The Month in Review...

Okay, really the month and a half. My kids keep reminding me that I haven't updated the blog since last month, so here are more than a few photos of what has been going on that has kept me from blogging - aka - all the excuses I can think of.

Excuse #1 - The Talmanator

Talmage came to town and who can blog with such a cutie around? "Not I", said the grandma.
He got to stay a whole week with us while Ashley and Brandon went on a little getaway. He and I were buddies all day long while everyone was at school or work,but come 3:49ish, he really came alive. When the kids came home, he was excited, and then when Grandpa came home, he was elated. Here he demonstrates his torture method on Uncle Trevor.




Even though he is The Talmanator, he does possess a compassionate side, and always has a hug and a big slobbery kiss for his prisoner.








Talmage is also really smart and continued to strengthen his relationship with Grandpa.









Hygiene is also very important to The Talmanator, and more than one night found him in Grandpa and Grandma's tub, splashing up a storm. Uncle Trevor was always happy to be his partner in crime.

He was pure fun to have around. Even his little "fits" when he didn't get his way were fun to watch! We'll take him back anytime!



Excuse #2 - Cub Scouts


March means Pinewood Derby in these parts, and this year proved as exciting as years past. (Okay, last year is really the first one I've been at, but it was exciting too! :-)

Trevor's car is the one that will come in 1st place in this picture. He didn't always win, but he was a respectable 2nd place in the races he didn't.











March's theme of "Take Flight", was also a perfect opportunity for our den to go to one of our favorite places, the local Helicopter company, where one of our ward member's works and graciously lets us come and walk around the very expensive helicopters. I know the boys love this, because they are very careful as they walk around and listen very carefully to whetever Bro. Palmer has to say.

I can't use Cubs as an excuse much longer, as I have been called to work in Relief Society again, and will soon be released as Bear Den Leader. It has been fun, and I have really loved being able to be with Trevor.

Excuse #3 - Math CompetitionOkay, truth be told, my contribution to Math Competition was picking up Kristin from the practices. Not really excuse worthy. But...it did happen in the last 6 weeks, and I thought I should at least mention it.

They placed the same - 4th. In the same category - Geometry, as they did last year.

Thank you, Mr. Murphy, for all your time as their coach!

Excuse #4 - One more trip to the Emerald City

Where did the last 6 months go? It was already time for Ashley and Brandon to move back to Dallas, so we trekked over one last time to spend the weekend with them. We took a few pictures at some of the favorite tourist viewpoints - Lovely. We hung out a little at Pike's Market - so many interesting people. We made it to the temple - always worth the effort. Ate yummy Thai food - the best yet out of the two times I've had it. The weather was perfect for a little park time - yay for sun! We also got to hang out with Chelsie and her friend, who made a road trip to Seattle the same weekend we were there - timing truly is everything.

































So as you can see, it has been a very busy 6 weeks, and I'm only at the end of March.
To be continued...

Wise words from the good doctor

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Through the years, Dr. Seuss has delighted children of all ages with his nonsensical books filled with made up words that rhyme. Many a parent has felt like they read a whole book of tongue twisters after finishing one of his stories. Some of his stories are just plain fun, some are allegorical, some even deal with environmental issues, and some teach valuable life lessons.

Here are a few of the life lessons we have learned throughout the years from Theodor Geisel

- Cats are not dependable babysitters when parents are away on a day that is too wet to play.

- A person's a person, no matter how small.

- You may really like something you've never tasted before, even if it is offered by an annoying person named Sam I Am.

- Stars on your bellies or the lack thereof, really don't matter at all.

- Some really wacky things can happen on Wednesdays.

- A book doesn't really have to make sense to be entertaining. Can you moo like Mr. Brown?

Of course, there are many other books written by Dr. Seuss. The above list is just a few that came to mind as I'm typing.

Here are some words by Dr. Seuss that I've never found in any of his books, and that has gained relevance in my life as a mom with children starting to leave the nest and make their own way in the world. Each time I put one on a plane or drop one off at college, or leave one of their homes, these words bring comfort to my heart and mind.

"Don't cry because its over, smile because it happened."

I won't say it works every time because I'm usually fighting back tears on the above ocasions, but I do remember to smile because it happened, and that helps me not cry as long! :-)

Hope you remembered to eat Green Eggs and Ham this morning!

Like Grandpa - Like Grandson

Its no secret around here that Talmage has Grandpa right where he wants him, and clearly Talmage knows how to keep that advantage. Is there a better way to keep your Grandpa aware that you are around than by imitating him? I think not! Clearly, the boy is a genius!

Happy Birthday Brandon

Today is my favorite Son-in-law's birthday. I can say he is my favorite, because he is my only one. :-) Here's what he looks like in case you've never met him. (He is the bigger of the two handsome men in this picture.)

I'm posting in blue because he is a tried and true BYU fan! Even when he says he doesn't like them because they aren't doing well, I suspect that deep down he still really likes them. Cougar loyalty runs deep.

Brandon has many admirable characteristics - hard worker, faithful Priesthood holder, good daddy, yummy omelet maker, doesn't mind that Ashley comes to visit often...the list goes on.

But the number one reason I like him so much is that he loves our daughter. This is evident in so many ways. As already mentioned, he works hard to provide for his family, and is willing to give up things, mainly his time, to perform well at whatever job he has. He pitches in at home giving her a break from the mundane tasks that are a part of running a home. Along with being a faithful Priesthood holder, Brandon knows the importance of a strong family. As he and Ashley raise Talmage, they make sure Scripture Study, Family Home Evening and Family Prayer are a part of their family life. As a parent, one couldn't wish for more in a Son-in-law.

Three cheers for Brandon! We love him!

Happy 26th Birthday!!!

A Good Week on the Hardwood

Who cares if the Super Bowl was today? We have bigger and better sports news. The athlete's are steroid-free, have squeaky-clean records, and are (for the most part) good sports. Not to mention, pretty darn cute!
Trevor's team has struggled all season to win a game. A week ago yesterday, his team tied their opponents. We were happy campers.

Yesterday, as the game unfolded, the fans began to feel a victory in sight. As the 4th quarter began, it became more exciting, and as you can see by the scoreboard, with 11 seconds to go, the home team was assured a victory!!!

Kristin's team is still looking for that elusive win. With only 3 teams in her age bracket, you get to know your competition pretty good, maybe a little better than you hope to. One team they face every other game is from a small community just east of here, and they are tough, intimidating and pretty physical. Combine that with their size (most of them bigger than our team) and it makes for some pretty discouraging outcomes.

The other team is a little more evenly matched, but has managed to be victorious in each game. But...the time before last, they only won by 2 points. Then, Thursday's game, although not a victory on the scoreboard, was very exciting to watch. Kristin's team held them scoreless in the 4th quarter. Her team had 6 points at the beginning of that quarter, and as you can see by the scoreboard in the picture, they made quite a comeback. The fans all thought a win was likely, but their shooting went cold and the final score was 17-25. Still...it was a good night!

She'll be in Primary no more

Happy Birthday Kristin




Yesterday was Kristin's 12th birthday, which means she has moved on from Primary and entered the world of Young Women. Hard to believe she's old enough to be in 6th Grade, let alone be out of Primary.

Her dinner choice garnered hurrah's by the whole family. Bulgogi, twice backed potatoes, jello, corn (with butter), crescent rolls from the can, and rhubarb/raspberry cobbler with ice cream for dessert!

She tried to gain a little advantage on blowing out her candles, but in the end, it was all good.

Lasagna Night

There's nothing like a man in the kitchen, and I had a cute one helping me today. Trevor tried his hand at putting together a lasagna and declared it easy. He also ate his larger than asked for helping in no time flat, supporting the theory that things you make yourself taste better than usual.


Here's Trevor's recipe for "Lazy Lasagna".

Brown 1 lb mild Italian sausage. Drain and mix with one large can spaghetti sauce and 1/3 cup water.

Mix together in large bowl - 12 oz of cottage cheese, 2 beaten eggs, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.

In the bottom of a 9x13 pan, sprayed with Pam, spread a large spoonful of the spaghetti sauce mixture. Top with 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of sauce, 1/2 cottage cheese mixture and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering. Spread remaining sauce on top of noodles and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 deg. until noodles are tender and most of sauce is absorbed. Can remove foil towards the end and let it brown on top if desired. Cooking usually takes about 45 mins or so.