About two years ago my mom started this tradition that we come to her house for a pre-Christmas get together. We eat soup and then bundle up (in A Christmas Story fashion) and go to Christmas Village in Ogden to see the lights, little decorated houses and Santa Claus. After we are sufficiently frozen we return to grandma’s and grandpa’s for hot chocolate and doughnuts. Then my mom and dad give the grown up kids and the grandkids their presents. The grandkids get new pajamas and a book.
Kylie absolutely loves every visit to her grandparents. She loved her cute pink and brown heart jammies (wearing them for several days in a row) and the whole way home kept saying, “Grandma is the nicest grandma ever!”
The grown up kids traditionally get food storage items. This year among other things we got these awesome water bottles that make virtually any water purified through a built in filtration system. We also received a butane burning stove. My un-married siblings may balk at my mom’s dedication to emergency preparedness, but I love it! As an LDS woman food storage, emergency preparedness, and visiting teaching are my 3 main stresses in life and a source of much guilt. It is so nice to get some help in these areas (maybe next year my mom will do my visiting teaching for me too )!
Although the evening is loud and often chaotic I love that my mom brings our family together for the special times. I love that her and my dad make each and every grandchild feel so special! We are so lucky to have them to help us remember the true spirit of Christmas which is “Christ-like Love!”
P.S. I'm almost forgot...A shout out to the BEST AUNTS EVER who stood in line so our little darlings could see Santa before the new year!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Video
I have a reputation to keep being the wife of a "Technology Guy." So this year I decided to make a Christmas Video instead of sending a Christmas Card. I hope you all enjoy it!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Oh Christmas Tree
If you couldn't tell from my previous "Thanksgiving Post in December," I am running a little behind. Last night for Family Home Evening we decided we better get out the tree and all of our other Christmas Decorations. Kylie was so excited.
She insisted on putting the star at the top of the tree (she has seen one too many Christmas Movies). Then she made Kody and I hold her hands while we all sang Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer around the Christmas Tree (I'm sure this will be a new tradition)!
She keeps saying "I am so excited for Christmas," and "This is going to be the best Christmas EVER!"
I hope Santa doesn't disappoint!
She insisted on putting the star at the top of the tree (she has seen one too many Christmas Movies). Then she made Kody and I hold her hands while we all sang Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer around the Christmas Tree (I'm sure this will be a new tradition)!
She keeps saying "I am so excited for Christmas," and "This is going to be the best Christmas EVER!"
I hope Santa doesn't disappoint!
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!
Don't you just hate people that post their Thanksgiving pictures in December?! In my defense Thanksgiving was during the last week of November this year.
So this was our year to travel to Kody's parents in Vale, Oregon. It's about a 7 hour trip with one stop for food and bathroom. I must say the portable DVD player is the greatest travel invention EVER!
With no cousins it's hard to entertain two young girls but grandma pulled out a toy that had lots of gears and wheels. Kylie loved it...maybe she has an engineering mind like her dad!
Kody's dad owns a Pheasant Hunting Ranch but this is the first time in about 5 years that he has gotten to hunt. It obviously brought out the redneck in him! :)
Kody's brother Kip traveled up to Oregon with us and when we got there Tessa started crawling up to him and wanting him to hold her. We laughed that he was a newer, younger version of her Dad.
Tessa loved watching the kittens wrestle on the back deck through the big glass window!
Another toy, grandpa's back massager. The girls loved changing the settings and hearing their vibrating voices!
Of course no Thanksgiving would be complete without some heavy TV viewing!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
So this was our year to travel to Kody's parents in Vale, Oregon. It's about a 7 hour trip with one stop for food and bathroom. I must say the portable DVD player is the greatest travel invention EVER!
With no cousins it's hard to entertain two young girls but grandma pulled out a toy that had lots of gears and wheels. Kylie loved it...maybe she has an engineering mind like her dad!
Kody's dad owns a Pheasant Hunting Ranch but this is the first time in about 5 years that he has gotten to hunt. It obviously brought out the redneck in him! :)
Kody's brother Kip traveled up to Oregon with us and when we got there Tessa started crawling up to him and wanting him to hold her. We laughed that he was a newer, younger version of her Dad.
Tessa loved watching the kittens wrestle on the back deck through the big glass window!
Another toy, grandpa's back massager. The girls loved changing the settings and hearing their vibrating voices!
Of course no Thanksgiving would be complete without some heavy TV viewing!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Twilight
I went without a t-shirt but I went just the same! I finally saw Twilight on Monday.
So all of my friends who have seen the movie have been giving me the inside scoop but I had to see it my self to confirm their findings.
Find #1: Jasper looks like Edward Scissor Hands...CONFIRMED...he does have that stiff, wide eyed look that makes you let out an awkward giggle.
Find #2: Emmett is HOT!...CONFIRMED...this bad boy with his hat turned side-ways is indeed (in my opinion) the #1 hottie of the movie!
Find #3:Bella isn't the greatest...CONFIRMED...a little disappointed by her lack of acting skills. Her lines are a little too forced.
Find #4: Edward also struggled with the acting...UNDECIDED...he does look constipated most of the time or like he is going to ralph (when Bella comes to chemistry) but when he smiles you can see the Edward in him.
With all my pre-viewing reports everyone failed to mention that Eric is Asian?!! and Tyler is African American??!! What the....
I went into the movie knowing it would never live up the images in my head so I had a good time and liked it.
My favorite part of the movie: A night out with my sisters, mom, and friends!
So all of my friends who have seen the movie have been giving me the inside scoop but I had to see it my self to confirm their findings.
Find #1: Jasper looks like Edward Scissor Hands...CONFIRMED...he does have that stiff, wide eyed look that makes you let out an awkward giggle.
Find #2: Emmett is HOT!...CONFIRMED...this bad boy with his hat turned side-ways is indeed (in my opinion) the #1 hottie of the movie!
Find #3:Bella isn't the greatest...CONFIRMED...a little disappointed by her lack of acting skills. Her lines are a little too forced.
Find #4: Edward also struggled with the acting...UNDECIDED...he does look constipated most of the time or like he is going to ralph (when Bella comes to chemistry) but when he smiles you can see the Edward in him.
With all my pre-viewing reports everyone failed to mention that Eric is Asian?!! and Tyler is African American??!! What the....
I went into the movie knowing it would never live up the images in my head so I had a good time and liked it.
My favorite part of the movie: A night out with my sisters, mom, and friends!
Friday, November 21, 2008
When is a Baby No Longer a Baby?
So that's my question. How do you know when your child is no longer a baby? Is it when they turn one, walk, get their first tooth, talk...
Well the signs have all been there: walking, babbling, some healthy chompers, trying to feed herself, blowing bubbles in the tub water, etc. but today I finally had to admit that my 14, almost 15 month old is no longer a baby.
It happened when we went shopping. We were in Target in the child's department and she looks up and see the huge baby on the sign for the baby department. She kicks her legs, points, and says very loud and clearly, "Baby." I didn't even know she knew how to say that word, and I guess when you can identify another baby you are out of the club.
Then we start going down the toy aisle and she is so excited! She has never shown mush interest and now she mumbles the same jibberish as she points to different toys. She is definitely telling me what she wants for Christmas!
So now I must prepare myself for the next stage...Toddlerhood...heaven help us! :)
Do we all hate our high pitch mommy voice played on video?!
Well the signs have all been there: walking, babbling, some healthy chompers, trying to feed herself, blowing bubbles in the tub water, etc. but today I finally had to admit that my 14, almost 15 month old is no longer a baby.
It happened when we went shopping. We were in Target in the child's department and she looks up and see the huge baby on the sign for the baby department. She kicks her legs, points, and says very loud and clearly, "Baby." I didn't even know she knew how to say that word, and I guess when you can identify another baby you are out of the club.
Then we start going down the toy aisle and she is so excited! She has never shown mush interest and now she mumbles the same jibberish as she points to different toys. She is definitely telling me what she wants for Christmas!
So now I must prepare myself for the next stage...Toddlerhood...heaven help us! :)
Do we all hate our high pitch mommy voice played on video?!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Parent Book
As many of you know I run a preschool out of my home. I don’t usually write about it, but today I thought it might give you all a laugh. November’s theme for the month is People and Places we love. We are talking about friends, family, houses, and homes. I made up this Parent Book entitled “My Parents by the person who know them best…me [student name]!” I have them draw a picture of their parents and then I get them to finish statements and I write down what they say. Some of the statements include:
My Mom is years old.
My Mom’s favorite food is
My Mom likes it when
If my Dad wasn’t a Dad he would be
My Dad is good at
Well I have gotten some really funny responses when asked how old their parents are; answers range from 6 to 60 with most saying 25 or 22. Some dads would be garbage men if they weren’t dads, and “the Utes” is most of the dad's favorite sport.
One little boy answered the statement “My Dad is " with the statement “a genius.”
We did the mom part of the book on one day and the dad part of the book another day, but I noticed when I asked one little girl, “My momther likes it when..." she answered “when my dad watches us.” Next day, same statement for dad, “My dad likes it when …answer “when mom watches us.”
There were so many funny sayings but the last on I wanted to share was the response to “My Dads name is...” One little boy didn’t understand and answered “dad.” So I tried to clarify by asking “What does everyone else call your dad?” His face brightened and he answered, “Brother Call.” I thought this was pretty funny because his dad was in the bishopric for a long time and is now the stake executive secretary!
My Mom is years old.
My Mom’s favorite food is
My Mom likes it when
If my Dad wasn’t a Dad he would be
My Dad is good at
Well I have gotten some really funny responses when asked how old their parents are; answers range from 6 to 60 with most saying 25 or 22. Some dads would be garbage men if they weren’t dads, and “the Utes” is most of the dad's favorite sport.
One little boy answered the statement “My Dad is " with the statement “a genius.”
We did the mom part of the book on one day and the dad part of the book another day, but I noticed when I asked one little girl, “My momther likes it when..." she answered “when my dad watches us.” Next day, same statement for dad, “My dad likes it when …answer “when mom watches us.”
There were so many funny sayings but the last on I wanted to share was the response to “My Dads name is...” One little boy didn’t understand and answered “dad.” So I tried to clarify by asking “What does everyone else call your dad?” His face brightened and he answered, “Brother Call.” I thought this was pretty funny because his dad was in the bishopric for a long time and is now the stake executive secretary!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
It has been a wonderful Halloween. Mostly because of the weather that has been the epitome of an Indian Summer with temperatures in the high 60’s and 70’s. Kylie was a Cheetah Cat for Halloween and Tessa was going to be a Dalmation Puppy, but we found the costume was too small so we switched to a ladybug. We had the usual Trunk or Treat and Preschool Halloween Party.
Friday we lounged around and then headed up to Grandma and Papa’s for their trunk or treat. Our cousins met us there to make the rounds. Aunt Becca was a little frustrated by our children’s lack of candy value knowledge. For instance choosing a pencil over a mini size candy bar. There were was too many Tootsie Roll Midgees, and Bit o’ Honeys for her taste. We joked that she should make them flash cards before next Halloween.
After the trunk or treat we headed up to Grandma and Papa’s. My dad loves Halloween and his house reflects that. There are fishline ghosts in the trees, dummies (both dead and alive)on the porch swing and human size coffin on the front porch. Of course there is a pile of leaves in which someone may or may not be hiding and spooky sounds coming from a boom box (I should’ve taken a picture). Kody helps him scare the neighbor kids and Kylie even got into it this year. I went outside to see if she wanted to do some more trick or treating and she replied, “Shhh mom, we’re scaring kids.” It was actually nice not to have to drag her from door to door. So we had a wonderful Halloween and hope you all did as well!
Friday we lounged around and then headed up to Grandma and Papa’s for their trunk or treat. Our cousins met us there to make the rounds. Aunt Becca was a little frustrated by our children’s lack of candy value knowledge. For instance choosing a pencil over a mini size candy bar. There were was too many Tootsie Roll Midgees, and Bit o’ Honeys for her taste. We joked that she should make them flash cards before next Halloween.
After the trunk or treat we headed up to Grandma and Papa’s. My dad loves Halloween and his house reflects that. There are fishline ghosts in the trees, dummies (both dead and alive)on the porch swing and human size coffin on the front porch. Of course there is a pile of leaves in which someone may or may not be hiding and spooky sounds coming from a boom box (I should’ve taken a picture). Kody helps him scare the neighbor kids and Kylie even got into it this year. I went outside to see if she wanted to do some more trick or treating and she replied, “Shhh mom, we’re scaring kids.” It was actually nice not to have to drag her from door to door. So we had a wonderful Halloween and hope you all did as well!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Need a Good Cry?
Men will never understand it, but every once in a while women need a good cry. It often comes from a touching commercial, a sad news story, a chick flick, or a good book. Well my good cry occurs everytime I click on a particular blog...I should say blogs.
So I bet many of you already know these blog but I have only been following them for a month or so since my sister Amy passed them onto me.
The first entitled the Nie Nie Dialogues was a blog written by Stephanie Nielson, a mother of 4 from Arizona, highlighting her life as a mother and her love of her family. She had many, many readers (I wish I had been reading then). On August 16th, 2008 Stephanie and her husband were in a plane crash in AZ. Stephanie and her husband were severely burned. So now her sister manages her blog re-posting favorite posts and updating us on her condition.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/
That same sister, Courtney Jane, has her own blog in which she details the events of Stephanie's healing as she cares for three of her children.
http://blog.cjanerun.com/
This last blog has a great video detailing everything.
http://welovethenielsons.blogspot.com/
So if you want a good cry, something to remind you how blessed you are, an inspirational story or all three...check out these blogs!
Love You All!
-Michelle
So I bet many of you already know these blog but I have only been following them for a month or so since my sister Amy passed them onto me.
The first entitled the Nie Nie Dialogues was a blog written by Stephanie Nielson, a mother of 4 from Arizona, highlighting her life as a mother and her love of her family. She had many, many readers (I wish I had been reading then). On August 16th, 2008 Stephanie and her husband were in a plane crash in AZ. Stephanie and her husband were severely burned. So now her sister manages her blog re-posting favorite posts and updating us on her condition.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/
That same sister, Courtney Jane, has her own blog in which she details the events of Stephanie's healing as she cares for three of her children.
http://blog.cjanerun.com/
This last blog has a great video detailing everything.
http://welovethenielsons.blogspot.com/
So if you want a good cry, something to remind you how blessed you are, an inspirational story or all three...check out these blogs!
Love You All!
-Michelle
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tagged!
I've been tagged. I don't know if that's good for me or bad for you...I feel like I have gone overboard with the blogging lately...so everyone bear with me as I tell you
7 Random/Weird Facts About Myself
1.)I don’t have a middle name. My parents thought it was proper to not to give me or my two sisters middle names so we could use our maiden names as our middle names when we got married. I have yet to use my maiden name as my middle name and I have been married for seven years. (Side note: My three younger sisters have us older two-namers to thank for their middle names, we were old enough when they were born to give input!)
2. I once got stuck in a gutter. Believe it or not when I was like 6 (can't really remember how old I was, but I couldn't have been that old...or big) I was "swimming" in the gutter. Yes we were poor and didn't have passes to a pool and apparently it was nice and slippery from moss and we live on the corner where the gutter goes down and under the street. I don't know how it happened but suddenly I was down in the part that slopes down to go under, my head was under the street and my hands were grabbing on to weeds that were growing on the sides. I was kept from going under because my leg got bent back and was touching my back. My sister Laura saw my fingers and ran to get my mom and at the same moment an older gentleman from across the street came and got me out. I have no idea how he did it without breaking my leg!
3.)I’ve never been to a concert. I am insanely deprived. I have been to plays and even an opera in junior high but never a concert. Now that I'm this old there is so much pressure to choose the right concert and I feel like I will be too old to enjoy one properly. I keep hinting to Kody that would make a great anniversary, mother's day, birthday, christmas, hannukah, veteran's day, etc., etc., present but he hasn't gotten the hint. So if you are reading this please give him the message!
4.)I have had stitches twice, but have never broken a bone. Both cuts are on my face and were received before the age of 5. I have one on my chin from falling on a wagon handle (yes in the olden days they were made of steel) and the other on my cheek from a swing set. My sister was teaching me how to "pump" and I did it improperly flipping over and cut my cheek on a screw (were there no safety standards on toys back then?!!!!) I am quite proud of the fact that I have never broken and bone or twisted anything. This is amazing considering the fact that I played volleyball, basketball, softball, and track all through middle school and high school.
5.)I don’t wear contacts or glasses. Eagle Eyes...that's what I have! No really I have to credit good genes! I come from a family of eight and none of us have had to get glasses. Which is good because our teeth alone were enough to put our parents in the poor house!
6.)I worked on a dude ranch in Wyoming. This is both random and weird. It was supposed to be this amazing adventure...instead it was one of the most miserable experiences of my life. I'll some it up this way: waitressed in a horrible dress, lived in old logging cabin that you could literally see the stars out of, had to square dance every week, never rode a horse, and got kicked off with about 10 other kids for being LDS! But on the plus side I know all the word to "Happy Trails."
7.)I am a reality TV Junkie. Admittance is the first step right. I have been a lot better these past months, but I love to watch The Biggest Loser, The Amazing Race, Survivor, America's Next Top Model, Kitchen Nightmares, Super Nanny, Baby Borrowers, and I even get into American Idol. Strangely enough I haven't gotten into So You Think you Can Dance? or Dancing With the Stars, or Big Brother. AND I just can't bring myself to endure America's Got Talent. But mostly I game for anything involving reality apparently. That's not to say I don't have "my shows" but that's a whole 'nother addiction! :)
So am I random/weird? Anyone want to stop being my friend?
Well I want to see how random/weird you all are. So start spilling it.
TAG! YOU'RE IT!
7 Random/Weird Facts About Myself
1.)I don’t have a middle name. My parents thought it was proper to not to give me or my two sisters middle names so we could use our maiden names as our middle names when we got married. I have yet to use my maiden name as my middle name and I have been married for seven years. (Side note: My three younger sisters have us older two-namers to thank for their middle names, we were old enough when they were born to give input!)
2. I once got stuck in a gutter. Believe it or not when I was like 6 (can't really remember how old I was, but I couldn't have been that old...or big) I was "swimming" in the gutter. Yes we were poor and didn't have passes to a pool and apparently it was nice and slippery from moss and we live on the corner where the gutter goes down and under the street. I don't know how it happened but suddenly I was down in the part that slopes down to go under, my head was under the street and my hands were grabbing on to weeds that were growing on the sides. I was kept from going under because my leg got bent back and was touching my back. My sister Laura saw my fingers and ran to get my mom and at the same moment an older gentleman from across the street came and got me out. I have no idea how he did it without breaking my leg!
3.)I’ve never been to a concert. I am insanely deprived. I have been to plays and even an opera in junior high but never a concert. Now that I'm this old there is so much pressure to choose the right concert and I feel like I will be too old to enjoy one properly. I keep hinting to Kody that would make a great anniversary, mother's day, birthday, christmas, hannukah, veteran's day, etc., etc., present but he hasn't gotten the hint. So if you are reading this please give him the message!
4.)I have had stitches twice, but have never broken a bone. Both cuts are on my face and were received before the age of 5. I have one on my chin from falling on a wagon handle (yes in the olden days they were made of steel) and the other on my cheek from a swing set. My sister was teaching me how to "pump" and I did it improperly flipping over and cut my cheek on a screw (were there no safety standards on toys back then?!!!!) I am quite proud of the fact that I have never broken and bone or twisted anything. This is amazing considering the fact that I played volleyball, basketball, softball, and track all through middle school and high school.
5.)I don’t wear contacts or glasses. Eagle Eyes...that's what I have! No really I have to credit good genes! I come from a family of eight and none of us have had to get glasses. Which is good because our teeth alone were enough to put our parents in the poor house!
6.)I worked on a dude ranch in Wyoming. This is both random and weird. It was supposed to be this amazing adventure...instead it was one of the most miserable experiences of my life. I'll some it up this way: waitressed in a horrible dress, lived in old logging cabin that you could literally see the stars out of, had to square dance every week, never rode a horse, and got kicked off with about 10 other kids for being LDS! But on the plus side I know all the word to "Happy Trails."
7.)I am a reality TV Junkie. Admittance is the first step right. I have been a lot better these past months, but I love to watch The Biggest Loser, The Amazing Race, Survivor, America's Next Top Model, Kitchen Nightmares, Super Nanny, Baby Borrowers, and I even get into American Idol. Strangely enough I haven't gotten into So You Think you Can Dance? or Dancing With the Stars, or Big Brother. AND I just can't bring myself to endure America's Got Talent. But mostly I game for anything involving reality apparently. That's not to say I don't have "my shows" but that's a whole 'nother addiction! :)
So am I random/weird? Anyone want to stop being my friend?
Well I want to see how random/weird you all are. So start spilling it.
TAG! YOU'RE IT!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Whatever the Weather...
Usually I love living in Utah. I do like experiencing the seasons, but sometimes I wish they would stay in order. We had been experiencing unusually high temperatures for October thus far with temperatures in the 80’s. As you can see in these pictures we are in short sleeves and sandals as we pick our pumpkins. We grew 17 of them in our garden. 5 looked like actual pumpkins and the rest were some gourd hybrids that I call “teardrop pumpkins” because of their shape.
All that changed overnight. We woke up to snow today and had a high of 39 and a low of 29! It was a little depressing, but at least Kylie got to make her first “snow monster!”
All that changed overnight. We woke up to snow today and had a high of 39 and a low of 29! It was a little depressing, but at least Kylie got to make her first “snow monster!”
Friday, October 10, 2008
Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
I thought I would share with you all one of my favorite play dough recipes:
3 c flour
1 1/2 c salt
1 tbsp cream of tartar
3 tbsp pumpkin pie spice*
* (optional)I also add a little cinnamon and clove
3 c water
2 tbsp oil
(optional) red and yellow food coloring
Directions: I mix all the dry ingredients in a pot and then add all the wet ingredients. I mix it well before ever turning on the burner because the flour can really clump. When it is really smooth and runny I add my food coloring at a ratio of 2 red drops for every 3 yellow (so if you want it darker 4 red, 6 yellow, etc.)
It should look pretty runny and you'll think this should be play dough? But trust me.
Get large metal spoon and turn the burner on medium high and stir. Some of the play dough will start clumping to the spoon and sticking to the bottom...keep stirring. The parts that stick will have almost a "plasticy" texture...KEEP STIRRING!!
It will start to cook and come away from the sides into a big clump. When it doesn't have that wet, runny look to it any more (or you can't stir anymore) turn of the burner, and move it over to a different burner to cool. Let it cool for 10 minutes or so and then remove it from the pan and knead it like bread on the counter.
I love this recipe because although it is arm breaking the cooking process helps the play dough stay firmer. At the end of it you should have orange play dough that smells terrific!
I make it for preschool every year and just remind the kids that it's just to smell. It is made it natural ingredients, but I tell them it will make them sick. Some of the more daring ones will sneak a lick (lesson learned) but I've never had a child eat it!
Finally, give your kids some Halloween cookie cutters (walmart has some for cheap) and let them enjoy this holiday season.
This recipe will make probably 4-5 large handfuls of play dough. It is easy to double and you can divide it and put some in a Halloween cellophane bag, attach a cookie cutter, and give it as gifts to neighbors!
3 c flour
1 1/2 c salt
1 tbsp cream of tartar
3 tbsp pumpkin pie spice*
* (optional)I also add a little cinnamon and clove
3 c water
2 tbsp oil
(optional) red and yellow food coloring
Directions: I mix all the dry ingredients in a pot and then add all the wet ingredients. I mix it well before ever turning on the burner because the flour can really clump. When it is really smooth and runny I add my food coloring at a ratio of 2 red drops for every 3 yellow (so if you want it darker 4 red, 6 yellow, etc.)
It should look pretty runny and you'll think this should be play dough? But trust me.
Get large metal spoon and turn the burner on medium high and stir. Some of the play dough will start clumping to the spoon and sticking to the bottom...keep stirring. The parts that stick will have almost a "plasticy" texture...KEEP STIRRING!!
It will start to cook and come away from the sides into a big clump. When it doesn't have that wet, runny look to it any more (or you can't stir anymore) turn of the burner, and move it over to a different burner to cool. Let it cool for 10 minutes or so and then remove it from the pan and knead it like bread on the counter.
I love this recipe because although it is arm breaking the cooking process helps the play dough stay firmer. At the end of it you should have orange play dough that smells terrific!
I make it for preschool every year and just remind the kids that it's just to smell. It is made it natural ingredients, but I tell them it will make them sick. Some of the more daring ones will sneak a lick (lesson learned) but I've never had a child eat it!
Finally, give your kids some Halloween cookie cutters (walmart has some for cheap) and let them enjoy this holiday season.
This recipe will make probably 4-5 large handfuls of play dough. It is easy to double and you can divide it and put some in a Halloween cellophane bag, attach a cookie cutter, and give it as gifts to neighbors!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
We Love October
We have the best grandma ever!
She is always coming up with ways for us to get together and have fun.
We decided to try the corn maze at Pack’s Pumpkin Patch. It was a maze in the shape of a Scarecrow with 6 stations to find.
At each station there is a different hole punch to punch a card and when the card is full you get a prize at the end.
We did quite well navigating the maze and all received our prizes at the end. Then we went back to the car for hot chocolate and fall cupcakes.
It was a little too warm for the hot chocolate (it’s still in the high 80’s/low 90’s) but the kids loved the cupcakes!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
You Make Me Laugh!
All parents have them. Those times when your child says and does the funniest things and then you remember why you wanted to be a parent in the first place!
Heard
Kylie as she tried to pick up Tessa, “she’s heavier than she looks.”
Heard
Kylie’s new catch phrase, “What in de world….?”
Seen
I wish you had all been there to see it when Kylie, Tess, and I were watching Sleeping Beauty, and Kylie covers my eyes when Rose is about to prick her finger on the spinning wheel. While covering my eyes she is yelling, “ROSE, DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING!”*
*Kylie is a great person to watch movies with. Even if she has seen the movie a thousand times she still laughs at the funny parts, and gasps at the sacry ones!
Heard
Kylie as she tried to pick up Tessa, “she’s heavier than she looks.”
Heard
Kylie’s new catch phrase, “What in de world….?”
Seen
I wish you had all been there to see it when Kylie, Tess, and I were watching Sleeping Beauty, and Kylie covers my eyes when Rose is about to prick her finger on the spinning wheel. While covering my eyes she is yelling, “ROSE, DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING!”*
*Kylie is a great person to watch movies with. Even if she has seen the movie a thousand times she still laughs at the funny parts, and gasps at the sacry ones!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Husband Tag
So I thought it would be nice to let you know about the one person that doesn't get much face time on our blog... our Daddy and Husband...Kody!
1. Where did you first meet? Old Farm Apartments at Utah State University (well-known apartment complex for perpetuating matrimony among its tenants). His cousin was my roommate.
2. How long did you date before you got married? Dated for 5 months, engaged for 6. The engagement was torture.
3. How long have you been married? Seven years.
4. What does he do that surprises you? Two things (1)He’s very handy! He fixes everything around the house, maintains our automobiles, and other things that others would take elsewhere to get fixed and is very prompt in doing so. (2) He's social. Despite the fact that he is an Electrical Engineer he is outgoing and people enjoy talking with him
5. What is your favorite feature of his? His hands and his smile. He has a really nice smile and super soft hands. He doesn’t like it when I tell people that because he thinks it makes him sound like he doesn’t work hard. So, I will say he works very hard but I like it when I get to hold his hand.
6. What is your favorite quality of his? He is super smart and constantly improving…in his work, in our relationship, in his knowledge of things, in his relationship with the girls, etc.
7. Does he have a nickname for you? Chel. I don’t think he has called me “Michelle” since we started seriously dating.
8. What is his favorite color? He would say that he doesn’t know and then shrug and say Blue or Red.
9. What is his favorite food? Meat…any kind, Japanese Food (Tomkatsu) and Chinese.
10. What is his favorite sport? Football! He also enjoys watching basketball and he is a good tennis player.
11. When and where was your first kiss? Our second date!!! In his apartment after watching a movie. I about died. It was at a weird angel…not very good one, but it was just the beginning.
12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Going out to eat, watching sports, doing things with our girls, and (my favorite) just talking together in bed at the end of the day!
13. Do you have any children? 2 girls: Kylie (4) and Tessa (1)
14. Does he have a hidden talent? He can play the piano. It’s hidden because he doesn’t let anyone know he can ;)
15. How old is he? 29
16. Who said "I love you" first? I did, of course, pretty soon after we started dating. And I told him that he didn’t have to say it back until he meant. All it took was for him to be away from me during Thanksgiving Break, and he said it to me over the phone.
17. What is his favorite type of music? Anything loud! Just kidding. He likes a mix of everything: hard rock, easy listening, R&B, oldies…bust mostly Top 100.
18. How did you know he was The One? He knew before I did. I think it came gradually for me. I thought he was the type of guy who wouldn’t date (or marry) a girl like me. The more time we spent together the more I liked him and then at Christmas we discussed the “M word” which was a big thing for him, from then on I just knew.
19. Do you think he will read this? Probably not.
20. I tag: Kari, Danielle…heck I tag everyone! I want to know about everyone’s husbands!
1. Where did you first meet? Old Farm Apartments at Utah State University (well-known apartment complex for perpetuating matrimony among its tenants). His cousin was my roommate.
2. How long did you date before you got married? Dated for 5 months, engaged for 6. The engagement was torture.
3. How long have you been married? Seven years.
4. What does he do that surprises you? Two things (1)He’s very handy! He fixes everything around the house, maintains our automobiles, and other things that others would take elsewhere to get fixed and is very prompt in doing so. (2) He's social. Despite the fact that he is an Electrical Engineer he is outgoing and people enjoy talking with him
5. What is your favorite feature of his? His hands and his smile. He has a really nice smile and super soft hands. He doesn’t like it when I tell people that because he thinks it makes him sound like he doesn’t work hard. So, I will say he works very hard but I like it when I get to hold his hand.
6. What is your favorite quality of his? He is super smart and constantly improving…in his work, in our relationship, in his knowledge of things, in his relationship with the girls, etc.
7. Does he have a nickname for you? Chel. I don’t think he has called me “Michelle” since we started seriously dating.
8. What is his favorite color? He would say that he doesn’t know and then shrug and say Blue or Red.
9. What is his favorite food? Meat…any kind, Japanese Food (Tomkatsu) and Chinese.
10. What is his favorite sport? Football! He also enjoys watching basketball and he is a good tennis player.
11. When and where was your first kiss? Our second date!!! In his apartment after watching a movie. I about died. It was at a weird angel…not very good one, but it was just the beginning.
12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Going out to eat, watching sports, doing things with our girls, and (my favorite) just talking together in bed at the end of the day!
13. Do you have any children? 2 girls: Kylie (4) and Tessa (1)
14. Does he have a hidden talent? He can play the piano. It’s hidden because he doesn’t let anyone know he can ;)
15. How old is he? 29
16. Who said "I love you" first? I did, of course, pretty soon after we started dating. And I told him that he didn’t have to say it back until he meant. All it took was for him to be away from me during Thanksgiving Break, and he said it to me over the phone.
17. What is his favorite type of music? Anything loud! Just kidding. He likes a mix of everything: hard rock, easy listening, R&B, oldies…bust mostly Top 100.
18. How did you know he was The One? He knew before I did. I think it came gradually for me. I thought he was the type of guy who wouldn’t date (or marry) a girl like me. The more time we spent together the more I liked him and then at Christmas we discussed the “M word” which was a big thing for him, from then on I just knew.
19. Do you think he will read this? Probably not.
20. I tag: Kari, Danielle…heck I tag everyone! I want to know about everyone’s husbands!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Greatest Show on Earth
I think I am living out my childhood dreams through my children! This last weekend I took Kylie to see Barnum & Bailey’s Circus at the Energy Solutions Arena. We rode the commuter train from Woods Cross to Salt Lake (something Kylie has been excited about for months) and then we took Trax to the Arena. We got there before the show and got to go down on the main event floor and see some of the clowns, and other performers.
The circus was a lot of fun with clowns, acrobats, tigers, elephants, and lots of amazing acts! We sat by a family from Saratoga Springs with a 3 ½ year old named Brooke. She and Kylie were fast friends by the end of the show…even sharing a seat.
It was a great Mom and Daughter Night that I hope we both will remember for years to come!
Caution:If you do decide to take your kids to a show like this beware of one pitfall: the vendors. $12 cotton candy, $14 dollar toys, etc. After Kody saw the mayhem at Disney on Ice, I wised up and filled my bag with treats and drinks. I even found a little elephant at the dollar store that I gave to Kylie at the show, she loved it and we didn’t have to break the bank!
The circus was a lot of fun with clowns, acrobats, tigers, elephants, and lots of amazing acts! We sat by a family from Saratoga Springs with a 3 ½ year old named Brooke. She and Kylie were fast friends by the end of the show…even sharing a seat.
It was a great Mom and Daughter Night that I hope we both will remember for years to come!
Caution:If you do decide to take your kids to a show like this beware of one pitfall: the vendors. $12 cotton candy, $14 dollar toys, etc. After Kody saw the mayhem at Disney on Ice, I wised up and filled my bag with treats and drinks. I even found a little elephant at the dollar store that I gave to Kylie at the show, she loved it and we didn’t have to break the bank!
Monday, September 22, 2008
We Are Family
Okay so we had our Memmott Family Reunion September 12-13th up at Camp Atoka in Eden, Utah. This is my mom's side of the family. There are 9 kids in my moms family, 6 of which are girls, so the "Aunts" or "Young Grandmas" are always planning fun things like this to get the family together.
The Highlights
1)Matching Family T-Shirts with Evanisms (sayings from my Grandpa Evan)
2)Roasting marshmellows and singing aroudn the campfire
3)Memmott Jeopardy: a hillarious game thought up by Angie, Becca, and Amy with categories like "Who Done it?" " "The Butt of the Joke, " etc. There were suggestions that next year we play Who Wants to Be a Memmott (for all the in-laws) complete with phone a friend, poll the audience and 50/50.
4) Cucmber Regada: All the great-grandkids made boats out of cucmbers and we floated them down the river
5) The Food: Our amazing aunts indulged us with Pork Salad, a Chuck Wagon Breakfast, Hoagies, and Hawiian Haystacks.
6)A Little Free Time: the "young grandmas" watched the kids while the parents enjoyed baseball and sand volleyball
The Lowlights
1) There were none! Even with many families sleeping in the lodge, the cricket that got inside, the snoring, etc. we all can laugh about it and we had a great time!
The Highlights
1)Matching Family T-Shirts with Evanisms (sayings from my Grandpa Evan)
2)Roasting marshmellows and singing aroudn the campfire
3)Memmott Jeopardy: a hillarious game thought up by Angie, Becca, and Amy with categories like "Who Done it?" " "The Butt of the Joke, " etc. There were suggestions that next year we play Who Wants to Be a Memmott (for all the in-laws) complete with phone a friend, poll the audience and 50/50.
4) Cucmber Regada: All the great-grandkids made boats out of cucmbers and we floated them down the river
5) The Food: Our amazing aunts indulged us with Pork Salad, a Chuck Wagon Breakfast, Hoagies, and Hawiian Haystacks.
6)A Little Free Time: the "young grandmas" watched the kids while the parents enjoyed baseball and sand volleyball
The Lowlights
1) There were none! Even with many families sleeping in the lodge, the cricket that got inside, the snoring, etc. we all can laugh about it and we had a great time!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Kids Say the Darndest Things!
"Bodies"
The other day I was pushing the girls in the shopping cart at Costco when Kylie pats my chest and says “Mom, what do you have in your body? Milk?”
Let me explain…before I had Tessa I, like other mothers, wrestled with the idea of how to explain “breastfeeding” to my toddler. Being a preschool teacher I know that whatever you tell your preschooler they will exclaim loudly in front of others. I didn’t want her loudly explaining to her classmates “my baby drinks from my mom’s breasts (or boobs)!” While correct I feel this is a little embarrassing (to me) and no one ever know quite how to respond. So I simply told her the baby drinks from my “body,” choosing to generalize rather than give an anatomy lesson.
So back to the story….I replied “Yes,” and removing her hand I said “but let’s not touch my bodies.”
"Pokeys"
Don’t we love how children are so honest?! So tonight I was bathing the girls and after I got Kylie dressed I had her sit in my lap so I could brush her hair. I had on my capris and she sat down and said “Mom, these are pokey!” and pointed to my leg hairs. Then she asked “what are these pokeys?”
I replied, “Hairs, leg hairs.” She said, “Oh, I don’t like leg hairs.” “Me, neither” I muttered under my breath.
Let’s face it! I barely have time to shower by myself let alone do much personal grooming. Usually leg shaving is only accomplished on the weekends
The other day I was pushing the girls in the shopping cart at Costco when Kylie pats my chest and says “Mom, what do you have in your body? Milk?”
Let me explain…before I had Tessa I, like other mothers, wrestled with the idea of how to explain “breastfeeding” to my toddler. Being a preschool teacher I know that whatever you tell your preschooler they will exclaim loudly in front of others. I didn’t want her loudly explaining to her classmates “my baby drinks from my mom’s breasts (or boobs)!” While correct I feel this is a little embarrassing (to me) and no one ever know quite how to respond. So I simply told her the baby drinks from my “body,” choosing to generalize rather than give an anatomy lesson.
So back to the story….I replied “Yes,” and removing her hand I said “but let’s not touch my bodies.”
"Pokeys"
Don’t we love how children are so honest?! So tonight I was bathing the girls and after I got Kylie dressed I had her sit in my lap so I could brush her hair. I had on my capris and she sat down and said “Mom, these are pokey!” and pointed to my leg hairs. Then she asked “what are these pokeys?”
I replied, “Hairs, leg hairs.” She said, “Oh, I don’t like leg hairs.” “Me, neither” I muttered under my breath.
Let’s face it! I barely have time to shower by myself let alone do much personal grooming. Usually leg shaving is only accomplished on the weekends
Friday, September 19, 2008
2 Preschools
A lady in the neighborhood has started a preschool this year and so we’ve decided to trade children. Her daughter Kenzi comes to my preschool 2 days a week and Kylie goes to her preschool 2 days a week. I think Kylie loves having some time away from mom and I want to make sure she can listen to her teacher, behave and make friends on her own before she starts kindergarten next year.
Parkey
Kody’s had a really great friend and roommate up at Utah State named Rob. They both were Electrical Engineer majors so they spent a great deal of their single and married life studying together. Rob and his wife Danielle lived across the way from us in Aggie Village and Rob and Kody both work at L-3.
Kylie and their son Parke (who she calls "Pareky") who is about 7 months younger than her have always gotten along really well. We haven’t seen them as much as we usually do this year but we got to have him over for a play date and it was awesome. Kylie and Parke play so well together. They never fight and generally enjoy being with each other.
After they played for a while I thought it might be fun to go get them Happy Meals at McDonalds. On our way the song Apologize by One Republic came on and Parke said,”Hey I know this song!”
Then Kylie told me to turn the music up. So there we are in our black Tahoe, windows down, tunes cranked up while 2 preschoolers and a toddler “jam” in their car seats! It was too priceless. After that they busted out some Old MacDonald, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. We ended the date with popsicles and bubbles!
So I thought include a little slide show to show the friendship between Parke and Kylie!
Kylie and their son Parke (who she calls "Pareky") who is about 7 months younger than her have always gotten along really well. We haven’t seen them as much as we usually do this year but we got to have him over for a play date and it was awesome. Kylie and Parke play so well together. They never fight and generally enjoy being with each other.
After they played for a while I thought it might be fun to go get them Happy Meals at McDonalds. On our way the song Apologize by One Republic came on and Parke said,”Hey I know this song!”
Then Kylie told me to turn the music up. So there we are in our black Tahoe, windows down, tunes cranked up while 2 preschoolers and a toddler “jam” in their car seats! It was too priceless. After that they busted out some Old MacDonald, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. We ended the date with popsicles and bubbles!
So I thought include a little slide show to show the friendship between Parke and Kylie!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Preschool
Well it’s that time of year again…when parents all over Davis County put me at the top of their “favorite Person” list. Why am I exalted to this position? Because I am their child’s preschool teacher. I hated to see the summer end but my longing for those days disappears when I see those little faces with their oversized book bags come through my door, and I shed a tear as they start talking about what kind of new underwear they all have on
I started preschool Tuesday (Sept. 2nd). I am only teaching 2 classes of pre-k this year and I have to say that for the first time in a long time I don’t feel any stress. My kids (as usual) are wonderful and we are having so much fun already. The only mishap so far is one of my students laid down on the grass while we were out doing parachute and when we came in there were ants on the table and on her paper. I couldn’t figure out where they were all coming from and finally I noticed they were in her hair! Luckily the ants were small, black, and I was able to get them off her quickly!
I started preschool Tuesday (Sept. 2nd). I am only teaching 2 classes of pre-k this year and I have to say that for the first time in a long time I don’t feel any stress. My kids (as usual) are wonderful and we are having so much fun already. The only mishap so far is one of my students laid down on the grass while we were out doing parachute and when we came in there were ants on the table and on her paper. I couldn’t figure out where they were all coming from and finally I noticed they were in her hair! Luckily the ants were small, black, and I was able to get them off her quickly!
Labor Day
Sorry you'll have to bear with me...I know Labor Day was like 2 weeks ago but our computer that stores my journal and pictures has been down, but I still wanted to share...
We had a fabulous Labor Day weekend. Saturday we made our last trip of the season to Cherry Hill to soak up some extra rays before summer. Our friends Rob and Danielle were there with their kids Parke and Preslee. Kylie had a lot of fun playing baseball with Parke’s water ball and bat!
Monday, we went to the Kaysville Theater. It’s a small three screen theater that host movies weeks after they are in the major theaters. No surround sound or bowl seating but we love the $2 tickets, $1 drinks, and $2 popcorn. We saw Kung Fu Panda. Kylie loved the movie…her eyes didn’t leave the screen the entire time. She wouldn’t even look at me when I offered her the popcorn, she just held up her hand and said, “No, danks!” She was so enthralled with the movie at one point she was making little kung fu sounds from her seat…”ha ya!”
Tessa, not quite the movie connoissuer, fell asleep.
My favorite lines from the movie: “There is no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness.” AND “It is said that his enemies would go blind from over-exposure to pure awesomeness!”
So I hope you all had an AWESOME Labor Day as well!
We had a fabulous Labor Day weekend. Saturday we made our last trip of the season to Cherry Hill to soak up some extra rays before summer. Our friends Rob and Danielle were there with their kids Parke and Preslee. Kylie had a lot of fun playing baseball with Parke’s water ball and bat!
Monday, we went to the Kaysville Theater. It’s a small three screen theater that host movies weeks after they are in the major theaters. No surround sound or bowl seating but we love the $2 tickets, $1 drinks, and $2 popcorn. We saw Kung Fu Panda. Kylie loved the movie…her eyes didn’t leave the screen the entire time. She wouldn’t even look at me when I offered her the popcorn, she just held up her hand and said, “No, danks!” She was so enthralled with the movie at one point she was making little kung fu sounds from her seat…”ha ya!”
Tessa, not quite the movie connoissuer, fell asleep.
My favorite lines from the movie: “There is no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness.” AND “It is said that his enemies would go blind from over-exposure to pure awesomeness!”
So I hope you all had an AWESOME Labor Day as well!
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