Re: QOTW

First, my modern marvel that I don't think I could live without would have to be a watch. I love time but with out a watch helping me stay on time I feel lost. It's funny in that time is a Earth quantity. People have tried to make universal time values but ... (too much on the side issue).

So there you go, a watch to help me stay on time with all that I hope to do with my life.

QOTW

What is the one modern marvel you just can't live without?

I thought about cars, about light bulbs, about indoor plumbing...but no. No, the one thing I just can't live without is...the internet.

(And of course electricity to power it and computers to surf it. So I cheated and picked three things. Sorry.)

Things that freeze well

For Christmas I got a deep freeze. Before anyone laughs at my husband for buying me an appliance for Christmas, bear in mind that (a) this is the best Christmas present ever; (b) I have been wanting one for a long time; and (c) for my birthday he gave me my old can opener, retrieved from the scout trailer. Oh, wait, that third one isn't a very good mitigating circumstance. (I kid! I kid because I love!) (Actually for my birthday I get to have new glasses and contacts, if I would ever get around to making an eye doctor appointment. The can opener was just a bonus.)

Anyway. My point is that I have started a "cook a whole bunch of things all at once, and then not have to cook at all for a long while" program that has been modestly successful, I think. Here are some of the things I have cooked, frozen, and eaten later (and deemed a success):

• lasagna (be sure to allow AMPLE time to defrost, otherwise your guests will be snacking on Red Lobster Rolls and raspberry jello long before the main course is cooked) (Not that that's ever happened to me last week when Telima, Tyler, and Mema were here.)
• enchiladas (ditto on the defrost time, otherwise the top gets a little too browned) (and try to cover ALL the tortillas with the sauce, even the edges, because they get a little too dry if you don't)
• spaghetti sauce
• various frozen, cooked meats (hamburger already fried up with taco seasoning, shredded chicken for stuff like Hawaiian haystacks)
• LaDale's crescent roll filling (obviously not the stuffed crescent rolls themselves, but the filling thaws quite well in the microwave, and it only takes a second to fill the rolls and pop them in the oven)

Meals that I prepared, froze, and eaten later that I'm still not sure about:

• stew makings (I peeled, cut, and froze raw veggies; I browned the meat and froze it in a separate baggie. Everything tasted fine except the potatoes were a little off to me--a little too mealy or something. We'll have to experiment with this some more, I think.)

So--those are my successes and failures--does anyone have any suggestions? I would love to know if you have a favorite meal that might freeze well.

Toddler Online Games

My kiddos love the computer. Here are some of their favorite websites:

Fisher Price infant and toddler games
Starfall games (phonics and reading, really fun)
Nick Junior
Jigzone (jigsaw puzzles online)

My Big Gid

Gideon had two appointments up at Primary Children's on Thursday--a bladder study and an orthopedic doctor appt. Both appointments went well, and we have further evidence of the Lord's mercy on our little boyo. He truly is doing better than we could have ever hoped.

The bladder study was pretty uncomfortable (he yelled the entire time, but not with pain, he was just ticked off), but the results were very comforting. Many children with spina bifida experience bladder reflux, when the urine is pushed back into the kidneys. If there is any bacteria in the urine, then serious kidney damage can occur. Aaron Fotheringham lost the use of one of his kidneys this way. Gideon's bladder, even when full of fluid, didn't reflux. Yay! Now we can take him off the precautionary antibiotic he's been on since birth. We get to do this all again in six months, but for now, we don't have to worry about his bladder/kidneys at all. (By the way [John! hee hee], this test really doesn't say anything about his ability to be potty-trained in the future, but we're just taking this one step at a time.)

The orthopedic doctor decided that only Gideon's left foot needed to be casted--the right foot should be okay with a lot of physical therapy. All the bones seem to be in the right spots, and we have a pretty good chance of being able to correct his club foot with the casting--although club feet on spina bifida kids don't respond as well to casts as other types. If it doesn't work then we'll have to explore surgery options (yuck). But for now, Gideon has a huge cast from below his toes to the top of his thigh--they get much better results if they cast the whole leg. This is what it looked like when we got home Thursday evening:
And this is what it looks like now that I've had a chance to decorate it:

Gideon gets a new cast every week for the next four weeks, so if anyone has any great decorating ideas, speak up! I'm thinking I'll have to go invest in colored sharpie markers so I can do trains next time.

bits of chocolet

LaDale,

No, I don't think you are too desensitized. It probably has to do with how we, as a family, tends to read. I know that I tend to "skip" over the words I don't want in my mind, or paragraphs I find boring or objectionable or whatever. I know that there are many, in fact most, of the people who cannot read that way. They read like they talk, every word. If I did that, I think I would feel somewhat like the woman in your group about the language. However, I am so grateful that I can read so many good books and not take the evil from them, only the good. I don't think you even saw those words in this book, I think your brain just skipped over them. Hope this helps some!

Next month we're reading The Giver- my selection.

In want of your opinion

I just returned from my monthly enrichment book club. We read a book the one none member from our group suggested because it about a young man with autism. It was little rough- about a child with very difficult problems and how those problems affect his parents and their marriage. The book is from the point of view of the boy and it a little disjointed and suppose to be because it is this child writing about his life. There was a word in it I haven't heard since I was in high school repeated a few times and the Lord's name was taken in vain also a few times and for that reason I would not recommend you read it, nor will I ever read it again. However, I would like your opinion on what happen during our meeting.
One member of the group could not, would not get past the words. She would not take anything from that book and kept talking about how she could not see Christ reading it so how could we have even thought about it (None of us knew these words were in the book when we chose it). I felt sad for several reasons. One, I could not even remember one of the words she was mentioning. Is that because I am so desensitize or that I don't internalize it? On the other hand, I was sad because this other sister could not see what good could be taken from the book. It was incredible to see the way a child with autism might think and why 'our world' might be so impossible for them. This sister had a hard time with how the boy's parents treated him. I couldn't believe some of the wonderful ways they worked with his condition. No, I don't believe a child should be spoken to in that way, especially by his parents, even with his condition, but I also know it happens- and worse. It filled me with pity and gratitude. Many people don't have the knowledge we have and are doing the best they can with what they have. And isn't this the point of writing- to share emotion with others to understand in a small way how another's life works. Once we were done, I felt like this sister would never enjoy anything that portrayed a negative or opposite view of her life. The words I could do without, but once that was said- couldn't we move on and find something good- or is that too much like eating cookies with bits of chocolate in it?

Sorry this is so wordy- but I'd appreciate your thoughts.
LaDale

Good news

Craziness. I keep having lunch and prep time meetings and early morning meetings- getting ready for everything that is happening in the next few weeks: exhibition (culminating project for fifth graders which includes a six week project, ending in a two day public presentation to parents and school board members), CSAPS (major, end of year testing), Parent/teacher conferences- students directed in a way I've never done before, report cards with four students failing- etc, etc. But I received some news today. I am now in the computer as a long term sub and getting long term pay, which they are actually back dating to the day I started as Lynette's sub. It is very nice to work a week and have my rent paid instead of two and half weeks for the same amount. Now, I'm just praying for no more snow days, so that we can get out of school in the middle of May instead of the middle of June- as much as I love snow and all...

Shouting

Today I found myself on the verge of a shouting match with my three-year-old. Why I thought he would understand me better if I shouted the information, I don't know. (Apparently he's not the only one tired.) He would yell, "I want it to be rewound!" and I would say (getting progressively louder) "The video is ALREADY REWOUND! You can't rewind it because IT IS ALREADY DONE! NOW COME DOWNSTAIRS FOR NAPS!"

I caught myself on the third repetition of "It's already rewound!" and thought Why am I arguing with a cranky, overstimulated three-year-old? So I swooped him up, kicking and screaming (he was doing the kicking and screaming, not me), told him I love him (he ignored that) and carried him downstairs to bed.

And locked the door.

Finding a Voice in Writing

A post at A Motley Vision discussed one author's experience with writing a novel and trying to flesh out her villain. I thought some of you might find the essay interesting. A more general interest point in the post was this comment:

I remember way back when sitting in Jim Faulconer’s class while he told about going to see a “Jason” movie with one of his kids. (That’s Jason of the hockey goalie mask.) Jim’s take on the movie went something like this: The brand of evil Jason represented was so monstrous, so incomprehensible that the dangerous behaviors the teenaged victims engaged in – a little drinking, a little fornicating – looked innocent by comparison. Jim suggested that this might be one of Jason’s purposes — to provide a distracting reason not to look too closely at our own behavior: “Huh! So that’s evil! Gee, I’m not half bad.”

Re: Random

Tyler and I actually had a very nice Valentine's Day. We got a baby-sitter and for the first time since Katy's been born, we had a real, actual date. I mean, we've gone out a couple times before, but this was an all out date. We had dinner (with apple juice in champaign glasses), went bowling, then got some ice-cream after. It was so much fun. And Katy was an angel for Carrie, so that's added bonus.

Jen, I'm so glad it wasn't worse for you. There's a lady in my ward whose son recently fell down the stairs carrying his little daughter and she ended up with a broken leg. I'm so glad you and Erica are okay, other than a few bumps and bruises.


Okay, LaDale, I'm pretty sure all of us are thinking the right thing, but since nobody's said it yet, ten years ago on Valentine's Day, you came home from your mission! I remember how fun it was to wait in the airport for you. I'm pretty sure that we made a huge sign that said something to the effect of "Welcome home, LaDale!" Happy anniversary. =)

Keryn, I knew that I knew Lois' sister from somewhere, but I couldn't place her! And she only play her sister in the first season. I'm pretty sure that Lois' sister re-enters the scene at some point in another season and it's a different person. But that's so funny! I just couldn't place who she was. Thanks!

And finally for me, Katy is crawling...with a vengeance now. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but she's all over the place now! One day, rolling, the next crawling like a mad baby girl! She's so fun too, because she's starting to mimic sounds we make. Like this morning, I said "You're such a good baby girl!" And she looked at me and said back "Grrrrrr." It was the cutest thing. Anyway, I love you all!

Random

With a sick little girl, we didn't do anything for Valentine's Day--I did get out the special red plate and goblet for Bradley at dinner, and it was SO romantic--Ezra standing on his chair to reach the "cookie rolls", refusing any bites of lasagna, Mercy eagerly eating bites and then fishing the bits of ricotta cheese from her mouth and flinging them to the floor. I don't get it, but that's what she did.

We also had our second visit by the early intervention people--this time a nurse and occupational therapist. They were here for two hours, and the upshot is that Gideon will get OT twice a month for a while, and since we have paid and will pay (once all the bills arrive) almost $10,000 in medical expenses (that includes the insurance premimum taken out of Bradley's paycheck), our adjusted family income (barely) is such that we get the visits for free. That's nice, but since the next level up is only ten dollars a month for however many visits are necessary, either way it wouldn't be a burden.

Gideon was weighed yesterday and he is a whopping 11 pounds 3 oz at almost 2 months! He is my precious little tank of a boy who is smiling more and more--especially at his momma who loves him.

Jen, everytime I walk downstairs carrying a kid, I worry about falling. That sounds very painful and uncomfortable and scary--I'm glad you two weren't seriously hurt.

LaDale--awesome about the long-term position, although I'm sorry about the reason for getting it. It will be so nice to know where you are going every morning and to be able to discipline your students--even when they are full of hormones and sugar. And, yes, that is what I was referring to ten years ago.

Finally, Samuel, is your favorite part of Lilo and Stitch when Lilo says, "Don't leave me" as the spaceship zooms away and Stitch says "Okay" in a soft little voice and then sets the frog down and says, "Okay" in an evil not so little voice? Because I really liked that part. Although the part when Lilo calls Cobra Bubbles and tells him that aliens are attacking her house is really great too. (Can you tell what I've watched several several times lately?)

Ooooh, and did you know that Lois Lane's sister Lucy is the same girl who played Teresa in "Oscar", as in, "We don't HAVE a daughter who isn't Lisa!"

Thursday

We didn't really do anything for Valentines day yesterday. I made a more elaborate meal then normal and Jeff had a gift for me. He is getting a HD radio turner for his car for Valentines/Birthday/Anniversary gift. He got me a robot. A Scuba to be exact. It is one of those little tiny, round robots that will mop my tile floors while I sleep! I can't wait to try it out. I figure I'll have to wait until the kids are in bed. I can just imagine the fasination from Lillian and Erica. I'm afraid they would try to ride it.

Other then that, tonight is another PTO event. We only have one more, in March, and then the elections are in April, so I'll hand everything over and have a little more free time.

Sundry items

Jenafer, I just had to say, I am aching for you. I am so sorry for that fall.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Laundry- it is not my least favorite chore- (DUSTING would be) and sometimes I love clean laundry- sheets fresh from the dryer just before bed. I towel warmly dried just before a shower etc. Then again, maybe it is because I only have to wash my things and not an entire families worth- which I can imagine is never ending and thus very monotonous.

The principal at Rockrimmon Elementary told be yesterday I will have the position as the long time sub for Lynette- Yeah! and today- an hour long Valentine's Day party with 29 pre-hormonal fifth graders. Well, I only had to break up one roll on the floor wrestling match and actually had a mother bow down before me when I was able to get all the kids attention within five seconds. (They are slowly becoming very well trained). My only problem- I think I need new shoes. My feet have NEVER hurt so BADLY.

Ten years ago today

Frankly, I can't believe it has been ten years. Sometimes it feels like a millions years ago and sometimes like no time has past at all.

P.S. If this is what I think it is- a clue is- IT WAS A VERY LONG, LONG FLIGHT BUT SUCH A WONDERFUL REUNION AT THE END!!!!

P.P.S. Thanks, Keryn, for remembering. I had almost forgot.

P.P.P.S. And thanks to Jeff for filming the event. It's still fun to watch!!!

LaDale

Wednesday

Yesterday around 2:45 pm I fell down my stairs. I had just picked up Erica and we were headed downstairs, I missed a step and we fell 4-6 stairs to the landing. I turned while falling to try to protect Erica. I hit on my right side mostly, rug burn on my right wrist and right elbow, skinned my left knee, wrenched my right knee and ankle and bonked my head. Erica kept going a little further after I stopped and bonked her head. We sat on the landing and rocked together for a while and limped down the stairs. Erica hasn't let me carry her down the stairs since! I have some really georgous bruises on my knees this morning, and alot of aches and pains!

It could have been so much worse...

By the way, Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentine's Day

I love you all very much!

(Also--what happened on this day ten years ago? It has nothing to do with me (although eleven years ago Bradley kissed me for the first time) Any guesses?)

RE: QOTW

I agree with Jenafer - ironing! Although any part of laundry is not my favorite and has actually fallen to Tyler to do now, ironing is my least favorite part of it. I'm not sure that I've ever ironed a shirt for Tyler to wear to work, and he has to wear a collared shirt and tie every day. He usually just tries to get them hung up right after they come out of the dryer so they aren't too wrinkly. =) Oh well.

Re: Laundry

Ironing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hate ironing! Just ask Jeff.

It's been six years since Jeff has had to wear a shirt and tie to work. Now I have to iron shirts so he has them six days of the week.

QOTW

Laundry--what is your LEAST favorite part of doing laundry?

Mine is folding whites. I hate folding whites--the socks, the inside-out garments...my very least favorite part of one of my least favorite household chores.

Re: Trolley Square

We first got news about the shooting by looking at the Drudge Report online, of all places. We then turned on our TV to the only local broadcast station we get (a fuzzy Fox 13) and watched them tell us over and over that nothing was known except there were fatalities, and the shooter was one of them. Pretty scary--you start going over in your mind everyone you know that could have been there. They are reporting now that five people were killed--two 28-year-old women, a 24-year-old man, a 15-year-old girl, and a 52-year-old man.

The completely random nature of this event is what is the hardest for me to grasp. Those people were just hanging out at the mall--something Telima and I and all our kids did at Provo Towne Centre on Friday! My heart really aches for the families of the dead--and those in critical condition--there are several.

In less sad news, but still distressing for our little family, Mercy has the yucky stomach flu with a fever. She has been so sad and miserable the last day and a half--Bradley stayed home yesterday so to help me with it all. Having a throwing up contagious toddler while trying to keep a newborn healthy is a feat, let me tell you.

Tuesday

Last night we had a major thunderstorm come through here. The first thunderbolt woke me up, I was sure it was a sonic boom, it was so loud. There were about 4 of the REALLY loud thunderclaps and then we had a major rainburst. After that we all went back to sleep. This morning, Jacob came to me and said, "it rained last night, very loud!" He is doing very well in his speach and he is starting to articulate so much more! Unfourtunatly, we aren't going to be able to let any of the kids outside to play today. It is to wet outside, we have puddles and mud all over. Until we get the wood chips down this weekend, the set is in dirt. Also, we are going to plant the grass this weekend. We are going to put up a short chicken wire fence around the grass area, and netting over it to try to protect it from both the dog and the children. I just don't think it would be fair to set up the playset and then tell the kids, "Sorry, for the next three weeks you can't play on it, only look at it out of the window, because that is how long it will take for the grass to sprout!"

Telima,

I hadn't heard about the shooting in Salt Lake until you told me. It wasen't even on the news here. We are just reliving a 89 year old grandfather who killed his grandkids about a week ago. I think we should have at least heard about it! Thank you for the link.

Shooting at Trolley Square

I'm sure you've all heard about this already, but in case you haven't, I thought I'd post about it. Last night at about 6:45, an 18-year-old man opened fire in the Trolley Square mall in Salt Lake City. He killed five and critically wounded four before he was shot and killed by police. Here's a link to the CNN story and the Salt Lake Tribune story.

Tyler and I had gone out to dinner at Applebee's and were heading home when we turned on the radio and heard about it. The radio station we listen to was streaming directly from a news station. They are actually located just across the street from the shooting and could actually watch what was happening.

My heart goes out to those affected by this shooting. I really never thought that something like this could happen in Salt Lake. It's just...amazing...and not in a good way. I love you all so much.

Monday

Well, it's official. Word is circulating around the ward by way of official phone trees. We will be split on Sunday!!!! I am very excited! I have to call my sisters tomorrow morning, so everyone will be there to hear where the new boundrys are and to know when all of the meeting are going to be. I am hoping that I get a new calling. Toodles!

A Blessing on Your Head...

Although it was sadly impossible to get a proper family portrait, given my three-year-old and my almost-two-year-old, we did get some amusing family pictures. It was a beautiful day, all the more so because of the uncertainty gone before.
Notice that Mercy is inspecting Gideon's shoes. That girl loves loves LOVES shoes.

Everything and nothing

I am commenting on a lot of things.
Telima, I am still thinking of a recipe for you. I know that you know how to make most of the easy quick and easy things I used to make. If you need any help with any others let me know. LaDale, Hang in there.
Jenafer, Been there done that. I once asked a women , who had just moved into our ward, if I could watch her children for a little while so that she could get organized. She left them with for 6 hours while she went out with friends. A long time and a lot of hard work for me.
Samuel, are you still riding the bus alone or have others joined you?
Keryn, I can't wait to get back and get one of those smiles from Gideon.
Love you all!
Oh, by the way David and Amy say hi but they can't get on because they have forgotten how. Keryn you might want to call David and find out how to get him back on.

Saturday

Well, this weekend is very exhasting, very eventful weekend.

First, we are trading Valentine babysitting with our friends and we have their kids today. Three more kids, dropped off at 11:00 am and are still here. They were supposed to go out tonight, but they have 8:00 am church, so they wanted to go out in the daytime.

Second, we set up a playdate with a friend of Jacobs for this morning at 10:30. I figured that Luke would be gone by the time that the Broderick girls got here, but I am now up by 4.

Heather had a birthday party today from 1:00 to 3:00. Her friend just lives down this same street, so dropping her off didn't pose to much of a problem. Now I am down 1

So that makes 8 kids running around at this moment. 1 one year old, 2 three year olds, 1 five year old, 1 six year old, 1 eight year old, 1 nine year old and 1 ten year old. I think my mink is still in my head, sometimes I'm not sure!

Then, to top all of this off. Jeff is trying to install a dog run AND build the kids playset, this weekend!!! We dug the post holes for the dog's gate and poured cement last night, but we are currently having such a humid weekend, that the cement didn't dry overnight, so we couldn't finish putting up the gate yet. We'll have to finish next weekend. The playset, however, we are doing!!! I never thought I would long for Monday!

I'm here too!

I haven't spent a lot of time in front of the computer the last couple of weeks--we're entering a new and mysterious phase in Ezra's life which is called "Worse Than The Terrible Twos". Mema is right when she says it's all about odd numbered years. So I have been trying to pay more attention to him when he's doing well (instead of ignoring him to read on the computer) and also to wear him down--the weather here has moderated to the point that we can go outside and play most days. That, of course, wears Mommy down too (and I still have a terrible cold), and add to that Mercy's needs (she's responding well to our new program, though!) and Gideon (who sleeps "through the night" (one 5-hour stretch surrounded by two 3-hour stretches) HOORAY!)--and you have a tired but happy momma.

Bradley has the older two upstairs right now so I can take a Saturday morning nap. And so, goodnight for now. I will find the link to the rice recipe later, but if you want to find it look in the archives in September 2005--I think that's where it is. And thanks for the news update--the Chateau was where I first learned about Anna Nicole Smith, and that soccer story is inspired! And have I mentioned how glad I am that I am not in Buffalo NY right now?

Oh, and potty training...well, ARUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH!

I'm here, really I am

I've just been busier this last week than I have been in a long time. I do read Chateau every day. It's one of my, taking a moment for myself, times. Thank goodness it is Friday, I can now catch up a bit with life- and school- which will be my life for a while. The teacher I have been subing for came in today. It will be a while before she will be back. The cancer is stage one, thank goodness, and there is a fantastic chance she will be beat it. But, there is a lot to happen before that. It was actually quite difficult to listen to her tell her class- as a group we went through two boxes of tissue. My goodness- the memories! I am so grateful I could be there. She talked to me quite a bit afterward and is so grateful there was someone willing to be flexible. I am pretty sure I'll be with them for the next two weeks, at least. She will be having a surgery next Friday and will be starting the chemo the week after that. At that point, she'll understand better how she will react and the decision will be made whether she will be back, even part time. So this weekend will be lessons plans again until I can get a grip on fifth grade- which in many ways is quite different than third.

I don't have a recipe yet to place on line. It has been a while since I did something quite that entailed more than opening some box or freezer bag!!??! I'll give it some thought. Jenafer, thanks for the prayers and I do have to say Heather's barbie dress was fantastic. As for the news- Anna Nicole and soccer- have you seen the snow in New York!?!?!

Love you all,
LaDale

Is anyone out there?

I know that I have been just as guilty of this in the past. But, I'm starting to feel alone out here. Is anyone reading my posts, any comments?

Oh, and LaDale, I just wanted to comment on your last post. That job sounds wonderfull for you. A semi-permanent sub position with a possibility of permanance sounds great. We'll be praying for you!

Telima. That receipe that you posted, do you serve that over rice? Nevermind, you did say that! Sorry. It sounds good, and that kids might eat it!

Keryn, could you post your rice receipe?

Soccer Fans

I logged on today and saw an article that I just had to read. Something about soccer being played in empty stadiums. It turns out that last Friday, a riot happened in a soccer stadium that resulted in the death of a police officer. I think Italy (that's where it happened) is getting tierd of the feelin that anything goes if done in the name of soccer. I think their solution was fair and will work beautifully. Some stadiums are compleatly modern in their security systems and such, while others are severly and dangously outdated. The officials have sent down the ruling that only games played on the modern, security able stadium will be open to the public. All others will be played with NO ONE in the stands. The stadiums will be falling all over themselves to get their systems up to code before next season and, hopefully, the fans will get the hint too! I really hope it works for them. If it does other countries will probably follow suit. The full story can be found at http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-italy-violence&prov=ap&type=lgns if anyone wants to read it!

Is anyone surprised?

So, today Anna Nicole Smith was found "unresponsive" in a hotel room. About an hour later, she was pronounced dead. Is anyone surprised by this? I know that I, for one, am not. I just feel a profound sadness for her wasted life and a deep pity for her two, now motherless, very young children.

Receipe

Well, this is my contribution. This receipe is from Jeff's family.

1 lb hamburger
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans evaporated milk
3 c instant rice
salt and pepper to taste

brown hamburger, mix all together.
pour in cassarole dish,
top with tatter tots and cheese.

Bake 375 for 45 min

On the edge of disaster or success

A classroom of twenty-nine squirrelly, talkative fifth graders, nine substitutes in the last week and a half, no lesson plans for the same length of time nor any real record of what the kids have learned all year long or how they've done with such learning, a teacher who has just been diagnosed with cancer (a teacher I know quite well since I volunteered in her classroom when I first moved here), kids who don’t know yet but feel something is wrong and, finally, someone scheduled to sub for the whole week to try to give the room some kind of stability- equals an EXHAUSTED and STRESSED ME!! This does enable me for a possible long term substitute position and, who knows, possibly a full time job next year. Good news- the position is at Martha Baker’s school and I would love to work there full time. She’s treating me like I already have a position at the school with trainings every free moment I have!! Thus, I am working my heart out to show everyone and their pet rock I can DO this job, in fact, I hope they suddenly can’t do without me!!!?! Here’s dreaming.

Recipe Swap

I am in dire need of new recipes. I'm getting very tired of making the same things over and over again, week after week. So, I'm proposing a recipe swap. This recipe swap comes with a few rules, though.

1. Easy to make.
2. Quick. Not necessarily quick to bake (crock-pot recipes, for example), I just want something I can throw together quickly.
3. Relatively cheap.

To this end, here is my recipe. I don't know quite what to call it, because I got it from my sister-in-law Ashley, so I'll just name it Creamy Chicken Crock-Pot. Some of you have already tried it.

4 pieces of chicken
2 cans of Cream of Chicken Soup (or more, depending on how much sauce you want)
1 package of Italian Dressing Mix
6 oz Cream Cheese

Mix cream of chicken soup and italian dressing mix together in crock-pot. Add chicken and cook. A half-hour before desired eating time, add softened cream cheese and mix well. Place over rice.

There it is! Quick, easy, and cheap. And very tasty too, if I say so myself. Please post some recipes! I would love to learn how to make new things. Thank you all! I love you!

A Puzzle

A speaker at the conference I was at last week in Vegas used the following puzzle to illustrate a point. I thought you might enjoy it. (Mostly, Keryn wanted to see if Samuel could come up with the answer.) As with all the blog puzzles, post a comment if you think you know the answer. In a few days, I will post a comment with the correct answer if it hasn't already been given.

In bucket A, you have 1000 red marbles. In bucket B, you have 1000 blue marbles. First, you randomly select 20 marbles from bucket A and put them in bucket B and then mix. Then, you randomly select 20 marbles from bucket B and put them in bucket A and mix. Repeat this three times. At the end of the experiment, which bucket will have more foreign colored marbles in it?

re: smile

I don't think it's fair that Gideon would wait until I went home to really smile. I was trying so hard to get him to smile. I guess Mom should get the first one but now I'm not there to get any for awhile.

Smile!

I was singing along with the Backyardigans ("Going to the great unknown/My helmet's got a built-in phone/We're going to Mars") to Gideon, and BOOM! The bestest baby smile in the world popped out. And he's done it several more times in the last couple minutes ("We took the astronaut pledge, the astronaut oath/Well which one was it?/Pretty sure it was both")--he likes Backyardigans! Another convert.

(Yes, LaDale and Mema, you're welcome for getting those songs re-stuck in your head. Anytime.)

Pictures!

Jen, I am soooo excited for the 7th Harry Potter book! I can't wait to read it. What a month that will be for Harry Potter fans...the movie in early July, the book about a week later!

So, we've finally posted our pictures from Nov to now on our website, in case anyone is interested. The folder that's titled "Daddy's Funeral" is actually pictures from when everyone was there both times last May. Here's the link to our site again: tylerandtelima.com Here are a couple pictures, the cutest ones, I think. I love you all!

Harry Potter

Is anyone else stoked about the last Harry Potter book being out this summer? July 21, the count down can commence.

Jeff and Benjamin are planning to spend the night at a bookstore!

Hello!!

Happy Groundhog Day, Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is anyone other than me ready for winter to be over?

New shelves

OK. So this bit of information is a little mundane. But, this is exciting news in our little family and so I thought I would share it with all of you. Last Saturday, we went to Ikea and bought 2 shelves to go in our front room. Each set comes with 3 shelves and 2 wooden struts to attach the shelves to the wall. Caren and I have wanted shelves in our front, 'great' room even since we moved here. And we finally got them last Saturday. The big news is that last night our home teacher, who is a licenced contractor, helped us attach the shelves to our walls. They are on either side of the entertainment center. We like them a lot. One think that I really like about these shelves is that they give us space to decorate during the Christmas season that our boys can not touch and destroy. Fun for all the family. Anyway, I hope all is well with everyone. Until next time.

Remember:
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Love like you've never been hurt. (Taken from someone and other stuff.)