The Mineer Family

The ocean!

2009-08-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!

2009-05-25T08:50:00.001-07:00

We've been so concerned because 13 month old Carson has not pulled himself up to standing. Also, he just won't stand period, even with support. Lately he's been getting better and then this morning he finally did it all on his own! Way to go Carson!!!

Need a straight iron?

2009-05-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Here's an awesome blogger and the link for her contest.

http://hair4myprincess.blogspot.com/

Carson and Cousin Luke turn ONE!

2009-05-03T20:38:00.001-07:00

Is there anything cuter than giving a one year old a big chocolate cake? Happy Birthday boys!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

We had lots of fun spending Easter with Casey's family this year.

Misty is right on!!!

2009-02-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

Stole this from the Tucker website because she couldn't be anymore RIGHT!!!

Happy Heart Day!!!

2009-02-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

A romantic dinner out is not nearly as fun as a entire family day devoted to love! We started our day off with heart shaped pancakes, yummy! Then we all dressed in our Valentine best for church.

Afterward we came home for an absolutely amazing grilled salmon dinner by Casey, with sparkling cider!

A little after our dinner settled we had a scavenger hunt for the kids (saw this idea on Jon and Kate Plus Eight) where at the end they found some conversation hearts and some badly needed pajamas.

And of course, we can't end the evening without some chocolate dipped strawberries!

The kids had fun, but not as much fun as I had preparing it!

Hannah Montana

2009-02-09T16:57:00.000-08:00

Now I have two girls, so you would think that little Casey would be just like them, playing with dolls and such. But no, since he was a little baby all he cared about was cars.

So it was a shock when Casey Jr. requested to see Hannah Montana. "What did you say?" "I want to go mumble mumble Hannah Montana." "Why do you want to go see Hannah Montana?"

"Cause I want to see my Aunt Ree."

"Ohhhhh you want to go to Montana."

I want to go see Hannah Montana too Casey...

OH DEAR ME

2009-02-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

Jordan kept her self extra busy tonight as I folded mounds of laundry, but it never occurred to me to see what she was making with so much effort. Finally, she brings me her finished product.

"Mommy, I made a Valentine for Skyler."

Skyler is her "best friend" at school. He's a good kid. Really he is. It seems like she talks about him all the time. However, making a Valentine brings my heart rate up without jogging on the treadmill.

On the front are the simple words, "Happy Valentines". I appreciate the fact they are hugging and not kissing. My concern is the obvious hearts popping up above their heads. And if that isn't enough Jordan tells me she calls him "Sky" and has so written it above his slightly cocked and content face. Do their eyes HAVE to be closed during this embrace?

When you open the Valentine, again, another hug. This time hearts are popping out all over the place, but at least their heads aren't touching. I don't like how long his arms are, noodle arms are for the movie "Dirty Dancing" and not my seven year old. She points out the birds in the nest. "Look, Mom, they are hugging." "No, Jordan, they are kissing." She diverts my attention to the pretty hearts on her skirt.

Finally, as you turn over the Valentine you will see that I've covered something with my finger. That's because I didn't want my phone number plastered all over my blog. That's right, Jordan gave out her digits. Isn't this like JR HIGH type stuff?
I'm not sure what Daddy would do if he called asking for Jordan. Thank goodness she gave out MY cell phone number.

Oxygen please.

It must be that age...

2009-02-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Casey J followed me to take the garbage out tonight and promptly pointed out the moon. "Mom look at the moooooon. That's where Jesus lives."

Casey and his amazing sniffer

2009-02-04T10:27:00.001-08:00

Casey J really likes to smell things and comment on them. Just the other day he said, "Mom you stink!" And just yesterday after I had just washed my hair he said, "Mom you smell good!" The cutest part about the whole thing though, is his over exaggerated "sniff sniff". He raises his upper lip and makes a loud sniff sniff sound through his nose.

Well, I was here in the office and remembered the Twizzlers stashed away in the kitchen. So I sneaked in and got the last three realizing that if I shared I wouldn't get any. So I tiptoed back into the office and ate the three without the kids ever knowing.

At least 20 minutes later here comes the sniffer. *Sniff Sniff* "Mom, I want some candy". I don't have any I say. *Sniff Sniff* "I can smell some candy." I don't have any, Casey. "I know, Mom! Let's play I spy! I spy with my little eye something red." Casey, I don't have any candy.

I can't believe he knew what I was eating by the smell over 20 minutes later. Maybe he could grow up to be a sniffer for a living.

Two more things

2009-01-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

Along with this concept of becoming self reliant I would love any input you have on two things. Growing a garden and canning the food from it. And sewing. I've never had the patience for the sewing, but what I need is a good teacher. If you have any suggestions or you could teach me, please contact me! I moved 8 hours away from one of the best ones I know dangit!

Finally, some inspiration!

2009-01-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

It really feels like to me this country is starting to come together. And I can feel it. Even just a little. The last few weeks I've really needed a pick me up, and I never really felt like I got it. But today I feel motivated, rejuvenated. Like maybe I can do something. Make a change.

I've decided that we are going to focus 100% on becoming completely self reliant and feel secure and safe. This will take years to achieve I know. But I'm excited to start this week in organizing our lives for the better. We'll start a little at a time. I'm tired of just scraping by. I don't want anything fancy by any means. My two BIGGEST dreams would to be to own this house that we are renting (a modest home in a beautiful older neighborhood...a perfect size for us to grow up in) and the second is to pay off our van. We have other debt as well, and I'd love to become debt free in all areas but I'd really like to pay off that van. We do ok with just one vehicle, but if one of us were to get a job (Casey a second job) we might need a second car that would just get us to and fro. But it's not a necessity. We are doing fine with our one. And I'm proud of us for being frugal that way.

I've been really inspired by Marie and all the work she is doing to scan old photos and get them digital. So that will be on my list. Another big one that I'm really excited about is food storage. I want to say I have my one year!!! Not just for emergencies but that I can buy ketchup from my food storage for the amazing price that I got it at a case lot sale, instead of for the regular price when I run out. Again, saving money. (I need a wheat grinder!) Another HUGE one that I'm embarrassed to say we don't have organized is our wills and life insurance. It's a hard thing to think about, but is so so important. I love my children and protect them, but I don't have anything stating where they would go if Casey and I both died. That's HORRIBLE. No excuses for that one, it's just downright irresponsible.

I want to make a chore chart to teach these kids some responsibility and take the burden off us a little more. I want to make a budget and stick to it (how about trying not to eat out for a whole month!!! Can you imagine!) I'd really like to talk to a real financial adviser about becoming debt free and starting a 401K. Again, embarrassing to admit, but we don't have one.

I am already really good about my spending (you know how much I LOVE the DI!!!) But there are plenty of areas we can tackle. There are a few things we would really like, for example, we'd like to purchase a new tv in the coming months (we have a little 21inch right now!) and I really feel like a treadmill for me specifially will help me continue to lose weight and stay healthier. But what I want to do is focus on the little things. Ya know? Make those tiny steps here and there. So I'm excited to share them with you as I go along and maybe give you some ideas you didn't have either that you can put to use.

It seems like a lot of changes are happening around me right now...many of the people I know have lost jobs, moved, started school, or are just making other changes in their lives. But when they have been hit with a change they have rose to the challenge and met it head on. I am feeling their motivation and inspiration I think.

I pledge...

2009-01-19T18:09:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is a historic moment for our country. Whether you voted for President Elect Obama or not, tomorrow is a defining moment for each of our lives. He is pledging to try to make our lives a little better. He may have different ideals than you, he may have very different beliefs than you. But there is absolutely no denying that he believes in our country. That means he believes in you. He can not succeed if our country is divided. He needs our support.

I pledge to support our new president. To give him my prayers and ask for his protection. That he may lead us to a better tomorrow. That he may create a future for my children. May Heavenly Father bless him and our country.

Carson at 8 months

2009-01-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

My cute little Carson is growing up so fast! His bottom teeth have come in (got his first little poke through on Thanksgiving), he says Mama on command, and wiggles his head back and forth when we tell him to Dance Dance Dance. However, crawling isn't going to happen for some time. He's getting heavy and he won't even crawl yet! That will help me burn some extra calories!

Cookies for Santa!

2008-12-24T18:56:00.001-08:00

We sure hope he likes the snowmen we made! Merry Christmas Santa!

The best apple pie (so WE think!)

2008-12-24T18:52:00.001-08:00

Taken from the Allrecipes site I love so much...

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Grandma-Oples-Apple-Pie/Detail.aspx

Christmas Eve pajamas

2008-12-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

Making our gingerbread house!

2008-12-24T11:29:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-24T09:45:00.001-08:00

Organizing

2008-12-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

I'm a virgo and all my life I've read that I am "organized and tidy". HUH??? Nope. But I DO love being organized and I always love being tidy when it actually happens. I just can't do it!

So I made the decision to organize the arts and crafts stuff. I just love it!!! It's so nice and the kids don't ask me to find something every five seconds! Success!

Our living room...

2008-12-23T08:46:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to post pictures of our house after we've moved in, but it's been slow going. So here is the living room all decorated for Christmas!

Christmas a little early

2008-12-16T08:55:00.001-08:00

Yesterday a package arrived from Grandma and Grandma with three nicely wrapped presents in shiny Christmas paper. All three were labeled "the Mineers". We were busy and so I had Lily place them perfectly under the tree and then I forgot all about them.
We put the kids to bed and and started watching a movie. Casey Jr. had taken a late nap that day and had a hard time falling asleep, although he stayed in his room quietly. However, midmovie we came to find this in the girls room.

Casey was in his room cuddling a new handsoap, Jordan was cuddling a new book, and Lily was holding on tight to a new banana game. All peacefully and blissfully asleep.

Casey and I were furious and awoke them all. Jordan and Lily were completely out of it but quickly admitted to the act in question and Casey Jr. started crying right away. I thought it out and decided it was probably Lily who led the covert op because she had the best present and well, she's Lily. We had decided their punishment would be no computer until Christmas (more of a punishment for me) and the book would be donated to someone in need.

This morning I awoke to Jordan telling me the presents weren't under the tree anymore. I told her I KNOW, you opened them last night. She immediately started that desperate cry of NO NO NO NO, I'm being blamed for something I didn't do. I knew right away she wasn't the one.

Next awoke Lily. She promptly said that she had nothing to do with it. I didn't believe her for a second. We had taken away the presents last night and I said, Well, you opened everyone's Christmas presents, what did you get? She was clueless!!! She had NO idea.

Suddenly I realized I had been bamboozled.

Sweet, Casey Jr. had opened each present on his own last night. This goes to that scenario where you bake a plate of cookies, place them in front of a three year old and say, now I'm leaving, but don't eat one. After opening each present, he had placed one in each of the girl's hands and kept one for himself. Now, his thought process from here on I'm not sure. Why didn't he take the fun present and leave the hand soap for Jordan? Did he think it was for him since he washes his hands and going potty is such a big deal right now? Was he being kind and giving them the fun things? Or was the hand soap just something that he wanted?

When we asked him why, he said, "But it's Christmas." Casey, no it's not. "But it snowing outside." That doesn't mean it's Christmas.

This morning I took a picture of the little vigilante with his hand soap. How can I be mad at that little face?

Isn't he cute?

2008-12-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

We just moved and I have about a million things to do, yet Casey has it in his head to hang Christmas lights outside. This MUST be a guy thing, cause I could care less. So off he went. I don't blame him, don't we have the PERFECT Christmas tree in our front yard?

Our new place

2008-12-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

I was telling Casey today that this is my favorite place we've lived yet. And boy, have we lived a lot of places. One of my favorite things is living in a cul-de-sac. First of all, there is no busy street anywhere around you. And I love this neighborhood because it's older and the trees are more mature. It feels a little more cozy compared to perfectly manicured lots with no big trees. I grew up on a farm and I always longed to live in a town with next door neighbors to play with. Living in a cul-de-sac, you feel like you have your own little neighborhood.

All of our neighbors have been so friendly. This is our second plate of cookies so far and even more friendly greeters and people offering to help if we need it.

Look how cute...there is a pad of paper and pencil and it says "from our pad to yours".

So incredibly blessed...

A Christmas Blessing

2008-12-11T15:24:00.001-08:00

Well, if you know me, you know that I LOVE getting a good deal on something. Money has been very, very tight this month (first month's rent and deposit) 1900 dollars, CHA CHING. And so Christmas has been looking quite bleak for us.

Last year we gave our tree away because half the lights weren't working and half the needles had fallen out. So here we were, with no money and no Christmas tree. We can't afford a new fake one, and we couldn't afford a real one with a tree stand. So off I went to the DI, in hopes to find a used tree stand for a great price.

There were no tree stands, but there stood a beautiful tall prelit tree for $50. It was well worth it, but $50 to us right now might as well be $500. But right next to it in a very sad, sad box was a fake tree for $12, with no lights. I asked the employee if he knew that it was all there and he said he couldn't guarantee that it was. I said, well, that's a $12 gamble, and you know, we aren't supposed to gamble. He quickly took the price tag away and returned it marked only $5.

As I was picking up a prescription for Jordan, I noticed Christmas lights at Smiths were half off. They had the white ones that "twinkle". I had just recieved a $10 gift card there because I've spent $200 in baby products (formula and diapers). So I placed 3 sets in my cart for $9.

Well, it turned out the tree is absolutely beautiful (it even has pine cones attached to it) and the parts were there. And the three sets of lights ended up being just enough.

So, with my $9 dollars in lights that I used my gift card for and my $5 tree, we have saved Christmas!!! What do you think?

A day of frustration.

2008-12-11T15:08:00.000-08:00

Casey J left his cup a little too close to Carson and so he decided to play with it. Too bad it was completely full of orange juice and is now all over him. Then Casey J decided to poop in the closet, I had to give him a bath, and spot clean the carpet, run a load of clothes. Then Lukie decided to bring a cup of orange juice to the office that I tripped over and spilled. And now Jordan has more homework than I do to finish by tomorrow. Oh, and let's not forget that my brand new dishwasher isn't washing my dishes.

NO, I didn't get anything done today!!!

Potty training...a little over a week later.

2008-12-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

Well, last night we went to BK to let the kids play and I put Casey in a pull up. I just wasn't quite ready for underwear at a playland. But, sure enough about half way through he came up to us in a panic. Mommy, Mommy, I 've got to go potty! Daddy took him and he made it just in time. To me, not having an accident at the playland is the sign of potty training success.

Pooping however, is a different story. Still, in all these days, he hasn't pooped in the potty. He seems ashamed and embarrassed when he goes. He always hides until I find him.

Suggestions?

Day FOUR

2008-12-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

It is 7:28 in the evening and today has been a crazy day. But I am proud to say that, get this, Casey Jr has had ONE accident all day. All the other times he has gone to the potty on his own to go, no suggestion from me. The little guy is getting the hang of it. Although there is one little hitch. When he actually has underwear on, he has an accident. Should I be worried? His little wee wee will get frost bitten. Maybe I should have waited until summer?

Day THREE

2008-12-04T12:38:00.001-08:00

Well, after pooping on the floor once, and then in his underwear a second time and having nothing but accidents all morning, finally after a big fight, he finally went in the potty.

Then, as I was working on this MOUNTAIN of laundry I hear Casey yelling, "Mommy, mommy, I DID IT I DID IT!" I walk in to find him by himself peeing at his little potty.

He didn't really do as fantastic as yesterday (five times totally in the potty for Day 2!!!) but for the first time he felt it and went on his own to go!

Good job, Casey J!!!

Day TWO, potty training Casey J

2008-12-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I was half tempted to scrap the whole thing. Yesterday we never had any breakthroughs and when daddy came home and I went off to school, he peed in his underwear and so he put on a diaper for the rest of the night. (I said that was fine.) I'm stressed beyond stress right now with tons of things going on, not to mention MOVING, so you may ask, why in the world are you trying right now? The truth is in the house we are moving to, the carpets are all brand new. Carson will be crawling soon and the thought of him crawling through pee soaked carpets disgusts me. So I'm basically trashing this place before we leave. (not really, just trying to make myself laugh)
My first step was to take Marie's advice and move the potty somewhere else, he's just mindless sitting there watching a movie.

My alternative health teacher has two boys and I was talking about it last night. She said she skipped the "sitting down" step of training her boys. She used a step stool to the toilet and when they were out (and I NEVER am) she just lifted them up. She said because seeing where they were peeing and no fear of falling in happened, this worked for her. I'm concerned about going number two, now will he be confused, when to sit and when to stand? UGH, that's why I like GIRLS!!!!
First thing this morning daddy woke up and showed him how to hit the cheerio. This made Casey Jr extremely excited and we ran down and put one in his little potty.

Then, following her advice, I gave him his favorite thing to drink so he'll actually pee. Yesterday there were hours of time between chances to go, because he wasn't downing milk like crazy. So I whipped out a special cup (haven't used it in ages, am I going to have to wean him off cups again after this???), and filled it up with soda. Two cups were gone before I could blink. (notice he's wearing the same outfit as yesterday, horrible I know)
And then it happened. MOMMY! We ran to the potty and out it came!!! EVERYWHERE! It was like a loose waterhose! We finally got the thing under control and up floated the cheerio!

SUCCESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has been so hard to just get to this step of peeing once in the potty, this is a great breakthrough for us!

It's almost time to walk to the school and pick up Elsee. I'm going to put underwear on him. I'll keep you updated!

Any advice???

2008-12-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

Boys=gross. Now I have to deal with potty training one. HELP!!!

I start out the morning stripping him naked waist down (Marie's great advice), then sit him on his potty that he is no longer afraid of and put in Tinkerbell. Two cups of milk later, the movie is over and he's done nothing. So I put in Polar Express give him another cup of milk, and at the very end he says, I need to pee, sits down and tinkles about a teaspoon. I make a HUGE deal of it, candy, washing the hands and all. Then he comes back to catch the end of Polar Express and pees all over the floor.

So here comes another cup of milk (with a fun crazy straw) and in goes Tink again. This time, not getting up, and I'm pretty sure not taking his eyes off the movie, he does this.

UGH UGH UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jordan is seven!

2008-12-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday we were bringing her home as a baby!

The party was a great success! Everyone came that was invited, except poor Lukie who was sick at home. The best part of course, was that it wasn't amongst piles of boxes at home and I didn't have to clean up the mess!

So cute!

2008-12-01T10:07:00.001-08:00

Look Mom, I can build a tower, wanna see? TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jordan

2008-11-28T14:57:00.001-08:00

Just now I made hot chocolate for my sweet girls who cleaned their room. But then when they turned around I see both of them have hot chocolate spilled all over the front of them. Did they get any in their MOUTHS??? And of course Jordan is wearing a new shirt for her birthday, so I give her a "mom's look" and she tells me...

Geez, Mom, you don't have to be so sensitive.

She's going to be seven tomorrow, apparently going on 13.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

We went to Aunt Candy's for Thanksgiving this year and it was so fun!

This is a horrible picture, but the only one of Carson. He got his FIRST TOOTH ON THANKSGIVING!!!! Needless to say he was a pain in the butt that whole day.

I think Casey needs to slow down on the eggnog. He's a little too jolly. J/K

The kids looked forward to this dinner all day, and they did a great job eating it all! The rolls were the most popular.

I knew this wouldn't be enough deviled eggs for anyone besides Casey and Ryan, but we all know what a pain in the butt they are to make. Grandpa Cannon said they were super good, that's the only compliment I need!

Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-01T13:19:00.001-07:00

Carson the lobster

Casey, Superman

Lily, Butterfly Princess

Jordan, bride of frankenstein

What a fun day!

Fall!

2008-10-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Wow that was fun, Jordan says!

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...

2008-10-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

This may sound silly, but I was soooo excited for this day. I think the two front teeth missing are just darling. Funny thing though, the tooth fairy forgot to come when she put it under her pillow. The next morning when she told me I explained that maybe the tooth fairy couldn't find it, and to try again. And guess what...the tooth fairy has had a lot of laundry and housework and forgot AGAIN. Luckily, she understood that the tooth fairy has been giving out a lot of money lately because of all the 1st graders losing their tooth and was just late. Whew!

My Super Saturday Project

2008-10-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

I volunteered to do a Super Saturday Project for church. Aren't these photo clips so cute! The whole project costs about a dollar!

FINALLY

2008-10-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

This tooth has been loose FOREVER! Hooray! She had checkup today and when the dentist was poking around it popped out on accident he said. Apparently teeth extracted by the dentist go for more money. Also she says because she had no cavities the tooth fairy would add on another dollar. BACK IN MY DAY...

He's so cute sometimes

2008-10-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

Casey writes "thank yous" to all of his customers which I think is one of those competitive edges that the other guys don't have. Well, today when I got the mail I found one addressed to me. Isn't that just stinkin adorable?

A beautiful work of art, by Marie

2008-10-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

One day a couple of years ago, Marie and I were chatting and I hinted to her that I wanted her to do a stitchery for our family. Well, it was more than a hint. I think I told her I wanted one. The sealing of our family was coming up so she set out to find a stitchery of the temple. She decided to do it where you send in your picture and they send back the cross stitching pattern. For the longest time, I didn't even know which picture she was doing, only that it was the SLC temple. Finally, on our sealing day she showed us how much she had done, and it was breath taking! Although, it wasn't finished it was so special that she had shown us what she was working on. Now, Marie is quite skilled, and is a very fast stitcher but this isn't just your everyday stitchery. It is 16x20 inches (unframed), and has about a 100 stitches per square inch. There were 12 shades of green alone! Last month, she finished it and brought it to Utah to go with me to have it framed. It will be a treasured family heirloom for many generations. Jordan watched her do the final stitches and I told her to always remember that moment when Aunt Marie finished that beautiful stitchery. We talked about who it will go to one day. Maybe Jordan because she's the first born, or Lily because her and Marie have a unique bond, Maybe Casey Jr or Carson will be sealed there and it will mean something more to them. In any event, I know right now, it's staying right here on my wall, close to the door in case of a fire I can grab it as we run out. It means so much to our family and I want Marie to know that each time I look at it, I think of how she had such a huge impact on our family. Because of her persistance and prayer I made the decision to be baptized, and she was there when our family stepped through the doors of the temple and became a forever family. Thank you Marie! We love you!

What the heck, OCTOBER?!?!?!

2008-10-01T16:28:00.002-07:00

Last week Lily got her cavities filled (I'll accept the horrible mother award later, I'm too busy right now). We found out just wonderful news that she doesn't NEED glasses. She isn't perfect but not enough that we have to have them. We might get them just so we have them in case we notice later that she is struggling to see later. Her sweet little body corrected itself when Dr. Patel raised her eyelid enough that it wasn't resting on her eyeball and making it more football shaped. Now it's closer to what it should be and she can see!

Also, please check out my new personal blog, I'll be updating it everyday!

9/11

2008-09-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Marie had a great idea to do a 9/11 post, so I'm following her lead. (Check out her post, it's wonderful!)
I too, will never forget that day. Just like everyone else. Casey and I were going to be late for work because we had a doctor appointment (pregnant with Jordan). We had just moved into the doublewide trailerhouse in Missoula. We hurried to get ready and left quickly for our appointment. On the way to the appointment, we listened to a cd. We checked in and sat down and talked about this and that and then suddenly realized that it was some kind of news radio instead of the "elevator music" in the waiting room. We listened but couldn't quite understand what was being said so I asked the receptionist what it was. She's like, You don't know? Our country is under attack! After the checkup, we went straight to work (Vanns.com) and sat with my guys upstairs and watched it on a little TV. We got a few calls here and there, but it was dead. Travis Mundan, the one that ALWAYS made me laugh, was so serious. When we went home that night, we talked about how Jordan was going to born into a war. I remember crying and being so emotional, not only because I was pregnant and my hormomes were going like crazy, but because our first little baby would be born into such an uncertain world. I still have the appointment card with 9/11 written on it for Jordan's scrapbook.

Lily goes to preschool!

2008-09-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

Lily is so excited to go off to her first and only year of preschool! I'm so excited to not have to break up as many fights with her and Casey Jr. all day. Now if little Carson will just hurry up and grow so the boys can play cars together!

Short and sweet!

2008-09-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Jordan decided that she wanted her hair short. It broke Daddy's heart and it was so pretty long, but she didn't like how much it hurt to brush and have ponytail's in. So we gave in. She's cute anyway she has her hair, so it doesn't matter! I asked for an A-line and got a mess, but oh well. Like I said, she's happy so I'm happy.

What a surprise!

2008-09-01T13:28:00.001-07:00

Totally unexpected, Casey's dad showed up on our doorstep yesterday. He's riding a Harley all over the place and decided to drop by! We were in shock! It was so much fun to see him. The girls rode around town with him, but little Casey Jr. wouldn't have a thing to do with it. He's a momma's boy!

Oh how time goes by...

2008-08-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Me and my sista, dang I love her. One more week!!!

Our first no meat day

2008-08-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well, a no meat day may be commonplace at your house, but here meat is abundant. I can't get past the mindset of meat, potato, veggie. It's hard to think of cooking so different after so many years of doing it.
Breakfast and lunch has been way easy going meatless. The kids actually have enough protein in both of these meals, so when it comes to dinner, I'm more worried about them eating their veggies (just like every other mom in the world) We still have plenty of meat in the freezer, but I was excited to try out a recipe I found. Its actually a wonderful lunch recipe, but I just added a baked potato to it to make it a "dinner" (SEE! I can't get past the potato thing)

Spread a slice of whole wheat bread with cream cheese
Layer a tiny bit of onion, vine ripened tomato, alfalfa sprouts (I used spinach because the kids like "lettuce" and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Then I added a sprinkle of oregano just because I thought it sounded good. Put it under the broiler (watch it carefully). Viola!

For the first time in a LONG time all three kids ate every bite of their meal. They didn't get tomato on theirs though, but they ate the spinach no problem and they got a banana instead of a baked potato. Jordan's recommended protein intake is about 20 grams, when I add it up, she had that in dinner alone. This is a far cry from beans and lentils but it's a start.

Going for the veggies...or not?

2008-08-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sure all of you are just dying to know what we decided about becoming vegetarians. I appreciate all of everyone's comments and thoughts. It seems like everyone had this and that to say about the subject, but for me it comes down to just one very very simple thing. In the Word of Wisdom it says
Yea, ^aflesh also of ^bbeasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used ^csparingly;

And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be ^aused, only in times of winter, or of cold, or ^bfamine.

My body is in a 24/7 tropical paradise, so it's not like I need meat to sustain me through the winter, and last time I checked there was no famine. So there is not time I really need meat. I am following what Joseph Smith revealed to us from Heavenly Father when he asked what the Saints should do. This is the latest specific revelation regarding the subject so I'm not interested in hearing about past scriptures. Also, the handful of talks regarding the subject do not testify as strong as the power of this revelation. Therefore, we are now vegetarians. If it would make you feel better the only things we don't eat are beef, pork and fowl. That's really not that much! Yippee! Send me any recipes you can find, I'd love to hear about them.

Classes

2008-08-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

It time to register for classes again and I am worried I'm not doing the right thing. This school is horribly, sickingly expensive. I keep thinking if I went to Weber it would cost so much less. But I've already got three quarters under my belt here. I also found out that for only 12 more classes I can get my associates in massage therapy too. But when I figured it out, it's a little over 14,000 to do that. Isn't that insane? I don't know what to do. I love my school and will have my associates in about a year. So should I stay?

My little Jordan

2008-08-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

I have to be a proud mom and let everyone know that Jordan was Student of the Week. I am so proud of her. I think she's a lot like me. I rarely got in trouble, not because I was told to but because I wanted everyone to think I was so awesome, and I hated the thought of others upset because of something I did.
I am so sick today, but getting a substitute for our primary is next to impossible. So I went with my throat literally on fire. It's that head cold that when you swallow you can feel the pain go all the way to your ears. Casey would have stayed home with the kids but he was giving the Elders Quorum lesson. So anyway, he comes and drops off Carson in his car seat in the primary room. Well, then I lead the kids to the room, dropping off the sunbeams in nursery and it was a little hectic. Then I went and started teaching my lesson. In the two minutes I was taking kids to class, I completely FORGOT Carson. Casey always takes him, and I'm so used to it! So that's not the end. A little boy in my class is autistic and I let him go to the bathroom, which is right across from our door. I propped the door open and stood watch as the kids played a game I set up for them. Well, little Matthew wouldn't come out. So I went to get him mom in Relief Society and she wasn't there, when I came back, he was gone!!! So then I went to the senior primary sharing time to tell a member of the presidency and there was little Carson being held by my friend Shelley. I'm like, HOLY CRAP!!! I totally forgot about Carson, oh and by the way I'm missing Matthew. So then I went to look in the nursery and had to tell Sister Stewart (branch president's wife) and she was really worried, and we had to tell a priesthood. Finally, the mom brought him back to me and I had to tell her what happened. He had ran off to the gym. I felt horrible. Everyone must think I'm a total scatterbrain. Obviously I shouldn't have gotten out of bed this morning.

Word of Wisdom

2008-08-07T16:33:00.001-07:00

Over the past weeks I've felt inspired to better myself physically as I have done many many times in the past. But this time, it's incredibly different. I've never felt this way before and it's so very exciting! I am praying more about the subject and my anatomy class is teaching me more about my body. I knew it was an amazing machine, but learning so much about it is explosive! I can't stop thinking and talking about it. It's the only thing on Earth that's mine mine mine. Heavenly father gave it to me to use and he's so dang smart! It's so amazing and can do so many incredible things. It works without me even thinking about it. In short, I want to stop being so mean to it. I can't believe how I've mistreated it for so many years and it's crying out for help.

So I think this time the reason this feels so different is that instead of trying to look better, or "get healthy" to live longer, or whatever the reason, I'm just so excited to do the best possible thing for this amazing body. It's almost like it's me and my body, two separate things. Which after typing that I realize it's been that simple all along. Heavenly Father and Mother made my spirit and it got placed into this brilliant machine while I'm here. I think how I need to treat my children as if they aren't mine, but Heavenly Father's. Then I realized, I am a child of Heavenly Father's! What does he think of me treating ME this way.

So I would normally go off in search of the latest diet book, buy some expensive pills and powders. But this time I thought, why in the world would I do that when I've already been told by Heavenly Father what to do. The Word of Wisdom! DUH! That's the answer. I center my entire life around the gospel, why shouldn't I start there?

So I check out a book from the library called The Mormon Diet, A Word of Wisdom cookbook. That would get me started. As I start peeking in the back in the recipes I notice there is no meat. Hmmmm.

So I bring up the Doctrine and Covenants, and read the Word of Wisdom. Right there as plain as day is line 13. And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be ^aused, only in times of winter, or of cold, or ^bfamine. I've read it over and over and over. Now line 12 says to eat it sparingly, but it's quickly followed by this line, stating only when you HAVE to. It couldn't be written any simpler, to eat meats sparingly and only then in times of winter and famine. Last time i checked food was a plenty, and my wheat and berries aren't covered in snow. I live in a 24/7 tropical paradise as far as my body is concerned. And all food is available all of the time at Smith's.

Two years earlier in section 49 it says "19 For, behold, the ^abeasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ^bordained for the use of man for food and for ^craiment, and that he might have in abundance." Not to mention countless other times in the Bible. Could it be that this latest revelation could be Heavenly Father directing the Saints in a different direction? It IS the latest and most direct communication about the subject.

So after I think about this and pray about this and research this I come to just one final question. Why in the world is it not followed? Can I simply skip over this part of the revelation? In that case, I'll just skip over the hot drinks part, and the alcohol part too. The Bishop's storehouse is stocked high in meats, and many church functions have meat. Why aren't I surrounded by vegetarians? Might it be that we know that many meats are healthy? At the time of the revelation, countless Saints were asked to give up things that were acceptable at the time as good for the body. I wonder if in the future we might find out that eating meat is what causes cancer, or who knows what.

Becoming a vegetarian family would be an absolute HUGE sacrifice for us. I'm not considering this lightly. Making the transition would be hard work and affects my children's lives drastically. I just can't figure out why in the word so many faithful saints with temple recommends feel they can just ignore this.

Please comment and enlighten me...

Before and After

2008-08-03T15:24:00.001-07:00

The last bandage came off today and it's been a little over two weeks. What do you think?

The Zoo

2008-07-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are getting free tickets again. We got free zoo tickets, thanks to Casey's work. So off we went on one of the hottest days of the year. We stripped Carson down right away and Casey Jr sat in the stroller most of the time eating kettle corn. It was way fun and it seemed like the animals were all eating when we'd see them, so they were active. Infact they had just placed a full size bunny that had been "humanely" put to sleep in the boa cage. Jordan walked up and said oh look at the cute little bun, AH! and jumped back. I stood there for at least 5 minutes waiting for the snake to eat it. I couldn't imagine how it was going to do it. Now had they put the bunny in alive, THAT would have been an exhibit.

Our first baseball game!

2008-07-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Our bank had free tickets to the Ogden Raptors baseball game so we invited our new friends Steve and Shelley and headed to the game. It was pretty warm and we had seats pretty far away (althought they were in the shade) but it was pretty exciting. The kids were bored but did an ok job keeping themselves entertained, and the adults pretty much just talked the whole time. The only person who actually watched the whole time was Jordan. So at the end I took Lily to the bathroom and when I came back someone had hit a homerun and the game was over. I heard it was exciting.

Lily is healing so well

2008-07-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

Lily had her eye surgery a week ago and I can't believe how great it looks already. She has enjoyed all the attention (of course) and you know what, she deserves it! She is SO a middle child. The next step is to get glasses for her, which at first brought me to tears, but now I've caught onto her excitement of being able to see. Throughout the day she will tell me, mom, I tan see out of this eye now! Hopefully we'll get her all set before preschool this September. And if any kids make fun of her, I'll punch them in the nose.

Jordan has started first grade!

2008-07-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Somehow the past six years has slipped right by me and I've found myself in awe that my first born is going to school all day. She has adapted better than me, as I suspected. We are still getting used to waking up and having her at school by 8:35, although its not as hard as I thought it would be. Her school provides breakfast every morning and seems to be the first thing she tells me about each day. The other day they had pancakes on a stick, and her excitement that there was a sausage inside it far outweighed anything she learned that day. Back in MY day, you had to eat breakfast at home and it was never food on a stick.