Saturday

 Finally a big one!! Yay!

 This morning I made a St Patty's day skirt for Lu to wear tomorrow.  She chose the fabric a few weeks ago but I hadn't found the time to make it yet.  It came together pretty quickly so now I want to make more!

 This morning was the last chess day.  Ethan did well.  He ended up placing 3rd in the 6 week tournament.  This is his schools team.  Pretty cute little chess players!

Hannah and Chelsea went to Julia's house to play werewolf.  Julia and Maria made the coolest, scary werewolf cupcakes!

Last night was our last indoor game(s).  Ethan played keeper the whole first game against Rampage and he did awesome.  It was pretty intense.  I kept R in the loop with a blow by blow text.  Here's what I told him:
stopped one
another stopped
Rampage scores
Stops one
E catches one on the ground
another from the ground
He's on his game
stops another
one more
sadly Gerig isn't getting much action (the other keeper)
Awesomest save ever (he jumped in the air, finger tipped it out of the goal)
Another excellent save
Save against Zach (his super talented friend)
First half over
Second half
I thought Brian was going to keep but it's Bub again
Save
Score 3-1
Save
Freedom winning
E slid into the ball for a save, hopped up caught it again and then a third time
Rampage score
Rampage ties it up
Blocked two then let one in
Ramp up
Diving save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Freedom ties it up
kicks it out of the goal
Defended against Z
Save
Collision in the goal on the other side, Dave (the coach) ran out on field yelling
PK
End game
Tie

Whew!

We won the second game 7-0.  Not as exciting but still fun.

I bought a new vacuum, it doesn't suck...which is the one thing you do want a vacuum to do.  Hannah broker ours a few days ago vacuuming up the abyss of her room.  My dream is to have 3 vacuums, one for each level.  So far I have, um, one, sort of.

Yesterday Ethan told me he has a bucket list.  He wants to jump off the grand canyon.  He wants to knock over a port a potty.  He wants to spend a million dollars in one day.  It's a good list.

Tonight we have our neighborhood flashlight Easter egg hunt.  Ethan doesn't want to go.  He's getting too big.

 Exciting news, Jenna got a summer job in Moab.  She's going to be a river guide.  I hope it's like the above picture but I have a feeling it's more like the bottom one.  Looks scary to me! She has always been an adventurer so I am super excited for her.  She applied for several fun summer jobs so is waiting to hear of her options before saying yes.  I think a trip to Moab might be in order! Clayton will be in Ohio for the summer doing an internship with Goodyear.  It's a great opportunity for him.  I think it will be a hard summer for them to be apart during but the time will go quickly and if it's meant to be they will last.  I am glad they are not rushing into a wedding that they weren't quite ready for.

The weather is beautiful today! Yay! Last night we noticed that some daffodils in our garden were blooming. 

Dinner tonight: kielbasa pasta bake that Colleen sent over.  Yumm!!

still waiting for spring

 I'm tired.  I'm happy it's Friday, looking forward to a hectic weekend.  This week was our last MSA testing week.  That was exhausting.  On Wednesday I was assigned 6 lunch duties.  In one day. Man oh man, that was a tough day. 
Thursday I didn't work.  We had our stake round table and youth conference meeting that night and I needed to prepare.  The meetings went really well.  I think youth conference will be amazing and the round table meeting went well.  We had 5 wards represented for the young women, which is not amazingly good but it's not awful.  Those who came I think were really encouraged and uplifted.  Which is the point. 
I got home from that quite late, the drive home went quickly because I got to enjoy a  nice long chat with Sierra but still it was a late night, then I was cold in the night and didn't want to get up to get an extra blanket and didn't sleep great.  I am looking forward to sleeping tonight.

This weekend we have Eric and Chelsea staying with us.  The kids are really excited.  Jeffers is staying tonight and then going to the Marsh's for the rest of the weekend.  The four younger kids played cards for hours.  Now E2 is walking around the pond throwing rocks into the water.  Chelsea has a baby sitting job, and Ethan has a soccer game tonight.  I will take Eric with me and leave Jeffrey and Lu with Hannah.  It should work out great that way.

R is finally on his big fishing trip.  Today Pete and Sam caught a fish each.  I hope R gets one tomorrow.  I talked to him tonight and he's tired, lots of hiking involved but I think they are having a good time.  Anyway it's good to have time away, doing a hobby, connecting with friends, recharging.  I hope his weekend will do that for him.

groundhog day

4th grade lunch duty is a little like the movie Groundhog day.  It's the same thing every every day.  Every day Ben's dad makes him a delicious looking sandwich, with a tomato and lettuce and cheese and meat.  Every day Ben tells me his dad made it, he eats his chips and cookies and drink and whatever else and throws away his beautiful sandwich.  Every day Lexi sits on the corner of the last table and opens up her lunch bag which always holds one thing, half a sandwich, a bag of popcorn.  She eats it slowly.  Faith comes and sits by her and shares food off of her tray.  Faith and Lexi are cute girls, but definitely part of the have not crowd.  Every day Cheyenne runs in and hugs me.  Every day Paco struts in, he is a nice boy, smart and popular and boy can he dance.  He has a little entourage that are silly and crazy, their table is loud.  The front table is always a group of smarty pants with lunches made with love from home.  Finn with his cute glasses and Harrison in his crocs, Julia who always dresses so cute and Lauren.  Brandon and Jillian sit by the water fountain.  They eat fast and leave plenty of time for getting in trouble.  Across from them sit Nathan and Shawn and their crew.  They are done eating before everyone else has even sat down, the  jump up quick and grab the brooms to help to run around the cafeteria checking out what everyone else is doing.  Every day teeny tiny Marissa eats a few bites of her lunch while buzzing about her table telling everyone what's what.  Then she asks to report go to someone in the office what she ate (her mom is worried about her).  Every day. Every day we turn off the lights and tell the kids to turn off their voices.  Every day someone spills their tray.  Every day I look at the clock and count down the minutes while I make laps around the cafeteria reminding kids to eat, settling disputes, admiring their newest joke or trick or hair style.

Lu is coming along with her piano songs.  She is going to be in the school talent show.  Today Z and I took a walk around the square while she had her lesson.  It was nice out.

Lately we've been watching Dirty Jobs.  It's pretty interesting.  Lots of jobs out there I would not want.  bloodworm harvester, broiler cleaner, monkey rehabilitation facility caretaker to name a few.

This is day light savings time week.  Not a great week.  Kids don't want to go to bed, kids don't want to get up.  Everyone is tired.

wrap up

Doesn't this look heavenly?  This weekend we have warmer  weather.  I am so happy.  Sunshine on my face...sweet!  love it.  It's making me wish for summer, particularly because Dani and the girls just bought tickets to come visit!! Can.Not.Wait!! 

We had a pretty good weekend.  Ethan had a chess tournament.  One more this season.  He won 3 and lost 3 matches.  It was pretty fun to watch, Grace and I went.  After we went to Donut Connection and ran into Matt Ray and Addie.  We ate donuts together and then Matt drove Ethan home since we were going to the grocery store next and Ethan did NOT want to go. Worked out great for everyone.  I was supposed to go to our stake women's conference but R had to work at the last minute and I didn't want to leave the kids home alone on a Saturday morning.  I was disappointed but his job comes first, at least most of the time, and the kids certainly come first over a bonus meeting that I don't even have to be at. 

Saturday afternoon R went to soccer training, his outdoor season starts practice next week, luckily his indoor season ends next weekend so we have very little overlap.  He played 2 games on Friday night.  Ethan was the keeper, we won both. 
Saturday early evening R and I headed to Waldorf for some shopping and dinner.  Han got rich that night :)

Today was a good day.  Church was really great.  Our sacrament meeting talks were really good. All three of them.  Kris Sutherland spoke about her mission and I felt the spirit so strongly.  I can not wait until I can go on multiple missions.  I wish Sierra and Jenna would think about going, I know it would be so life changing, so awesome.  They are both wonderful wonderful young women and would be excellent  missionaries.  Also Emma.  Emma would be an awesome missionary, just saying.  I am so grateful for a living prophet, the missionary age announcement was so miraculous and so welcomed.  I know it's impact will  be far reaching and life changing for so many of our young missionaries and the people they teach.  Mike Oakes also spoke and he did a wonderful job talking about supporting our church leaders.  He talked about the story in Exodus 17 where Moses held up his arms and the children of Israel prevailed but when he lowered them they began to lose and his arms grew heavy so Joshua and Hur sat him on a rock and held his arms for him.  Then he drew the analogy that our leaders need our help and support this same way.  We need to follow and we need to help.  It was really a good talk.

After church Daniel came over to play.  In the afternoon R and I went to visit Katherine and Pete, had a great time and some yummy dessert.  Then we went to the Rays.  Again, great visit.  Then we came home and Lu and I made canolli cupcakes with Ricotta cheese frosting.  Then I had a veemo meeting about youth conference and R cleaned the kitchen.

Doesn't this look like fun exercise?  It's like hammock yoga I guess.

my men:

 Rob is preparing for a big fishing trip to Niagara.  He is determined to bring some some big ol fish for the familia.  Last night his manbra/tackle purse came in the mail.  Now he has all the gear he needs (for now).  I have noticed that boy hobbies take a lot of gear.  In all seriousness I am glad he has hobbies, and I think he kind of resembles Obi-wan in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.  Sweet!

This boy, who has been an angel and a delight his whole life, as of late has been a bit more of a challenge.  He's almost 11 and I am not ready to leave the little boy days behind.  Sometimes I ask him to do something and he doesn't want to...what?  A few nights ago he had a water fight in the house while I was gone.  To be honest I think Sister Hannah started it but he definitely participated. Two days ago he and John drove me crazy with water in the house, running and smashing into walls when they turned corners, wrestling in a fashion that rearranged the furniture. They were being so loud and stinky.  Maybe it was the rain....although last week they took the little one to the "Forbidden pond" and brought her back covered head to toe in mud and there was no rain then. 


Last night Jake came over after school and hung out with us until night, he and Lu and Ethan had a lot of fun.  We made cookies, they ate them all.  They went to the pond and brought Lu back scratched.  (anyone else noticing a theme), they ran amok, dribbled soccer balls, and played dominoes for a couple of hours. 

pinterest cooking

I love pinterest.  So fun to look at great ideas.  I've been trying out some of the recipes I've pinned and it's been pretty successful.  My fav is the lasagna soup! so Yumm!  Tonight we are making crock pot Hawaiian chicken and also cinnamon rolls.  I also bought all the ingrediants for cornbread chicken pot pie so that will be tomorrow. 

 

 

 

Lasagna Soup

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

for the soup:
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1-1/2 lbs. Italian sausage
• 3 c. chopped onions
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 T. tomato paste
• 1 28-oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 c. chicken stock
• 8 oz. mafalda or fusilli pasta
• 1/2 c. finely chopped fresh basil leaves
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
for the cheesy yum:
• 8 oz. ricotta
• 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• pinch of freshly ground pepper
additional cheesy yum:
• 2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking up into bite sized pieces, and brown for about 5 minutes. Add onions and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the tomato paste turns a rusty brown color.

Add diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add uncooked pasta and cook until al dente. Do not over cook or let soup simmer for a long period of time at this point, as the pasta will get mushy and absorb all the soup broth. You may even want to consider cooking the noodles separately, and then adding some to individual bowls before ladling the soup over them. This would be an especially smart move if you are anticipating any leftovers. Right before serving, stir in the basil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheesy yum. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

To serve, place a dollop of the cheesy yum in each soup bowl, sprinkle some of the mozzarella on top and ladle the hot soup over the cheese.

 

 Warm and Chessy Potatoe and Sausage Casserole

• 3 cups idaho potatoes, peeled, boiled and cut into cubes when cool, approx. 1 lb
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, diced
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 lb skinless smoked sausage (Eckrich is my favorite brand)
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika

BLT Salad

 

Directions:

1. 1
   Cut skinless smoked sausage in half, lengthwise, and then chop into 1/2 inch "half moon" cuts. Cook in a frying pan for about 15 minutes, turning frequently to SLIGHTLY brown.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle toss.
3. 3
   Mix all remaining ingredients (except for shredded cheddar cheese & the paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, melted and smooth. (Use a whisk and stir constantly.).
4. 4
   Pour white/cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.
5. 5
   Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).
6. 6
   NOTE: You can substitute: 1/2 lb. hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch slices OR 1/2 lb. ham diced into 1/2-inch dices OR 12 oz. can of Spam diced into 1/2-inch dices, instead of the smoked sausage

12 ounce corkscrew shaped pasta

1/2 cup milk

12 ounces lean bacon

3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup mayo (i used 1/4 cup mayo and 1/4 cup greek yogurt)

1/4 cup sour cream

4 tablespoons chopped chives

5 heads Bibb lettuce, quartered, or 5 cups chopped romaine hearts

Directions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water as the label directs. Drain and toss with the milk in a large bowl; set aside.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Discard all but 3 tablespoons drippings from the pan. Add the tomatoes, thyme and garlic to the pan and toss until warmed through; season with salt and pepper. Crumble the bacon into bite-size pieces; set aside 1/4 cup for garnish. Toss the remaining bacon and the tomato mixture with the pasta.

Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream and 3 tablespoons chives with the pasta until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper. Add the lettuce; toss again to coat. Garnish with the reserved bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon chives. Serve at room temperature.

"snow" day

random picture of Jenna

I should have had a couple more children.  Sometimes I miss babies and toddlers.  It's such a magical time in life.  I miss the days when going to the McDonalds play place was a huge treat :), the days when we sat on the couch with a pile of books and read and read and read, the swish of a diaper clad bum running through the house.  Last week we were at the canoe store and they had some baby rugged wear for sale.  I was flipping through the rack and saw a little pair of overalls with a shirt and I just remembered a small boy running around and being grabbed by the little "handle" on the back of his overalls and scooped up :) 

We have a snow day today, sans the snow.  So ridiculous.  It's MSA testing time at school and such a hulabaloo you have never seen.  The schedules are complex, the walls are covered with paper so no clue may be given to a kid whose eyes sweep the room between questions, subs are called in, lunch times disturbed, kids and teachers are stressed.  Yesterday everyone was worried about the storm and the possible disruption to the test schedule.  It came...we are home.  I am getting lots of laundry done, which I like, but the disruption is probably not worth it.  Grace has an appointment with the allergist this afternoon.  I am not sure how it will go, I am pretty sure a big bribe is going to be in order for her lay still and get poked.  (grimace).  John is coming over to play with Ethan, Hannah is locked in her room commanded to find the carpet.  (that girl~ head shaking)

girls at the rescue squad

 Last night was Brownies.  We met at the Volunteer Rescue Squad and the girls learned all about emergency safety.  They had a wonderful time.  I am amazed, and have been since the minute we moved here that both our fire department and our rescue squad, including the paramedics are all volunteers.  These are good people who really want to contribute to the community.  They work on average 4 or 5 shifts a month and drill together every Tuesday night.  I would love to be involved in something like that, it seems like such a good thing to do.  There are so many good people in the world, doing so many good things, it's really heart warming. 

Lu and Delaney in the ambulance

Monday night we had the missionaries over for dinner, and another family.  The missionaries taught a discussion to the dad, who is not a member.  I was looking forward to the evening, I am not a good missionary by any definition but I do love the gospel and want to share if someone is interested.  Our evening was very nice, dinner was good, they have a disabled daughter who is in a wheelchair and the kids were so sweet and good with her.  The played with her and read to her, Grace sat by her at dinner and chatted up a storm the whole time.  I am really happy that they have always been good with old people, babies, disabled people, weird people ;)  Whatever.  They have good hearts,  I need to really remember that when rooms are messy, or squabbles happen or when, like last night, R and I leave the house for an hour (literally) at 8pm after kids are settled for the night and Lu is in bed and we come home to find Lu up, the kitchen a mess(which was clean when we left) and that Hannah and Ethan have had a water gun fight in the house.  Anyway the lesson didn't go nearly the way we had hoped and I feel really badly about that.    I always want everyone to be happy and comfortable and everything to be positive and good.