"That should be easy!" NOT!

You can definitely tell that it's the Christmas break - I'm on the computer every day! This never happens. I know I've been blogging like crazy but I just had to share something that is so typical to us --- I KNOW some of you can really relate!

I was doing laundry Saturday morning and noticed that my dryer has not been getting my clothes dried on the first cycle very well. I decided to go through the check-list to fix the problem. Number 1, check the lint vent tubing. I knew that it has been almost a year since I had cleaned the lint vent from the outside of the house as well as where the dryer vents into the wall. I did so and found some good size balls of lint. Upon further inspection on the outside, I noticed that the duct hose felt a bit worn and maybe even ripped. (You all know that dryer lint is one of the number one causes of house fires). I then engaged my other-half (Whitney) to check the hose and give me his opinion. Yes- we really should change this out - he agreed and at that moment I said the four words that I have been forbidden to utter -- "That should be easy!" BUT it was too late, the words had already escaped my tongue. I have been forbidden to utter them because everytime I do so, the project ends up being twice as hard if not worse. Well, we went down to the local Home Depot and bought some new "dryer ducting" (what do they call the stuff??!?) We made sure to get enough length. We came home and tried to attach the new ducting to the old and just pull it through -- easy as pie! NOT! The old ducting was so badly torn that it was getting hung up on something in-between the outside of the house and the inside connection to the dryer. OK - we tried everything to get it loose. No luck, next option . . . Let's take the cubboards above the washer and dryer down and cut a hole in the wall to see where the problem is (the hole could be patched and would be covered by the cubboards anyways). We did this but where was the dryer ducting??? Apparently it cut across the ceiling and took another route than the normal, logical one. OK?! - cut another hole? We decided to cut another hole just above where we thought the duct would cross. Success! We were able to reach up and feel where the ducting was getting caught up. Whew! Now back to the original plan. We pulled the ducting through and then the real fun began. Most of you know that where the dryer vents to the outside is just one small hole. Attaching the metal tube to the end of the ducting can be a problem when you only have one hand to work with through a hole smaller than the ducting. To make this task even better, it was freezing cold outside and you absolutely cannot wear a coat or your arm won't fit through the hole, not to mention the hole is several feet above your head. This is where character building comes into play. Whitney was such a good sport about all of this. He worked diligently and took a few breaks to get feeling back into his body. He was able to get everything connected and come in for some hot cocoa. We then patched the wall, replaced the cubboards and re-attached the dryer hose. Whew! I have to give Whit all the credit as the hard part was being out in the cold with much patience. I'm sure most of you can relate to this story and have had similar project adventures. Whit and I both agree however, that these experiences help us to work together as a team and in a weird sort of way, they make for a great date! I had to take some pictures. I'm glad Whit laughed when he saw the camera. Things could always be worse!

Check this out & Make sure to listen to Shannon's piano recital

Make a Smilebox photobook

WYOMING!

Last Friday we were supposed to make a trip to WY (where Whit and I grew up) to see Whit's family. A big storm hit so we waited. The next morning we were still getting snow but Salt Lake City was clear so we decided to head that direction and follow I-80 home. We did. The roads weren't terribly bad but I'm quite the whimp when it comes to icy roads with blowing snow. Wyoming is famous for ground blizzards that wreak havoc on the roads. Whitney is a brave and excellent driver. We made it safe along with Whitney's sister and her family.

We had so much fun playing games, eating good food, and enjoying each other's company. We had beds all over Whitney's mom's house. It was so fun to stay together under one roof - 14 of us! Whitney's mom helped Shannon fix the quilt she had been working on (Whit's mom is an excellent quilter!) Whitney's grandmother is 91 years old and lives in the same town. It was so good to spend some time with her this Christmas. Whitney's sister also brought up her Wii. My kids absolutely adore playing Wii since they feel so deprived not to own one. We discovered the boxing game helps the kids get out much of their pent-up aggression in a good way. It was fun watching them.

We stayed three days then prepared for the drive home. Most of you who know me well know that I am a worrier --- I know, I know, WHY worry?? I tell myself that everytime I worry. I stop and ask myself "Is this something I can change? If so, do it! If not, then WHY worry? Have faith and trust in higher hands" but I still worry. It attacks like a pack of wolves on the kill. What can I say? I'm a work in progress and will continue to work on this one. I think that's why I've been blessed with six children. They are constantly helping me to develop patience and perserverence. I sure love that about them!! The roads were somewhat better until we hit Ogden Canyon and it was a white-out. Whitney again proved most excellent in his driving skills and of course, prayer helped significantly as well - we made it home safely only to get stuck in our own driveway that needed shoveling. At least we were home safe and sound.

I stuck in some pictures of the roads before the white-out and also some of our fun with Whit's family. There's also some rogue pictures of Braden's Kindergarten Program. I was so proud that I FINALLY remembered my camera BUT I forgot to blog an entry on that one. I'm learning!

I join the Ranks!

Happy Post-Christmas Everyone! I hope this morning finds you all sleeping in from your Christmas sugar high. We are up because it's garbage day and our garbage man comes at 7:30 AM. We also awoke to a foot of snow. Yes - it was a white Christmas. Now to shovel the stuff. (Actually, we have a very VERY good Home Teacher who owns a four-wheeler with a plow! - I also helped him get it "un-stuck" thanks to the skills my brother Kevin taught me at Lake Powell when I lodged his 4-wheeler into a big sand bar - THANKS KEVIN!)

I hope everyone had a tremendously wonderful Christmas filled with warm and happy memories. We had our traditional Christmas eve dinner then watched "The Nativity Story" movie (for those of you who haven't seen it, it's the best!). We then watched "A Christmas Story" movie (the best Christmas classic!) and on Christmas we went to see Disney's "Bedtime Stories". What can I say??? We LOVE stories and movies! We played games all day and . . . you guessed it - We went on an ANTI- weight watcher crusade by engaging in the continuous consumption of Christmas confection! (Can you say alliteration!) It was wonderful! We had so much fun playing the game Luck of the Draw. Each person draws a picture and then you draw cards to vote on which drawing is the best based on what is written on the card. It is hilarious !(Hint: It also allows you a brief glimpse into the minds of your children) Thanks Scott for recommending this game! Our favorite gifts are the matching PUGH UNIVERSITY shirts. Yes, this home is an "institution" - one where we learn and grow and are filled with the hope of going out into the world to make it a better place. It's also tuition free but requires a special dedication and love. Anyone wishing to enroll is welcome!

Now to explain the title of this blog entry. I received an ipod shuffle for Christmas. I'm not much for technology (you laugh since I have a blog) but I instantly fell in love with this gadget. Oldest daughter, Kaylee, helped me download all my "oldie" favorites and even though I found 70 songs I absolutely love, I still have room for 200 more! Can you imagine??? I can listen to it while I work, while I exercise, and best of all - when my children are arguing!! It's truly amazing! I will close this entry but stay tuned for some retrospection as I post another blog about our trip to the great state of Wyoming! Have a safe holiday week ya'all!!

Check this out!

Just wanted to add a link to my blog with the coolest Christmas video ever! It's what this season is all about so CHECK IT OUT! and Merry Christmas you all!!

http://www.joytoeveryone.com/

Christmas Break is Official!

I'm writing? No- I'm typing on my blog this evening instead of pulling my hair out spending a "white knuckle" night driving to Wyoming on icy roads to see my in-laws. Another wonderful storm has hit the area with more snow than last week! We are hoping the weather improves for driving tomorrow but will stay put for now.

The kids and I decided to have our annual "Scrooge Party" tonight. We spend the night sleeping in front of the Christmas tree watching . . . You guessed it - A Christmas Carol (The one with Patrick Stewart). We just love this tradition. The kids are all on a sugar high from their class parties at school and over the wall with excitement that they have two weeks vacation from homework and studies. Some moms would cringe at the thought of two weeks filled with sugar and no place to go, not me --- I relish every minute (well, maybe not the teasing moments)! I'm glad we have a break from carpools, ball games, scouts, geography bee, etc. . . let the fun begin!

It's Here!!!

Our first official snow and even before the first official day of winter! This is really good since we have only had 3 inches so far and usually we have 22 by the end of December. We got about 8 inches today (so far). Braden is thrilled as he has been praying for snow (I think many here in UT are - it's the state's livelyhood). Now the Christmas music really sinks into my heart. For some reason the snow makes it official - It truly is Christmas! I'm so glad it's Saturday - we are just staying put - baking cookies, watching Christmas Carol, and sipping our hot cocoa! This happened last Christmas Eve and it was the best Christmas present ever. Whitney hitches up the sleds to our Suburban, puts it in 4-wheel drive and takes the kids across the street to the church parking lot before the plows get there. The kids have a blast getting a face full of the frosty stuff. Happy winter - Ya'all!!

Holiday Traditions

When December arrives, it's a mad dash to get the Christmas decorations up. My children want to savor every second in the Christmas spirit. We have many traditions, one of which I had as a child. We start Dec. 1st and sit by the light of the Christmas tree and one small candle. We read a scripture from the Bible about the life of the Savior and then we read a story, sing a Christmas song then blow out the candle. The kids absolutely love this and it draws our family closer for one month out of the year. This year I am starting to get more emotional as I watch my older children. Kaylee will be a senior next year and then . . . well you know. Things change once they start leaving home. I remember many wise adults telling me to enjoy every minute with my children when they were young because they grow fast. The older they get, the faster they do grow and this was very sage advice even though at the time I felt the dirty diapers and sleepless nights would never end. (By the way - teenagers help you revisit those sleepless nights!) I guess at this time of year I just want to share how grateful I am to be a mother of six wonderful children who teach me much more than I can imagine and who help me to remember what really matters in life. I'm also grateful for traditions so that we can share time together and form memories that will never be taken from us. Merry Christmas everyone! We hope the holiday spirit catches you with that warmth this time of year brings!!

Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving this year we made the long trek from one end of the state of Utah (Logan) to the other end of the state (St. George). North to South. At least we went where it was warmer however, it rained all day Thanksgiving. No complaints as rain is a valuable resource these days in any part of our great state. We spent Thanksgiving with my parents. (Nobody makes gravy like my dad!!)

We played games, decorated a gingerbread house, and watched Christmas movies. Whitney got some reading time and football games in. It was relaxing and fun. Mom and I had to get up early to go check out Tai Pan Trading. Weslie and Shannon tagged along but Kaylee decided she needed her beauty sleep. We went at 6AM - hardly early for Black Friday! We met people who had been out shopping since 3 AM - WOW! I guess if you get some deals, it's worth it??!!?

Weslie is holding up "Flat Stanley" our newest temporary member to the family. "Flat Stanley" is a flat replica of my niece Holland. Her third grade class mailed these to relatives or friends to see how far and where they would travel. We will mail "Flat Stanley" back to Holli this week with pictures of her in front of palm trees and with our family. Weslie and Braden sure had fun making her some new clothes and feeding her her own paper Thanksgiving dinner.

Take the Challenge!!

This last year I decided that I grumble and complain more than is necessary for a mom of 6 ... SO... I decided to take time each night for a year to think of something I was grateful for which I had never thought of before. Immediately all the "biggies" were out - family, church, my savior, home, food, etc... This was more of a chore for me BUT I learned so much. I have been totally and completely blessed in ways that I never could have imagined. So now, here's the challenge --- I challenge everyone who reads my blog to do this for the next year. My only regret was that I didn't write down all my 365 things!! This year I will and my family has agreed (most of them that is) to take the challenge with me.

Another Busy Week?!

Today I told myself that I needed to slip in some time for at least one entry this week on my blog. Kaylee and Kendall both had concerts at school (separate days). They were delightful to attend. Whitney and I loved each minute and were also able to count both nights as dates. Kaylee plays the violin and their string orchestra performed Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and did an excellent job if I might say (I'm not biased either). Kendall's group performed various other band selections. I'm ashamed to say that I forgot my camera. This brings me to another reason to BLOG - it will enable me to remember my camera - Right?? I hope so. (Here is a picture of Kaylee at her last concert)

I will take several pictures tomorrow of Kaylee's Sadie Hawkins Date. She and 7 other couples are coming here for dessert and activities.

Tell Me You Haven't Done This Before??!

I'm reading quietly Sunday evening and hear squeals of delight coming from the stairs to our basement. I go and this is what I see. (Notice the sleeping bag with pillows stuffed at the bottom).

The kids didn't get to go to Lagoon this year so they decided to make their own rides right here at home - Aren't they so creative??!Actually, I should put a poll to the side for how many of you have done this - My siblings and I did when we were growing up. It was fun! I allowed them to have some fun until someone's head got bumped (of course).

Weslie's Fieldtrip to Antelope Island

I was able to go with Weslie to Antelope Island for her 4th Grade Fieldtrip. We actually went back in October when the Brine Shrimp were migrating. I had no idea that brine shrimp are seasonal and so most of the migratory birds stop here during this time of year to feast. We caught several and brought them home. A few were fed to our Beta fish (Malibu) much to Weslie's horror. The other kids were just curious about what would happen. Weslie can identify the male and the female. (FYI - Brine shrimp are also known as "Sea Monkeys") For those of you who were wondering where Antelpe Island is . . . It is by Layton, UT in the Great Salt Lake. There is a land bridge to the island. A man from Texas brought buffalo to the island many decades ago. There are several still there. The island has many interesting tales and history. If you are curious - GOOGLE it.

The slide show to the right is a compilation of the pictures from the fieldtrip. You need a flash player to see them (Sorry for those who don't have it).

Halloween Weekend

Hey Everyone! We had a fun and busy weekend. Hope everyone else did as well!

We did our traditional doughnuts and trick-o-treating. I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't take pictures in all the excitement but I do have a few from our ward Halloween Party a few days earlier. Landon is eating a doughnut and Braden is waiting for the fishing pond.

Here is the 100 Spudnuts recipe in case anyone wants to make their own. We've made these for the last 12 years (our tradition) and shared them with neighbors & friends.

Spudnuts (It really makes 100)

Soften 4 tsp. dry yeast in 1 c. warm water & set aside.

3/4 c. shortening, 2 Tbsp. salt, 3 c. milk --- Bring these to a boil then add:

1 c. sugar

2 c. mashed potatoes (instant works)

Cool to lukewarm then add yeast mixture. Add:

1 tsp. nutmeg

5 beaten eggs

12-13 c. flour

Knead well and let raise for 2 hours. Roll to 1/2 inch and cut. Let raise til light. Cook in deep hot fat. Glaze while hot. ENJOY HOT!! MMMMMM!!! SHARE WITH OTHERS !!

GLAZE: 2 powdered sugar, 1 1/2 c.-2 c. warm water, 1 Tbsp vanilla

Sky View HS Marching Band

This is a picture of Kendall during one of several parades he marched in this summer.

The following link is a clip one of the students put on YouTube of Kendall's Marching Band. It was one of their competitions. They just competed in BOA (Bands of America) and took 6th Place. Kendall sure enjoys it. Good luck picking him out in the video (Hint: He's playing the trumpet!).

Go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn31AzlevI4

Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Walk!

We went to the corn maze at the American West Heritage Center for FHE one night. It was fun and a bit scary as there were chickens in the maze popping out at us. Whit and the kids chased them back into the corn.

Every year, North Logan puts on a "Pumpkin Walk". Anyone may participate in making a scene for the walk but they have to use pumpkins or other kinds of squash for their display. We are always amazed at the quality and creativity. This year the theme was "Heros". We liked the Noah's Ark scene the best but there were many others. This event is free and has gained popularity in the last several years. Here are a few photos of our fun, ENJOY!

REALLY OCTOBER - 2008!

OCTOBER: Almost over - 1 more day - Halloween! SCARY!! That means how many more days until Christmas?

We have had an unsually busy month. The kids all had parent-teacher conferences (different days, times, and schools), two birthdays, fieldtrips, fall carnivals, the pumpkin walk, corn mazes, UEA break, Homecoming, and Marching Band Competitions.

UEA (UT Education Assoc. has a conference every Oct. - It's wonderful, I've gone the last two years but got to play with my family this year!) We went down to Green River (UT) State Park and camped for two days. We visited Goblin Valley State Park and Arches National Park near Moab, UT. We had so much fun! The nights were cold (30s) and the days were pleasant (70s). We met several new people and the kids enjoyed night games with many other camper's children.