Battle Creek Hike

I saw that a friend of mine took her kids on a 1/2 mile hike to "Battle Creek Falls" in Pleasant Grove. It looked like a fun kid hike, so I looked up the coordinates for the trailhead online, and off we went on a hike.

My GPS led us to a parking area on the mountain side. From there I wasn't quite sure where to go. It looked like there was a park, and 2 other could be trails. We were in a hurry, trying to get the hike in before I had to be back to work at the cannery that afternoon, so we picked one and went.

I kept my GPS with us, and we hiked almost a mile with no sign of the trail-end in site. We ran out of time, so we had to turn around and head back. We only saw one other lone hiker while we were on the trail.

We did follow a mountain stream most of the way and we did see a couple of cool waterfalls, but none that looked like the one my friend got to play in. We got to see a pool of water where we could see little fish swimming. There was also a stretch of our trail that was quite tretcherous with a long drop to the bottom if one ventured too close to the edge (We all held hands along there). I think we took the wrong trail. It was beautiful anyway, and as you can see from the pictures, my kids had a great time getting dirty. Isn't that what makes the outdoors fun?

Check out all the dirty bums!

Cake Walk

Mattie Rae has got to be the funnest Aunt ever. She spent the 4th of July with us and then spent the night that night. The next day was pretty slow with no plans. We just enjoyed having Mattie Rae visiting us.

By the afternoon, Mattie Rae told the kids she had never done a Cake Walk, but always wanted to. So, spontaneously, she directed the kids in the preparations that would make her dream come true.

Ian and Rayna traced her foot on paper, copied them, and decorated the paper feet for the cake walk. Then we decided we needed cupcakes, so Mattie Rae made cupcakes with some fun thing star tins I didn't know I had. Then we made icing and found some icing decorator tubes I also didn't know I had. Then we all got to decorate the cupcakes. We numbered the feet and put the numbers in a hat. Rick was the DeeJay for the music, and we had a Cake Walk! We each won a cupcake and we enjoyed them together. I would have never taken on such a project. It was a perfect project for our otherwise plan-less day and my kids were tickled because they got to participate in the whole thing.

Mattie Rae is so good with the kids. She always thinks of them and always seems to have a special activity planned for them to make their experience an enjoyable one. She is always so thoughtful of me and my needs as well and is always helpful when she comes over. My kids just love Auntie Mattie (I do, too!)!

Our First Egg!

On the 4th of July we got an extra special treat. Our oldest Buff Orphington chicken, Henna, laid her first egg! Mom and Dad were away for the day on a motorcycle ride. Mom called thaat morning to see if I could come after lunch to help Grandma with Grandpa. She said that Henna was acting funny and wondered if she might be getting ready to lay an egg or something. So when I went over, we were sure to check on the chickens, and sure enough! It was an extra special treat that Rayna and I got to be the first to discover it.

It looks like the oldest 3 are all laying now, so Mom and Dad find about 1 egg each day. In just a few more weeks, we expect the other 5 to begin laying as well. I'm especially excited to see what Xena and Brownie's eggs look like. They are Americaunas which means their eggs will be blue or green.

CLAU

My sister in law, Nikki, told me about the Children's Literature Association of Utah. They are and association that awards the Beehive Award each year for Children's books. Each year there are several good books nominated in several categories. There is a voting process, and one book in each category wins the coveted Beehive award.

We have been on the road a lot this month, and so I wanted to bring a bunch of books that my kids might enjoy that were outside of the normal series and genera that they might normally choose. I took a look at the website and was able to see lists of past years' nominations and winners. I figure this would be a pretty good resource to get some reading recommendations for me and my kids. I have read several books from that list that I was impressed with:

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver.

This is the first in a series called "Chronicles of Darkness." We actually listened to this one in the car on our trip to St. George. The reading was done by Ian McKellen (Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings movies). It was amazing. Ian McKellen did such an incredible job reading this story. Several times I wondered if I would enjoy it as much if I just read it myself. We loved this one so much we are listening to the next one in the series called "Spirit Walker."

Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

I read the whole Shadow Children series written by this same author and loved those. She has such a great writing style that makes you want to keep turning the pages. I love how she comes up with a plot that I've never thought of before and so it's really hard to predict what might happen in a situation like that. The end takes a twist that I would have never guessed.

Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

This is another one of those books that has a plot that is so creative. Essentially, there is a meteor that hits the moon and bumps it out of it's orbit closer to the earth. The book is written as diary entries from a 15 year old girl as she documents the events that take place in the world and to hear family after this global crisis. This one was in the Young Adult section and has a bit of language in it, so I would only recommend it for older children or adults. I'm thinking this one would be good for my book club that's been taking a break for way too long (This is a heads-up, girls!)

The Liberation of Gabriel King by K.L. Going

This one is set in the South in the early 70's (I think)

when there is still some racism. It's a story of a white boy in 5th grade whose best friend is a black girl. Gabriel is a scaredy cat and his courageous and determined friend tries to help him overcome his fears and in the process we find out about her fears as well. This is a very easy read that I found very entertaining.

I'm not done with my stack of books to read, but these are the ones I loved so far. My goal is to read all the 2009 nominations for Children's Fiction and Young Adult Fiction and VOTE! If you live in Utah, you can vote at your library and voting will probably start in January.

Flashback Friday - Suction Darts

Ian and Rayna were laughing so hard after they stuck these suction cup darts on Jaeda's head (don't worry, they didn't SHOOT them on to her head). Ian could hardly stand up he was laughing so hard. Jaeda was so tickled to be included in their game - she was squealing and laughing, too. Not quite what I had in mind when I suggest playing with the baby, but the end result was the same, I guess. Even I got a much needed belly laugh out of it.
October 27, 2005

Blessing Brynlee

Our sweet little baby Brynlee is such a treat to have in our home. She is so mild and sweet. Her cry is so quiet and thoughtful like she is really trying to communicate. Her voice cracks sometimes when she cries and it is so cute you just have to say "oooh." She is so quick to smile at anyone that will talk to her which adds to her kissable-ness.

We had such a wonderful time with family on the weekend of her blessing. Rick's parents came out from California and we had all the Utah Sannars and Wilhelmsens there to share in our joy. We had dinner together afterwards and then headed to my parents' house to show off the beautiful chicken coop that Rick built and of course the chickens that go inside it.

Here are some pictures of Brynlee in her blessing dress. I actually crocheted this dress with matching bonnet and booties for Rayna when she was a baby. Rayna wore it, Jaeda wore it, and Megan (Wyn's daughter) all wore it for their blessing day. I'm so glad that it's gotten so much use. But as the crazed Mom trying to get everyone ready and to church on time on the special occaision and in a hurry to undress the baby that might spit up on the white dress or something even worse, I incidentally have never taken pictures of the dress itself. Shan'l came over and used her special photography talents to capture the beautiful dress, and the beautiful baby girl wearing it.

Photography by Shan'l Parish

Flashback Friday - Translating

Here is Joseph and Emma Smith translating the silver (foil) plates in between General Conference Sessions. I wish i could have transcribed what Ian...I mean Joseph was saying. It was so cute.Picture taken October 11, 2004 in our home in Spanish Fork, UT. Ian is almost 5 and Rayna is almost 3.

My poor lonely blog

I haven't forgotten you, old friend. I have a pile of blog entries ever growing. I promise to compose when I get a moment uninterrupted when I'm not so busy and don't have to feel guilty about spending more computer time. I'll be back!

Flashback Friday - Yellow Belt

Mattie Rae talked me into taking private Kempo Karate lessons with her. So, once a week I went to north Orem to take lessons in a very small class with 3-5 students. I loved it. It was amazing how it changed me. My confidence improved, I felt safer and felt capapble. Even my dreams changed. At times I used to dream like I was running through darkness not being able to see anything or move as quickly as I needed to. No more dreams like that. They changed to being protective of myself and my family. Everything was clearer and I was in control. I liked that. Rick was very supportive and watched the kids so I could pursue one of my childhood dreams. I went on to earn my Orange belt and my Purple belt. I had to quit after my Purple belt test, as I was like 6 months pregnant with Jaeda, and my balance was hopeless. While I was busy being a mother, we lost access to our do-jo, and our teacher, Doug Anderson decided not to teach anymore.

This is my instructor, Doug Anderson, teaching me the proper way to tie my new belt. After 4 weeks of private karate lessons, I got to test for my yellow belt. Here is my initiation punch after being awarded my yellow belt. It didn't hurt, but it sure knocked me off balance.

Flashback Friday - Family October 2004

Here is a family picture taken October 8, 2004. Rayna is almost 3 and Ian is almost 5. I am very newly pregnant with Jaeda as well ...but that wasn't public knowledge at the time. We were enjoying our new home in Spanish Fork, Utah.

Kid tag...You're it!

My friend Sara tagged Ian, Rayna, and Jaeda. I was horrified that they might actually tell the truth and reveal what an awful mother I am. But I guess answering straight to my face was intimidating enought that they were at least polite. I wonder how the answers would have been different if I wasn't the one asking.

I officially tag Mik'l, Madison, Kaelyn, Christian, Kennedy, Scottlyn, Boston, Saylor, Samera, and Sylas.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Ian: “Good Morning”
Rayna: “Don’t come in my room”
Jaeda: “Yes”

2. What makes mom happy?
Ian: When I’m obedient
Rayna: When I do something good
Jaeda: Crown

3. What makes mom sad?
Ian: When I’m unobedient like horsing around
Rayna: When I do something mean
Jaeda: A bonk

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Ian: Making a face that I call "flat smile"
Rayna: tickle me
Jaeda: cus I’m gonna get a crown for me

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Ian: I don’t really know cuz I wasn’t alive back then. A person with glasses?
Rayna: She had short hair and now she has long hair
Jaeda: Cuz you were a little baby last night

6. How old is your mom?
Ian: like 29 or something?
Rayna: 30 or 35 (nice)
Jaeda: 2

7. How tall is your mom?
Ian: my guess would be about 5 to 6 feet
Rayna: 4 feet
Jaeda: big

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Ian: I’m guessing nurse Brynlee and check her email
Rayna: Maybe go shopping
Jaeda: to make my hair pretty

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Ian: Nurse Brynlee
Rayna: I don’t know that cuz I’m not around. Play with Brynlee?
Jaeda: get wipes

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Ian: being a good singer
Rayna: cuz my family is so good
Jaeda: painting

11. What is your mom really good at?
Ian: crocheting and nursing Brynlee (hmmm. I'm seeing a pattern here)
Rayna: sewing
Jaeda: getting flowers

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Ian: yelling
Mom: Do I need more practice?
Ian: No!
Rayna: letting me buy things that I really really want to get
Jaeda : crying

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Ian: do chores at home
Rayna: she stays home and takes care of my baby sister, Brynlee
Jaeda: make her happy

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Ian: Chinese food or something?
Rayna: Spaghetti
Jaeda: noodles

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Ian: That she’s my mom and that she’s a good mom.
Rayna: When she takes me out to the movies
Jaeda: healthy

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Ian: Haru from “the Cat Returns." Whenever I see that she reminds me of a teenage version of you.
Rayna: anyone she wants (always a good answer)
Jaeda: Cinderella

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Ian: Eat at restaurants
Rayna: Geocaching
Jaeda: Get make up

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Ian: We both like Brynlee and using the computer
Rayna: We almost have the same voice
Jaeda: We’re looking out the window like that

19. How are you and your mom different?
Ian: She’s not that interested in legos or remote control airplanes or anything close to that. (So true)
Rayna: My mom has so much freckles and I barely have any.
Jaeda: Yours shirt is different

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Ian: Because she gives me allowance and is just really nice and doesn’t loose her temper in a short amount of time and always buys the food that I like except spaghetti.
Rayna: When she tells me
Jaeda: cuz I loves yours chin *kiss*

Strawberry Jam

I've always known that kids are capable beings - very capable at a young age to make huge messes and refuse to clean them up. I am not one of those lucky women who was born with a love of cooking NOR do I have any interest in cleaning up the cooking mess. Now, I know as a stay at home mom, it is my primary responsibility to do these things, but I have to admit I have no love for either of them. I know some wonderful women who are very talented at organizing and cleaning, or find joy in providing beautiful square meals for their family daily - this simply is not me. Because of this, I have a strict rule in my house that no kids are allowed in the kitchen when I'm cooking. I'm stressed out as it is trying to muster up some sort of meal within 20 minutes since I've procrastinated till the last moment my most unfavorite chore of the day. Kids asking to "help" just adds to my aggravation.

BUT...in light of my recent lessons learned, I decided that I might help to teach my kids some skills in the kitchen and have them make strawberry freezer jam. I didn't have any plans, so there was no rush, freezer jam is easier than pie with no cooking even!

I was most nervous about letting either of them use sharp knives. Rayna is 6 and she has cut herself using a butter-knife before. Ian is 8, but he is simply careless at times. I was more afraid of him accidentally stabbing Rayna with his knife than I was worried about either of them cutting themselves. I just kept telling myself that even if there is blood, they won't die...it's part of learning. And how will Ian ever learn to be careful with a knife unless he practices, and hopefully if I supervise, someday I may even TRUST him with one...maybe.
Believe it or not, they cut the greens off of 4 whole pounds of strawberries without one accident! Amazing! They had a great time together. Jaeda woke up from her nap during their fun and came to watch.
Here is Rayna stirring in the pectin that Ian poured in. She lost her front tooth earlier today, so this is her brand new tooth-less smile. The next step to freezer jam is to stir it every 5 minutes for 1/2 hour. They weren't too keen on hanging out for that, so I let them go play and I finished it up myself all ALONE.
It wasn't so bad having them in the kitchen as long as I wasn't doing any of it. I didn't mind supervising them, and when it was my turn I got the kitchen to myself. What a great experience. For dinner, we had bread and JAM. It was fun to see the kids enjoy it so much.