First Day of School

We have been talking a lot about school with Byron. We have been going to his school for Kindergarten getting to know yous, and back to school night stuff. Last night Wes gave Byron a blessing and it was such a great experience.
Finally the day has come that Byron is leaving the nest for a few hours. It is weird not to have him here.
He was so cute this morning. He got on the bus and he was just so ecstatic! I followed the bus and saw him get off. He found his classroom some how. I went in there and he was just as comfortable as can be. It will be a great growing experience for him and also for me. It will take some adjusting. Especially for Ethan, they are always together.

Bat Milk

Last night our boys were having their cereal and milk. (They have a bed time snack every night before bed). We were trying to hurry them up because it was a school night for Byron. Ethan goes, "Look mom, bat milk". There was a bat formed in his milk. It was pretty funny. Ethan's mind cracks me up.

Minnesota

Byron and Ethan got some new Hot Wheels cars when we went to the store last. Byron takes his around wherever he goes. He named him Minnesota. I have no idea where he got that from. He also uses my Bio Oil box as his garage. He wanted to take his "garage" into church with him. I told him just to bring the car. I would be a little bashful about someone seeing the special box. :)
(I got Bio Oil for my stretch marks. Hopefully it will work. I'll keep ya posted).

Fixed Kitties

On Friday our kitties got "fixed". Byron said, "When Felix gets older he will throw a big tantrum and pee all over things". That's what our vet said. That when Felix gets "of the age" he will start marking his territory. And for Midnight, well what cat could resist her? We just don't want to have to worry about taking care of kitties or have to give them away.
When we got home on Friday our kitties were still on their meds. They were so loopy and walked funny. But, it was sad. They are all better now. It took a lot longer for Midnight to recover. Probably because it was more internal and abrasive. Felix bounced back and was wanting to wrestle with Midnight the next day. Midnight would just snap and basically told him to knock it off.

Oh what a thrill!

Last Thursday we went to the Fair and also the Rodeo. Our kids had such a great time. We had planned on going to Lagoon, but we couldn't bring ourselves to paying so much money. So the summertime Fairs will have to replace Lagoon for now. It's funny how our boys are so different from each other. Ethan is our dare devil and Byron always has to be coxed into things.
The Rodeo was cool. We left early because the boys were hungry and Lilly was restless. But, it was cool to actually see an official Rodeo. There was a guy from Rexburg that rode on an out of control horse, but it was too loud for me to hear his name.

Parade O' Fun

Last night we went to the parade that officially starts off the fair. There are so many nice people around here. Our kids got lots of candy and the floats were pretty cool. Basically it is an excuse for businesses to advertise. But, it was fun. We are excited to take our kids to ride on the rides, see the animals, and go to the Rodeo tonight.

I knew I felt taller!

Today this lady came by to give Wes and I medical tests for our life insurance. She measured my height and I have grown an inch! I have been 5 4' for as long as I can remember. Maybe since 7th grade. It just made my day. I am 5 5' now. Yipee! I guess I'm not in the petite stage anymore. :)

Hair Cuts Part 2

My hair got down to the middle of my back. I liked it long, but it was always getting in the way, it took way longer to style, I was starting to get head aches and whenever I would sit down my hair would pull. All in all it got annoying. So, I got the urge to cut it. I looked in style magazines and chose the look. I decided to donate it to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Now I don't feel so bad about cutting all that length. On Oprah the other day Hilary Swank cut hers. I wanted to cut mine then, but I'm glad I waited. I was able to grow a lot more length. I cut off 9 inches. It will be great to have short hair again. Especially while my kids are young, I won't have to always pull it back in a pony tail.
I have been cutting hair ever since I cut my friend Irma's hair in Middle school. All through high school I cut my sister's hair as well as my friends. I think the scariest was when my Aunt Emmie asked me to cut her hair. It was so intimidating to me for some reason. I felt like if I didn't do a good job she would be ticked.
It's funny how for a women and even for men, your hair defines you in a way. Some people are so into their hair it's funny.

In case there are any brave souls out there that are interested in joining in the cause, here is the info about donating....


Hair Donation Instructions
Donate Hair

Ready to chop off your locks for a good cause? It's easy! Follow the instructions below and you too can make a difference in someone's life.
Hair Requirements:

* Donated hair must be a minimum of 8 inches long (measure hair from just above the elastic band of the ponytail to the ends).
* Wavy/curly hair texture is fine—you may straighten hair to measure.
* Hair should be freshly washed and completely dry, without any styling products.
* Hair may be colored with vegetable dyes, rinses and semi-permanent dyes. It cannot be bleached, permanently colored or chemically treated.
* Hair may not be more than 5 percent gray.

Hair Donation Instructions:

1. Hair must be clean (shampooed and/or conditioned) without styling, hairspray or additional hair products.
2. Gather hair at the nape of the neck.
3. Create a ponytail using an elastic band. Ensure the band is tight around the hair to keep the hair together after cutting. If the hair comes out of the band it will not be usable. (A second hair band can be placed around the middle of the ponytail to help keep the hair together after cutting.)
4. Ensure the elastic band is just below where you want to cut your hair.
5. Measure the length of the ponytail from the elastic band; make sure the hair is at least 8 inches. Any length shorter than 8 inches is too short to be used in a wig and will not be used. There is no maximum length requirement. (If your hair is not 8 inches, continue to grow your hair out.)
6. Cut the hair just above the elastic band such that the band remains on the ponytail after cutting and keeps the hair together. Do not wash or style the ponytail in any way after it has been cut off.
7. Place the ponytail, kept intact and completely dry, in a plastic zipper-lock bag.
8. Place the plastic bag with the ponytail in a padded or plastic envelope and mail to:
Pantene Beautiful Lengths
511 Wisconsin Drive
New Richmond, WI 54017-2613.
9. For written acknowledgment, please be sure to include your full name and address with your ponytail donation.

Hair Cuts Part 1

The other night we did hair cuts out on the back porch. I have been cutting Wes's hair since we started dating and the boys' hair ever since they had their first hair cut. We have saved so much money this way. As you can tell we like short hair.

Another Stupid Mistake

Yesterday I was just about to get on my computer and start blogging when I sat down and the keyboard cord was under my chair. I broke the connection. So, to make a long story short, we had to buy a new USV keyboard for my computer. The connection just isn't right. I am on one of the old computers that we have here at home. It runs so slow compared to our other computers. So, it could be a few days before I blog with pictures. I like to keep all my pictures on one computer. The next time I will blog will be when we get my new keyboard delivered to our house.

Zucchini Bread

Last night I made zucchini bread, Wes loves it. We had some left over zucchini and we were getting tired of having it fried. Our boys are so funny! Byron just loved the bread. He said, "I feel like I'm in heaven". Ethan said, "I'm going to town." It really wasn't that spectacular, but we ate it all within a day. We are pretty big eaters in our house. :) I like to make food from scratch. It is cheaper and healthier all around. If anyone ever needs any recipes I've got a lot.

Home Sweet Home

I just love the area we live in! It is so peaceful here. There are so many times that I just look up at the sky or the mountains and just feel so blessed to live here. Most of the time it is quiet and we just love our neighbors.

Feel the beat

Ethan was dancing at the table one night at dinner. He's such a sweetie!

An expensive mistake

So, I had an adventurous week with my whole ring thing. I tried everything! I even tried Window cleaner. I was so desperate to get my ring off my finger I sat in a cold bath on Friday night. Finally on Saturday we went and got it cut off at a jewelers. But, their tool broke in the middle of the process, so we had to go to another place and finish it up. Good thing they had a strong guy there! He used the pliers and opened up my ring so I could get it off. They said that my ring was definitely build really well and sturdy. (Great job Dales Jewelers!)
The workers at the mall that got my ring off were pretty ticked that we didn't have them put it back together for us. Their prices weren't as good as Morgan Jewelers though. So, we went back there and it cost us 50 dollars to get it fixed, engraved, and ship it to us. All in all it was so relieving to get my ring off. I will never do that again. Sometimes in life I have to learn the hard way. :)

Frustration

Last night we went swimming and the water was cold at first, so my ring was starting to get loose on my ring finger. I traded it to my middle finger. Now I can't get it off. I have tried everything and I am so frustrated! My finger is way swollen now. I think I need to just leave it alone for a few days and then try again with baby oil, peanut butter, lotion, etc. Ha Ha. I know it will eventually come off. Or will it?
Does anyone have any advice. Help Me!

Sweet Pea Performs

We have this box by the back door that we keep our shoes in. Lilly likes to pull herself up next to it, pull shoes out, and put them back in. She's making new mile stones each day.

Morning Walk

I guess you can get a great health benefit from walking. So, I am going to attempt getting into a walking routine. Today we went out around 8:30 and it was a little warmer than my liking, but still refreshing. I feel so good, so good in fact that I came back and scrubbed all 3 of our bathrooms.
I met a women at the walking path, she has 4 kids. They were close in age with my kids. She goes every morning, so I decided I might start meeting her there. I said might, I don't want to totally commit to it. If I get busy and can't make it, I don't want to feel like a failure.:) But, I think I will give it a try for a while. It makes me feel great to exercise!

These pictures were taken this morning before our walk.

Boy Stuff

Wes took the boys down to The Hill Air Force Base Museum while Lilly and I went to my cousins baby shower. They had such a good time. It is good for them to have some alone time with Daddy.

Injured Midnight

Last night after our black kitty Midnight was playing outside she came in the house and was lying on the floor. I started to pet her and noticed one of her paws was swollen. Whenever I would touch it she would wine. It was so sad, whenever she would walk she would limp. I was afraid she broke something.
We said prayers for her. It was sad. Anywho, this morning she was all better. The swelling is completely gone. I think it was probably a bee sting or something. It is a relief, cause she isn't in pain anymore, but also we don't have to pay expensive vet bills.

An acquired taste

Ok, Ok, I know this picture looks kinda yucky. It doesn't do justice to how good this tastes.
Growing up we used to go to my Grandma's house a lot for nice dinners. For dessert, we would all be served our dessert by some of us who volunteered to help serve. We would all wait until our Grandma took the first bite, then we followed. I guess it is the proper thing to do to honor her. One of the desserts that my Grandma makes is Bread Pudding with Lemon sauce. I think it is something they eat over in England. (My Grandma and Grandpa and kids lived over there a while). I believe that when I eat Bread Pudding it almost reminds me of my childhood. I love it! I have always loved the custard type desserts though.
Wes and I have been trying to cut down on our sugars. So, when I make a dessert I try to cut the sugar in half, and cut the fat any way I can without losing the taste. A few days ago I made Pumpkin Pie(which is also one of my favorites), but I made it without the crust. I just sprayed the pie pan with non-stick spray. I cut the sugar down and it was a tasty dessert! Here is my Grandma's recipe for Bread Pudding...

Bread Pudding

3 cups of dried bread cubes (I just use left over bread and rip it up)
4 cups milk scalded (I just put it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes)
1 Tbsp. butter (I cut mine up into small strips)
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 C. sugar (I cut it down to about 1/2 C.)
4 slightly beaten eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Soak bread in milk 5 minutes. Add butter, salt and sugar. Slowly add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Pour into a greased baking dish. I use an 8X8. Put dish in a pan of hot water (I use a 9X13 with about an inch of water, but be really careful the water boils). Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour. Serve with lemon sauce. My grandma adds 1/2 tsp. cinnamon and grated apple and it is called a Brown Betty. You can also add raisins.

Lemon Sauce

1/2 cup sugar, 1 Tbs. cornstarch, 1/8 tsp. salt, 1/8 tsp. nutmeg, 1 C. boiling water, 2 Tbsp. butter, 2 Tbsp Lemon juice

Add sugar, cornstarch, salt, and nutmeg; gradually add water and cook over low heat until thick and clear. Add butter and lemon juice; blend thoroughly. If you omit the lemon juice and add 1 tsp. vanilla you will have vanilla sauce.
Grandma P.

P.S. As you can see in the pic, we had it after dinner. :)