate of it, if it sounded any good to your pregnant tummy!) It went fast, which might just keep up with our supply.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups thinly sliced fresh spinach leaves
  • 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine the salad dressing, soy sauce and sugar. Stir in rice, celery and onions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in spinach and bacon.
Happy Eating!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Do Gooders



We love our dog park, but noticed the dog clean-up receptacle is always out of bags. The city explained that it is part of cut backs. So Jack and Grant took action and enlisted their classrooms to collect grocery bags to fill it. They've collected enough to fill several parks full. So now we just need to go on tour with our bags across the city, or enlist help to fill them all. Anyone need bags?

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Harmony Park


As relaxing as it's name.
Thursday Park Day
Took Jango with us and he ran until he collapsed in the shade of a slide. Beautiful day in Mesa and a great time to build sand towers and play the troll under the playground equipment.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Let's go into the City!





It just doesn't have the same ring as when we lived in Brooklyn. But with a light rail system in Phoenix, it's still an adventure. We went into Phoenix for MLK holiday and found a very quiet city. Is that because it was a holiday or because that's Phoenix? Good thing just the same-no one around to yell at us for climbing on the statues. My kids enjoyed the outting, especially my Thomas the Train loving two year old. When we told him we were taking a train, he couldn't stop talking about it! But why would we try to stop him, any talking two year old is cuter than a bunny on Easter (but gets old just as quickly as jelly beans after Easter). I really was hoping for a hot dog vendor- it's just not complete with out one, but alas, there were none to be found. Oh well, we had hot dogs for dinner that night.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Attack!!!!

Do you ever have those day's? Maybe the attack is on the outside from boss, kids, deadlines, etc. Or maybe the attack is on the inside from a voice that tells you not to try, your stupid, why bother! I know it's Satan's voice, but I assume it is his way of stopping some wonderful person from doing wonderful good in the world.
Yep, I have those days! "Why"? I wonder. What purpose does it serve Satan that I should feel so low. What good was I up to anyway? They don't always last long but feel so debilitating.
So what do you do about those days?

Friday, February 12, 2010

and finaly- Be Mine,Valentine!

Today is Valentine's day in the classroom realm. Last night we were all a buzz, making valentine's and talking about who likes who. And my sons are very excited to have a special someone to give a special Valentine to. They worried that she might say no-or what if she said yes. I am just a bit surprised. I don't remember feeling this way in the 3rd or 4th grade. But I hoped the best for them and helped them prepare, pick out cloths to look their best, and have all their valentines ready. They wanted just the right bag for their valentines to go in. And Hailey was in on the whole thing with her Valentine for 'Ben'. She came in with a little pink bag she had found in my room. It said "Victoria Secret" with writing inside that said "give me sexy".
Oh! GIVE ME TIME! No Hailey, you CAN'T put your Valentine's in that. A big Ziplock bag will do just fine.
Wish them luck! I hope they have fun in their class parties. I hope they have the courage to give their Valentine's away. I hope the recipiants receive them with grace and kindness. And I hope they come home realizing Valentine's Day is really just the day you give your mom a big hug-and that's ALL!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Love of Nature



and who doesn't love nature. Volumes could be said on this subject, but I wont carry on here.
Instead I am shamelessly going to show you the tree that blooms at our bus stop. Yes, I know there is a blizzard going on. Am I rubbing it in? Maybe. 5 feet of snow?! How 'bout a tree with soft blooms that look like snow. And when the wind blows and the petals fall to the ground, no shoveling! It's just makes me want to dance under it-like the scene from Edward Scissor hands, but with out getting cut! It's a beautiful Valentine from Mother Nature all right.
(mother always did like me best!)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Brothers

I've heard a lot of gripes about Valentine's Day. Some legit and some from grumpy souls who just don't think out side the box. So this is my week of love-all the kinds we really celebrate. The love of our parents, love for animals, and today, the love we have for our family. We got this shot of Mackay and Grant at the park with out them realizing it. I could blow it up and frame it! I love to see my kids getting along and I ache when they don't. I have a few regrets about lost years with siblings who are so much fun to be with now. I know I have missed out.
Friends, and cousins like wise. My cousin Shara is a guru for girls with out sisters.
"Sisters present themselves beautifully through cousins and friends! :)" she advised.
What would life be without these connections?
Imagine the picture above with only one little boy.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~ Roger Caras


Jango turned one on Sunday. We made him a treat of peanut butter and dog food. Hey, he's a dog and peanut butter spreads easier than cow pies! I never thought I would enjoy him as much as I have. He is the work and the joys of a child but without the college expense. Tonight while sitting on Hailey's bed, I heard him at the front door jiggling his collar-which really means he's wagging his whole body. It took me a second to realize Chris was home for dinner from his shift and Jango had been the first to hear him at the door. When we opened the door, Jango could hardly hold in his excitement. Actually, he didn't hold it in, why would he-he's a dog! Everyone deserves that kind of greeting when they come home and all six of us get it! Happy Birthday Jango-we love you!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Entitlement

Mackay is having a fit in this picture. A good one! Mackay, I'm so sorry but Dad and I just laughed. Mackay, you're gonna have to do better than that. You have three older siblings, and a dramatic sister on top of that! We've weathered a lot of tantrums and come through relatively unscathed. So sorry you are experiencing the terrible twos, but really-get over it! Soon.
I think the terrible two's are just a rehearsal for the rest of our experiences about what we want, what we will give in to and what each of us are entitled to. Each family and pocket book has to determine for themselves what their children get but there is one absolute guideline that has been given to us, through modern prophets.
"Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."
So, Mackay, and Jack, Grant and Hailey- we love you and we're committed to giving you everything you are entitled to. Just remember everything else is a bonus, No tantrums please!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

A life lesson

"Why am I still alive?" I've heard the question more than once, but then I've worked in Geriatrics and have Grandparents who live exceptionally long lives.
My Grandfather just died after living 97yrs.
I've pondered those last years that seem to drag on for some. I wonder at others who try to end it prematurely. I'm not sure the Lords time frame but I have seen that there are things learned at every stage that make me conclude that I hope to live to a ripe old age. Here are a few age appropriate nuggets of wisdom.
A 6 yr old learned that oatmeal on a road trip can be more fun and yummier than McD's.
A 36 yr old learned that taking your little sister with you on your date wouldn't have been the end of the world and now regrets not doing it. (Hey, it may not be too late!)
A late 40's learned that while in twenties, you may have wished you could go back and do it over better, you really don't want to go back and do it again.
A 50 something learned that it's OK to change your mind about careers and try something else.
A 70 something learns it's never to late to change your heart and your ways
At 97, all faults are over looked, just living and being there for family is a great purpose and being there for that long is a great accomplishment!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

thank you

from one funeral to another...
My husband's co-worker was shot and killed last Thursday. His funeral was today. This evening, they held a memorial procession through Gilbert, AZ to the Police Department, where a small memorial service was held for the community and for people like me (with sick kids) who didn't attend the funeral. All along the streets of Gilbert, people came out and waved flags and held 'thank you' signs. My husband said he cried the whole way in his cop car. Oakleys hid tears well. No wonder ALL cops wear them. It was really beautiful to see the support and love of this town for their police (even thought they may be forced to cut their pay). I found my husband at the memorial and we stood together and listened to the words and music. Afterward a Mother who had walked to the memorial with two small children in a wagon came up to my husband. Her daughter held out a small American Flag to Chris and mom said "say thank you". It is just my imagination but I think she was looking at me as well.
A friend taught me once to pray for the spouses of our government leaders. I have taken that a step further to pray for my church leaders wives and police spouses along with my Presidents wife and government leaders spouses. Those are the support for people who do tough jobs and make difficult decisions. Its hard enough out in the world, these people need to come home to a family who understands long days and frustrated conversations about work. I pray for wives who will tell their husbands to do go no matter the cost and who won't leave them for the price they pay in their time.

Thank you Officer Eric Shuhandler for your life served protecting ours. And thanks to the Shuhandler family who lent their loved one to us long enough to make a difference.

Monday, January 25, 2010

...and she celebrated when her husband died!

I love my grandmother. She set an example of Christlike service that makes me tired just thinking about it. I hope to develop some of her traits and learn to be like her when I grow up. So when my grandfather passed away last night, and my grandmother rejoiced, I am trying to follow her lead and be happy too! He was a wonderful man. He slipped candy into my hand when I thought my parents weren't looking (maybe they knew anyway), and made it a point to talk to us grandkids about staying out of trouble as teens. I will miss him. But Grandma is celebrating and so I will too. After all, she has probably missed him more in the 8 years since she passed away, than we will miss him now that he has joined her. Goodbye Grandpa, tell Grandma we love her and thank you both for the wonderful life you have lived.