This afternoon we also played another game we bought for Christmas, "Who Said?" Bible match game. I was trying to get Kaden and Kinley to recognize the cartoon chick in the flowers as Eve.
Mommy: Who is this?
Kinley: Mary
Mommy: No, not Mary
Kinley: Mulan?
Mommy: Uh, no, not Mulan. Definitely not Mulan. Think "Adam and..."
Kinley: Kayla?
That's only really funny for the Bradshaws. Aunt Kayla is married to Uncle Adam.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Aye, Aye, Nephi!
At my sister Heather's recommendation, I purchased "Aye, Aye, Nephi!" for our rapidly expanding family game collection. We played it for the first time this afternoon. LOVE IT!Description:
"Long ago, Nephi was commanded to build a ship. With the Lord's help, he and his family built a magnificent boat to carry them far across the sea to the promised land. But before they could set sail, they had to fill the ship with all kinds of things: food, tents, tools, seeds, and other provisions. In this fun-filled card game for the whole family, you can help Nephi gather the supplies for the journey. Be the first to get everything needed, and you win! With a familiar Book of Mormon story and easy-to-understand rules, Aye, Aye, Nephi! will be a boatload of fun for years to come."
*Note: We just laid out the cards we were collecting in front of us as we gathered. Kinley can't hold cards in her hand very well, and it was too confusing with them all in her hand, some needed, some discardable. Once we laid the "good" ones out in front of us on the table, while keeping the discardables in our hand, it was perfect for her age!
*Note #2 -- We don't finish the game when one person goes out. They are the first out, but we keep going until everyone is out, one at a time, then we are all ready to go to the promised land together. Teamwork!
Eragon
The only book I've read recently worth mentioning is "Eragon", by Christopher Paolini. A friend dropped it off with a strong recommendation and I must say that I quite enjoyed it. The first book was written when the author was only 15 years old. PS, Heather, he was a homeschooler. I also read "Eldest" (the second in the series) and am greatly looking forward to the final Inheritance book to be released next fall.
Overall, they were very enjoyable reads. They aren't going to quite make it to my list of "most favoritest-est books of all time", but it was definitely worthwhile, entertaining reading.
Idahooooooo...
Where the wind blows cold and the snow piles high.
We're in Blackfoot until Tuesday, for one last family hurrah before Mom and Dad Bradshaw sell the farm. We've been here since Thursday, Matt and Kim arrived last night, and everyone else is rolling into town sometime today. They may be sledding into town, considering how horrible the roads are. There is another storm expected this afternoon and we're hoping the power stays on. We're glad we came up on Thursday, when the roads were dry as a bone all the way to Pocatello, with a slightly inconvenient slowdown when we got into Blackfoot proper and out to Moreland.
Not much to report other than hawaiian haystacks for dinner last night (yummy!) and the fact that we played a million board games with Kinley yesterday. She needs a nap today; she is low on sleep and behaved freakishly last night because of it.
I've been thinking a lot about 2008 and what life changes I need to attempt during the coming year. Of course my eating habits need a dramatic change from the way I've been eating since Thanksgiving weekend. And I certainly need to restructure my time, so I don't waste so darn much of it doing non-essentials.
Justin and I actually agreed on a sticker chart where I keep the kitchen constantly clean and the dishwasher empty all day, every day, and after 30 days he'll buy me "The Wednesday Letters". The biggest test will come over the weekends, when Justin is home so much. For some reason I find it extremely difficult to clean when he is home, some bizarre throwback to my childhood, I'm sure, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of having him see me cleaning, after all the sighing and grousing he does when things aren't perfectly orderly (he is the quintessential neat-freak, no exaggeration). I have always struggled with this. In fact, I used to hide my dirty dishes under my bed until my roommates left the apartment just so they wouldn't have the satisfaction of seeing me washing dishes after they had complained. Clearly, I have issues! So no matter how clean neurotically clean I get the house during the week, every weekend our house falls apart until Monday when he leaves again, and if something isn't perfectly tidy when he gets home from work during the week, I won't make a move on it until he has left for work the next day. What is wrong with me??? I've only recently realized how strong and consistent this behavior is. Man, the house was impressively sterile during tax season :) And the more he is home (the holidays??) the more unkempt becomes our environment.
He has his own sticker chart where he only earns a sticker if he refrains from complaining, sighing obnoxiously, delegating, or otherwise even attempting to micromanage my housekeeping domain, which only serves to exacerbate the problem. I'm not sure he can do it, but he seems confident that he can walk into a room and not say, "what is this (insert random object) doing here?" or "why did you 'let Tanner' tear this toy apart?" When he earns 30 stickers, he gets two 15-minute oil back massages.
So we both have major mountains to climb. I am actually quite a gifted housekeeper when I can overcome my demons.
Kinley's goal is to finish her reading program as soon as possible, so that we'll get her a leapster. I'm hoping that Tanner's 2008 intention is to become more pliable and less demanding. HA HA HA!!
I have other goals I'm mulling over, so we'll see. Right now the natives are restless and I think I'll bring this post to a close.
We're in Blackfoot until Tuesday, for one last family hurrah before Mom and Dad Bradshaw sell the farm. We've been here since Thursday, Matt and Kim arrived last night, and everyone else is rolling into town sometime today. They may be sledding into town, considering how horrible the roads are. There is another storm expected this afternoon and we're hoping the power stays on. We're glad we came up on Thursday, when the roads were dry as a bone all the way to Pocatello, with a slightly inconvenient slowdown when we got into Blackfoot proper and out to Moreland.
Not much to report other than hawaiian haystacks for dinner last night (yummy!) and the fact that we played a million board games with Kinley yesterday. She needs a nap today; she is low on sleep and behaved freakishly last night because of it.
I've been thinking a lot about 2008 and what life changes I need to attempt during the coming year. Of course my eating habits need a dramatic change from the way I've been eating since Thanksgiving weekend. And I certainly need to restructure my time, so I don't waste so darn much of it doing non-essentials.
Justin and I actually agreed on a sticker chart where I keep the kitchen constantly clean and the dishwasher empty all day, every day, and after 30 days he'll buy me "The Wednesday Letters". The biggest test will come over the weekends, when Justin is home so much. For some reason I find it extremely difficult to clean when he is home, some bizarre throwback to my childhood, I'm sure, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of having him see me cleaning, after all the sighing and grousing he does when things aren't perfectly orderly (he is the quintessential neat-freak, no exaggeration). I have always struggled with this. In fact, I used to hide my dirty dishes under my bed until my roommates left the apartment just so they wouldn't have the satisfaction of seeing me washing dishes after they had complained. Clearly, I have issues! So no matter how clean neurotically clean I get the house during the week, every weekend our house falls apart until Monday when he leaves again, and if something isn't perfectly tidy when he gets home from work during the week, I won't make a move on it until he has left for work the next day. What is wrong with me??? I've only recently realized how strong and consistent this behavior is. Man, the house was impressively sterile during tax season :) And the more he is home (the holidays??) the more unkempt becomes our environment.
He has his own sticker chart where he only earns a sticker if he refrains from complaining, sighing obnoxiously, delegating, or otherwise even attempting to micromanage my housekeeping domain, which only serves to exacerbate the problem. I'm not sure he can do it, but he seems confident that he can walk into a room and not say, "what is this (insert random object) doing here?" or "why did you 'let Tanner' tear this toy apart?" When he earns 30 stickers, he gets two 15-minute oil back massages.
So we both have major mountains to climb. I am actually quite a gifted housekeeper when I can overcome my demons.
Kinley's goal is to finish her reading program as soon as possible, so that we'll get her a leapster. I'm hoping that Tanner's 2008 intention is to become more pliable and less demanding. HA HA HA!!
I have other goals I'm mulling over, so we'll see. Right now the natives are restless and I think I'll bring this post to a close.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Confessions
Some people know that I'm rabidly anti-Halo and can't stand the fact that Justin likes to play it on occasion with his brothers. Tonight at Danny and Mardie's house while the cousins were playing with Christmas toys upstairs, I was feeling fat, dumb, and happy from the ham dinner and stunned the entire clan, including myself, by agreeing to join in one teeny little round of Halo.
Ahh....the slippery slope. I must admit it was pretty fun--all 9 or so rounds that we ended up playing. And I didn't totally and completely suck at it. I was about as good as Justin, though he is no gifted gamer himself. It turns out that I have a special aptitude for alien assassination. Who knew?
Ahh....the slippery slope. I must admit it was pretty fun--all 9 or so rounds that we ended up playing. And I didn't totally and completely suck at it. I was about as good as Justin, though he is no gifted gamer himself. It turns out that I have a special aptitude for alien assassination. Who knew?
Monday, December 24, 2007
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
And all through the house
The presents are wrapped
With nary a grouse.
Kinley is sleeping
Tanner is too;
I'm busy blogging
While my man's in the loo.
Great, he walked in here;
He's peeking, I'm dead!
I'm totally in trouble
I'd best get to bed.
Regardless, it's Christmas
I'm glad that it's here
There is just something awesome
About this time of year.
It's not just the neighbors
Who donate their treats
And it's not just my Justy
Who rubs my sore feets.
It's not just the books
That we read all month long
And it's not hearing Kinley
Sing her own Christmas songs
It's the feeling of joy
That I find in my heart.
It gives me great hope
And that's a great place to start.
So tonight I am happy
And grateful to all
Who give my life meaning
In large ways and small.
Most of all, for the Savior
Who offers His love.
I wonder what Christmas is like
Up above?
The presents are wrapped
With nary a grouse.
Kinley is sleeping
Tanner is too;
I'm busy blogging
While my man's in the loo.
Great, he walked in here;
He's peeking, I'm dead!
I'm totally in trouble
I'd best get to bed.
Regardless, it's Christmas
I'm glad that it's here
There is just something awesome
About this time of year.
It's not just the neighbors
Who donate their treats
And it's not just my Justy
Who rubs my sore feets.
It's not just the books
That we read all month long
And it's not hearing Kinley
Sing her own Christmas songs
It's the feeling of joy
That I find in my heart.
It gives me great hope
And that's a great place to start.
So tonight I am happy
And grateful to all
Who give my life meaning
In large ways and small.
Most of all, for the Savior
Who offers His love.
I wonder what Christmas is like
Up above?
Wishing You a Constipated Christmas
We had our annual Christmas Eve Picnic, held this year on the kitchen floor in honor of Tanner's eating habits. That's alright though because the tree happens to be in the kitchen too. Anyway, once it was all put together with everyone's special requests, I had to chuckle...a teeny bit. Justin requested nachos, I made Totino's pizza for myself, and Kinley requested "lunchables" (crackers with cheese and ham) and cheese quesadillas.
Let it never be said that the Bradshaws don't support the dairy industry.
Let it never be said that the Bradshaws don't support the dairy industry.
Everybody Loves Egg Nog, right?
Kinley: "Mommy, I love egg nog because I can taste the egg and the nog, and it's so very creamy."
Everything is Relative
Last night while reviewing some of the finer points of the nativity story....
Mommy: When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, there were a whole lot of other people who had come to Bethlehem to pay their taxes too. There were so many many many people there in Bethlehem that day.
Kinley: Yeah, like at Wal-mart or even Costco.
Mommy: Oh, way more than that.
Kinley: What the? That's impossible!
Mommy: First of all, will you please stop saying "what the?" and secondly, it's absolutely true. Crazy, huh?
Kinley: Woooooow.....
Mommy: When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, there were a whole lot of other people who had come to Bethlehem to pay their taxes too. There were so many many many people there in Bethlehem that day.
Kinley: Yeah, like at Wal-mart or even Costco.
Mommy: Oh, way more than that.
Kinley: What the? That's impossible!
Mommy: First of all, will you please stop saying "what the?" and secondly, it's absolutely true. Crazy, huh?
Kinley: Woooooow.....
Friday, December 21, 2007
Phew!
We spent much of the day cleaning the house! Kinley proves increasingly helpful in the housekeeping area. She took on various tidying jobs, scrubbed the baseboards, attempted to vacuum her own room, scrubbed down her bathroom (excluding the toilet), rotated laundry, and put her clothes and her brothers clothes away in their (mostly) proper places. She did try to just pile Tanner's clothes on top of his dresser and I also found two pairs of 2t jeans in the drawer of our 4t-kid. But over all I think she deserves an A+.
Then a sweet friend invited us over for lunch and we didn't even have to mess up the kitchen to feed ourselves! What a bonus! Thanks, Laney! This same sweet friend loaned us the cartoon Grinch and Horton Hears a Who, which we watched twice--once before dance class, once after. Then I got to spend some downtime visiting with another friend, catching up on our lives, before scurrying our separate ways for the holidays; we got home just in time to put the last load of laundry away, change a poopy diaper, and make fresh vacuum tracks all over the house before Justin returned. Thanks, big guy, for picking up dinner on your way home! You're the best!
Now it's 45 minutes until the kids go to bed. The question is.... Bourne Ultimatum or Order of the Phoenix for our in-home hot date?
Speaking of movies, tomorrow we're going on a theater adventure. Danny, Mardie, Matt, Kim, Justin, and I are going to a double feature to see National Treasure 2 and I Am Legend. We'll be home in time to catch the BYU bowl game (of course!) We've hired our favorite babysitter to watch all the kids at our house while were movie-hopping. Hope it's still standing when we get back!
Then a sweet friend invited us over for lunch and we didn't even have to mess up the kitchen to feed ourselves! What a bonus! Thanks, Laney! This same sweet friend loaned us the cartoon Grinch and Horton Hears a Who, which we watched twice--once before dance class, once after. Then I got to spend some downtime visiting with another friend, catching up on our lives, before scurrying our separate ways for the holidays; we got home just in time to put the last load of laundry away, change a poopy diaper, and make fresh vacuum tracks all over the house before Justin returned. Thanks, big guy, for picking up dinner on your way home! You're the best!
Now it's 45 minutes until the kids go to bed. The question is.... Bourne Ultimatum or Order of the Phoenix for our in-home hot date?
Speaking of movies, tomorrow we're going on a theater adventure. Danny, Mardie, Matt, Kim, Justin, and I are going to a double feature to see National Treasure 2 and I Am Legend. We'll be home in time to catch the BYU bowl game (of course!) We've hired our favorite babysitter to watch all the kids at our house while were movie-hopping. Hope it's still standing when we get back!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Our Animal Lover
Kinley: "Mommy, last night Tanner wanted something to snuggle with in his crib so I gave him two bears and I slept with two tigers; just like Noah."
Laney is probably right. Kiney likely fantasizes at night about being Noah or his wife.
Laney is probably right. Kiney likely fantasizes at night about being Noah or his wife.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Wonderful Winter Walk
We enjoyed some fresh air this morning. Aren't they so cute, all bundled up, toasty warm?
He keeps saying "Snow! Snow!"
Hey, Mindy, were you wondering how those footprints got in your front yard? Ha ha ha!
Ready for some hot chocolate...and a tissue.
Good times.
He keeps saying "Snow! Snow!"
Hey, Mindy, were you wondering how those footprints got in your front yard? Ha ha ha! 
Ready for some hot chocolate...and a tissue.
Good times.
Celebrities
Kinley's world very much revolves around the books that we read. She cracked me up on our walk this morning. Have you ever read "Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect"?
Meet "Small Pine"
And...
"Look, Mommy! It's The Giving Tree, whose boy went away! Take another picture!!"
At Kinley's request, we searched for "The Three Trees", though our effort was in vain. We might have to leave the neighborhood for that. :)
Meet "Small Pine"
And..."Look, Mommy! It's The Giving Tree, whose boy went away! Take another picture!!"
Alice Springs Chicken
I made this dish again this weekend. I slightly modified it, and it was awesome. So I've reposted it, complete with pictures and modifications :) Enjoy! It's so delicious!
Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken
Honey Mustard Marinade:
1 cup Grey Poupon Dijon mustard
1 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Chicken:
6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 cups sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons butter
salt, pepper, paprika to taste
8 slices bacon, COOKED
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/8 cup fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
Combine 1/2 cup mustard, 1/2 cup honey, oil and 1 tbs lemon juice in small bowl. Whip mixture for about 30 seconds. Pour as marinade over the chicken breasts and marinate them in the refrigerator, for about 2 hours.
After the chicken has marinated, preheat oven to 375 F and heat up frying pan with 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Sear chicken in pan for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the size of the breast, or until golden brown. **This is the majority of the cooking time, so don't skimp on time. You don't want raw chicken! Remove the pan from heat, and transfer chicken into a baking dish.
As the chicken is cooking, sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter in a separate pan. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika. Mix 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and pour the entire mixture over the chicken.
Stack two pieces of cooked bacon, crosswise, on each chicken breast. Spoon the sautéed mushrooms on the bacon, being sure to coat each breast evenly. Spread both cheeses around. Bake the pan of chicken for 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and starting to bubble. Sprinkle each chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon parsley before serving.
Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken
Honey Mustard Marinade:
1 cup Grey Poupon Dijon mustard
1 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Chicken:
6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 cups sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons butter
salt, pepper, paprika to taste
8 slices bacon, COOKED
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/8 cup fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
Combine 1/2 cup mustard, 1/2 cup honey, oil and 1 tbs lemon juice in small bowl. Whip mixture for about 30 seconds. Pour as marinade over the chicken breasts and marinate them in the refrigerator, for about 2 hours.
After the chicken has marinated, preheat oven to 375 F and heat up frying pan with 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Sear chicken in pan for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the size of the breast, or until golden brown. **This is the majority of the cooking time, so don't skimp on time. You don't want raw chicken! Remove the pan from heat, and transfer chicken into a baking dish.
As the chicken is cooking, sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter in a separate pan. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika. Mix 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and pour the entire mixture over the chicken.
Stack two pieces of cooked bacon, crosswise, on each chicken breast. Spoon the sautéed mushrooms on the bacon, being sure to coat each breast evenly. Spread both cheeses around. Bake the pan of chicken for 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and starting to bubble. Sprinkle each chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon parsley before serving.
Happy Husband and the Company Car
Justin got his company car this week. He's a very happy boy :)
2008 Toyota Camry
2008 Toyota CamryCupboards
Mommy: No, Kinley the word is "cupboard", pronounced "cubberd".
Kinley: No it's not.
Mommy: YES, it is. It is "cupboard".
Kinley: No it's not.
Mommy: YES!!!!! YESSS!!! IT IS "CUPBOARD!"! The word is "CUPBOARD"!! It's not "covered"!
Kinley: No, it's "covered" because when the doors are closed, everything is "covered." So... they are "covereds", not "cupboards".
Mommy: JUSTIN!
Justin: They're cupboards, Kinley.
Kinley: ...... (in a whisper) covereds.
Kinley: No it's not.
Mommy: YES, it is. It is "cupboard".
Kinley: No it's not.
Mommy: YES!!!!! YESSS!!! IT IS "CUPBOARD!"! The word is "CUPBOARD"!! It's not "covered"!
Kinley: No, it's "covered" because when the doors are closed, everything is "covered." So... they are "covereds", not "cupboards".
Mommy: JUSTIN!
Justin: They're cupboards, Kinley.
Kinley: ...... (in a whisper) covereds.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sibling Love
Credits: all papers, flower, and button are from Retrodiva's "Poppy" kit.Doodle, staples, and stitching are all Racketty Scrappety originals, and are included in the template.
I'm Sorry
My apologies. I have to re-post this picture. This face just kills me! It's why destructiveness notwithstanding, he is still around. I just can't be angry at that little face for very long!
Unconditional Admiration
Kinley: "Mommy, I think you are beautiful even if you wear that dress to church. It looks kind of weird, but you are so pretty."
Typical Fare
Keeping it real. Here is a recipe for another special dinner we had last week:
Instant oatmeal
Vanilla wafers on the side
Instant oatmeal
Vanilla wafers on the side
Lola Love
Kinley is absolutely over-the-top obsessed with our neighbor's dog, Lola. Laney was kind enough to make her dreams come true this morning. She invited Kinley along for a morning walk and let her hold the leash. Aren't Lily and Kinley so cute???? 
Capellini Pomodoro
This was a good vegetarian dish I made last week. Tanner liked it, Justin liked it, but said it would have been perfect with a lot more chicken (there was none) and far fewer tomatoes (the "pomodoro" part). Kinley just hung her head in exasperation of all the tomatoes. I, for one, thought it was really good just the way it was :) Maybe a little more basil.
Capellini Pomodoro
Ingredients
2 and 1/2 pounds roma or plum tomatoes
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1 ounce fresh basil leaves, minced
1/3 cup virgin olive oil
3-5 ounces fresh parmesan cheese
12 oz dry angel hair pasta, cooked
1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Directions
Heat olive oil and add garlic; cook until it turns white. Add tomatoes and pepper and heat through, stirring constantly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Tomatoes should not lose their shape. Remove from heat. Transfer hot, cooked pasta to large bowl. Toss pasta gently with tomato mixture, basil and half of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and pass remaining Parmesan.
Recipe modified from Olive Garden's recipe.
Capellini PomodoroIngredients
2 and 1/2 pounds roma or plum tomatoes
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1 ounce fresh basil leaves, minced
1/3 cup virgin olive oil
3-5 ounces fresh parmesan cheese
12 oz dry angel hair pasta, cooked
1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Directions
Heat olive oil and add garlic; cook until it turns white. Add tomatoes and pepper and heat through, stirring constantly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Tomatoes should not lose their shape. Remove from heat. Transfer hot, cooked pasta to large bowl. Toss pasta gently with tomato mixture, basil and half of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and pass remaining Parmesan.
Recipe modified from Olive Garden's recipe.
Meatball Recipe
I have somewhat tweaked the recipe from what it once was the first time I posted it. I shrunk the meatballs to the size they were originally intended to be, and doubled the amount of sauce. Saucey!! Yum! We had it last week and man, I just can't get enough of it!
Meatballs
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 eggs
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 tbs salt
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Sauce
4 cups ketchup
3 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional, but delicious!)
Directions
In a large bowl, mix all of the meatball ingredients together. Divide into approximately 60 round, 1-inch diameter meatballs. Place in a single layer in one (most likely two) ungreased baking dishes.
Mix sauce ingredients together, pour evenly over meatballs. Cover with foil and bake on 350 for 45-60 minutes.
Slice meatballs, stir around in pan to get a little extra sauce, then put the sliced meatballs on soft sandwich rolls with one slice of provolone cheese. DELISH!!
Meatballs
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 eggs
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 tbs salt
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Sauce
4 cups ketchup
3 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp liquid smoke (optional, but delicious!)
Directions
In a large bowl, mix all of the meatball ingredients together. Divide into approximately 60 round, 1-inch diameter meatballs. Place in a single layer in one (most likely two) ungreased baking dishes.
Mix sauce ingredients together, pour evenly over meatballs. Cover with foil and bake on 350 for 45-60 minutes.
Slice meatballs, stir around in pan to get a little extra sauce, then put the sliced meatballs on soft sandwich rolls with one slice of provolone cheese. DELISH!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Casting for Twilight
It appears they have found an actor to portray (as Jen so aptly describes him) The Mythical Hottie (emphasis mine).
Robert Pattinson (Cedric from Harry Potter) will play the part of Edward Cullen.
For more Twilight info, get your fix at www.stepheniemeyer.com
Robert Pattinson (Cedric from Harry Potter) will play the part of Edward Cullen.
For more Twilight info, get your fix at www.stepheniemeyer.com
Destructive Little Boys
Honestly, I am getting really sick of wanton destruction around my house. I can't take my eyes off Tanner long enough to go to the bathroom by myself. He is into everything! And he is totally dedicated to his personal mission to make as many messes as he possibly can in the shortest amount of time. The chant around here is:
"Tanner!!! No no!! Don't make messes just to make messes!!"
And it's not just messes (cereal thrown into the livingroom and purposely crunched underfoot, bathwater heaved over the side of the tub while I'm reaching for the towel, filling his mouth with milk and then opening lips to see what designs he can make on his shirt with the milk, willingly taking just one more bite of something horribly messy--oatmeal? spaghetti?) just so he can spit it on the floor); he is into tearing papers (or advent chains!!), banging things on the walls, using any writing or coloring implement that he can climb to on the closest surface he can find, whether it be his own body or something else.
I never had to even put those fat safety handles on the doors for Kinley, nor have we ever put locks on our cupboards or drawers. We've simply never needed them for either of our children. For the last month (well, since he turned 2, actually), he has been on a destruction rampage and I'm ready to throttle him! I think Mommy is going to get some safety handles for Christmas to at least keep him out of the pantry and the hall closet!!! How to keep him off the kitchen counters? How to keep him off my bed (where he wipes his boogers and shoves all my bedding into a heap on the floor)? I keep thinking it's going to be a short-lived phase, but it's getting worse, not better!
He's so amused with himself, and I'm so exasperated!!!!
"Tanner!!! No no!! Don't make messes just to make messes!!"
And it's not just messes (cereal thrown into the livingroom and purposely crunched underfoot, bathwater heaved over the side of the tub while I'm reaching for the towel, filling his mouth with milk and then opening lips to see what designs he can make on his shirt with the milk, willingly taking just one more bite of something horribly messy--oatmeal? spaghetti?) just so he can spit it on the floor); he is into tearing papers (or advent chains!!), banging things on the walls, using any writing or coloring implement that he can climb to on the closest surface he can find, whether it be his own body or something else.
I never had to even put those fat safety handles on the doors for Kinley, nor have we ever put locks on our cupboards or drawers. We've simply never needed them for either of our children. For the last month (well, since he turned 2, actually), he has been on a destruction rampage and I'm ready to throttle him! I think Mommy is going to get some safety handles for Christmas to at least keep him out of the pantry and the hall closet!!! How to keep him off the kitchen counters? How to keep him off my bed (where he wipes his boogers and shoves all my bedding into a heap on the floor)? I keep thinking it's going to be a short-lived phase, but it's getting worse, not better!
He's so amused with himself, and I'm so exasperated!!!!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Shopping Trip From Hell
Ever had one of those days?
Today I had a lot of shopping to get done. I planned my lists and my route from Wal-Mart to Target to Costco. After breakfast I loaded up the kids into the car and headed out for what I hoped would be an uneventful morning of Christmas/grocery shopping. HA HA HA HA HA!!
To be fair, Wal-mart was pretty uneventful, except that Kinley decided half way through our visit that she had had HAD to go to the bathroom. Well, there is no place on earth that I fear more than the Wal-mart bathroom (Mindy, you think Wal-mart smells like pee? You should smell the bathroom!) By the end of our shopping, she was so insistent that I knew we had no choice but to brave it. She sat on the pot for 3 minutes. Nada. So we packed up and headed out.
We cruised toward Target with our Christmas music on full blast. We were singing at the top of our lungs, I was fantasizing about what pot holders I might find at Target, etc. Kinley said, "this is taking forever, are we almost there?" which caused me to take note of the fact that we had long since driven past the exit we needed. I got off, turned around, eventually made it to Target and found the closest parking spot available, which was none too close at all.
When we got out of the car, Tanner wanted to take his matchbox car with us. I asked him to leave it in the car, which has never been a problem before. Well, it was definitely a problem today. He immediately started screaming his head off. Well, if you know me, you know that once the screaming starts there isn't a chance in hell that I'm going to cave, even for peace and quiet. Do I wish I had just let him take it in the first place? Well of course! But it was too late for that. So we did our shopping while Tanner cried like he was being beaten, pausing only long enough to get another breath, and sometimes not even that long. I felt certain that they were going to ask us to leave the store. Once upon a time, I would have just left my cart, taken him home and put him immediately to bed, but I pressed on, consequences be damned, determined to complete my aforeplanned shopping.
I checked my receipt before leaving the store and realized she hadn't charged me for one of the pot holders (why did I look?? Ignorance is bliss!) I went back and had another girl (a very rude and condescending one this time) ring it up before we were able to leave.
He screamed all the way through Target, all the way to the car, and when we got to the car, I chucked his little matchbox car into the front seat and told him he could only have it if and when he calmed WAY down. He has the ability, he simply refused.
He screamed all the way to Costco.
En route I decided that we were going to get through Costco come hell or high water. I figured my food was fine in our cold trunk and I could wait all day for him to calm down. I would sit in that parking lot until Christmas if I had to, waiting for him to dial it back. That little stinker, as soon as I put the car into "park", he realized that we were about to get out of the car and that I was not about to give him his matchbox for the excursion, so he immediately went 100% silent. Yes, I gave him the car. What do you expect? I still had shopping to do! I still sort of won.
So, I thought the worst was over.
Costco was the usual zoo, only magnified by Christmas. I was pleased to find some suitable gifts for Justin as well as stock up on our usual Costco-only supplies. Honestly, cheese is so cheap there! But I digress. We finally made it through the line, the cart was reloaded with an embarassing display of Costco supplies, including several bags of frozen goods; we were coming down the home stretch, almost there!!
And??
My debit card expired 10 days ago. And they don't accept credit cards. And who carries checks anyway??? How I didn't burst into tears right there on the spot I'll never know. I called Justin to find out where his new office was (only a few minutes away, thank goodness!) and he strolled in a short while later with his active debit card. In the mean time, the temperature had dropped about 10 degrees since we had set out from the house, so the light jackets I had dressed my children in were completely inadequate. Nevertheless, we made it home safely, albeit with a new twitch in my gait and a somewhat dazed expression on my face.
I put my sweet children immediately in front of the Disney channel to shut them up long enough to make them lunch. Now they are napping and my nerves are finally starting to unravel.
That is all.
Today I had a lot of shopping to get done. I planned my lists and my route from Wal-Mart to Target to Costco. After breakfast I loaded up the kids into the car and headed out for what I hoped would be an uneventful morning of Christmas/grocery shopping. HA HA HA HA HA!!
To be fair, Wal-mart was pretty uneventful, except that Kinley decided half way through our visit that she had had HAD to go to the bathroom. Well, there is no place on earth that I fear more than the Wal-mart bathroom (Mindy, you think Wal-mart smells like pee? You should smell the bathroom!) By the end of our shopping, she was so insistent that I knew we had no choice but to brave it. She sat on the pot for 3 minutes. Nada. So we packed up and headed out.
We cruised toward Target with our Christmas music on full blast. We were singing at the top of our lungs, I was fantasizing about what pot holders I might find at Target, etc. Kinley said, "this is taking forever, are we almost there?" which caused me to take note of the fact that we had long since driven past the exit we needed. I got off, turned around, eventually made it to Target and found the closest parking spot available, which was none too close at all.
When we got out of the car, Tanner wanted to take his matchbox car with us. I asked him to leave it in the car, which has never been a problem before. Well, it was definitely a problem today. He immediately started screaming his head off. Well, if you know me, you know that once the screaming starts there isn't a chance in hell that I'm going to cave, even for peace and quiet. Do I wish I had just let him take it in the first place? Well of course! But it was too late for that. So we did our shopping while Tanner cried like he was being beaten, pausing only long enough to get another breath, and sometimes not even that long. I felt certain that they were going to ask us to leave the store. Once upon a time, I would have just left my cart, taken him home and put him immediately to bed, but I pressed on, consequences be damned, determined to complete my aforeplanned shopping.
I checked my receipt before leaving the store and realized she hadn't charged me for one of the pot holders (why did I look?? Ignorance is bliss!) I went back and had another girl (a very rude and condescending one this time) ring it up before we were able to leave.
He screamed all the way through Target, all the way to the car, and when we got to the car, I chucked his little matchbox car into the front seat and told him he could only have it if and when he calmed WAY down. He has the ability, he simply refused.
He screamed all the way to Costco.
En route I decided that we were going to get through Costco come hell or high water. I figured my food was fine in our cold trunk and I could wait all day for him to calm down. I would sit in that parking lot until Christmas if I had to, waiting for him to dial it back. That little stinker, as soon as I put the car into "park", he realized that we were about to get out of the car and that I was not about to give him his matchbox for the excursion, so he immediately went 100% silent. Yes, I gave him the car. What do you expect? I still had shopping to do! I still sort of won.
So, I thought the worst was over.
Costco was the usual zoo, only magnified by Christmas. I was pleased to find some suitable gifts for Justin as well as stock up on our usual Costco-only supplies. Honestly, cheese is so cheap there! But I digress. We finally made it through the line, the cart was reloaded with an embarassing display of Costco supplies, including several bags of frozen goods; we were coming down the home stretch, almost there!!
And??
My debit card expired 10 days ago. And they don't accept credit cards. And who carries checks anyway??? How I didn't burst into tears right there on the spot I'll never know. I called Justin to find out where his new office was (only a few minutes away, thank goodness!) and he strolled in a short while later with his active debit card. In the mean time, the temperature had dropped about 10 degrees since we had set out from the house, so the light jackets I had dressed my children in were completely inadequate. Nevertheless, we made it home safely, albeit with a new twitch in my gait and a somewhat dazed expression on my face.
I put my sweet children immediately in front of the Disney channel to shut them up long enough to make them lunch. Now they are napping and my nerves are finally starting to unravel.
That is all.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Update
Well, it's Saturday night and everyone is in bed sleeping except for me. I'll be heading to the couch soon to read myself to sleepiness. I should be exhausted since I was up a lot last night with a coughing toddler and a preschooler who had way too much wassail just before bed, but I must still be enjoying the final effects of the Diet Coke I drank this afternoon.
Speaking of this afternoon, Justin took me to SLC to watch the BYU versus Michigan State basketball game at the Energy Solutions Arena (I miss the simplicity of the "Delta Center"; it just rolls off the tongue so much more easily!) US Bank invited him to sit with them in their suite along with a few of Justin's other coworkers and their wives. Now let me tell you, that's the way to enjoy the game. We dined on spare rib sandwiches, fresh veggies, a stocked drink fridge and plenty of desserts. I ate a small "pre-meal" before we left, so as not to embarass the husband at a public event (I'm an eater). They were pretty "sweet suite seats". Say that ten times fast! I was comfortable in my squishy, roomy seat, and the view was spectacular. It would have been more fun if BYU had actually won, but it was an extremely entertaining game regardless. Very very close until the bitter end.
I just have to give a major shout-out to our awesome babysitter Taylor. I had forgotten what a remarkable little girl she is to have around. She took brilliant care of our children while we were gone for half the day; she colored an enormous picture with Kinley when Tanner napped, read a million books to her, played a bazillion games, and kept them deliriously happy for our entire absence. That part didn't particularly surprise me (I'm used to her competence).
What shocked me was pulling into the driveway and seeing all the tramplings in the fresh snow right in front of our house. It snowed while we were gone; she went into our hall closet, dug around until she found the unchristened snow-gear, dressed up both of my children for a trip to the north pole, took them outside to make a snowman and snow angels, then brought them inside, warmed them up with wassail, and cleaned up the entire mess so that you'd never notice they had snow adventures except for the snow pants hanging up to dry. She's 13!! They were absolutely in heaven. Kinley got her snow angel fix and I didn't have to get them dressed and undressed, clean up the mess, or deal with them whiny and cold :) Win-win.
As far as the rest of the week, it's been pretty quiet. I've (obviously) spent my "free" time continuing to try to catch up on my scrapbooking. Most of you are unquestionably sick of seeing endless pages of ancient pictures of my children. Too bad! I'm in a fixation mode currently, one that Justin hopes will end soon (no promises!) Other than that, we're getting ready for Christmas, shopping, doing crafts, trying out some new recipes, perfecting some old ones, etc. On Wednesday we went to cheer for Justin at his city-league basketball game. The kids weren't especially well behaved, but I expected that from the wild behavior I had endured the entire afternoon. The highlight of the week (excluding the game this afternoon) was an impromptu little movie-party after Joy School on Thursday to watch Tigger and Pooh's Super Sleuth Christmas. We had a few friends over, watched the super sweet movie and ate copious amounts of popcorn. It was mellow and way fun.
I love being a stay-at-home-mom and this season really brings out my gratitude for it. This entire holiday season has been so much more enjoyable than any previous year, so much less stressful, so much more....Christmassy!
My favorite quote of the day from Kinley:
Daddy: What games did you play with Taylor?
Kinley: Lots of games. We played Simon Says, Red Rover, and The More Game.
Daddy: "The More Game"? What's that?
Kinley: You know. The MORE game! You play it with me all the time. With our thumbs? Like this?
Daddy: Ooooooooh. "Thumb War Game". Got it.
That's about it. I have some recipes to post another time. It's after 11 and I'm going to be hating life if I have to be up with Tanner again tonight. Toodles! Hmm.... I hear him kicking his feet in boredom in his crib. I'd better go visit with him. Good night!
Speaking of this afternoon, Justin took me to SLC to watch the BYU versus Michigan State basketball game at the Energy Solutions Arena (I miss the simplicity of the "Delta Center"; it just rolls off the tongue so much more easily!) US Bank invited him to sit with them in their suite along with a few of Justin's other coworkers and their wives. Now let me tell you, that's the way to enjoy the game. We dined on spare rib sandwiches, fresh veggies, a stocked drink fridge and plenty of desserts. I ate a small "pre-meal" before we left, so as not to embarass the husband at a public event (I'm an eater). They were pretty "sweet suite seats". Say that ten times fast! I was comfortable in my squishy, roomy seat, and the view was spectacular. It would have been more fun if BYU had actually won, but it was an extremely entertaining game regardless. Very very close until the bitter end.
I just have to give a major shout-out to our awesome babysitter Taylor. I had forgotten what a remarkable little girl she is to have around. She took brilliant care of our children while we were gone for half the day; she colored an enormous picture with Kinley when Tanner napped, read a million books to her, played a bazillion games, and kept them deliriously happy for our entire absence. That part didn't particularly surprise me (I'm used to her competence).
What shocked me was pulling into the driveway and seeing all the tramplings in the fresh snow right in front of our house. It snowed while we were gone; she went into our hall closet, dug around until she found the unchristened snow-gear, dressed up both of my children for a trip to the north pole, took them outside to make a snowman and snow angels, then brought them inside, warmed them up with wassail, and cleaned up the entire mess so that you'd never notice they had snow adventures except for the snow pants hanging up to dry. She's 13!! They were absolutely in heaven. Kinley got her snow angel fix and I didn't have to get them dressed and undressed, clean up the mess, or deal with them whiny and cold :) Win-win.
As far as the rest of the week, it's been pretty quiet. I've (obviously) spent my "free" time continuing to try to catch up on my scrapbooking. Most of you are unquestionably sick of seeing endless pages of ancient pictures of my children. Too bad! I'm in a fixation mode currently, one that Justin hopes will end soon (no promises!) Other than that, we're getting ready for Christmas, shopping, doing crafts, trying out some new recipes, perfecting some old ones, etc. On Wednesday we went to cheer for Justin at his city-league basketball game. The kids weren't especially well behaved, but I expected that from the wild behavior I had endured the entire afternoon. The highlight of the week (excluding the game this afternoon) was an impromptu little movie-party after Joy School on Thursday to watch Tigger and Pooh's Super Sleuth Christmas. We had a few friends over, watched the super sweet movie and ate copious amounts of popcorn. It was mellow and way fun.
I love being a stay-at-home-mom and this season really brings out my gratitude for it. This entire holiday season has been so much more enjoyable than any previous year, so much less stressful, so much more....Christmassy!
My favorite quote of the day from Kinley:
Daddy: What games did you play with Taylor?
Kinley: Lots of games. We played Simon Says, Red Rover, and The More Game.
Daddy: "The More Game"? What's that?
Kinley: You know. The MORE game! You play it with me all the time. With our thumbs? Like this?
Daddy: Ooooooooh. "Thumb War Game". Got it.
That's about it. I have some recipes to post another time. It's after 11 and I'm going to be hating life if I have to be up with Tanner again tonight. Toodles! Hmm.... I hear him kicking his feet in boredom in his crib. I'd better go visit with him. Good night!
Friday, December 7, 2007
They Grow Up Too Fast...
My kids are practically edible with their cuteness. 
Credits: All papers and word art come from Shannon Carlson's "Brand New Baby" kit.
Credits: All papers used, word art, alpha, and button come from Robin Carlton's "Baylee" kit.
Design is mine.
Credits: All papers and word art come from Shannon Carlson's "Brand New Baby" kit.
Design is mine.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
It Snowed This Week
The perfect day to scrap summer pics, right?
Credits: All papers from Miss Mint's "Party Pants" kit. Swirl doodle by Obsidian Dawn.
Credits: All papers from Jeanelle Page. Swirly doodle by Obsidian Dawn.
Credits: All papers from Miss Mint's "Party Pants" kit. Swirl doodle by Obsidian Dawn.
Credits: All papers from Jeanelle Page. Swirly doodle by Obsidian Dawn. Design is mine.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Counting to Christmas
Some friends gave us an advent candle to help the kids count down the days until Christmas. They absolutely LOVE it. I love it because they are glued to it for 15-20 minutes a day, watching it melt the number. Thanks, guys, for the daily babysitter! It's enough time to get the dishes done!
Alas, I didn't have a candle holder, so I improvised. Justin didn't want me to blog about our ghetto candle holder. I'm not sure if he was more embarassed of it's appearance, or annoyed that we actually had an empty can sitting in a cupboard just waiting for such a purpose. He's so smart though; he came up with a much more suitable option. See the before and after! He's so Martha Stewart :)
That's rice.
Alas, I didn't have a candle holder, so I improvised. Justin didn't want me to blog about our ghetto candle holder. I'm not sure if he was more embarassed of it's appearance, or annoyed that we actually had an empty can sitting in a cupboard just waiting for such a purpose. He's so smart though; he came up with a much more suitable option. See the before and after! He's so Martha Stewart :)
That's rice.
One Month Too Late
Guess who pleaded to be stuffed into his Halloween costume this weekend? About a month too late, my friend! Dang it! Why couldn't you be this willing a few weeks ago???
"Roar!!" No, I'm afraid I can't explain the purple lips. I don't know why they look like that.
"Roar!!" No, I'm afraid I can't explain the purple lips. I don't know why they look like that.
Christmas Polls
It's that time of year again, and it is definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And sound a lot like it too. And feel... And smell...
Anyway, we've busted out the Christmas music in full force. Our very favorite CD's are:
The V.O. Family Pirated Christmas Mixes (you know who you are!)
The A. Family Pirated Christmas Mixes (you know who you are!)
Martina McBride's "White Christmas" (Looks like there are new tracks this year!)
Jewel's "Joy-A Holiday Collection"
Ok, Justin's is Tran-Siberian Orchestra, but barf. I can barely tolerate it. My apologies to any other fans.
All growing up we listened to the KVIL Radio Christmas cassette from the 80's. I miss it so, wonder where it ever went.
I'm always looking for new suggestions. What is your favorite Christmas CD?
Anyway, we've busted out the Christmas music in full force. Our very favorite CD's are:
The V.O. Family Pirated Christmas Mixes (you know who you are!)
The A. Family Pirated Christmas Mixes (you know who you are!)
Martina McBride's "White Christmas" (Looks like there are new tracks this year!)
Jewel's "Joy-A Holiday Collection"
Ok, Justin's is Tran-Siberian Orchestra, but barf. I can barely tolerate it. My apologies to any other fans.
All growing up we listened to the KVIL Radio Christmas cassette from the 80's. I miss it so, wonder where it ever went.
I'm always looking for new suggestions. What is your favorite Christmas CD?
Merry Christmas to All...
Very often when reading to Miss Kinley, I will stop before the end of a sentence and wait for her to fill in the blank with the words that are coming next. She's really good at it when she is familiar with the book and she's remarkably intuitive when the story rhymes, even if she isn't well acquainted with the book, or if it's been, say, a year since she's last been exposed to it.This weekend I read her the Mary Engelbreit illustrated (my favorite) edition of The Night Before Christmas. This is the ending of the book:
Mommy: He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good..."
Kinley: Grief.
Ice Cream Quiz
I'm Mint Chocolate Chip. What are you? Click on the picture to take the quiz!
Thanks, Jen! PS, I think yours is pretty dead on!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Reworking Templates!
And....voila!
Credits: all papers from Sarah Jones' kit "Busy Bee". Extra doodle from Obsidian Dawn.
Credits: all papers from Sarah Jones' kit "Busy Bee". Extra doodle from Obsidian Dawn. Such a Silly Princess
Credits: All papers are from Michelle Coleman's "Chasing Rainbows" kit. Extra doodle provided by Obsidian Dawn
Design template is mine.
Friday, November 30, 2007
More Sweet Pictures of My Babies
Credits: All papers from "Reverie" kit by Weeds and Wildflowers Design
Credits: Bleached paper (used on dots) from Michelle Coleman's kit "Spring Breeze". All other papers from Miss Mint's "Party Pants" kit. Design is mine.
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