Boo at the Zoo

We spent a fun afternoon with some friends. We went to a special costume and candy collecting day at the Zoo. It is Boo at the Zoo. It is very fun and very crowded. It was a nice day to see the animals.

Halloween Decorations

The lady that watched my children when I work has her house decorated with lots of cute and fun Halloween decorations. My boy was asking about these decorations and so I told him we could get ours out when we got home. Almost everything I have I got from my mother in law. I am not really into decorating for all the holidays except Christmas. I am realizing that it really is not about me, it is about the kids. They are the ones that love the decorations.


Last night after all the boys had gone to bed I was cleaning up some of the toys and such. I found these cars on top of my toilet and put them away.



The next morning my son went about the house placing his cars in different places. Then cheerfully announced, "mom, tell me good job for decorating for Halloween."







My goodness that was cute until later that day I asked him to clean up another one of his messes and he put most of it on the couch claiming that he was decorating for Halloween again!

Mr. Independant

My baby has been getting better at picking up foods and eating them himself. Well today he was mad when I tried to feed him. He wanted to do it himself!

Give me that spoon!


I wanted to do it!


Now I am mad!


Oh that is more like it.

Halloween Dinner

I don't know why this uploaded sideways but I can not seem to get it to upload another way.


The theme for my recipe group this month was Halloween. I found this idea on the Internet and used my own meatloaf recipe. Here are the instructions if you want to try it out.


Meatloaf Mice
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
1/4 c. milk
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 c onion, minced
1 egg

SAUCE:
1/3 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 c. ketchup


To decorate:
Carrots
Spaghetti
Raisins/craisons
You can do this with your own meatloaf recipe too.

First cut 2 coins per mice out of the carrots for ears. Then make long thin strips out of the remaining carrots for the tails, one for each mouse. Steam until they are crisp tender. DON'T OVERCOOK!!

Preheat oven to 350F. Mix together the ingredients for the mice bodies and shape into 4 little mice shaped loafs on baking sheet. Have them shaped to a point in the front and rounded in the back. Bake for 45 minutes in preheated oven or until desired doneness.

Take and cut little slits for the ears about 1/3 from the pointed end. Place the carrot coins in the slits for the ears. Make a tiny slit in the rounded wide end for the tail and place one of the carrot strips in the slit for the tail. Use the raisins for the eyes. Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles into pieces and place around the "nose" (pointed end) for whiskers. Mix ingredients for the sauce. Place a large spoonful of sauce on a plate. Place a meatloaf mouse on top of the sauce to serve.




These are some cookies that another lady made.

Where's Daddy?

In mid September we bought a 4-plex. Mark has been looking for one for a couple of years. He has been looking for a unit that would cash flow. He finally found one thanks to Brett. Ever since we closed he has been tirelessly working on the place. All the tenant had vacated when the bank re-possessed the place and they pretty much left it a mess. Mark has replaced sub floor, patched holes in the walls, laid kitchen and bathroom flooring, layed carpet, painted, cut tree limbs, shampooed carpets, cleaned all day, cleaned windows, made numerous trips to Home Depot and Lowes, established an LLC, opened a business account at the bank with our two children in tow, listed an add in the paper, patched fences,and searched for, wheeled and dealed and loaded and unloaded by himself 2 fridges and 3 oven's. All while trying to screen and find good renters among all the potential renters I was sending to him.

These are just the things I can think of off the top of my head. I know there are many more things he had done for his property in the last month. I have a hard time keeping track from day to day.

He has been working 10 hour days at work and then putting in 2-4 hours at the apts after work. All day Friday and Saturday he has been there as well. On top of all this he has been playing flag football and has also been playing co-ed volleyball with me on city league teams. What a guy! This is why I ask where is daddy? We have missed him and are anxious for him to be home with us again.

As a side note.....After a particularly annoying day spent cleaning he commented that he hated cleaning all day and did not know how anyone could do it. I just laughed and said that is all I ever do. I clean teeth at work and then I clean house at home all while catering to two little boys. He sympathized with me as I sympathized with him.

I am sure grateful to have Mark. He is so awesome. He had never layed kitchen flooring or carpet before this project. He did his research and found we would save at least 50% if he did it himself, so he did it himself. This is what I love about him. He is not afraid to tackle a job himself and save us some of our hard earned money. My dad is like this and it is a trait that I always wanted my husband to have. I feel so blessed.

So here is what you have been waiting for the four-plex. Here are some pictures of them. They are 2 bedroom, 1 bath, have washer dryer hook-ups, extra storage and there is one more available. Interested? Hehehe. We have rented out 3 of them. One is being lived in now and two have deposits down and plan to move in on the 1st of Nov.

Fourth File, Fourth Picture

My friend RaNell gave me this TAG.
Here's how it works. I go to my pictures and click on the 4th file, then upload the 4th picture. Then explain what the picture is of. Here's my picture:




This was last year at this time. We went to the corn maze. This little ride was a hit, and so were the suckers. We need to make it to the corn maze again this year. Last year was fun.

Oh I TAG Tanner, Leslie, Tanya and whoever else.

Flossing Tips

I am a Hygienist and for two full days a week I remind patients to floss their teeth. Sometimes I wish I could just play this video instead. My sister found it on YouTube and it is really funny. Thanks Ang and thanks Jammie.

PROP 8

I am posting some more info about preserving marriage. Watch these video's and leave a comment if you would like.

Eight young people talk about the issues in CA.


Elder Bednar has a discusion on prop 8 with young people.


Children learning about gay marriage in MA public schools.

Here are some helpful websites. What is Prop 8? Protect Marriage

Who is losing rights?

Simply Happy Designs

My friend Cathy just started a new blog to promote her photo card designs. She is very creative and good at whipping up new designs. She is having a give away of a custom designed Christmas card. I usually order from Costco, but I often see duplicate cards of others who order there too. I was thinking it would be nice to have something different this year. Most of her cards are only $15 so I could still print at Costco for .17 4x5 or .39 5x6 and get them done for pretty good price. So check her out. http://simplyhappydesigns.blogspot.com/

FLASHBACK!

My little brother is a freshmen in high school and he asked me to post some ideas for creatively asking friends to dances. I am not a good one to ask. Thinking back to high school I can not remeebmer any creative invitaions to dances. There may have been one but I can not remember so it must not have been that creative.
I happened to document two invitations when I was a Ricks. So Tanner here you go. The first is a date invitation I got from my friend Neil. He dropped off a box of Lucky Charms that read, " You are so Charming, I would be Lucky if you would go on a date with me." I returned a porceline fortune cookie with a note that read, "yes."



In this invite the guy had my roommates place pink feathers and pink balloons in my room with a giant pink sign that read, " I would be tickled pink if you would go to homecoming with me."
Speaking of roommates, aren't they cute. I sure loved rooming with these girls. Heather, Lora, Emily, Me, Jess, Tasha. I have enjoyed reading their blogs.

Tanner, I hope that helps.

Stand for Something or Fall for Anything

Last week the subject of same sex marriage came up with a group of women all of my same LDS belief. Some were for and some were against same sex marriage. To tell you the truth, I really had not given it a lot of thought. I do not believe in same sex marriage but I really had not thought a lot about the consequences it could have on our society. I don't agree with homosexuality as a practice but I was not sure if I cared whether or not they married. Let them do what they want, it doesn't effect me or my family or does it?
This week I have discussed this issue with many other friends of and not of my religion, I have been enlightened by their points of view.
Tonight I read a friends blog that gave a link to this article. The Divine Institution of Marriage. This article brought clarity to my mind and reaffirmed my stand.
Then I checked my inbox and found a forward urging religious and non-religious people to fast on Sunday October 12th for the 'building block of society,' the Family. It said, "Pray for a positive outcome for California Proposition 8, that hearts may be softened, that understanding and wisdom will prevail, and that marriage will continue to be defined as between a man and a woman to protect families."
I find that I am often times confused about the political issues and canidates these days. I don't (have) make time to research all of the issues. When I do try to tune in I question if I am hearing the truth or just what the media wants me to hear. More often than not I just go about my busy life and forget about political issues. This one has really got me though. I plan on joining in on the fast on October 12th and urge you to do the same. Also read that article, it really puts things into perspective. Where do you stand?

2 Tags

I have been putting off these tags because there are so many things I still want to blog about like my sisters wedding. Ahhh. But here are my tags.

I AM

I am: A mother
I think: I eat too many sweets.
I know: That God loves all of his children.
I want: To be a better mom.
I dislike: People who are mean
I miss: my old or maybe I should say young body
I fear: Losing loved ones
I feel: hungry
I hear: my children making noise
I smell: like coconut lotion
I crave: chocolate
I cry: rarely
I search: the scriptures too little
I wonder: what the world will be like in 10 years
I regret: when I hurt someones feelings
I love: my family
I care: about having a clean house
I always: get up in the morning whether I want to or not
I worry: the my boys will make mistakes
I am not: a liar
I remember: peoples faces
I believe: in being your best
I dance: with my little boys
I sing: when my boy asks me to, and in my car
I don’t always: arrive on time but I try
I argue: my point only if I am very, very passionate about it
I write: in my blog, and love it
I win: more than I lose
I lose: at times
I wish: I had a maid sometimes
I listen: music, friend
I don't understand: some people
I can usually be found: in the kitchen
I am scared: of not being good enough
I need: good friends in my life
I forget: to eat lunch sometimes
I am happy: with my life


For the I am Tag I tag Amber, Jessica, Tanya, RaNell, Cathy, Tara, Meagan

4 Things

I had to change this from 8 things to 4.

4 things I am passionate about

Family
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Good food
Serving others

4 books I've read & enjoyed

Book of Mormon
All four of the Twilight books, Stephanie Meyer
Stand for Something, Gordon B. Hinckley
Several Nicholas Sparks books

4 words/phrases I say often

Eat your food
What are you doing?
Try to floss once a day or how's the flossing going
I'm so happy to have you as my boy

4 things I want to do before I die

Go back to Europe
Go on a mission with my husband
See my children married in the Temple
Skydive


4 things I've learned over the past

Most people don't floss daily
My house will never be perfectly clean
There is a lot of joy in the little things my children do
How to ride a motorcycle

4 places I want to see.

Australia
The Sacred Grove
Hawaii
New York

4 things I currently want/need

more time
new clothes
more knowledge
a better memory

For the 4 things I TAG Tanner, Glenda, Minda, Courtney, Dannyel, Angela, Kwinnae and Kiery

Music?

Your Taste in Music:

Adult Alternative: Highest Influence Country: Highest Influence Classic Rock: Highest Influence Nineties: Highest Influence Pop: Highest Influence

How's Your Taste in Music?

I thought this would be fun to try, thanks Aunt Glenda.

I guess you can say I have an eclectic taste in music. I didn't need a quiz to tell me that but it was fun.

Here is the definition of eclectic, I was wondering what is was the other day and I thought I would share.
e·clec·tic (-klktk)
adj.
1. Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles: an eclectic taste in music; an eclectic approach to managing the economy.
2. Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources: "a popular bar patronized by an eclectic collection of artists, writers, secretaries and aging soldiers on reserve duty" Curtis Wilkie.
n.
One that follows an eclectic method.

Where We Live

A friend just asked me to send her some pictures of where we live. Instead of emailing them I thought I would post them here. It just seemed easier, and fun. Ask and ye shall receive. Here you go.....

While I am at it I am going to blog some more about this house. This is the second house we have owned since we were married. In 2003 we found a lot, picked a floor plan and had a cute 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house built. We had fun picking out all the colors and light fixtures and such.
One day almost three years later my husband was driving home from work and saw a for sale sign. He drove down the street and saw that the houses had one acre lots. It was love at first sight. Next thing I know he is talking to realtors and wanting to put in an offer. Let me just say we were not planning to move, nor were we looking for a house.
He some how convinced me to let him put in a "low ball" offer. Much to my dismay the sellers excepted that offer. He really wanted it and said he saw some "investment potential" in it. I gave in. Did I say he REALLY wanted it? He always says that he always let's me get what I want, but I think it goes both ways.
Let me explain why I needed convincing.
1. I was not planning on moving.
2. I liked the house we lived in, the 0.3 of an acre and the young family neighborhood. I thought 0.3 of an acre was a good size yard.
3. Most of my friends were building brand new bigger houses with all kinds of amenities. If we were going to move I wanted a house that catered to my needs, bigger kitchen, bigger laundry room, a mud room? A bigger pantry!
I like this house. I miss the virgin cleanness of our old house, and the neighbor hood that actually had families our age. Other than that this is a great place to live. The space between neighbors is nice. I love the fruit trees. I love having space for a volleyball net and more. This house is bigger, 4 bedroom and I like the extra room. I miss the plant shelves from my old house.
Really I am just grateful to have a home, to still be able to make the payment each month and have a safe place for my family.



The garden, the burn pile and daddy's play truck!



In the back 40 we have a volleyball net set up. We have not used it enough this year.




I love the Japanese Maple on the back porch.




This is what it looks like to the neighbor across the street. The two trees to the left are apricot trees. We got apricots for the first time this year.




The shed in the back 40.




If you explore this area you will find 10 bird houses left by the previous owner.




The sand play area is over in the corner.

Waitin' on a Woman

I added a new song to my playlist today so my little sister could hear it. So check it out at the bottom of the page. I have heard this song a few times, but on my drive home from work today I actually listened to the whole thing. I realized this fits my little sister and her new husband. He is so patient and sweet and constantly waiting for her. It is so cute. Cesar, thanks for being so patient with my sweet sister, you are perfect for her in this way.



Photography by Jarvie Digital


Waitin' On A Woman
Brad Paisley

Sittin' on a bench at West Town Mall
He sat down in his overalls and asked me
You waitin' on a woman
I nodded yeah and said how 'bout you
He said son since nineteen fifty-two I've been
Waitin' on a woman

When I picked her up for our first date
I told her I'd be there at eight
And she came down the stairs at eight-thirty
She said I'm sorry that I took so long
Didn't like a thing that I tried on
But let me tell you son she sure looked pretty
Yeah she'll take her time but I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

He said the wedding took a year to plan
You talk about an anxious man, I was nervous
Waitin' on a woman
And then he nudged my arm like old men do
And said, I'll say this about the honeymoon, it was worth it
Waitin' on a woman

And I don't guess we've been anywhere
She hasn't made us late I swear
Sometimes she does it just 'cause she can do it
Boy it's just a fact of life
It'll be the same with your young wife
Might as well go on and get used to it
She'll take her time 'cause you don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

I've read somewhere statistics show
The man's always the first to go
And that makes sense 'cause I know she won't be ready
So when it finally comes my time
And I get to the other side
I'll find myself a bench, if they've got any
I hope she takes her time, 'cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

Honey, take your time, cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

Do I look 50?

A couple of weeks ago we took some of my aunts and uncles down to Laguna Beach. They wanted to get some things for their kids so first we went to the Hobie shop(not a hobbie shop, a surf shop). Interesting side note story here. We were walking around the shop, chasing our 3 year old around and browsing at the clothing. Mark was wanting to get some flip flops but was not impressed when the cheapest pair was $35. Any way that is not part of the story. The owner kept giving me that I know you from some where look and I just kind of brushed him off because I was too busy chasing my three year old. Well apparently while I was in another part of the store he told my husband I think I know her from high school. Mark said oh really when did you graduate. He said 30 years ago. Mark said defiantly not she graduated only 10 years ago. What an insult. I used to like it when people thought I was older than I am but 20 years older, come on. I would have to be almost 50. Maybe he thought I had some work done, or maybe I do look almost 50, what the heck. There is a picture posted here of me that night next to my aunt who is in her 50's are we twins?

After the Hobie shop we went down to Aliso Creek Beach to play in the waves. We were all just putting our feet in when a giant wave got all of us. My poor baby clung to his dad or my uncle John the rest of the night. But my brother Tanner, my aunt Diane and my husband had a blast trying to out run the waves. Aunt Diane was so cute, she wanted to come back to the beach early the next morning to play in the waves again before she had to leave.



We all got caught up in the wave.
Uncle Barth, Uncle John, Aunt Diane, Tanner, Mark, the oot.
Aunt MaryJo, Me
My favorite things about this picture. Uncle Barth's ghost white Alaska legs, Aunt Diane's face, and the face and death grip of my three year old. Oh and we all look like we peed out pants especially me. Click to enlarge.




They could have done this for hours.

Garrett's Baptism

On August 2, 2008 our nephew Garrett was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In our church children have the choice to be baptized after they turn eight years old. We were glad that we could be there for his special day.

Birthday Boy

I was looking through my summer pictures and thought I would post some from the 3 year olds birthday.





He was really into dipping the candle in the frosting and licking it off.


He loved the football helmet....

and the soccer net....

but his favorite by far was this costume that I picked up at a garage sale for 25 cents.

Newport Beach Temple

There is a beautiful building in the heart of Orange County. It is unlike any building in all of Orange County. It is the Newport Beach Temple. There was a sweet spirit felt there that day. There was also a longing to have a certain someone there with us that day. It was awesome to have so many family memebers and hugs in the temple. We got to go there with my family and be with my sister when she was endowed. It was really cool. Here is me and my sweetheart outside the temple.

Gorgeous Bride

My little sister is getting married tomorrow. I can hardly believe it. I looked at 84 of her 900 bridal pictures last night and they are all gorgeous. What a beautiful bride she will be. I just wanted to show a few of her bridals off.