Ashley's friend birthday party

APRIL 18, 2009

To celebrate Ashley's 10th birthday, we invited her closest friends over for a party. The invitations read:

"It's time to get spoiled and pampered away.....

With manicures and hair up-do's to celebrate Ashley's birthday!"

We met at our house to open presents & have cupcakes and then drove the girl's to a hair school to have their hair, makeup & nails done. I called around and found Sherman-Kendall's Academy in Salt Lake, which did hair parties for only $7.50 per girl. I was thrilled for this price because the other hair schools wanted either $12 or $18 and could only accommodate 10 girls maximum. Sherman Kendall's had a maximum of 15 girls, which Ashley had a hard time narrowing her list down to. Ashley has been so lucky to live in a neighborhood that has so many girls her age. While the kid's were pampered with their hair up-do's, makeup & nails, I treated myself to an eyebrow wax for a mere $4.50. I'm liking the price of the hair schools. I'll take it!

The hair students at Sherman Kendall's did a great job with each girl. Here's their "after" shot.

I LOVED how Ashley's hair turned out. Ashley has very thick, naturally curly hair and the girl straightened and then did large curls which she pinned several of them up.

Here's a back shot of Ashley's hair.

And a side view shot of Ashley's hair

And then I took an individual picture of each girl. Yes, I took many pictures!

Sierra

Kalyssa

Hallie

Katelyn

Lexi

Brynna

Aliza

Hannah

Sarah

Summer

Jessica

Abbey

All in all, it was a great birthday party. I think it's one we'll definitely do for Abbey, Aliza and Ava.

Easter Sunday

APRIL 12, 2009

Unfortunately, Easter Sunday we spent home with sick kids. Ava & Aliza had ear infections and the rest of us had bad head colds. We usually have both of our families over for an easter egg hunt in our backyard & a barbeque, but had to cancel that. The kids all loved their easter baskets, the girls each had a new Webkinz in their basket and Alex had a new airsoft gun.

Happy 10th Birthday, Ashley!

APRIL 8, 2009

Happy 10th Birthday, Ashley! We love you so much & are so happy you're part of our family. We had a great time celebrating your birthday with you.

For each of our kid's birthdays, we let them pick their favorite restaurant to eat at for dinner. When they were younger, it was usually McDonald's. Then, most of them would choose Olive Garden. This year, Ashley picked Tepanyaki, one of our favorites. We'd probably go there more often if it wasn't so expensive. We all love their delicious food.

Our cook demonstrating the famous onion trick. Even though we've seen it many times, it never gets old.

APRIL 26, 2009

We had a family birthday dinner at our house to celebrate Ashley's birthday. I made sweet & sour chicken, one of our family favorites. We gave Ashley a pink IPOD, which she's been wanting for a long time. She was excited to get a itunes gift card from Steve & Margo, Jake & Josh.

Grandma (Jason's mom) made her some clothes for her American Girl Doll. Jared & Marize gave her a cute bag with lots of lotions and lip glosses. Ellen & Angie gave her a card and will take her for a "day of fun." Grandma (Michelle's mom) gave her several shirts and $ to spend. Jeff & Missy gave her a magnet board with darling magnets to hang in her room. Joe & Michelle gave her a photo factory to make different projects with.

Ashley with her birthday cake. Thanks to all of our family members for coming over to celebrate Ashley's birthday with us.

Logan Dance Recital

APRIL 4, 2009

We spent all day on Sat, 4/4/09 at a dance competition in Logan. Ashley & Abbey's teams did great. Abbey's group took 1st on their jazz dance and received a judge's favorite choice award for choreography. Ashley's group took 1st on this dance (lyrical) and 2nd on their jazz dance. I always enjoy driving back to Logan & reminiscing about the good old college days at Utah State. Plus it was a great excuse to eat lunch on the way up at Maddox, one of my favorites, in Brigham City.

Abbey, 2nd Grade Animal Fair

MARCH 26, 2009

Abbey's 2nd grade class had an animal fair. Abbey picked the polar bear to write a report about. She also created a display board and clay sculptures of the animal. Great job, Abbey. We enjoyed coming to your school to see you!

Happy 38th Birthday, Jason!

MARCH 10, 2009

Jason & I have the tradition that we take the day off for our birthday. We figure one of the perks of being self-employed is having a flexible work schedule. Every year I try to talk Jason into celebrating his birthday on a different day, since his birthday is March 10th (right in the peak of tax season & a few days before the corporate tax deadline of March 15th). We still celebrate every year on March 10th, which every year it ends up being a great break & really helps to recharge my batteries. This year I surprised Jason and we drove to Midway & spent the night at the Worldmark timeshare. My mom has a membership, which works out great for us. We can reserve time with her "bonus time," which the rate is usually much less than a normal hotel. My sister, Melissa spent the night at our house and watched all of the kids except Ava, who came with us. We had a great lunch at the Homestead in Midway and then went shopping at the outlets in Park City. Thanks again, Melissa, for watching the kids for us. We had a great, relaxing day!

Champion Dance Competition @ Roy High School

MARCH 7, 2009

Abbey & Ashley had their first competition this year at Roy High School. Their teams did great. Abbey's group took 1st place in their age division for their jazz dance. Ashley's group performed two dances, jazz & lyrical. They took 1st place on lyrical and 2nd place for their jazz dance.

Abbey with dance friend, Alexa

Ashley with dance friend, Sierra (in lyrical outfit)

All dancers received these trophies at the end of the competition.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

MARCH 4, 2009

I walked into the family room and saw Aliza pretending to nurse "Baby Sparkles." Sparkles goes everywhere Aliza does. She tucks her in bed every night and is such a good little mommy to her.

I'm in the process of trying to wean Ava. She'll be 18 months May 30th and I am SO ready to be done nursing her. Lately, her favorite thing to do is to nurse & eat together. For example, if I give her a string cheese, she'll take a bite and then nurse and then eat another bite and then nurse. I've never had a baby do this before. Now whenever she wants to nurse, she'll chase me around the house and calls for "na-na's". Okay, writing this is giving me a serious wake up call, that it's time to be done! My kids have never taken pacifiers or bottles. I truly have felt like a human pacifier the past 12 years! I just did the math. I have been lactating for 86 months-that's over 7 years! (ok, not straight, but combining all 5 kids), probably too much information!!!

I truly have enjoyed nursing. It's amazing to read of the benefits for both the baby & mother. I have been so lucky that it's been such an easy thing for me. In fact, one of the best skills I've mastered is being able to nurse and sleep at the same time. I've had many clients laugh at the fact that I can nurse a baby and do their taxes at the same time. Of course, I'm covered up! But there really isn't enough hours in the day to take a break. I'm usually multi-tasking when I'm nursing, whether it's returning phone calls, emailing, catching up on a reality TV show or cranking out a payroll.

I served a LDS mission to Uruguay and saw so many interesting things with the women & nursing. I remember a little 6-yr old boy who ran up to his mother and lifted up her shirt and took a drink from what looked to be a water hose, because it seriously was at this lady's waist. (She was pretty overweight) I couldn't figure out what he was doing until my companion told me the mom still nursed all of her kids. Another time, a lady was nursing a baby and I told her how cute her baby was and she told me, "This isn't my baby, it's my neighbor's," which is really common for them to nurse each other's babies. It's so interesting how different it is here in the United States.

So if you ever hear Ava yelling for "na-na's", it's not bananas she's after! WISH ME LUCK!

Best Banana Bread

1 c. margarine
2 c. sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp lemon juice
4 eggs
3 1/2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 c mashed bananas
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
2 c sour cream

Mix all of above ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes. Makes 4 medium loaves. This recipe is also good with chocolate chips.

* This is seriously one of my favorite banana bread recipes. It's super moist because of the sour cream. ENJOY!

A day with Grandpa Max

MARCH 4, 2009

I always look forward to preparing Grandpa's taxes. It's our yearly tradition that Jason picks up Pace's Drive In food after we finish. We always get a kick out of my Grandpa Max. Grandpa just turned 90 last August and he always keeps us laughing. When Jason brought back the food Grandpa said, "Ohhh, baby." He took one look at the chocolate malt (his favorite) and said, "Wow-ee." Jason asked him if he had enough food and he said, "I won't have to eat until a week from Sunday."

A few highlights from Grandpa's visit:

* Grandpa said, "My dad never drank unless he was alone or with someone." There was a billboard that said, "Drink Canada Dry." Grandpa said, "My Dad tried to."

* Melissa & I love to hear Grandpa tell us that the "Good Lord loves us."

But of course, the all-time classic Grandpa comment is:

* When my brother, Jared wore sweat pants that were a little too tight, my Grandpa said, "Jared, are you smuggling some grapes."

Grandpa's two cars are a "Screamin' 8" which is this lovely Brown 1978 Ford LTD and the "Buckskin" which is a 1971 Ford Truck (I can't believe his still owns a vehicle from the year I was born!) I guess they called vehicles "Screamin' 8's in 1936 when the V8 engine first came out. Grandpa says his paint job has lasted so long because he keeps this car in the garage and the paint has lead in it. As Grandpa says his "Screamin' 8" purrs like a tomcat in a creamery."

Ben's 1st Birthday Party

FEBRUARY 21, 2009

We celebrated my nephew & kid's cousin, Ben's 1st birthday at Gymboree. Here's Melissa & Kate, Gymbo the Clown, Marize & Benny, and myself & Ava. It's been so fun to have cousins so close to the same age.

The kids had fun playing with the parachute that we lifted up & down and went underneath. It took me back to the elementary school days. Very cute. Aliza standing in the middle & quite proud.

Sweet baby Kate! We had so much fun with Melissa & Kate while they were here and miss them so much! The six weeks they were here went by way too fast.

I've never seen so many bubbles. They had a bubble blower that continually blew bubbles.

Company Carrots

2 bunches whole carrots (2 ½ pounds)
¼ cup of carrot cooking liquid
½ cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp onion, minced
¼- ½ Tbsp prepared horseradish
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup saltine crackers, finely crushed
1 Tbsp melted butter
Parsley, chopped
Paprika

Peel carrots and cut in half or thirds. Cook in salted water until tender (reserve ¼ cup of cooking liquid). Cut lengthwise in narrow strips. Arrange in 9x9-inch baking dish. Set aside. Combine cooking liquid with mayonnaise, onion, horseradish, salt and pepper. This may be done ahead and put in the refrigerator.

To serve, pour sauce over carrots. Combine cracker crumbs and butter together and sprinkle on top. Sprinkle with parsley and paprika. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Serves 8

Optional: Add grated cheese before baking.

Delicious side dish! Thanks for sharing, Missy!

Chicken Cordon Bleu

8 chicken breast halves
8 slices ham
8 slices Swiss cheese
1/2 c. melted butter
1 c. bread crumbs

Pound chicken until flat. Roll with ham & cheese in center; secure with toothpick. Roll in butter and dip in bread crumbs. Cook, uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

SAUCE:

1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 c. sour cream
1 tsp lemon juice

Microwave sauce and serve hot over chicken.

* Delicious dinner. Personally, one of our family favorites!

Mom & Duane turn the big 6-0!

FEBRUARY 2009


Mom & Duane both turned the big 6-0. Mom's birthday is 2/9 and Duane's birthday is 2/11, so we had everyone over to celebrate. I cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu, one of my favorites. Happy Birthday, Mom & Duane. Hope you both had a great day!

Ava, Abbey, Aliza, Ashley with cousin Ben

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 pkgs (10 oz) each frozen chopped spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
1 pkg (8 oz) fat free cream cheese, cubed
1 container (8 oz) reduced fat sour cream
1 can (14 oz) water packed artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 to 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 c shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
Bread or crackers for dipping

Cook onion until tender in frying pan. Add spinach; cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Reduce heat to low, stir in cream cheese and sour cream. Add the artichoke hearts, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Transfer to an ungreased 1 1/2 qt microwave safe dish; sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with bread or crackers.

Delicious dip & great appetizer. Love it with baguette-style bread. Thanks Angie for sharing.

Pistachio Salad

1 small pkg pistachio pudding, dry
1 regular size container of cool whip
1 regular size can of crushed pineapple with juice (15 oz or larger)
2 cups of miniature marshmallows

Stir & mix all ingredients together. Chill before serving.

Super easy recipe & great salad! Thanks Margo for sharing!

Science Fair Projects

JANUARY 2009

2 more science fair projects down! Only 11 more to go! I'm really tempted to "recycle" these boards and have my younger kids use the same project boards. At our kid's elementary school, they are required to do science fair projects in 4th, 5th and 6th grade. So this year when I thought of helping 5 kids with 3 science fair projects, that's a grand total of 15 science fair projects. Science fair always hits at the worst time, when we're busy with taxes, W-2's and year end payroll & sales tax returns. Oh well, I guess there's never a perfect time.

Thank goodness for the internet. I had both Alex & Ashley use the internet to search for ideas and try to find an easy one.

Ashley picked "How much salt does it take to make an object float?" which we used various objects like an egg, rock & paper clip. She actually was picked as the top 3 from her class, but didn't advance to the district level.


Ashley with friends Kaitlyn & Hannah who were all picked as their class top 3 projects.

Alex's project was super easy, but interesting to test water & see which types of bottled water had the least amount of particulates.

Cabin Retreat

JANUARY 18-19, 2009

Our good friends & neighbors invited us to their Midway cabin. We all had a great time......

sledding & tubing (Abbey the little dare-devil)

singing karaoke-style (Abbey with Kaitlyn, Lexi & Brock)

& keeping our babies happy (random shot of Ava).