Gearing up to blog again

Been a while since I last posted. I am not really going to post tonight. But starting to think about it. Check back later and see if I follow through. Things to talk about. Nikki, Halloween, famlily etc.

Stupid Things

Close Trevor, Reece, and Abby's eyes because I am about to write a bad work.
Stupid.

Stupid things I did yesterday.

#1) I was on my way to a wedding reception when I decided to check on my parent's house. When I went to get back into the car, the door was locked and the keys inside. I have no idea how the door got locked. I tried to play McGyver with a coat hanger, but failed miserably. So I had to call Jon to come and rescue me.

#2) While I was waiting for him to be my white and shining knight, I .....

Arthur -- the Aardvark

I love the show Arthur on PBS. It is well written and true to life. Arthur tends to imagine how something really happened. Well, I am guilty of being that person who worries too much.

On the 4th of July I left the fireworks warehouse around 10:15pm. On the same block, a little ways away, I saw a grass fire (probably from irresponsible fireworks participants, which I sold to). I knew it was being reported because I saw a tow truck driver standing there on his cell phone. I also knew the fire station was just a block away. Then I wondered if I should have turned around and told the fireworks warehouse people. I didn't.

The worry set in.

"The parking lot guy will see it and warn everyone."

"It has to get to the houses first before it will get to the fireworks warehouse."

"First responders will get there in time to let everyone know."
"It is so dry, it is going to spread fast."

These are the thoughts that went through my mind. Then, what if that isn't what happens...

"I hope those houses have well watered lawns to protect them from fire."
"The fire department is sure to be at another fire. It is Independence Day with a burn ban!"
"Certainly the fireworks warehouse people had been warned."
"What if they didn't get a warning?"
"I hope everyone is okay?"
"What if they aren't"
"There is a gas station right next to the fireworks warehouse."
"Not good."
"No more fireworks warehouse sales for us."
"Imagine the fireworks warehouse on fire."

So then I go to bed with these thoughts in the back of my mind.

"I wonder how big the fire is now."
"Do they have it under control?"
"Did it get the houses and the trees and the fireworks warehouse?"

As I lay there trying to get some zeeeees, I hear a helicopter go over my house, past 11:00. My imagination goes again. "It has to be a helicopter to help take out fires with." It came back about 15-20 minutes later. "Yep, that is probably one of those helicopters." I worry.

The next morning I woke up and went straight to the television to see the news. Nothing. Not a single story about a fire. I went to the internet to check the local news stories. Nothing. Later that day, I made an excuse to go that direction, just to look at ground zero of my worries. I saw the burned grass. The burned area was no greater than the area of grass I saw burning. Obviously the fire department got there soon after I passed by.

My worries? Needless.

My peace of mind? Priceless.

Morning Moo

I bought Morning Moo. I didn't buy it lightly. I did my homework. I searched for people's opinions. I found that people think it is really better than regular dry milk.

Like 100 times better.

My expectations were high.

I found myself without milk and refused to do a milk run if I had Morning Moo in my kitchen.

So I made a quart of Morning Moo, hoping to fool my children. I followed directions, but I knew I couldn't fool my kids. The color wasn't even the same color as milk (maybe I should have made it the night before and let it sit in the fridge?). I tasted it and knew it wasn't going to pass the kid test. So instead of trying to pretend it was regular milk I added chocolate to it. Since cereal wasn't an option after that move, I made pancakes.

Seth was the only person adventurous enough to try it. He said, "Not that bad." No one else would even venture a taste. Except for me. I tasted it. My opinion? "It tasted like milk from a carton, with an aftertaste." Seth agreed. That may be better than regular dry milk, but not 100 times better.

Other people's blogs

Haven't been very good about my project 365 program.
I have enjoyed reading some other people's blogs, though. Some people are so funny. I had a good laugh with this one.

Fireants attracted to Basketball

Don't quite know what the attraction is. This morning I found fireants swarming this basketball.

They sure are busy little buggers.

Independence Day Celebration!

I have been spread too thin this past week. Having 2 high school aged boys both in band at 2 separate high schools calls for double duty. Had to work at 2 different fireworks stands to help the band raise money for band fees, helps to reduce our bands costs too. Knowing I was going to have to do double duty on July 4, we opted to see The Woodlands festivities July 3. The Houston symphony gave a free patriotic concert at The Woodlands Pavilion. We sat in the middle back of the pavilion right in front of the 8 canons used for the 1812 Overture. Fireworks were right behind the canons, so we had front row seats to the fireworks as well. Watched fireworks lying down, no neck cramp. Awesome. video to come.

Seth acting as a teenager - too cool - for all this stuff. Jon and Ryan just being silly.

72 Hour Kits

Family Home Evening was spent updating our 72 hour kits, especially with hurricane season upon us. Good thing we didn't' need them recently. Some of the food was spoiled. All the food in there now is good till hurricane season is over, then we need to restock again (it just never ends). Good opportunity to take inventory and build them up with more supplies. Also, I know we started with a flashlight in all of them, but last night, only 1 had a flashlight. So.... we need to stop picking out the loot in the bags!!!!!

The boys hardly had anything to do with the project. I commend Moriah and Melanie for their help and support. Melanie even went the extra mile and filled up a 2 liter bottle of water at her own discretion. I was impressed to see her really thinking it through and taking action. She was very diligent in logging all the contents in 2 bags (not 1 but 2 bags, since Jaren is not here).

In order not to incriminate a certain person of my family, I learned 2 things last night. 1) Always be aware of the yard work being done if you are in any proximity of it, and then wear a helmet, you just never know. 2) find my bottle of ipecac syrup! I went on an ipecac run late last night and came home empty handed (Randall's, Walgreens and CVS).

We set up the volleyball net in the front yard for family home evening so that Moriah could practice volleyball. But after no rain for well over a month and near drought conditions, a storm decided to pass by just after we got the net up. I made the kids go inside because the lighting was well in sight and getting closer. But...........NO RAIN!!!!! It just past south of us. No fun!

Well, I learned something last night, they don't sell ipecac syrup anymore! Isn't every household supposed to have that? Well, that was what I thought but here is the scoop as to why not anymore. Moriah swallowed prenatal vitamins when she was not even 2 years old and I called poison control right away. They told me to give her ipecac syrup. I didn't have any (which is why I know I own some because I got it right after this) so I took her to E/R. They gave her ipecac and she vomited up 3 pills (can you imagine thinking those nasty pills were candy?) I personally think we should still have it in the house, just make sure you call poison control center first (my conclusion after reading this, not last night, obviously).

Finally Finished!

After a week I am finally done with the tomatoes! Yeah! Now all I have to do is find a place to put all 44 jars. Oi.

Mom's birthday was yesterday, she wasn't on skype last night, so if she reads this, "Happy Birthday!"

No a/c! Branden Reyes is born! Death of 2 icons.

INCONVENIENT! The air conditioner stopped cooling. It got up to 91 degrees in our house. The power went out twice prior, so it had to be related, but all the circuit breakers were in place. While packing the van to go to my mom's house for relief, our neighbor came to the rescue. He flipped all the circuits off and on. In the process he found a wiggly breaker, not noticeable to the eye. What a relief! A/C is on. It is one of the greatest inventions ever and I am so thankful for it. FYI, it was over 100` yesterday.

Just 2 days before I bought a battery operated fan. Didn't need to use it with batteries, but did need to use it. Very light weight (without batteries, takes 8 D's, so...) , not too big or too small, produced a good strong wind. It was actually quite nice. Found it at Walmart.

GOOD NEWS! I am an auntie again. Paul and Maila had their second baby. Branden Keanu Reyes. Here is a montage of photos Paul created. Very nice.




SAD NEWS! Farrah Faucet and Michael Jackson both died today. Just before dinner time (5'ish) I got on the Internet to check my e-mail. On the yahoo news at the bottom it said something about Michael Jackson being dead. I clicked on it and it was vague, just said a friend of the Michael's reported it, but unconfirmed. I went to drudgereport.com and they had it, and just to verify, I went to foxnews.com and they had a video of it. I didn't watch the video but that was when I figured it must be true. So I turned and told my children. Their faces all looked surprised and they immediately gathered around me and had me look at Wikipedia for it. Sure enough, it was updated it. (they obviously think wikipedia is the truth in all things, I need to set them straight, later). Someone turned on the news and they were talking about it, so it did appear real. Then I noticed Farrah Faucet died. I couldn't believe it. Two icons in one day. Too weird. (want to know my first thought about Michael? If he did do those things, I wouldn't want to be him now).

Transformers

Kids succored me into seeing Transformers. Was good and long! I made sure the kids used the bathroom first but still had to take Melanie out once. Seth assured me he could hold it throughout the movie. But towards the end he was sweating it. Yeah is was a long movie. The kids loved it. I don't get too much into the special effects. Between too much transforming and the editing too up and close, I sometimes didn't really know what was going on, a little irritating. Another irritation was the portrayal of all the college girls as the slutty variety. I guess that was for the men. But for action and adventure, it has a lot of it, very entertaining.

More canning

Woke up early to get a head start and some canning done before the kids woke up and violin students came over. After I started the pressure canning process, I realized I forgot to put lemon juice in each jar. Had to wait and start that whole process over again. I finished the 1st case of tomatoes today. Only one more case to go! (have so much to do tomorrow, hope I get to it!)

Kids didn't do anything but play xbox or computer. Need to have assignments for them.

My face is making me laugh!

Tonight during family home evening we were teasing Melanie about the time she used to say "My face is making me laugh!" all time. She was maybe 3, and would at times get frustrated and just start to say that. You could tell she really hated it and was mad. I thought she came up with it because I used to say to her, "You can't laugh!" or "What are you laughing at?" or something like that being silly. I also thought she was thinking funny things and was laughing but that her laughing was involuntary and she hated it. Happened lots while she was waiting to fall asleep in her bed at night. But the kids said she was saying it because of something Seth did. I didn't quite get it and no one could explain it to me. Who knows why she came up with that expression of frustration.

Very busy day, did more in first 2 hours than I usually do in a day. Cleaned house, went to neighbors and started the tomato canning process, lunch, took Melanie to the library (she got her fairy books she so loves), violin lesson, dinner, family home evening. Did not finish 1st batch of tomatoes. Kids did whatever, I had no demands on them. Isn't life great for them?

Father's Day

I think I have the best dad in the world. He is a great example to me. I think some of my better traits come from him too.

Here is our Father's day celebration!

Today we learned about temples. 3 great talks at the last conference about temples: Bro. Scott, Bro. Stevenson, and Bro. Bednar. One thing I don't think to do in the temple: take off my watch. I don't know if I could do it, I so rely on it. But when time is not of great concern, it is a great opportunity to really tune into the Spirit. The lesson reinforced how important it is to go, more so than I realized. I am thankful to be able to take advantage of its close location.

Uncle Meeark's quote of the day: "I like my life. I like my job, I like my wife, I like my daughter and I like where I live." Wow! That is awesome!

Moriah's 1st Volleyball Game

Moriah had her first volleyball game today. 2 games in fact. Won the first set of games, lost the second set. She wouldn't wear knee pads, even though I had some for her. I asked her what was she going to do when she dives for the ball, like she did in soccer (she was awesome in soccer, what a go getter!) She isn't totally comfortable with volleyball yet. Well, guess who dove at least twice for the ball? Yep, you guessed it, and she still didn't want knee pads. Anyway, she is loosening up towards the sport. It might take black and blue knees to get her to wear kneepads, though.

Look at those awesome tomatoes. They are gorgeous! So I am standing there after we finish unloading the truck. I am noticing all the fireants close to the food we just set down. While contemplating those ants, I discovered ants were currently swarming 1/3 of my left leg and my whole right foot. My screaming and jumping were useless, so was my swatting....since I was standing IN the ants! Hello! Going to the cement and swatting them rectified the situation. Fortunately I did have pants on (you know, as opposed to shorts or a skirt), so most ants stayed off my skin. Worst bite was on my sweaty ankle. Sweat and bites don't mix well, just makes it worse.

Went to a wedding reception. It was nice. Got sore feet, though.

Seth came home from high adventure. If you want thick hair, go camping for a week with no showers. I guarantee you very thick hair after wards. Seth's is so thick right now it practically stands up by itself. He said he had a good time, but left out any details. Except for the story about how wolves chased him and he had to climb a tree to escape. How he fell and broke 3 ribs and fractured his left arm and right leg. But... he is just mad that I told the bishop he wasn't allowed to climb trees. I said that because he will climb to the top. It worries me every time. He has climbed other people's houses to retrieve a kite. As a little boy he climbed the tree at church and in our neighbor's backyard, almost gave my neighbor a heart attack. He has been an excellent tree climber since he was little. Climbing up is easier than getting down, though, unless you just let gravity do all the work, which is not recommended. Anyway, now I have to wash Seth's clothes. I always dread the laundry after boyscout camp. It is way nasty and plug your nose stinky. This time was no different. Only this time I didn't see any strange bugs that came home with him.

Speaking of dirty laundry, our washing machine is on the fritz. I took all my laundry to the laundromat. More expensive than I thought it would be. It is late after doing all that laundry (and it was a lot). Got to go to bed. Pictures to come tomorrow.

By the way, I tried the brownie recipe with black beans instead of eggs and oil. Nobody knew! It was moist and delicious. Who would have known?! Who thinks of these things? (probably someone else whose beans did not seal properly).

Canning Bust

I couldn't sweat a smile if I tried, but I was smiling when the yard work was done! So was Melanie, "Can we go now?" (my mom's house).




Look! No indentations to indicate a properly sealed jar. A canning bust! I think I know what I did wrong. Will try again with a smaller batch.

White Chili with the beans I opted not to freeze. Brownies with the black beans (I know, but I'll give it a try).


Moriah got home after a week at Canyon Lake with our neighbors. They went to Schlitterbahn and the Natural Bridge Caverns. She also climbed a rock climbing tower at the cave site. She came home sunburned heavily on her shoulders. Glad to have her home.


A great way to end the day. Look at her form. What a pro!

13 Bottles of Beans

So I tried canning today. Recipe asked for 3 1/4 lbs. of beans, dried. It was supposed to produce 9 cans of beans but I got 13 out of it. Took most of the day but it was my first time. Was going to can pinto tomorrow but my jars don't look like they are sealed. I don't know why, I followed the directions to the tee. If they still look unsealed tomorrow morning, they are going to have to go in the freezer. Yikes, I don't have the room for them there.

I went to the local thrift store since it was half off day. I found a cute pot and semi matching plate to put my basil and oregano in. I love the orange and yellow colors!

In the spirit of food storage I tried a new recipe. Made a chicken enchilada casserole. It was delicious! Ryan and Melanie didn't think so, though. What is wrong with them? Creamy sauce, green chilis, chicken, cheese and wallah, a perfect blend of flavors! Will test on the older kids this weekend when they get back. Got the recipe here. There is also a shoping list for 12 days worth on the site.

Also made quinoa. It was good, probably better mixed with vegetables though. I also was craving a Greek salad, which I saw at the Mediterranean store earlier this week. So I made it. Yummmm! Here is the recipe. All the more reason to plant a garden. My Greek friend's mom whipped up a Greek salad from her garden while I was there during highschool. I didn't appreciate it back then.

Bought chocolate chips today. Melanie got her hands on them. She came back for more (into the kitchen) and she had chocolate chip smeared across her face. I grabbed my camera but she ran and hid her face and put up a good, fun fight. Didn't get the picture. Then, while we played "Scrambled States of America" tonight, I saw chocolate chips (yes, more than one) on the couch, melted. Ugh.

Well I kept my word. I blogged 2 days in a row. WooHoo!! Couldn't find our camera though. Used my cell phone camera. Hope to find the cameras soon.

Project 365

Okay, so blogging hasn't been a strong point of mine. But I have been inspired. I will hold on to that inspiration as long as it lasts.

I've been reading many blogs lately. I came across one where she had a goal called "project 365." Her goal was to put something on her blog 365 days a year. Yes, that is every day of the year. And to take a picture of something from the day. Of course her blog was much more interesting. I don't care, I am going to plow through with my own thoughts of the day.

Okay, so for day 1 I have no picture because I am acting on my inspiration late at night. Tomorrow is a new day, new goals.

Events of the day - went to Rave Theatre to watch Madagascar: Return 2 Africa for free, Melanie brought her friend Miranda. Read many blogs on food storage. Learning a lot, but need to act. Will can beans tomorrow. Soaked white and black beans for tomorrow. Practiced violin, thought I had a lesson but guess not. Should practice like that more often. But I do get bored with it. I can only do the same piece so many times before I get fatiqued. Maybe that is why we are supposed to practice everyday and not only when you think you have a lesson? Huhmmmmmm. Spent too much time on the computer. Wrote to do list for tomorrow so I don't spend too much time on computer again tomorrow.

Spring 2009 Accomplishments

Jaren made region and All-State band this year. He made 3rd chair at All-State! Way to go! He was the only Junior. We expect him to be 1st chair next year! Keep up the good work!

Ryan earned his Arrow of Light in May. I will post a video of it shortly. We are so proud of him. Boy Scouts here he comes!

Seth is no longer a middle schooler. He is advancing to High School.

Ryan is no longer an elementary school student either. He is advancing to middle school.

Sure wish my children would stop growing up!

Here are some family photos we took while Jaren was rehearsing for All-State.