No one ever posts to this blog anymore. What gives? I just wanted to post and say hi. A quick update on us... Jason is working like crazy as always. He was working 80-95 hours a week in October (ugh) and has slowed down to 70-75 hours a week now (still ugh). But he did get a whole week off for Thanksgiving and we had a great time. We spent the holiday at my parents' house with Trisha and her family and Kevin and his family, a big group. We had a lot of fun.
Allary and I have been doing a lot of Christmas shopping and just hanging out and trying to think of fun things to do indoors. We are very excited for Christmas and it is fun to see Allary experience the anticipation this year. She is also understanding more about Baby Jesus and the whole reason for the season.
We are spending Christmas with Jason's side of the family this year. We have lots of family parties to go to this month and we should be very busy.
What are all of you doing for Christmas?
Love you all!
Brooke
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Mandi's Email Address
Hey gals- I just noticed this morning that Mandi went private with her blog. Does anyone know her email address so I can email her and ask for an invite? If you have it, would you email it to me please?
Thanks!
Love you all-
Liz
Thanks!
Love you all-
Liz
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Recipes Recipes
Yum-ola. Here are a few of my favorite quick and easy recipes, Katie! I was going to email them, but then I thought I'd put them here since I haven't posted anything here for a while. Here ya go!
PEANUT CHICKEN
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup peanut butter
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cubed
3 cups broccoli florets OR 1 package frozen stir-fry veggies
1 tbsp cornstarch
In small bowl, combine 1/2 cup water, peanut butter, soy sauce, and brown sugar until somewhat smooth, set aside. In skillet or wok, stir fry garlic in oil for 30 seconds. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add broccoli or veggies, stir fry until veggies are warm through and crisp. Stir in PB mixture, cook until sauce is smooth and broccoli/veggies are crisp/tender. Combine cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir until smooth, add to skillet. Cook for 2-3 more minutes. Serve over rice.
PARMESAN BAKED SALMON
1/4 cup light miracle whip
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp paprika
4 salmon fillets
2 tsp lemon juice
10 ritz crackers, crushed
Mix miracle whip, cheese, and paprika, set aside. Put salmon in foil-lined pan, drizzle on lemon juice. Top with cheese mixture, then sprinkle with ritz crumbs. Bake 15-20 minutes at 400.
QUICK FETTUCCINE CACCIATORE
8 oz uncooked fettuccine
2 tsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, cut in thin strips
1 cup sliced bell pepper
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 can diced tomatoes (don't drain)
1/4 cup italian dressing
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella/parmesan cheese mix
1/2 cup fresh chopped basil leaves
Cook pasta as directed. Meanwhile, cook chicken in oil, add peppers and mushrooms. Stir in tomatoes and dressing when veggies are cooked. Simmer 5 minutes. Add to fettuccine. Sprinkle w/ cheese and basil.
QUICK TORTELLINI ALFREDO
1 can chicken broth
1 cup water
2 (9 ounce) packages of tortellini
4 oz fat free cream cheese
1 cup peas
3/4 cup shredded italian cheese blend
6 slices cooked, crumbled turkey bacon
Boil water and broth, add tortellini. Cook 8-9 minutes. Add cream cheese and peas.
Stir until cheese is mleted. Stir in shredded cheese and bacon.
I hope you enjoy!
PEANUT CHICKEN
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup peanut butter
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cubed
3 cups broccoli florets OR 1 package frozen stir-fry veggies
1 tbsp cornstarch
In small bowl, combine 1/2 cup water, peanut butter, soy sauce, and brown sugar until somewhat smooth, set aside. In skillet or wok, stir fry garlic in oil for 30 seconds. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add broccoli or veggies, stir fry until veggies are warm through and crisp. Stir in PB mixture, cook until sauce is smooth and broccoli/veggies are crisp/tender. Combine cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir until smooth, add to skillet. Cook for 2-3 more minutes. Serve over rice.
PARMESAN BAKED SALMON
1/4 cup light miracle whip
2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp paprika
4 salmon fillets
2 tsp lemon juice
10 ritz crackers, crushed
Mix miracle whip, cheese, and paprika, set aside. Put salmon in foil-lined pan, drizzle on lemon juice. Top with cheese mixture, then sprinkle with ritz crumbs. Bake 15-20 minutes at 400.
QUICK FETTUCCINE CACCIATORE
8 oz uncooked fettuccine
2 tsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, cut in thin strips
1 cup sliced bell pepper
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 can diced tomatoes (don't drain)
1/4 cup italian dressing
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella/parmesan cheese mix
1/2 cup fresh chopped basil leaves
Cook pasta as directed. Meanwhile, cook chicken in oil, add peppers and mushrooms. Stir in tomatoes and dressing when veggies are cooked. Simmer 5 minutes. Add to fettuccine. Sprinkle w/ cheese and basil.
QUICK TORTELLINI ALFREDO
1 can chicken broth
1 cup water
2 (9 ounce) packages of tortellini
4 oz fat free cream cheese
1 cup peas
3/4 cup shredded italian cheese blend
6 slices cooked, crumbled turkey bacon
Boil water and broth, add tortellini. Cook 8-9 minutes. Add cream cheese and peas.
Stir until cheese is mleted. Stir in shredded cheese and bacon.
I hope you enjoy!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Recipes
I hate to cover Melinda's adorable post! So this is going to be really short. Everyone... will you either post or email me some of your absolute FAVORITE recipes, the ones you couldn't live without? I am putting together a recipe book with friends and family and want you to be in on the action too. I will give a copy of the book to all of you too. The more I order the cheaper they are in price. Send me about five of your best recipes. They can be simple, basic, common, or anything you want. Be creative, but make sure they are tried and proven yummy, okay? I will put your name on them! Oh, Brooke, would you mind giving me that Salsa recipe too???? The one you were telling me about?? Love you all! Katie
Saturday, July 26, 2008
and baby makes 4....don't forget harley!
So I just thought that I would post this since our poor little blog hasn't seen any action for a while. This was several weeks ago. We had planned to go home for a vacation the end of june. What we hadn't planned was going home to give our families such great news! Mind you this picture was taken at about 1 am after driving for 7 hours. It didn't take long for Jason's fam to figure out the shirt. And my dad we got him a little frame that said "Grandpa's pride and joy" to give him for father's day (yes his gift was late)! Needless to say they were all thrilled! I think my dad was especially shocked. It was pretty cute to see his reaction.
I just look at this shirt and feel ill. I went to a store to buy one and couldn't find one at the first store so I had to go to the mall. By this time I was not feeling well. I just picked a shirt off the rack and was out of there. Well checking out there was a lady in front of me...who was taking forever. The cashier was asking her all these questions. "Can I have your email" "Would you like to set up a college account for your baby"....blah blah blah. So now it's my turn. And she starts asking me all these questions. I just said "No, I just have to go." Barely getting home before I really got sick.
However I am feeling alot better now. Not really sick anymore...phew....I didn't think that would ever end. We had an appointment a few weeks ago and got to hear the heartbeat for the second time! Miraculous doesn't even begin to describe it! Anyway I am supposed to be preparing a lesson right now so I best go. The end!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Lizzy
I had to write and tell you about a dream I had the other night. I can't remember where I was but I was out to the mall shopping and turned to see you! We spent the whole day together and just got to hang out and catch up. Your kids were there too. Anyways it wasn't funny just nice to see you! See you in my dreams. Mel
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
The Bachelorette Finale!
So all of our anticipation and wondering have now been settled. Jesse it is. In some wierd way, I really like how it ended. I thought it was really cute how Jesse has been calling DeAnna "D" all along, and how he said he knew they were soul mates. I guess the bottom line is, even if you think you know what you want, or even need, sometimes you're surprised to find out that you didn't know at all who you were or what you needed. I think Jason was kind of exactly what everyone thought DeAnna needed-- the type of guy she should be with. But I admired Jesse because he didn't kiss her for the longest time, wanting to be sure they were good friends first. So it totally paid off in the end. They are best friends now! Even though we would get nervous, and has a kind of limited vocabulary, I think those things aren't important. How cute. What did you guys think?
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Bachelorette Update
Okay, I did watch it last night and I have a couple things to say!
First, Jeremy was so heartbroken but she said in the interview after that she felt it was just a connection with their mothers dying and she was afraid it wasn't love. I kindof disagree but I think she has her heart on Jason. She was actually very rude to Graham and Jeremy in the "Men Tell All" and I felt so bad for them because she was so rude and just crushed their hearts. Of course there is more to it then on TV but she was rude to them!
Oh, I don't think they are going to bring Graham back because she said she is engaged and it defiently was not him by the way she was talking to him!
Anyways, I think she is going to chose Jason. I think she is falling for Jesse but i just can't see her with him either. Also, I think she kicked off Jeremy because it will be easier to say good-bye to Jesse on the last night since he is pretty easy going. But he is going to get his heart crushed! But I really like jason and I think she will be happy with him. The dates were AWESOME in the Bahamas EXCEPT for the last part of each date!! I was seriously disgusted that she slept with all three of them!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know if that is normal for this series but I was appalled! So, now they have to sleep with eachother in order to find out who is "The One". I was so disappointed but I will be watching next monday night to see who she choses.
Anyways, that is my 2 cents of it!
Love ya all!
melissa
PS Melinda did you get my email about Girls camp?
PPS Sorry i am like Liz, i keep forgetting my camera. I will try to do it this week or next!
First, Jeremy was so heartbroken but she said in the interview after that she felt it was just a connection with their mothers dying and she was afraid it wasn't love. I kindof disagree but I think she has her heart on Jason. She was actually very rude to Graham and Jeremy in the "Men Tell All" and I felt so bad for them because she was so rude and just crushed their hearts. Of course there is more to it then on TV but she was rude to them!
Oh, I don't think they are going to bring Graham back because she said she is engaged and it defiently was not him by the way she was talking to him!
Anyways, I think she is going to chose Jason. I think she is falling for Jesse but i just can't see her with him either. Also, I think she kicked off Jeremy because it will be easier to say good-bye to Jesse on the last night since he is pretty easy going. But he is going to get his heart crushed! But I really like jason and I think she will be happy with him. The dates were AWESOME in the Bahamas EXCEPT for the last part of each date!! I was seriously disgusted that she slept with all three of them!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know if that is normal for this series but I was appalled! So, now they have to sleep with eachother in order to find out who is "The One". I was so disappointed but I will be watching next monday night to see who she choses.
Anyways, that is my 2 cents of it!
Love ya all!
melissa
PS Melinda did you get my email about Girls camp?
PPS Sorry i am like Liz, i keep forgetting my camera. I will try to do it this week or next!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Just a few items of business...
Hey! Why has no one else done their "A Day in the Life" post? What gives???
I had a great time in F-town and it was so much fun to see you girls, Katie and Mandi. It's too bad that Melinda, Melissa, and I weren't there at the same time.
I don't really like posting on the internet when Jason is out of town, but he has been gone a lot and I have not been managing well on my own. Sigh. And he is leaving again soon. Big sigh.
Melinda, I could really use some company and a night out. Let's go to Cafe Rio okay? :)
Katie, this is so dumb, but I tried to call you today so you could fill me in on what's been happening on the Bachelorette. My TV has been broken and Jason was not here to fix it, so I did not see the show the past two episodes. I was shocked tonight to see that Jesse is still around and that she let go of Graham. Graham was such a cutie, but he did have some issues so I guess I can see why she let him go. But, what is this fixation she has on Jesse? He's kind of cute, and he's different, and he's fun and quirky, but I just don't think they make a good match. I think Deanna would try to change him. Can you really see them going out together with her dressed all nice and him with his shaggy hair and coat of many colors? I don't know. I really like Jason, though. He is so sweet and caring and sincere and such a cute father. I think he really is in love with Deanna. So, I guess you can tell I'm voting for Jason. What's your vote??? Jesse or Jason???
I had a great time in F-town and it was so much fun to see you girls, Katie and Mandi. It's too bad that Melinda, Melissa, and I weren't there at the same time.
I don't really like posting on the internet when Jason is out of town, but he has been gone a lot and I have not been managing well on my own. Sigh. And he is leaving again soon. Big sigh.
Melinda, I could really use some company and a night out. Let's go to Cafe Rio okay? :)
Katie, this is so dumb, but I tried to call you today so you could fill me in on what's been happening on the Bachelorette. My TV has been broken and Jason was not here to fix it, so I did not see the show the past two episodes. I was shocked tonight to see that Jesse is still around and that she let go of Graham. Graham was such a cutie, but he did have some issues so I guess I can see why she let him go. But, what is this fixation she has on Jesse? He's kind of cute, and he's different, and he's fun and quirky, but I just don't think they make a good match. I think Deanna would try to change him. Can you really see them going out together with her dressed all nice and him with his shaggy hair and coat of many colors? I don't know. I really like Jason, though. He is so sweet and caring and sincere and such a cute father. I think he really is in love with Deanna. So, I guess you can tell I'm voting for Jason. What's your vote??? Jesse or Jason???
Thursday, June 26, 2008
TAG.
Hey guys! I thought I'd do Katie's tag on the crew blog because I haven't posted anything here in a long time. I keep trying to remember to do "A Day In My Life", but I take pictures for the first two hours and then totally forget. One of these days!
Okay, so here's my taggie thing-
Four things I am looking forward to in the coming year
1. DISNEYWORLD in September! I don't know who is more excited, me or Emeline
2. Hopefully an overseas move... we still haven't decided where
3. My half marathon- and maybe a full? Who knows? I'm really loving this running thing.
4. Getting my carpets cleaned. They totally need it. Hopefully in the next couple weeks, not really in the coming year!
Three joys in my life
1. My Kiddos
2. My Wonderful Husband
3. This beautiful world
Four movies I could watch more than once or twice
1. While You Were Sleeping- it never loses its magic
2. Just Like Heaven. Love it.
3. The Bourne movies. Love 'em. A little violent for my taste, but I'm still a total fan.
4. Home videos. I could watch them again and again.
And one movie I hope I never ever have to watch again ever? Cinderella. I'm so sick of Cinderella.
Three fears
1. Something bad happening to my husband or one of my kids
2. Um, I can't think of any others. As long as I have my family I'll be ok!
3.
Four Favorite Foods
1. mint chocolate chip ice cream
2. homemade spinach dip with pita chips
3. brownies. better yet, brownie batter
4. hot homemade bread with butter and jam
Four goals I have set for myself
1. Run Run Run every day except Friday and Sunday
2. Be able to do some pull-ups by next year
3. Keep my stinking house clean. I try so hard!
4. Can I be a contestant with you on Wheel of Fortune, Katie? I think we could tear it up!
Four TV shows I watch
1. Wheel of Fortune- only sometimes when I really just need a break after the kids go to bed!
2. So You Think You Can Dance (I wish I could dance)
3. Um, I think Everybody Loves Raymond is hilarious, but I haven't watched it for a few years because I think I saw all the episodes
4. I don't really watch much tv anymore- should I count Clifford and Curious George? Every morning.
Three current obsessions
1. Runnin' and lifting weights
2. trying to be more creative and healthy in my cooking
3. trying not to drive anywhere (walk or ride bike instead) just to smite the oil industry- like they care.
Four places I have visited
1. Jerusalem
2. Italy
3. Australia (Aah, good times Melinda!)
4. Oregon. I love Oregon.
Three places I'd like to visit
1. China
2. Turkey
3. India
Four random facts about me
1. I think I have cute feet.
2. I love to stand outside in the rain
3. I love to sneeze (oh how weird! Right after I typed that I sneezed!)
4. One of my favorite things to do is tickle my kids
Okay everybody else! You're turn!
Okay, so here's my taggie thing-
Four things I am looking forward to in the coming year
1. DISNEYWORLD in September! I don't know who is more excited, me or Emeline
2. Hopefully an overseas move... we still haven't decided where
3. My half marathon- and maybe a full? Who knows? I'm really loving this running thing.
4. Getting my carpets cleaned. They totally need it. Hopefully in the next couple weeks, not really in the coming year!
Three joys in my life
1. My Kiddos
2. My Wonderful Husband
3. This beautiful world
Four movies I could watch more than once or twice
1. While You Were Sleeping- it never loses its magic
2. Just Like Heaven. Love it.
3. The Bourne movies. Love 'em. A little violent for my taste, but I'm still a total fan.
4. Home videos. I could watch them again and again.
And one movie I hope I never ever have to watch again ever? Cinderella. I'm so sick of Cinderella.
Three fears
1. Something bad happening to my husband or one of my kids
2. Um, I can't think of any others. As long as I have my family I'll be ok!
3.
Four Favorite Foods
1. mint chocolate chip ice cream
2. homemade spinach dip with pita chips
3. brownies. better yet, brownie batter
4. hot homemade bread with butter and jam
Four goals I have set for myself
1. Run Run Run every day except Friday and Sunday
2. Be able to do some pull-ups by next year
3. Keep my stinking house clean. I try so hard!
4. Can I be a contestant with you on Wheel of Fortune, Katie? I think we could tear it up!
Four TV shows I watch
1. Wheel of Fortune- only sometimes when I really just need a break after the kids go to bed!
2. So You Think You Can Dance (I wish I could dance)
3. Um, I think Everybody Loves Raymond is hilarious, but I haven't watched it for a few years because I think I saw all the episodes
4. I don't really watch much tv anymore- should I count Clifford and Curious George? Every morning.
Three current obsessions
1. Runnin' and lifting weights
2. trying to be more creative and healthy in my cooking
3. trying not to drive anywhere (walk or ride bike instead) just to smite the oil industry- like they care.
Four places I have visited
1. Jerusalem
2. Italy
3. Australia (Aah, good times Melinda!)
4. Oregon. I love Oregon.
Three places I'd like to visit
1. China
2. Turkey
3. India
Four random facts about me
1. I think I have cute feet.
2. I love to stand outside in the rain
3. I love to sneeze (oh how weird! Right after I typed that I sneezed!)
4. One of my favorite things to do is tickle my kids
Okay everybody else! You're turn!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Short Visit
When I was in NM I was able to see Katie for a little while. It was definetly not a long enough visit but I am glad I was able to come see you Katie and meet Cole. He is so precious and so adorable!I met her and Jason's wife and their kids at the park and then we went to her house and visited. Here are a few pics of us and him! Noah was asleep the whole time I was there. Thanks Katie for a fun visit! I sure miss you and being able to see your kids more often! I love you a ton! I wish I could have seen you more! 
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Any ideas?
If anyone has any fun ideas for girls camp let me know! Our theme this year is construction and everyone is wearing yellow!
Monday, June 02, 2008
Since It's Almost Tomorrow!!!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!!!!
It's your birthday, shout "Woohoo!"
We are all old, now so are YOU!
Twenty-seven is pretty old
It's when we start... to grow mold.
Looks like you're coming into town
I'm so happy you'll be around
Come and visit, we'll have some fun
I think you're num... ber ONE!
YEEEHAW! Melissa! You're the bay-est! The BEST! Hope you have a fantabulous birthday. YEAH!!!
Guess what?
So I added a little something new to this website....see if you can what it is! And what it means? First one to answer gets a prize! Mel
p.s. and I hope no one minds that i changed the look?
p.s. and I hope no one minds that i changed the look?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
A Day in the Life of Brooke
Alright, you asked for it and here it is. A day in the life of Brooke...
7:30am - Drag myself out of bed. The first thing I do every morning is get my workout clothes on, open the blinds around the house (no sign of sunshine today), and write up my to-do list for the day.
As I am writing my list, I here knocking on the door down the hall.
Allary helps me make the beds.
Then we sit at the table and I read the scriptures out loud while Allary listens and colors. I used to get up early enough to read with Jason, but he leaves too early and I am just not a morning person.
Then I get Allary her breakfast: yogurt and milk.
While she is busy eating, I do my workout video.
After my workout, I shower and get dressed. Then I eat breakfast and watch a little of Regis and Kelly. Sad? Maybe, but I love them.
Frosted Flakes.
There is a talk show here called "Good Things Utah." I don't always watch it, but I happened to see one of the "stars" of the show at the Cheesecake Factory over the weekend. It's silly, I know, but I wanted to see if she would mention it. She talked briefly about a guy she's been dating and I felt special for having seen her with him. I saw the girl in blue.
Then I go finish getting ready, hair and makeup. Allary watches Word World.
Time to get dressed. She loves to do it herself.
Brushing her teeth with her pink pony toothbrush and pink Dora toothpaste.
A quick hair-do and she's ready for anything.
I put the dirty laundry in the washing machine.
I am putting my shoes on to go run our errands and Allary comes in the room. She pats my arm and says, "Mom, I love you so much." Ahhhh, melts my heart.
It's now 10:30am and we are finally ready to go out. Oh but wait, just as I am buckling Allary in the car in the garage, our neighbor walks up the driveway and begins talking to me. He is a sweet old man who walks up and down the street on Mondays and moves everyone's garbage cans off the street and back up next to their house. We found out when we first moved into the ward that we were distantly related to him through Jason's side. Well, he of course wanted to talk about this and even dragged me and Allary over to his house to meet his wife and see pictures of his ancestors. Anyway, that was just a little side-track.
First stop, Chevron. Not for gas though...
Allary gets to pick out a sucker but only when she hasn't had any potty accidents.
And for me.... ahhh, Diet Coke.
Next stop, switch out movies at Blockbuster.
Our choices.
Come home...put the laundry in the dryer with the help of Allary.
Unload the dishwasher, with the help of Allary.
Time for lunch. We put in her movie from Blockbuster and have a picnic in the family room.
Storytime.
Quiet time. If I call it nap time or try to put her in her bed, she just cries for as long as I leave her in there. But, if I lay out a blanket and some books on the floor and call it quiet time, she will gladly stay in her bedroom and usually falls asleep anyway.
Before she falls asleep, I quickly vacuum the family room.
I clean a different area of the house every day as my routine. Monday is scrub-down-the-kitchen day.
I turn on Ellen (love her!) while I clean.
I check on Allary. Success! She is asleep.
Must sweep and mop. Can I just say I love my Swiffer?
Time to fold the laundry and enjoy the rest of Ellen.
And my reward for all that housework...
Allary wakes up, a little grumpy.
Apples and juice for a snack.
I steal away for a few minutes to check blogs and email.
Then we have what we call "learning time." We pick a theme for the day and read stories, sing songs, etc. Today's theme is bunnies!
Then Allary colors while I start dinner.
On the menu tonight, paprika chicken with rice and gravy.
Daddy's home! Allary loves to run to the door to greet him.
Let's eat!
After dinner is Family Home Evening. I've done this lesson before, but Allary liked it so much, I decided to do it again. We tell the story of Noah's ark and we build an ark out of blocks. Then Allary has to find the animals I've placed around the room and put them in the ark.
Then it's time to watch my favorite show, "Dancing With the Stars!" Allary loves to dance along.
...or cuddle up on the couch with me.
Family Home Evening treat, ice cream!
Oh man! We almost made it a whole day with no accidents. What's the white stuff you ask? Salt, it absorbs the tinkles and the odors. (a fabulous trick I learned from my sister-in-law).
Time for a bath.
Then jammies, princess jammies of course.
We say prayers with Allary at her bed, then I say goodnight with cuddles and kisses.
Tonight is Daddy's turn to read a story.
Allary is in bed, Jason is working in his office. Ahhhh, now it's just me and "The Bachelor." By the way, I am so happy he chose Shayne. I've liked her all along.
Before going to bed, I peek in on Allary.
Then I crawl into bed with my book and read until my eyes are heavy.
So there you have it. Well, I did leave out the countless trips to the bathroom with Allary, oh and the big ouchie of the day when she was climbing up on the toilet to see in the mirror and fell off sideways, bonking her head on the cupboard.
Whew! That's a lot of pictures and a very long post!
Now it's everyone else's turn!
7:30am - Drag myself out of bed. The first thing I do every morning is get my workout clothes on, open the blinds around the house (no sign of sunshine today), and write up my to-do list for the day.
As I am writing my list, I here knocking on the door down the hall.
Allary helps me make the beds.
Then we sit at the table and I read the scriptures out loud while Allary listens and colors. I used to get up early enough to read with Jason, but he leaves too early and I am just not a morning person.
Then I get Allary her breakfast: yogurt and milk.
While she is busy eating, I do my workout video.
After my workout, I shower and get dressed. Then I eat breakfast and watch a little of Regis and Kelly. Sad? Maybe, but I love them.
Frosted Flakes.
There is a talk show here called "Good Things Utah." I don't always watch it, but I happened to see one of the "stars" of the show at the Cheesecake Factory over the weekend. It's silly, I know, but I wanted to see if she would mention it. She talked briefly about a guy she's been dating and I felt special for having seen her with him. I saw the girl in blue.
Then I go finish getting ready, hair and makeup. Allary watches Word World.
Time to get dressed. She loves to do it herself.
Brushing her teeth with her pink pony toothbrush and pink Dora toothpaste.
A quick hair-do and she's ready for anything.
I put the dirty laundry in the washing machine.
I am putting my shoes on to go run our errands and Allary comes in the room. She pats my arm and says, "Mom, I love you so much." Ahhhh, melts my heart.
It's now 10:30am and we are finally ready to go out. Oh but wait, just as I am buckling Allary in the car in the garage, our neighbor walks up the driveway and begins talking to me. He is a sweet old man who walks up and down the street on Mondays and moves everyone's garbage cans off the street and back up next to their house. We found out when we first moved into the ward that we were distantly related to him through Jason's side. Well, he of course wanted to talk about this and even dragged me and Allary over to his house to meet his wife and see pictures of his ancestors. Anyway, that was just a little side-track.
First stop, Chevron. Not for gas though...
Allary gets to pick out a sucker but only when she hasn't had any potty accidents.
And for me.... ahhh, Diet Coke.
Next stop, switch out movies at Blockbuster.
Our choices.
Come home...put the laundry in the dryer with the help of Allary.
Unload the dishwasher, with the help of Allary.
Time for lunch. We put in her movie from Blockbuster and have a picnic in the family room.
Storytime.
Quiet time. If I call it nap time or try to put her in her bed, she just cries for as long as I leave her in there. But, if I lay out a blanket and some books on the floor and call it quiet time, she will gladly stay in her bedroom and usually falls asleep anyway.
Before she falls asleep, I quickly vacuum the family room.
I clean a different area of the house every day as my routine. Monday is scrub-down-the-kitchen day.
I turn on Ellen (love her!) while I clean.
I check on Allary. Success! She is asleep.
Must sweep and mop. Can I just say I love my Swiffer?
Time to fold the laundry and enjoy the rest of Ellen.
And my reward for all that housework...
Allary wakes up, a little grumpy.
Apples and juice for a snack.
I steal away for a few minutes to check blogs and email.
Then we have what we call "learning time." We pick a theme for the day and read stories, sing songs, etc. Today's theme is bunnies!
Then Allary colors while I start dinner.
On the menu tonight, paprika chicken with rice and gravy.
Daddy's home! Allary loves to run to the door to greet him.
Let's eat!
After dinner is Family Home Evening. I've done this lesson before, but Allary liked it so much, I decided to do it again. We tell the story of Noah's ark and we build an ark out of blocks. Then Allary has to find the animals I've placed around the room and put them in the ark.
Then it's time to watch my favorite show, "Dancing With the Stars!" Allary loves to dance along....or cuddle up on the couch with me.
Family Home Evening treat, ice cream!
Oh man! We almost made it a whole day with no accidents. What's the white stuff you ask? Salt, it absorbs the tinkles and the odors. (a fabulous trick I learned from my sister-in-law).
Time for a bath.
Then jammies, princess jammies of course.
We say prayers with Allary at her bed, then I say goodnight with cuddles and kisses.
Tonight is Daddy's turn to read a story.
Allary is in bed, Jason is working in his office. Ahhhh, now it's just me and "The Bachelor." By the way, I am so happy he chose Shayne. I've liked her all along.
Before going to bed, I peek in on Allary.
Then I crawl into bed with my book and read until my eyes are heavy.
So there you have it. Well, I did leave out the countless trips to the bathroom with Allary, oh and the big ouchie of the day when she was climbing up on the toilet to see in the mirror and fell off sideways, bonking her head on the cupboard.Whew! That's a lot of pictures and a very long post!
Now it's everyone else's turn!
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