Hallee's Art Gallery

Hallee's school had a KINDERGARTEN GALLERY WALK the other night and invited parents to come check out their students work. Hallee was so excited and talked about it all week long. On the day of the gallery she came home from school with a massive fever and a horrible cough. I told her she just needed to stay in for the night which pretty much crushed her little soul. Finally, after a good nap I told her we could run over ten minutes early before anybody else got there so we could see her work. I spruced her up a little, loaded up all the kids and we headed out in the freezing cold to see this magnificent gallery. We got there before anybody else and WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET. Two beautiful pictures. Interesting. Then Hallee said it best... "We came all the way over here for this? This is it?" Oh, well, at least we got a cute picture out of it.

Caymbree

Well, today the doctor's gasp confirmed what I have been suspecting for the last few weeks. I HAVE been starving Caymbree. At 7 MONTHS she weighs in at a whopping 12 pds 6 oz.

I took her in for her well child check up today hoping to get some answers as to why she is so fussy and I guess I got them. FIRST, it helps to feed your child. SECOND, a raging double ear infection causes fussiness in any child. My doctor was really sweet and gave me a lot of other possible causes but said, "Let's try to take care of these things first and then we can look at the other options." I felt like a big ole dork BUT in my defense Caymbree does not have ANY of the normal ear infection symptems. No fevers, she sleeps great, and she has been eating fine (from the bottle anyway). I have taken her in twice in the last two months THINKING she had an infection and both times her ears looked fine. You would think by child #3 I would start to figure all this out wouldn't you?

What's for dinner Wednesday

NAVAJO PIZZA

A QUICK AND EASY FAMILY FAVORITE. If you want simple - this is it! All you need is a BOBOLI ready to eat pizza crust, spread ONE CAN OF CHILI on top, and then cover with SHREDDED CHEESE. Put in the oven at 325 degrees for 15 minutes to heat through. Add toppings of choice.

Topping ideas:

ranch dressing

salsa

tomatoes

onions

olives

lettuce

sour cream

And whatever else floats your boat!

I have all my friends hooked and even my little brother gave me the TWO THUMBS UP last night. It is so yummy and can be thrown together quickly. I usually try to buy two crusts at a time and put one in the freezer for "it's one of those days" or when I get the call at 2:00 asking if I can take dinner into someone.

Chef's note: Sometimes it is hard to find the Boboli crusts and when you ask an associate they get the blank stare look. I know Walmart does not carry them (at least mine anyway). Some stores put them by the bread, others put them by the pizza sauces.

Jesus wants HOPE for a sunbeam!

Hopes battle wounds from PRIMARY

Hope and primary....it's not going so well. She has declared that she DOES NOT like primary and wants to go back to nursery. She loved nursery. Most kids cry when their parents drop them off - Hope cries when we try to pick her up to go home. Sacrament meeting consisted of "Is it time for nursery?" in 2 1/2 minute intervals. The second the prayer was over - she was off and running. I think they loved her as well. We often heard stories of Hope singing solo's at the top of her lungs to the entire nursery or telling them all sorts of stories over and over and over.


We tried to get her excited about primary and told her how much fun she was going to have with the big kids but I could tell she wasn't buying it. On the first Sunday I took her hand and excitedly started to walk her back to primary. We quickly passed the nursery and a few seconds later I could hear a little sniffle. I looked down to see tears streaming down her face. I gave her a little pep talk, a tight hug and quickly said good-bye. It was only a matter of minutes before I heard her emotional melt-down. Most of that day was spent trying to convince and eventually bribing her to go back in to primary. That night we tried to tell her how she was such a big girl and how cool it was that she was old enough to go to primary. Her response... "Well, I guess I'm not free (three) enough. Sorry! I guess I hav to stay in nuwswey."


Now fast forward two weeks (she was home sick for two Sundays). Again, we give her the pep talk, get her all excited, thinks are looking good. We drop her off, she smiles and waves and we are thinking we are in the clear. About 15 minutes into it and they bring her to us with blood curdling screams! Apparently, she was so excited about being in primary she stood up on her chair to wave to everyone, it tipped and she crashed right on her face. She bit through her cheek and it started bruising instantly. Hmmmm, next week is not looking so good for us. Good thing it is Stake Conference and maybe she will forget her tragic experience by then.

TILL WE MEET AGAIN

Note: PAUSE MY MUSIC FIRST



I guess I knew it was going to happen, but it still just felt too soon. Our prophet, Gordan B. Hinkley passed away yesterday surrounded by his family. It was hard news to hear; the thought of not seeing his smiling face at the next General Conference just doesn't seem possible. I loved his wit and sense of humor, his grandfather-like demeanor, and the way he was able to get his message across in a direct but appealing and humbling manner. He will be missed.

It has been interesting to watch Hallee process all of this. As she said her prayers last night she said, "Thank you for President Hinkley, please help him to be safe, and to be healthy, and happy where ever he is. And please bless our next prophet will be just like him." This morning as she was getting ready for school she overhead the news saying that kids at one high school were all going to wear white, at another high school they were all going to wear their church clothes. She decided to to both.

I came across an article this morning that said, "Just imagine the reception in heaven - his beloved wife, the Saints and even the Savior himself anxiously awaiting his arrival." I can almost picture him throwing down his cane and doing a little jig in true President Hinkley fashion. We love you President Hinkley!

FAVORITE FRIDAY

So this weeks FAVORITE....my favorite bedroom in the house. And the winner goes to - HOPE! Now, now let me explain before I get any lectures on favoritism. Hallee's bedroom is and has been in limbo for the past six months as she shares a room with the office. Don't worry, it is PLENTY big enough and she thinks it is really cool that she has a computer and a television in her room - I think she will be in for a rude awakening when we get it all switched around. The plan was/is to move the office downstairs but we have temporarily put off finishing the basement. So, for now, Hallee gets her own office as her bedroom - every child's dream I'm sure? Caymbree's room got a little make-over but is mostly still hand-me-downs and I'm probably just bored with it. Our master bedroom is fine - but I still have big dreams. A picture here, a candle there, that's not too much to ask right? So, that's how we get to Hopes room. I love all the little details, the fun pictures and quotes and the magnet board she personally requested me to make for her.

The Journey of Hopes Hair

YEAH! PIG TAILS! (age 3)

(age 2)
(18 months)
(1 years old)

(at birth)

YIPEE! After three years Hope finally has enough hair to do PIG TAILS! It's been a long road but we are finally there. I shouldn't complain. It's been rather easy since we only have about one option per year.

Birth to 3 months: glue a bow to the head (Elmer's washable glue does the trick quite nicely)
3 months - 18 months: Headband with bow
18months - age 3: One little piggy right on top of the head. Attach bow
age 3 - ? Pig tails!

Here's to a new look for Hope! :)

Wish me Luck!

After a six month "maternity leave" from church callings I can hide no longer. I was just called to be the Sunday School teacher for the 12-14 year olds in our ward. I was actually pretty excited about it until the bishop said, "Now, I want you to know that we felt VERY inspired that YOU are the right person for this calling (softening the blow), but with that said, it is kind of a hard age group, and there are a few boys..... Well, we all know the rest of the story.

So, wish me luck! This could get ugly!

This post is here for a number of reasons;
1) It's been a rough couple of weeks for Caymbree and she just hasn't felt very good. Between trying to get her reflux medicine regulated, the limited supply of milk she receives from me, and a yucky cold, things have been kind of tough for her and well, for me as well. Hopefully this picture is proof that we are headed in the right direction again. She is actually sitting by herself without any tears!
2) In the chaos of life sometimes I forget to stop and smell the roses. This picture is a reminder of just how sweet she really is!
3) After trying to jump back in the scrapbook world after a year hiatus (I'm giving digital a whirl) I have come across a horrible and shameful discovery - Hallee has two scrapbooks detailing every event in her life. Hope has three PAGES. WHOOPS! Time to pull out the camera! Hopefully with Caymbree there is still time.

FAVORITE FRIDAY

So I thought I would be fun to do a posting of one of my FAVORITE THINGS every Friday. And to start us off.... JACKS SPECIAL SALSA. This stuff is unbelievable! It is my secret ingredient to ANY recipe that calls for salsa and makes something that was good taste gourmet. You can smell the lime and cilantro when you open the bottle! Even Troy who isn't a big salsa fan raves over the stuff. You can purchase it at Costco in the refrigerated section.

What's for Dinner Wednesday

I got this idea from my friend Krista but I have not been able to participate thus far because well...let's face it, Mac and Cheese just isn't all that glamorous. I will however, include the instructions for the dinner meal that got me the highest accolades of "YOU ARE THE BEST MOM EVER!" from both Hope and Hallee - Ready? First, you will need a small bowl. Pour about 3/4 cup of favorite cereal (Tootie Fruities work well), and then cover with milk. WHALA! There you have it!

This next one is super easy and is FABULOUS! Thanks for the recipe Jessica.

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

1 can (16 oz) pinto beans, undrained

1 can corn, undrained

1 can (16 0z) white beans, undrained

1 sm. jar or pint of salsa

1-2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

1/2 pkg. powdered Hidden Valley Ranch dressing

1/2 pkg. taco seasoning

1 can chicken broth

Combine all ingredients. Heat through. To serve, add bottled ranch dressing, tortilla chips, sour cream, cheese and avocado.

Hallee's verdict, (and I quote), "ARE YOU FREAK'N KIDD'N ME? THIS IS THE BEST SOUP I HAVE EVER HAD!"

Hope's verdict, "I don't like this, I want cerwal" Keep in mind, this was before she TRIED it.

TIPS: I also add black beans and my secret ingredient - fresh salsa from Costco. It is FULL of cilantro and other herbs and spices that are KILLER! I had to make a meal for someone in the ward so I just added an extra can of chicken broth and there was MORE than enough to feed both our families. YUMMY!

Okay blogging buddies - your next! What's on your dinner menu? I'll be checking your blog next Wednesday!

Craft Ideas

Girls Night Out

GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS, UNBELIEVABLE DESSERT and a little CRAFTING. Now that's what I call rejuvenating. We celebrated Jessica's birthday at Mimi's cafe and then came back to my house and ate ourselves sick with dessert. Here's a little secret....forget the fondue chocolate- just get the hot fudge and caramel ice cream toppings and pull out any and everything from the pantry. The biggest hits were brownies dipped in caramel and bananas double dipped in chocolate and caramel. And don't worry, past 10pm it all turns fat free!

In November we made Christmas signs and they were such a big hit we decided to do them for more holidays. They are quick and easy and can be modified for any occasion. Just grab a board from Lowes or Home Depot (they will cut it for you if you want), paint and sand the edges, put a little stain over it and then modge podge your favorite scrapbook paper on top. You can then buy the paper mache letters from a craft store, paint them and hot glue them on and THAT'S IT! (Spray paint cuts your time in half if you can find the color you want). Happy Crafting!

WARNING

WARNING! THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT! WARNING!

So finally a date night...just me and the hubby, dinner and a movie, who could ask for more? I was of charge picking the show. A quick glance through the movie titles and I pause on I AM LEGEND. Great picture, Will Smith, and a cut off description stating, "Robert Neville (Will Smith) is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was"... I click for more info - I get nothing. So I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of the movie Outbreak -the world is infected with a deadly virus and Will Smith is going to save the day. Sounds great.
Well, I don't want to give all of it away but let's just say 20 minutes into the movie and my head is buried under my coat...it stayed there MOST of the movie. (Did I mention I HATE scary movies?)
Let's just say....freakish crazy people jumping out at me at any time is NOT what I had in mind for a date night. Now, it is my duty as a responsible friend to warn you in advance. If you are into crazy suspenseful scary shows - this one is for you. If not, I hear, P.S. I love you is still playing. Your welcome.

Happy Birthday Hallee

Happy Birthday Hallee! Hallee turned the big 6 on December 29th right in the middle of all the crazy holiday activities. I took the easy way out and just invited a few of her friends to the Classic Skating Bounce Gym. A little pizza and drinks, cupcakes and there you have it. On Saturday we celebrated her birthday with her cousins in Logan.
Hallee is at such a fun stage - she is full of energy and life and is getting a taste of the "real world" through her experiences at school. She is so sweet and cares for everyone around her. It is not uncommon for her to shed a few tears watching a movie or while reading a book. She is a wonderful big sister and my greatest helper. I don't know what I would do without her. Hallee, you are the best and we love you very much!

Editors Note: I feel bad about her birthday being right after Christmas and try really hard for her not to get the shaft because of it but it is REALLY hard. She is overwhelmed with toys, friends parents are overwhelmed with the financial debt they have just incurred, and I think most people are partied out. So what do you do? (This is not a rhetorical question.) Anybody out there do 1/2 birthdays? I am open to any and all suggestions.

JAMI'S NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

1. Warm up the treadmill - I'm back. No diet here - I love food WAY too much. Just a re-commitment to get back on a workout plan.

2. So those of you who haven't received a thank-you or birthday card in the last well, um, EVER that is about to change. I have made a goal to be more thoughtful! Christmas thank-you's will be in the mail soon and my birthday calendar posted in my kitchen. Wish me luck! (Well...don't. Then I would have to send you a thank-you card.)

3. Beg, steal and borrow quality time with the husband. With Troy on the road again, couple time is priceless. I will make it a priority!

4. Listen to my children....REALLY listen. I got busted the other day when Hallee's friend answered my standard "How was school today?" question with a tragic story and in my standard "i'm really not hearing anything you are saying" I replied, "cool!" She looked at me oddly and said, "you think that's cool?" BUSTED! I realize how often I do this to my children but NO MORE. I'm all ears!

5. I should say I am giving up my diet Coke but NOPE - life is way to short for that.

6. Since I am not getting much out of church these days (Caymbree seems to love the halls), I am making a commitment to read the Ensign cover to cover.

7. And last but not least, and actually most important - I want my home to always be a place the Savior will reside. A little more cleanliness, a little less t.v, and a lot of love.

That's all folks. Nothing fancy or noteworthy but hopefully doable. I'll keep you posted.

Party!

I think it is safe to say that I am officially PARTIED OUT! We started our party festivities with a three day getaway to the lodge at Bear Lake with all 46 people in the Larsen gang. We then stayed in Logan for a few days with the other 19 sleep-in house guests. Christmas Eve was spent with 40 members of the Smith clan. Christmas afternoon we took the girls to a movie and then had Tom and Diane over for dinner. On Dec 27th Troy and I took Hallee and three of her friends to Classic Skating Bounce Land to celebrate her birthday. The next morning we got up and drove back to Logan to celebrate Grandpa Smith's birthday with ALL 59 crazies of the family. Saturday (Hallee's actual birthday) was spent with her little cousins at McDonalds and then the Bee Movie. Last night for New Years we braved the world and took our three little girls to Olive Garden and then home to watch a movie. We were all in bed by 10 pm. Can you blame us? It was a fun holiday season but let's just say I am grateful for a blank calendar for the next few weeks.