Family Favorite

This is quickly becoming one of our favorite recipes. I found it in the Kraft magazine.

1 can apple pie filling
6 thin-cut pork chops, boneless
1 pkg pork stovetop stuffing, prepared with microwave directions, omit heating

In a baking dish, pour apple pie filling in the bottom. Lay porkchops on top. Top with stove top. Bake for 45-60 minutes on 350 (depends on the thickness of the chops). Cut into the pork chops to see if the juices are running clear. Troy really enjoys this, and it adds just the right amount of sweetness to you dinner. I serve it with peas and carrots and jell-o or pears for the kids. I hope you all enjoy this meal. It litterally takes 5 minutes to preapare...who can toss that up!?!

Cabin

I have been told that my font is VERY small, so I hope this is bigger. Sorry to all of you who had to squint while reading the previous blogs...I had no idea it was this small until I went to my sis-in-law's and saw for myself. My computer enlarges font sizes...something Troy did for eye strain, so it looks huge on my screen. Let me know if this is better.

The third annual Grover cabin retreat...finally some pictures!!! Thank you Kayla!!

Mieley Adalyn Daeson and Ryker having fun in the loft

Adalyn Daeson Mieley and Ryker eating lunch Friday

Adam was so nice to take the kids in the hot tub...Thanks!!

Adalyn and Daeson on the snow machine...Adam told a great story about this!! I guess Adam stopped to help Adalyn (all three were on the same machine) when Daeson reached up and grabbed the gas. Adam about flew off the back and I guess they were going pretty dang fast. Finally they got stopped, and Daeson got a good talkin to. He felt pretty bad, but once we explained why Adam was upset, he was back to his bubbly self. I wished I would have been there to see it...but I am sooo glad no one got hurt!

Daeson and Adalyn on the cave falls ride.

This is the time Troy actually got to do something FUN. The figure at the very bottom is my brave Daeson. I guess he LOVED the snow hill and went down numerous times. It was quite the hill!!!

Okay, do kids get any cuter than this???? If you have your own kids, you are not allowed to reply :). This is Daeson posing for the camera. Thank you to KLA for all the great pics. I have some hot tub ones on my camera of the kids, but those are going to have to wait. I am doing pretty good to get this up!!!

We were supposed to go Thursday, February 5, but Troy's weekend help decided that it is not worth it to him to continue working, so we ended up postponing until Friday. (Thank you Richard and Peggy for taking Daeson with you, and to all of you who helped with him). About 3 pm on Friday we made it to the cabin. Our car, even though it is 4WD, couldn't make it in, so Tevan and I hiked to the cabin in the snow. I am not sure how long it took or how far it was, one guy told me it was 1/2 mi and another told me it was 1/4 mi. But, we made it and Tevan actually enjoyed the walk outside. Adam and Richard went in the pick-up to get Troy and all our stuff. We were there about 45 minutes and Troy had to come back home due to weather and he had to work Saturday morning. So, the kids and I settled in and I worked on dating my pictures...600 of them...so I can scrap them at my mom's. The boys had fun and Tevan fell asleep on the floor down stairs. About 6 we ate Kayla's yummy lasagna and got the kids ready for bed. They played some more and finally went to bed about 9:30. The adults stayed up, Danielle showed us footsie and I worked on my RS lesson, getting input from Toddly and Richard. I decided to hit the hay about 1:00 am. As I was drifting off to sleep, Tevan woke up...SICK. So, not wanting to wake anyone up, I boiled a pot of water (make-shift humidifier), and rocked him with the steam around us. Finally about 4 am, we were able to sleep...a little. I had Daeson at my feet and Tevan in my arms.

Saturday morning I called Troy to let him know Tevan was sick, and he tried to get a nebulizer to bring up after he got done working. No luck. So, after having a very fevered, sad, sick baby I was happy to see Troy arrive. He took Daeson out side to play in the snow and I finally got Tevan to sleep for about a half an hour. Then I bundled him and I up and we hiked up the giant snow hill. He didn't like it much, but I made him go out hoping the fresh, cool air would help his wheezing. He continued to go through the day sick, getting worse all the time. Finally about 1 am we packed everything up (once again thanks for the help) and left for Idaho Falls. We called our fab neighbors and woke them up. They let us borrow a nebulizer (we had the meds from last time he was sick) and gave him a treatment about 3:30 am. We had a rough night sleeping, and 8 am Sunday we were up.

Troy and I got ready to go to the Emergency Care place...RediCare by Mountain View. Dr. Sunshine (I know, huh?) saw him and gave him a steroid shot...dextromethizone? and a neb treatment. He started to improve so after a couple hours we went home. I took a brief nap before I had to teach RS. Richard and Peggy kept Daeson until Monday night for us...THANK YOU!! I was hoping Daeson would steer clear of this croupy stuff, but he started hacking yesterday. I am not sure where they got this, or how, but they did and we are all paying for it now. I am just hoping that tonight I get to sleep in my own bed instead of on Tevan's floor listening to him breathe. SIGH.

Unfortunately we decided this was our last trip to the cabin. Year #1 we left because I couldn't feel Tevan moving in my tummy, Year #2 Troy took Daeson to the ER at 3 am because of ear infections and this year it was Tevan. Plus, we were only there for maybe a full day and a half, and Troy even less than that. So, sad to say it, but we are done cabining for a while. Sorry Grover fam!!! But, this is our decision.

On the lighter side, I got put in as the Girl's Camp Director for 2009. I am stoked! I cannot wait. So, if anyone has fun ideas, please let me know. We are going July 7-10. It is ward camp, so I get to do it all with the YW leaders.

BUSY BUSY

We have some busy times ahead of us...starting tomorrow!! This is the week for the cabin with Troy's family. So, tomorrow I will be very busy packing and cooking. I have dinner one night and Kayla and I have breakfast one morning. For dinner, I am making enchiladas so it should be pretty fast and easy. Our friends from Boise get in tomorrow as well, so we will spend some time with them. I got all the laundry...the last batch will be finished tonight...done today. I got Dorothy's bowl changed and cleaned and the vacuuming and dusting done. The bathrooms are sparkling and they smell great (we will see how long that lasts!!!). So, the cleaning part should be easy. Just the dreaded packing. We leave after work on Thursday...with Troy coming back and forth for work almost every day. Overall, I am looking forward to the trip. If you know me, you know that I am stressing right now. :) I have to teach RS on Sunday, so I have been trying to get that done, too. I leave to go to my mom and dad's on the 25th of Feb and we are not coming back until the 16th of March. My sister in law should have her baby around then. Then April 4, I leave to go to California with my mother in law...San Francisco. I am sooo excited. Babysitters have been hard to come by, but my fab sis in law Kayla will have them two nights and my wonderful friend Barbara will have them two days. I am praying that my lil bro will come up Sunday and stay until Monday....I am HOPING. Then I can breathe for a minute before my half marathon in June. July will be very busy, and if anyone wants to help with my kids....I will be gone from the 7th to the 10th. :) One day at a time..that is what I keep telling myself.

Troy and I have recently discovered the Office. We don't have TV, so we find something we like and rent the seasons. WE LOVE THE OFFICE!!!! So, there are now three shows we are completely addicted to...The Office, Heroes and one we watch on line, The Legend of the Seeker. Our shows keep us sane...for the most part. But, I must close for now...off to the Office season 4. Until next time...! Oh, Daeson and I borrowed Little House on the Prairie season one from the library this week. He loves it and I feel it teaches very good morals. It is nice to step back in time and watch the things that are really appropriate!

BIG BOY!

After some very discouraging nights, three of them to be exact, Daeson has successfully gone THREE happy nights without wetting the bed. I am sooo proud of him! We took the pull-ups away six nights ago...the first three nights were not so great. However, the last three have been wonderful. He even got me up this morning a quarter to five to let me know he had to pee. What a great job, Daeson!!! I will admit that we have had to bribe on occasion...Cold Stone, Action figures, a surprise...but, he is doing it. The big bribe is that we get to go to Grandma Cindy's when he has no accidents. He asked me after this morning's trip to the potty if we could leave today. It is absolutely driving him crazy that we have to wait. He wants to go NOW!!! But, three weeks isn't too long of a wait....sigh. He is growing soo quickly...I just love him sooo much!

Team Teaching

I had the opportunity to go team teaching with the sisters tonight. Hats off to them!! They are teaching new member discussions to a sweet little boy Frankie who is 10. He is such a high spirited child whom I instantly fell in love with. The reason for the hats off? Frankie is deaf and in a couple weeks these sisters have learned enough sign language to teach him. They have worked so hard at it and they have done an amazing job!!! To be honest, I was grumbling about going with them, but how grateful I am for the amazing opportunity! Thank you, Sister Speidel and Sister White for allowing me to go with you and meet some pretty amazing people.

My heart is full tonight. I KNOW the restored gospel is TRUE. I KNOW that families can be together forever and return with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I KNOW HE LIVES and HE LOVES EACH OF US. HE KNOWS US. HE DIED FOR US. I KNOW that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and that he was the mouthpiece of God. I KNOW that President Monson is the Prophet today. I know he receives revelation and instructions form God. I also know that without the Gospel, I would have no hope. How grateful I am for this knowledge. How grateful I am for a loving husband who supports me and our family. How grateful I am for my WONDERFUL children...and for my Heavenly Father to trust me to take care for these little spirits. I am thankful for prayer and the knowledge I have that HE does hear and listen to our every conversation we have. He is there for us always. I know the Book of Mormon is true...it has soooo many things we can learn from it. I pray that I will live righteously so that my family might be eternal. How grateful I am for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! I hope that I never take it for granted!

I love this child!!

Troy and I were talking about finances this morning...just reviewing when this conversation happened:
Me: Pretty soon Daeson, you are going to have to go to work.
Troy: Yup, you're gonna have to get a job.
Daseson: Well, when I am Dad's age I will.
Mom: You better get a job before that, cause we aren't supporting you until your 30!!
Daeson: I AM JUST A KID!!!!

I LOVe that boy! He is sooo funny...sigh!

Training update 2

Okay. I know for some of you my training updates are so NOT interesting, but I am posting them mostly for my own good...but for those of you who feel a little tug, these are also for YOU. Now, I ran a 5K a couple of years ago and that is where I left my exercising...at the finish line. After two kids and some very bad eating habits, my weight has spiraled out of control. There are two reasons I am running this half marathon on June 13. Reason 1: I want another baby, but my health is not so hot right now and I have to get it under control. Point blank. Reason two: I made a goal after my 5K that I would run a half marathon before I was 30. Well, this June I turn 29...and next June I am hoping to be very pregnant. So, that is where I stand.

I have changed a lot of things in my lifestyle...what I eat, exercising, and just trying to stay motivated. I must admit that Peggy made some very yummy cookies last night, so I had a couple...or maybe like four. And for dinner I made Navajo Tacos...and the fry bread probably wasn't the smartest choice, but I have to have a treat once in a while. On that note, I start the hard-core training again today. Yesterday was my slack day...and I must admit I exercised all week last week...Monday thru Saturday. I am still tired, and I have even been sore, but I must continiue. I am only ot the point that I can run just over a mile at a fair spped and incline...only 12 left. But, if I can add-on a mile every week, then I will hit my 13 mile marker and I will do just great. I have called Kayla my marathon-running-sister-in-law several times for tips and advice. She has helped so much...ThAnk YoU!! I have broadened my exercises...yoga, pilates, the Wii Fit and Yourself fittness on the XBox. I also rely on my trusty-well-abused-clothes hanging-child playing treadmill. I love that thing!! So, this week continues...as does the training! And the DIETING. Thank goodness for Weight Watchers treats!!!!

Training has begun!!

I made a goal a couple of years ago to run a half marathon before I was 30...well 30 is approaching very quickly and so this is my year to complete the goal. So, yesterday I started my training for the Teton Dam Marathon race. I did the 5 k a couple of years ago and had a blast. The only draw back is that I am the only girl not prego in my fam, so I have to run it myself!! I ran yesterday and I am feeling it today. If you are interested, go to Hal Higdon's race schedule and he will lay training out for you. Very cool! So, wish me luck...13 mi is a long way to run!!!

Halloween pics...only a few months late!!

Happy Halloween!!

These pics were on my mother-in-law's camera so I loaded them onto Troy's computer. So, here are the Halloween pictures very late. It has been a while since I have posted pictures, so you might be getting some really old ones!!

This is Troy. It was the very coolest Halloween costume. He is really no that short, his face is actually in the hat!!

Ahhh! It is our Ninja Turtle Daeson. What a cutie!! My mom actually got this for him at Kings in Gville! It was so cute. We actually bought him a Ninja outfit, but before Halloween he spilled on it. Then after I washed it, it fit no longer!!

Who doesn't love Elmo?? Tevan is the world's cutest Elmo if I ever saw one!! Actually, have you ever seen the guy who plays Elmo? His is HOT! You would never believe it was him!!

And this would be me. I know, scary!! I actually had fun dressing up. No, it was not in honor of Twilight. I have never read the books, and I only recently saw the movie. I did like it, however. I have always dressed up in the girlie costumes, it was kind of fun to bring out my "dark" side.

So, there you have it. I am still having difficulties on my computer, but maybe I can sneak a few more pics onto Troy's...shh!!! Until then, this will have to suffice. Happy Halloween!

Okay, a picture finally!

I know I need to do a major overhaul on this thing, but it will have to wait. Other things right now are more important and need attending to...like taxes! Augh! However, this is a picture Troy's mom took of us just before Christmas...craziness, but this is it!

More Daeson

At lunch today:

Mom: Daeson, what should we have for dinner tonight?
Daeson: Cereal.
Mom: No, we can't have cereal, Dad doesn't eat that for dinner.
Daeson: Well, then him don't have to eat if him don't like what we having.
Mom: You think?
Daeson: Well, (long pause) maybe Dad willn't be hundry so we can eat it and him don't.

He is so funny with some of the words he uses. I love the way he speaks.

I stole this off my sister-in-law's sister-in-law's Blog. Sorry, Megan, but I did love it!! I have learned that babies di grow quickly...mine is now 18 mo. It makes me sad to know that before long, they will be gone. Thanks for posting this...and letting me steal it:)!!

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
ew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.
Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.
The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

Cabin Assignments

Every year we rent a cabin for a family reunion/retreat. Adam and Kayla make the necessary plans to get the cabin and they plan the dates. The rest of us pay our money and plan for a little trip. I am in charge of the food assignments...I think because I stressed out when there is not a game plan. Well, this year it is the first part of February and I am trying to get it done. So, for the Grover family, here are your assignments...

Thursday: Arrive at the cabin after 4 pm. No Troy and Jandy.
Dinner: Everybody for themselves.

Friday: (Troy and Jandy arrive afternoon...so don't plan for Breakfast or lunch)
Breakfast: Mom and Dad (12)
Lunch: Danielle and Toddly (12)
Dinner: Adam and Kayla (16)

Saturday: No Troy until afternoon
Breakfast: Adam and Kayla and Troy and Jandy (15)
Lunch: Mom and Dad (Soup) (15)
Dinner: Jandy and Troy (16)

Sunday: Leave cabin before noonish .
Breakfast: Everybody for themselves

Last year some of the necessities were not provided, so please bring enough of the following for your your family:
Toilet paper (at least one 4 pk)
Garbage bags
Paper towels
Ziplocs and or Tupperware containers
Dish Soap, Dish towels, hand towels
Hand soap
Band aids or small first aid kit
Tylenol/ medicine for kids
Towels for bathing
Paper plates/cups/bowls
Bring your own beverages
Bottled water (bring enough to drink, the cabin water is gross)
Toiletries
Hot tub might be working...so bring swimming suits
Snow clothes
Snacks or treats
Games/cards

Excuses

So, I have not felt very good the last couple of days...I have a terrible head cold. But, it has also given me an excuse to do the bare minimums around my house. Yesterday I cleaned a ton which left minimal stuff to do today. I have taken this opportunity to scrapbook. I still do it the old fashioned way...I know a lot of you do it digitally, but this is just easier for me. I have oodles of pictures and odds and ends. I have to get creative because I told myself I could not buy new until my old is used up. So... Are my pages very cute? Not really. I am just trying to get them done. I can always go back and embellish. I have a ton of cute paper, and that is pretty much what I am using to "dress up" the pages. It is amazing at what I can do with limited supply! But, this is the only way I will ever use the "old" stuff. There are so many new techniques that I would LOVE to learn, but for now I will stick with 8 1/2*11 paper (I will never go 12*12 because I have 24 completed 8 1/2*11 and want to stick to that size) and mostly just journaling. So...I have finished 2007 today. I am now working on January 2008 and there is not a whole lot to do with it. Pretty easy stuff. So, I am feeling yucky with cold, but grateful for the excuse to lay low and scrap!!! Oh, and I am trying to convince Troy to get computers switched over so I can post some pictures. That is what I am waiting for...then maybe I can get Christmas card sent out!!! Maybe???

Daeson's reasonings

This was a conversation we had a bit ago:

Mom: Daeson, could you find Tevan's passy, he needs a nap.
Daeson: But Mom, we are playing cowboys.
Mom: So?
Daeson: Well cowboys don't have moms, so I don't have to do it.
Mom: Well, this cowboy does, and you will do it.
Daeson: Awe, MOM! Otay, I guess I will help you.

He is so funny...I just love some of the things he says.

Oh, and for journaling purposes, Tevan now says the following:
Chocolate, Papa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, juice, cheese, more, Jesus, Santa, done, and various animal sounds including: snake, cow, sheep, horse, duck, chicken, kitty and dog.

Fun, family and friends

We have a had a busy, but fun week. Thursday my niece came to stay. She was with us until Sunday morning. The missionaries came to eat Thursday night. The are so nice. Friday I drove the missionaries around and I took the kids to the temple visitor center. It was cool...for about 5 min. Then the kids were DONE. So, we left and headed home to get ready for the Grover family Christmas party. We had a ton of yummy food, and Santa came to see us...Thanks, Grandma Grover for setting it all up. The kids had a blast. Then Saturday was my family Christmas party. I would post pictures, but I failed to take any. Justin, Hailey, Jesse, Brooke, and Jaden all came. We had a really great meal...if I do say so myself. Justin brought tater babies and tot sticks and I made meatballs, a cheese ball, lil smokies, crescent rolls with chicken or tuna salad, veggie plate, toothpicks with olives, cheese and pickle, and an assortment of snacks. I was rather pleased with the way it all turned out. My brother...whom I never think notices the efforts put in to things...said, "Have you ever thought about catering?" What a compliment!! It made the whole days work worth it! And, yes, I would LOVE to cater. But, it will have to wait. We played Bonanza (a bean farming game) and Scattergories. We talked and had a great time. I just wish we would do it more often! They all left about 12 and Jess and Brooke stayed the night. I realized that I had to teach Relief Society, so I was scrambling to get my lesson prepared. I had read it, but that was it. Sunday morning Jess and Brooke left around 10:30 or 11. I got the kids ready, myself ready and headed off to the last 1 1/2 hours of church... Just to find out that the Stake RS Presidency would be there for my unprepared lesson. It actually turned out rather well, and they all said it was great. Thank goodness!!!! Then after home teachers left and Troy got done loading his truck, we headed off to Troy's parents. Adam and Kayla made steak and lobster. Yummy, Thanks a ton!! I made a Mascarpone cheesecake with caramel topping. We attempted family pictures for Christmas cards and headed home. Whew! Wat a busy week! Today I am catching up...laundry, sheet changing, toy cleaning, and I am watching my neighbor's son. It is nice because it keeps Daeson happy. The holidays are so busy, but I kinda like the hustle and bustle. Happy Monday to all...and there are only 10 days until Christmas!!! I can't wait!!

The Nutcracker Ballet

With everyting going on, I forgot to post the date Daeson and I went on. Last Friday night, Dec. 5, Daeson and I went to the Nutcracker Ballet at the Colonial Theater. I was a bit worried how he would be, but it turned out so very wonderful. The ballet was about two hours. He went potty before it started and sat on my lap the rest of the time. It was kinda hard for him to see, there were some very tall people in front of us, but he did okay. During the intermission he stood in the isle (we had an end seat) and danced like the dancers. It was very cute and I just beamed. The dancers were amazing!!! It was so beautiful and the costumes were amazing. The littlest dancers stole my heart. They were just adorable.
After the ballet was over, we headed to Shari's for pie and hot chocolate. When we got there, however, Daeson ordered a full-fledged breakfast. He was having a very hard time staying up...it was almost 10. But he thought it was very cool that he got to stay up that late. We ate our pancakes and headed home. I love that he is still small and thinks that I am a cool person to hang out with. I am also glad that he lets me drag him to all the "girlie" type things. He is a good boy and I love him very much. He surprises me every single day with his ideas and sayings. He is full of compassion and love. He is a teaser. He is a "tough" boy and likes to rough house with his dad. He likes to comfort me when I am sad, and he likes to play and joke when I am happy. I love both of my boys very much and would not trade them for the world. Thanks for making the Nutcracker special, Bug!!!

Brave boy!

I have no idea what time Troy and Daeson got home, but it was very early this morning. Daeson did very good. They hydrated him (I guess he was pretty dehydrated from what Troy said), and pumped him full of Zofran (? ) . It is a drug to keep nausea down. But, they gave him a blue teddy bear and he remains asleep. So what was wrong? A BUG. There is a very bad bug going around right now. It lasts 2-3 days and it is just vomiting. No other symptoms. So parents, be prepared. I am just glad he is resting. Troy said the whole time they were there, he had his eyes glued to the TV. Because we don't have TV, he soaks it up where he can. Funny kid. I just don't know what could have been on that late at night!!! Usually infomercials!! But he looks good and seems to be okay today. The Dr told Troy they gave Daeson a good dose before he left, so it should be okay for a while. We will have to get the RX filled today and if I remember right, Zofran is a little pricey...yikes. First a ER visit, then a RX. Good thing my shopping is done for the holidays!!! LOL But, I thought I would just let y'all know he is doing better. Thanks for your little prayers...

IV's and Blood tests

I just talked to Troy and they hooked him up to some IVs to hydrate Daeson and to give him some medicine to reduce vomiting. They ran some blood tests and the Dr's are waiting on those. He is doing well and Troy said he was such a big boy during all of this. He is awake and watching TV. They said the meds should kick in and he should be going to sleep soon. I hope so, he is so beat. And he is very weak. I hope the fluids will help that a bit. I just hope they are not there all night. I know that Daeson likes to be home and it helps him to feel better. Hang in there, Bug. I called to tell him that I love him and he said, "I wuf you too, Mom." Those are the sweetest words I have heard today! It is getting late and despite my worries for Daeson, I know that Tevan will not let me sleep tomorrow and if momma doesn't get sleep, she is a grumpy bear. So further updates will have to wait. I am glad my Dad told us to take him in...it is kinda nice having a Dr in the fam!!! Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us call a zillion times...every time my kids are sick you are the first to hear about it!

ER

Troy just left with Daeson to the ER. He started puking up really nasty colored stuff that smelled like poop. Sorry for the graphics. His tummy is very sore and he is having a hard time going more than 5 minutes without throwing up. He hasn't been able to keep anything down since about 5. Not even water. So, off to the ER where they will hopefully tell us that it is just a bug and that it will be gone in 24 hrs or so. So, if you are up and reading this, please say a little prayer for my brave little boy who is terrified of the ER . I am sure that everything will be okay, but it doesn't hurt to have some reinforcements!

Sick kids, Christmas tree and cool new web site

It has been very busy the last couple days. Yesterday was busy with fun Christmas crafts...Cristmas crafts you ask? Yes, I am TRYING to get in the Christmas mood. We had some friends from our ward come over to do glitter glue window clings...I saw this on my friend Janet's blog, looked up the directions on the internet and thought they would turn out. Uh, No. I must have done something wrong. I bought the Crayola Glitter Glue and drew snowflakes on the waxed paper. The directions stated that after the glue dried, you could cling them to the window...must not be MY windows. But, the kids had fun anyway. Then for FHE we went down Candy Cane Lane to look at the lights. The kids loved that and Daeson said, "Mom and Dad, this was the best Family Home Ebbeneen we ever have." Troy and I just smiled at each other, grateful for our kids.
Then today I went VTing to a newer sister...well new to my route...and she is just the cutest girl. Our kids played and we got to visit. I was so happy the kids got along so well. Then we met Troy at WalMart to look for some Christmas stuff. We decided to go to Shopko, we were very disappointed with WalMart's selection of ornaments. We let the kids pick one every year...then when they are grown, they get to take the ornaments with them. We found a great variety at Shopko...Daeson got a Ninja Turtle (appropriate since he was such on Halloween), Tevan picked Elmo (surprise, surprise), Troy picked the Santa off the old claymation Rudolph, and I picked Rudolph and a misfit doll ( I have felt like a misfit this year and so I laughed when I saw her). We did not, however, find a tree at Shopko, so Troy dropped the boys and I off at the house while he went for the tree. Another sister I VT had some oral work done, so I made dinner for her and had it to her by 4:30 and dinner for our family done by 5:30. Just then Daeson threw up and has been sick ever since. Poor guy, he is so miserable. We did manage to get the tree done, and that made Daeson smile a bit considering we had to miss the Ward party tonight...including Santa. He kept saying, "I feel all better now, Mamma. I not sick anymore." He was so, so sad we couldn't go to the party. I just hope he gets better soon and that Tevan doesn't catch it. I caught him drinking from Daeson's sippy cup. Yikes!
But, I found a very cool website the other day. It is everydayfoodstorage.net. She does amazing stuff on her web site...including some very neat gift ideas. I really like what she has to offer and I will put it on my list of cool websites...as soon as I create one. :)
This week doesn't look like it will be any less busy than the first two days, and I hope it knocks me into the Christmas spirit. I have the kid's 12 Days of Christmas done, and I have only a few things to get Troy. The Big Guy's shopping is all done, and the stockings are ready to be filled...assuming I get them hung. Sunday night we put out the Nativity and I figure if that is the only thing that gets done, so be it. That is what it is all about anyway! Right? My computer is still broken so I am make shifting with Troy's, but when it gets fixed and I have access to my pictures, I will post a hundred. So be prepared. Troy promised me this week it would be fixed...we'll see. Have a happy week!!!

Yummy recipe for left over baked potatoes

I am going at this from memory. I made it last night...here it goes:

Twice baked potato soup

6 large baked potatoes, skins removed and pulp mashed (not like mashed potatoes, but chunky)
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 c finely chopped sweet onion
5 c broth...we used 1/2 veggie and 1/2 chicken ( if you buy the cans, it is 3 plus some of a fouth...if you don't want to open a fourth can, maybe it would work to dilute the rest with water??? I used 4 and reseved the rest)
2 Tbsp chives, or 1 Tbsp frsh chopped chives
1/4 c light cream...I used a little more, like 1/2 c
Potato toppers: crumbles bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream...ect.

In a 3 qt saucepan, saute onion and better until onions are soft. Add the broth and 5 c mashed pulp, reserving the rest. Heat through. In a blender, scoop 1/3 of the mixture and blend until smooth. Pour into a medium bowl. Repeat until all of the mixture is blended. Pour mixture back into the saucepan and stir in the chives and cream. Heat for five more minutes, be sure to stir often as it will stick to your pan. In your soup bowls, divide the remaining pulp. Pour soup over the pulp and top with your favorite toppers.
Serves about 6.

Troy really liked this, and so did my kids. The bacon makes it really yummy as does the cheese. I bought the Real bacon bits off the salad dressing isle, making this very easy and my house didn't stink. You can add more chives if you like them, I thought it was a bit much to add more. I served this with Geraldine rolls and it was start to finish in about 20 minutes. If you don't have left over potatoes, nuke them in the microwave for about 15-20 minutes and you still have dinner done in under an hour. If you have any questions, give me a holler. This was a really good and fast meal. Bon appetite!

Alone time...???

I get a bit of alone time today. I am so grouchy that Troy took the kids to let me get things done. Grouchy, you ask? Jandy? Never!! I know, it is very hard to believe that I of all people am grouchy...unless you know me, then you know that it is not all that uncommon. :) The sad thing is that my kids had nothing to do with it. In fact, they bring me comfort and joy when I am in my moods. It is when I am left alone that I cry and let everything go. I don't think it is depression for all of you who just made that assesment...it is hormones and emotions all tied into one. I am so tired lately and that doesn't help either. And this weather???

I guess there are several contributors to my grouchiness. Although my brother just spent several days working on our den, it will still not be finished before Christmas. He got his part done, but we need someone to come texture the ceiling and blend where the wall meets the ceiling. Then I have to prime and paint and we have to decide on the flooring. It is almost impossible to decide that because we can't agree on anything. So, in the mean time, I have no Christmas tree or decorations up because I have no place to put them. My living room is wall-to-wall furniture until that room is finished. Here it is Dec. 2, and I have no sign of Christmas. And, although I hate the snow, I rather miss it. It just doesn't feel like Christmas in any way. We did start the chocolate advent calendars, thanks Mom! I don't even have my shopping done...no thanks to Shopko being out of everything on my list. I still have a few things for the 12 days of Christmas to pick up, and we have to find a toy for Daeson and Tevan...just a small one. I am usually done shopping in July with the gifts wrapped by Halloween so that I enjoy this time of year, but no this year. I slacked.

I think another thing that I am sad about...I know this is going to sound completely childish...but I miss my mom and dad. I did get to see them for a couple days over Thanksgiving, but when they come, their time is spread so thin. Everyone else wants to see them and spend time with them. We are up here, and everyone else is down there. It seems like it is so rushed when they come. I wish so badly they would move closer, but I don't think it is likely to happen in the next 10 years. And that makes me so sad. What I would give to have my parents here...close. I guess it just makes me so much more gratelful for my in-laws. Although they cannot replace my parents, they are so great to my family. They would do anything I asked. For that I am thankful.

So, I must conclude this post and get busy with my very dusty house. Jaden sheetrocked, taped and mudded...and it left a TON of dust. I decided I would LOVe to be on one of the home make over shows...vacation while the construction was being done. How nice!!

Well, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Thank you Justin and Hailey for hosting. And thank you, Santa, for making a very special visit!!!

Happy Thanksgiving...and Merry Christmas

I know, Thanksgiving always gets over-looked...Christmas just kinds butts in. However, I am in the Christmas mood...family, friends, shopping, and that good ol' Christmas feeling. I am grateful for this time of year when we get to remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the beautiful story of His birth. Often times we get wrapped up in the shopping and gifts, but the greatest gift is the love He has for each of us. For the life He led and the example He set. Let us all soften our hearts...forgive, help, and lift others. It is the life He would have us live. He was sent to us, the greatest gift of all.

Sore finger

I wish that I could post the picture of my sore finger, but they are on Troy's phone. This is very graphic...beware! Last night I was getting ready to make my orange chicken kiev with jullienned carrots and spinach salad...YUMMY!! As I was pulling my meat mallet out of my very chaotic kitchen drawer that contains knives, spatulas, and the now hated lemon zester, the formentioned zester jumped out and attacked me...or my finger. It chopped the whole pad off all but the tiny piece of skin holding it on. I screamed seeing all the blood guhing everywhere hollering for Troy. He thought I was just being obnoxious so proceeded to change Tevan's diaper. When I didn't stop screaming, he came to the kitchen and saw the mess. He grabbed the first aid kit and wrapped it in gauze, frantically calling neighbors to watch the kids. After trying three different neighbors and getting no responses, he got the kids ready to go. I called my super hero sister-in-law Kayla who was headed down to go Christmas shopping. She said she would be right here. In the mean time, I grabbed a couple of neighbor girls who were out riding their bikes to come watched the boys until she sould get here. Troy rushed me to Dr. Baker's office who was luckily open, and they got me right in. An hour and a half later and six stitches, we got home. Poor Kayla, the one night she gets to come down without her girlies, and she was stuck watching my boys! Sorry, Kayla, but I am sooo glad you were here for me!!! Thanks a million!