Making Sport for Our Neighbors

The Many Faces of Sami #2

2011-04-11T20:19:00.000-06:00

So, Sami set up shop on the love seat with various cushions, pillows, and blankets and Tara proceeded to snap some pictures of her. Here's how it turned out:

And of course, I have to put a few shots up of Lily.

The Little Ones

2011-02-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

A few random shots of my little ladies.

A Sunbeep

2011-02-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

Jesus wants for me...

Quilt Sandwiches and Blackberries

2011-01-28T19:54:00.003-07:00

I just sat down to add a new post with no idea what was going to come out of my brain...well, there isn't much right now, but maybe if I scrape into the cobwebbed recesses of my processor...

-I could probably give you at least a hundred reasons to NOT live in an apartment, among which would be: three year old+no room to play=VERY unhappy downstairs neighbors who resort to tactics that said three year old uses in moments of frustration/excitement/anxiety/tiredness, stuff sitting everywhere/still packed in boxes due to a downgrade of 200 square feet + no garage, annoyingly small amount of counter in kitchen, nasty carpet that has shown its true stained character with each vaccuuming...anyway, you get the idea.

-I have come up with ONE thing that is easier about living in an apartment. I can clean my entire living space in the time it takes Sami to watch Mulan (or whatever movie she is in the mood to be watching, which does NOT include A Bug's Life, The Curse of the Wererabbit, or Ratatouille). I'll keep working on this list.

-As I type, I see the effects of only typing on a Blackberry. I have to backspace often so that I use proper capitalization/punctuation. Can I say SAD? Or maybe a more appropriate adjective would be PATHETIC! Because I am. Because I love my Blackberry. But I hate it. But it is my lifeline to the outside world. So I can't NOT have it. You'll see. Once you have it, there is no. going. back. ever.

-This is how pathetic I actually am: I just had to get up from the computer to check my phone because I got an email notification on my phone.

-I have had a few sewing adventures lately. One, Zach so kindly showcased for me, was a quilt. It was my first project. It was fun, but I learned some things. You need to cut your batting BEFORE you assemble your "quilt sandwich." This term is AWE.SOME. I had never heard it before, but once I learned it was an actual term, I KNEW that sewing was the thing for me. I mean, anything that has a term like "quilt sandwich" has to be a sweet hobby.

-Also, you should search for more than ONE fabric store in case the one you pick is LAME-o. Then, you will just kick yourself in the patoot because you bought (and already cut) your fabric at a lame store with no selection when you could have been in fabric heaven at a new, clean, huge, ginormous, nice, clean fabric store where you could happily spend all day picking out fabric for ten different quilts.

-Anyway, I have recycled two pairs of jeans essentially three times. My two favorite pairs of jeans turned into shorts (cut-offs) when the knees gave up. Then, after an entire Vegas summer (7 months long), there were holes by the back pockets. Out of this, came two skirts. One for Sami, one for me. (Pictures to follow...maybe???)

-Lesson learned from skirt projects: make a plan before you are almost finished so you don't have to steal elastic from your husband's sewing project which was actually his Christmas present because he said he wanted to make it himself but then it just sits on your dresser mostly finished with the elastic sitting there calling to you.

-On a final note, I am thoroughly enjoying my 60 degree winter. No driving in snow. Ever. No getting stuck in my own driveway. No staying home just to avoid driving in the snow.

-I still love Utah though, where I experienced college, sleep deprivation from college, engagement, sleep deprivation due to engagement and The Newlywed stage (isn't it TECHNICALLY years 1-5?). And of course, I will always miss Oregon where it is green. And there are trees. And it is green. And there is ocean. And rivers. And green.

-Come to Vegas. Visit me. Well, maybe wait until I'm not in this blasted apartment because it will be no fun for you. And maybe you shouldn't come when it is 150 degrees. Oh, it probably wouldn't be any fun for you anyway...who am I kidding? The first step is admitting, I suppose. That will make it easier to deal when none of you come visit me in my tiny apartment with a crazy three year old and the sweetest nine month old on the face of the planet. Maybe the nine month old is in my favor...Pretty please? With a cherry on top?

Tara Gettin all Brave and Stuff

2011-01-19T13:33:00.001-07:00

We recently found out that a Vegas summer and hair - any hair AT ALL - don't make suitable bed fellows. In an effort to solve this, Tara was set on the Mr. Clean look, but I convinced her that bare, white skin which has rarely been exposed to the elements also disagrees with a Vegas summer (don't ask how I found that out), so Tara settled on a happy medium:

Yes, she did away with about 2.3 lbs of hair. And is loving it. A lot. I think she looks great, and at least 3 men in our ward agreed with me (unprompted - should I be worried?). So anyway, here you have it.

And of course, I can't put anything up without a few pics of the chitlins. Enjoy.

Tara Ventures into the Wonderful World of Sewing

2011-01-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, Tara went all 20th century on us and decided to find her heretofore undiscovered inner sewing talent. Her first project was a quilt for Sami, and if you ask me it turned out beautiful. Here it is, modeled by The Damage herself.

And a few pictures of the girls, for kicks and giggles.

Yes, they're adorable. They get it all from their mom.

This is Actually Embarassing

2010-12-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I have had the ability/desire to do anything on our blog I feel it despises me. The truth is, blogging, among other shenanigins (did I spell that right?)on the internet, are way too inconvenient to do ON A PHONE. Yes, that is what I'm doing right now, but my thumbs are definitely complaining. I have been forced to learn this lesson because my only form of connecting to outside world is my little companion...ye olde berry of the black variety. Seriously...I have no internet, no tv (which I don't really care that much about anyway), no newspaper (oddly, this deprivation may be the thing that makes me feel most out of touch)...do you see where I'm going with this? I am pretty much a hermet...except when I venture out to Walmart...and let me tell you, I have experienced some THRILLING adventures here! NOT! ANYhoo, I have learned something else from this period of deprivation (which MAY be partially over in a few months...maybe...)Now, you'll have to forgive me for getting a tad sentimental. Although, I am plenty emotional in person, I don't feel right subjecting those VERY few who care enough to follow/read this blog to it. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Moving on, I have realized that life goes on. You make sacrifices, and sometimes it is difficult to deal, but it turns out fine. In fact, at times, it helps you get to a point where you are more than fine. Life goes on. And right now, my life is more than fine..although not at all what I expected it to be at this stage. Well, my thumbs are screaming...this is the end.

The Human Brain is Crazy

2010-11-29T13:01:00.003-07:00

You have to click on the image for it to work.

Ummmbrella

2010-11-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Itsy Bitsy Spider

2010-11-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

It's a work in progress.

Personalities

2010-11-05T14:08:00.000-06:00

During the day, Tara will occasionally send me pictures and/or videos of my girls from her phone to help me get through the day. She recently sent these two to me and I had to put them up because they show each girls' personality pretty well. Enjoy.

Lily Mags - 6 months old and the sweetest baby on the planet.

Sami Lynn - almost 3 and the biggest stinker known to man.

Guilt

2010-10-20T09:12:00.000-06:00

Tara sent me this video from her phone this morning (sorry about the quality). Sami has been asking for a long time for me to take her for a ride in Tara's car - "The Greenbean." In case you don't speak 2 year old, here is the transcript:

"Can I want go ride with Daddy in the Greenbean so Mommy stay here and I be really good girl in the Greenbean and you give me a ride?"

I love my girls.

The Lord's Way vs. Man's Way

2010-09-27T13:13:00.001-06:00

"The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature."

(Ezra Taft Benson, “Born of God,” Ensign, Nov 1985, 5)

Labor Day (WARNING - CONTAINS NUDITY)

2010-09-07T13:41:00.000-06:00

Hanging out at a local park...

Smoothies...

And just for kicks (this won't bother her later in life, will it?).

Black Beans (also, this is a test post from my phone)

2010-09-07T11:51:00.000-06:00

I started off using an actual recipe, but then abandoned it when I figured I could just as well make it without one.
Black Beans
1 or 2 cans worth of black beans (I use dry beans)
1 small can of diced green chilies
1 can corn
1 small can of tomato sauce
1/2 to 1 cup water
1-2 tsp beef bouillon
To taste:
Fresh minced garlic
Chopped onion
Cumin
Salt
Pepper
-Place everything in your crockpot and cook on high for about 4 hours or until it reaches the desired consistency.

We had this with fresh made tortillas, rice, lettuce, cheese, and homemade ranch. It was delicious and very flexible. You can pretty much in what you think will work for your taste preference!

Come on, you have to admit it's funny

2010-08-11T17:26:00.000-06:00

It's funny, isn't it sweetie?

Why are you looking at me like that?

Hey, where are you going?

Summer Classes for Women at

THE ADULT LEARNING CENTER

REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED

By Tue., August 24, 2010

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL

OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.

Class 1

Up in Winter, Down in Summer - How to Adjust a Thermostat

Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.

Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hrs beginning at 7:00 PM..

Class 2

Which Takes More Energy - Putting the Toilet Seat Down, or Complaining About It for 3 Hours?

Round Table Discussion.

Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3

Is It Possible To Drive Past a Wal-Mart Without Stopping?--Group Debate.

Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4

Fundamental Differences Between a Purse and a Suitcase--Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.

Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5

Curling Irons--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Bathroom Cabinet?

Examples on Video.

Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning

At 7:00 PM

Class 6

How to Ask Questions During Commercials and Be Quiet During the Program

Help Line Support and Support Groups.

Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7

Can a Bath Be Taken Without 14 Different Kinds of Soaps and Shampoos?

Open Forum.

Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8

Health Watch--They Make Medicine for PMS - USE IT!

Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9

I Was Wrong and He Was Right!--Real Life Testimonials.

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined.

Class 10

How to Parallel Park In Less Than 20 Minutes Without an Insurance Claim.

Driving Simulations.

4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11

Learning to Live--How to Apply Brakes Without Throwing Passengers Through the Windshield .

Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined

Class 12

How to Shop by Yourself.

Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Upon completion of ANY of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

"Americans are Destroying America" (long post)

2010-08-03T13:40:00.000-06:00

I've recently been reading Ezra Taft Benson's biography, and I'm constantly amazed at the type of men the Lord places on this earth to direct His affairs. I've just finished the part in the book which tells of President Benson's time as Secretary of Agriculture and it's incredible how determined he was to stick to what he believed to be right regardless of the political pressure that was heaped on him.

I try not to presume what others would think, but I believe President Benson would be shocked at the direction our country is headed in. Last night I read an excerpt from a talk he gave in General Conference in April 1968 and it really struck me. I've included some of the talk in this post, the full text can be found here. Keep in mind the statistics he reads are over 40 years old and much more shocking today.

"I do not believe the greatest threat to our future is from bombs or guided missiles. I do not think our civilization will die that way. I think it will die when we no longer care, when the spiritual forces that make us wish to be right and noble die in the hearts of men, when we disregard the importance of law and order.

"If American freedom is lost, if America is destroyed, if our blood-bought freedom is surrendered, it will be because of Americans. What’s more, it will probably not be only the work of subversive and criminal Americans. The Benedict Arnolds will not be the only ones to forfeit our freedom.

"'At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected?' asked Abraham Lincoln, and he answered, 'If it ever reaches us, it must spring up among us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher; as a nation of freemen, we must live through all time or die by suicide.' (Springfield, Illinois, January 27, 1837.)

"If America is destroyed, it may be by Americans who salute the flag, sing the national anthem, march in patriotic parades, cheer Fourth of July speakers–normally good Americans, but Americans who fail to comprehend what is required to keep our country strong and free–Americans who have been lulled away into a false security.

"Great nations are never conquered from outside unless they are rotten inside. Our greatest national problem today is erosion, not the erosion of the soil, but erosion of the national morality–erosion of traditional enforcement of law and order.

"In this blessed land we have exalted security, comfort, and ease above freedom. If we dwelled at length on the many things that are disturbing in the life of America today, we might well become discouraged. I mention only a few of the reported startling evidences of our national illness, our moral erosion.

"–There is a decline of U.S. morals and moral fiber, a turning to pleasure and away from hard work and high standards of the past.

"–There is a growing worry in our universities over cheating in examinations.

"–Nationwide juvenile delinquencies show an eight-fold increase since 1950.

"–There is a 500-million dollar smut industry in this country causing youngsters to wrestle with standards of value.

"–America is the biggest market for narcotics.

"–Although we consider ourselves a people who believe in law and order, we have seen much evidence of the passion of the mob.

"–Riots have occurred in 137 different cities and towns in 33 months, resulting in 120 deaths, including 12 police officers slain; 3,623 other persons injured; 28,932 arrested; and hundreds of millions of dollars property damage.

"–Crime in the United States is up 88 percent in seven years, rising nearly nine times faster than population, up 16 percent per year, according to the FBI. Crime costs some $20 billion a year, and less than 21 percent of reported crimes result in arrests and less than one-third of those in convictions.

"–In the midst of a cold war and preparation for a possible shooting war of survival, we have faced 651 strikes at missile bases in six years.

"–The United States government has racked up a shameful record of 31 treasury deficits in the past 35 years.

"–The sky-rocketing cost of the welfare state increased in 8 years from 6.9 billion to 20.3 billion dollars in 1961 and stood at 87 billion 578 million in 1966.

"–There are over 7,700,000 people on relief in federal, state, and local programs.

"–During the past 33 years our budget has increased 20 times over, and our national debt has increased from $16 billion to an admitted $324 billion; adding accrued liabilities payable in the future, our real indebtedness exceeds $1 trillion, or an average indebtedness of $5,200 for every man, woman, and child in the United States.

"–Our present federal debt is equal to a first mortgage of $10,000 on all owned homes in the country and is reported to exceed the combined debt of all countries of the world. Annual interest on the soaring national debt is over $15 billion–only defense and welfare are higher.

"–American currencies are weaker than those of Germany and Japan, who were defeated in World War II.

"–Inflation has struck a serious blow to the value of the American dollar.

"–We continue to move in the direction of more federal intervention, more concentration of power, more spending, more taxing, more paternalism, more state-ism."

A Confession & A Warning

2010-07-28T14:44:00.002-06:00

I don't know how to say this, but for a period of time our daughter rocked a mullet. My only solace is that we didn't realize it at the time. We were sinning in ignorance. In retrospect, I don't know how we missed it; it's painfully obvious in the above photo. Don't make the same mistake we did. Look at your child as soon as you can and determine whether or not you are setting yourself up for shocking discoveries down the road.

Biiiiig Bubbles

2010-07-23T17:45:00.000-06:00

Lily be rollin'

2010-07-23T17:43:00.000-06:00

Sami channels Urkel

2010-07-11T21:06:00.000-06:00

The Girls

2010-05-29T18:45:00.000-06:00

Not too shabby

2010-05-21T07:37:00.000-06:00

The view from my job site.

Lily Marguerite Hassell

2010-05-01T20:59:00.001-06:00

7 lbs 4.5 oz 19.5 in long

Everyone's home and doing well.

I think I'm mentally deficient

2010-04-27T15:17:00.004-06:00

-I was going to post a couple cute pictures of Sami, but got so frustrated with the blogger publisher because I couldn't get it the way I wanted it. So I gave up and deleted the whole post. It really makes me wonder if I'm the only one who's deficient enough to have this problem...

-Also, the wind is like a freaking tornado...I'm worried that our entire house might blow over.

-Also, I have been very UNproductive the last couple days...maybe I can get my productivity back to normal levels this afternoon...well, maybe tomorrow...

-Okay, maybe I will try to put just ONE picture on here.

-And it still messed up the rest of my post...oh well.

-And I'm NOT anxious to NOT have internet starting Saturday...I guess more trips to the library are coming...Of course, I know you will ALL miss my wittiness and humor. What will you do without me? Shed tears every night on your pillow (yeah, right, tears of joy)?! I guess I can understand that.

For those of you who haven't heard

2010-04-22T19:53:00.002-06:00

As of Tuesday, April 20th, Tara and I have accepted a job in Las Vegas, it came completely out of nowhere, and had anyone told me a week ago this was going to happen I would have told them they were crazy. We've prayed a lot about it and feel like it is where we are supposed to be. For what reason, we have no idea, but that's usually how the Lord works.

We'll certainly miss all of the friends we've made in West Jordan (probably a lot more than they'll miss us, but still), but we're excited to move on to the next stage in our lives.

And I've told Tara that I have no choice but to do every single ride on The Stratosphere. That simply has to happen.

Behind every good man...

2010-04-11T21:00:00.000-06:00

From Ezra Taft Benson's biography (p. 176):

"If we had more women like Sister Benson, we would have more men like Apostle Benson."

I'll never be anywhere near the caliber of man President Benson was, but I'm certainly blessed to have a wife that will push me to be the best man I can be personally, professionally, and especially spiritually.

I love you, Tara.

New Medical Symbol

2010-04-09T14:02:00.000-06:00

To prepare for the new Health Care reform package, we felt it necessary to develop a new medical Symbol that truly depicts the Health Care Plan we are getting.

Penne with Zucchini Alfredo

2010-03-30T17:31:00.002-06:00

So, tonight I was going to make this, but realized too late (ie I had already gone to Walmart in the morning and wasn't about to go back) that my carrots went bad. So that was out. Since I had gone all the way to Walmart earlier this morning to get a zucchini, I thought I may as well figure out something to do with it. Well, I almost always have ingredients to make alfredo sauce (except for the heavy whipping cream) and I always have pasta. "Combine the three," my little brain thought to itself. "Hmm..." I thought "that actually might be okay." Well, that's exactly what I did and guess what? It was surprisingly delicious! Oh and it was EASY and quick. So maybe you think it sounds gross with the zucchini, but just try it.

Penne with Zucchini Alfredo
1-2 zucchini, diced
2 tbs olive oil
garlic, salt, & pepper to taste
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup 1% milk (yes, I substituted for cream bc not only is it less fattening, it's what I had)
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
cooked whole grain penne pasta
-Saute zucchini in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper until tender.
-In a small saucepan, melt butter. I added 4 tbs flour at this point, and added more milk later to thin it down. It turned out great. I just wanted to make sure it was thick enough with the milk and thought it wouldn't turn out very smooth if I tried to add flour after the milk. Add milk and stir until heated through. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
-Add alfredo sauce (see step above) to skillet with zucchini and simmer and stir until desired consistency.
-Serve over warm cooked pasta of choice.

*I think fresh mushrooms and grilled chicked would be great additions to this. Since we don't ever have either fresh mushrooms or chicken in our fridge, I didn't get to try it. But, I assure you, I will someday and I am sure it will be delicious.

Um...yeah...

2010-03-23T13:54:00.003-06:00

A Few Things

-Suzanne Collins: Hunger Games...AWESOME. Having to wait until AUGUST for the last book...HIDEOUSLY FRUSTRATINGLY AWFUL. Seriously, if you haven't the first two books of this trilogy, you are NOT cool. (JK, like I'm the one to judge others as being NOT COOL. Wait, maybe I do have authority since I am not cool.) Although, I would advise anyone who wants to read them to wait until August 24.

-Some BAD movies we've watched of late: Land of the Lost-not even worth the dollar we gave to Redbox to watch it. Black Sheep-you'd think this would be funny considering who's in it, but no. Zoolander-okay, this actually had a few funny parts, but a movie that involves male models will never join our library. Unless...mmm, no, I changed my mind. Ice Age 3-I've got nothing on this one...it just tried too hard to be funny. Where the Wild Things Are-Zach thinks they made this movie while "smoking the hippie lettuce."

-On Our Best Bites a while ago, I found a recipe called "Worlds Greatest Dinner Rolls" and they are. You can find the recipe here (since I am feeling a little lazy right now and don't want to type out the whole recipe). These are SO scrumptrelescent, you will not believe your mouth.

-I never thought travelling with a two year old would be something I didn't mind doing. But, recently, we drove to Oregon with Sami. She was awesome! I was so proud of her. As long as she got a little attention every so often, she just happily rode in her cow print carseat. Oh, and she stayed in her jammies the whole trip there and back...maybe that's one reason she was so good. If I got to be in my pajamas ALL DAY, I'd probably be pretty content myself.

-Now, I promised myself I would spare all you (because I know there are so many of you) the boring, tedious details of being pregnant, but I just have to say something here. Once. I have six weeks left and I am so DONE being pregnant. BUT, I'm not done because I don't know what the heck I'm going to do with TWO kids. Alright, I know everything will be just fine, but still...I'm nervous. I don't know if my limited brain powers can handle the poop, um, I mean the responsibility. (*See last note as well.) I guess we'll just have to "cross that bridge when we come to it" (as Zach likes to say).

-Woke up this morning to fresh snow on the ground. As I'm sitting at the computer, gazing out the sliding glass door, I see: one cloud in the sky, NO snow, and a beautiful albeit cold spring day. Utah, I don't understand you. It really isn't fair of you to tease me with two spring days and then, BAM, snow. Do you want me to love you or not?!

-I should apologize, this isn't the least bit entertaining. My brain just doesn't want to turn on today. This is happening increasingly more often. I'm starting to worry that in six weeks, it will just shut down completely and not turn back on. Ever. Let's hope that's not the case.

2010-03-10T19:13:00.001-07:00

So apparently I can do mobile posts on the blog. I'm just trying to see how this works. NEWMAN!!

Our Commander in Chief (Long Post)

2010-03-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

My very good friend, Sean Fielding, sent this to me (I made a few changes). Funny (but not surprising) how this whole "respect the office of the President" thing has only been popular for a little over a year.

If George W. Bush had been the first President to need a teleprompter installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have laughed and said this is more proof of how inept he is on his own and is really controlled by smarter men behind the scenes?

If it had taken George W. Bush 3 tries to say the word "inhaler," would you have called him an incompitent idiot?

If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura Bush to a play in NYC, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan's holdings of GM stock by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given Gordon Brown a set of inexpensive and incorrectly formatted DVDs, when Gordon Brown had given him a thoughtful and historically significant gift, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly narcissistic and tacky?

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the non-existent "Austrian language," would you have brushed it off as a minor slip?

If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current in their income taxes, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had stated that there were 57 states in the United States , would you have said that he is clueless?

If George W. Bush would have flown all the way to Denmark to make a five minute speech about how the Olympics would benefit him walking out his front door in Texas , would you have thought he was a self important, conceited, egotistical idiot?

If George W. Bush had been so Spanish illiterate as to refer to "Cinco de Cuatro" in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the 5th of May (Cinco de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again, would you have winced in embarrassment?

If George W. Bush had mis-spelled the word "advice" would you have hammered him for it for years like Dan Quayle and potatoe as proof of what a dunce he is?

If George W. Bush had burned 9,000 gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single tree on Earth Day, would you have concluded he's a hypocrite?

If George W. Bush's administration had okayed Air Force One flying low over millions of people followed by a jet fighter in downtown Manhattan causing widespread panic, would you have wondered whether they actually get what happened on 9-11?

If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims throughout the Midwest with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans , would you want it made into a major ongoing political issue with claims of racism and incompetence?

If George W. Bush had created the position of 32 Czars who report directly to him, bypassing the House and Senate on much of what is happening in America , would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so, would you have approved?

So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? Can't think of anything? Don't worry. He did all this, and more, in his first year as president -- so you'll have three years to come up with an answer.

OWNED.

2010-03-02T07:36:00.002-07:00

Style vs. Substance

Too Much Intrusion For Me

2010-02-11T11:26:00.005-07:00

This is one in a LONG line of ways the Federal Government (or maybe I should just government in general) is intruding into areas of my life that they have NO RIGHT intruding on.
This opinion column (and basically ALL of Walter Williams' columns) is right on, in my mind. I would put the text right here in the post, but it's kind of long for that (although it's not actually that long to read.)
Check it out.

Sorry if this sounds like bragging...

2010-02-07T13:57:00.003-07:00

We're just really excited. It is definitely worth it every penny we put towards it.

Of Course I Have to Modify..."Resistance is useless"

2010-01-26T14:27:00.003-07:00

Penne with Vegetables in Tomato-Basil Sauce
original recipe from Betty Crocker Sunday Dinner Cookbook
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped onion
2 carrots, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 zucchini
1-2 cloves pressed garlic
Basil, Oregano, Salt, Pepper to taste
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Penne pasta (I use whole grain and it is great)
-Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion, garlic, and carrot in oil until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; cook 5 minutes.
-Stir in zucchini and seasonings; reduce heat to medium. Cook until desired consistency. I simmered the sauce while I cooked the pasta and it turned out perfect for us. Serve over pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. (Yes, I am a snob about parmesan cheese thanks to my mom who not-so-affectionately calls the stuff in the cans "fake cheese." It really does make all the difference in the world though.)

Seriously, Zach and I both LOVE this recipe. It is simple, fast, and so healthy especially if you use the whole grain pasta. I am still figuring out how much pasta to cook, but that is probably the easiest portion to change. Sorry, I don't make a habit of whipping out the camera for dinner so I don't have any pictures. Although, I have to admit it is quite a pretty dish to serve. Not that that REALLY matters. ;)

*Completely UNRELATED note: Who can tell me what book/movie (will accept either one, although will be more impressed if someone mentions the book first) I quoted (which means the part in quotations) in my title? Zach you should know this one as it is in your top ten movies of all-time.

Tara asked me to post something last night

2010-01-21T08:24:00.002-07:00

This probably wasn't what she had in mind, but it's all I got.

Cash, maternity clothes, Denise Austin...Well, just read it already.

2010-01-07T14:39:00.003-07:00

Yes, I have been a SLACKER. But I'm sure you will get over it soon enough. You should admit that you missed me, though. ;)
My Random Thoughts for the Moment
-I'm sure these thoughts will vanish from my brain as soon as I'm done here
-BeBand...AWESOME. Cheap @ Target. My wardrobe has multiplied. One pair of maternity jeans to said jeans PLUS four pairs of my regular jeans/pants.
-I have NO motivation to actually pay money for maternity clothes. Hello, I am only going to be wearing them for four/five months each time I'm pregnant. What is the point?!
-It is AMAZING to pay CASH for my groceries, toilletries, cleaning, etc. That's right, I said C-A-S-H. No debit card, and DEFINITELY no credit card. It feels so powerful. It makes me happy inside. Try it and I promise you won't be disappointed.
-Does anyone else LOVE Fireflies by Owl City? Or am I just weird?
-Well, I KNOW I'm weird, but I mean as regarding the above statement. So, I'll thank you to keep your analysis of my person to YOURSELF...
-Denise Austin: You are amazing. It is INCREDIBLY cheesy, but oh how I love your Fit & Firm Pregnancy dvd. And I have no regrets buying it because I only paid $3.00 for it brand new.
-"My life be like...Ooh aah..."
-Redbox, why you gotta hate? I just want to rent 500 Days of Summer. Is that too much to ask???
-Did you know The Host is going to be a movie? That has so much potential to be AWESOME!
-Word of Caution: Do NOT watch Black Sheep. I felt stupider (is this even a word? see I told you) after I watched it. No plot. Questionable acting. Chris Farley is NOT at his best. See Tommy Boy and SNL: Best of Chris Farley for real humor.
-Has anyone else rented Star Trek from Redbox twice and watched it four times? Maybe we should just buy it.
-Okay, I got nothin else in my brain. Seriosly. Blankness.
The End.

A Female Supermajority

2009-12-11T10:45:00.004-07:00

And for the record, I am totally excited.

My Best Effort Yet

2009-12-10T14:16:00.003-07:00

Yes, I made the best peanut butter cookies I've ever made. After church on Sunday, I asked Zach what kind of treat he would like. He, of course, said he didn't know (this is always the response I get). When I suggested peanut butter cookies, that hit the mark. Naturally, I wanted to try a new recipe-this is one of my favorite things to do...try new recipes. I found this recipe in Essential Mormon Celebrations by Julie Badger Jensen. I made ONE alteration: I do NOT use margarine, I only use real butter (Mom, you should be proud of me). I think these would be amazing with chunky peanut butter, but I never buy chunky peanut butter because Zach doesn't like it, so I probably won't ever try it. If anyone does, let me know if it delicious! Without further ado:

Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
sugar
Hershey's kisses, if desired
-Cream together butter, sugars, eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture and beat together. Roll dough into balls and dip/roll in sugar. Bake on an ungreased baking sheet at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes (mine took 11 minutes b/c I used my 2 tbsp cookie scoop). If desired, place a Hershey's kiss on top while still warm. (Obviously, I didn't do this part.)

Can I just explain WHY these peanut butter cookies were so amazing? They were soft...and they STAYED soft. AND they tasted amazing, too. Bonus. Maybe nobody else has ever had issues with their peanut butter cookies getting a little hard, but I have. EVERY recipe is always delicious, but doesn't stay soft and I LOVE soft cookies. Try it! Or don't, whatever. It's not like I'll ever know the difference. I just love sharing.
-Kirk out.

Top 10 Greatest Movie Quotes according to me.

2009-12-03T19:17:00.007-07:00

Why? No reason. I just felt like it.

#10 - "At ease, gentelmen." - Chris Pine as James Tiberius Kirk in Star Trek

#9 - "Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture. It is most indecorous." - Judy Dench as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest

#8 - "I had a bad experience! (Dang) it, I'm deaf." - Mos Def as Left Ear in The Italian Job

#7 - "Aaaaaaaaaah! That's right! That's right! Get off! Get off me! That's what you get! Ha haaa! Look at you! Ship all banged up! Who's the man, huh? Who's the man? Wait till I get another plane! I'm lining all your friends up right beside you!" - Will Smith as Captain Steven Hiller in Independence Day

#6 - "They can't think, they can't imagine, most of them can't even spell. They just...run things." - Mos Def as Ford Prefect in The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy

#5 - "I'm sorry, Mr. President, I don't dance." - Harrison Ford as Jack Ryan in Clear and Present Danger

#4 - "The encounter could create a time paradox, the results of which could cause a chain reaction that would unravel the very fabric of the space time continuum and destroy the entire universe! Granted, that's a worse-case scenario. The destruction might in fact be very localized, limited to merely our own galaxy." - Christopher Lloyd as Doctor Emmett Brown in Back to the Future Part II

#3 - "The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Fortunately, in England at any rate education produces no effect whatsoever. If it did it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square." - Judy Dench as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest

#2 - "I ain't got time to bleed." - Jesse Ventura as Blaine Cooper on Predator (I've never actually seen this movie, but is there any context in which that quote isn't incedible?)

#1 - "You took an oath, if you recall, when you first came to work for me. And I don't mean to the National Security Advisor of the United States. I mean to his boss, and I don't mean the President. You gave your word to his boss. You gave your word to the People of the United States. Your word is who you are." - James Earl Jones as Admiral James Greer in Clear and Present Danger

Harline & Collie are still open...

2009-11-30T08:48:00.001-07:00

And now George is still running.

In honor of rivalry week...

2009-11-23T08:15:00.001-07:00

HOW DOES THAT TASTE YEWTIES???!!!

This Just Touched My Heart Today...

2009-11-12T15:11:00.003-07:00

"For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what think and do. What we think and do determines who we are-and who we will become."
"God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn't care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous of forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, God loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely."
"We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked....[R]egardless of our current state, there is hope for us...our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us."
(Nov 2009 Ensign, Pres. Uchtdorf, 22-23)
The whole address is amazing. Read it here.

Happy Things

2009-11-11T14:27:00.006-07:00

-Buying a 12.5 lb turkey for $5.00 (that's $.40/lb) at Walmart.
-Sami taking a nap.
-Cuddling with Sami.
-Getting my house cleaned...actually doing everything on my list! Wahoo! Monday and yesterday and maybe today...Maybe, just maybe, even ALL WEEK! That would definitely be cause to celebrate.
-Talking to my mom today.
-Talking to my sister today.
-Reading a great book: Arguing with Idiots, Glenn Beck.
-Continuing to read an inspiring book: Forward With Faith, Sheri Dew.
-Getting a few family pictures taken as a favor and having them turn out great.
-Anticipating going to the temple tonight.
-Going to WinCo and finding they have AMAZING prices.
-Also at WinCo, getting apple juice and a brownie mix for FREE. Sweet! That's the best price EVER.
-Doing the dishes for Zach. (It did make me feel good...that ONE time I did it.)
-Warning: this one is mushy...Zach makes me happy everyday, so to not even mention him would be akin to lying.
-Being pleasantly surprised while/after watching (insert gasp here) Twilight. It wasn't that bad. Definitely NOT one of my favorites, but better than expected. And NO this does NOT mean I will EVER read the books, so just leave it alone. Seriously.
-Being SOOOO close to Step 3 (those who know Dave Ramsey KNOW what I'm talking about) that I can almost taste it. Oh, to just savor the feeling of not having ANY debt (aside from the cursed mortgage which is dealt with in Step 6)!
-I almost forgot...www.ourbestbites.com. This is a great website. They have really good (at least they sound good) recipes and cute ideas. CHECK. IT. OUT. Seriously, you should.

I Dont Need An Invisibility Cloak and I Bet You're Jealous!

2009-10-29T14:28:00.003-06:00

Yes, folks, that's right! I can be invisible. Occasionally, I can even make my voice soundless. If you're not jealous, then you should be.

There are some stipulations.

-This only applies to Sami.

-I can NOT be invisible when I WANT to be invisible. (This is the major con of my invisibility.)

-I am invisible when any of the following items are happening (this is NOT an all-inclusive list):

*Sami is doing something she knows she's not supposed to be doing

*A diaper needs to be changed

*It's time to be done doing something (ie. playing in the sink, with her blocks, with her rocks, or pretty much any toy, etc)

*It's time to get dressed for the day

*It's time to get out of the bath

-My voice is soundless in the following situations:

*I have said the same thing 50 times (of course it should go without saying that I am actually invisible for all 50 times)

*In general, if I am trying to say ANYTHING important

*I say the words "Sit down" or "Come here" or "Don't touch that please" or "Let's use quiet voices"

So, as it turns out, I DO have superpowers! Can I be a Super-Mom??? Oh, wait...

On an unrelated note: Check this video out. It's 7:33, but it is HILARIOUS. This is one of my favorite parts of Bill Cosby Himself (dvd).

I'm sorry, I just can't help how randomly my mind works.

MORE BREAKING NEWS!!

2009-10-21T18:21:00.003-06:00

Well, for some of you.

Due May 3. Dang you Craig & Lois! We'll get that guest bedroom yet.

Top Ten Ways To Be The Biggest Nerd EVER

2009-10-12T14:28:00.002-06:00

10. Alphabetize your movies. (Of which there are close to 100)
9. Organize your closet by color-including your shoes.
8. Spend over an hour looking at your favorite website: www.allrecipes.com for (drumroll please) recipes.
7. Make your grocery list for November at the beginning of October.
6. Make your November budget (not the pinky-swore on one, but the preliminary copy) the second week of October.
5. Plan all your "holiday" meals (which includes Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas breakfast, Christmas dinner, and New Years) at the beginning of October. Above stated time spent looking at your favorite website is looking for holiday meal recipes and there is also significant time (over an hour) spent looking through all your cookbooks.
4. Feel warm and fuzzy inside when you make lists.
3. Explode (on the inside only, can't show it or would be made fun of) when plans change.
2. Feel completely GUILTY when your child's schedule is only 30 minutes late. This includes naptimes, lunchtimes, bedtimes, dinnertimes, etc.
1. Honestly, WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD I KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT BEING A NERD? I'm basically the least-nerdy person I know and I would NEVER do any of these things, so don't ask me about becoming a NERD if that is your life's passion!

BREAKING NEWS!!

2009-10-09T08:12:00.002-06:00

Obama has receieved 5 Oscar nominations and leads the Heisman voting. His name as also been mentioned for the Cy Young Award, but THAT would be a longshot.

Sorry (kind of) for all the politcal posts. I'll admit I'm not very creative, and it's just becoming too easy.

It'd be a lot funnier if it wasn't true...

2009-10-03T20:37:00.001-06:00

10 bucks says most liberals don't realize he's being incredibly sarcastic.

Stayin' Alive

2009-09-29T15:26:00.002-06:00

Some tidbits...
-I really am disappointed that I had to miss book club last week, for those of you who care/have said I was missed. Although, I heard a little rumor that you evil girls were scheming about getting me to read the Twilight books. I warn you now...I will "have a prior engagement" for the book club that would require me to read one of those books. ;)
-I need to make bread...and it is honestly one of my favorite things to do...but if I don't start by an early enough time it either doesn't get done or it ends up sitting on the counter "cooling" all night which doesn't do much for the moisture content. Maybe this is a confession of sorts. A VERY small degree of procrastination has crept into my life ever since I got back from vacation ALMOST FOUR WEEKS AGO and I can't shake it off.
-This procrastination has touched all areas of my "responsibility." This includes, but is by NO means limited to: doing the laundry, folding said laundry, putting said laundry away (hence the two baskets of clean folded laundry that have sat so long it's actually diminishing so if I wait a few more days the baskets will be empty anyway), sweeping (usually gets procrastinated so much that it doesn't get done), going for a walk, "blogging" (not that any of you ACTUALLY care about my yawn-fest posts, but still), this could probably go on for pages, but I will spare you. Thank me later.
-The Damage will turn two soon. I CAN NOT believe it.
-Zach is AWESOME. And I'm glad he's patient. And I love him.
-My "little" sister...HOLY COW...is A SENIOR in highschool...is turning EIGHTEEN soon...is GRADUATING in a few months...is going to COLLEGE soon thereafter. I think I am in denial...mostly because it makes me feel a little old...I just try to avoid thinking about it. (Anna, I love you and I think you're awesomely accomplished and totally worthy of all the happiness in the world.) How in the world does it happen that life passes me by as if I'm living ON AN INTERSTATE??
-I wish my brain wasn't so dull and unwitty(is this a word? it just sounds so cruel to say "witless") and random.
-Holy Wind, Batman. It's like a tornado out here today. The door to my furnace is rattling (this in INSIDE, in a hallway in fact). The walls of my shower are creaking (how this happens, I have NO idea, but it does.) The screen in my bedroom window, before I closed it, sounded like it was going to pop out.
-Which, coincidentally, has happened before. It wasn't in my bedroom, but the curtain was whipping the screen so hard that it flew out and was sitting on the roof beneath the window. This isn't a comforting thing to see not knowing how long the window was WIDE OPEN leaving you vulnerable to who knows what creepy things lurk around.
-I was going to say something else, but my mind just went BLANK...completely...as I gazed out the window. Oh well. I'm sure it would have been a traffic-stopper.
-To be terribly cliche: It's all good. It really is, though. Life is incredibly good.
-Buh-bye.

The Obama Flow Chart

2009-09-22T12:40:00.003-06:00

Come on, you gotta admit it's funny...

2009-09-16T15:38:00.003-06:00

A Curve Ball (or should I say SEVERAL)

2009-09-15T14:16:00.003-06:00

SO...we went on vacation to visit the FAM in The Great Northwest (ie. Oregon). It was a very nice and relaxing vacation. Sami was AWESOME except for the SO-HIGH-PITCHED-THAT-ONLY-A-DOG-COULD-HEAR-IT (almost that high...it seemed like it to me)screaming that occurred the last few days. But, seriously, she was so GOOD besides. She traveled great, was friendly...for her...and entertained the Grands.
ANYWAY...I love going on vacation...but it takes me SOOOO long to NOT be a mess after I get back that I wonder.
About the curve ball...well, lets just say that I feel as though I've had one thrown at me everyday since we returned. Sheesh! When is it going to stop???
For example, I just ran upstairs because Sami (who is supposed to be SLEEPING and won't) screamed and then started crying. I ran upstairs because I thought something must be wrong...but NO...she just doesn't want to take a nap is protesting very loudly.
Seriously, I am still such a mess. Maybe I will have my life in order by the next time I take a vacation...which will be NEXT year!
On a completely unrelated note, I have almost perfected my whole wheat bread recipe. I took a great recipe from The Joy of Cooking and altered it to my liking. And Zach isn't complaining either. So, here is the current recipe (I'm sure it will change again sometime, but probably not soon):
Whole Wheat Bread
Dissolve 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast in 1/4 cup warm (105-115 degree)water.
Beat together and add to the yeast mixture:
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup melted butter
2 1/2 cups lukewarm water
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup each of honey and sugar
Add and mix until smooth:
1/2 cup non-fat dry milk
1/4 cup vital wheat gluten
2 cups whole-grain flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
Add until stiff enough to handle:
2 to 2 1/2 cups whole-grain flour
2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Let dough rest for 10 minutes, covered. Remove to lightly floured board; knead until smooth and springy, about 10 minutes. Place in a large, greased bowl turning once to grease top; cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, until double.
Punch dough down and separate into three equal parts. Let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Shape into loaves and place in three greased 9x5 loaf pans. Brush tops of loaves with 1 to 2 tbsp melted butter. Cover and let rise in a warm place until loaves fill corners of pans.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

I promise I will post some vacation pictures soon. Maybe I should promise...I don't want to break any promises...lets say, "I shall try..."
Go COUGARS!!! Here's hopin for a great season...
Ummm, bye

Shoot! Where'd he come from???

2009-09-09T12:20:00.004-06:00

At least they triple-teamed Pitta...

Quote from President (then Elder) Kimball

2009-08-23T11:57:00.003-06:00

This was over 40 years ago. The more things change...

"With numerous others, I am greatly disturbed at the rapid move of our government to socialism and what seems to be an approach towards dictatorship...Taxes are becoming back-breaking; expenditures and waste are alarming...The government seems too anxious to give, give, give to the poor, to the aged, to the schools, to everyone, and blinded people feel they are getting something, whereas they pay it to the government so that the government can after great overhead expense return a part of it to the people. And every time a gift returns to the people - a so-called gift - it comes with fetters binding and tying and enslaving. For every block of funds given to the people, they lose a bigger block of liberty."

-pp. 352-353 from Spencer W. Kimball

Hair Today

2009-08-19T14:19:00.005-06:00

Proof that she has hair...(I do apologize for the weird color tone of the pictures. Dang flourescent lights...if they didn't use so much less energy than incandescent bulbs...oh well!) This lovely hairstyle courtesy of Daddy.

Also, I am looking for some suggestions/advice...

I read this today and really feel strongly that I need to be a "lifelong learner." Although one of goals in life is to go back to school someday, due to several different reasons, it is not real possible right now. So.....I would ask all my bloggy friends (and non-bloggy friends, I have no prejudices) to share ideas of good ways to be constantly learning:

I love to read (I know BIG shock for you...b/c I NEVER talk about reading). If you have any suggestions of books, I am open to almost anything. I prefer to stay away from really biased or inappropriate material, though.

Are there any other resources I can tap for continued education? I want to be the best person I can be and feel that if I am not striving to learn new things I won't ever reach my full potential.

Also, don't you just LOVE Sami's hair in those pictures. I laughed so hard and just had to run downstairs to get the camera! Have to document these moments...

Not just wise - downright prophetic

2009-08-17T07:46:00.003-06:00

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it." - Dr. Adrian Rogers

Any takers?

2009-08-14T13:11:00.002-06:00

I wonder what the criteria for "loving" was.

Ice Cream Cake, Crescent Rolls, Anniversary, Internet

2009-08-12T13:56:00.004-06:00

The title is random because this post is going to be random...And, um, my brain is random...need I remind you, dear reader?!
-Zach and I celebrated our five-year anniversary last Thursday. Well, we didn't do anything on our actual anniversary, but on Friday we did. We went to one of the BEST burger places I've ever been to. For me, it is tied with In-N-Out. It is called Five Guys Burgers and Fries. It is definitely reminiscent of In-N-Out with it's simple menu and fresh ingredients. I highly recommend all burger lovers to check it out. Also, we did baptisms at the temple. Then, ate ice cream cake (which I made and will add the recipe at the end), opened presents, and watched The Importance of Being Earnest(my present from Zach).
-On the subject...well, sorta...In-N-Out is coming to Utah (again.) Read this article from the Deseret News for proof. It will be perfect for us because there is going to be one at Jordan Landing (10 minutes away) and another just announced in Centerville (where we want to live eventually.)
-My internet has been down since the weekend...and before that, I hadn't had the computer on since last Wednesday. Consequently, when I checked my email today, I had 43 emails. I'm sure for popular people (since I am actually NOT popular OR cool at all) that happens in a day or less. But, still.
-I made Buttery Crescent Rolls yesterday...They were/are heavenly if I say so myself. I promise I'm not trying to brag. I am always surprised when things turn out so good for me.
Buttery Crescent Rolls
2 pkgs (1/4 oz each) active dry yeast
2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
6 ½ to 7 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup butter, melted and cooled
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
Additional melted butter, optional
-In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. Add 4 cups of flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and salt; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.-Punch the dough down and divide in thirds. Roll each portion in a 12-inch circle; cut each circle into 12 wedges. Roll up wedges from the wide end and place with pointed end down on greased baking sheets. Brush with melted butter, if desired. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 400° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 3 dozen. Taken from Taste of Home Grandma’s Favorites, Lynne Petersen.
-I made an ice cream cake which is supposed to imitate Dairy Queen's ice cream cake. I have to admit, it was pretty close and very delicious. Although it made way too much and Zach and I ate it all ourselves (not in one sitting btw). It is actually pretty straightforward.
You need ice cream (I used chocolate on the bottom and vanilla on top), Cool Whip, Oreo cookies, and fudge sauce.
Layer 1: Spread softened ice cream until smooth and flat in bottom of whatever size cake pan you like.
Layer 2: Crushed Oreo cookies.
Layer 3: Fudge sauce at room temperature.
Cover and place in freezer until hard.
Layer 4: Spread softened ice cream as thick as you desire.
Place in freezer until very hard.
Layer 5: Mix equal parts of ice cream and cool whip. Spread over top of cake.
Place in freezer until frozen.
-So, this is a long and probably tedious post. Maybe next time will be lighter reading.

Oat Waffles and Scentsy

2009-08-05T20:29:00.004-06:00

Here's a delicious recipe for waffles...of course, I modified it...as I always do whenever I make ANYTHING. (This doesn't always yield the best results for me...but I only post recipes that have worked for me and that Zach has enjoyed.) Actually I can think of like 2 recipes that I do NOT modify (that much). Anyway, here is it:
Oat Waffles
1 cup flour (half whole wheat, half all-purpose)
1 cup oat flour*
4 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp vanilla
Combine first five ingredients.
In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until combined. Do NOT overmix.
Pour onto a preheated waffle iron until golden brown.
*1 1/4 cups quick oats ground in a blender is a good substitute.
**Also, it is beneficial to allow waffle/pancake batter to ruminate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Of course, this is not required, but the result is extra fluffiness and yumminess!

I got a Scentsy warmer last week and I love it. It is very decorative and the scents are delightful. I got Beach, Skinny Dippin' (I have NO idea why it is thus named...it brings to mind nothing close to skinny dipping), and Enchanted Mist.

That is all.

Dang Beer Companies...

2009-08-05T12:53:00.002-06:00

They always have the best commercials.

Cookies You Can Make When You Can't Decide What Kind You Want

2009-07-18T13:31:00.005-06:00

I wanted to make some cookies yesterday. I always make the same kinds of cookies with the same great recipes. BUT...I wanted something new. I found this recipe on allrecipes-which is my absolute favorite online resource for yummyness. This did NOT disappoint.
Like I have said before, oatmeal cookies are kind of my nemesis. I can't get them soft. Anyway, these are amazing. Zach loved them and he's not crazy about my oatmeal cookies, usually.

Baker's Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
1 cup flour (I used half whole wheat, half white)
1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder (if you use whole wheat flour, put in a little extra)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanillla
6 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used chocolate chips, not chopped)
-Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder and salt; sat aside. Beat butter, sugars and peanut butter in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until well blended after each addition. Stir in chocolate.
-Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheets. (I used a medium cookie scoop.)
-Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 1 minute; remove from baking sheets to wire racks. Cool completely.
I totally forgot that I was going to take a picture and post it...I will try to put up the picture later. :)

Hot Fudge and Spiders

2009-07-15T19:12:00.003-06:00

First of all, I made hot fudge sauce from scratch Sunday night and it is delicious. It is perfect over vanilla ice cream! Here's the recipe (from Betty Crocker cook book):
1 can (12-oz) evaporated milk
2 cups (12-oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
Heat milk, chocolate chips and sugar to boiling in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly; remove from heat.
Stir in butter and vanilla until mixture is smooth and creamy. Cool about 30 minutes or until sauce begins to thicken. Serve warm. Store remaining sauce covered in refrigerator up to 4 weeks. Sauce becomes firm when refrigerated; heat slightly before serving (sauce will become thin if overheated).

Second noteworthy item...Tuesday night we had the most ginormous spider in the house that I've ever seen. I tried to get a picture with my phone, but it didn't work out. Anyway, I think Zach was actually a little nervous to kill it. However, being the braver one (by A LOT), he did the deed and it was nasty. I'll spare you the details...you would thank me if you knew what happened. :) I hate spiders! Especially nasty huge ones that are inside my house. Ironically, over the last two days I have killed five or six other spiders...luckily those ones weren't that big or nasty. I just don't know why we have to get so many inside! Now, I just freaked myself out...I thought I'd try to find a photo of the spider online... well, I didn't and now I think I'll have trouble sleeping tonight. Oh well.

Thanks for listening...BYE

Can we say SLACKER?

2009-07-06T13:48:00.005-06:00

Whoa! I have been the worst SLACKER in the world...Although, I do have to say that I enjoy Zach's posts WAY more than mine. (Anyone else??) Anyway...some goings-on:

-Sami was sooooo good in the nursery yesterday at church. Zach only stayed in for 30 minutes and she stayed by herself for all the rest. Of course, on our way home from church, we SHOWERed her with our praise hoping that it will help it happen again (only better??) next week. :)

-Thursday...for any of you who live out here in The Oaks, you probably already know what this is about...we had the HUGEST, loudest, rainiest, boomingest, hailingest, darkest thunderstorm. Due to very poor landscaping (thanks to CHEAP Holmes Homes), we have a drainage issue outside the back corner of our place. The water came up to our foundation...I KNOW that if we had a basement, it would have flooded...I am 100% certain.

-I normally LOVE huge storms, like the afore mentioned, but Thursday's hugemongous storm was just a little too much all at once.

-I am SOOO excited to be getting my Greenbean TODAY! I haven't driven it since Zach and I got married...Five Years. (Thanks Alan and Brett for sacrificing your time and talents and Craig and Lois for towing it out here!)

-We have been completely ENGROSSED watching Arrested Development. Why? Only because it is hilariously, outrageously, ungenerically AWESOME. At times, I feel guilty...like I'm cheating on The Office, or something...a secret romance with a different show for which I think I have stronger feelings.

-Did you know that you can add baking soda to your washing machine with liquid detergent?

-I have a project...I found a bed (yes, it was on KSL...I love it). It is a little banged up, but has potential. So, I am ambitious about cleaning it up/sanding it/painting it. When I am finished (I haven't started yet...)I will put up before/after pictures.

-Seriously, I love the KSL classifieds. I have spent a lot of time ksling...for LOTS of different things. Although, the ratio of time spent ksling to the things I actually buy is like 100:1. It is just neat to look at what people are selling for not very much.

-Did I really just use "neat"? It is just my inner (or not so inner, you be the judge (but please don't tell me)) nerd shining through the dusty, trying-to-be-cool exterior. I mean, I AM cool, of course! (No comments, Zach.) (Or Anna) ;)

-I think I'm losing my touch...I was bored with my post before I got past my second thought.

-Hmmm....I think ice cream sounds REALLY good...really, really good.

-Here's a test...how many "words" can you find that are made up?

-The following is NOT a random thought, but merely information I wanted to pass along...

We are selling our car. If you, or anyone you know, or don't know, is looking for a reliable, non-guzzling car...look at my ad (on KSL, OF COURSE!). All the details are there. This is pathetic, I know, advertising on my blog...It is just shameless! I'm sure you'll forgive me in the end.

-Okay, Bye.

Does anyone else see the irony in this?

2009-06-30T14:10:00.007-06:00

Placed on doorknobs around the state of New Jersey:

"Change a bulb and save. A CFL bulb uses up to 75% less energy than old-fashioned bulbs. Save up to $30 in energy costs. Every light bulb change means less pollution, lower cost and reduced demand for electricity which means healthier, cleaner air, environmental and public health benefits. Be the light in your community. This lamp contains Mercury."

Most of our lamps are florescent so I'm not knocking the concept, but I thought this was pretty funny.

Moab, GOB, & Marty McFly

2009-06-28T15:13:00.005-06:00

Last Thursday, I took Tara & Sami down to Moab with me on business. After a few hours in some meetings, we were able to spend some time together. We learned a few things: 1) Sami is terrified of swimming, even though she loves her bath. We find this out AFTER we bought a swimming suit, swim diapers, & a floatie thing. Awesome. 2) Moab is way too hot & the shoulders along the main drag way too small for Tara to walk downtown with Sami to get lunch. We need a different plan of attack next time. 3) After putting Sami down, there wasn't much we could do since we couldn't leave the hotel room, so we opened up the laptop and got on hulu.com. After watching the Colbert Report for a few minutes (I disagree with about 90% of what he says, but man he's hilarious) we thought we'd check out Arrested Development. SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP. How did that show ever get canceled after only 3 seasons? You don't cancel genius, no matter how bad the ratings are. I mean, what if they had "canceled" Van Gogh? Anyway, after watching the first 10 minutes of the pilot I already wanted to by the complete series. I think GOB (Will Arnet) is probably the funniest character I've ever seen in either movies or TV. I was at Wal-Mart last night & saw the first 2 seasons in a package for only $20.00. Only Tara's voice of reason in the back of my head convinced me to put it back on the shelf. It looks like AD might be the second television show DVD set to enter our home.

Speaking of entering homes, if I were ever to wake up and find an intruder at the foot of my bed, I think my first reaction would be to beat him into a coma (Or at least try. Although I've come close a few times - all with the same guy in high school - I've never actually been in a fight unless you count the time that Craig kept sticking his face right in front of mine while I was trying to brush my teeth many years ago. I kind of punched him in the face and paid dearly for it.) but maybe I shouldn't be too hasty. It's entirely possible that this intruder is some kind of time traveler that altered the past in such a way that I now live in the house that was his before he disrupted the space-time continuum. Think about it - that dude was going to knock Marty McFly's chiclets out with a Louisville Slugger and he hadn't done anything wrong! It's never a bad idea to think things over before passing judgement. Unless he's got some sort of weapon -then it's game on.

For my siblings - has anyone else noticed that Mom's google screen name, which declares the greatness of her posterity, completely skips a generation?

For my parents - how on earth did you feel any kind of love for me whatsoever during or after my teenage years? I'd have kicked myself out well before the age of 15. I love you guys.

Also for my parents - what do the phrases "Dad Gum-It!" & "Heavens to Betsy!" actually mean?

OK, that's all I got. Tara should be back from visiting teaching in a few minutes.

Get yours before he shuts the webpage down!

2009-06-13T16:46:00.010-06:00

I was driving in downtown SLC the other day and saw some bumper stickers that made me laugh. I did a search and found conservativebuys.com which had some pretty entertaining stuff. Here are a few samples:

Two Peas in A Pod

2009-06-08T20:23:00.004-06:00

These two are my whole life!

Wow I'm lucky.

Answer: This one.

2009-06-06T14:12:00.002-06:00

Question: What picture can make you laugh so hard you fall out of your chair only one day after being laid off?

Fish Lips, Note to Zach, Series of Confessions

2009-06-03T19:53:00.004-06:00

What her Daddy teaches her...
-Zach-I loved your post...you should do it WAY more often. Oh and I love you.
-Life in general is cool.
-I love thunderstorms...and there have been thunderstorms everyday this week so far. I'm talking HUGE thunder...so huge our windows and walls vibrate! And it's pitch dark in the middle of the day, too.
-A confession: I did NOT get my cleaning done today...granted it was only cleaning the kitchen sink/counters/stove...and I just did it on Sunday...so maybe I'm good.
-Another confession: My brain is REALLY not working properly tonight. Well, I guess I'm not that surprised. It's not like my brain EVER really works properly. Tonight is especially disconnected...
-Yet another confession: I started reading a book which I am not enjoying...maybe it will get better, just give it time, I must tell myself.
-My fourth confession: I have spent WAY too much time on the computer today...well, not really that much...just a couple hours total...but still.
-Oh, and here's another confession: I did NOT even put makeup on today. I got dressed, so that's something, I guess. I'm sorry, is that too personal? Actually, WHY would that be personal? We all (well, those of us who wear makeup) have those days...I think.
-Man, I have a lot to confess.
-Bye.

Just one last thought, did anyone else notice a striking resemblance between my couch and my blog background? Thought I'd throw it out there.

As though any of you gave a rat's behind...

2009-05-31T16:25:00.007-06:00

So, most of you are aware that I was laid off (for the second time in about 4 months) last April. It was a harrowing 3 weeks, but thanks to the help of my brother and some very generous clients of his, the BYU alumni website, and some undeniably divine intervention, we got through it and I am now gainfully employed at Hogan & Associates Construction. It's an excellent company & I'm enjoying it very much. Part of my job involves making an occasional trip to Moab since I'm working on 2 schools & a hospital down there. I drive down with the Project Manager who's a very nice guy but we have little to nothing in common so 97% of the almost 8 hours in the car are spent in silence. I spend some of it sleeping, but a lot of it thinking about pointless stuff. Here are a few items:

No male con honestly consider himself a man until he has done 3 things: 1) used a chainsaw, 2) used a wood chipper, 3) thoroughly enjoyed a movie with no worthwhile plot whatsoever but had a lot of things being blown up and/or sweet car chases.
My wife makes amazing pizza. That Pampered Chef pizza stone she got was probably the greatest addition to our kitchen since, well, my wife.
I do not now know, nor do I ever care to know, how Stella got her groove back.
At the risk of having my dude card revoked, I'm going to make a confession. I really enjoy Pride and Prejudice. I like the book, the A&E miniseries, the recent movie with that Elizabeth Swan chick, all of it. There, I said it.
The harder all of you drones try to get my wife to read Twilight, the less she wants to. Stop it.
I'm currently reading the biography of Spencer W. Kimball. That man was amazing.
Although there is a stiking resemblance, Yoda was not patterned after the aforementioned Prophet, Seer & Revelator. For those of you who insist that he was, watch the Empire Strikes Back bonus features.
My five favorite movies of all time are, in no particular order, The Fugitive, The Dark Knight, Clear and Present Danger, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (if you don't already understand why, then I'll never be able to explain it), Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade. I'm not a Harrison Ford nut, I promise. He's just been in a lot of good movies.
Since this is my & Tara's own personal blog, I can say things on it that I won't (at least not anymore) on my family's blog. Like this: I was very much hoping to be wrong about Barack Obama, but so far I'm not. If I hear him say one more time that we can't continue to do exactly what he continues to do, e.g. spend money we don't have, I'm going to put an ice pick through my right eye. Hopefully enough of our nation will wake up to what this man is doing before the next presidential campaign begins, which should be sometime this September. Unless you're John Huntsman Jr - then you're well into it.
One last semi-political thing to add - Proposition 8 opponents? You lost. Can you please move on? Heaven forbid we should let the voice of the people rule in a democracy...
I'm sure everyone thinks that their wife is the most amazing woman on the planet and that their children are the greatest addition to the human race since the birth of said wife, but they're all wrong. Unless they're me. Which they're not.

OK, that's long enough. Believe me when I say that the only one more bored with this than you is me.

Confessions of a Boring Mom (well just one...)

2009-05-27T13:09:00.004-06:00

I have nothing interesting to say...mostly because nothing interesting has taken place in my life.
Except going to see Dave Ramsey Live (it was AWESOME by the way.)
There is one thing I need to say...a confession of sorts...recently, I have had very little desire (I'm thinking that's the wrong word to use, but I can't think of anything else) to "blog." Honestly, and I've said this before, I never thought I'd actually USE that as a verb! Sad.
Soooo...I've just been reading...a LOT...having fun with Samantha...enjoying Zach being home from the job he loves before 5:00pm, at which time the three of us go for an almost 3 mile walk...helping with Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house...looking forward to seeing my parents and Zach's in a couple months...and nothing else.
Before I bore you with all the details that you don't want to hear about anyway...I'll just apologize for neglecting the blog-world of late. Things have just been a little off...maybe they'll get back "on" soon...? I know, I know, I can practically see the anticipation eminating around your body...

I heart Samantha

2009-05-19T10:36:00.004-06:00

Yes, well, I do. Who could resist with pictures like these? ;) Anyway, this is a cute new shirt from Target and I just thought it would be a good excuse to get my camera out. She LOVES shoes...her inner (or maybe NOT so "inner") girlyness shining through...

She's a little excited about her ball and phone...she actually loves to pretend that she's talking on the phone. Just now, she had my old phone (pictured) to one ear and Zach's old phone to her other ear.

Last week, I went to Wheeler Farm with a couple friends. It was great...until Sami decided she wanted to roam free and SCREAMED bloody murder anytime I came close to her. Besides that, it actually was really fun. And Sami LOVED the animals...she must have her mothers' farmgirl genes. Of course, the best part about going to Wheeler Farm, was that it was FREE...that's right, I said F-R-E-E!

There were pigs, rabbits, cows, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, roosters, geese, ducks...and tractors...and there are probably more things that I'm forgetting.

Updates forthcoming... sometime... in the near... or not-so-near... future.

Jewelry Fans...Check this out

2009-05-13T11:02:00.002-06:00

Well, even if you are not personally into jewelry, at least look at it. It is mostly earrings and baby bracelets...and they are very cute. When I order something, I will let you all know how it goes!
A friend of mine (whom I trust) started this: http://oakridgedesigns.webs.com/

Lemony Lusciousness

2009-05-09T11:34:00.003-06:00

Okay, so the picture may not show the lusciousness of it, but this Lemon Bread is delicious. It is just the right amount of lemon and sweet and rich! Oh, and easy.

Lemon Bread
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp lemon juice
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
Glaze:
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
-In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and lemon juice. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into creamed mixture alternately with milk. Pour into a greased 8x4x2 loaf pan (I used a 9x5 loaf pan).
-Bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Combine glaze ingredients. Remove from pan; immediately drizzle with glaze. Cool on a wire rack.

This bread makes me think of a light, fresh, sunshiny day! Perfect for this time of year.

A Good Day So Far...

2009-04-24T13:39:00.002-06:00

-Well, there is one thing that would make it an EXCELLENT day...but, we'll discuss that later...maybe...

-Anyway, why has my day been good so far? Let me enlighten you at once...

I let Sami play with my keys sometime earlier in the week and have searched, seriously, EVERYWHERE I could think of, that would be within her reach. SO...I looked AGAIN today...still nothing...then I thought why not check the couch AGAIN? Apparently I didn't search it thoroughly enough the first three times because...I not only found my long lost keys (YAY), but I found my barrette (sp?, hadn't been seen for at least a year, probably longer, double YAY) and my headband (which hadn't been seen in so long I forgot I even lost it, triple YAY). That's enough to make my day a little better-finding the thing your mischievous daughter lost PLUS two extra things you'd practically forgotten you even had in the first place!

-Oh, and, I finished that extremely BORING book...now I get to read a book that's actually funny and enjoyable...

A Little Taste of My Life

2009-04-17T13:24:00.002-06:00

-I am reading a VERY boring book right now...but I feel compelled to finish it...I don't know why. Well, maybe I do. Once I start reading a book, there are very few reasons I will stop reading it (although I think they're good reasons): lots of strong language, inappropriate scenes, or if it is just all together a really bad book (I've met very, very few books I thought were really bad.)
-I finally charged up the batteries in my camera yesterday. The picture above is a result. It is just so difficult to get good pictures of the bean sometimes. Although, I do have to say that this one is really cute.
-We haven't redboxed any movies recently. We just borrowed a bunch (Thanks Craig & Lois) and have watched Ironman twice, plus The Bourne Ultimatum, and the Iron Giant, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. All excellent movies, by the way.
-Sami says quite a few "words." I use that term loosely because they aren't readily recognizable as English...but they are words for her. I always try to get her say things after I tell her what they are. She also knows where her nose, eyes, ears, mouth, legs, feet, and tummy are.
-I'm not feeling like my usual chatty/random self today...so, I will leave it at that.
-The End, the end, the end. El fin.

-This is boring. Maybe it's because I'm reading that super boring book...it's affecting me...

Those who fail to learn history...

2009-04-11T13:02:00.002-06:00

...are doomed to repeat it. This is a cartoon from the 1934 Chicago Tribune. Look familiar? (Thanks for the cartoon, Sean)

In Need of a Laugh

2009-04-08T16:37:00.004-06:00

Laughs like this are rare (believe it or not) from such a happy girl. They also happen at times you wouldn't expect. Side note: She is actually splashing me and I was SOAKED.

2009-04-01T12:35:00.002-06:00

We wanted to improve our master bathroom...so this is what we did.

I take the camera out all the time thinking I may be able to get some cute shots of Sami...this is usually what she does...Frustrating, but still so cute!

And these are just some actual cute shots I took. The one with the socks is my favorite; it was kind of dark to begin with, so I "auto-corrected" it with the software on my PC (not very good software) then saved it and realized it looks a little off. So, I apologize for that. But, it is still cute, I think. It just shows her personality. She wanted to wear those socks...well, she always likes to put socks on her hands. So, the first two socks, I obviously put on her hands. Then she kept handing them to me and saying "please" so I just put them on her legs. She walked around for about a half hour until Zach got home and had so much fun (as you can tell from the picture).

Thanks for stopping by. Come back soon.

Please, No Mo Sno!

2009-03-25T11:03:00.004-06:00

HOLY COW!!! I am so SICK and TIRED of the freaking winter weather. Um, hello, on Saturday it was like 75, then Sunday (and ever since) it has been butt cold...again. Here I was, all excited that it was finally going to be spring...only to have it dangled in my face and snatched away just like that. Blech.

Okay, I know I complain a lot about the cold weather, but I do actually enjoy...just during the WINTER...NOT when it is supposed to be spring (which is my favorite season, so you could see why I'm upset...I just want to go outside without a jacket, is that so much to ask.)

It's time for other randoms...I guess

-Sami has been a mixture of really good and whiny this morning. She will sit/walk and just entertain herself for quite a while. Then, out of nowhere, she will start whining and want me to hold her...Oh well! She is generally (like 95% of the time) a very pleasant, happy girl who entertains herself and me. And the other 5% of the time, she really isn't that bad. And besides, how could you NOT love this girl...(see picture below)

-We redboxed Get Smart (again) this weekend. There wasn't anything else really, and we both loved it the first time, so we thought, "What the hey?!" It was worth it the second time around, too. There have been a couple others as well, but I can't remember them right now and don't really want to expend the brain power to think about it.

-Can I just say, "Pampered Chef"...yes, my party was a couple weeks ago...yes, it was fun and the food was delicious...AND, this is the best part, I got my stuff on Saturday! I haven't used any of it yet, but I washed it all today. (Yes, I will admit that I am a nerd for being excited to WASH my new kitchen toys...but I'm sure I'm not alone...or am I???) Gosh, I can't even decide which thing I am most excited to use. :)

-My parents celebrated their 34th anniversary on Sunday. I am so glad to have them as my parents! And, I think 34 years of being married is a HUGE accomplishment. I wish more people could boast such long, happy marriages. So, this is belated, but Happy Anniversary!

-jghfhmkgmkfhkhlkfhkfghgvnfvjkdccc cccccc bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbcccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc

-That is Sami's contribution.

-Wow, I had to think for a few seconds (okay, maybe longer)to find the right word for that sentence...pathetic.

-I love to read...consequently, I have read (if my brain is remembering properly) 8 books this year. It may be 9. Actually, Monday night (this is a pathetic confession) I was up until 1am reading...well, I needed to finish the book because somebody else needed to read it...it's for my book club. So, I basically read it all in one day...310 pages...oh, sad. But that's how much I love to read.

-Okay, this is entirely too long. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if NO ONE reads this. I wouldn't blame you. My life is way too uneventful. My brain is way too random. I'm way too not funny. I could probably say whatever I wanted and you wouldn't even know...ANYWAY.

-I'm done now. (I can hear all the sighs of relief from the zero people reading this.)

-Oh, just one more thing...wait, I just lost it. Dang, I was going to share something really cute about Sami. She distracted me. Brain fart. I'm sure I will remember what it was after I've already posted this....Bwaha! I just remembered. Sami always finds things on the floor (lint, crumbs, pieces of paper, etc). Instead of eating these things, she will pick them up and bring them to Zach or I. The only exception is if she finds a Cheerio or some other food that she recognizes...this she will eat.

-I really am done, now, I promise.

Laser Screed

2009-03-20T17:34:00.005-06:00

(Sorry about the poor quality, I forgot to bring our good video camera & had to use the snapshot camera we have on site) I'm sure most of you don't care, but I think this stuff is fascinating. Last Tuesday we placed the gym floor at the Rec Center I'm working on. It obviuosly needs to be very flat, so they used a laser screed. They set a tripod up on one end of the gym that holds a rotating laser, the operator drives the machine into place, puts down the outriggers, then extends the screed. There are screens on top of it that tell him to raise or lower the screed, and he pulls it in. When he's done, he raises the outriggers and moves along. I'd never seen one actually in use so I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Then they finish the slab using a riding trowell (below). I'll tell you what, I think I would pay MY boss to use one of these.

And you thought all we did was swing hammers. Ha!

Girl Scout Cookies

2009-03-16T18:49:00.001-06:00

Samoas...Thin Mints...Dosie-Dos...Tagalongs...Can I say, HEAVEN?!
There really is not match for them.

Please Read

2009-03-09T16:58:00.003-06:00

Here is an official statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints about the TV show Big Love (which I have NEVER had any desire to watch and now will continue that tradition): http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-publicity-dilemma
It is frustrating to see my faith abused and inaccurately portrayed, but the best way to handle such criticism/portrayal is to respectfully ignore it. This is what Church Leaders and Jesus Christ would have us do, as is stated by the Church.
For accurate information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, please look here.

Clean Laundry on Couch=Downtime for Mom

2009-03-09T10:49:00.002-06:00

Incidentally, this picture has nothing to do with my post. It is just cute and one of the only non-pink outfits I own for Sami... I am doing Sami's laundry this morning. I piled it on the couch after taking it out of the dryer. 20 minutes later, everything is on the floor. It is still occupying the busy little girl who now walks 99.8% of the time. She found the above outfit (okay, I know I said it had nothing to do with the post, but sometimes my brain and my daughter are unpredictable) and is currently carrying it around the house with her (yes, it's a sweater and pants and apparently it's her favorite outfit?!)

This Post Will Probably Make You Hungry

2009-03-03T16:49:00.006-07:00

Honey Wheat Bread

2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, divided
2 pkgs active dry yeast (or 4 1/2 tsp)
1 cup milk
1 1/4 cups water
1/4 cup honey
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp salt

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole wheat flour, and yeast. In a saucepan, heat milk, water, honey, butter, and salt to 120-130 degrees; add to flour mixture. Blend on low speed until moistened; beat on medium for 3 minutes. Gradually stir in remaining whole wheat flour and enough all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto floured surface (I use a greased surface); knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise until double, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Shape into two loaves; place in greased 8x4x2in. loaf pans. Brush with melted butter. Cover and let rise until double, about 1 hour. Bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.

Pop-Up Rolls
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
3/4 cup milk
3 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tbsp mayonnaise
In a bowl, stir together all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Fill greased muffin cups half full. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Yield: 9 rolls
Note: Substitute for self-rising flour-2 1/4 tsp baking powder and 3/4 tsp salt in a measuring cup and add enough flour to equal 1 1/2 cups.

This is the recipe for whole wheat bread I have used twice. I prefer it because it isn't quite as sweet. It is delicious. And the pop-up rolls are surprising. I doubled the recipe and we ate them all because they were so good. You can not even tell there is mayonnaise. They are light and super easy/quick.

Drumroll please....

This outfit is from my mom and I think it looks adorable on my adorable little girl...you be the judge for yourself though. Thanks Mom and Happy Birthday, I love you.

The video I took today is the best display of pitter-patters from the Sami Lynn. The actual length is almost 2 minutes, but I shortened it to about 35 seconds for your viewing convenience! Thank me later.

2009-02-27T10:04:00.004-07:00

I told you to keep a sharp eye...so, without further ado:

-Last night, I went to my book club and it was FUN. I always love having the opportunity of being with my friends and just visiting (since that's what we end up doing for the majority of our book club time).

-Today, Sami walked from the master bathroom door to the top of the stairs. I just DO NOT understand why she doesn't want to do it all the time...but I guess she is just taking her little time. This is why Zach and I call her a "diva," because things have to be her idea...on her time table...what SHE wants, when SHE wants to do it...etc. I was also sad because Zach keeps forgetting to bring the video camera in from the car and I have yet to get a "good" video of the pitter-patters! Maybe tomorrow...

-Last Friday, we redboxed Run Fatboy Run. IT. WAS. FUNNY!!!! There are not very many movies that make me LAUGH OUT LOUD (and, no I am NOT typing the acronym...), but this one did...several times. And there were a few sentimental parts as well. Some language. British humor is hilarious.

-That reminds me, I want to watch The Office (BBC version).

-I have a lot of friends who are pregnant and I just want to say that I am SO happy for them. I just thought to put this in here because I found out another friend just 15 minutes ago is going to have a baby. It is such a wonderful responsibility and BLESSING to bring life into the world as women-mothers. I wouldn't trade my "profession" for ANYTHING in the world. And I can only imagine how much your heart grows with each new life.

-Wow, this is kind of a sappy post...

-I know some people wanted me to post a recipe for whole wheat bread. I should have said that I would as soon as I find a good one. Well, I did. The first recipe wasn't anything to write home about. The second one was too sweet. The last one I tried was wonderful. I will post it up later as I am feeling a bit lazy right now...

-If anyone ever wonders WHY my posts are ALWAYS random...it is simply because MY BRAIN is random. I am, what you may call, scatter-brained. Yes, I think/live/dream in randomness. Although, I hope that I don't talk in randomness...That would make it a little difficult to understand anything I tell you...hmm...that may actually answer a lot of questions I have had in the past about confusion when I speak...Oh well!

-As we speak, I have a bag of Snyder's Pretzel Dips dipped in Hershey's milk chocolate. I'm eating them. They are delicious. I might finish off the bag today. But I should resist. But I don't know if I am able.

-Okay, bye.

-Also, I offer no explanation of the picture. For another day...

Minor Change

2009-02-25T11:04:00.003-07:00

Nothing Earth-shattering...that's why I titled it "Minor Change." I had to change the date of my Pampered Chef party, for those of you who actually care. :) I moved it to the next night...Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 pm. I will still hand out/send invites, but this is just a heads up.
I will actually post something real later, hopefully. Keep a sharp eye!

In Need of New Camera Batteries...REALLY!

2009-02-17T10:53:00.005-07:00

*Yes, I took ONE (that's right, I said one, the evidence is above...I know it's blurry, sorry.) picture after I charged the batteries a few days ago and tried to turn it on yesterday...RED means NO! Baaaaah!
*Can I say, two naps, perhaps?! At least I think Sami MIGHT take two today since she's down now AND sleeping (which hasn't happened in who knows how long) and has been sleeping for an hour already. I do need to make a confession: She has a cold right now...and she is cutting teeth. I believe this is the reason she is sleeping right now and is also the reason it WON'T last, but still I can enjoy it can't I?!
*Holy snow, Batman! Here I was, thinking we were DONE with winter. I know, I'm probably crazy for thinking that way since I live in the land UNpredictable seasons.
*Oh, my sweet girl awaketh...
*We redboxed Made of Honor last Friday and The Express the week before. The former had such potential...but, alas, it didn't live up to it. Language, inappropriately suggestive and uncalled for, and a scene that made me uncomfortable...again, totally UN-called for because it added ZERO to the plot. The latter was alright. A good football movie about Ernie Davis with a lot of language considering it was rated PG and also a tear-jerker. I won't tell you because I don't want to ruin the ending...just in case!
*Books: The Book Thief-very interesting and very sad story narrated by Death set in Nazi Germany. Worth a read, at least if you can handle the sadness that is bound to appear in a book set during the Holocaust. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy-hilarious, random, just as good as the movie, can't wait to read the sequel (The Restaurant at the End of the Universe).
*Valentine's Day: We decided that since it's a made-up holiday it wasn't worth spending a bunch of money on it. So, this is what we did: ran a million different errands (we still missed one though), went to the Draper Temple open house (it was beautiful, btw), Papa Murphy's heart-shaped pepperoni pizza and Dairy Queen heart-shaped Cherry Choco Love blizzard cake, and Zach replaced the brake pads on the 'rolla. How's that sound?
*Laundry...somebody's gotta do it...and that somebody's ME. Blah.
*I'm done.

PS: Put on your calendars, I'm hosting a Pampered Chef party on March 11 at 6:30. IF you would like an invite, leave a comment/send me an email/call me/whatev. I already have a list, but it's NOT written on stone, I can still change it. ;) No pressure, it will only CRUSH my tender little feelings if you don't want to come, but SERIOUSLY friends, NO pressure. (Hint, hint, there is a LITTLE sarcasm in that sentence.) Okay now I'm really done.

A Day in the Life of A Sami

2009-02-12T11:02:00.003-07:00

6:00am-Wake up an hour earlier than Mom wants me too...talk to self...
7:20am-Enter Mom. Curtains, open...get diaper changed...pray with Mom...
7:30am-Eat/make a mess with my oatmeal...scream when Mom tries to clean my hands/face
8:00am-Go upstairs and let Mom dress me...play while Mom fixes hair...
9:00am-Back downstairs...
10:30am-Help Mom with laundry by: pulling everything I can reach off couch and then laying on clean clothes on floor
11:10am-Shriek because I feel I'm being neglected when Mom doesn't look at me for 5 seconds...
11:30am-Eat peanut butter/honey sandwiche...make mess/play with pieces of crust until Mom takes away my plate and crumbs
1:00pm-Nap...2 sweet hours for Mom to read/clean/do stuff on computer/get dinner ready/make bread
3:00pm-Wake up...play/make HUGE mess in kitchen for Mom to clean up before Daddy gets home
5:00pm-Dinner...make more mess/play with food...wait for Daddy to get home
6:00pm-Upstairs for bath...Yay, I LOVE bathtime...play, play, play
6:15pm-Scream when Mom/Dad is drying me and trying to put my diaper on...I love being naked so much, that I hate having a diaper forced on me after being naked...
6:30pm-pray with Mom/Dad, read book, blow Daddy kisses (NOT Mom, I just wave to Mom), melt Daddy's heart, kick wall/crib, sleep

I love this girl...Yes, she makes HUGE messes...Yes, she screams at me sometimes...But how can you NOT love her? She is: so sweet when she wants to be, so funny, so happy, so interesting to watch...etc,etc,etc.

Side note: I just HAD to document it when she layed down on the floor (hence the picture) because she NEVER holds still for that long...Now I think she just likes to lay on the floor because she does it several times everyday since that first time above.

Nutrimill, fresh whole wheat bread, etc

2009-02-05T15:30:00.004-07:00

Yesterday, I hit a milestone...for me:
1. Ground fresh whole wheat flour with my brand new Nutrimill Grain Mill (BTW, thanks Marla for recommending this one to us, I love it so far...though I've only used it once.)
2. Made bread-as is typical for me about every week or a little more-however, THIS time I used half my freshly milled whole wheat flour and half joe-shmo white flour.
3. Walked in house, deeply inhaled the sweet smell of freshly-baked bread...mmm.
4. Tasted Zach's slice and decided it was a success...although I will be using a recipe specifically for whole wheat bread next week.
*I also have finally figured out how to shape my bread loaves so they look semi-normal...it only a ba-zillion times

Also, The Office is on tonight...I never thought Karen would reappear...

Because I am lazy, I do not feel like uploading my cute pictures of Sami on flickr and here...so check out my flickr...
So long, and thanks for all the fish...

Two Steps

2009-01-23T13:36:00.002-07:00

That was Sami's accomplishment yesterday. Well, technically it was four steps, but only two were consecutive. And she standing all by herself about 6 feet from me and wasn't stepping to anything in particular...

this is what is called

2009-01-14T14:14:00.006-07:00

What a good lookin kid and husband I have!

*I'm freeeeeezing...but the blanket Mom made for me is now warming me up (I love it, Mom)

*Dude, there are so many blogs to watch...and I've gotten behind...but I love it (blogging is great fun)

*I love the word "dude" (and always have) for some unknown reason...

*I also like the insult "tool" (maybe it's not such a good thing to have a favorite insult...I don't even use it EVER-promise...it's just funny...)

*Okay, you can think in your head that I'm a bad person...just don't tell me...I may cry...

*Zach's Dwight bobblehead is nodding at me...he must agree with you.

*New episode of The Office tomorrow. Yay. Andy finds out about Dwight and Angela. Sad. (for Andy) Now, I'm not saying I don't like this show, you all know I love it, but I would be glad if this were the last season because then I wouldn't have to watch TV. :) Plus, then I would know how it ends.

*I'm reading Liberal Fascism right now...whoo, let me tell ya, it is in-tense. I'm enjoying it (I think) so far. At the beginning, I didn't understand exactly what some of the terms meant. Almost to the end (like, I have 70 pages left...yes, that is almost the end when it is a 400 pager), those terms are clearer, so it's getting easier to read. When I finish, it's on to more fluffy stuff (well, comparatively.)

*Movies we've "Redboxed" (hey, that should be a word): Prince Caspian-good, not fantastic, a $7.50er maybe; The Dark Knight-better than Batman Begins (AWESOMER than the first time), love it, love it, love it; Kung Fu Panda-hilariously silly, fluffy; Eagle Eye-surprisingly awesome, watched it twice in a 24 hr window, will buy; and I can't remember what else.

*Actually, we've seen a lot of good ones recently. Way more hits than misses with the Redboxing. And this is a commentary on how pathetic we are sometimes. We just LOVE watching movies. Can't help it. Maybe someday we'll get over it. Someday.

*Samantha is soooo close to walking. She's just not ready yet. She has six teeth and is learning to say "No." (By that I mean she says, "nna" and turns away or swats whatever away...this includes my hand, face, her milk, an unwanted toy, etc.)

*Had a nice, although quick, visit with my Dad and Gramma as they were on their way to Albequerque, NM--side note, something does NOT look right about the spelling there. Anyway, I was very glad that they were willing/able to come and see me! Thanks. :)

*Ode to Greenbean*

Oh how I love...

Oh how I miss...

Your foam birthing driver seat

Your sweet green paint

Your stick shift

Your distinct smell

Oh my little Greenbean...

Don't forget me

I'll never give up

On my little Greenbean

*Yeah, so I discovered (or should I say revealed) how terrible at poetry I am.

*Question: Who recoginizes what movie the post title comes from? I'll be super impressed if ANYONE thinks of it...it's pretty obscure, but it's one of my favorites. (Hint, hint: Tina Majorino, aka Deb)

* The End.

Giveaway from Vintage Fern

2009-01-05T18:58:00.003-07:00

I saw this on Zach's cousin's blog and think it sounds like a good deal! The stuff is way cute, check it out (link to enter the giveaway). If you enter and win, you can thank Emily for shouting it out. :)

PS: Who can resist a chance to win something cool??? (Like a $50 gift card to an etsy shop)

Snow Plows are for Wimps

2009-01-05T11:08:00.003-07:00

Here in West Jordan, we use TRACTORS...PS: My apologies for the not-so-great shots. I stayed in the warmth of my home...so, they're a little dark.

Also, I think we're going to have a HUGE pile of snow in our "backyard." (If you could call it that.) Everytime I look out the window, it's taller/wider.

Deluxe Marshmallow Bars

2009-01-02T10:17:00.004-07:00

Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

3/4 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp baking cocoa
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, I didn't use nuts)
4 cups mini marshmallows
Topping:
1-1/3 cups (8 oz) chocolate chips
3 tbsp butter
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa; add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts if desired. Spread in a greased 15x10x1 pan(a cookie sheet.)
Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes. Sprinkle marshmallows evenly over cake (I used a little extra); bake 2-3 minutes longer. Using a knife dipped in water, spread melted marshmallows evenly over cake. Cool.
For the topping, combine chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and well blended. Remove from heat; stir in rice cereal. Spread topping immediately over bars. Chill. Yield: about 3 dozen.

*These are seriously delicious. When they were all gone, Zach said, "I wish we had more." Try them! Yum.*

Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T14:09:00.002-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas (and for those of you in Utah, I hope you survived the NASTY storm.) I didn't take any pictures...I forgot. There's always next year! Our Christmas was uneventful, but relaxing. It was just nice to be able to spend the day together.
We have been very blessed this year--Zach's new job, all our wonderful friends/neighbors, always having food on the table, our little sweet Samantha, having each other...I could go on and on, but I'll spare you. (Thank me later)
Thank you to all brought us Christmas cheer through your thoughtful gifts and great Christmas cards and just being our friends!
So, this is a day late, but Merry Christmas...and this is a week early, but Happy New Year.

Cowmooflage

2008-12-12T13:37:00.003-07:00

I am so excited! Yesterday, I got Sami's new car seat from Amazon. I love it and she loves it. Now we just need to get it in the car (shouldn't be too difficult, I read the instructions) and take her somewhere...
Also, Zach and I are going to see Dave Ramsey Live. It's not until May, but still can't wait! This is an invitation to any who may want to go, also. We could go together, or you could ignore us and go on your own. Either way, I think you should go...well, if you feel like you could use some "practical money advice." :)

Just another post about NOTHING

2008-12-09T13:29:00.006-07:00

I am reminded daily about how UNeventful my life is...But I love my it (my life, duh! not the uneventfulness)

The library has The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck on hold for me...SWEET!

Samantha is a sweetheart.

I love Zach.

Josh Groban has an AMAZING voice...Noel is my all-time favorite Christmas album.

Being a "Domestic Goddess" is the BEST. (That's code for homemaker, stay-at-home-mom, breadmaker, squaw, little wifey, housewife, lady of the house, domestic engineer, money-spender...and yes, I AM all of these and yes, I LOVE it)

The End.

PS: I love it when you comment. Yes, that's you who are reading this...if you're even reading it...unless you just skim over everything...in which case, I don't blame you...you probably don't even look at my life...because this is my life on display for the blogosphere...wow, I never thought I'd actually use that as a word...Okay, bye.