Simplicity

Last night we finally got our tree up.   J was worried about what our Christmas will be like, and is pleased with the stockings and trees.  I'm just grateful we can throw them away when we're done.  The kids loved helping cut out the hands-  even Lil' M got in on the action.  We had an assembly line going during the construction process, and the tree went up in a flash-- after we finally got more glue.  As the kids and I were gluing the hands on, we ran out of glue.  J was changing the oil and brakes on the van, so we had to wait to complete the task.  In the meantime se finished our gingerbread house and tree.  I think they turned out too cute.  Usually I make the gingerbread and get all the other things, but I've learned that buying a kit works just as well.  It's time to SIMPLIFY.  SO, after 123 hands, 15 candy canes, 3 glue sticks and one star...   here's our tree.

      

Only In Texas

This is a real church outside Athens TX.

Gone Campin'

We took the kids camping over Veteran's Day weekend.  We left after church and headed to Jones Lake State Park.  We got to the park just before 6pm.  SO setting up camp in the dark was an adventure.  J was in charge of the tent, and I got dinner going.  We were supposed to have foil dinners, but guess who forgot the foil. Yeah that's right, it's tricky to eat that when the main cooking agent is missing.  What else are you to do when plans go awry? IMPROVISE.  I used the skillet and we had foil-less, foil dinners.  I got the veggies going, and added in the meat.  The next step- seasonings.  Add a dash of marjoram, thyme, oregano, basil, whochestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, Lil' M didn't want to miss out on the seasoning department, so she added some spice of her own to the pot- SAND.  UGG, well, I tried to get out as much sand as possible, but those grains get everywhere.  Needless to say,  she wasn't allowed near the cooking again.  It was freezing cold- not quite, but close- and we had a great time.   Monday, we woke up and had pancakes and oj for breakfast.  We took a "hike" on one of the trails, and went out on a fishing pier.  B and M were afraid of falling in the cold water.  The lake water was a  reddish hue up close and it was beautiful.  We headed back to camp for lunch- panini- and a needed nap.  After lunch, we hung out at camp and read from Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nyhm and Robinson Crusoe.  The kids made sand angels and dug in the sand.  The kids loved it.  They got to see 5 lizards, which I think was the highlight of the trip.  It was so nice not having the distractions of the world around.

Our Christmas Decorating

This year our Christmas decorating is hampered by the fact that our belongs will be shipped off to England in a week.  M's disappointed, so to make up for it I have some ideas for decorating when you have no decor.  Stay tuned to see what our tree will look like this year, and other ideas.  I just got the idea today, so it may be in another week or so before it's finished.  I've got tons to do before the movers come.

My World Is Changed

This morning J came in and woke me.  I thought, "What is he doing?  He already said bye and gave me a kiss."  Then he said "Some one broke into the van.  They stole our iPod, and messed up the steering column.  I think they were trying to steal it." 

I couldn't believe it.  Why would anyone want to steal a mini-van? In our apartment complex there are some really nice cars, and they chose a Grand Caravan?  We called the cops, filed a police report, called the insurance and set up the repair shop.  Needless to say, our blissful little world came crashing down. 

We headed to the repair shop so we could know how long we'd need a rental car.  They told us TWO WEEKS!  We can't be without a car for 2 weeks.  We talk to our insurance, and then talked to the shop again.  We'll have it by the end of the week, phew.

Here are some things I've learned through this:

 Look for the good even when there may not seem to be any.

We were lucky that it was our car, not our home.  We still have our van.  J just cleaned out the van, so no personal information was take.  It happened on early enough to not mess with our plans for Thanksgiving.  I had used the iPod to transfer info from one computer to another, and I had just deleted all those files about 2 weeks ago.

  It's important to have the right kind of insurance.

We're down to one car, and now it's in the shop. If you only have one vehicle, have rental car coverage. We just learned this one. We've always had two cars, so it was no biggie if one

needed some repairs. But now it is a huge inconvenience to not have a car.

Have some emergency savings.

We never would have anticipated this. If something would've happened a year ago, it would have been hard for our family. We probably would have used a credit card, but we don't need

to now because we have some cushioning.

I have to say this again-- WHO WOULD STEAL A MINI VAN?

Blogger Award

My friend Anica gave this award to me--Thanks.  I'm supposed to post six things about myself and to give out this blog award.

1.  I'm teaching a beginning sewing class for some homeschoolers.  We will sew our first project tomorrow- a crayon holder.

2.  I start many projects, but don't complete them.  I learn what I want from the project, them move on.

3.  I think I can make anything I see-- If someone else can do it, so can I.

4.  I love to cook and try new things.  My family doesn't like this too much. Hey, I thought an apple beet salad would be delicious-it was- the fam didn't think so.  I think eating new food is fun and an experience.  There are some things I won't touch though--liver being one bleck.

5.  I love wearing skirts.  I never thought I'd say that when I was younger.  All I used to wear were soccer shorts and t-shirts.  I love how comfortable skirts are, and I feel pretty, oh so pretty.

6.  Teaching my kids has turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made.

I give the following people this award.

Jen C

Lisa

Heidi P

Erin

Jessica

Janae

Arrivederci Italy, Hello England

I'm a little bit sad this morning.  Our orders to Italy were cancelled, and we're being diverted to England.  The projected departure is the same, so now we have to go through the whole orders process with about 7 weeks till we leave.  Talk about insanity.  I hope all goes swiftly and without incident.  It seems that nothing is sure until your leaving.  So, now we're hoping that nothing happens to derail this assignment.  I'll keep you posted.

J called me this morning (it's Nov 12) and told me, "Our medical clearance got approved."  Too bad it's for the wrong country.  This does however,  give me hope with the medical clearance for England. 

Fall Camporee

A few weeks ago,  M's cub scout pack had their fall Camporee.  It was a cold, rainy night.  The kids did extremely well considering the conditions.  I love camping with the family.  On Saturday,  B was able to be M's scout buddy and participated in all the activities.  The boys were taught how to play Ultimate Frisby, Volleyball, and Marbles.  

While playing Ultimate, B wanted to play the game.  He finally got in the game, and ended up with the frisbee.  We kept yelling throw it to someone on the team.  Throw it to someone on the team.  All B wanted to do was keep it.  He had a huge melt down, but ended up having a great time over all.  The Pack that our Pack was playing was huge.  The boys on the other team towered over our pour tigers.  We held our own though.  I have some video, but I didn't do too well on my end.  I wanted to watch the action live, and ended up with many ground shots. 

The guy teaching volleyball didn't know what he was doing which drove me crazy.  I had to tell myself-- He's doing the best he can.  It was fun to see the all the scouts learning and having fun.  

M and B created their own marble game after the marble instruction ended.  They wanted to make a track and shoot the marble all around.  They loved playing in the dirt and digging.  Boys will be boys.

In the afternoon, there was an olympic type event.  M tied for first among all the Tiger Cubs for the longest held handstand!  By far the best events for the kids were roasting marshmallows and the Campfire ceremony.

Frustration Overload

We have about 2 months until we're supposed to head to Italy, and we still DON'T have orders.  I'm completely frustrated with how the military does paper work.  One of the first things we have to do is get a medical clearance.  Well, since two of our kids have a congenital heart defect, we knew that this might be a hiccup in the process.  Lucky for us, B and Lil M have the most common defect, and its not serious.  Each week it seems that the gaining base needs some new form filled out.  I don't understand why they can't look over all the charts at once, and see what paperwork is missing and tell us all at one time.  WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME.  Sometimes I wonder how in the world some people can get away with  not knowing their jobs.  On Monday we went to the Tricare office to ask some questions-- really basic questions-- and the person at the desk couldn't answer it.  She told us that the two people who knew the answer weren't in  What's up with that!?  We turned in all that Aviano requested, so hopefully we'll hear back within the next week about official orders.  Without those, we can't schedule packers or get visas and an itinerary. I'm super stressed, and J is bearing the brunt of it.  I know there is nothing he can do.  

I Don't Think We're In Kansas Any More

Each year I make the kids costumes.  I don't know why I torture myself, but I do.  It really wouldn't be torture if I didn't procrastinate.  I started cutting out the costumes on Tues.  Let's just say that my house was insane for the past 4 days.  This year I barely finished in time--5:00 pm for 6:00 trick-or-treating.  I'm not too sure how much longer I'll keep this up.  I do think the kids looked great, and I loved that they coordinated. Our scarecrow (J) was TDY in Michigan for Halloween.  Otherwise, we'd have had a complete cast I'm already thinking about (the self-inflicted torture for) next year's costumes.  Might as well get started early, right?

Food, Glorious Food

Lately I've felt like our family needs to build up our food storage.  We're now debt free!!! So, our next step in being prepared is food storage.  Our church has counseled it's members for many years to have a year's supply of food, water, etc.  I stumbled across this great blog with great ideas about using food storage daily.  So, for any of you out there, what tips do you have for a novice building up her food storage?  What products did you like best?  I'll keep you posted on our success, and pass along any tips I have.

The Future Mr & Mrs B. Butikofer

When the family visited some of our friends in KS, B and their daughter, Rylee, hit it off.  Rylee told her mom that when B gets home from his mission they will get married.  When they go on vacation, B will drink Dr Pepper and eat sun flower seeds to stay awake.  Now every so often, B will come up to me and say "Mom, when I get back from my mission, I'll marry that girl (meaning Rylee) and drink Dr Pepper and eat sun flower seeds."  Aren't they such a cute couple?

Who Was That?

Today we had a maintainence man stop by to fix something around the house.  The guy had curly, brown shoulder-length hair and a full beard.  When Lil' M saw him, she blurted out "Jesus."  I just wanted to die.  I kept telling her, "No that not, Jesus," but she insisted it was.  The entire time he was here, that's what she called him.  Poor Guy.

Do You Love Handbags?

Handbag Planet is launching their website on 15 Oct, and will give away a bag every hour.  If you want to enter, go here.  The best part is YOU get to pick the bag!

6th Folder...6th Picture

Here's what you're supposed to do:  Go the the 6th folder and post your 6 pic.  This is mine.

This photo was taken about 4 years ago.  J and M went camping in our back yard.  B was a baby, so I slept inside while to big boys roughed it.  We ate smores and roasted hotdogs on our grill.  

I tag:  Ashlee, Dawn, Janae and Miranda

Making Cheese

A few weeks ago, 4 homeschool families in our area got together to make cheese.  This is the first session in a series.  Next time we're going to make some harder cheese--like cheddar.  It was a blast and the cheese was to die for.  We made a lemon cheese and cottage cheese.  I'll don't think I'll buy cottage from the store again.  I didn't have my camera, but Shiloah took some and emailed them to me.  Lil' M helped with the lemons and feeling the cottage cheese to see if it was just right.  If you want to try it for yourself you can go here to buy some supplies.

Church History Tour

Salt Lake City 2008

Papa and Kids

Popcorn...Yummy!!!

M just joined a cub scout troop and is a Tiger Cub.  He's so excited for scouts.  Every Tuesday he can't wait to go to pack meetings and do the activities.  Last week they talked about taking care of animals and a service project.  The Pack is collecting soda cans for two different charities- The Ronald McDonald House and a local fire department.  So anyone who is local, will you please hold your soda cans for us.  We'll come by and pick them up if you just let me know.  Also it's popcorn selling time!!!  If you click here, you can order online and all sales will be for M and his pack.  The order is shipped directly to you!  There is also an opportunity to purchase popcorn for our Military. Thanks for your help.

Edna Mae Morgan Schneiter

J made his way yesterday to Idaho for his Grandma's funeral.  Grandma Schneiter was a wonderful woman.  She was warm, quiet, inviting, loving and one of the sweetest ladies.  I'm grateful that J was able to be with his family during this time.  She was reunited with her sweetheart and will be missed.

What A Pain...

My wisdom teeth extraction turned out to be.  I've need these puppies out since 2000, but I kept putting it off-- a couple of pregnancies got in the way.  Monday was the big day.  I got prepped for surgery, and I remember saying to the nurses  "I'm feeling nausious."  They didn't think it was a big deal.  I got them to hold a pink throw-up thing near my face and then I remember a nurse telling me to wake up.  Wow, That was fast.  All I wanted to do was sleep, but the mean lady wouldn't let me.  J came in to see how I was doing, and I tried to tell him " I WANT TO SLEEP!"  He didn't understand me either, so in my groggy state I thought-- I know I'll sign to them what I want.  So I start signing--I want to sleep, over and over.  J knew I was signing but he doesn't know the signs, and the poor nurse I'm sure thought I lost my mind.  During all this I'm crying because no one understands me.  What a way to wake up from surgery right.  

I've been on pain meds and things are going well I guess.  I can't wait for my mouth to not hurt because I want to eat something substantial-- No more jello, soup, and yogurt for me please.  Now don't get me wrong, I love all those things, but when that's been your diet for the past 3+ days, you start to look for something crunchy.  Open up a big bag of chips and eat one for me please.  

Vacation Pics

I have some more pics I wanted to post, and tried to create a movie with them, but I'm having trouble uploading it.  When I figure that out,  I'll make a new post.

From the mouth of Babes

I've been contemplating putting these funny saying of B's up because some might take offense, but then I thought "oh what the heck, I'd die laughing if someone told me that." So here goes.

The first incident happened on our trip to ID.  We stopped at a gas station to use the restroom, and stretch the legs.  I took Lil M and B into the bathroom with me.  I don't remember why J didn't keep B and M.  Anyway we all finished our business, but J and M were in the bathroom now.  I needed change Lil M bum, so told B to go into the bathroom with the other boys.  

When B is tired he is SO grumpy-- and he was tired.  He goes in the bathroom and is mad.  All he wants to do is go back to sleep, so he says to J:  "I don't want to see your big fat penis!" Where that came from is beyond me.

Fast forward to a few nights ago.  J had just gotten out of the shower and was getting dressed.  Poor B has been sick and coughing terribly (read not great sleep).  He wants some medicine, and knocks on the bedroom door.  J answers in just his shorts-- no shirt.  B laying on the ground tells J, "Dad, I don't want to see your boobs."  J and I just about died laughing.

Kids say the darnedest things!

In A Knot- well a bow really

M learned how to tie his shoes last night!  I showed him about 6 times, and he woke up this morning, put his shoes on and tied them up without any help or direction.  I'm so proud of you M! 

How Well Do You Know Your Spouse?

1. They are watching TV. What are they watching?
Red Sox, History or Discovery Channel, Food Network

2. You're out to eat. what kind of dressing do they get on their salad.
Ranch

3. What's one food this person doesn't like?
Mushrooms, Olives, Tomatoes, Alvocadoes, Raw Broccoli -- if I like it he doesn't

4. You go out to the restaurant. He/she orders...
Ribs or Burger

5 .Where did he/she go to high school?
Madison HS

6. What size shoe do they wear?
9 1/2 

7. If this person were to collect anything, it would be...
Baseball hats

8. What is their favorite type of sandwich?
Turkey

9.This person could eat __________ everyday.
Ice Cream

10.Favorite cereal?
Marshmallow Mateys 

11. This person wouldn't be caught dead wearing..
Pink

12.Favorite sports team?
Boston Red Sox

13. Who will he/she vote for?
McCain

14.What is their sign???
He doesn't care

15. What is something you do that he/she wishes you didn't?
Back seat drive-- I just can't help it, though I'm much better than when we first were married

16. How many states has this person lived in?
six

17. What is he/she's heritage?
Swiss/German

18. Did you bake them a cake for their birthday?
He wasn't here for his last 4 birthdays and won't be here for this one either.

19. Did he/she play sports in high school?
no

20. This person could spend hours...
watching baseball-only the red sox, surfing the internet

Young Reunion and Soda Springs

This is the first YoungReunion I've experienced.  When I was nannying in NY the summer before J and I got married, he went to the reunion and won a pink and brown quilt made by one of Grandma Butikofer's sisters.  He was so excited that he won, and I didn't have a clue as to how lucky he was.  Grandma's quilt was raffled off this year and brought in around $250 for the reunion!  Lil M uses the quilt J won 8 years ago.

Uncle Stephen and Aunt Fran invited us to go boating in Soda Springs. 

 The boys were thrilled with the idea.  M wanted to go fishing too, but it was getting late in the evening and there just wasn't enough time.  Next time we go to visit we need to more time with everyone.  This trip was a whirlwind!

Tautphaus Park Zoo

Our TIme In Idaho

We enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Grandma Butikofer had her 80th Birthday party.  I got to meet J's aunts, uncles, & cousins.  We went to a Young reunion and I got in a bidding war over some kitchen items with Sue and Suzanne.   We spent some time at Tautphaus Park in IF with J's high school friends.  The kids loved going to the IF Zoo with their cousins. 

Grandma's Birthday Party

The Long Drive To IDAHO!

Thank Goodness for Technology!

Stretching The Legs after driving all night!

Somewhere in Wyoming.

We eventually stopped at Little America in WY.  It's a tradition Nana started when I was a little girl.  We get ice cream cones every time we drive by.  We stopped 2 years ago, and took pics on a green dino.  They removed the dinosaur and the kids were so disappointed.  

When we were in Orem we saw a similar dinosaur at an old sinclair station, and one of the boys said-- "There's the green dinosaur, they moved it here!"