YEAH, NAY, and OKAY

That's my response to Telima's posts. YEAH- for Mary Kay, NAY- for the trouble with the wonderful world of governmental bureaucracy and OKAY, I will definitely pray for you and yours. But, as it is late (alright only 9:14- but 9:14 p.m. of an exhausting day) and I have a headache (whether it's a headache again or the same headache I've had for 7 days I haven't any idea) I will say: YEAH, NAY and OKAY and go to bed! Good night!!

A Very Poor Story...

I want to tell you all a story. It's a story about a man and woman who recently had the joy of finding themselves soon-to-be parents. Although they were very poor college students, they understood that they could receive help from the government to pay for all the expenses of having a baby through a wonderful program called...Medicaid. The woman dutifully applied to Medicaid and many other government programs that are aimed to help poor pregnant women. All the program immediately accepted her and got her started on what she needed to get done...all except Medicaid.

Okay, you all know this story is about me, so I'll just switch and tell you about the oh so interesting time I had today. We still hadn't heard anything from Medicaid and were starting to get a little worried about it. Today, I went to the mailbox on my way to the car to go shopping and there was a letter from Medicaid. My first thought was "Finally!" I opened it and stopped dead in my tracks, for it was a letter of denial because I "failed to complete the application process". Apparently they didn't receive the new application I sent in with everything they needed on it. Attached to the denial was a Second Notice for the information they needed (which, by the way, I never got seperately). Now, I will take blame for the first notice. We were in the middle of moving when the first notice came and I decided to wait until after we were done to take care of it. But I sent everything in again and they were still denying me! So, instead of going shopping, I went straight the Medicaid office to try to straighten everything out. To make a long story short, they told me to get the information listed on the Second Notice and take it over to Ed Jenkins' office to get it all taken care of. So, I did. But Mr. Jenkins' office is somewhere within Utah Valley Regional Hospital, with no indication of where. In frustration, I went back home and called his office number, got directions of where to find him, went back to UVRH and finally sat down to talk with him about my situation. He took the information I brought with me and started entering numbers in a computer. For those of you who don't know, Medicaid looks at two things: 1. Your income for the month that you applied (which here meant Nov) and 2. Your total assets for the month you applied (meaning our bank accounts, as we have no other assets and our car was exempt). Well, we more than qualified where our income was concerned, but we were $177 over the $5000 limit for our assets. $177. I nearly broke down right there. He asked if we received any government help for school, that could take that off the total. I told him we did, but I couldn't remember how much or when it came. He told me not to despair, to bring him the same information for December tomorrow and he would put that in instead. I thought "There's no way that we will be over $5000 for December. We were exceeding our income before, we have to be under." So, I left in good cheer, thinking all would resolve itself. (For those of you good at seeing what's coming...here it comes.) I called Tyler and asked him to print out the same information for December, and to check it to make sure that it was under $5000. He called me back and said that we were still over...much more over this time than last time. I couldn't believe it. How did that happen??? Ahhh...the FAFSA! It came mid November, so by December 1, our assets had jumped $1300. Well, Ed had told me that didn't count towards the final number, and with that taken off, we were well under the limit. *WHEW*. My stress levels have been sky-rocketing all day because of this, but it seems to be working out now. Tomorrow I will take the information back to Mr. Ed Jenkins and hopefully (keep your fingers crossed) that will be the end of it. I will be covered by Medicaid and all will be right in the land again...Please pray for us tonight that all really does work out tomorrow. I'm still a little nervous about it after all I've been through today.

RE: News

Yay, Telima! I'm glad you are really going to do it. I really hope it goes well for you. Just let me know when you want me to do a party for you. I've been racking my brain for people and I think I've got a few that would be fun to have over. Whatever I can do to help!

News

So, Keryn already knows this, but I don't know who she's told so far. I thought I would just post it here and see what kind of reactions I get. I have recently decided to become a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. For someone who never wears make-up (and only a very little even on her wedding day), this came as quite a shock to...well, me. Last Thursday, Keryn had a Mary Kay party for a girl in her ward, Amber. It was fun, but I've been to them before and I didn't really think too much about it. Afterwards, a friend of hers who is trying to become a Sales Director in the area came to talk to all of us about Mary Kay. She called it a 'practice interview'. Basically, she told us all about what it takes to become a Consultant (like Amber) and the benefits and all that of working for Mary Kay. When she left, I was thinking, "No, I couldn't do that. I don't even know how to put make-up on." But I went home and talked to Tyler about it and we decided maybe it was something I should do. It just felt right. So, here we are, four days later, and I've signed up to be a Consultant. If it works the way it's supposed to, I should be able to pay for rent and groceries by myself, leaving the money that Tyler makes for saving. We're pretty excited about this, and I'm a little scared, but the people that I'll be working with, who will be training me and so forth, are wonderful. They're very supportive and encouraging and Keryn seems reallly excited about it too. The next time I'm in whatever city you're in, I'll probably ask you to put together a group of friends for free facials. =) My goal is to have one party a week, at least right now. That's about 5 hours a week that I'll be working and I can do them whenever I feel like it, so I won't be under the pressure of a regular job. We don't know yet if I'll continue with this after the baby is born, but of any job that I could have gotten, this one will be the easiest to keep with the baby. So, we'll see. Anyway, just thought I'd let you guys know! I'm selling lipstick! =)

RE: Who's in Charge

LaDale, I know exactly what you mean. I've never really been in a situation quite like that, where I was working machinery, but I noticed something similar at my old job as secretary at IT-Training. Everyone there assumed that I knew where everything was, what was going on with anybody at any given time who worked at the office, and in some cases, what they themselves were supposed to be doing at that time. It was interesting...some of the questions they came to me with were so ridiculous, but because I was the secretary, I was supposed to know everything. Tyler is experiencing this now. It's an interesting phenominon. (<-- I have no idea if that's spelled right...) I tried to keep up the appearance of knowing everything, though, because it felt nice to be appreciated.

RE: Challenger and 9/11

Since I was approximately one and three-fourths years old at the time of the Challenger explosion, I really couldn't tell you where I was. Probably wherever Momma was, though. I doubt that I was very far from her. I can, however, tell you exactly where I was when I first heard about the attacks on 9/11. I was in my early bird Anatomy class at Clark. I was the only person in the classroom because school didn't start for another 10 minutes and nobody in their right mind shows up for an early bird class any earlier than is absolutely necessary (unless they have Seminary before that, of course). The Valedictorian of our graduating class came in about five minutes before the bell rang and said "I think we should all just go back home." I said "Why?" She turned to look at me incredulously. "The Pentagon and the Twin Towers in New York are under attack." It took me completely by surprise. And after that, we didn't get any more information because our principal decided to ignore the fact that the nation had been put under high alert and wouldn't allow any teachers to discuss what was happening, not even in the history and government classes. I raced home afterward to watch the news with Momma, listening to the radio the whole way home. The thing that struck me the most that day was how completely empty all the streets were. A drive that normally took me around 25 minutes to make took me little more than 10 that day. It was amazing. Now I know what people mean when they talk about where they were when JFK was shot and the Challenger blew up. You never do forget that sort of thing.

How to tell who's in charge

Did you know that if you are the one working the heavy machinery, you must be the one who knows exactly what is happening? Strangely enough, I was in that position earlier today. I went up to volunteer at the wet pack cannery in Denver this morning and because of a broken machine, ended up simple helping out with the dry pack canning. We were helping a couple of sisters with the orders for their wards and I found myself at the sealing machine (if that's it's real name I'd be surprised. It's the machine that seals the number 10 cans). Suddenly everyone was asking where different things where and what about this and what about that. Some questions I could answer, but others I had no clue. I had to finally tell one sister, it would be better if she found someone who really knew what was going on. I began to wonder if it was because I welded the The Machine that everyone assumed I knew what was going on. Wow! The Power One Can Hold!!

Challenger and 9/11

I don't remember a ton about where I was when I heard about the Challenger. I remember watching it on t.v. in school and I remember we talked about it a lot with our teachers. It seemed strange to be in a reverse situation when 9/11 occurred because then I was teacher talking that disaster with the students. I remembering thinking about the similarities on that morning, although I believe the after effects have been very different. We definitely live in a global world. Both the "JFK" and the Challenger where Americans in America. 9/11 was not.

Challenger Shuttle Disaster

Today is the 20th anniversery of the Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster, which was, until 9/11, considered the "JFK" moment of our generation. Do you remember where you were when you heard that it happened? Do you remember what you were doing?

I was in Miss Rasband's third grade class. Miss Winamore, the PE teacher, abruptly came into our room, interrupting whatever lesson we were having, and said, breathlessly, "The space shuttle blew up. It's on the TV." Then she left, to tell the next classroom and teacher. Miss Rasband stopped the lesson and turned on the classroom TV, and we watched, again and again, the big fireball in the sky.

I'm sure we didn't spend TOO much time on it, because we were only eight years old, and our attention span was short for national events. I really don't remember anything else about school that day. I do remember that it was my cousin Gabrielle's birthday, and it was raining.

There are a lot of news articles about the Challenger today. I found this one, about seven myths of the Challenger disaster, especially interesting.

Anyway, I really am interested to what you remember about that morning twenty years ago.

Re: Moving

Good luck Jenafer and family. Have a blast getting into your new home. I hope everything goes wonderfully!

Moving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, this will be my last post for a while, as previously disclosed, we move tomorrow and there is no cable at the new house. I saw the cable men Wednesday and they said probably 2 weeks or so. We love you all very much and will be calling to keep in touch.

Thanks to my plethora of kitchen angels

Thanks to every one of you for your excellent advice. I shall have to try getting a thinner cut of meat, pound it a little, marinade it and retrieve it from the oven just before it is really done. I'll let you know how it turns out.

steak

i've never been a fan of a-1 or anything like that. I actually have been a fan of marinading steak for a couple of hours before broiling it. {I agree that thinness is good too}
I cheat and buy the marinade from the store but it's really delicious.

It's made by Grill Mates and it's called Zesty Herb marinade.
I think it goes well on chicken too.

RE: Communication

Brad,
You haven't even gotten to the best communication age yet. That would be about 5-7. Then, if you stand still long enough (about 8 min) they will tell you their entier life story, over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. (at least until you go insane!)

Communication Breakdown

A year ago, while Ezra was 1 year old, he would cry. He would cry and he would pout and he would whimper and I would wish. I would wish that he could speak. "Tell me what is wrong and I can fix it! Is it your eye? Your teeth? Your tummy? Is it too hot or too wet or too noisy? What is the problem? Speak to me."

Now Ezra is 2 years old. He cries. I ask, "Do you need a nose job?" "NO, NO-JAHB" How dare I offend him with such a ridiculous suggestion?! More intense wails of distress. "Are you hungry?" I ask with the tissue still in hand from the previous nose-wiping offer. "NO" "Do you want some Rice Krispies?" "NO!" "Do you want a nose job?" "NO-JAHB?" he intones as if to say, "Hey, that's not a bad idea. I'm glad I thought of it." I wipe his nose. Life returns to our regularly scheduled bliss. I'm left to wonder: Is the advent of speaking really that helpful?

RE: Cooking for LaDale

(Procrastinating writing a paragraph about Bachmann's amphiboles for the thesis)

WOW! Jenafer, you are awesome! Will you be my kitchen guardian angel?

LaDale--I feel your pain. Steak is a mystery to me--a delicious mystery, but a mystery all the same. That's why A-1 steak sauce is made.

What else can I say to procrastinate a little more...ummmmm...I better go. I love you all!

re: Cooking for LaDale

Not that I am claiming to be a chef or anything, but I do have a few tips for you.
1- Try to get a thin cut of meat. Some people go for slabs, but I have found that it turns out much more tender the thiner it is.
2- Tenderize it just a bit. A little bit of pounding does the meat a lot of good (and it help get out your own agrivations as well.
3- Rub in a little bit of seasoning. If you like the taste of onion, try rubbing in a little powdered onion. Personally, I like to rub in seasoning salt, powdered onion, and freshly ground pepper.
4- Flip the meat half way through.
and finally 5- Always pull it out just a little bit to soon. The meat will continue to cook slightly until compleatly cool, so pull it out just a touch before you think it will be perfect. It cuts down on the tough factor considerably.
Hope any or all of these tips are worth anything!

Cooking and LaDale

Sometimes I see myself as a great cook, where I effortlessly create magnificently delicious dishes without breaking into a sweat or setting off the fire alarm. Of course, those moments are rare and usually end with a shake of the head and a command to stop day dreaming. Cooking, I've decided does not come naturally to me. Today I looked down at my newest dilemma and contemplated what to do next. Now, if you were a guardian angel looking down from your hovering position near my kitchen ceiling, you would have discover the current object of my woes would be the raw slab of meat prominently displayed upon my countertop. Although I am a lover of vegetables and have learned a few tricks over the years in cooking them to my version of tasteful perfection, there are times I enjoy a little meat. A hamburger now and then, tacos filled with spicy ground beef, lemon chicken cooked for exactly the right amount of time are all quite tasty but I seldom find myself cooking meat. Maybe this is part of the difficulty. A scrumptious steak is not something to be scoffed at. I just can't seen to create it in my kitchen. Determined to get it right this time, I set about wondering how to heighten the taste of my soon to be meal. Ah, I think, onions. Truly, I enjoy a bit of onion now and again and soon I am cheerfully chopping little green onion to my heart's content. But then I remember a problem. Last time I tried this, I broiled the onions into little black crisps long before the steak was even medium rare. (For the information of those who might not otherwise know, I am a well done kind of gal). So, now what? Ah ha!! The perfect solution. Call Mom. Cook them separately, she says. Grill the onions while the steak broils, then eat them together. Perfect I think. I plop that steak into the oven and set out to grill my onions. And since I'm cooking onions, I might as well add a few other things, right. So in go the chopped zucchini and after that a bit of tomato and since I'm on a roll, I add a touch of parmesan cheese to the top. Once the cheese is melted to perfection and the steak cooked right through, I placed everything on my plate and proceeded to pray over my excitingly prepared meal. Once that was done I felt like I needed a drum roll- da, da, da, da, da- And...... The vegetables were great. The steak was awful. It was tough and tasteless and not terribly pleasing to my palate. I can't tell if it's the concept that I like the meat well done, the fact that I don't spent a great amount of money on the cut in the first place, my ability, or more accurately stated, my inability to cook or all of the above. Long sigh. I guess the moral of the story is, if you are my kitchen angel hovering from above, HELP!!

Closed!

Well, I just got back from our title company appointmen. I am considerably poorer, and once again have a mortgage, but am very happy about that! I picked up my keys and we went to the new house and discovered that the doors had been left open and, thanks to a major wind storm, our house is covered in dirt! I have a call in to demand that they come out and clean again. We have also been informed by our cable company that it could be 4 to 6 weeks until we have cable in the new house, so after Saturday (moving day) I won't be posting for a while. Well, my children are home so I have to go, time to start moving boxes.

RE: Closing

There are a few benefits of buying a pre-existing home (such as not having to worry about construction dates and delays), but (as David and Amy can attest) you still might have troubles at closing. I am still in awe at how quickly and painlessly our closing occured. We had heard about how long it can take, so we made sure that made an offer by the end of October to be sure to get in our house before the Keeles' came home at Christmas. Imagine our surprise when we signed and closed in the first week of November. It's sort of funny that we had all this time and a place to stay and everything and it all came together so quickly. Oh, well.

I'm so glad, Jenafer, that it all went relatively well. When will you be moving in? I wish I could be there to help, even if just watching the kids.

Isn't that interesting? I wished the same thing last week when I was on the phone with Kristy, who was running around with her two (and she's seven months pregnant) and two extra (helping a friend who had a family emergency). Most of my family and good friends live far away, so I can't help that way. But it follows that there are people here who have family elsewhere and need help. So why don't I help those people and their family can help people in Tucson and Queen Creek? Like a swap!

I just don't know where to find them.

Closing

Well, our final walk thru went as planned. All was well with a few exceptions. The power was still not on! They had hooked up a generater so we could see that everything worked. Then the gas meter had been instaled directly in front of the gate into the back yard. Now it won't open but about three inches. Yes, we insist that they fix that! Today, we will close at 11:00 am. Thank you, Caren, for only making me take the baby.

This Saturday

Brigham Young University will host the first Midwinter Symposium on Books for Young Readers, featuring Newbery Medal winner Katherine Paterson, Saturday, Jan. 28, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Provo City Library at Academy Square.

The event is open for men and women age 13 and older. For online registration and details, visit http://ce.byu.edu/cw/wbfyr/ or call (801) 422-2568.

Joining Paterson as guest speakers at the symposium will be authors Eric Rohmann, a Caldecott Medal winner, and historical novelist Kimberley Heuston.

A two-time Newbery Medal and National Book Award winner, Paterson has written 14 novels, including “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Jacob Have I Loved,” “The Great Gilly Hopkins” and “The Master Puppeteer.”

Rohmann, a two-time Caldecott Medal winner for “Time Flies” and “My Friend Rabbit,” has also published “The Cinder Eyed Cats,” “Pumpkinhead” and, most recently, “Clara and Asha.” In addition to his own books, he has also illustrated covers for Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy, as well as other children’s books.

Heuston teaches English and history at the Waterford School in Sandy, and has authored two award-winning historical novels, “The Shakeress” and “Dante’s Daughter.” She also co-authored the history book “The Ancient South Asian World.”

So, LaDale, you coming over this weekend?

The really funny thing about this is that I hated "Bridge to Terabithia" (depressing end), and I hated "Jacob Have I Loved" (depressing book). And the illustrator coming did the covers for the "His Dark Materials" books, which have been called "the anti-Narnia" (I haven't read them, but LaDale hated the first one). So unless LaDale is coming, I'm not planning on going.

Whaddaya say, LaDale? I have cute kids, too...

P.S.

P.S. Thanks Jenafer for those recipes!

P.S. I don't like cilantro either, LaDale. In fact, I pretty much hate it.

My today

My weekend was quite different from LaDale's, but it was still a good weekend. I didn't get to enjoy a violin concert last night. But I did go to the adult session of stake conference, thanks to the kind services of Telima and Tyler (thanks, guys!).

This is our third stake conference in the Spanish Fork South Stake. Our stake is large enough that we are quite crowded in our large stake center even in normal stake conferences. We were bursting the seams today--every single classroom (even the very little ones) had a cable running to it, hooked up to a TV (at least 22 of them, borrowed from various members of the stake), chairs from who-knows-where, and the fullest and warmest cultural hall I've ever been in. All in honor of our visiting General Authority: Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

What an opportunity this was! Our stake presidency, having served ten years, was released this morning, and we sustained a new stake presidency (I didn't recognize any of the names, but that's not a surprise). But it was really neat to listen to Elder and Sister Uchtdorf. They are both so warm and funny and sincere and earnest. And it was fun to listen to their accents.

Last night was so wonderful, to be able to listen without the distraction of children (is that why they have the adult session?). It is unfortunate (although I understand the important of having the presiding authority speak last) that they were the last two speakers today. It was really hard to listen. Ezra did so well for so long, but he actually had sweat dripping off his little nose, and his hair was getting curly in the heat of the cultural hall. He was getting awfully tired of being quiet, and not all the markers and ABC books were of any help. Mercy had taken a bit of a nap, but by this time she was pretty done, too.

But a few things sunk in. One of my favorite things Elder Uchtdorf said was "Endure to the end. But endure happily to the end!" I thought that was so great. Re-activation was a major theme, as was the Book of Mormon.

All told, it was a great conference. Thanks for letting me run on about it!

Things I learned this week

Things I learned or was reminded of this week:

I really don't like cilantro.
11:00 is too late to be out when one has to arise at 6 am the next morning.
I really love playing the piano, but if you are not careful it can take over your life.
I enjoy violin concertos better live than recorded.

What a weekend. Almost as busy as my last one, but not quite. Our stake started their Easter Cantata practices this Saturday morning. We are doing a program that they did about 10 years ago and no I am not playing (and feeling relieved for all the honor it was last year). Later I made salsa using the Carter's recipe and have decided about 1/4 of the cilantro will do for me next time. I went to the Symphony last night with the Baker girls and a violinist by the name of Rachel Barton Pine played. Our seats were almost to the center of the first row so we saw everything quite well. It was great, but late- She did two encores that were fascinating and incredible but I didn't get back home until 11:00 p.m. Then our ward conference was today and I was scheduled to play for both a special musical number and the ward choir. Both spent an hour practicing before church today- hence the 6:00 wake up call. Then, right before sacrament meeting, the bishop said we would not be doing the special musical number because of time constraints. At least until the stake president got up for his talk and said that if Sister Toblar was still available he would like to hear those prepared to share their testimony through song. I couldn't figure out who he was talking about at first until I realized my name was spelled wrong in the program. Anyway we all got up and performed. The rest of ward conference was fantastic. I love hearing from our leaders, I really feel they receive inspiration for us, right now, from the Lord. Well, just catching you all up on my life, which hasn't changed a ton since I last saw you all. I miss everyone- but I have not decided to move- I love Colorado way to much!!!
LaDale

old question of the week

This is going back a little but I didn't post an ansewer at the time. Would I eat onions to stay alive? Yes. Actually, I hate cooked onions! They are slimey and make me want to puke. But I still vividly remember Grandpa teaching me the joys of eating small green onions, fresh from his garden and dipped in enough salt to make me amazed the man didn't die of a heart attack. I still love good green onions. I've never tried raw onions before, but I like the little ones enough so I think that I would do ok at eating them to stay alive.

Apple-cinnamon muffin mix

Assembly Time: 15 min
Makes 12 servings
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup regular rolled oats
1/2 cup snipped dried apple
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

1- In 1-quart jar, layer ingredients in the following order: flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, oats, dried apple, and walnuts. Seal; store in cool, dry place for up to 1 month.

To make muffins: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease twelve 2 1/2 inch muffin cups or line with foil or paper bake cups; set aside. In large bowl, combine one egg, 3/4 Cup buttermilk, 1/3 cup cooking oil, and 1 tsp vanilla. Add muffin mix from jar; stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each cup three-fourths full. Bake about 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in muffin cups on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups. Serve warm.

blueberry scone mix

Assembly Time: 15min.
Makes 10 servings
2 Cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp dried lemon peel
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup dried blueberries

1- In large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, dry milk powder, lemon peel, and salt. Using pastry blender, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2- In 1-quart jar, alternately layer flour mixture and dried blueberries. If necessary, add additional dried blueberries to fill small gaps. Seal; store in cool, dry place for up to 1 month or in refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.

To make scones: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In large bowl, combine one egg and 1/4 cup water. Add scone mix from jar; stir just until moistened. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Kneed by folding and gently pressing dough for 12 to 15 strokes or until nearly smooth. Pat or lightly roll dough into 8-inch circle. Cut into 10 wedges. Place wedges 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. If desired, brush tops with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. Remove scones from baking sheet. Serve warm.

my resident fly killer

Living in arizona where we have basically invaded the home of the bugs and other creepy crawlies, not to mention those that fly. Jenafer and Amy could probably attest to having kids open the door for just a second to go outside and having multiple flies to get rid of. Adam has taken to getting one of our fly swatters while Samuel gets the other to get rid of. Well Adam being the observant two year old noticed a fly the other day who kept landing on the kitchen table. So adam started banging the kitchen table with a spoon trying to kill it and would do nothing else. So i came over and swatted the fly and adam was very pleased.

The Snowy Day VII

(This is the last one I promise) I just couldn't not put a picture up of the little sister who had to stay inside because a)she has a runny nose and a scratchy throat; and b)she can't walk, and therefore would have to sit in the snow. But isn't she the cutest?

Jen, bummer about your house. They better hurry, though, right? Make them pay for three rooms in a three or four star hotel in Phoenix if they can't get you in by the 31st. Someplace with a free real breakfast or something. And a indoor pool and hot tub. As for the recipes, the blueberry scone and the apple cinnamon muffins sounded the best--those recipes I'd love to have!

LaDale, YAY!!!! Snow-snow-snow!! We didn't actually get anymore snow than we had yesterday morning, but Brad thinks it was more like 8-10 inches than the measly five I had thought. I have to agree. That stuff was DEEP. Now it has a crust on top of it and is a lot harder to shovel up, making me wish I had finished shoveling our car out YESTERDAY. Oh, well. I'll make Brad do it tonight.

And for my birthday from Brad I got a webcam. So if any of you are ever on MSN Messenger, let me know and I will show you video of my adorable babes!

The Snowy Day VI

Here is quite possibly the cutest picture of all the snowman pictures taken yesterday. Ezra really didn't play in the snow--he was a little too weirded out by it all. Once I shoveled the walk (oh, my aching back), though, he was much happier to wander around in the winter wonderland.

The Snowy Day V (or the lack therof)

I just thought I would put my 2 cents in on these snowy days. As Jenafer pointed out, we do not have snow. That is all.

Food gifts

I am thrilled that winter has decided to make an entrance in my sisters' lives. A little less thrilled it made an entrance in mine. We don't get snow down here, it's just windy and nippy.

Well, for all of you who haven't already heard, I got a call today canceling our final walk thru. It has been rescheduled for Monday. We are however still supposed to close on Tuesday.

I went to the store today and in the checkout gave in to an impulse buy. It is a pamphlet put out by Better Homes and Gardens and is called food gifts. Inside is all these recipes for jar cookies and such. Here is the list- Chocolate-Buttermilk Loaves Garden Bread Poinsettia-Shape Fruit Bread Rosemary-Swiss Buns Macadamia Nut Shortbread Marbled Mint Bark Panforte Bars Praline Crunch Simple Fudge Tarts Viennese Coffee Cookies Candy Cane Twists Chocolate-Cherry Dips Surprise Cereal Bars Anise-Orange Bread Mix Apple-Cinnamon Muffin Mix Blond Brownies Mix Blueberry Scone Mix Chippers in a Jar Fruited Hazelnut Spread Mix Fudgy Brownie Mix Ginger-People Cookie Mix Minty Hot Cocoa Mix Multipurpose Meat Rub Tortellini-Vegetable Soup Mix caramel-Nut Corn Cracker Mix Fresh mozzarella with Basil

If anyone wants any of these recipes, just holler and I'll post them.

P.S. Keryn- I know that you want my whole wheat bread recipe, I just haven't made it in a while and it's not written down. Next time I make it, I'll pay attention and post it. By the way, Jeff wants me to not give the recipe away except to family (I'm humoring him, but none of you have to!)

Snowy Day IV

Actually, it's my first snowy day (YEAH!!!) post (at least for today). YES, IT IS SNOWING IN COLORADO SPRINGS!!! It started at about 10:00 with a few, very light, very small flakes but has continued throughout the day. It had been great because I haven't had to go anywhere- until about an hour ago when I tried to go to Institute. I say tried because after about 30 minutes, having only made it about 1/100 of the way there, I turned around and made my way home. I made it just 5 mins. less than an hour from when I'd left and of course without even making it close to my class. Oh well, I'd been waiting for a phone call or e-mail all afternoon that the class was cancelled, but in the end, I should have listened to what my first instincts were (or what the spirit was telling me) and stayed home where it was warmer. BUT, YES, IT IS SNOWING IN COLORADO SPRINGS!!!!

The Snowy Day III

And here is Ezra and the snowman. It is our first snowman ever--actually, it really is the first big snowman I have ever made (the only one before this was less than a foot high) We didn't have any carrots, so we used a stalk of celery instead.

We sany multiple rounds of "Once There was a Snowman", and Ezra's biggest concern, after pointing out about twenty times that it was a "sNOman", was that it seemed to be wearing his hat.

The Snowy Day II

Here is what we faced--somewhere around five inches of snow outside. Gorgeous, slightly wet, perfect snow.

The Snowy Day Part I

Here is Ezra all ready to go out into the snow. (Yes, the "mittens" are just fleece bags I sewed up quick when I realized that he doesn't have any real mittens. And then I tied them to his wrists. I am a make-do mommy!)

Garbage Rummy

I'll play Garbage Rummy with you, LaDale, if someone else will also play so that we have three players. Any takers?

We woke up this morning to at least four inches of gorgeous powder everywhere, and it's still snowing! I will post some pictures after we go play in it--we have to wait until Mercy goes down for her morning nap because she still is a little sick.

Love you all!

Memories

I was sitting here writing and the cd I was listening to ended. So, I decided to find something else and my eye fell upon the Carpenter's cd. I started it and within the first few notes I was elsewhere. I found myself sitting cross-legged in the middle of Mom and Dad's family room floor, playing, of all things, cards. I've always heard smells can take a person back, but I never thought about how poignant sounds can also be. Anyone for a game of Garbage Rummy? Uno?

P.S. The picture is quite a few years old but somehow it fit.
P.P.S. I think Benjamin's winning.

Jacob's favorite tv show

Jacob's favorite tv show is currently Walker, Texas Ranger. Of course it would be absolutely perfect, as far as he is concerned, if they would just get rid of a few things, like the plot and romance. If it was just a solid hour of the good guys beating up the bad guys, Jacob would be a happy camper. What can you say, he's four!

Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration

Bradley and I went to see the new church film "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration" yesterday. It is showing in the Legacy Theater at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

It was an amazing film. The film starts out in late June 1844, with the summons from Governor Ford to attend trial in Carthage, Illinois. A young British convert and her unconvinced father are traveling up the Mississippi to join the Saints. The girl convinces her father to start reading Joseph Smith's testimony and the Book of Mormon. We then flashback to New Hampshire, 1812 (or 1813), and begin telling the story of the prophet's life with the depiction of the operation to remove the disease bone of his leg. The story continues to progress with only occasional flash-forwards to 1844.

There was a strong emphasis on families--Joseph's love and high regard of Alvin is told, and near the end of the film Joseph Smith Sr. asks his son if he will see Alvin again, allowing the prophet to recount the doctrine of eternal families. Hyrum and Joseph's relationship is apparent. We get to witness Emma and Joseph's courtship and love, and also their hardships and dedication to each other. Faith and endurance (and the development and growth of each) were prominently displayed.

I'm always a little wary of depictions of the First Vision, and I thought this one was wonderfully done. The mists of darkness right before the vision were almost frightening--I even felt my stomach clenching. I don't usually dwell much on that part of the story, but the way it was shown in the movie really brought home the seriousness of it. Joseph was in fear of sudden destruction--it must have been a terrible experience--and then, with the appearance of the "pillar of light exactly over [his] head", he was in the presence of God the Father and His Son! I have never really thought this event through in this particular way.

Some of the scenes, like the darkness before the vision, are a little intense. I was grateful that we were able to get a babysitter for our children. The scenes of Liberty Jail, the persecutions of Ohio and Missouri, for example--and yet there wasn't as much time spent on those parts of early Church history as in other films, like Legacy. Not much time was spent on dissention within the Church, the financial troubles of Kirtland, or Zion's Camp. Polygamy was mentioned not at all.

And that's okay. It seemed to me that the primary audience is the general population of the Church, and interested outsiders. I don't think that it was really made for people who don't know anything about the life of the Prophet, and I think that it was made to build and strengthen the testimonies of those who saw it.

It certainly did mine. I came away from the movie with a greater appreciation for the faith and strength of the Prophet and his family and early followers. I feel like I understand just a little more the sacrifice required of him and his brother. I'm grateful the Church made this film.

(cross posted at PonderIt)

I think I hate holidays

I think I hate holidays. At least the little holidays that keep all of my kids home from school. Yesterday was especially trying because I think everyone was still recovering from a very long weekend and they were all still tired, but not willing to rest because it was a day off. Benjamin had a cub scout feild trip in the morning and went to his friends house in the afternoon. By the time evening came around he was whinning and crying non stop! Erica wouldn't take her nap and spent most of the afternoon and evening wanting to be on top of Mommy, there is only so much of being smothered that I can take. Heather and Jacob were fine for the most part, thank goodness. And Lillian is getting tired of being ignored by Mommy so I can finish packing the house. The good news is that my kitchen is now finally packed. All of the lower cabnets are empty so that Jeff can remove our child locks from them (all except the cabnet under the sink, I still don't want her in that one, even empty!) Today should go smoother, I hope.

Re: Mormon Name

I am slow but here they are. LaDonna Norberta That's it. They just thought I needed a middle name I guess. If I put it in with no capitals it is Adonna Misti Noele. Weird ya. Dad's is Trinity Michael Josef Golden Noble. Don't ask me why. I think they must be a little crazy. I also put in Anette Tobler. Her's is Andi Odette Norberta. That is just funny. Keryn I want to know where you get these weird sites from. This is just too funny.

Re: Mormon Names

Here is our family with all of the possible different Mormon Names that we could make:

When we typed: We got:
Samuel Tobler ---- Caudell Golden Noble
Caren Tobler ---- Caraleen Norberta
caren tobler ---- Anarene MistiNoele
Adam Tobler ---- Adan Golden Noble
adam tobler ---- Caramon Golden Noble
Kip Tobler ---- Kaiden Chipper Golden Noble
kip tobler ---- Chip-wa Golden Noble

My name was the only one that did not give a different name if typed in all lower case or with the capital letter. There you have it.

More about moving

Can I just tell you how wonderful family is? I mean, I love our family, but I honestly don't know what I would have done without Tyler's family this weekend. Tyler's parents had an extra refrigerator that they brought up to us this weekend. They got here Saturday afternoon and by Saturday night, our apartment was actually looking as though we live here, instead of just piles of boxes everywhere. You can see the carpet in our bedroom, you can walk through the middle of the kitchen, you can sit and eat at the dining room table, you can go from the desk to the couch in the front room without stepping over five boxes....etc, etc, etc. I can't even believe how good everything looks here. I don't know what happened to me last week, but as I stated before, I lost about four days somewhere, so I was definitely not getting any work done on getting us moved in. Tyler's been leaving for school and work at 8 am every morning and not getting home until around 7 pm every night. It's been hard and now we actually feel as though we live here. It's so nice. Anyway, I wanted to share with you how great my in-laws are and the tremendous help that they were this weekend. Also, for those of you who don't know, my new address is 1998 N 80 E Provo, UT 84604 and our phone number (yes we have one now!) is 801-375-0950. I love you guys so much and I hope that everything is going well for everyone!

RE: Mormon Names

Okay, I thought mine was hilarious...are you ready? Telaina Serenity-Tabitha-Ann. Isn't that great? I have four names now! I'm so excited about it. =) I especially like all the hyphens. It's because I'm a girl and my last name is Smith. I put in my mother-in-law's name just because she's here and I'm thinking about her. Her name is Terese Smith, but in Mormonese is Miracles Precious One Serenity-Tabitha-Ann. Wow...those Mormons...they sure are crazy, aren't they?

My mormon name

I really have no idea where they came up with this, but my mormon name is apparently Brenae Randolyn. I think I will stick with Jenafer!

RE: My mormon name

Now wait a minute. Should I be offended because I already have a Mormon name? (i.e. My name is made up of my parents names). But I thought I'd find out what I'd be assigned. Yes, they liked it, just gave it a little twist. My NEW Mormon name is DaLinda LaDale Norberta. How do you like that??? P.S. If you type in Ladale (i.e. without the capital letter) my Mormon name is: Chaundalee Norberta.

Radley and Jenny

So in other news on the Olsen home front...Radley and Jenny are moving! They are ready for a change, so when they went looking for Wal-Marts that needed a produce manager that were also somewhat near a temple (seriously, that was their criteria). And so, moving to the most famous Wal-Mart not-yet-opened-but-is-the-absolute-talk-of-Queen-Creek...Radley and Jenny and Cassie (or is it Callie, I can't remember!)!!!!

We laughed because I was all excited--"I've driven past that Wal-Mart, it's really close to Jen and Samuel!" and "Oh, they are so excited that it is opening soon, it can't be soon enough!" and "How nice to live in Queen Creek and NOT have to commute!" Anyway, they will be moving by the end of February, to be there for the Grand Opening.

Oh, and Jen, I told him about the state of Fry's produce. He laughed.

CJ's Talk

CJ Olsen got home a week or so ago, and today he spoke in sacrament meeting. Brad, Ezra, Mercy and I were able to go (despite very snowy weather), and I'm so glad we did. CJ was the last speaker, and he spoke about spiritual preparation.

He started by telling us it wasn't until 3am that he even had an idea what he was going to talk about, and how funny that was to be unprepared to give a talk on spiritual preparedness. Abraham came to his mind early this morning, and so he started to think a lot about the kind of spiritual preparation Abraham had experienced. He talked about the difficulties Abraham faced, and how much harder (or impossible) it would have been without the faith that he had cultivated throughout his life. Then CJ talked about how we must be prepared, and that means working everyday to have the kind of faith we will need to face the spiritual storms that are coming (or are already here).

He talked about how he had been told that the success of his entire mission would be shaped by how he spent the hours of 6:30 to 9:30 in the morning. Originally, he thought, well, that's silly, I'm not even tracting or teaching to talking to the people then; I'm just in my apartment studying and getting ready. But as he looks back on his mission, he realizes that it was a true statement. The more obedient he was in studying and praying, the more successful he was. And then he closed by saying that the success of our lives depended on that fifteen minutes (or whatever) in the morning or evening (or whatever) that we prayed and read the scriptures. And he bore his testimony.

It was one of the best talks I have ever heard from a returned missionary. He was very straightforward, earnest, and humble. I really felt the Spirit, and learned some things that I want to remember to do better in my life. It was so wonderful to see him up there, so confident and comfortable in the Gospel. I'm so glad I got to see it.

Mormon Name

Yea, verily, and it came to pass that it was late. And Keryn was still up because she needeth to finish a fine book, yea, an exceedingly fine novel called "Princess Academy". And wo unto her, because of her lack of slumber, for quick is the time of worship tomorrow.

So why am I writing a post? Because some things are just too important to wait until the morning!

My Mormon name is KeriLynn Jolissa!
What's yours?

Yes, I know, there is help for people like me.

Today II

Well, I don't think I ever realized how exhausting it is to spend money. We did alot of things for the new house today and ended spending just under $6,000. (over half of that was the appliances, and the rest was paint, blinds, ect.)
I know that all of that was nessicary, but, goodness, it was exhausting!

My Today

If we're talking about what we've done today.... I had a great day, although I didn't get everything done I had hoped to. For our ward conferences this year, the stake presidency set up special chapel meetings for a half an hour up at the temple. So this morning, my friend Shauna and I drove up to Denver to be in the chapel in time for the 1:00 meeting. Our stake president, President Porter, and the temple president, President Marsh, both spoke and it was wonderful. We had so many people there was no way we would all fit into one session, so we were broken up into two different sessions. Shauna and I made it into the first session, but I was almost disappointed because President Marsh, who had to stop his remarks because of the time, mentioned he might continue for those who were still waiting. I was so involved in what he'd been saying, it was jolt switch gears. I have never been in a session before where every person was from my ward. It was quite neat. Once we returned to Colorado Springs, I had just enough time to run to the store to pick up rolls for tomorrow's monthly pot luck and then I was off to a baptism. I have just returned home and I have a frozen pizza in the oven (yes, I also bought the pizza because I knew I wouldn't have time to fix anything before the baptism and I'd done without lunch and didn't feel like creating some grand meal). All in all, it was a fantastic day. But then again, it is difficult not to have a great day when on spends it at the temple.

Today

So today I don't have anything half as exciting (or tiring) as Jenafer--mostly just thesis today. It has been nearly impossible to get anything done in the one hour/two hour chunks I have during the weekdays--I can't sustain a thought, it seems like. Anyway, as I am writing, it is a lot easy to get stuff done when I have a couple of hours at least.

But I did go to a Mary Kay facial party today for a lady in my ward. She has two kids same age as Mercy and Ezra (really the same age, her daughter is four days older than Ezra and her son is four days older than Mercy), and it was fun to go over to her house and "pamper" myself for an hour or so. I wish I could afford the skin care products--they are really nice and made my skin feel so good! But, really, who has enough money to spend $56 on skin care stuff? And their makeup is great I'm sure, but I'm not into makeup at all. I have some on right now and Brad thinks I don't look like myself. But, anyway, it was fun to get together with some of the ladies in the ward.

Well, enough procrastinating. Back to pyroxenes and oxides! Love you all.

So, today we are doing a major shopping trip. We have to pick up our paint and blinds at Home Depot, our appliances at the Maytag store, and Ikea for a few mis. items. Benjamin is pulling a very teenagery fit at the moment. His best friend and he arranged for him to go over to Cruise's house this morning to play, and both Mom's vetoed thier plans. Cruise's family is running errands this morning, too. He gets to go over this afternoon, but that is apparently not good enough. If he dosen't snap out of it soon, he won't get to go at all!
Last night I promised Mom I would take pictures of the new house to post after we paint and everything, so look for them in about 2 1/2 weeks.

RE: HOV

It might mean High on Vitamins. Or Vegimite.

And, Samuel, 42 seconds. And thanks for the message.

RE: HOV again

Now, as my answer was a complete joke because I had no idea what HOV meant, it took me a minute to decide if Keryn was giving a true answer or not. Then, I couldn't stand it any more and looked it up. I found an article that asked if High Occupancy Vehicle lanes work. Although I didn't actually read the article, I am assuming Keryn was indeed right.

RE: HOV

I've always assumed that it ment one of two things; either it has a meaning in spanish, or it indicates that vecicles that use an alternative fuel source may also use the lane.

RE: HOV

I always thought it meant High Occupancy Vehicles.

RE: HOV

Helping Overcrowded Vehicles- of course.

Birthdays and Carpools

I just wanted to say a quick Happy Birthday to Skyler and to Keryn. I already wished Keryn a happy birthday yesterday, but only because she reminded me that it was her birthday. I blame being pregnant on that. I was totally on top of her birthday and then somehow, I lost a week. I seriously thought that yesterday was about the 8th of January. So, once again, I'm sorry Keryn and I hope that your birthday was as fabulous as you could hope for.

As for the carpool lane thing, Tyler and I heard about it from Samuel and Caren while we were in Arizona over Christmas. I must say that I am relieved to know that the judge made her pay the fine. I agree with Jenafer in that every woman could have just claimed to be pregnant and what would the police do about it? Speaking of the car pool lane, though, I was wondering if anyone knew what HOV stands for. Tyler and I noticed them on all the carpool lane signs in Arizona and we were trying to figure out if they referred to hovercrafts, or...Hearts Onboard Vehicles, or...I don't know. We asked Samuel and Caren about it and they were just as puzzled as we were. If anyone has any idea, please let me know.

RE: Carpool lane

Brad and I heard about the woman in the carpool lane. We also read a solution: She could claim the baby as an extra person, but everyone under the age of four or five has to be restrained in an child seat. So she could pay the carpool fine or the child restraint fine. Whichever!

Hey

I started writing a post yesterday but didn't get it published until this morning, so it is farther down underneath other more recently started posts. It was just a brief note about Jen and Keryn's birthday. Also, I just found this website about apraxia if you want to look at it. Apraxia
LaDale

Jacob

I just got back from Jacob's preschool evaluation. Apparently, Jacob has something called Appraxia(ah-prax-ia). It is a nurological disorder where the mind and speach mussles don't work together and he will probably stuggle with it all of his life. According to the speach teacher, Jacob cannot translate sylables into words, instead he has to learn a word as a whole. For instance he can say Erica, and Mama, and hungry, but can not say drink, etc. They are giving him a binder with words and pictures in it so he can create sentances on the front for communication.

Happy, happy birthday, Keryn dear
happy days will come to you all year
if I had a wish, then it would be,
a happy, happy birthday to you from me!

Enjoy your last year as a twenty-something!

Carpool lane

So tell me if anyone else heard about this one.
Here in Phoenix, about 4 months ago a woman was pulled over for driving in the carpool lane without anyone else in the car with her. Now, for those of you who don't know, the ticket for this offense is quite high, $375. (no, we have never been given this ticket!) Jeff had to go to drivers school for another offense and most of the people there were driving in the lane. Anyway, the woman argued, aparently for quite a while, that she qualified to drive in the car pool lane because she was pregnate!
The reason this has come back to mind is because this woman just went to court to fight out her ticket there. Now, she has given birth since this experiance, so she is no longer driving for two, but still, she went before the Judge to argue that the ticket was given falsely. Needless to say, the Judge didn't buy it. He said that no matter what your stand is on what constitutes a person, in order to drive in the carpool lane, that person has to occupy a seperate seat!
Jeff and I are very grateful for this ruling. Without it, any woman could drive in that lane and just claim to be with child. The cops can hardly carry around home pregancy kits and demand they pee on the stick next to the freeway. That would probably cause a lot of accidents!

Thursday morning

Well, today I was woken up rather rudely by my husband. Turns out, the alarm had gone off, but our 2 year old had so thoughtfully turned the volume all the way down. So, I had to get up and make somehting for Jeff to eat on the road so he could get out of the house not to late. Then I just decided to stay up because I have to get up to get the kids out at 6:30 anyway and by the time Jeff left it was 6:00, not much point in trying to get more sleep. My kids HATE getting up and having to get dressed and ready for school when it's still dark out. Of course, in the summer, they don't seem to have a problem getting up at 5:00 am. I want to know why they sleep in until 7:30 on every day but Saturday. Anyone have an answer for me?

Jen and birthday fun

Jenafer, wow! With all this extra time in the morning, you wrote a lot. It's great to hear from you and you beat me to wishing Keryn a happy birthday- which I will do so now! Happy Birthday Keryn!!!!!!! Hope it's a fabulous day with lots of fun smiles and hugs from your kids (instead of running noses and hacking coughs). I love you all.
LaDale

pictures

Sorry, I forgot to say, I vote for picture number 2 as well. Jacob got a very big kick out to 1 and 3.

LaDale, I know what you mean about the weather! I know that I don't do snow but lately our weather has been in the lower 80s and we really thought it was supposed to be winter! Telima, I only moved once when I was pregnate, with Heather actually, but I don't recommend it. Let's see, what's next, I prefer Sees candy to all others and I like the carmels the best. I am definatly a chocoholic, but I try to keep it under control. Just for everyone's information, our moving date is Jan 28. We close on the 24th and have our final walk thru on the 19th. Our new address is 28304 N Castle Rock st, Queen Creek, AZ 85243, and our number will stay the same. We are all very excited about the move!

Weather woes!!!

It is 6:00 in the morning and I am getting ready to head out the door to my car. I think to myself, hey, it's January in Colorado Springs, Colorado and it is still dark outside. I will probably need my coat and possibly my gloves and shall I take a scarf? Then I open the door and do I get the cold blast of wintery air I am expecting?? NO!! It was 43 degrees at 6 am. What will the afternoon bring? Record highs- AGAIN. What happened to my winter???? Where's my snow???? I am definitely in the mists of the weather woes!!!!

Pregnancy and Moving

Okay, here's the low down on the major stuff in our lives. First of all, I had my first doctor's appointment last Thursday. For those of you who don't know (although, I'm pretty sure that all of you do), I thought for sure that I had miscarried over Christmas. I thought that because I had some bleeding, some cramping, and some really gross brown discharge that didn't stop. So, I was bracing myself for the worst. When we got to the doctor's office (Dr. Gordon, by the way), we actually had to wait about an hour and a half before we were seen because the other two doctors in the clinic were called away for an emergency Cesarian and Dr. Gordon had to see everybody. But we finally made it back there and one of the first things they did was do an ultrasound. I'm sure that my heart must have stopped for just a second when the picture of my baby finally came up on the screen. It's a beautiful baby and as soon as I can figure out how to post pictures on this thing, I'll get it up for all of you to see. The doctor told me that the bleeding and the discharge was because there's a small tear in the wall and it's causing some bleeding. However, if I just take it easy and rest and don't lift anything heavy for about two or three weeks, it should heal itself just like a regular cut on your skin and I should be fine. So, everything is great. He also said that the baby is measuring a little bigger than my original expected due date, so he pushed it up to July 13. I was exactly 13 weeks along on my first doctor's visit, so I was past my first trimester and I didn't even know it! Anyway, that's the exciting news about our baby.

On Friday, we (although we is a relative word, really, it was Tyler) moved all of our furniture, minus the bed, into our new apartment, with help from our ward. On Saturday, Tyler spent most of the day in our new apartment trying to get everything ready for the rest of our things. I spent the day trying to help, but mostly watching as Keryn (wonderful, wonderful Keryn) packed up our kitchen and cleaned the old apartment. She was absolutely indispensible. I honestly don't think we could have finished without her and she was even sick at the time! Anyway, by 8:00 Saturday night, all of our things were in our new apartment and we closed up our old apartment, with sad farewells to our wonderful neighbors, the Cobbs. We're here now, still in a mess and trying to make the best of it. Tyler continues to work on getting the apartment really ready for us to live here and I spend most of my time reading (because I'm not allowed to do much). So, we're here now and we don't have a phone number as yet, but if you need to reach us, you can call our cell number, which is 702-273-6375. We'll let you know as soon as we have a regular number here in Provo. We love you all!

Every now and then...

I guess I just want all of you to know that I do read these, though normally in lump sums of about two or three weeks. Telima makes sure that I keep posted, I make sure that I am staying on top of my classes, work, apt renovation and moving.

I say:
Ghiridelli (if that is wrong, I checked with Telima), I just have an aversion to Sees since I lived in the bay area. Chocolate is my favorite combination, anyway you want to mix it. I have tried bitter (it makes a good hot chocolate) and cake and truffles and brownies and kisses and hugs and....well I have not found chocolate that I have not liked...when I am feeling well. My name would be Tylsm McOre, Htiche of Nodac. Telima would be my counter Htisat which is the feminine equivilant to a Htiche (Even if she claimes a different title...). I did notice however that Ssofocs and Reltoys (which if I am not mistaken is very close to a Relter) are very common and so in honor of The Legend of Zorro I would have to state that it must be much like a Don. (A joke that only makes sense if you have seen the movie...Highly recommended). One last thing, I would like to say happy birthday to Skyler...if he ever gets this. And my vote is for the picture that is half of his age.


Well, have fun everyone, I will hear about it again in about two weeks.

wow...pictures and QOTW

Wow...this may take a while. Maybe I'll break it up a little so that I don't overwhelm you all with a hugely long entry. So, I'll devote this post to pictures and QOTW. As for the votes go, I have to agree with everyone else and vote for the second picture. I liked Amy and Arabella better in the first one, but pretty much everyone else better in the second, so that's going to have to be my vote.

And I'm behind again on the QOTW. I can't seem to stay on top of these things. As for my Star Wars name, I have the pleasure of introducing myself as Telsm Palas, Imssat of Advil (don't worry, that was before I was pregnant). Kerro, Samto, and myself must be closely related, as we all share the same last name of Palas. However, Palas could also be something along the lines of Smith.

Secondly, chocolate...I can't even begin to tell you how much I love chocolate. And as much as I love Ghiradelli, I have to go with See's for my favorite. As for my favorite combination, I'd have to say chocolate with carmel and nuts. So good. Anyway, stay tuned later for updates on pregnancy and moving and all that jazz.

Happy birthday skyler!!!!

i forgot to throw that one in my previous message today.
Happy birthday skyler, the big boy turned 4 today. How exciting!

i agree with the second photo the best as well

I pulled up the blog and scrolled down to the message right above my question of the week so i could read up and though them until the most recent. I was eyeing the second photo and was thinking this ones great because both of our boys are looking in the direction or close to it of the camera. Then i scrolled up and find that Samuel actually posted that same reason already this morning.
So there you have it. Crazy minds think alike.
Our vote is on the second photo.

Re: Pictures

I will have to vote with everyone else on this matter. I like the second picture of the family. Partially because both my boys are looking in the general direction of the camera.

RE: QOTW

Now, about chocolate. I used to be a big chocolate lover, but ever since the hypoglycemia ended (for now) and I can eat sugar again, I'm not the fan of straight chocolate that I once was. Sigh. However, my deep and abiding devotion to...chocolate cake, hot out of the oven, with Cool Whip on top, has never failed.

About See's vs Ghiradelli's? I don't have a preference. But I did have this fabulous Henry and David's chocolate that was milk chocolate with a blueberry cream center. It was unexpectedly delicious.

Caren, I love the QOTW. I was filled with glee and happiness when I saw it up this morning. Thanks so much for this awesome tradition!

Yay, pictures!

I'm with LaDale--701317 is my favorite (that's the second one). Jacob is a stinker, but I laughed out loud when I saw his faces. What a little turkey!

This is the last one. I looked at all of them and these are the best three. Now vote for the one you like best.

pictures

While I like Heather, Arabella, Amy leaning on David and my own face in the first one. I like that Benjamin is smiling in the second and that we can see both Erica and Jacob (the stinker) better. So, in the end, I am going with the second picture.

Another one

These pictures files are very large and it will only let me do one at a time so here is the second one.

Chocolate

My favorite chocolate combination is chocolate and chocolate. Okay, really, I'm not cheating. Let me explain. I am a chocolate fan, but not a CHOCOLATE FAN! I know, you can't understand, not many can. Actually, I have noticed that too much chocolate in LaDale's system causes migraines and other horrible to imagine consequences. That said, I still dream about a chocolate truffle I had it France while I was there on my mission. Now the cocoa was bitter and at first taste you think, "Someone would rave about this?" But then you get further in and reach the inner chocolate, (or as another might say, "THE CHOCOLATE WITHIN") which, nicely set off by the bitter, comes richly and sweetly to your tongue and you forget everything else except this chocolaty, smooth inner substance that is to die for (in small, not migraine creating doses).


See's definitely.

Family pictures

When we were in Arizona for Christmas we had some pictures taken. Jeff's brother sent a CD with Jeff this week with the whole family pictures. I have narrowed the ones I like to two. Please vote on them and let me know which one you like.
This is the first one

Way behind

Okay, so I saw Caren's last QOTW and had my Star War name all figured out and then didn't get to post it because of time and now I'm two qestions behind. I'll answer both of them and then ask some questions of my own.
I am the very mighty Ladto Macoa, Reltoy of Zocor. I know when all of the Reltoys in the universe get together it can be confussing because of Ladto Pahen but we try to keep it straight.
Now Chocolate!!!! I agree that there are some very good things out there made with chocolate and now that I am not supposed to have very much and none with sugar, the thing that I find that I miss most is chocolate covered carmel. Not the hard carmel but the almost liquid carmel in Rollos. I know that Hershey Kisses came out with a carmel centered kiss and I had one. It was wonderful. I am going to post this and then write another one with pictures attached.

new question of the week

you know how it is when you are just craving chocolate. I tell you it's purely medicinal at times or all of the time.

My question is what is your favorite chocolate combination?
examples chocolate and peanut butter, chocolate and mint, chocolate and caramel.... The list goes on. I'm thinking in the way of candies, cookies or ice creams even.

my favorite combination of all time is chocolate and mint. I really love keebler grasshopper cookies.

Follow up random poll.
Bonus question.
Which is better in your opinion
See's or ghiradelli? Both are very delicious chocolates.

I prefer see's.
{Although ghiradelli has been known to give me a buzz, which is fun!}

RE: Weltussin

Oh, dear, Samuel! Adam had to take weltussin? I'm guessing that is a cough medicine, since it is similiar to histussin, Ezra's cough medicine. I hope that he is well now, and that you will forgive us for (probably) bringing the illness to you. Ezra doesn't have pneumonia, thankfully, but the doctor says his cough could last up to three weeks. Poor thing!

Re: QOTW

I am presenting his royal highness

Samto Palas, Relter of Ibuprofen.

(A Relter is a high prince on the planet Ibuprofen.)

He is followed by his close, personal minions
Kipto Wiore, Relter of Acetiminophen
and
Adato Wipro, Relter of Waltussin.

Kipto and Adato are the Relters of many star systems. These are where they were last positioned before coming to this grand ball.

Re: QOTW and other sundry information

I am Ladto Pahen, Reltoy of Advil Cold and Sinus. I am currently working on getting my hair to stay in those neat side buns so I can grab a date with Wedge's younger brother, Axle Antilles. I think they might have been the sons of a great captain. Doesn't C-3PO says something in one of the movies about a Captain Antilles? And, did you know Wedge Antilles was Red Two in Stars Wars, Red Three in The Empire Strikes back and the Rogue leader in Return of the Jedi?? Just a little Star Wars trivia about our favorite wing fighter although I can't help but wonder if he moved up in rank because he was good or because everyone else died?

Oh, and MTFBWY and sometimes A!!!!!

Re: QOTW

Behold the mighty Kerro Palas, Ssofoc of Paroxetine!

I don't digest anyone slowly over a hundred years, but I'm pretty sure Wedge's wife is from my planet.

Edited to add (ETA): My minions include Ezrro Toame, Ssofoc of Histussin, and Merro Topay, Ssofoc of Infant Motrin.

new question of the week

something fun and random i got from online.

what is your star wars name.
here is the formula to figure it out.

{your star wars first name}= the first 3 letters of your first name+the first 2 letters of your last name. for example my name being caren tobler would make it car+to {carto}
{your star wars last name}= the first 2 letters of your mom's maiden name+the first 3 letters of the city you were born in.

my star wars name is Carto Krcar
for the bonus if you so desire to find this out as well
What is your horrific title?
1. Take the last 3 letters of your last name and reverse them.
2 add the first 3 letters of the make or model of your first car
3 insert the word "of"
4 Tack on the name of the last medication you took

So i would be Carto Krcar,relhor of unisom {creepy music should be heard after this, ha, ha}

Pictures

Oh, dear. Never mind about that last post. Telima, have you tried again?

Picture confusion

Is anyone able to post pictures now? I can't. Telima doesn't seem to be able to. We're looking into what the problem is, but if you can post pictures, let us know.

Love you!

Okay....

As far as Tyler and I can see, that last post didn't work and we can't get it to work. So, you'll just have to wait for those pictures. I promise, we'll get it figured out. =) Love you all!

pictures

We took somewhere around the vicinity of 200 pictures that weekend and I've decided to show them to you! Well, a couple of them anyway. Tyler was the big picture taker, so I can't really claim the credit for any of them. Here's a few that I thought were really cute. (I've never done this before, so I don't know if it worked...I guess we'll find out!)

I like to think that the one with Benjamin and Jacob shows brotherly love but I'm not real sure. I think it's cute anyway.
And have you ever seen such a cutie with a yellow face?

Somehow the pictures didn't make it to the blog. I am going to try again

Happy New Year from us, too.

I have read all the posts and I wish I knew as much about this as Keryn does (even though it doesn't do her any good because she messed up). I had a very long night because I was chaparoning the youth dance again but it went okay, except for the gummy bears ground into the gym floor. Mostly it was great. I thought you would like to see some of the pictures that we (dad and I) took.

Re: We noticed

yeah, we noticed. Boy, do I love you.

Re: Cheating

And obviously I'm not a very competent cheater, since I put "12:00pm" instead of "12:00am" like I wanted. Oh, well. Happy New Year anyway!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I love you all!

RE: Keryn's cheating ways

I totally cheated on that New Year's post.

I wasn't going to stay up until midnight--I was way too tired.