1st coat

I'm painting the crown moulding in my bedroom...black, of course. As if there is any other color in the world.

I think I'm addicted to black and I want to paint the whole house black...well not only black, but maybe gold too. :)

Here's the 1st coat on the trim...with the green tape still on. I'm debating on whether I will like it solid black or antiqued with gold. I think the black not only makes the trim pop but I really feel like it shows the harlequin better too.

Here's a not-so-good picture of the trim before. I think Jennifer has better pictures and we'll be able to compare them when I'm all done. I still have to paint the un-black part of the ceiling and remaining walls too.

I'd like to have my room finished someday!

Just Tuesday

Well, so much for Monday.

Tuesday itself...is just another day. Nothing super fun. Yes...it's busy but then I think that's what makes it just another day.

One good thing about Tuesday are the cartoons.....generated just to keep interest in TuesdaysYes...promises were made but so were threats (and I am frankly more worried about the threats) and those threats have already begun to be followed through on. I wish they were stored along with the promises. But love the Tuesday Cartoons.

Sidenote....I think I'm obsessed with all thing wheat right now. The "Delish" bread stick recipe I make...makes even better buns! It's totally my weakness right now. These buns make me go weak in the knees! Try them with peanut butter and agave or under sloppy joe sauce. So, here's to yummy buns on Tuesday.

There are those who like to play "Tackle It" Tuesday. I did that....once.

Maybe we should have Tie-dye Tuesday!! Oh, wait...I tried that already...

Maybe I shouldn't use Liquid Plummer.

Or how about Taebo Tuesday for all you fitness freaks out there!!

Oh wait...did that too...my hip is still out of it's socket! No thanks.

I think I'll stick with plan ole Tuesday. Boring is good. Or maybe...Taco Tuesday...yeah! Mmmm....tacos.

Happy Tuesday!

Monday, Monday

I think I decided awhile back that Monday is my favorite day of the week.

I've been uplifted and spiritually fed on Sunday so my spirit, thoughts and attitude are still up. I'm usually feeling the most rested and caught up on sleep on Monday morning.

I look forward to a day of going back to routines, making and tackling lists, and a house of quiet.

Monday is always a fresh start to me. A re-do day. A clean slate. It's the day I feel hopeful to restart working on my bad habits and feel the most positive about accomplishing my goals. But oh...the laundry, the house work, the bill paying and getting everyone else's lives back on track.

Sometimes I wish I could trade jobs with someone else.

Good thing it's Monday and I still have energy for my crappy job! Ha! And good thing everyone loves toliet paper!

Designed to Create

This is so inspiring and it rings true with every woman I know.

It's Whats for Supper

I got this recipe off of a site called...relishmag.com
I was looking for a recipe that I had heard of for a Mexican Casserole made with Ramen Noodles. I have a ton of Ramen Noodles.
Anyway, this is a pretty good little recipe if you're trying to cut back on your meat intake but it's also good with a can of chicken in it.
I altered the recipe a little and I think it works better.

Mexican Casserole Ramen Style
3 pkgs chicken Ramen Noodles with 2 seasoning packets
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can diced green chilie, drained
1 small can diced olives, drained
1 1/2 cups light sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed corn chips

1. Preheat oven to 400. Grease or spray a 11 x 7 baking dish.
2. Cook noodles in water according to package directions, rinse with cold water and drain.
3. Combine noodles with the 2 seasoning packets, Monterey Jack cheese, chilies and olives. Stir in sour cream. Spoon noodle mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and top with corn chips. Bake 20 minutes or until brown and bubbly.
Serves 4-6

You could substitute the cheeses and chips for lowfat and it would drop the fat intake quite a bit. But, it's pretty good the way it is.

Indulgent

Because it's taken us 17 years to get to Disneyland...we figured we'd pull out all the stops and do all the things every kid does when they go...no matter what age they are. I never offered or even suggested these things but when the kids asked...we did them. Whatever ride...whatever show...whatever line...whatever food...whatever character it was...we came, we went and we indulged. I knew that the chances of us ever going again were pretty slim and I didn't want any of my kids to say...remember that time in Disney when you wouldn't let me ride Mr. Toad's adventure? Stuff like that...you know.

I was a bit surprised when Hunter and Bridger wanted their faces painted...but that's what they wanted...so we did it.

and they thought they "needed" ears...

Not surprised by the cotton candy or chocolate cake...

I didn't even blink when we saved our coveted spots for 2 1/2 hours to watch the firework show each night.

We even took time out to "pose" for pictures...
And in return...the girls indulged me for a little silhouette action...

which turned out so good...that I actually cried.

It's all worth it...this indulgence. Can't wait to indulge again.

Recipe for Success

1. Let the family make their own mini-pizzas on English muffins for dinner.

2. Make 5 minute Chocolate Mug Cakes for dessert.

3. Play a game.

And you have a successful FHE....Family Home Evening.

Recipe for 5 minute Chocolate Mug Cake

(the most dangerous cake recipe ever, because now you are only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake anytime. You are going to print this recipe, aren't you.)

These ingredients sound horrendously bad for you but it's all homemade first of all and second of all these cakes really are better as 2 servings each and third of all...so what...it's FHE and the kids make their own...so what do you care!!

4 TBSP flour

4 TBSP sugar

2 TBSP cocoa

1 egg

2 TBSP milk

3 TBSP oil

3 TBSP chocolate chips (optional...but in my opinion...not optional)

a small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients inside mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly with a fork.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Mix very well again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high (1000 watts).

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed.

Allow to cool slightly and tip out onto a plate to serve...or eat out of the mug if you're too impatient.

Best served warm with icecream! It's not the prettiest cake in the world but very homemade and super rich. Go ahead...make it...I know you want to.

Game

Each member of your family gets a piece of paper. On the top of a sheet of paper, write a "starter" sentence introducing a family member. Do that for each family member on the other sheets of paper.

For instance...one opening line might be...The nice thing about Hunter is....

Distribute the papers to each person with a pencil or pen making sure they don't get their own paper the first time.

That person writes an "add on" sentence to the first sentence. Then he or she folds down the orginal sentence only leaving the sentence they wrote to be viewed and then everyone passes their papers.

Each person takes a turn "adding on" another sentence to the sentence above and then folds down leaving only what they wrote to be seen. (I hope this is making sense.)

You won't know who you are writing about but that is half the fun. Rotate the sheets of paper until everyone has had a least one chance to write on each sheet.

Here are some examples of ours....

I love it when Dad...

plays rock band and makes funny faces,

and makes things more complicated than it needs to be,

and is a goof ball.

A rock band superstar

with stylish earrings

that dangle against her skin so brown.

Chloe is very good at...

being a friend and singing

and being a spaz

especially in front of boys

But boys are challenged,

because they all they care about are farts and poop,

and making obnoxiously loud noises.

Bridger has a beautiful...

kneecap

that cracks and creaks everytime she

moves her bum around the house

while poking Lola with a light saber,

until someone puts an eye out,

with a blow dryer

that shocks her everytime she uses it.

So...it's just a random sort of affirmation game but it makes the kids laugh at the end result.

Which means...if FHE ends with laughing...then it was a success.

Old Fashioned Faux and the Plan of Happiness

I thought Jennifer would really appreciate this one...antique faux finishing! And by antique, I mean...faux finishing that was done over a hundred years ago.One of my favorite things to do when we're in Utah is to go to temple square. It never ceases to amaze me. I wonder if that's how the children of Israel felt every time they made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to perform sacred ordinances at the temple. It's just like...wow....every time.

When the Tabernacle on temple square was built wood columns were used instead of stone to offset costs as well as to use the available materials. They are pine and have been faux finished to appear like marble. I've always thought they were beautiful and most people never even know that they are wood.

Joy is here this week finishing the harlequin in my bedroom! So fun! I'm fascinated with all things faux...whether they're antique or brand new!

My trip to temple square actually had more of a purpose this time...other than to be amazed at the beauty and spirit of such a wonderful place....I was on a mission to see my sister on her mission! I found her in the Assembly Hall...just when I was about to give up trying to find her.

I got to meet her roommate, Sister Avenila from the Phillipines. Lexi is such a great little missionary. I'm so impressed with how much she has already learned. And speaking of things that make me happy...besides temples, seeing my sister on her mission, eating at the Lion House with Brooke, seeing the animals and my nieces at Hogle Zoo, and faux finishing...

These make me really happy. My Plan is to be around them more often.

Sisterhood of Traveling Pants

Their pants traveled all the way from Anaheim, CA...to Newport Beach, to Solitude Utah...and beyond.
All the while, giggling and singing....nary an arguement. Well, maybe a couple, but nothing that a little "it's a small world" sung over and over couldn't fix.

We had fun and I have a ton of photos to post. I'm not going to lie though...it was nice to have a break from the internet. I almost didn't even want to turn on the computer this morning. I think I spend way too much time on blogs. So, if it seems I'm not commenting as much from now on, that's why. I'm still going to check in on everyone...just not everyday. :)

It's real

And Bridger just said, "Mom, I don't want to leave."

Me either.

Micky Mouth

Please tell me when I get to Disneyland it won't be like this....
I hope I haven't been saying Micky Mouse wrong all these years...when really it's just a trip to the gigantic house of mouth.

Facebook Hates

Dude...right on. Yikes...I may be over the age limit.

Wasted Life

Crap. I've wasted my life then. Seriously. I feel that way sometimes. It started out as something I loved to do....clean my own home. Then it turned into something I was responsible for...since I'm a stay at home Mom...it was my job. When I got to the point that I felt I had no self worth unless the house was vacuumed every day, I knew I had a problem. And when I realized that no one..but me....cared...my world came crashing down around me. The obsession came to a screeching halt. Please tell me I haven't wasted my life.

I tried distracting myself with hobbies. First it was crafting. I've done them all. I even took up knitting, and I've got the big honkin' basket of yarn and started projects to prove it.If you've ever been in my home, then you'll know I have an entire office...devoted to my hobbies. But as with anything. Once I realized that all I was doing was burning out on hobbies, I discovered I didn't like them so much anymore. What a waste...although looking back on those times...they did bring me much joy.

Then there were the years of exercising. Couldn't miss a day of that...heaven forbid! I did it because I'd always done it. Then I did it to keep off baby weight. And then there were years I did it because I felt better about myself. And then there were also times I did it so I could socialize. There's also the years you do it because you're getting old and you think you might be able to reverse time. I'm telling you, that's a false notion. Then it got to the point where I spent more time trying to talk myself into exercising then I was actually doing it. I can't justify in my mind...the 1-2 hours a day I need for this. Not to mention...I have a hard enough time with my own self acceptance. I can't be around others who look great who obsess about it too. It's too hurtful.So, there are a few things I enjoying wasting my life on now. I crave a good book. I yearn for travel...and daydream pretty much all the time about it. I like eating out with friends. And I love shopping. Pretty much any kind of shopping will do. But, you know...that gets old too....money runs out eventually. But since it's my duty...I stick with it...you know, we all have our duties....pay taxes, work for the man, shop to boost the economy....And I strive to do my best. And actually, my husband doesn't complain if I shop. See, I'm not a personal shopper. I generally don't buy for myself much. I probably have less shoes in my closet than anyone I know but I my house stays accessorized and gadgetized. Not to mention...my husband probably shops more than me anyway! Ah, well...more wasted life.

I'm currently wasting my life with something else...blogging. Even so.....I find at least I'm journaling. I've printed 4 books now from my blog. I leave them on a coffee table in our hearth room and almost everyday I see someone reading from them. Makes me smile.

I think the biggest wasteful thing I've done recently...is the rehash of life. Turning 40 is brutal. You get there and you wonder what you've done with your life. Who are you? Am I a waste? Seriously....the struggle I have is not comparing myself. It's all an illusion.

Don't we really spend a lot of time creating our own mountains? I know I do. My perceptions can be wiggity whacked sometimes.

So what is the point of this wasteful post? I don't know and I don't care...it's spring break and I'm outta here. Just in time.

Uh...sorry, I just had to add....

If you stuck with me on the post this far...you totally deserved this video. :)

Creatively Clever

I just love creativity...

Delish...and not so Delish

I feel bad. It seems that all the recipes I've ever posted were evil...designed to sabotage well intended dieters...and myself. So last night I tried a recipe for easy wheat breadsticks that I will definately make again. Delish and done in under an hour. That's right. Put on a boiling pot of chili and make these while it simmers.

Delish Wheat Bread Sticks

2 1/2 cups warm water

6 Tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp salt

1/2 cup oil

6 cups whole wheat flour

6 Tbsp vital wheat gluten

5 tsp yeast

Step 1: Mix the water, yeast and brown sugar in the mixing bowl of a mixer with a dough hook. Let it sit for about ten minutes, or until the mixture is foamy.

Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients and let the machine knead the dough for 10 minutes. If the dough is too firm add a little water during the mixing process, If it's too soft, add a little flour.

Step 3: Divide the dough in half, then half four more times (You should have 32 pieces) and roll each piece into a stick about 9 to 10 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter. I found that using a sharp knife to cut the dough into pieces worked the best. Place these on 2 greased (I used parchment paper instead of grease and it worked well) sheets. It's okay if they're close together.

Step 4: Let rise about 20 minutes. (I only needed 15 minutes.)

Step 5: Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. Then bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 20 minutes.

I found that you need to be generous with the garlic powder and salt. You can use Garlic Salt or Italian seasoning as well. I was surprised at how easy these were to make. The dough is very easy to work with. I suggest spraying the counter with "Pam" or some other oil before rolling the breadsticks so that they don't stick, although the dough is not particularly sticky. They're really good for breakfast the next morning...;) Thanks to Andrea for the recipe.

Another Delish item....Chloe getting another academic letter. Not so Delish....

You may remember my beloved "London" sweatshirt...a souvenir from our trip last summer. This is what it looks like now.

Never mix an exploded bottle of Liquid Plummer and clean up duty with your beloved sweatshirt. Good thing the back of Kiera's car didn't bleach out like this.

Today I choose Delish over not so Delish.

Moving right along

So, I'm sitting at the dentist this morning, waiting for Bridger to get finished with her appointment. I figured I spend at least 20-25 hours a year sitting in this office, waiting on kids. And so while I was figuring that out in my head, I also figured this one out...
I counted and recounted...
I've moved, to the best of my knowledge, 31 times in my life. There are a couple of years that I'm not quite sure of...but these are the moves I remember. So, if I'm 39.5 years old..on average...I've only lived in the same place 1.27 years. That means I moved every year and a quarter. I think that's a little crazy. I'm just thinking about the impact moving makes on relationships. I'm certain there are people who have moved more times than I have, but I'm just thinking about how that has effected me...not anyone else.
Why am I thinking about that? Those are the kinds of things my mind thinks about when I'm at the dentist.
Update: I thought of two more times that I moved since I've been back from the dentist...crazy.
Update #2: So, I've been talking to my Mom today and we came up with 2 more...so I'm up to 35 moves. 35 MOVES!!!

Currently Playing

Now currently playing...this week in March, in my life.

current book: Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell
current music: I'm on a Shinedown kick right now
current shame-inducing guilty pleasure: eating whatever I want.
current drink: Diet Coke
current songs: Crow and Butterfly, Second Chance
current movie: Australia
current wish-list: a personal trainer and dietitian
current needs: will power and energy
current annoyance: mean people and being mad at mean people
current indulgence: currently and always....chocolate. I've got a new recipe from Mom:

Chocolate popcorn
10 cups popped popcorn
2 TBS melted butter
2 TBS sugar
2 tsp cocoa
Mix cocoa and sugar. Pour melted butter over popcorn and mix in cocoa mixture. Try hard not to eat the entire bowl.
current happiness: Spring break approaching and this picture...sent for Boyd's birthday.

current outfit: Seminary outfit.
current excitement: a big week of school stuff with girls...a musical, awards assembly and choir concerts.

current quote or song lyric: "The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught....Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of man." D&C 3:1-3 And this article.

How well do you know your husband?

I got one of these "tag" emails a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to save it and do it in honor of Boyd's birthday last Friday and then I forgot...so then I remembered....

How well do you know your husband?
Here's a chance to see how well you really know your husband. Cut, paste and fill in the answers, tag people to fill it out, then hit publish . . . shoot, you know what to do. The real challenge is to send it to your husband to see how right you really are.

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? ESPN
2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Blue Cheese or Ranch
3. What's one food he doesn't like? sweet potatoes, beets
4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order? Depending on what they have...in this order of importance...Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, then Dr. Pepper
5. Where did he go to high school? Hamilton High School
4. What size shoe does he wear? 9-9.5 DD
7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? guitars, cars, guns.
8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? pastrami, roast beef & cheese
9. What would this person eat every day if he could? M&M's
10. What is his favorite cereal? Grape Nuts
11. What would he never wear? bling.
12. What is his favorite sports team? BYU Cougars, Gonzaga
13. Who did he vote for? McCain
14. Who is his best friend? Steve...and hopefully me.
15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? organize his stuff.
16. What is his heritage? Norwegian, native American
17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? German Chocolate
18. Did he play sports in high school? Cross Country, Wrestling
19. What could he spend hours doing? watching tv, 4 wheeling, playing Rock Band
20. What is one talent he has? singing.

Actually, these are all easy peasy lemon squeasy...I'm sure there are plenty of things I don't know about! ;)

"Old as Mold"

I can't say that for very much longer because soon enough I'll be turning 40 myself, but for right now I can get away with it because Boyd turned 40 yesterday. Last night I threw a surprise birthday party for him. I didn't know if he knew about the party, but it sounds like he didn't know, or else he's really good at faking that he didn't know. His brothers and sister Laura with her husband flew out for the occasion. Really cool. Thanks to all the spouses who held down the fort so their husbands could come visit.Last night was a culmination of 2 weeks of celebrating for Boyd so I'm not sure if he realizes what took place...I mean...when you've been celebrating for 2 weeks, one more night of partying just feels like one more night. But, I was so grateful to the dozens of people who came. I know Boyd felt so special...and really, that was the whole point. Unfortunately, with some shoulder and neck pain I've been having and playing hostess all night, I didn't get to take any pictures at all. I was needless to say...somewhat distracted. Someone at some point grabbed my camera and snapped a few photos for me. Thank goodness! The personalized M&M's with Boyd's picture on them...wearing his 80's Wayfarers, were a hit. So was the chocolate mousse cake. And of course, Lyle UpDike's BBQ...seriously, the best I've ever had. My cake lady made Boyd his own personal German Chocolate cake, which he loved.A couple of our guests brought leis ordered from Hawaii and wraps for Boyd and I. What a way to make someone feel special! And they smell heavenly...probably even better today.

I truly am humbled by how much love people showed us last night. Everyone is so thoughtful and kind....even when they are shoulder to shoulder with strangers and people trying not to spill bbq on my new carpet. No disasters...happy to report! I'm even not so bitter about the girls peeking into my TRASHED office and closets! I guess it's payback for me showing Boyd's closets on my blog...but at least I have an excuse for the mess! I'm not sure if it's physically possible to cram more BBQ, sight-seeing and Rock Band in a two day period than we have. Plenty of people are going to be pretty tired after this weekend. I wish I had more pictures of everyone at the party!

I'm needing a spa day...preferably before I turn to mold...anyone up for it?